Kenwood TH-78A User manual

144/430 MHz FM Dual Bander
144/440 MHz FM Dual Bander
TH-78A
144/430MHz FM Dual Bander
TH-78E
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
KENWOOD CORPORATION
@PRINTED IN JAPAN B62-0248-30(W)(MC)
94/654321 93/1211 1098765432

ACCESSORIES
....................
BEFORE OPERATION ..............
Controls Overview ..............
THE BATTERY PACK
1 NiCd Battery Pack (PB-13). .......
. .
. .
. .
. .
2 Recharging.
...................
3 Installing The Battery Pack. .......
4 Battery Voltage Level ...........
. .
5 Battery Operating Time ..........
RECEIVER OPERATION
1 Getting started. .................
2 Tuning Control and Volume Control
. .
3 Selecting Frequency ............
4 Step Size Selection .............
. .
5 Programmable VFO Tuning Limits .
. .
6 Basic Receiving Functions .......
. .
TRANSMITTER OPERATION
1 To transmit ........................
2 Changing Transmitter Output Power ...
3 TX. Stop Function ..................
4 Time Out Timer ....................
USING THE MEMORY
1 Microprocessor Memory Backup ......
2 Initializing The Memory ..............
3 Memory Channel ...................
4 Memory Contents. ..................
5 Entering Memory Data. ..............
6 Entering Split Channel Frequencies. ...
CONTENTS
. . . .
5
7 Entering The Call Channel Frequency. . . . . 21
5
8 Recalling Memory Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . .
6
9 Memory Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
. . . .
10 Memory Channel Character Display. . . . . . . . 23
8
SCANNING
. . . .
. . . 8
. . . 8
. . .
9
. .
9
. . . 10
. . . 10
. .12
. . .14
. . 15
. . .16
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
Hold/Resume Programming ..............
24
Scan operation cancel. ..................24
Scan Options ..........................25
Scanning Memory Channels. .............25
Scanning Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 6
Programmable Band Scan.
...............26
MHz Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7
VFO/Memory Scan .....................
27
CALL/VFO Scan .......................
28
CALL/Memory Scan ....................28
V/M/C(VFO/Memory/CALL) Scan. ........
28
The Alert Function ......................28IL
REPEATER OPERATION
1 Transmitter Offsets .....................29
2 Selecting the Offset Direction. ............29
3 Automatic Offset Selection. ..............29
4 Manual Offset Selection .................30
5 The Reverse Function ...................30
6 Tone Operation. .......................
.31
7 Autopatch Operations ...................32
8 DTMF Memory .........................33
OPERATION AS A REPEATER
...............34
CTCSS OPERATION
.........................35
. . .I7
. . .17
. . .18
. . .18
. . .19
. . .19
. . .19
. . .20
. . .20
. . 21

THE DUAL TONE SQUELCH SYSTEM (DTSS)
1 DTSS Code.
...........................
36
2 Using the DTSS Function ................
36
3 Using DTSS with a Repeater. .............
37
PAGING
1 Paging Operation Overview ..............
38
2 Paging Code Memory ...................
39
3 Setting Paging Codes ...................39
4 Sending Pages (Calling). .................40
5 Receiving Pages Wait) ..................42
6 Canceling Signal Squelch. ................43
7 Locking Out Codes .....................43
8 Answer-Back ..........................43
MESSAGE TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION
1 Message Transmission modes.
44 ...........
2 Using the Message Memory. .............
44
3 Message Memory Check ................
46
4 Message Memory Transmission. ..........
46
5 Message Reception ....................
46
6 Receive Message Memory. ..............
47
ENHANCED RECEIVER FUNCTIONS
1 The Tone Alert System ..................48
2 Monitor ...............................49
3 BeepOff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4 Lamp ................................49
5 Key Lock .............................49
6 Volume adjustment when you use
anearphone ........................... 50
7 Switching speaker output when a speaker-
microphone is connected. ............... 50
8 Automatic Band Change Function .........
51
4
9 Simultaneous Receive Function of Two
Signal in the Same Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
10 Single Band Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
11 MHz Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
12 Channelized Frequency Display. . . . . . . . .52
POWER SAVER FEATURES
1 The Battery Saver Mode , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
2 Automatic Power Off (APO). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
CLOCK FUNCTION
1 Time Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
2 Timer Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
DUPLEX OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
POWER ON MESSAGE AND FUNCTION
MESSAGE
1 Power On Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
2 Function Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
MAINTENANCE
1 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
2 Service . . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
3 Record Keeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
TROUBLESHOOTING
.....................
ACCESSORIES
...........................
1 Installing the CTCSS Unit (TSU-7).
........
2 Memory Expansion Unit (ME-l). ..........
3 Programming the SMC-33 Remote Control
SpeakerMicrophone ..................
4 Using other microphone ................
SPEClFlCATlONS .........................
QUICK REFERENCE
......................
. 60
61
63
64
65
67
68
69

