Nx-800 firmware

rasttus · #1 (**permalink**) 01-17-2013, 12:13 PM

Can anybody tell me what is the current firmware version for Nx-800?

mmckenna · #2 (**permalink**) 01-17-2013, 12:28 PM

3.20, just released, although it only adds an option specific to NexEdge trunking. 3.00 which was released late last year has a couple of good things in it. Unless you are running on a trunked system, 3.00 will give you everything you need.

rasttus · #3 (**permalink**) 01-17-2013, 1:43 PM

Thanks!
I have 2.53
looks like I need to update
Is firmware with software or is it seperate?
I have software 3.0
Do you know any dealers that sell?

mmckenna · #4 (**permalink**) 01-17-2013, 1:56 PM

Any Kenwood dealer can get it for you.

Firmware is a separate package, but be aware the new firmware will require updated KPG-111 software.

rasttus · #5 (**permalink**) 01-17-2013, 2:07 PM

Thanks!

mmckenna · #6 (**permalink**) 01-18-2013, 12:35 PM

Finally had a chance to sit down and go through all the information on the new firmware.

This is important:

If you update to the latest firmware (3.2) you MUST use the KPG-111DN software to program. The big issue there is that the KPG-111DN only lets you do 12.5KHz narrow bandwidth channels. You cannot program any 25KHz wide bandwidth channels after you upgrade. There is a way to get a key to unlock wide band, but you have to go through Kenwood, and it doesn't look like they make it really easy to do.

So, before you upgrade, you need to decide...

If you are an amateur radio operator, you probably wouldn't want to do this.
If you use them on GMRS, you'd need to decide if you want to put up with narrow band. It's just fine for some, but others, specifically those that use a lot of repeaters, may not want it.

rasttus · #7 (**permalink**) 01-18-2013, 2:03 PM

Thanks

llu727 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-18-2013, 6:31 PM

I have to question this!

I have upgraded my NX700 and 800 to V3.2 firmware.

I am still able to read and write wideband channels using KPG-111d (v 3.0) - NOT DN

But I got that right before they removed it from the website - Somewhere around the first week of January.

Probably will be a problem when they get to V4!

BJ

mmckenna · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2013, 12:10 AM

It think we are talking about two different things.

The 3.2 is the firmware version I was referring to, not the KPG-111 version.

KPG-111DN is the narrow band analog only version.

llu727 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-19-2013, 6:38 AM

Agreed - Just clarifying that it is not a "must" to use KPG-111DN with V3.2 firmware if you have KPG-111DK V3.0.
The OP stated that he had V3.0 software.

BJ

mmckenna · #11 (**permalink**) 01-19-2013, 8:07 PM

To access the latest features that were added, you'd need to use the latest programming software. Since 3.2 only added some non-dedicated control channel functions, there isn't any need to upgrade to that unless you are running a trunked system and feel the need to use the changed functionality of the non-dedicated control channel function.
By all means, stick with the non-DN software if you want to retain wide band channel capability. I'll keep my older version available since I did add a few 2 meter frequencies to one of my work VHF mobiles. It's always a really good idea to research the changes that new firmware or new software versions bring before upgrading.

llu727 · #12 (**permalink**) 01-19-2013, 9:01 PM

Good point that got past me! - I'll worry about the wideband when the trunk system gets to where it needs the non dedicated control channel. Good new feature in the software. Someone is doing some excellant engineering.

mmckenna · #13 (**permalink**) 01-19-2013, 11:51 PM

Yeah, I've been impressed with the Kenwood stuff. I've had the opportunity to talk to some of their engineers, design guys and marketing/sales people. Kenwood is really pushing to grow their market share, and it's starting to pay off. Our fire department went to all Kenwood gear many years back and have been quite happy with it. I'm working on switching our PD to Kenwood also. They are going to start purchasing all the new hand held VHF radios from Kenwood, and will eventually start replacing the VHF mobiles with them. Pretty much all of us are burnt out on the Motorola marketing/sales people. Most of their radios are wonderful, but dealing with the high pressure sales, annoying tactics and shady marketing just got to be too much. Kenwood is really working hard for our business, something that Motorola has been taking for granted too long. We still do use a lot of Motorola equipment, however. It's hard to beat their repeaters.