The BEST GMRS Radio You Can Own? Converted Kenwood TK-890H Commercial Radio to GMRS. Long Range Test

In this video, I dive into testing a converted Kenwood TK-890H Radio for GMRS use. We contact several repeaters, one at 42 miles (Lexington Park, MD), and another at 57 miles (Mechanicsville, MD), using a prototype 5-Element GMRS Yagi antenna on a Harbor Freight 20ft flag pole.
These radios when tuned properly and converted for GMRS by programming are phenomenal radios. Pair with a noise-cancelling mic and you have a very robust unit. Clean, clear, and crisp audio with excellent transmit and receive performance. This is my favorite base/mobile GMRS use radio hands down!
These will beat the snot out of my previous favorite Midland MXT575...
These also make a rock-solid transmit side of a GMRS repeater setup.
Parts and accessories for these radios aren't cheap, but you get what you pay for. These are over-engineered, made in Japan, with the best audio components available. If you want the best, you can't beat these!
GET ONE all ready to go as shown or customized just for you.
email [e-mail]
We can also refurbish and program customer provided radios as well.
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[@5303138772]

Just received my TK-890H from Steve. The whole process was a class act, from beginning to end. Packaging and shipping were first class. Radio is a tank. I can leave it on all day, and it never gets more than warm. Steve also makes himself available for any questions whatsoever. He will customize the radio to your needs. Overall, I am very pleased and cannot say more about it. I most likely will purchase more for my family members going forward.

[@Commodium]

Thank you so much! Always here to help! You will love using that 890. One of my absolute favorite radios.

[@Cleancut750]

Steve can you pm me the price for your TK-890H

[@Commodium]

Currently waiting on another batch to come in. All the current stock has been spoken for with orders. Feel free to email me at any time. [e-mail]

[@moneyquicker]

I recently ordered the Tk-890 with the combo antenna. Can't wait to receive it! Steve is a gentleman, always available to answer any questions or concerns, makes himself available at all times. I have a summer home in Key Largo Florida, I want to communicate via GMRS when out fishing several miles away. Many times cellphone service doesn't work for me since I'm way beyond cell towers. I'll be ordering more radios and other equipment from Steve. It's a true pleasure doing business with him. I'll post again once I receive the original order. I'll send Steve pictures to show everyone. Manny

[@2148aa]

I tell stories about a Motorola VHF-Low unit in a one stack Mack truck with a window in the back. Ground the microphone to engage the CTCSS decoding receive. The joke was the unit weighed 70 pounds. But the truck lost 30 pounds for all the holes drilled trying to get it installed. The other joke was if you gave the installer back all his tools he forgot in the truck. He would tip you $20.

[@Commodium]

Nothing quite like low band vhf. It’s unfortunate that it seems like a forgotten band. But despite modernizing radio systems low-band beats just about everything for simplex radio to radio comms

[@tompinnef6331]

Love low band - My Kenwood 690's are still in use. 33.88 mhz fire service but most have gone to digital 700/800 mhz trucking systems. Some of our local departments where on 46.10. Would hear lots of east coast departments years back. But even ours has gone to VHF which makes life easier when on MABAS calls. Was harder when half the county was on LB and rest on VHF.

[@Commodium]

@@tompinnef6331 I'm going to be featuring the 690H and the 6110 in the next set of videos. Also have antenna vids coming up too! Low band is often overlooked, but it gets through when most else doesn't.

[@johnkaelberer237]

The Kenwood is a great radio, I use a couple of the lower power versions. I am really enjoying your no BS channel. Off topic for this video, have you noticed that the Baofang has a less sensitive receiver compared to say a Yaesu FT-60 ? I mention this because while both radios will talk the same distance, I've been next to someone with a Baofang with my FT-60 and the Baofang didn't hear the other radio, my FT-60 did. This was a very weak signal. Both radios had signal stick antennas. Not trying to throw shade, just wanted to hear your experiences. I tend to use more expensive radios. The lower priced ones work great in most cases. Kind of like running a BCM vs. a Palmetto Armory if you get my drift. I just trust the BCM more. That said, I have a bunch of Baofangs stashed away.