ACCESSORIES
Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T90-0444-X X
Belt Hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J29-0465-X X
Hand Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . .
J69-0312- X X
Rubber Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B09-0330- X X
AC plug (M type only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . E19-0254- X X
Battery Case (TH-78Q type only) . . . A02-1658-X X
NiCd Battery Pack(PB-13) . . . . . . . . . W09-0563-X X
Battery Charger(BC-14)
for U.S.A. and Canada (12OV)
W09-0565- X X
W09-0569- X X
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W09-0568- X X
for Oceania (240V)
for other market (120/240V) W09-0567- X X
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W09-0566- X X
Instruction Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B62-0248-X X
Warranty Card(U.S.A.,Canada,and Europe)
Note
Your transceiver comes with a portable dual-band
flex antenna. For fixed transceiver locations, we
recommend that you use a more permanent
antenna installation to help eliminate interference
and improve performance.
BEFORE OPERATION
Thank you for purchasing this KENWOOD
transceiver. To get the most out of its many features,
we suggest you read this instruction manual
carefully, and keep it handy for further reference.
To get ready to transmit and receive.
1 Check the accessories list to be sure everything you
need has been included in the package.
2 Charge the included NiCd battery pack, following the
instructions completely before proceeding. (See page 8)
When you have everything checked out and charged,
you’re ready to get to the Receiver Operation section
and get up and running with your new equipment.
Other sections follow in a logical order to help you
learn and use this transceiver to its full potential.
CAUT/ON
The recommended transceiver duty cycle is 1
minute of transmission and 3 minutes of reception.
Longer transmissions or extended operation in the
HI power mode may cause the back of the
transceiver to get warm. Do not place the
transceiver where the heat sink (rear panel) might
come in contact with plastic or vinyl surfaces.

Controls Overview
This transceiver has different key layouts for each
destination. Check the version of your transceiver
first by looking at the following illustration.
All types except U.K and European version U.K and Europe version only
6

This diagram will help you locate the keys, switches,
DC IN TERMINAL
and knobs you’ll need to perform necessary
operations. Please study these controls carefully. By ANTTENA
SPEAKER/HEADPHONE JACK
the time you reach the end of this manual, you will
CONNECT MICROPHONE JACK
have had to use each of them many times.
BUSY (GREEN)/ON AIR (RED)
INDICATOR FOR VHF BAND
BUSY (GREEN)/ON AIR (RED)
INDICATOR FOR UHF BAND
TUNING CONTROL/VOLUME CONTROL
FOR VHF BAND SQUELCH CONTROL FOR UHF BAND
SQUELCH CONTROL
FOR UHF BAND
DISPLAY PANEL
MICROPHONE
CONTROL PANEL
key
-PTT
key
key
key
key
All types except U.K and European version U.K and Europe version only
7

RECEIVER OPERATION
1 Getting Started
Connect the battery pack and the supplied antenna.
Press the POWER switch to turn the transceiver on.
One of the default frequencies should appear on the
display.
2 Tuning Control and Volume Control
This transceiver assigns two volume and tuning
control functions to the two controls.
Before proceeding to the next step, master these
functions. The default setting is as follows:
Functions as the Functions as the
volume control for tuning control for
the UHF band. the UHF band.
dissappear
-after 2
seconds
If the display shows incomplete data, or you think the
displayed frequency is wrong, reset the micro-
processor Memory Initialization (see page 19)
10

