Kenwood Tkm707 Mods — [extra Quality]
You're looking for modifications (mods) for the Kenwood TK-M707, a popular amateur radio transceiver. Here are some in-depth details on various mods that enthusiasts and users have explored:
Here’s a short story based on the real-world Kenwood TKM-707, a rugged marine SSB radio often modified by hobbyists for ham and land-based use. kenwood tkm707 mods
- Inside front panel, locate VR301 (mic gain). Increase from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock.
- Add a DIY compressor between mic and radio (e.g., SSM2167 board). Huge improvement for DX.
Summary
The Kenwood TKM-707 was a commercial-grade radio sold to consumers. The "proper story" is that it didn't need mods to be good—it was already over-engineered. The mods (MARS/CAP and channel expansion) were mostly about unlocking the restrictions imposed by the FCC certification, done via the KPG software and careful circuit board adjustments. You're looking for modifications (mods) for the Kenwood
1. The "MARS/CAP" Frequency Expansion
By default, the TKM-707 is restricted to the standard 2-meter amateur band (144–148 MHz). However, many operators wish to transmit on MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) or CAP (Civil Air Patrol) frequencies, which lie just outside the ham bands. Inside front panel, locate VR301 (mic gain)
Here’s a detailed forum-style post covering common modifications for the Kenwood TKM-707, a rugged marine SSB transceiver often repurposed for amateur radio use.
Part 3: Receiver Performance Mods
The TKM-707 has a decent dual-conversion superheterodyne receiver, but it suffers from two common issues: poor close-in dynamic range compared to modern SDRs, and noise blanker inefficiency on impulse noise (like power lines or ignition systems).