[@Commodium]

No you're not imagining things. The little 'feng radio isn't going to compare to the FT-60. And for the price point they can't. Good reception on radios depend greatly on the filtering, and audio processing. In order for a baofeng radio to retail for $35, they have to use parts that will get the job done, but are economically feasible to use. That being said, I have done some pretty amazing stuff with a baofeng. I use them all the time for range testing and antenna design *specifically because they aren't the best radio you can use.* If it works well with a 'feng it will work even better with a high dollar rig. That being said, I love em. I own... hell I can't even count how many. 15-20? Maybe I've killed a couple with torture tests, blew one up with a bad amp, even flew one on a drone. I think the cheap price and descent built quality is what makes them a favorite. And if anything Boafeng is probably the one brand responsible for getting so many into starting radio. Now the real question is Bravo or Daniels? And not a thing wrong with PSA or BCA either....

[@jamesholbrook3648]

I have a selection of Kenwood TK series radios all in UHF, 840s, 880s and 8180. Great radios once you understand the caveats of part 90 radios.

[@Commodium]

Most commercial radios are built like tanks. And also have a lot in terms of flexibility and features.

[@SirDadbod]

Now I know how my friends feel when I talk about building pc and doing computer stuff.. Cause this stuff right here makes me feel dumb..I need to learn way more..Lolol..

[@Commodium]

It is similar in the learning curve and has its intricacies for sure. Especially when it comes to antennas and RF propagation. But once you get into it, it is both fun and frustrating. But overall it is rewarding to learn about.

[@moneyquicker]

Steve is a master of attention to detail. Received my custom kenwood radio and antenna with all of the modifications as requested. He stands behind his products 100%. Power horse of a radio, I'm super happy with the entire transaction. I'll be making more custom purchases

[@chrisferrell8741]

So how do I find out about ordering one of these radios?

[@Commodium]

Email me at [e-mail] for details. Thanks!

[@MitchellNorman-qh5ri]

Can this radio be used easily as a base to communicate with other off the shelf gmrs radios like midlands? We have a handfull of midland 15 watt radios on the farm and would like a good high power base unit at the shop. Thanks!

[@Commodium]

Oh yes absolutely. When programmed it is fully 100% compatible. Can use any CTCSS and digital tones you program in as well

[@frankbowman22]

What type of controller are you using for your repeater with this radio is it a Rick or Raspberry Pi or idiomatic or can any of these hear be used

[@Commodium]

These radios are very flexible for a repeater setup. And any controller that has the ability to operate and external PTT function can be used. The ID-O-Matic, MMDVM, and Rick function perfectly. They also can be easily converted over to 9600 baud data radios to support DMR and other digital repeater modes with MMDVM

[@dannydivine7699]

12:15 You should have knocked out his call like you were knocking out your own!! Jest say'in!!

[@Commodium]

Honestly, probably so. I don’t disclose any of mine because of some of the fringe stuff I do to show what is possible vs. what is acceptable. Because when it counts callsigns and rules be damned.

[@mikeperry2561]

Noob big time. What does this thing run? It’s Ken wood it has to be good!

[@Commodium]

They are excellent radios! Email [e-mail] for details

[@JJRaaf]

Love the vid. Mine needs a paint job. Im just curious what color and kind of paint is that? Looks great...

[@Commodium]

Krylon “hard to paint” primer, Hunter’s Specialty Olive Drab, Krylon UV protectant Matte Clear Coat

[@JJRaaf]

@@Commodium thanks!

[@jhartmac100]

Very cool just emailed the contact, I am in MD as well.

[@Commodium]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@pim55]

It would be nice of you have us the price.

[@Commodium]

Pricing varies on options. Email me at [e-mail]

[@ethansmith9065]

Purely out of curiosity, how likely is it that pushing 100w will attract the attention of dear old uncle Charlie?