When you press the BAND key, control of each
function is transferred to the VHF band.
When you press and hold the E.CHG key (or within
two seconds of pressing the E.CHG key), each
control temporary control of the volume or tuning
control passes to the VHF band.
We recommend that you use this function in order to
temporarily change the volume or frequency of the
normally uncontrolled band.
Separate volume control function
Press the F key then press the E.CHG key.
Functions as the
volume control for
the VHF band.
\\
Functions as the
volume control for
the UHF band.
Separate tuning control function
While operating the separate volume control mode,
press the F key then the E.CHG key.
Functions as the
tuning control for
the VHF band.
Functions as the
tuning control for
the UHF band.
Returning to the original mode.
Press the F key for longer than one second then
press the E.CHG key.
11

Whenever you are selecting frequencies, your first
step should be to set the squelch control. The
squelch helps eliminate “white noise” or static until
you receive active communications on a frequency.
There are two squelch controls, one for the UHF
band and one for the VHF band. To set the squelch
controls:
3 Selecting a Frequency
You have several ways to select frequencies:
*By entering a specific frequency via the keyboard
n By using the tuning control
n By selecting a memory channel (see page 22)
n By pressing the CALL key
VHF BAND UHF BAND
1 Rotate the VOL control clockwise until a signal or
noise is heard coming from the speaker.
2 Rotate the tuning control to selected an open
channel.
3 Rotate the SQL control clockwise until the noise just
disappears and the BUSY indicator turns off. This
point is known as the Squelch Threshold point.
4 Press the BAND key.
5 Repeat steps 1 to 3, and adjust the squelch of the
other band.
12
Direct Keyboard Frequency Entry
You can enter specific frequencies directly into the
transceiver. If you don’t have a particular freqency
to enter, we suggest you try 145.050MHz.
1 Press the BAND key to change the primary band
from UHF band to VHF band.
2 If the transceiver is in the Memory mode or CALL
mode, press the VFO key to select the VFO mode.
3 Press the numeric 4 key. A 4 is entered as the
10MHz digit, and the 1MHz and below digits change
to -.
4 Press numeric keys 5,0,5,and 0.

For the European version and some other markets,
Next press numeric keys 0 and 5.
5 The transceiver actually changes frequency only
after the 1 kHz digit is entered. The 1 kHz digit is
not displayed if it is a zero.
If you do not enter the 1 kHz digit, the indicator
flashes and the transceiver defaults to the previous
operating frequency.
Notes
1 If the frequency step of the UHF band is 10 or
20 kHz, the 1 kHz digit becomes zero
automatically when you enter the 10kHz digit.
2 If you press an invalid key, the valid value
nearest to that number is entered.
3 If you do not press a key within 10 seconds, the
normal frequency display returns.
4 If you press the VFO key during input, the digits
showing - return to the values that appeared
before the direct entry mode was selected.
If the frequency step is 12.5 or 25 kHz, the input
ends with the 10-kHz digit. The 10-kHz keys and
frequencies set with the keys are listed below.
Key Frequency
0 00
1 12.5
225
3 37.5
4 37.5
Key
5
6
7
8
9
Frequency
50
62.5
75
87.5
87.5

Using the Tuning Control
The tuning control selects frequencies in up or down
sequentially.
Rotate the tuning control clockwise or
counterclockwise to select the desired operating
frequency.
4 Step Size Selection
1
2
14
The transceiver must be in the VFO mode to select
frequency steps.
To select the desired tuning or scan step size use
the following procedure:
Press the F key for longer than one second then
press the 3 key. The current frequency step size will
be displayed.
Rotate the Tuning control until the desired tuning
step size appears in the display. The frequency step
is indicated in the chart below.
3 Press the any key except POWER, LAMP and MONI
key.
The displayed step size is set, and the normal
frequency display returns.
Changes in the Displayed Frequency
As you change from one step size to another, the
displayed frequency also changes, as illustrated in
the accompanying charts.
For example, assume you are presently displaying
439.920 MHz at a 20kHz step size. If you were to
change the step size to 12.5kHz, the display would
read 439.925 MHz.
From step size 5, 10, 15, or 20 To step
size 12.5 or 25
Frequencies Display as
0,5,10,150
20,25,30,3525
40,45,50,5550
60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 75

