TM-255A / E
144 MHz FM, SSB, and CW transceiver featuring a detachable front panel for easy mounting in a car. 40 Watts output, HI/LO switch enables power reduction to 5 Watts. Among its many features are 100 multi-function memory channels plus 1 call channel, AIP (Advanced Intercept Point) circuitry that allows the operator to choose either high sensitivity or a high intercept point to suit conditions, IF-SHIFT and a noise blanker for improved receiver performance, RIT, DDS synthesizer with fuzzy logic control and fine 5 Hz step, twin tuning dials, data connector for 1200/9600 bps packet communications, built-in TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillator). Ideated in Japan, year of introduction 1994.
Reference market : amateur-radio
TM-255A / E specifications
General |
Frequency coverage | |
---|---|
Receive | 144.0000 ~ 148.0000 MHz [1]
144.0000 ~ 146.0000 MHz [2] |
Transmit | 144.0000 ~ 148.0000 MHz [1]
144.0000 ~ 146.0000 MHz [2] |
Mode | |
CW / LSB / USB / FM | |
Tuning step | |
5 / 10 / 100 Hz / 1 / 5 / 10 kHz (CW/SSB)
10 / 50 / 100 Hz / 1 / 5 / 10 / 12.5 / 20 / 25 kHz (FM) 1 MHz |
Receiver |
Sensitivity | |
---|---|
CW/SSB | <0.13 uV (10dB S+N/N) |
FM | <0.2 uV (12dB SINAD) |
Selectivity | |
CW/SSB | >2.1 kHz (-6dB)
<4.8 kHz (-60dB) |
FM | >12 kHz (-6dB)
<28 kHz (-60dB) |
RF attenuator | |
Yes [3] | |
IF-shift | |
Yes | |
NB (Noise Blanker) | |
Yes | |
RIT (Receiver Incremental Tuning) | |
±1.1 (10 Hz step)
±2.2 kHz (20 Hz step) |
|
Frequency stability | |
±2.5ppm with temperature from -20°C to +60°C (CW/SSB)
±10ppm with temperature from -20°C to +60°C (FM) |
|
IF (Intermediate Frequency) | |
1° | 10.695 MHz |
2° | 455 kHz (FM only) |
Squelch sensitivity | |
<0.13 uV (CW/SSB)
<0.09 uV (FM) |
|
CW features | |
Pitch control (400~1000 Hz, 50 Hz step) |
Transmitter |
Output power | |
---|---|
CW/SSB | 5 / 40 W |
FM | 5 / 40 W |
Spurious emission | |
<-60 dBc | |
Carrier suppression (SSB) | |
>40 dB | |
Unwanted sideband suppression (SSB) | |
>40 dB | |
Maximum deviation (FM) | |
± 5 kHz | |
Audio response | |
400~2600 Hz (-6dB, SSB) | |
Audio distortion | |
<7% (60% modulation, SSB) | |
Microphone | |
600Ω |
Features |
Memory | |
---|---|
50 simplex channels
49 split-frequency channels 1 call channel 1 scan range |
|
Display | |
100 Hz frequency resolution
30-segments signal meter bar |
|
Selective calling | |
CTCSS / DTMF
1750 Hz tone |
|
Antenna | |
SO239 50Ω | |
Power supply | |
13.8 VDC (±15%) | |
Power consumption | |
<0.9A RX (no signal)
<13A TX (max RF power) |
|
Audio power | |
2W on 8Ω | |
Audio output | |
Jack 3.5 mm mono (external speaker) | |
Connections | |
Jack 3.5 mm (CW key)
6-pin mini-DIN (DATA / Packet) 8-pin Jack (Mic) |
Mechanical and environmental data |
Operating temperature | |
---|---|
from -20°C to +60°C | |
Dimensions | |
180 (W) x 60 (H) x 215.5 (D) mm, projections not included.
180 (W) x 68.5 (H) x 250 (D) mm, projections included |
|
Weight | |
2.7 kg |
- TM-255A, USA version.
- TM-255E, European version.
- AIP function.
Updated | Complete | UK - NORTHERN IRELAND
378 pages | 300+ Airports and Airfields
Voice com. | ACC | FIC | VOLMET | ACARS | VDL | ILS | VOR | DME
TM-255 vs TM-455 :
The Kenwood TM-455 is similar to TM-255 described in this page, but with 70cm coverage rather than 2 meters.
TM-255A / E rear panel and connections :
Kenwood TM-255A / E rear panel and connections
Reference / Description | |
---|---|
1 | Power input. You can use either a 12V vehicle battery or a regulated 13.8V DC power supply. The TM-255 draws less than 13A at full transmitter output power |
2 | Antenna. Connect an external antenna designed for operation on the 144 MHz band with an impedance of 50Ω |
3 | CW key. Connect a key or electronic keyer for CW operation. Accepts a 3.5mm diameter mono (2 conductor) plug. Always turn the TM-255 power off before inserting the key plug to avoid momentarily transmitting as the plug is inserted |
4 | Data. Connect a TNC (Terminal Node Controller) for Packet operation. Accepts a 6-pin mini DIN plug. Also can be used to control external equipment such as a linear amplifier |
5 | External speaker. Accepts a 3.5mm diameter (2 conductor) plug. |
6 | Ground. A well-grounded transceiver will reduce the risk of interference, it can also reduce receiver noise caused by static discharges |
TM-255A / E price
We have collected for your convenience the Kenwood TM255 sale price (UK Pounds) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.
Price | Date | Condition |
GBP 370.95 (449USD) |
2022-feb |
Second Hand Working, but there are some scratches |
GBP 252.00 (399USD) |
2010-jun |
Second Hand In good condition. Comes with DTMF hand microphone |
TM-255A / E review
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