  Nestled in the palm of your hand, KENWOOD's new TH-F6A is incredibly small -- just 2-5/16 x 3-7/16 x 1-3/16 inches (WxHxD). How could so much be packed into such a super-compact design? Impossible! But it's true. This little wonder is an FM tribander (144/220/440MHz) with dual-channel RX capability, 16-key pad, multi-scroll key, and no fewer than 435 memory channels. Other attractive features include a built-in ferrite bar antenna for AM broadcasts, LCD with backlight, and a lithium-ion battery. Small enough to slip into a pocket, the TH-F6A allows you to roam freely while enjoying the clear, reliable communications for which KENWOOD is renowned. And despite its smart looks, it's tough enough to meet MIL-STD criteria for withstanding the rigors of outdoor use, while delivering superb performance. 
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Simple operation is an essential component of this FM tribander, and KENWOOD engineers have ensured that it can be operated effortlessly with one hand. Your attention is drawn to the easy-to-read LCD -- equipped with both contrast control and backlight -- displaying essential frequency and memory information, intuitive menus, and multi-level battery status. In mono-band mode, the size of the frequency display is doubled for even greater visibility.
Operating ease is further enhanced with the multi-scroll key. Similar to the control found on some cellular phones, this can be rocked up & down, left & right with the thumb. Vertical operation controls frequency, while horizontal movement controls band selection. There is also a 16-key pad with keys that are ergonomically spaced and illuminated for nighttime use.
Other specifications are equally impressive: 435 memory channels, including 3 call channels and another 20 for programmable scan. A complete range of scan functions is provided -- including MHz, memory, call, tone, CTCSS and DCS. Group scan mode covers 8 groups of 50 channels each. And you can choose between time-operated (TO) and carrier-operated (CO) busy-stop-resume (SE).
As polished as the user interface may be, it's what is inside that counts. And the TH-F6A counts twice over: it's both a 3-band transceiver (Main A band) and a wideband 0.1~1300MHz receiver*1 (Sub B band). In addition to FM/FM-W/FM-N/AM and SSB/CW, the receiver section offers a special weather channel mode*2, built-in ferrite bar antenna*3 for receiving AM broadcasts, and Fine mode -- with selectable increment (33/100/500/1000Hz*4) -- for extra-accurate SSB tuning. What's more, this handheld transceiver can receive 2 frequencies simultaneously, even on the same band. Versatility is first rate.
| *1 | Not all frequencies are available. |
| *2 | 10 channels. NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting weather, warnings, forecasts and hazard information 24 hours a day. |
| *3 | Switchable with external antenna. |
| *4 | Increment figures are approximate. |
The smaller a transceiver, the farther it is likely to travel. Fortunately, the TH-F6A is built to take rough treatment in stride, satisfying the stringent MIL-STD 810 C/D/E standards for resistance to vibration, shock, humidity and light rain.
Equipped as standard is a powerful 7.4V 1550mAh lithium-ion battery, offering high output -- with selectable HI/LOW/EL settings -- and longer operation than a Ni-Cd battery. And as the charging circuitry is built-in, the battery can be charged while the TH-F6A is operating from a DC (13.8V) supply.
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Selectable squelch configuration |
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Memory shift |
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Key lock |
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Built-in CTCSS (42 subtone frequencies), DCS (104 codes), 1750Hz tone burst |
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Compatible with external 1200/9600bps TNC |
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Large frequency display for single-band use |
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Time-out timer & APO (OFF/30/60 min) |
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Automatic simplex checker |
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Wireless remote control function |
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ATT (attenuator) on/off |
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Internal VOX |
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MCP Software Free download (1.6MB) |
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Belt hook |
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Whip antenna |
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Hand strap |
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7.4V 1550mAh lithium-ion battery |
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AC adapter |
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The sub band is used for wideband reception. It offers more basic performance than a dedicated band receiver. In an area of very strong signals, it may be advisable to switch the attenuator on for certain bands. Remember that the antenna determines reception quality. You will enjoy better reception, therefore, if you devise an antenna that is tailored for your target band. |
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The SSB/CW filters offer basic performance, so in some cases you may experience interference. |
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Consequently, multiple beats (cross and internal) are generated from the frequency structure. Those frequencies effectively blocked by the major crossbeat signals can be calculated using the formula given in the user manual.* Note that it is possible to move an internal beat away from the target signal using the beat shift function. |
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If output is set to HI (5W) while using an external power source, for safety reasons an automatic protection mechanism is engaged if the product becomes too hot. Output is then reduced to 0.5W. (Exactly when this is engaged will vary depending on ambient temperature, but for example continuous transmission for about 5 minutes at room temperature will be sufficient to trigger the mechanism.) For heavy-duty use, you should set output to LOW (2W). |
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When operating this product from an external power source, if the latter's voltage rises above 14.5V, transceiver output will be automatically switched to 0.5W. |
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Formula and more details on wideband reception cautions are available at: www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur.html |
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Updated 01/09/28 (C) 2001 KENWOOD Corporation