From
step size 12.5
or 25 To step
size 5,10, 15,
or 20
Frequencies Display as
0 0
12.5 10
25 20
37.5 30
50 50
62.5 60
75 70
87.5 80
5 Programmable VFO Tuning Limits
This radio provides the capability of programming the
VFO tuning range, in 1 MHz band segments, as well
as providing a separate programmable band scan
function. (See page 26)
For example you could tell the transceiver that you
only wish to tune the 144.000 MHz and 145.000 MHz
band segment by specifying any frequency within
these two segments.
The Tuning controls would then only tune within
these specific bands. The procedure for specifying
the bands is described below.
1 Select the desired lower tuning limit.
For example you might want to select the 144 MHz
band and dial up 144.100 MHz.
2 Press and hold the M key for longer than one
second, then press the 1 key. This selects the lower
frequency limit for the programmable VFO.
3 Select the desired upper tuning limit.
For example you might want to select the 145 MHz
band and dial up 145.100 MHz.
4 Press and hold the M key for longer than one
second, then press the 2 key. This selects the
upper frequency limit for the programmable VFO.

5 To confirm that the programming was properly
performed rotate the Tuning control. The transceiver
should not go above or below the programmed band
limits.
6 Basic Receiving Functions
When receiving a signal, the Main/Sub S-meter
deflects and the Main/Sub BUSY indicators appea
Rotate the volume control to the desired level.
VFO tuning range
144.000 145.000 146.000 147.000
I II
I
I
To clear the programmed limits simultaneously reset
the VFO memory using the procedures discussed on
page 19.
You can reprogram either limit independently by
following the appropriate instructions above.
Note
For information about more advanced receiving
capabilities, see Enhanced Receiver Function on
page 48
16

TRANSMITTER
WARNING:
Before you attempt to transmit, attach an antenna
with a low standing wave ratio to the antenna
connector. Failure to provide a proper load may
cause damage to the final amplifier section. Always
check that the frequency is clear before transmitting.
1 To transmit, follow these steps:
1 Use any of the frequency selection methods
discussed on page 12 to select an operating
frequency.
2 Listen to the frequency to see if it’s occupied before
attempting to transmit on it.
3 Press the PTT (Press to talk) switch. The ON AIR
indicator and battery level meter will appear.
4 Speak into the microphone from the recommended
distance of 5 cm (2 inches). Talking closer or farther
away can result in loss of clarity, an excessively wide
transmit signal, or weak audio.
5 Release the PTT switch to return to the receive
mode. The ON AIR and battery level meter
indicators should go out.
OPERATIONOPERATION
2 Changing Transmitter Output Power2 Changing Transmitter Output Power
Press the F key, then the D/LOW key to select threePress the F key, then the D/LOW key to select three
different transmitter output power levels. Repeat thisdifferent transmitter output power levels. Repeat this
function to stop through the power level selections.function to stop through the power level selections.
The actial transmitter output power for this unit
depends on the power supply used. Indicators will
appear on the display to tell you which level you
have selected.
You can select the transmitter output for both the
VHF and the UHF band.
The “E and L” indicators show the Economic Low
power position. Use Economic Low power for line-
of-sight short-distance communication.
The “L” indicators shows the Low power position.
Use Low power for short-distance communication.
1717

3 TX. Stop Function
The TX Stop function allows you to temporally
disable the transceiver transmit, preventing
accidental or unauthorized transmission.
Press the F key, then press the f2/TX.S key to turn
the TX. Stop function on or off.
No indicator means the high power position has been
selected. Use high power for maximum transmitter
power.
See the high power CAUTION on page 5.
Output Power(watts)
(Apprrox.)
144MHz 430/440MHz
TX.S
EL EL H
H
2.0
L L
PB-13,18 0.5 0.02 2.0 0.5
0.01
0.01
0.01
Alkaline Battery
5.0 0.5 0.02 5.0 0.5
4 Time-Out-Timer
2.0
0.5 0.02 2.0
I
0.02 5.0
0.5
0.5
This transceiver has a time-out-timer function to
prevent possible problems caused by continuous
transmission. This function forcibly stops continuous
transmission after 10 minutes. When the timer times
out, the transceiver beeps and automatically returns
to the RX mode. Press the PTT switch to transmit
again.
The time-out-timer function cannot be turned on or
off.
5.0 0.5
0.01
18