[@Commodium]

Not a drop more attention than pushing 50w out of a 6dbi antenna….

[@Commodium]

Now that’s not to say you wouldn’t by doing something stupid with it, such as making a jammer or using it to deliberately cause interference. But you could in theory do that with a 5W handheld too.

[@rockspydre]

That was a hoot seeing this. Just talked to you this evening on your latest design. I was the guy on the western shore with the HT talking to you on LP600. Pretty impressive work.

[@Commodium]

Man that's awesome! I am currently working on several designs for the next video series. I'll be on later this evening. When we do the recording for the video maybe we can get you on?

[@rockspydre]

Just saw this today after talking to you again for those three antennas you were testing. Always a pleasure.

[@Commodium]

@@rockspydre Thanks! I appreciate your assistance. That video will be posted in next couple days. Then have a a YAGI up for a video and on-air testing.

[@JamieCaldwell-qj7yz]

That’s impressive. How much are they?

[@Commodium]

Well it depends on how you want the setup. You can find the main body “RF” decks online for around $100 or less. Then have to get the control head, mic, programming cable, and that would get you up and running. But it’s alot for the casual user to do. That’s why we offer to convert and configure them. But if you do want to do it yourself I can certainly help. Or we can configure one for you. Just depends on how you want it setup

[@DaytonaJim78]

Is it the same firmware as the tk 880h

[@JamieCaldwell-qj7yz]

@@Commodium I meant to ask how much is it to get one from you? Sorry, I wasn't to specific.

[@Commodium]

@@JamieCaldwell-qj7yz No worries! The prices can fluctuate depending our access to surplus stock. But as shown with our current batch the modifications and programming you would be in the $400 range delivered. Send me an email (address in description) and I'll shoot a quote with price breakdown over to you.

[@Commodium]

@@DaytonaJim78 Nope. They have an entirely different firmware and programming software version. I have found these units to be rock solid and stable. These are 100% my go-to for mobile and base station use. And the DB-25 and accessory port presents a huge amount of possibilities you can do with them.

[@Knarf14]

Kae call is old , the guy has been around

[@Commodium]

Yes, we had a good conversation as well. Had to edit it for time in the video. And at 57 miles out without so much as a little distortion. Having the right gear makes all the difference.

[@414mike-uw8pr]

If I may acknowledge what external speaker you using and the hook up for it ?

[@Commodium]

For external speakers I use genuine kenwood 4w speakers driven off the 9-pin rear accessory port. For internal speakers I use 4w mini-oval OEM speakers with header pins of the audio output.

[@414mike-uw8pr]

@@Commodium cool thanks but on the 9 pin connector, what pin number ?

[@Commodium]

@@414mike-uw8pr 2 & 6

[@414mike-uw8pr]

@@Commodium awesome thank you

[@randegu1]

Hay can you pm me . I would love 1 of these if i can afford it. I live in a verynremote area. No near by repeaters . I am 55 miles from anywhere. Minimum.

[@Commodium]

Shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@thomasthewatchman]

I’m interested in this for my home office base station what’s the cost?

[@Commodium]

The pricing depends on options and if it is setup for either a base station or remote mobile unit. The base unit is basically the same price as a Midland MXP500 but with twice the power. Send me an email [e-mail]

[@jamesblack449]

I don't see the pricing for the radio or the antennas If it's not to expensive I maybe interested in the little antenna

[@Commodium]

The video description is the base station vid has the current introductory pricing on the antennas. The radio pricing varies with options. Email me [e-mail] for details. We are receiving heavy order volumes and where these are hand built at the time of ordering it does take a while to get them out. But well worth the wait.

[@MikeJulietGolf]

If I was using an 890H as a base radio and wanted to use the remote head function, how long of a run can I make the cable between the radio and control head?

[@Commodium]

I can only guess you are wanting to minimize coax losses by doing a base with a remote head? Probably best to run low-loss cable vs a remote head for that instance. Plus with the extra power these radios provide, that helps a great deal too. You can email me for help on your setup as well. But to answer your question.. 13ft or so is probably the longest run you would want to do. I have seen specialty double shielded custom runs as long as 50ft but it would depend on your specific situation.

