Kenwood mic question

[Yulli]

After doing my research on radios and what to get, I think I'm sold on the Kenwood line. From what I can tell, the mic is connected to the main body of the receiver. If I were to mount the receiver under the seat or somewhere else away from the head unit, is it possible to have an extension made so the mic cord is longer?

Any suggestions, ideas, or comments are greatly appreciated. Also, if there may be some kind of extension kit available, a link would be great.

Chris

 

[mpinco]

This? (TS-480 line)

KENWOOD PG-4Z

 

[Yulli]

Ah. Thank you sir. I must have skipped right over that when I was looking at the other stuff on there.

 

[1Louder]

Any generic ethernet cable and coupler should work. You don't need to spend $55.00.

I have had issues with my radio as have several others with a pinging sound when transmitting. This happened with or without an extension cord. This was in older Kenwood TM-710 radios. It may have been fixed in new versions. Was not an issue with the vehicle. There is an issue with the radios. Again mine is 2-3 years old. So if you hear someone complain about your radio it is a mic issue. Possibly a radio issue and very likely NOT ANYTHING to do with your setup in your vehicle.

 

[Airmapper]

I'm not radio expert, still learning, but what I researched for extending a Kenwood cable I found someone saying that the difference between normal ethernet cable, and their mic cable, is one or more of the internal wires are shielded. They shortsightedly put 2 pins close together than can cause interference, so one of the wires had to be shielded to keep noise out of the connector. I might be totally off but that is the gist of what I understood.

I just got the extension kit, it was handy for my application, and I have some leftover cables if I need to relocate the unit.

I run a D710G. I think you'll like a Kenwood, seems like a well built and quality radio. I've never received a complaint on my transmissions. I did get one pitch from some HAM I swear had to be a Yaesu salesman for my not having digital voice, but I've yet to grasp the necessity of it, and I consider myself reasonably adept at technology.

 

[1Louder]

I'm not radio expert, still learning, but what I researched for extending a Kenwood cable I found someone saying that the difference between normal ethernet cable, and their mic cable, is one or more of the internal wires are shielded. They shortsightedly put 2 pins close together than can cause interference, so one of the wires had to be shielded to keep noise out of the connector. I might be totally off but that is the gist of what I understood.

It has been a while since I dealt with that issue and I now remember this being discussed. What I can't remember is if any particular generic shielded cable will suffice. They are still cheap. Under $7.00 but hey if you have $55 burning a hole in your pocket go for it. I remember when I have had my issues it was worse with the extension cable but still present without. I gave up and rarely do people complain about my radio. My buddy frequently has the pinging sound. I can't remember if he uses an extension or not.

The 710 is a great radio and very easy to use.

160012-P
by Cable Matters
Link: http://amzn.com/B00BIOFEM6

 

[Yulli]

Thanks for the help guys. So if I go with a shielded cable, then I just need to get a female to female adapter to plug them into, correct?

I was torn between the 710 and the 71A. I ended up wanting the 71A. I don't need the APRS. I just want something to communicate with others. Not really interested in all the other stuff, I'm not that big of a tech geek.

 

[mpinco]

A little more complex than cheap cables when considering RFI:

[h=2][TS-480] Panel control cable extension - use shielded cable[/h]

 

[Yulli]

I might as well just order the extension kit when I finally have my radio. I'm not that tech savvy to know the goods and bads.

 

[1Louder]

Thanks for the help guys. So if I go with a shielded cable, then I just need to get a female to female adapter to plug them into, correct?

I was torn between the 710 and the 71A. I ended up wanting the 71A. I don't need the APRS. I just want something to communicate with others. Not really interested in all the other stuff, I'm not that big of a tech geek.

71A is a great radio. I really recommend getting a programming cable and software Chirp is fine if you take the effort to learn how it works (Free). Programming on the radio takes a lot of time and setting up a spreadsheet on your PC/MAC with all of your preferred frequencies and banks goes very quickly. Also someone within your circle of Ham friends may have what you need and can just let you borrow their cable.

Not sure what vehicle you have but with the radio mounted under my drivers seat the stock mic cable is plenty long. I have the separation kit and have mounted the radio head above my mirror with a small ram mount. Lot's of ideas out there if you do a search.

Good luck with the radio.

 

[Yulli]

I have a 2015 Tacoma.

I'm gonna go to a local ham club and check it out. I know I'll get a lot of help there and here too.

 

[lwg]

I've had the Kenwood 710 for about 7 years now, used a standard Ethernet cable as the extension from back of rig to center console with no issues. Just route the cable away from other electrics is you can.


Sent from my Toaster

 

[1Louder]

I've had the Kenwood 710 for about 7 years now, used a standard Ethernet cable as the extension from back of rig to center console with no issues. Just route the cable away from other electrics is you can.


Sent from my Toaster

Yeah some of these radios just have issues. Mine was completely removed, used a different power source (direct to battery), different antenna, different microphones, and still had issues. We did troubleshooting for days. So who know what is up. There were a few threads here and there on the internet discussing the issue but never got it 100% solved. Glad yours is working properly. Mine is too without an extension 99% of the time. My buddies pings all the time. Great radios though.

- Chris

 

[uli2000]

I have a 710 and am in the process of relocating the body further back in my vehicle. I bought a shielded cat6e cable and a shielded coupler but didn't have any luck getting the mic to work with it. I placed ferrite chokes on each end of the ethernet cable and now have no problems whatsoever.