The Kenwood TM 731E is a versatile and reliable two-way radio that offers a wide range of features and specifications. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, this radio is designed to meet your communication needs.
One of the standout features of the Kenwood TM 731E is its dual band capability. It operates on both the VHF and UHF bands, allowing for greater flexibility and compatibility with other radios. This means that you can communicate with a wider range of users and take advantage of different frequencies depending on your location and needs.
In addition to its impressive features, the Kenwood TM 731E also boasts a durable and rugged construction. It is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and is resistant to dust, water, and other elements. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts, emergency responders, and anyone who needs a reliable radio in challenging environments.
Overall, the Kenwood TM 731E is a top-notch two-way radio that offers a wide range of features, impressive specifications, and positive reviews from users. Whether you are using it for professional purposes or for recreational activities, this radio is sure to meet and exceed your expectations.
Dual Band Operation
The Kenwood TM 731E is a versatile and powerful amateur radio transceiver that offers dual band operation. This means that it can operate on two different frequency bands simultaneously, allowing users to communicate on different frequencies without the need for multiple radios.
With dual band operation, users can take advantage of the wide frequency coverage of the TM 731E. It supports both VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands, providing access to a wide range of frequencies for communication.
Whether you are participating in a local amateur radio club activity or engaging in emergency communication, the dual band operation of the TM 731E ensures that you have the flexibility to communicate on the most appropriate frequency for your needs.
Benefits of Dual Band Operation
There are several benefits to using a dual band radio like the Kenwood TM 731E:
1. Increased Communication Options: With dual band operation, you have access to a wider range of frequencies, allowing you to communicate with a larger number of amateur radio operators. This can be especially useful during emergencies when traditional communication channels may be overloaded or unavailable.
2. Enhanced Coverage: By operating on both VHF and UHF bands, the TM 731E provides improved coverage in different environments. VHF frequencies are better suited for long-distance communication, while UHF frequencies are ideal for communication in urban areas or indoors.
3. Simultaneous Monitoring: With dual band operation, you can monitor two frequencies at the same time. This is particularly useful for monitoring emergency channels or staying updated on local amateur radio activities.
The Kenwood TM 731E’s dual band operation is just one of its many impressive features. Whether you are a seasoned amateur radio operator or a beginner, this transceiver offers the versatility and performance you need to communicate effectively.
Wide Frequency Coverage
The Kenwood TM 731E is a versatile dual band transceiver that offers a wide frequency coverage, making it suitable for a variety of applications. With its wide frequency range, this radio can operate on both VHF and UHF bands, allowing users to communicate on different frequencies depending on their needs.
Whether you are a ham radio operator, a professional in the field, or someone who simply enjoys using radios for recreational purposes, the wide frequency coverage of the Kenwood TM 731E ensures that you will be able to find a suitable frequency for your communication needs.
With a frequency range of 144-146 MHz for the VHF band and 430-440 MHz for the UHF band, this transceiver covers a wide spectrum of frequencies, providing you with ample options for communication. Whether you need to communicate over short distances or long distances, the Kenwood TM 731E has you covered.
Additionally, the wide frequency coverage of this transceiver allows for compatibility with a wide range of accessories and antennas. Whether you need to connect an external antenna for improved signal reception or use specialized accessories for specific applications, the Kenwood TM 731E can accommodate your needs.
Overall, the wide frequency coverage of the Kenwood TM 731E makes it a versatile and reliable choice for anyone in need of a dual band transceiver. With its ability to operate on both VHF and UHF bands, and its wide frequency range, this radio offers flexibility and convenience for a variety of communication needs.
High Power Output
The Kenwood TM 731E is equipped with a high power output, making it a reliable and efficient choice for amateur radio operators. With its power output of up to 50 watts on both VHF and UHF bands, this transceiver provides strong and clear signals, ensuring effective communication even in challenging conditions.
Whether you are participating in a local net, communicating with fellow hams in a remote location, or engaging in emergency communication, the high power output of the Kenwood TM 731E ensures that your message will be heard loud and clear.
