Kenwood NX-420 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODE D’EMPLOI
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
NX-220
NX-320
NX-420
B62-2470-10 (K)

VHF DIGITAL TRANSCEIVER
NX-220
UHF DIGITAL TRANSCEIVER
NX-320
800MHz DIGITAL TRANSCEIVER
NX-420
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
The AMBE+2TM voice coding Technology embodied in this
product is protected by intellectual property rights including
patent rights, copyrights and trade secrets of Digital Voice
Systems, Inc. This voice coding Technology is licensed solely
for use within this Communications Equipment. The user
of this Technology is explicitly prohibited from attempting to
extract, remove, decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble
the Object Code, or in any other way convert the Object Code
into a human-readable form. U.S. Patent Nos. #6,199,037,
#6,912,495, #8,200,497, #7,970,606, and #8,359,197.

THANK YOU
We are grateful you have chosen KENWOOD for your land
mobile radio applications.
This instruction manual covers only the basic operations of your
NEXEDGE portable radio. Ask your dealer for information on any
customized features they may have added to your radio.
NOTICES TO THE USER
◆Government law prohibits the operation of unlicensed radio
transmitters within the territories under government control.
◆Illegal operation is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.
◆Refer service to qualified technicians only.
Safety: It is important that the operator is aware of, and
understands, hazards common to the operation of any
transceiver.

i
ATTENTION:
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.
ATTENTION:
The RBRC Recycle seal found on KENWOOD
nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery packs indicates
KENWOOD’s voluntary participation in an industry
program to collect and recycle Ni-MH batteries after
their operating life has expired. The RBRC program is
an alternative to disposing Ni-MH batteries with your
regular refuse or in municipal waste streams, which
is illegal in some areas.
For information on Ni-MH 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.

ii
TERMINAL DESCRIPTIONS
Speaker/ Microphone Jacks
You can use a resin-based cover for the Speaker/ Microphone
jacks.
No. Name Description Impedance I/O
1 PTT/RXD PTT input / Serial data input 10 kI
2 MICI MIC input 1.8 kI
3 MICO Output from internal MIC −O
4 OPTDET Option Detect 74 kI
5 50V 5V output −O
6 AE Audio Earth GND −
7 TXD Serial data output 6.8 kO
8 SPI To internal SP 8 (Load) I
9 SPO AF power output −O
Antenna Terminal
50 impedance

iii
One or more of the following statements may be applicable:
FCC WARNING
This equipment generates or uses radio frequency energy.
Changes or modifications to this equipment may cause harmful
interference unless the modifications are expressly approved in the
instruction manual. The user could lose the authority to operate this
equipment if an unauthorized change or modification 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
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 specified by KENWOOD.
• If the die-cast chassis or other transceiver part is damaged, do not
touch the damaged parts.
• 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.
• Always switch the transceiver power off before installing optional
accessories.
• The charger is the device that disconnects the unit from the AC
mains line. The AC plug should be readily accessible.
Turn the transceiver power off in the following locations:
• In explosive atmospheres (inflammable 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.

v
• 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 inflates, 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 traffic
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 with metal objects, as they may short
the battery terminals.
• Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced; replace
only with the same type.
• 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.
• When attaching a commercial strap to the transceiver, ensure
that the strap is durable. In addition, do not swing the transceiver
around by the strap; you may inadvertently strike and injure another
person with the transceiver.

vi
Information concerning the 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-
necklace 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 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.

vii
• 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.

viii
• Do not charge the battery for longer than the specified
time!
If the battery pack has not finished charging even after the
regulated time has passed, stop it. The battery may generate
heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.
• 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.
• 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.

1
CONTENTS
UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT.....................................1
PREPARATION ....................................................................................2
ORIENTATION .....................................................................................6
PROGRAMMABLE AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS..................................10
BASIC OPERATIONS ........................................................................12
SCAN .................................................................................................15
FleetSync: ALPHANUMERIC 2-WAY PAGING FUNCTION.............17
TRUNKING CALLS (ANALOG).........................................................20
ADVANCED OPERATIONS ............................................................... 22
BACKGROUND OPERATIONS .........................................................27
UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT
Note: These unpacking instructions are for use by your KENWOOD
dealer, an authorized KENWOOD service facility, or the factory.
Carefully unpack the transceiver. If any items are missing or
damaged, file a claim with the carrier immediately.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Antenna (NX-420 only).........................................................................1
Belt clip.................................................................................................1
Speaker/ microphone jacks cap............................................................1
Speaker/ microphone locking bracket...................................................1
Stopper (types I and II only) .................................................................1
Instruction manual ................................................................................1
Note: Inquire at your dealer for a stopper.

