Equipment Review: Kenwood TK-390

 Like the TK-3180 I previously reviewed, the TK-390 is a handheld analog UHF FM transceiver. The TK-390 is only available in the K/K4 bandsplit, which is capable of operating from 450-490 MHz. The K4 model features a 12-key DTMF keypad. Some users have reported success in programming TK-390s down into the upper portion of the 70cm amateur allocation - the KPG-38D programming software gives an error message when this is attempted, but allows the frequency to be programmed. The TK-390 was discontinued some time ago, and is available through eBay and used-radios.com along with its VHF and low band counterparts, the TK-290 and TK-190. This selection of radios is often referred to as the TK-x90 series.

TK-390 with KRA-23 and KMC-25

Specifications & Features

Channels: 160

Zones/Groups: 16 (up to 16 channels per group)

Power: 1W (low)/4W (high)

Ingress Protection:

Connector Type: 14-pin Kenwood

Programming Software: KPG-38D

The TK-390 offers limited compatibility with FleetSync. It is only capable of encoding PTT caller ID data bursts, and cannot decode caller ID. The TK-390 is compatible with aftermarket scrambler boards, but such boards are not included as standard.

In The Field

I maintain several TK-390s as well as low band TK-190s. These are extremely durable radios and will survive most abuse they will realistically encounter when carried on your person. Based on asset tags, my TK-390s were sold as surplus by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. I operate them with either KRA-23 stubby helical antennas or KRA-27 whip antennas, as well as KMC-25 speaker mics. In-field performance is outstanding; I have successfully talked on a GMRS repeater 89 miles away with a TK-390 and KRA-23 antenna! It's a Part 90 portable - performance will be broadly similar no matter if the radio is marked Kenwood, Motorola, ICOM, or Vertex Standard.

Unfortunately, no lithium batteries are available for the TK-x90 series, limiting the user to Ni-Cd and NiMH chemistries. Nickel-based batteries are significantly heavier than lithium batteries, but are generally safer.

The TK-x90 series is very robust; the radio housing is cast from a textured polycarbonate that makes the radio easier to grip in wet conditions. My TK-390s are often carried underground, and have always come out on top.

My favorite feature of the TK-390 is the location of its controls. The LCD display, volume/ power knob, rotary selector, A/B function keys, and programmable toggle switch are all located on the top of the radio housing. When worn on a belt or in an open-top pouch, access to controls is extremely easy without removing the radio. For any use case requiring frequent channel changes, the TK-x90 series is hard to beat. I wish Kenwood offered more radios with top-mounted controls. Come to think of it, my dream portable would be a multiband TK-x90 with a scrambler board, lithium battery, and Thales 1600500 antenna.

TK-390, demonstrating top-mounted user interface and textured surface

I have been exceptionally pleased with my TK-390s and TK-190s. TK-390s are often available at minimal cost (I have purchased lots for about $17/radio), accessories are widely available, and the user interface is better than many more modern radios. I rate the TK-390 5/5.