Kenwood TK 3230 - FreeTalk XLS UHF User manual

© B62-1976-20 (K)
09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02
UHF FM TRANSCEIVER
TK-3230
INSTRUCTIoN MANUAl

i
Thank You
We are grateful for your purchase of this Kenwood product and
welcome you to the Business Radio Service (BRS). Your
Kenwood 2-way Business Radio is called a “transceiver”,
meaning “transmitter & receiver”. We believe this easy-to-use
transceiver will provide you with dependable and reliable
communications. This Kenwood transceiver is a precision device.
Treat it with care, and you will enjoy years of reliable operation.
FeaTures
• Lightweight and compact design using a lithium-ion battery pack,
with a sturdy, polycarbonate body and a spring-loaded belt clip.
• 122 tone/code settings for each channel, allowing you to ignore
unwanted calls.
• Privacy Talk scrambles all your voice messages, giving you
complete privacy for your conversations.
• FleetSync operation, allowing a variety of call types.
• Automatic battery power saver, providing you with longer battery
usage.
• Battery power level indicator with low battery power warning.
• Key lock and Super Lock prevent you from accidentally changing
your transceiver settings.
• Ten different calling alert tones allows you to identify yourself to
your group before you begin speaking.
• Hands free operation when using an optional headset.
operaTing CondiTions
Open locations (no obstructions) Up to 5 miles (8 km)
Residential areas (near buildings) Up to 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
In steel/ concrete reinforced buildings Up to 225,000 ft2(20,900 m2)
In high rises Up to 17 oors
Note: The listed ranges are based on eld testing and may vary
with your operating conditions.

ii
FCC LiCense inFormaTion
Your Kenwood radio operates on communications frequencies
which are subject to FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) Rules & Regulations. FCC Rules require that all
operators using Private Land Mobile radio frequencies obtain a
radio license before operating their equipment. Application for
license must be made on FCC form 601.
FAX: Forms can be obtained by fax from the FCC
Fax-On-Demand system. Call 1-202-418-0177 from your
fax machine to request the documents.
MAIL: Forms can be ordered by telephone, and will be sent to
you by rst class mail. Call the FCC Forms Hotline at
1-800-418-FORM (1-800-418-3676).
INTERNET: Form 601 and instructions can be downloaded
from the FCC Forms website at:
http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html
Before lling out your Form 601 application Technical Data
section, you must decide which frequency (or frequencies) you
will operate on. Refer to the frequency chart on page 54.
Questions? Call the FCC for license application questions at
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).
ChanneL spaCing
The ProTalkxls uses 12.5 kHz channel spacing, as per the
regulations of the FCC. Transceivers using 12.5 kHz channel
spacing may not have optimal sound quality when used with
transceivers using 25 kHz channel spacing.

iii
noTiCes To The user
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
One or more of the following statements may be applicable:
FCC WARNING
This equipment generates or uses radio frequency energy. Changes
or modications to this equipment may cause harmful interference
unless the modications are expressly approved in the instruction
manual. The user could lose the authority to operate this equipment if
an unauthorized change or modication is made.
INFORMATION TO THE DIGITAL DEVICE USER REQUIRED BY THE FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can generate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer for technical assistance.

iv
SAFETY INFORMATION:
Your wireless hand-held portable transceiver has been designed using
a low power transmitter.
When the PTT switch is pressed, the transceiver generates radio
frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME).
This transceiver is designed to comply with the FCC Report and Order
FCC 96-326 (August, 1996).
• Do not transmit for more than 50% of the total operating time.
Transmitting for over 50% of the operating time may exceed
the FCC RF exposure compliance requirements. Transmission
occurs while you are pressing the PTT switch and is conrmed by
the LED that lights red while transmitting.
• To transmit, speak into the speaker area in your normal voice
while holding the transceiver upright and keep the antenna at
least 2 inches (5 cm) from your head and body.
• When using a headset, ensure that the antenna is at least
2 inches (5 cm) away from your body whenever you are
transmitting.
• Use only Kenwood genuine accessories. Unauthorized
modications, or attachments may damage the transceiver and
violate FCC rules and regulations.
ATTENTION (U.S.A. Only):
The RBRC Recycle seal found on Kenwood
lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery packs indicates
Kenwood’s voluntary participation in an industry
program to collect and recycle Li-ion batteries
after their operating life has expired. The RBRC
program is an alternative to disposing Li-ion
batteries with your regular refuse or in municipal
waste streams, which is illegal in some areas.
For information on Li-ion battery recycling in your area, call (toll free)
1-800-8-BATTERY (1-800-822-8837).
Kenwood’s involvement in this program is part of our commitment to
preserve our environment and conserve our natural resources.

