KENWOOD TM-261EJ (01) PDF Document

The KENWOOD TM-261EJ FM transceiver includes several advanced features for enhanced operation:

• Memory Indexing: This feature allows you to assign names to memory channels, such as callsigns, repeater names, cities, or personal names.

• Memory Recall Display: In Memory Recall mode, you can choose to display memory channel numbers instead of frequencies.

• Innovative Menu Set-up: This method combines sophisticated features with simple operation. The ergonomic design places the most frequently-used keys on the Front Panel without sacrificing desired features.

• Dual Tone Squelch System (DTSS): Allows for selective calling of specific stations.

• Programmable RX and TX Tones: You can program the receive and transmit tones separately, which enhances the optional Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS).

To prevent fire, personal injury, and damage to your KENWOOD TM-261EJ, please observe the following precautions:

• When operating mobile, do not attempt to configure your transceiver while driving as it is too dangerous.

• Be aware of local laws regarding the use of headphones/headsets while driving.

• Do not transmit with high output power for extended periods, as the transceiver may overheat.

• Do not modify the transceiver unless instructed by the manual or official KENWOOD documentation.

• Do not expose the transceiver to long periods of direct sunlight or place it near heating appliances.

• Avoid placing the transceiver in excessively dusty or humid areas, or on unstable surfaces.

• If you detect an abnormal odor or smoke, turn OFF the power immediately and contact a KENWOOD service station or your dealer.

• The transceiver is designed for a 13.8 V power source. Never use a 24 V battery to power it.

The following accessories are included with your KENWOOD TM-261EJ transceiver:

The instruction manual for the KENWOOD TM-261EJ uses specific conventions for key presses to simplify instructions. Note that most procedures require you to press the appropriate key within approximately 10 seconds, or the previous mode will be restored.

To install your KENWOOD TM-261EJ in a vehicle, choose a safe and convenient position that minimizes danger to passengers and is well-ventilated and shielded from direct sunlight. Follow these steps:

1. Install the supplied mounting bracket in the vehicle using the 4 supplied flat washers and 4 self-tapping screws. The bracket can be mounted with the opening facing down (for underdash mounting) or facing up.

• If mounted underdash, the bracket should be installed so the 3 screw holes on the edge of each bracket side are facing forward. This allows horizontal or forward-angled mounting.

• If mounted with the opening facing upward, position the bracket with the 3 holes facing the rear to angle the transceiver upward, or facing forward to angle it downward.

2. Position the transceiver in the bracket, then insert and tighten the supplied hexagon SEMS screws and washers (2 screws and 2 washers for each side).

3. Double-check that all hardware is securely tightened to prevent loosening from vehicle vibration.

For mobile operation, your vehicle’s battery must have a nominal rating of 12 V. Do not connect the KENWOOD TM-261EJ to a 24 V battery. Follow these steps for connection:

1. Route the supplied DC power cable directly to the vehicle’s battery terminals using the shortest path. It is not recommended to use a cigarette lighter socket due to potential voltage drop. If the cable must pass through the firewall, use a rubber grommet to protect it from abrasion.

2. After the cable is in place, wind heat-resistant tape around the fuse holder to protect it from moisture and tie down the full run of the cable.

3. To prevent short circuits, disconnect other wiring from the negative (-) battery terminal before connecting the transceiver.

4. Confirm the correct polarity and attach the power cable to the battery terminals: red connects to the positive (+) terminal, and black connects to the negative (-) terminal. Use the full length of the cable without cutting it, and never remove the fuse holders.

5. Reconnect any wiring that was removed from the negative terminal.

6. Connect the DC power cable to the transceiver’s power supply connector, pressing the connectors firmly together until the locking tab clicks.

For fixed station operation of your KENWOOD TM-261EJ, you need a separate 13.8 V DC power supply (purchased separately). The recommended current capacity is 4 A or more.

