TM-281 Pirated Radios

Chalk up another one to the abilities of pirates to duplicate a radio.... well, sort of. 

This joins the Yaesu VX-8, the Yaesu FT-7900, the Icom IC-V8, the Icom IC-V86 (it's been so bad with Icom models that they now put a hologram on the label that you can use to verify the radio when you get it), the Yaesu FT-8900 (these at least come with a different number), 

The TM-281 that was originally from Kenwood is being offered on-line (we have heard from EBay) at a good price.  How wonderful.  But... this is NOT a real Kenwood TM-281 radio.  This will be immediately evident when the radio cannot be programmed with the RT Systems, KRS-271/281 Programming software. 

This is the best evidence we have from the counterfeit radio... the FCC ID number and other details are missing from the label as seen here 

This is the label from our original Kenwood TM-281 radio.  Notice how different these are!!

Out of respect for Kenwood, the RT Systems programmer will not be modified to work with these counterfeit radios.  

A good buy is not always as good as it seems.  You might want to check the labeling on the radio you receive as soon as you receive it or at the very least during any warranty period.  Also, programming through the front panel keys should be available to get this radio up an running. 

Good luck and good Hamming!!