In the past, these were largely operating on FM but many systems are now being replaced with their digital equivalents. As a result, many old Kenwood commercial FM transceivers can be picked up on sites like eBay.
These radios are a potential source of relatively cheap FM radios for the 40 MHz (8-metre) band.
It should be noted that commercial radios are usually programmed to operate on certain frequencies. Any second hand models will need to be re-programmed.
Here are the Kenwood radios that operate on the Low VHF band.
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Kenwood TK-190... This handheld radio comes in two versions. The TK-190K covers 29.7 to 37.0 MHz and the TK-190K2 covers 35.0 to 50.0 MHz. Both versions have an output power of 1-watt (Low) and 6-watts (High).
This radio had a list price of $643 in 2007.
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Kenwood TK-630... This radio was released in the early 90's.
It is available with power output levels of 110 watts on FM! The TK-630 is available in three frequency ranges... 29.7 MHz to 37 MHz, 35 MHz to 43 MHz and 41 MHz to 50 MHz.