v
• Government law prohibits the operation of unlicensed radio
transmitters within the territories under government control.
• Illegal operation is punishable by ne and/or imprisonment.
• Refer service to qualied technicians only.
Safety: It is important that the operator is aware of and
understands hazards common to the operation of any
transceiver.
preCauTions
• Do not charge the transceiver and battery pack when they are
wet.
• Ensure that there are no metallic items located between the
transceiver and the battery pack.
• Do not use options not specied by Kenwood.
• If the die-cast chassis or other transceiver part is damaged, do
not touch the damaged part.
• If a headset or headphone is connected to the transceiver,
reduce the transceiver volume. Pay attention to the volume
level when turning the squelch off.
• Do not place the microphone cable around your neck while
near machinery that may catch the cable.
• Do not place the transceiver on unstable surfaces.
• Ensure that the end of the antenna does not touch your eyes.
• When the transceiver is used for transmission for many hours,
the radiator and chassis will become hot. Do not touch these
locations when replacing the battery pack.
• Do not immerse the transceiver in water.
• Always switch the transceiver power off when installing
optional accessories.

vi
Turn the transceiver power off in the following locations:
• In explosive atmospheres (inammable gas, dust particles,
metallic powders, grain powders, etc.).
• While taking on fuel or while parked at gasoline service stations.
• Near explosives or blasting sites.
• In aircrafts. (Any use of the transceiver must follow the
instructions and regulations provided by the airline crew.)
• Where restrictions or warnings are posted regarding the use of
radio devices, including but not limited to medical facilities.
• Near persons using pacemakers.
• Do not disassemble or modify the transceiver for any reason.
• Do not place the transceiver on or near airbag equipment while
the vehicle is running. When the airbag inates, the transceiver
may be ejected and strike the driver or passengers.
• Do not transmit while touching the antenna terminal or if
any metallic parts are exposed from the antenna covering.
Transmitting at such a time may result in a high-frequency burn.
• If an abnormal odor or smoke is detected coming from the
transceiver, switch the transceiver power off immediately, remove
the battery pack from the transceiver, and contact your Kenwood
dealer.
• Use of the transceiver while you are driving may be against trafc
laws. Please check and observe the vehicle regulations in your
area.
• Do not expose the transceiver to extremely hot or cold conditions.
• Do not carry the battery pack (or battery case) with metal objects,
as they may short the battery terminals.
• When operating the transceiver in areas where the air is dry, it is
easy to build up an electric charge (static electricity). When using
an earphone accessory in such conditions, it is possible for the
transceiver to send an electric shock through the earphone and
to your ear. We recommend you use only a speaker/microphone
in these conditions, to avoid electric shocks.

