Looking around online there seems to be different versions of the KPG-134 software for programming the TK-2312. I see 134D, DK and DNK, and versions 2.32 and 2.33.
Is there a particular version I should go with? I'm programming a 2312 for receive only(fire and weather) and would be using a Windows 10 based laptop.
The latest release is KPG-134DN version 2.33. It was released in December 2012.
The "N" means it's narrow band software, and that would coincide with the December 2012 release date. Since the FCC required narrow banding to be complete by January 01, 2013, a lot of the updated software released at the end of 2012 was to meet that requirement.
I do believe the "K" is the market code for the software. K = North America.
So, what does this mean to you?
First, the software you use will be dictated by the firmware version in the radio. Newer firmware requires updated/matching programming software. Likely any radio with a firmware version of 2.33 or newer is gong to
require using the 2.33 or newer programming software. Older software versions will not work with newer firmware. It'll throw an error.
Narrow banded radio/software/firmware won't be an issue, however since NOAA is still running wide band FM on their systems, the audio might sound a bit distorted.
On the VHF radios, the programming software (-N- type) will force you to use narrow band FM above 150.1MHz. Below that, it'll allow wide band. That's good for amateur radio operators for use on the 2 meter band, but an issue on the marine VHF channels and the few remaining wide band VHF frequencies.
You -may- be able to get a W-license from Kenwood. It'll open up the newer software (2.33) to allow wide band programming. It isn't free. It's also keyed to the KPG software. You'll have to fill out some paper work (easy) however you'll need to know the activation key for the KPG-134 software. If you purchase a legitimate copy of the software, you'll get a software key. On the other hand, some folks that choose to download "free" software off Russian hosting sites might not go over well with Kenwood.
The narrow band radios will work with NOAA radio. It just may not sound as good as a wide band radio. I'd give it a try before dropping money on the W-license (I think it's around $75.00).
Lastly, is there a recommended vendor for the OEM Kenwood CD and cable? I see a lot of USB sticks that apparently have the software on it and questionable cables for sale online...
kd4efm would be a good choice to get a real copy of the software.
Downloading KPG software off the internet, or buying bootleg copies off e-Bay or other source, and even USB sticks with the software opens up some issues…
As I'm sure you can guess, it's a good way to introduce viruses and the like to your computer. Buyer beware.
If you care (most don't) there's also the copyright issue. Only legal place to get the software is from Kenwood.
Also, as I mentioned above, you have to have the correct version of software depending on the firmware version of your radio. Make sure you get the version that will work.
You also need to make sure that you are getting the activation key with the software.
As for programming cables,
I've never had an issue with the Kenwood brand cables. I have had issues with the one non-Kenwood cable I bought years ago.
Some aftermarket cables are good, some are not. The Kenwood cables are expensive. I do know that some of the after market cables work just fine. Buyer beware.