1. Connect the DC power cable to the regulated DC power supply. Ensure that polarities are correct (Red: positive, Black: negative). Do not directly connect the transceiver to an AC outlet.

2. Connect the transceiver’s DC power connector to the connector on the DC power cable. Press the connectors firmly together until the locking tab clicks.

Note: Before connecting the power supply to the transceiver, ensure both the transceiver and the power supply are switched OFF. Do not plug the power supply into an AC outlet until all connections are made.

If a fuse on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ blows, first determine and correct the cause of the problem. Then, replace the fuse with one of the specified type and rating. If new fuses continue to blow, disconnect the power cable and contact your dealer.

The required fuse ratings are as follows:

Before operating your KENWOOD TM-261EJ, you must install an efficient, well-tuned antenna. Your choice of antenna should have a 50 Ω impedance to match the transceiver’s input impedance. Use a low-loss coaxial feed line that also has a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω.

CAUTION:

• Transmitting without first connecting an antenna or other matched load may damage the transceiver. Always connect the antenna before transmitting.

• All fixed stations should be equipped with a lightning arrester to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and transceiver damage.

To connect accessories to your KENWOOD TM-261EJ:

• External Speaker: If you use an external speaker, choose one with an impedance of 8 Ω. The external speaker jack on the rear panel accepts a 3.5 mm diameter mono (2-conductor) plug.

• Microphone: To communicate in voice modes, plug a 600 Ω microphone equipped with an 8-pin modular connector into the modular socket on the Front Panel. Press the plug firmly until the locking tab clicks into place.

The front panel of the KENWOOD TM-261EJ features the following controls and buttons:

• VFO button: Selects the VFO mode. Also used for Menu selection and starting/stopping VFO Scan or Program Scan.

• MR button: Selects the Memory Recall mode. Also used for starting/stopping Memory Scan.

• Tuning control: Selects transmit/receive frequencies in VFO mode and memory channels in Memory Recall mode. Also used for Menu selection, setting Program Scan limits, selecting scan direction, and selecting DTSS code.

• VOL control: Adjusts the audio level from the speaker.

• MN button: Selects the Memory Name mode.

• POWER switch: Switches the transceiver ON or OFF.

• SQL (Squelch) control: Adjusts the squelch threshold level to mute speaker output when no stations are being received.

• Microphone connector: 8-pin modular socket for the microphone.

• MHz button: Selects the MHz mode, allowing frequency changes in 1 MHz steps.

• F (Function) button: Accesses the secondary functions of multifunction buttons.

• TONE button: Switches the Tone function ON or OFF. With the optional TSU-8, it also switches the CTCSS function ON or OFF.

• REV (Reverse) button: Switches the transmit and receive frequencies when operating with a transmit offset or a split memory channel.

The microphone for the KENWOOD TM-261EJ has several controls for convenient operation:

• UP/DWN buttons: Raises or lowers the VFO frequency, memory channel number, Tone/CTCSS frequency, or DTSS code. Holding either button down repeats the action.

• PTT (Push-to-talk) switch: Press to transmit; release to receive. Also used to exit functions like Scan or Tone frequency select.

• LOCK switch: Locks all microphone functions except for the [PTT] switch.

• CALL key: Recalls the Call channel. Pressing for more than 1 second initiates Call/VFO Scan or Call/Memory Scan.

• VFO key / MR key: Identical to the Front Panel functions of the same names. These keys can be reprogrammed.

• PF key: A programmable function key. Its function depends on the selection made in Menu B.

The display on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ uses several icons to show the current operating status:

• Key Icon: Indicates the Transceiver Lock function is ON.

• + / -: Indicates the transmit frequency is offset from the receive frequency.

• R: Indicates the Reverse function is ON.

• T / CT: “T” indicates the Tone encoder is ON. “CT” indicates the CTCSS function is ON (requires optional TSU-8).

• DT: Indicates the Dual Tone Squelch System (DTSS) is ON.

