Interference in Amateur Radio refers to unwanted signals that disrupt radio communication. This interference can reduce signal clarity, make contacts difficult, or completely block communication between amateur radio operators.
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is one of the most common problems in amateur radio. It often comes from man-made electronic devices such as phone chargers, computers, LED lights, televisions, and power supplies. These devices can produce continuous noise or buzzing sounds across radio bands.
Natural Interference also affects amateur radio operations. Lightning causes static noise, while solar activity can disrupt or enhance signals, especially on HF bands. Atmospheric conditions play a major role in how radio waves travel and how much noise is present.
Adjacent Channel Interference and Harmonics occur when signals spill over into nearby frequencies or when transmitters emit unwanted signals outside their assigned band. This is usually caused by poor filtering, excessive power, or improperly adjusted equipment.
Managing and Reducing Interference is an important responsibility for amateur radio operators. Techniques include proper grounding, using quality cables, installing filters, adding ferrite chokes, and ensuring transmitters produce clean signals.
Rules and Responsibilities in Amateur Radio require operators to avoid causing harmful interference, accept interference from other legal users, and correct any problems their station may cause. Cooperation among amateur radio operators helps identify and resolve interference issues effectively.
Options
Amateur radio interference can be reduced by controlling unwanted radio-frequency (RF) energy and improving how equipment handles it. One of the most effective methods is using ferrite chokes on coaxial cables, power leads, and the cables of affected devices. These chokes block RF from traveling along cables and significantly reduce interference.
Good grounding and bonding are also essential. The radio, power supply, and antenna system should be properly grounded, with metal parts bonded together using short, thick wires. A single, well-designed ground point helps prevent RF from spreading into household wiring and electronics.
The antenna system plays a major role in interference. A properly tuned antenna with low SWR reduces stray RF, and placing the antenna farther from buildings and electronics helps limit interference. Using baluns or common-mode chokes at the antenna feed point can further prevent RF from flowing back along the coax.
Interference can also be reduced by lowering transmit power to only what is necessary and by using filters such as low-pass or band-pass filters. Replacing or relocating noisy household electronics—like cheap power adapters or LED lights—can improve reception. Finally, using shielded cables, keeping wiring short, and changing frequency or band when needed can help minimize interference even further.
What about you?
I would love to hear what you have experienced and done about radio interference. Did you cause it? Did you experience it? What helped?
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In terms of performance, the FT-620 delivers approximately 20 watts PEP on SSB and CW, and around 4–8 watts on AM. Receiver sensitivity is quite good for a rig of its era, typically around 0.5 µV for 10 dB S/N in SSB/CW modes. The transceiver divides the 6-meter band into multiple segments using a bandswitch, and offers decent selectivity for SSB and CW operation. It can be powered from AC mains or 12–14 VDC, providing some flexibility for mobile or backup use. However, it lacks FM capability, which limits its use with modern 6m FM repeaters or simplex FM operations.
While the FT-620 is highly regarded for its build quality and straightforward analog operation, it does show its age. There’s no digital display, DSP, or modern filtering, and some units may require refurbishment—such as replacing aging capacitors or realigning circuits for optimal performance. Its bulk and weight (~8 kg) also make it less convenient for portable use. Nonetheless, for those interested in classic radios or operating 6 meters on SSB/CW, it remains a capable and enjoyable rig, particularly when paired with a good antenna.
Overall, the FT-620 is best suited to enthusiasts who appreciate vintage gear and are willing to maintain it. It still holds practical value today in the right hands—especially for those focused on SSB or CW operation during band openings. While it won’t compete with modern rigs in terms of features or integration, its simplicity, durability, and vintage charm continue to appeal to collectors and seasoned hams alike.
See my video below where I fire it up and give it a test.
See me fire up this old girl
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For some reason, not all the key assignment options are in the manual and after a bit of searching, I found no complete list. Hopefully this below helps you in selecting your Key Assignments on the main unit P1-P6 keys, as well as on the microphone PA-PD keys. I have listed them in alphabetical order however under it I have how I have my radio set up.
Selection
Description
A/B
Switch Main Display from A or B
BND
Bandwidth (adjust for low signals)
CAL
Calibration (non-functional)
CDT
CTCSS / DCS options
DIR
Direction of display
MON
Disables squelch
NULL
Will make button do nothing.
POW
Power Level, Low Med Hi
RDW
Dual Watch
REV
Reverse transmit offset and frequency
SCN
Scan, channels or frequencies
SFT
Frequency Offset
SQL
Squelch
TALK
Turns TX off for any particular channel
TRF
Busy channel lockout
VOL
Volume Level, press to change volume instead of channel
VOX
Vox toggle on or off
V/M
Switch from VFO to Memory Channel
Please let me know if I got any wrong or have missed one.
