Kenwood TK-8180 GENERAL

TK-8180

INTRODUCTION

SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL

This manual is intended for use by experienced techni-

cians familiar with similar types of commercial grade commu-

nications equipment. It contains all required service informa-

tion for the equipment and is current as of this publication

date. Changes which may occur after publication are covered

by either Service Bulletins or Manual Revisions, which are

issued as required.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

When ordering replacement parts or equipment informa-

tion, the full part identification number should be included.

This applies to all parts : components, kits, and chassis. If the

part number is not known, include the chassis or kit number

of which it is a part and a sufficient description of the required

component for proper identification.

PERSONAL SAFETY

The following precautions are recommended for personal

safety :

•DONOTtransmit if someone is within two feet (0.6

meter) of the antenna.

•DONOTtransmit until all RF connectors are secure and

any open connectors are properly terminated.

•SHUT OFF this equipment when near electrical blasting

caps or while in an explosive atmosphere.

•All equipment should be properly grounded before power-

up for safe operation.

•This equipment should be serviced by only qualified tech-

nicians.

PRE-INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

1. UNPACKING

Unpack the radio from its shipping container and check for

accessory items. If any item is missing, please contact

KENWOOD immediately.

2. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Federal regulations require a station license for each radio

installation (mobile or base) be obtained by the equipment

owner. The licensee is responsible for ensuring transmitter

power, frequency, and deviation are within the limits permit-

ted by the station license.

Transmitter adjustments may be performed only by a li-

censed technician holding an FCC first, second or general

class commercial radiotelephone operator’s license. There is

no license required to install or operate the radio.

3. PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKOUT

3-1. Introduction

Each radio is adjusted and tested before shipment. How-

ever, it is recommended that receiver and transmitter opera-

tion be checked for proper operation before installation.

3-2. Testing

The radio should be tested complete with all cabling and

accessories as they will be connected in the final installation.

Transmitter frequency, deviation, and power output should

be checked, as should receiver sensitivity, squelch operation,

and audio output. Signalling equipment operation should be

verified.

4. PLANNING THE INSTALLATION

4-1. General

Inspect the vehicle and determine how and where the ra-

dio antenna and accessories will be mounted.

Plan cable runs for protection against pinching or crushing

wiring, and radio installation to prevent overheating.

4-2. Antenna

The favored location for an antenna is in the center of a

large, flat conductive area, usually at the roof center. The

trunk lid is preferred, bond the trunk lid and vehicle chassis

using ground straps to ensure the lid is at chassis ground.

4-3. Radio

The universal mount bracket allows the radio to be

mounted in a variety of ways. Be sure the mounting surface

is adequate to support the radio’s weight. Allow sufficient

space around the radio for air cooling. Position the radio close

enough to the vehicle operator to permit easy access to the

controls when driving.

4-4. DC Power and wiring

1. This radio may be installed in negative ground electrical

systems only. Reverse polarity will cause the cable fuse to

blow. Check the vehicle ground polarity before installation

to prevent wasted time and effort.

2. Connect the positive power lead directly to the vehicle

battery positive terminal. Connecting the Positive lead to

any other positive voltage source in the vehicle is not rec-

ommended.

3. Connect the ground lead directly to the battery negative

terminal.

4. The cable provided with the radio is sufficient to handle

the maximum radio current demand. If the cable must be

extended, be sure the additional wire is sufficient for the

current to be carried and length of the added lead.

5. INSTALLATION PLANNING – CONTROL STATIONS

5-1. Antenna system

Control station. The antenna system selection depends on

many factors and is beyond the scope of this manual. Your

KENWOOD dealer can help you select an antenna system

that will best serve your particular needs.

5-2. Radio location

Select a convenient location for your control station radio

which is as close as practical to the antenna cable entry point.

Secondly, use your system’s power supply (which supplies

the voltage and current required for your system). Make sure

sufficient air can flow around the radio and power supply to

allow adequate cooling.

GENERAL