• CO: Indicates Carrier-Operated Scan Resume is ON. When not visible, Time-Operated Scan is in effect.

• MENU: Visible when accessing Menu A or Menu B.

• L / M: Indicates Low (L) or Medium (M) transmit power is selected. If neither is visible, High power is selected.

• F: Appears when the [F] button is pressed, indicating alternate functions can be accessed.

• Star Icon: Indicates a memory channel is locked-out from scanning.

• TOT: Indicates the Time-out Timer function is ON.

• APO: Indicates the Automatic Power Off function is ON.

• BUSY: Indicates the squelch is open and the frequency is busy.

• S-meter/Power meter: A bar graph that shows received signal strength (S-meter) or relative transmit output power (RF power meter).

• ON AIR: Indicates the transceiver is in Transmit mode on a valid frequency.

Here are the steps for basic operation of your KENWOOD TM-261EJ:

• Switching Power ON/OFF:

1. If using a fixed station power supply, switch it ON.

2. Press the POWER switch on the transceiver to switch it ON.

3. To switch OFF, press the POWER switch again.

• Adjusting Volume:

• Turn the VOL control clockwise to increase the audio level and counterclockwise to decrease it.

• Adjusting Squelch:

• The purpose of squelch is to mute the speaker when no signal is present. Turn the SQL control clockwise until the background noise just disappears. This is the squelch threshold. You will now only hear audio when a station is being received.

You can select frequencies on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ using either the front panel Tuning control or the microphone buttons.

Using the Tuning Control:

1. Press [VFO] to select VFO mode.

2. Turn the Tuning control to select a receive frequency.

• Clockwise rotation increases the frequency one step at a time.

• Counterclockwise rotation decreases the frequency one step at a time.

Using the Microphone [UP]/[DWN] Buttons:

This method is useful when you are not directly in front of the transceiver.

1. Press [UP] or [DWN] once to change the receive frequency by one frequency step.

2. Pressing and holding either button will cause the frequency to step repeatedly until the button is released.

Follow these instructions for transmitting and managing output power on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ.

Transmitting:

When you are ready to transmit, press and hold the [PTT] button on the microphone and speak in a normal tone of voice. Speaking too close to the microphone or too loudly can cause distortion.

Selecting Output Power:

It is good practice and often required by law to use the lowest power necessary for reliable communication. To select the transmit power you require:

1. Press [F], then [MN].

2. Each time this key combination is repeated, the transmit power changes as shown below:

High (No “L” or “M” indicator) -> Medium (“M” indicator) -> Low (“L” indicator)

Note: The transmit power cannot be changed while transmitting.

The KENWOOD TM-261EJ uses Menu A for frequently changed functions and Menu B for less frequently changed ones.

To access Menu A:

1. Press [F] for 1 second.

To access Menu B:

1. With the transceiver off, press and hold [F] while pressing [POWER] ON.

Navigating the Menus:

1. Once in a menu, select the desired menu function by turning the Tuning control or by pressing the microphone [UP]/[DWN] buttons.

2. The method for selecting a value for that function differs:

• To toggle between two selections or select from three, press [VFO].

• To select from more than three selections, press [VFO], then turn the Tuning control or press microphone [UP]/[DWN].

3. Press [F] or the microphone [PTT] to exit the menu.

Menu A on the KENWOOD TM-261EJ contains settings for frequently accessed functions. The table below lists the available options.

Menu B on the KENWOOD TM-261EJ contains settings for less frequently accessed functions. The table below lists the available options.

To operate through a repeater with your KENWOOD TM-261EJ, you need to set the offset frequency and direction. The standard offset for the TM-261EJ is +/- 600 kHz.