With its high power output, this transceiver also offers an extended communication range, allowing you to reach out to stations that are farther away. This is particularly beneficial for hams who enjoy long-distance communication or who need to establish communication links in remote areas.
In addition to its high power output, the Kenwood TM 731E also features a built-in cooling fan, which helps to dissipate heat and maintain optimal performance during prolonged use. This ensures that the transceiver remains reliable and stable, even during extended operating sessions.
Overall, the high power output of the Kenwood TM 731E makes it a versatile and dependable transceiver for amateur radio operators who require strong and reliable communication capabilities.
Multiple Memory Channels
The Kenwood TM 731E is equipped with multiple memory channels, allowing you to store and easily access your favorite frequencies. With the ability to store up to 200 memory channels, you can quickly switch between different frequencies without the need to manually tune each time.
These memory channels can be organized into groups, making it even easier to navigate and find the frequencies you need. You can assign names to each memory channel, making it simple to identify and remember the purpose of each frequency.
Having multiple memory channels is especially useful for amateur radio operators who frequently communicate on different frequencies or need to monitor specific channels. It eliminates the need to constantly search for and tune to the desired frequency, saving you time and effort.
Additionally, the Kenwood TM 731E allows you to program and store various settings for each memory channel, such as frequency, offset, and tone settings. This means you can customize each channel to your specific needs and easily switch between different configurations.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced amateur radio operator, the multiple memory channels feature of the Kenwood TM 731E provides convenience and flexibility in managing and accessing your favorite frequencies.
CTCSS and DCS Encoder/Decoder
The Kenwood TM 731E is equipped with a CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) and DCS (Digital-Coded Squelch) encoder/decoder. This feature allows for selective calling and squelch control in a busy radio environment.
CTCSS is a sub-audible tone that is transmitted along with the voice signal. It is used to selectively open the squelch of a receiving radio only when the transmitted CTCSS tone matches the programmed tone in the receiver. This helps to reduce interference from other users on the same frequency.
DCS, on the other hand, is a digital code that is transmitted along with the voice signal. It provides a more advanced form of selective calling and squelch control compared to CTCSS. The DCS codes are more numerous and can provide a higher level of privacy and interference rejection.
The Kenwood TM 731E allows you to program both CTCSS and DCS tones or codes for each memory channel. This means that you can set different tones or codes for different channels, depending on your needs. For example, you can set a specific tone or code for a group of users who want to communicate privately, while using a different tone or code for general communication.
In addition to the encoder/decoder, the TM 731E also has a CTCSS tone scan function. This allows you to scan for CTCSS tones being used on a specific frequency, which can be useful for identifying active channels or detecting interference.
Benefits of CTCSS and DCS Encoder/Decoder:
1. Selective calling: You can communicate with specific users or groups by using the programmed CTCSS or DCS tones/codes.
2. Squelch control: The CTCSS and DCS tones/codes help to reduce interference from other users on the same frequency.
4. Interference rejection: The DCS codes can help reject interference from other radios that do not have the same code programmed.
Example Usage:
Let’s say you are part of a radio club and want to communicate privately with other club members. You can program a specific DCS code for your club and share it with the other members. By setting the same DCS code on all radios, you can ensure that only club members can communicate with each other, while rejecting interference from other radios.
Alternatively, if you are using the radio for general communication, you can set a CTCSS tone to reduce interference from other users on the same frequency. This can be especially useful in busy radio environments where multiple users are transmitting simultaneously.
| CTCSS and DCS Encoder/Decoder Features: |
|---|
| – Selective calling and squelch control |
| – CTCSS and DCS tone/code programming for each memory channel |
| – CTCSS tone scan function |
Built-in TNC for Packet Radio
The Kenwood TM 731E is equipped with a built-in TNC (Terminal Node Controller) that allows for packet radio communication. This feature is especially useful for amateur radio operators who want to connect to packet radio networks and exchange data with other operators.
A TNC is a device that enables a radio to transmit and receive digital data packets. It acts as a modem, converting the digital data into audio signals that can be transmitted over the radio waves. The built-in TNC in the Kenwood TM 731E eliminates the need for an external TNC, saving space and simplifying the setup.
