Equipment Review: Kenwood TK-3180

Kenwood's TK-3180 is a handheld analog UHF FM radio transceiver. It is available in two bandsplits, K/K3 (400-470 MHz) and K2/K4 (450-520 MHz). In both cases, the first code refers to the limited-keypad model, and the second code refers to the full-keypad model with a 12-key DTMF keypad in addition to the four front-panel programmable function keys. The TK-3180 holds a Part 90 type acceptance for business or public safety LMR use, as well as a Part 95 type acceptance for GMRS use. The model was discontinued several years prior to the time of writing; I have been unable to locate an exact discontinue announcement date. The TK-3180 is available on eBay and through used-radios.com; Kenwood dealers may have used or new old stock units available as well.

One of my TK-3180s, fully equipped

Specifications & Features

Channels: 512

Zones/Groups: 128

Power: 1W (low)/5W (high)

Ingress Protection: IP54/55

Connector Type: 14-pin Kenwood

Programming Software: KPG-89D

The TK-3180 is compatible with Kenwood's FleetSync data communication system. It is natively capable of encoding and decoding FleetSync caller ID data bursts, as well as sending and receiving FleetSync status messages. Additionally, the TK-3180 features a built-in voice inversion scrambler. This scrambler offers low-level speech security against casual eavesdroppers. VOX capability is also included in the TK-3180. I have tested this functionality at home, but have not used it in the field. It could be useful for surveillance or tasks requiring use of both hands in a relatively quiet ambient environment, but is not useful to me.

Most UHF portables offer 4W of power when programmed for high power; the TK-3180's 5W only represents a +0.8 dB improvement which is immaterial in actual use.

Demonstrating the LCD backlight. The diamond in the upper right corner indicates that the scrambler is enabled on this channel.

In The Field

While my TK-3180s have not been subjected to as much abuse as my TK-390s, this is simply because I purchased them after the TK-390s. I own two TK-3180s purchased as surplus from a fire department in northern Ohio for $135 apiece including chargers, speaker mics, and old NiMH batteries. Mine are fitted with KMC-41 speaker mics, KRA-23 stubby helical antennas, and aftermarket KNB-43Li 3300mAH lithium battery packs. Battery life in this configuration with a limited duty cycle is roughly 24 hours, and radio weight is considerably less than with a NiMH battery.

Audio quality, both transmit and receive, has been up to Kenwood's usual high standard. I have received good signal strength reports from users on a local GMRS repeater, and in-field simplex use on my Part 90 frequencies has been wholly satisfactory in rough terrain. Across multiple radio types, I have been pleasantly surprised with the performance of the KRA-23 antennas. Practical performance has been indistinguishable from the KRA-27 whips.

Build quality is good, though subjectively the TK-3180 does not have as durable a "feel" as the TK-390 or TK-380. However, my TK-3180 has gone through quite a few scrapes while carried on my belt, so the practical difference may well be negligible.

I would prefer for the KMC-41 speaker mic to be smaller; its bulk can be somewhat cumbersome when clipped to a pack or plate carrier strap. The programmable function keys on the speaker mic are handy; I typically keep the orange "emergency" key programmed for talkaround, and the black key programmed for momentary squelch open to receive weak signals. About a quarter of the time, using momentary squelch open will cause the radio to transmit its FleetSync ID before opening squelch. This occurs with both the KMC-25 and KMC-41 speaker microphones and I have not yet identified the cause. The introduction of an inversion scrambler is very helpful for usage where it is undesirable for the general public to listen in, but it will not stop a determined enthusiast. One drawback of the scrambler is that it will cause unscrambled audio to sound scrambled, so a mixed fleet of scrambler-equipped and non-equipped radios will be forced to operate unscrambled.

Overall, I am very pleased with my TK-3180s. If you value the additional features over older models, the premium is well worth it. In consideration of the price, performance, build quality, and features, I rate the TK-3180 4/5.