Selecting the Offset Frequency:

1. Press [F] for 1 second to access Menu A.

2. Use the Tuning control or [UP]/[DWN] to select “O.S” (Offset Shift).

3. Press [VFO], then turn the Tuning control or use [UP]/[DWN] to select the desired offset frequency (up to 20 MHz).

4. Press [F] or [PTT] to exit Menu A.

Selecting the Offset Direction:

1. Press [F], then [SHIFT] (the REV button).

2. Each time you press this combination, the offset direction changes: Simplex (no offset indicator) -> + (positive offset) -> – (negative offset).

If the resulting transmit frequency falls outside the transmit band, transmission will be inhibited.

Some repeaters require a subaudible tone for access. You may also want to use the reverse function to check a station’s direct signal strength.

Activating the Tone Function:

• Each press of the [TONE] key cycles through the choices: No Indicator (Off) -> TONE (“T” appears) -> CTCSS (“CT” appears, requires optional TSU-8).

Selecting a Tone Frequency:

1. To select the same tone for transmit and receive, access “TO” in Menu A.

2. Press [VFO], then use the Tuning control or [UP]/[DWN] to select from the 38 standard tone frequencies.

3. To select a different receive tone (split tone operation with optional TSU-8), access “TONE.RX” in Menu B and select the desired receive tone.

Using the Reverse Function:

The Reverse function exchanges your receive and transmit frequencies. This allows you to check if you can hear another station directly without the repeater.

• Press [REV] to toggle the Reverse function ON or OFF. “R” appears on the display when the function is ON.

The KENWOOD TM-261EJ has 62 memory channels for storing frequencies and related data.

To Store a Simplex Memory Channel (Receive Freq = Transmit Freq):

1. In VFO mode, select the desired frequency and associated data (Tone, CTCSS, DTSS, etc.).

2. Press [F] to enter Function Select mode. “F” and a memory channel number will appear.

3. Turn the Tuning control or press microphone [UP]/[DWN] to select the desired memory channel.

4. Press [MR]. The data is now stored in the memory channel.

To Store a Split-Frequency Memory Channel (Receive Freq ≠ Transmit Freq):

1. In VFO mode, select the desired receive frequency and associated data.

2. Press [F] to enter Function Select mode.

3. Turn the Tuning control or press [UP]/[DWN] to select the desired memory channel.

4. Press [MR] for 1 second. “- +” will appear on the display.

5. Turn the Tuning control or press [UP]/[DWN] to select the desired transmit frequency.

6. Press [MR]. The split-frequency data is now stored.

Note: For all memory operations, you must execute the next step within approximately 10 seconds, or the previous mode is restored.

You can easily recall stored channels or erase them when no longer needed on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ.

Recalling Memory Channels:

1. Press [MR] to enter Memory Recall mode. The last used memory channel will be recalled.

2. Turn the Tuning control or press microphone [UP]/[DWN] to select the desired memory channel. Empty channels cannot be recalled.

Erasing Memory Channels:

1. Press [MR] to select Memory Recall mode.

2. Turn the Tuning control or press [UP]/[DWN] to select the memory channel you wish to erase.

3. Switch OFF the power to the transceiver.

4. Press and hold [MHz] while switching the power ON. The contents of the selected memory channel will be erased. Note that memory channel 1 cannot be erased.

The Call channel on the KENWOOD TM-261EJ is a special memory for a frequency you want to recall quickly. The default frequency is 144.00 MHz.

Recalling the Call Channel:

• Simply press the microphone [CALL] key. “C” will appear on the display. Pressing [CALL] again returns to the previous mode.

Changing Call Channel Contents (Simplex):

1. Select the desired frequency and associated data (Tone, etc.) in VFO mode.

2. Press [F], then microphone [CALL]. The new data is stored in the Call channel.

Changing Call Channel Contents (Split):

1. Select the desired receive frequency and associated data.

2. Press [F], then microphone [CALL] for 1 second. “- +” will appear.

3. Turn the Tuning control or use [UP]/[DWN] to select the desired transmit frequency.

4. Press microphone [CALL]. The new split data is stored in the Call channel.

Transferring memory channel contents to the VFO is useful for searching for stations near a stored frequency. To perform a Memory-to-VFO transfer on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ:

1. Press [MR] to select Memory Recall mode, or press microphone [CALL] to select the Call channel.

2. If in Memory Recall, use the Tuning control or [UP]/[DWN] to select the desired memory channel.

3. Press [F], then [VFO].

The complete contents of the selected channel (except for the transmit frequency of a split channel) are copied to the VFO, and the transceiver enters VFO mode.

