TH-K2  Out of band mod

When you have a European version of the TH-K2 or -K4 HT, you can expand the frequency range out of band without loosing the automatic repeaters hift! During this mod you will loose all information inside the HT, so back it up or live with it.
WARNING: Kenwood uses very small components that have to be removed. Don't use a 75W iron to desolder them but use a 15W with a very small tip. If you don't have a stable hand, ask someone else before you f*ck up the HT!
Now, there we go!

Remove antenna, battery en top knob.
Remove 4 screws

GENTLY lift the bottom side of the inside out by pulling the ridge and gently pushing the antenna connector inwards.
On the button-board's top-left side you'll see three diodes; two desoldered, one present, one desoldered, two present. Remember it's location!
Unscrew the three screws of the button-board en gently lift it out. This provides space when modifying.
Desolder the right diode of the two on the right for RX expansion.
Desolder the left diode of the two on the right for TX expansion.
Reassemble.
DO NOT TURN ON! You first need to reset it since I don''t know what'll happen!
RESET by pushing POWER & F at the same time when powering on. Confirm 2 times with F.


Now, consider wether you want to TX outside the HAM band. Kenwood apparently made it possible to choose between the two options.
It is possible that some versions have other diode-settings. In any way, you only need to remove the RIGHT TWO DIODES (if wanted) and no other!
I tried it on my Dutch TH-K2 but it also works on the TH-K4 since this mod was originally for that one.

 

Hidden features

These features are somehow hidden in the HT and are easily accessible:

Press PTT & MENU & POWER and cloning appears. When you want to transmit all data, press PTT. Another HT should be initialized the same without pressing PTT. It automatically receives when it displays CLONE. Everything will be sent over and the receiving HT will be overwritten!
Channels only
Not really hidden because mentioned in the manual. Press PTT & MR & POWER and you can no longer use the VFO and it's settings. Do the same to disable.

Computer-interface
The manual clearly explains how to connect a homebrew programming cable to the mic and lsp connectors. You only have to use a RS232-TTL converter to be able to use the software. Could't find it? Just look for M1A101 software.
Out of band... or not?
When travelling to other countries, be sure you set the VFO to the allowed limits. Menu item 7. When you program channels out of band, you can still set the VFO back to the allowed limits. The out-of-band channels still work out of band! Might be useful for ship frequencies etc.

 

Remember it is Illegal to transmit out of band. This Modification is for Informational purposes ONLY.
Doing such modifications on your radio may void any warranty and damage your equipment.
All mods found on this database are offered to me by other amateur radio hams or captured by Packet system. 
KB2LJJ  take no responsibility or liability for any damage done resulting from any modification.  

ATTENTION
The KB2LJJ takes no responsibility for any damage during the modification or for any wrong information made on this modification.