[@tomlyerly850]

I am enquiring about the availability of your refurbished Kenwood TH-890H GMRS radio. How much are you charging for a couple of these radios? Thanks in advance. I really enjoy your videos. Very informative in down to earth laymen terms.

[@Commodium]

Hello Tom. I have sent you an email with details. Thanks!

[@tomlyerly850]

@@Commodium Like a dummy I bought a couple on ebay. I have sent you a comment concerning so assistance. I know I did not purchase from you, but your help will be appreciated. Just let me know what you can do.

[@oct91966]

Steve is that you? It’s Buck

[@Commodium]

I ask myself that same question each morning... Is this really me? :) Been a long time Marine! Hit me up on the email in vid description.

[@oct91966]

@@Commodium once a Marine always a Marine

[@hangfire5005]

@@Commodium GRRR!

[@icebrakernh]

With that on 100 watts would make one heck of a repeater

[@Commodium]

Lol I hear the sad hams in the background cracking their fingers getting ready to type an essay to reply to this…. 😂

[@Commodium]

And these radios do make and excellent transmit section to a repeater. On the lower power setting at 45w and the addition of a good fan they can operate at nearly 100% duty cycle

[@icebrakernh]

@@Commodium those poor sad hams lmao. 🤣

[@icebrakernh]

@@Commodium that is probably the best thing yet. To keep working under high use conditions.

[@hangfire5005]

No! nO! you need laisunz for dat!! harrumph!

[@tomlyerly850]

I have a couple of the kenwood TK-890H. I have the programming software and cable. I have programmed the radio with all of the gmrs chaanel and repeaters I can transmit just fine, but getting no sound from the radio or any indication of receiving on the front panel. I am using the "K" 450-490 frequencies, converted from engine ignition (r504/r506), speaker conversion running the lead wires from a 5watt 3ohm speaker (not the KES-4) to the 9 pin connector (3,6).. Can you possibly give me some tips on what you think might be the problem? Its the same on both radios so I believe its something I havent done yet. Thanks in advance.

[@Commodium]

On the back of the molex connector 9-Pin you want pins 2 & 6. Pin 3 is for a remote speaker switch input. So switch those pins around and that should get ya going

[@tomlyerly850]

I have switched to 2/6. No difference. The issue is that when the radio is turned on (on both units) the icons pop up on the screen and than disappear. The only pf button that seems to do anything is the MON switch. Should I see any indicator to let me know it is receiving ?

[@Commodium]

@@tomlyerly850 If the squelch is open you should see a Green LED light up next to the TX LED. You may have to get them serviced or evaluated. Was this an eBay purchase? Tons of sellers on there just resell but do not refurb or fully test the radios. Hopefully you you were not in the category....

[@tomlyerly850]

@@Commodium Yes unfortuanately I was. Its just odd that both would be the same Is there a way to send them to you and you can test and refurbish? Any idea about the cost? Not a cheapo, just like to have a ball park.. Please hel. I have tried everything I know. I try to dev into the service manuals and instructions, but nothing I have tried works. Im in NC so we are somewhat close. My best friend is from the Eastern Shores, His father is in the bost business. He built one of the historical ship some years ago in the old construction days

[@Commodium]

@@tomlyerly850 Sure thing I can get you fixed up! email me [e-mail]

[@DaytonaJim78]

This would be great for my repeater build

[@Commodium]

Oh absolutely! If you want ones configured by us, send an email (address in description) with the setup you have in mind. I can get a quote together for you with the radios and cable harnesses for matching to a repeater controller.

[@Mgoblu87]

Can we get a video, showing the front of the unit, and see how you program one. Even how you’d program one for me. Thanks….

[@Commodium]

I will have more videos coming up with these units. However the supply is dwindling and they may be unavailable by the time that video can be scheduled