If your KENWOOD TM-261EJ seems to be malfunctioning, initializing it may resolve the problem.

Partial Reset (VFO Reset):

This resets all settings except for the memory channels, the Call channel, and the Menu settings.

• With the transceiver off, press and hold [VFO] while pressing [POWER] ON.

Full Reset (Memory Reset):

This resets all settings, including the VFO, all memories, and Menu settings.

1. With the transceiver off, press and hold [MR] while pressing [POWER] ON. A full display of all segments will appear.

2. While this display is visible (within 10 seconds), press [MR] again.

The transceiver will reset to its factory default settings. The default VFO frequency for the TM-261EJ is 145.00 MHz with a 20 kHz step size.

You can name memory channels on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ with up to 6 characters. This is useful for identifying repeaters or other stations.

1. Press [MR] to select Memory Recall mode.

2. Use the Tuning control or [UP]/[DWN] to select the memory channel you wish to name. The channel must already contain frequency data.

3. Switch OFF the power to the transceiver.

4. Press and hold [MN] while switching the power ON. The first digit of the name field will blink.

5. Turn the Tuning control or press [UP]/[DWN] to select the first character. To enter a dot, press [MR].

6. Press [MN] to move to the next character position.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to enter up to 6 characters.

8. When finished, press any of the four bottom Front Panel keys ([MHz], [F], [TONE], [REV]) or the microphone [PTT] to complete the entry.

After storing a name, pressing [MN] will toggle the display between the channel name and its frequency.

The Scan feature on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ is useful for hands-off monitoring. Before scanning, ensure the squelch is adjusted correctly to only open on a signal.

You must first choose a scan resume method in Menu A under the “SCN” setting:

• Time-Operated Scan (Default): When the transceiver detects a signal, it stops for approximately 5 seconds and then resumes scanning, even if the signal is still present.

• Carrier-Operated Scan: When the transceiver detects a signal, it stops and remains on that frequency until the signal drops out. There is a 2-second delay after the signal disappears before scanning resumes.

There are several types of scan available:

To perform a scan on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ, first ensure the squelch is closed.

VFO Scan:

This scans all frequencies on the band using the current frequency step size.

1. Press [VFO] for 1 second. The scan will start from the currently displayed frequency.

2. To reverse the scan direction, turn the Tuning control or press the microphone [UP]/[DWN] buttons.

3. To cancel the VFO Scan, press any key other than microphone [UP]/[DWN].

Memory Scan:

This scans all memory channels that contain data and are not locked out.

1. Press [MR] for 1 second. The scan will start from the last recalled channel.

2. To reverse the scan direction, turn the Tuning control or press the microphone [UP]/[DWN] buttons.

3. To cancel the Memory Scan, press any key other than microphone [UP]/[DWN].

If you have memory channels you prefer not to monitor during a scan, you can lock them out using this procedure on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ:

1. Press [MR] to select Memory Recall mode.

2. Select the memory channel you wish to lock out using the Tuning control or microphone [UP]/[DWN].

3. Press [F] for 1 second to access Menu A.

4. Select “MR.L”. The display will show “MR.L–OF”.

5. Press [VFO]. The display will change to “MR.L–ON” and a star icon will appear, indicating the channel is locked out.

6. Press [F] or microphone [PTT] to exit Menu A.

To cancel the lockout for a channel, repeat the above procedure. In step 5, pressing [VFO] will toggle the lockout status back to OFF.

