Kenwood NX-1000 Series Digital Handheld Transceiver Overview

The NX 1000 series supports the NXDN or Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) digital protocols to enhance business efficiency or FM analog for its simplicity. The company's One-"K"-Fits-All solution offers a selection of two-way radios with the same operability as predecessor radios. The model matrix also includes body variations, with or without a backlit LCD and a keypad. Other features include a seven-color LED indicator and the popular KENWOOD two-pin audio accessory connector. Plus, mixed-mode operation ensures seamless integration with legacy radios while smoothing the onward migration path to digital.

The antenna connector of this transceiver uses an SMA-M terminal. Most TK-x400, TK-x402 or TK-x312 audio accessories, antennas and chargers are compatible with the NX-1000 Series

Suffix on the model no. stands for CAI:
N = NXDN
D = DMR
A = Analog Versions

All 26 models displayed across three color-coded sections — teal for Analog FM, blue for DMR/Analog digital, and purple for NXDN/Analog digital. Each card shows the model number, frequency band, wattage, channel count, and keypad type at a glance. Click any card to ask a follow-up question about that specific model

- Choose from direct & intuitive LCD with standard keypad or basic enclosures
- Easy visible Display: 8-digit LCD models featuring high-contrast, white backlit LCD
- Large 7-Color LED indicator on the top panel
- Selective Power-on LED
- Selective Call Alert LED
- Battery Level Indication
- Multi-status function indication
- RF output power 5W both on VHF/UHF
- Wide band UHF 70MHz coverage
- Renowned KENWOOD audio quality: Equalizer, Auto Gain Control, Noise Suppressor
- Multiple Scan Functions
- VOX & PTT
- Emergency Function
- Lone Worker
- Max / Min Volume setting & Volume control
- Voice Announcement
- Remote Stun / Kill / Check
- Front Panel Programming Mode
- Electronic Serial Number (ESN)
- MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F/G
- IP54 and IP55
- Intrinsically safe option

A: The series includes the NX-1200 (VHF) and NX-1300 (UHF). Model suffixes indicate protocol: N = NXDN, D = DMR, A = Analog. A 'B' suffix was added to part numbers in April 2025. Body variations include models with and without a backlit LCD and keypad.

A: ProTalk models (NX-P1000) are typically sold through internet channels, while the non-ProTalk NX-1000 radios go through authorized dealers. Features and core hardware are largely the same.

A: The NX-1000 series replaces the TK-D240 and TK-340 series radios.

A: You must purchase a specific model for each protocol. The NX-1200DVK is the DMR model with an option to add NXDN, and the NX-1200NVK is the NXDN model with the option to add DMR via a license key upgrade.

A: NXDN and DMR are competing digital technologies that accomplish the same goal. Both offer one-to-one communication, clearer audio, greater range, and better battery life than analog.

A: Yes. Mixed Mode operation is native to NX-1000 Series devices and delivers near-instantaneous response, unlike other mixed FM/Digital methods that rely on scanning to detect incoming analog calls.

A: The KNB-45L battery supplied with NX-1000 series radios will last up to 22 hours on a single charge.

A: With the rapid rate charger (KSC-35SK) supplied with every radio, batteries will fully charge in less than 3 hours.

A: All NX-1000 series portables include a Li-ion battery (KNB-45L), fast charger (KSC-35SK), antenna, and belt clip.

A: The KPG-D6NK programming software is required and available through authorized Kenwood dealers.

A: Kenwood's software licensing requires an activation key specific to the user and assigned to their computer. It must be obtained through an authorized dealer.

A: Yes. Front Panel Programming allows users to change frequencies and add conventional channels directly on the transceiver — no software or PC required.

A: RF output power is 5W on both VHF and UHF models, with wide-band UHF offering 70MHz coverage.

A: The NX-1000 series features Kenwood's audio quality with a built-in Equalizer, Auto Gain Control, and Noise Suppressor.

A: The NX-1000 meets MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F/G standards and carries IP54 and IP55 ratings. An intrinsically safe option is also available.

A: The NX-1000 is a low-to-mid tier radio designed for business and industrial users. For demanding public safety use, the NX-3000 is a better fit, and the NX-5000 is the top tier with P25 support.

A: Most TK-x400, TK-x402, and TK-x312 audio accessories, antennas, and chargers are compatible with the NX-1000 Series.

A: Kenwood ProTalk radios are compatible with other radios operating on the same frequencies. Radios must be matched VHF-to-VHF or UHF-to-UHF.

A: Yes. Kenwood radios include 39 PL tones and 83 DPL tones, matched to Motorola's PL and DPL codes for cross-brand compatibility.

A: The NX-1000 has a built-in 15-bit scrambler that provides security by encrypting voice data or user data such as short messages.

A: Yes. The NX-1000 includes an Emergency Function, Lone Worker, Remote Stun/Kill/Check, and a Lockdown Alert function — useful for schools, arenas, and stadiums to call all radios simultaneously.

A: On non-display models, the battery level function can be assigned to a button. When pressed, it provides battery level information through a series of audible tones and LED flashes.