The UBZ-LF68 Exploration Page
This page is for those who want to know a little more about the Kenwood UBZ-LF68 (Black and Yellow) , a new LPD (LowPowerDevice) for license free radio communication. For your safety and convinience we will provide you with some information about the disassembling and inner design of your device.
First here are some illustrated hints, how to have a look inside without damage.
We have also some pictures and details on the chips and main parts. (in case you dont want to risk your own warranty - we did it for you)
Nice to know, Kenwood also has a japanese Version of the UBZ, called there UBZ-LF9 "Demitoss". It seems to be the oldest model.The poor guys there only have 9 channels instead of 68 in Europe. Interesting enough, the japanese version has an scramble mode for the audio transmission. The general frequency range of the japanese model is the same as in Europe, so the HF part should be the same.
An US version with 14 channels is also aviable. The name is UBZ-LF14. Finaly, Kenwood managed it to set up the pages properly, so you can have a look at the features list, the spec-sheet is not online at this time. In the US, the UBZ has the marketing name "Freetalk" and the rules are called "Family Radio Service" (FRS). In general it is the same thing as LPD in Europe, a general public license for low-power radio communication on limited channels the 70 cm-band.
The interesting part is, that the FRS-rules apparently allow for up to 500 mW output power. The LPD-rules permit only 10 mW. The US version also features a scramble mode to enhance "privacy". Update: The scramble mode is now aviable also in Europe. With privacy simulation the UBZ will cost around 30 DM more.
So there are at least three software versions around. The HF parts should be the same, since the different frequency ranges in the US, Europe and Japan are well in the tuning range of a standard PLL.
There is also a good possibilty that the european version has a only software based output-power limitation. I asume, that a comparision of these software versions may lead to interesting expansions. Some of them may be illegal in your or my country, so take care and inform yourself about the rules.
Have a special look for the "Write" and "Test" contacts on the motherboard, maybee, they offer a possibility to change the software.
We will try to cover all upcoming interesting stuff on the Kenwood UBZ-LF series here. If anyone has a US or a Japanese version of the UBZ and is willing to send me some pictures of the inside, I would be glad. Especially interesting is the tiny HF-daugtherboard, a clear picture of both sides may enable us to se, if there are hardware differences between the versions or if everything is made in software.
Another interesting LPD is the EC-10 also known as DJ-S41 made by Alinco, the exploration page for this baby including some very nice insider information can be found here in the near future. I got one recently and compared to the Kenwood, the Alinco is more interesting for people with a little experience in radio comm. (More channels by samller stepwidth, frequency display, cheaper acessories etc.) The Kenwood is better suited for hassle-free family fun.
Please send me your pictures, experiences etc.