Review of Kenwood TM-271E

The Kenwood TM-271E catches the eye at first glance. There are many devices on the market, which attract a number of buttons, potentiometers, color displays… However, the TM-271E is an exception. There are only two rotary knobs on the front panel, five backlit buttons, LCD display with green backlight plus speaker. However, the control option is extended by the supplied DTMF microphone with sixteen buttons.

Parameter Kenwood TM-271E

Kenwood TM-271E GENERALLY Frequency range TX:144-146 MHz RX:144-146 MHz Modulation F3E (FM), F2D amtérsky KV/VKV transceiver 13.8V DC ±15%, zem na kostre amtérsky KV/VKV transceiver when broadcasting upon receipt Less than 13,0 A (HI), limit how 8,0 A (which took place on March 24) Less than 1,0 A more than 1W to -20° C ~ +60° C Antenna impedance 50 ohms Microphone impedance 600 ohms Frequency deviation ±2.5 ppm (-20°C ~ +60°C) Dimensions (WxHxD) (with protrusions) 160 x 43 x 137 mm (161 x 43 x 169 mm) Weight 1,2 kg (approx) TRANSMITTER HF output power (approx) High (HI) Low (LOW) 60 W 25 W Modulation method reactance Maximum lift ±5 kHz Modulation distortion Less than 3% (300 Hz ~ 3 kHz) RECEIVER Involvement Superhet with double MF Intermediate frequencies 1.MF 2.MF 49.95 MHz 450 kHz Sensitivity (12dB SINAD) Better than 0.18 μV (After narrowing the MF: better than 0.22 μV) Squelch sensitivity At least 0.1 μV Selectivity -6 dB -60 dB More than 12 kHz (With narrowed MF: more than 10 kHz) Less than 30 kHz (With narrowed MF: less than 24 kHz) Audio performance More than 2 W (at 5% distortion)

Kenwood TM-271E

The transceiver is primarily designed for mobile use. The TM-271E meets US Department of Defense MIL-STD requirements 810 C, D, E a F, which relate to vibration and shock resistance. In addition, it has a certificate of conformity with the EU directive 95/54/EC regarding electromagnetic compatibility.

As was mentioned right at the beginning, there are not many controls on the TM-271E. But what do we need for FM operation on 2m?? So the austere-looking device can be an advantage for many, especially if they don't like looking for the right one in a flood of buttons.

One of the most frequently used functions when operating through converters is REVERSE, i.e. listening to the simpleton on the input frequency of the converter. Kenwood TM-271E can automatically check the signal at the converter input. If it is strong enough, the letter R flashes on the display, thereby making it known, that a simplex connection is also possible.

Three more buttons (MR, VFO a CALL) are used to select the frequency. TM-271E has up to 200 memory channels. If we want to use alphanumeric naming (max. 6 characters), their number is reduced to one hundred. After connecting to the computer, we can enter them, change and delete with the MCP-1A program, which is freely distributable. You can find it on the Kenwood website and it has approx 1,5 megabyte. The connecting cable is terminated with a 25-pin Canon connector, which plugs into the serial port.

These four buttons also have a second function, with which we get to the squelch setting, we store in memory, we move from memory to VFO and activate 1750 Hz tone. The fifth button with the key icon blocks the transceiver from unwanted switching. A number of other less important functions are hidden in the menu, which is very clear.

The TM-271E is largely controllable from the microphone's keyboard. Through it, we also have the possibility to enter the frequency directly. The buttons on the microphone are also backlit.

Several scanning methods are already a matter of course. The TM-271E can scan: the whole band, all memories, frequency range, a group of memories, the main one (call) frequency, DCS frequency and CTCSS subtone (scored encoder and encoder with 42 CTCSS subtónmi a 104 DCS subtónmi) and priority channel every three seconds. Scanning may continue after a certain amount of time (TO – time operated), or after the disappearance of the nasal (Peter KA6U activated last year during the summer – carrier operated).

Beneath the covers is a generously dimensioned cast radiator that also forms the chassis. Finally, with a power of 60W, it will definitely not stay cold. On the rear panel there is an N connector for the antenna, output to external speaker and power cable. There was probably no more room on the panel, because the data connector for connecting an external TNC is hanging in the air. Internally, the TM-271E is processed with very pure SMT technology.

On the band, the TM-271E behaves exactly as expected – as a pleasant and high-quality tranceiver. In case of intrusions from surrounding channels, the Narrow function can be activated, which is manifested by a narrowing of the reception band and at the same time a reduction of the modulation lift during transmission. A good reception impression is completed by the oval speaker with dimensions 58×35 mm on the front panel. The broadcast audio was also evaluated by opposing stations as excellent with balanced frequency characteristics.

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