With the built-in TNC, the Kenwood TM 731E can connect to packet radio networks and participate in activities such as APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System). APRS is a real-time tactical digital communications protocol for exchanging information between stations, including GPS position data, weather reports, and messages.
The built-in TNC in the Kenwood TM 731E supports various packet radio modes, including AX.25 and KISS. AX.25 is the most widely used packet radio protocol, while KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) is a protocol that simplifies the interface between the TNC and the computer.
Using the built-in TNC, operators can send and receive messages, participate in emergency communications, track vehicles or objects using GPS, and even control remote stations. The Kenwood TM 731E’s built-in TNC opens up a world of possibilities for amateur radio operators, allowing them to explore the exciting world of packet radio.
Cross-Band Repeat Function
The Kenwood TM 731E is equipped with a unique Cross-Band Repeat function, which allows for enhanced communication capabilities. This feature enables the radio to receive signals on one band and then retransmit them on a different band. This functionality is particularly useful in situations where direct communication between two radios on different bands is not possible due to distance or obstacles.
With the Cross-Band Repeat function, users can easily extend the range of their communication by utilizing the radio’s ability to receive signals on one band and retransmit them on another. For example, if a user is operating on the VHF band and wants to communicate with someone on the UHF band, they can simply activate the Cross-Band Repeat function and transmit their signal on the UHF band. The TM 731E will receive the signal on the VHF band and automatically retransmit it on the UHF band, allowing for seamless communication between the two parties.
This feature is especially beneficial in scenarios where there is a need for long-distance communication or when there are obstacles such as buildings or terrain that hinder direct communication. The Cross-Band Repeat function eliminates the need for additional equipment or repeaters, making it a cost-effective solution for extending communication range.
Additionally, the Kenwood TM 731E offers flexibility in selecting the desired offset for the Cross-Band Repeat function. Users can choose between positive and negative offset options, depending on their specific communication needs. This allows for further customization and optimization of the radio’s performance.
In summary, the Cross-Band Repeat function of the Kenwood TM 731E enhances communication capabilities by allowing the radio to receive signals on one band and retransmit them on another. This feature is particularly useful in situations where direct communication between radios on different bands is not possible. With the ability to select the desired offset, users can further customize and optimize their communication experience.
Positive and Negative Offset Selection
The Kenwood TM 731E offers the convenient feature of positive and negative offset selection. This feature allows users to adjust the transmit and receive frequencies to avoid interference and improve communication quality.
With positive offset selection, the transmit frequency is higher than the receive frequency. This is commonly used in repeater systems, where the repeater receives signals on one frequency and retransmits them on another frequency. By setting a positive offset, the TM 731E ensures that the transmitted signal does not interfere with the received signal.
On the other hand, negative offset selection is used when the transmit frequency is lower than the receive frequency. This is often used in simplex communication, where two stations communicate directly without the need for a repeater. By setting a negative offset, the TM 731E ensures that the transmitted signal is received clearly by the other station.
Benefits of Positive and Negative Offset Selection
Positive and negative offset selection provides several benefits for amateur radio operators:
- Interference Reduction: By adjusting the transmit and receive frequencies, users can minimize interference from other nearby stations or signals. This allows for clearer and more reliable communication.
- Improved Signal Quality: With the correct offset selection, the TM 731E ensures that the transmitted signal is received at the desired frequency, resulting in better signal quality and readability.
- Compatibility with Repeater Systems: Positive offset selection is essential for using repeater systems, which are widely used in amateur radio. The TM 731E’s ability to adjust the offset makes it compatible with various repeater systems.
- Flexibility in Communication: By supporting both positive and negative offset selection, the TM 731E allows users to communicate in different modes, including simplex and repeater operations.
Overall, the positive and negative offset selection feature of the Kenwood TM 731E enhances the versatility and performance of the transceiver, making it a valuable tool for amateur radio enthusiasts.
Over the years, I have amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge, which I eagerly share with fellow radio aficionados. Through my writing and active participation in the amateur radio community, I strive to inspire others and provide valuable insights into this fascinating hobby. Engaging in various radio activities, I continue to learn and grow, constantly amazed by the endless possibilities that radio communication offers.