2
1Match the guides of the
battery pack with the grooves
on the upper rear of the
transceiver, then firmly press
the battery pack in place.
2Lock the safety catch to
prevent accidentally releasing
the battery pack.
3To remove the battery pack,
lift the safety catch, press the
release latch, then pull the
battery pack away from the
transceiver.
Note:
◆For battery pack charging procedures and useag, refer to the
battery charger Instruction Manual.
◆The battery pack is not charged at the factory; charge it before
use.
◆Before charging a battery pack that is attached to the
transceiver, ensure that the safety catch is firmly closed.
INSTALLING/ REMOVING ALKALINE BATTERIES (OPTIONAL
BATTERY CASE)
◆Do not install batteries in a hazardous environment where
sparks could cause an explosion.
◆Never discard batteries in fire; extremely high temperatures can
cause batteries to explode.
◆Do not short circuit the battery case terminals.
◆Do not use rechargeable batteries.
PREPARATION
INSTALLING/ REMOVING THE (OPTIONAL) BATTERY PACK

3
Note:
◆If you do not plan to use the transceiver for a long period,
remove the batteries from the battery case.
◆This battery case has been designed for transmitting at a
power of approximately 1 W (the low power setting on your
transceiver). If you want to transmit a stronger signal (using
the high power setting on your transceiver), use an optional
rechargeable battery pack.
1To open the battery case, press
on the two tabs on the upper
rear of the case, then pull the
two halves apart.
2Insert 6 AA (LR6) Alkaline
batteries into the battery case.
• Be sure to match the polarities
with those marked in the bottom
of the battery case.
3Align the tabs of the cover with
the base, then push down on
the cover until it locks in place.
INSTALLING THE ANTENNA
Screw the antenna into the
connector on the top of the
transceiver by holding the antenna
at its base and turning
it clockwise until secure.

4
INSTALLING THE BELT CLIP
Note: When first installing the belt clip, you must remove the
battery pack from the rear of the transceiver.
1Remove the 2 screws from the
rear of the transceiver, then
remove the small, plastic black
covering that was held in place.
2Insert the belt clip mount into
the space on the rear of the
transceiver.
3Using the 2 screws, affix the belt
clip in place.
• When the belt clip is not installed, leave the plastic covering in
place.
• Do not use glue which is designed to prevent screw loosening
when installing the belt clip, as it may cause damage to the
transceiver. Acrylic ester, which is contained in these glues, may
crack the transceiver’s back panel.
INSTALLING THE CAP OVER THE SPEAKER/ MICROPHONE JACKS
Install the cap over the speaker/ microphone jacks when not
using an optional speaker/ microphone.
Note: To keep the transceiver water resistant, you must cover the
speaker/ microphone jacks with the supplied cap.
1Place the cap over the jacks so that the
locking tabs insert into the transceiver
grooves.
Plastic
covering

5
2While holding the cap in place, push it
towards the bottom of the transceiver until
the tabs on the cap click into place.
• To remove the cap, hold the top of the cap in
place with your finger while inserting a
3 mm or smaller flat blade screwdriver under
the bottom of the cap. Slowly slide the
screwdriver in until its tip touches the tab
inside the cap, then gently pry the cap up
(handle of screwdriver moving away from the
transceiver) to remove the cap.
INSTALLING THE (OPTIONAL) SPEAKER/ MICROPHONE
Note: The transceiver is not fully water resistant when using a
speaker/ microphone or headset.
1 Insert the speaker/ microphone plugs
into the speaker/ microphone jacks of the
transceiver.
2Place the locking bracket over the speaker/
microphone plugs so that the locking tabs
insert into the transceiver grooves.
3While holding the locking bracket in
place, push it towards the bottom of the
transceiver until the tabs on the bracket
click into place.
• To remove the locking bracket, push the
bracket up from the base.

6
ORIENTATION
There are 3 types of transceivers available:
Type I: Equipped with a display and full keypad.
Type II
<NX-220/ NX-320 only>:Equipped with a display and 4-key keypad (S,
A, <B, and C>).
Type III: Basic model.
Speaker
Battery pack
Antenna
Microphone
Type I
Speaker
Battery pack
Antenna
Microphone
Type II

7
Transmit/ Receive/ Battery low indicator
If enabled by your dealer, lights red while transmitting,
green while receiving a call (Conventional channels only),
and orange when receiving an optional signaling call. Blinks
red when the battery power is low while transmitting.
Selector knob
Rotate to select a zone or channel/group ID (default).
Power switch/ Volume control
Rotate to turn the transceiver ON/OFF and to adjust the
volume.
Auxiliary (orange) key
Press to activate its programmable function {page 10}.
PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch
Press and hold this switch, then speak into the microphone
to call a station.
Side 1 key
Press to activate its programmable function {page 10}.
The default is [Squelch Off Momentary].
Battery pack
Antenna
Microphone
Speaker
Type III

8
Side 2 key
Press to activate its programmable function {page 10}.
Types I and II: The default setting is [Backlight].
Type III: The default setting is [None] (no function).
S, A, <B, C> keys (Types I and II only)
Press to activate their programmable functions {page 10}.
Skey: The default setting is [None] (no function).
Akey: The default setting is [None] (no function).
<B key: The default setting is [Zone Down].
C> key: The default setting is [Zone Up].
Keypad (Type I only)
Press these keys to send DTMF tones. These keys can
also be programmed with secondary functions {page 10} if
a programmable function key is programmed as [Function].
Speaker/ Microphone jacks
Insert the Speaker/ Microphone or Headset plug into this
jack {page 5}.