TM-255A / E

Kenwood
TM-255A / E

Specifications

Prices

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.

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 (US Dollar) 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
USD 449.00	2022-feb	Second Hand Working, but there are some scratches
USD 399.95	2010-jun	Second Hand In good condition. Comes with DTMF hand microphone

TM-255A / E review

Your opinion on merits, defects, experiences, with this radio set is welcome. Write your review, after a technical evaluation by our staff if found suitable will be published on this page. We thank you for your precious contribution.