vii
Contents
UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT ...........................1
supplied Accessories ............................................................1
PREPARATION..........................................................................2
BAttery pAck precAutions ....................................................2
instAlling/ removing the BAttery pAck..................................7
chArging the BAttery pAck...................................................8
instAlling/ removing the Belt clip ........................................9
instAlling/ removing optionAl Accessories .........................10
ORIENTATION ......................................................................... 11
displAy................................................................................12
GETTING STARTED................................................................13
CHANNEL FREQUENCY SETUP............................................15
QUIET TALK/ DIGITAL QUIET TALK .......................................16
SCANNING THE CHANNELS .................................................17
revert chAnnel ..................................................................18
MONITORING A CHANNEL.....................................................19
squelch level ....................................................................19
VOICE OPERATED TRANSMISSION (VOX) ..........................20
vox operAtion...................................................................20
vox gAin level..................................................................20
vox delAy time..................................................................21
trAnsmit inhiBit While receiving .........................................22
vox proceed tone ............................................................23
PRIVACY TALK ........................................................................24
FleetSync: ALPHANUMERIC 2-WAY PAGING FUNCTION.........25
cAll key setup...................................................................25
cAll Alert tone..................................................................26
selcAll (selective cAlling) ................................................28
OPERATING FEATURES ........................................................37
trAnsmit poWer ..................................................................37
compAnder ..........................................................................38

viii
key lock.............................................................................38
super lock .........................................................................39
displAy BAcklight................................................................40
mic sense ...........................................................................41
time-out timer ....................................................................41
BAttery sAver.....................................................................42
BAttery level indicAtor ......................................................43
incoming cAll notificAtion ..................................................45
Busy chAnnel lockout (Bcl) .............................................46
Beep tone...........................................................................46
mode reset timer...............................................................47
RESETTING THE TRANSCEIVER..........................................48
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ....................................................49
MENUS ....................................................................................50
QT TONES/ DQT CODES........................................................52
CHANNEL FREQUENCIES .....................................................54
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................55
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.................................................56

1
UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT
Carefully unpack the transceiver. We recommend you identify
the items listed in the following table before discarding the
packing material. If any items are missing or have been
damaged during shipment, file a claim with the carrier
immediately.
Supplied AcceSSorieS
Item Part Number Quantity
KBH-14 Belt clip J29-0736-XX 1
Screw set N99-2063-XX 1
KNB-46L battery pack W09-1038-XX 1
KSC-37 rapid charger W08-0995-XX 1
Warranty card — 1
Instruction manual B62-1976-XX 1
KBH-14 Belt clip Screw set
KNB-46L battery pack KSC-37 rapid charger

2
PREPARATION
BAttery pAck precAutionS
Do not use battery packs or battery chargers not recommended
by Kenwood.
◆Do not recharge the battery pack if it is already fully charged.
Doing so may cause the lifespan of the battery pack to shorten
or the battery pack may be damaged.
◆After charging the battery pack, disconnect it from the charger.
If the charger power is reset (turned ON after being turned
OFF), recharging will start again and the battery pack will
become overcharged.
◆Do not use the transceiver while charging the battery pack.
We recommend you switch the transceiver power OFF while
charging is taking place.
◆Do not charge the battery pack when the battery pack or
transceiver is wet, so as to avoid the risk of fire or damage.
Wipe the water from the battery pack or transceiver using a dry
cloth before charging.
◆Do not short the battery terminals or dispose of the battery by
fire.
◆Never attempt to remove the casing from the battery pack.

3
Information concerning the Li-ion battery pack:
The battery pack includes flammable objects such as organic solvent.
Mishandling may cause the battery to rupture producing flames or
extreme heat, deteriorate, or cause other forms of damage to the
battery. Please observe the following prohibitive matters.
• Do not disassemble or reconstruct battery!
The battery pack has a safety function and protection circuit to
avoid danger. If they suffer serious damage, the battery may
generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not short-circuit the battery!
Do not join the + and – terminals using any form of metal (such
as a paper clip or wire). Do not carry or store the battery pack
in containers holding metal objects (such as wires, chain-
necklaces or hairpins). If the battery pack is short-circuited,
excessive current will flow and the battery may generate heat
or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame. It will also cause metal
objects to heat up.
• Do not incinerate or apply heat to the battery!
If the insulator is melted, the gas release vent or safety function
is damaged, or the electrolyte is ignited, the battery may
generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not use or leave the battery near fires, stoves, or other
heat generators (areas reaching over 80°C/ 176°F)!
If the polymer separator is melted due to high temperature,
an internal short-circuit may occur in the individual cells and
the battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into
flame.
• Avoid immersing the battery in water or getting it wet by
other means!
If the battery becomes wet, wipe it off with a dry towel before
use. If the battery’s protection circuit is damaged, the battery
may charge at extreme current (or voltage) and an abnormal
chemical reaction may occur. The battery may generate heat or
smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
DANGER

