kenwood 2180-3180

CCEMS703 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 11:34 PM

hey i have got a new kenwood tk3180 and im needing to get the software.. im not sure if MDC1200 is on this unit and i am going to buy a new 2180 soon for work and am going to MDC1200 on it.. does anyone know if you have to use diffrent software versions or can i just get one for them both even if on does have MDC1200 ID

Thayne · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 01:01 AM

AFIK the same software does both, but be sure the 2180 you get has the latest firmware.

CCEMS703 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 09:18 AM

alright.. thanks, Now does anyone know where a good cheep place to get the software online is?

Alarmguy · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 12:19 PM

Easiest way to check if your TK3180 has the correct firmware is to turn it on holding in the S1 Button ( the first button above the PTT button on the side). That should show you what firmware you have. You will want either 1.19 or 1.20 for MDC1200 capability. 1.20 is the latest firmware. The software version you need to be able to program MDC1200 IDs with is KPG89D V 1.60 that is the latest programming software.

connerspears · #5 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 03:22 PM

You can get it from your local kenwood dealer it should be the same price as every other dealer. that is the only legit way of getting it.

CCEMS703 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 03:15 PM

OK, i have the software and a USB cable for the kenwood tk-3180 but when i try and get my computer to read or write to the radio it says to check all connections. is there somthing that i have to do to get the cable to work?

ramal121 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 10:46 PM

When you installed the drivers for the USB cable, the cable was assigned a virtual com port. With the cable plugged in, check the device manager to see which com port number the cable is. You then have to set the com port in the KPG-89D software to the same com port number (setup>com port). You should then be able to read the radio.

Also my two cents, if you get a new x180 series radio, spend the extra $60 and get the tactical feature set upgrade. Great for radio geeks. You can field program the radio from the keypad...

CCEMS703 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 12:35 AM

Thank you.. Now i have programed it and the scramble isnt working... the scramble symbol comes up when the programed button is pushed but no scramble, this kenwood 3180 is only version 1.07. Does this have anything to do with it ?

ramal121 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:35 AM

Good deal. Checking scramble in channel edit window and assigning a button for scramble should make it active. However in EXTENDED FUNCTION > OPTION BOARD, do not enable scramble. This is if you have added an enhanced scramble board to the radio and will inhibit the internal inversion scrambler. The 3180 has always had this feature so I would think v1.07 should do it

CCEMS703 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:50 AM

I had it checked as and Option baord.. Thank you for your help