This is how I have set mine up, but as I use the radio, I will change this to suit my needs:
P1
A/B
P2
V/M
P3
MON
P4
SCN
P5
SQL
P6
VOL
P1 mode 2
DIR
P2 mode 2
SFT
P3 mode 2
RDW
P4 mode 2
POW
P5 mode 2
CDT
P6 mode 2
BND
PA
SCN
PB
VOL
PC
POW
PD
RDW
So what are your thoughts on this? How do you setup your radio? Please let me know via the comments below.
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Everyone that has been into radio for a while will know the brand Kenwood. And most know Kenwood isn’t only into Amateur radio, they are bigger than that, and have been also. But are you sure it started in Japan? What else do they make? How big are they today? And what does the name Kenwood stand for?
Kenwood is a Japanese brand of consumer electronics.
In December 1946, Kenwood was established as the Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd. in Komagane, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
In 1958 the company put its first amateur radio on sale.
In 1960, the company was renamed Trio Corporation.
In 1962 they launched the industry’s first transistor amplifier
In 1963, the company established its first overseas office in Los Angeles County, California, United States. It began to sell overseas.
During the 1960s, Trio’s products were rebranded and sold by the Lafayette Radio Company, which focused on citizens band (CB) radio.
The name Kenwood was invented by Kasuga as a combination of
“Ken” which is a name common to Japan and North America and was considered acceptable to American consumers, and
“Wood” which was referring to the material wood, as well as suggesting a relation to Hollywood, California.
In 1966 they introduced the fully transistorised audio products for the first time in the industry.
In 1969 the TR-7100 2m amateur radio for the car goes on sale.
In 1979 the company established the first production overseas in Singapore.
In 1986, Trio acquired Kenwood and subsequently rebranded itself as Kenwood Corporation. This was because Kenwood was more widely recognised than Trio.
In 1991 Kenwood signs an official supply contract with McLearen to provide wireless radio equipment for the F1 Championship
In 1992 they produced their first car navigation system
In 1995, the Mir Space Station carries Kenwood’s amateur wireless equipment.
In 1996 the company was renamed from Tri-Kenwood to Kenwood which coincided with the company’s 50th anniversary.
In 1997 Kenwood made Japan’s first car mounted DAB receivers.
In 2001, Kenwood releases its first digital transceiver operating on P25.
In 2002 they withdrew from the test and measuring equipment business
In 2005, Kenwood joins up with Icom to jointly research the standardisation of technical specifications for digital wireless radio equipment (NXDN).
Since October 2008, Kenwood has been owned by JVC-Kenwood because of a merger between Kenwood Corporation and JVC.
Kenwood has manufactured electronic equipment such as
AM/FM stereo receivers,
cassette tape decks/recorders,
amateur radio (ham radio) equipment,
radios,
televisions,
mobile phones,
speakers, and
other consumer electronics.
Radio
Kenwood has produced two-way radios for a variety of communications standards, including:
wireless DECT intercom systems,
the radio frequency PMR446 and its digital counterpart DPMR446,
DPMR, the Project 25 standards suite,
DMR and
NXDN
Kenwood Today
The Kenwood radio catalogue of today shows what radios they are selling now.
These include
hand held radios that are single, dual and tri band radios
Mobile dual band radios some complete with remote heads. Again single and dual band radios.
All band HF radios some small, some are large and covered in buttons and options
And all band HF, VHF and UHF radios
Today their website shows they are into
Car electronics including digital technology and enhanced in-car comfort and navigation. They have some very cool photos of their motorsports equipment on their website. https://www.kenwood.com/e/motorsports/
Communications using digital technology handheld and base stations, from Professional through to CB radios
Audio and digital communications
Kenwood Logo
So, what do you know about the Kenwood logo?
If you go to their smart website, you can see the red triangle in the logo isn’t there to just look pretty.
The red triangle is the core part of their logo and represents the three values of the Kenwood brand.
Advanced
High Quality
Sharpness
But it doesn’t stop there, the four corners of the W stands for
Precision
Innovation
Emotion
Communication
Your thoughts
So, what do you think, does Kenwood measure up to your expectations? Tell me in the comments below.
What Kenwood radios did, or do you have? What did you think of it? I’d love to know.
For me, I have had a few but still use occasionally the Kenwood TS-120V. It was one of my first HF radio’s and I bought it before the internet was available. I though it was the 100W version, but quickly found out it is not. That said, I enjoy using it every now and then.
So, what did what you learn? I know I learnt a bit. I’m keen to hear what you learnt today.
How many of the Kenwood Radios do you know that I have shown in this video?
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VK3TBS 