4
• Do not charge the battery near fires or under direct
sunlight!
If the battery’s protection circuit is damaged, the battery may
charge at extreme current (or voltage) and an abnormal
chemical reaction may occur. The battery may generate heat or
smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• Use only the specified charger and observe charging
requirements!
If the battery is charged in unspecified conditions (under high
temperature over the regulated value, excessive high voltage
or current over regulated value, or with a remodelled charger),
it may overcharge or an abnormal chemical reaction may occur.
The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into
flame.
• Do not pierce the battery with any object, strike it with an
instrument, or step on it!
This may break or deform the battery, causing a short-circuit.
The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into
flame.
• Do not jar or throw the battery!
An impact may cause the battery to leak, generate heat
or smoke, rupture, and/or burst into flame. If the battery’s
protection circuit is damaged, the battery may charge at an
abnormal current (or voltage), and an abnormal chemical
reaction may occur.
• Do not use the battery pack if it is damaged in any way!
The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into
flame.
• Do not solder directly onto the battery!
If the insulator is melted or the gas release vent or safety
function is damaged, the battery may generate heat or smoke,
rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not reverse the battery polarity (and terminals)!
When charging a reversed battery, an abnormal chemical
reaction may occur. In some cases, an unexpected large
amount of current may flow upon discharging. The battery may
generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
DANGER

5
• Do not reverse-charge or reverse-connect the battery!
The battery pack has positive and negative poles. If the battery
pack does not smoothly connect with a charger or operating
equipment, do not force it; check the polarity of the battery. If
the battery pack is reverse-connected to the charger, it will be
reverse-charged and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur.
The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into
flame.
• Do not touch a ruptured and leaking battery!
If the electrolyte liquid from the battery gets into your eyes,
wash your eyes out with fresh water as soon as possible,
without rubbing your eyes. Go to the hospital immediately. If
left untreated, it may cause eye-problems.
DANGER
DANGER
• Do not place the battery pack into a microwave or high
pressure container!
The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into
flame.
• Keep ruptured and leaking battery packs away from fire!
If the battery pack is leaking (or the battery emits a bad odor),
immediately remove it from flammable areas. Electrolyte
leaking from battery can easily catch on fire and may cause the
battery to generate smoke or burst into flame.
• Do not use an abnormal battery!
If the battery pack emits a bad odor, appears to have different
coloring, is deformed, or seems abnormal for any other reason,
remove it from the charger or operating equipment and do not
use it. The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or
burst into flame.

6
■Using the Li-ion Battery Pack
• Charge the battery pack before using it.
• To keep the battery discharge at a minimum, remove the
battery pack from the equipment when it is not in use. Store
the battery pack in a cool and dry location.
• When storing the battery pack for a long period:
1Remove the battery pack from the equipment.
2Discharge the battery pack, if possible.
3Store the battery pack in a cool (below 25°C/ 77°F) and dry
location.
■Characteristics of the Li-ion Battery Pack
• As the battery pack is charged and discharged repeatedly, the
battery capacity decreases.
• Even if the battery pack is unused, the battery pack degrades.
• It takes a longer time to charge the battery pack in cooler
areas.
• The life of battery pack is shortened when it is charged and
discharged in hotter areas. When the battery pack is stored in
a hot location, the battery pack degrades quicker. Do not leave
the battery pack in vehicles or near heating appliances.
• When the battery pack operating time becomes short, even
if it is fully charged, replace the battery pack. Continuing to
charge and discharge the battery pack may result in electrolyte
leakage.