USING THE MEMORY
1 Microprocessor Memory Backup
All memory channel data is backed up in EEPROM.
It is not lost unless you reset the memory.
All other data that you set is retained by a secondary
lithium battery that will provide memory backup for
about 20 days if you remove the battery pack or
external DC power.
A fully discharged battery will require approximately
10 hours to reach full charge after installing a NiCd
battery pack or external power.
2 Initializing The Memory
Press and hold the M key and turn on the power to
reset the memory. All the LCD indicators will appear
on the display. Release the M key. This resets all
user programmed data to the factory defaults.
Factory Default Settings
144 MHz Band 440/430 MHz Band
VFO Frequency
Call Channel
Frequency
144 MHz
144 MHz
Frequency Step 5 kHz/12.5kHz 25 kHz
Tone Frequency 88.5 Hz/1750 Hz 88.5 Hz/1 750 Hz I
VFO Reset
Press and hold the F key and turn on the POWER
switch to reset the microprocessor’s VFO memory,
without destroying the memory channel, CLOCK
data, message memory data, automatic dialer DTMF
memory, Programmable SCAN tuning range,
PAGING code, or CALL channel data.
3 Memory Channel
This transceiver provides 50 memory channels.
In addition to serving as a normal memory channel
Memory Channel 1 is used to store the frequency for
the Priority Alert function.
19

4 Memory Contents
Each memory channel can store information as
shown in the chart below.
X =Can be stored in memory
Normal Split
Channel Channel
RX frequency
TX frequency
Tone(CTCSS) frequency,
Tone (CTCSS) status
Frequency step
Shift status, REV on/off XN/A
DTSS code. DTSS status
X X
5 Entering Memory Data
Entering memory data is a simple operation requiring
just a few keystrokes to store all the data you
require.
Entering Normal Simplex/Repeater
Channels
1 Select the desired receive frequency, offset, and any
other information you desire. If the desired
frequency is already on the display, continue to step
2.
2 Press the M key. The memory indicator will flash.
3 Use the keypad to select any desired memory
channel number (O-49). Use a two-digit number,
such as 02 for channel 2 or 15 for channel 15, to
enter the data in memory.
4 Press the MR key.
5 The memory channel number will turn off, indicating
that the receiver data has been properly stored.
Clearing a Memory Channel
Use the following procedure to clear the contents of
an individual memory channel:
1 Select the memory channel to be cleared.
2 Press the M key for longer than one second, then
press the MR key.
3 The selected memory channel number is removed
from the display and the data is cleared from the
memory.

6 Entering Split Channel Frequencies
Use the numeric keypad to select the desired
receiver frequency, tone and other information. If the
desired frequency is already on the display, continue
to step 2.
Press the M key. The memory indicator will flash.
Use the keypad to select any desired memory
channel number (O-49). For example, use a two
digit number, such as 02 for channel 2, or 15 for
cannel 15, to enter data in memory.
Press the MR key.
The memory channel number will turn off, indicating
that the receiver data has been properly stored.
Use the numeric keys to enter the desired transmit
frequency.
Press the M key. The memory channel indicator will
flash.
Press and hold the PTT switch and then press the
MR key.
The TX frequency is set. The system returns to its
previous state.
Note
You will hear an error sound if you attempt to recall
a memory when nothing is stored in that memory.
1 Press the MR key. The programmed receiver
frequency appears on the display with “+” and
“-‘‘ offset direction indicators showing that this
channel has an odd split entered.
2 Press the F key, then press the SHIFT/REV key, or
just the PTT switch, to check the transmit frequency.
The transmit frequency will appear on the display.
7 Entering The Call Channel Frequency
1 Use the numeric keypad to select the desired
receiver frequency, tone and other information.
2 Press the M key, then press the CALL key within 10
seconds. You have now entered the call channel
frequency.
If entering an odd split channel, continue with steps 3
to 6.
21