Modifications for the Kenwood TM-221



19-07-1998 General Coverage XMIT - TM-221/A

  1. Remove top and bottom covers, remove locking ring on mic connector.

    Carefully remove plastic cover.
  2. Pull front of radio off (plug in connector)
  3. Locate the control unit (xx53-3040-xx)
  4. Remove the small resistor chip from r25, this gives you xmit from

    (142.000 thru 151.995)
  5. Replace the same resistor chip from last step on to the same board at r24 which is empty, this gives you xmit from (138.000 thru 154.000) Each set will give diffrent range depending on the vco setting, some Well xmit higher than 154.000 and some will shut off lower. This can be changed by resetting the vco.




19-07-1998 TM-221A Final Module Hints
Author: Trio-Kenwood Communication, inc.


Service Bulletin no. 934 (11-4-1988)

When the Final module is replaced in a TM-221A, there is a possiblity that the transmit power will not go higher than 47 watts, even witht he APC turned OFF. This is due to variances in input impedance of Final Modules.
To correct this condition, an 8 pF capacitor can be added between the input of the module and ground. With some modules, a value between 8 pF and 15 pF will be required. Try to choose a value as close to 8 pF as possible to prevent oscillation. The capacitor should be designated as C19 on the Final Unit (X45-1360-02).

Required Part

8pF Ceramic Capacitor   Part # CC45CH1H080D

Alignment:

  1. Turn the APC off (TX-RX unit VR-6: Clockwise).

  2. Adjust TC3 TC4 (TX-RX) for maximum power supply current. Since the APC is off, the Final will produce very high power output. It is important to perform this step as quickly as possible.

  3. Adjust the APC for 45 Watts.

This modification may be performed under warranty.
Time required for this modification is 0.25 hrs or less.



19-07-1998 TM-221A No TX in High Power Due to Voltage Drop
Author: Trio-Kenwood Communication, inc.


Service Bulletin no. 933 (11-4-1988)

Some TM-221A transceivers may intermittently not transmit in the high power mode. This condition may be the result of a voltage drop at the fuse terminals on the power cord. To prevent a voltage drop, solder the terminals by following the procedure below.

  1. Disconnect the antenna and power supply.

  2. Open and remove the plastic fuse holder.

  3. Remove the fuse from the terminals.

  4. Flow solder between the terminals and the exposed strands of the cable. (See the figure below).

  5. Allow the terminals to cool and then reinstall the fuse and close the holder.

This modification may be covered under warranty.
Time required for this modification is 0.25 hrs or less.



24-01-1999 Extended range

The get your 221A to recieve from 138-174 Mhz you need to remove the front panel and gain access to the chip resistors and re-arrange them as follows:

   R22     R23    R24      R25


    X       O      O        X       X = Connected
                                    O = Left out
If you are running a vk version removal of R24 is all that is needed. The TX will remain at 144-148 Mhz even after the mod.