7
inStAlling/ removing the BAttery pAck
The battery pack is not charged at the factory; charge it before
use {page 8}.
Average battery pack life using low power :
18 hours (Battery Saver : off)
Average battery pack life using high power :
14 hours (Battery Saver : off)
• Average times are calculated using 5% transmit time, 5% receive
time, and 90% standby time.
◆Do not short the battery terminals or dispose of the battery by
fire.
◆Never attempt to remove the casing from the battery pack.
1Match the guides of the battery
pack with the corresponding
grooves on the upper rear of the
transceiver, then firmly press the
battery pack to lock it in place.
2To remove the battery pack,
lift the safety catch, press the
release latch, then pull the
battery pack away from the
transceiver.

8
chArging the BAttery pAck
Initial charging of the battery pack after purchase or extended
storage (greater than 2 months) will not bring the battery pack
to its normal operating capacity. After repeating the charge/
discharge cycle two or three times, the operating capacity will
increase to normal.
◆Do not recharge the battery pack if it is already fully charged.
Doing so may cause the life of the battery pack to shorten or the
battery pack may be damaged.
◆After recharging the battery pack, disconnect it from the
charger. Charging the battery pack for more than 5 days may
reduce the battery pack life due to overcharging.
Note:
◆The ambient temperature should be between 41°F and 104°F
(5°C and 40°C) while charging is in progress. Charging outside
this range may not fully charge the battery.
◆Always switch OFF the transceiver equipped with a battery
pack before charging. Using the transceiver while charging its
battery pack will interfere with correct charging.
◆The battery pack life is over when its operating time decreases
even though it is fully and correctly charged. Replace the
battery pack.
1Plug the AC adapter cable into
the adapter jack located on the
rear of the charger.
2Plug the AC adapter into an AC
outlet.

9
3Slide a battery pack or a
transceiver equipped with a
battery pack into the battery pack
slot.
• Make sure the metal contacts of
the battery pack mate securely
with the charger terminals.
• The indicator lights red and
charging starts.
4When charging is completed, the
indicator lights green. Remove
the battery pack or the transceiver
from the battery pack slot.
• It takes approximately 2.5 hours to
charge the battery pack.
• When the charger will not be used
for a long time, unplug the AC
adapter from the AC outlet.
inStAlling/ removing the Belt clip
If desired, attach the belt clip to the
rear of the transceiver using the 2
supplied screws.
Charger
terminals
Indicator

10
inStAlling/ removing optionAl AcceSSorieS
Note: Always switch OFF the transceiver power when installing or
removing optional accessories.
The following accessories can be used with this transceiver:
• KMC-17 Speaker-Microphone
• KMC-21 Speaker-Microphone
• KHS-22 Headset
• EMC-3 Clip Microphone with Earphone
• KBH-14 Belt clip
To install these accessories:
1Open the SP/MIC tabs on the side of the transceiver.
2Insert the accessory’s plugs into the
SP/MIC jacks.
3When you remove the accessory
from the transceiver, be sure to cover
the SP/MIC jacks with the attached
tabs, in order to keep dust and dirt
away from the contacts.
Note: Refer to the accessory instruction manuals for detailed
instructions on each of these accessories.

11
ORIENTATION
/ keys
Press to change the operating
channel, to select a menu in
Setting Mode, and to perform
other functions.
Antenna
Power switch/
Volume control
Turn clockwise to
switch the power
ON and counter-
clockwise to
switch the power
OFF. Rotate to
adjust the volume.
MENU key
Press to perform various
functions. Press and
hold while switching the
power ON to enter
Setting Mode.
CAL key
Press before
making a call
to alert the
other party
members, or
press to select a
unit ID to make a call
LED Indicator
Indicates the
transceiver
status.
MON key
Press to monitor
the current channel
for activity.
Microphone
Speaker
PTT (Push to Talk) switch
Press and hold, then speak
into the speaker area to
transmit.
SP/MIC jacks
Lift the covers
and insert the
accessory’s
plugs here.