Choosing the correct frequency step size is essential for selecting your exact receive frequency on the KENWOOD TM-261EJ. The default step size is 20 kHz.

To change the frequency step size:

1. Select the VFO mode.

2. Press [F] for 1 second to access Menu A.

3. Select “F.S” (Frequency Step) using the Tuning control or microphone [UP]/[DWN].

4. Press [VFO] to cycle through the available step sizes: 12.5 kHz, 25 kHz, 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, and 20 kHz.

5. Press [F] to exit Menu A.

Note that changing between step sizes may result in a change of the displayed frequency. For example, changing from a 5 kHz step to a 12.5 kHz step may round the last digits of the frequency up or down to the nearest 12.5 kHz increment.

The KENWOOD TM-261EJ includes several features to enhance operation and prevent accidental changes:

• Time-Out Timer (TOT): Restricts a single transmission to a maximum of 10 minutes. When the timer expires, the transceiver beeps and returns to receive. To enable/disable, access “TOT” in Menu B.

• Busy Channel Lockout (BCL): Prevents you from transmitting on a channel that is already in use. Pressing [PTT] on a busy channel will cause an audible warning tone, and the transceiver will not transmit. To enable/disable, access “BCL” in Menu B.

• Automatic Power Off (APO): Automatically turns the transceiver OFF after 3 hours of inactivity (no button presses or tuning control movement). A warning tone sounds one minute before shutdown. To enable/disable, access “APO” in Menu B.

• Transceiver Lock: Disables most front panel keys to prevent accidental changes, which is useful in a mobile installation. To toggle Transceiver Lock ON or OFF, press [F], then [LOCK]. A key icon appears on the display when Lock is ON. The POWER switch, [F], [F]+[LOCK], and microphone keys remain active.

To clean your KENWOOD TM-261EJ, remove the controls if they become soiled and clean them with a neutral detergent and warm water. For the case, use a neutral detergent (no strong chemicals) and a damp cloth.

If your KENWOOD TM-261EJ does not power on after pressing the [POWER] button, check the following possible causes:

• The power cable is connected backwards. Ensure the red wire is connected to the positive (+) terminal and the black wire is connected to the negative (-) terminal of your power source.

• One or more of the power cable fuses are open. Check the in-line fuse on the power cable and the fuse on the back of the transceiver. Look for the cause of the blown fuse, correct the problem, and install new fuses with the same ratings.

• The connectorized power cable is not correctly connected. Ensure the power cable is firmly pushed into the power connector on the back of the transceiver until it clicks.

If you are unable to change the frequency on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ by turning the Tuning control or pressing the microphone [UP]/[DWN] buttons, it is likely because the transceiver is in Memory Recall mode or the Call channel has been selected. The tuning control changes memory channels in these modes, not the frequency. To select frequencies, press the [VFO] button to return to VFO mode.

If most of the buttons, keys, and the Tuning control on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ do not function, the Transceiver Lock function is likely ON. A key-shaped icon should be visible on the display. To unlock the transceiver, press [F], then [LOCK].

If you are in Memory Recall mode on your KENWOOD TM-261EJ but cannot select any memory channels, it may be due to one of two reasons:

1. No data has been saved in any memory channels, or any previously saved data was erased by a Full Reset. You must store data in memory channels before you can recall them.

2. The Call channel is currently selected. The Tuning control does not function when the Call channel is active. Press the [MR] button to switch from the Call channel to Memory Recall mode.

If your KENWOOD TM-261EJ does not transmit when you press the [PTT] button, check for these common issues:

• The microphone plug is not fully inserted. Switch OFF the power, ensure there are no foreign objects in the microphone connector on the Front Panel, and then insert the microphone plug firmly until the locking tab clicks into place.

• You have selected a transmit offset that places the transmit frequency outside the legal transmit band range. Press [F], then [SHIFT] one or two times so that neither the “+” nor “-” offset indicator is visible on the display (this selects simplex operation), then try transmitting again.