Dumb NX-5000 series questions

[fog]

Hello,

I've been reading a good bit about the NX-5000 series. The ability to have a single control head driving a 5700 and a 5800 for VHF and UHF DMR and P25 is pretty compelling. (Though the P25 pricing makes me wince!) It'd make for a nice, compact setup, and is the only real option I know of for having DMR and P25 in the same radio. There are a few things that reading a bunch of posts here hasn't made clear to me:

1. The online authentication for the software (D1N) gives me pause. It's mildly annoying now, but what happens 5 or 10 years down the road when Kenwood shuts down the licensing servers for what may then be a "legacy" product? Is the authorization only necessary when you first install the programming software / add a newly purchased software, or does it need an Internet connection every time I want to use it?
2. Semi-related -- does anyone use the D1N software in a virtual machine? I'm a Mac/Linux guy. I can't tell if running it in a virtual machine might be helpful (e.g., the ability to save a snapshot offline in case there's a computer hardware failure), or if it's going to just cause headaches.
3. How does the volume control work with the KCH-20R head and multiple decks? Is the audio for all radios controlled concurrently, or does volume just adjust the selected deck? I can see the appeal of having both for a scanning setup, but I can also see how it'd be really annoying if I want to have a QSO on VHF while local public safety is talking on the UHF deck or whatnot.
4. I found a price list that suggests that the FPP software is an option not just on the NX-5000 series portables, but also on the mobiles. Anyone know if that was a misprint or if it's actually an option? And if so, what requirements does it have (DTMF mic, HHCH?)?
5. Does the audio playback work (albeit with less space) without enabling the microSD port?

Apologies if some of these have been answered before and I'm just not finding them. I've done a good bit of reading, but I'm normally a Motorola and Yaesu guy, so it's taken me a while to wrap my head around some of this.

 

[mmckenna]

The online authentication for the software (D1N) gives me pause. It's mildly annoying now, but what happens 5 or 10 years down the road when Kenwood shuts down the licensing servers for what may then be a "legacy" product? Is the authorization only necessary when you first install the programming software / add a newly purchased software, or does it need an Internet connection every time I want to use it?

You only need it once. There are also ways to do it without an internet connection using a USB stick from Kenwood.

Semi-related -- does anyone use the D1N software in a virtual machine? I'm a Mac/Linux guy. I can't tell if running it in a virtual machine might be helpful (e.g., the ability to save a snapshot offline in case there's a computer hardware failure), or if it's going to just cause headaches.

I've never tried it. I have a dedicated PC laptop I use for programming. My "regular" computer is a Mac. I've run some Kenwood software under VirtualBox on the Mac without issue, but not KPG-D1N.

How does the volume control work with the KCH-20R head and multiple decks? Is the audio for all radios controlled concurrently, or does volume just adjust the selected deck? I can see the appeal of having both for a scanning setup, but I can also see how it'd be really annoying if I want to have a QSO on VHF while local public safety is talking on the UHF deck or whatnot.

Depends on how you program it. Ideally you use a separate speaker for each RF deck and control the volume independently.

I found a price list that suggests that the FPP software is an option not just on the NX-5000 series portables, but also on the mobiles. Anyone know if that was a misprint or if it's actually an option? And if so, what requirements does it have (DTMF mic, HHCH?)?

It is an option on the mobiles. You do not need the DTMF or HHCH to do it.

Does the audio playback work (albeit with less space) without enabling the microSD port?

My understanding, and from what I've found in the manuals is yes. I don't use it on any of ours, so someone who's actively using it might be able to confirm.

Apologies if some of these have been answered before and I'm just not finding them. I've done a good bit of reading, but I'm normally a Motorola and Yaesu guy, so it's taken me a while to wrap my head around some of this.

Not a problem. They are complex radios with a ton of features.

 

[Giddyuptd]

To answer,

1. Once you authorize you're good first time unless you need to add licenses aka p25, dmr and so on for added features.

If your system crashes it may be issue.

By time Kenwood went down which I don't see either newer products will be supported or they'll essentially open the software after a long time and the model is eol and they loose no money. So no worries. Mostly Motorola and mainly Kenwood, Harris have gone to a format to not loose money to hackers and others with leaked tools so once down road past the eol I'm sure they'd release a final firmware and version that won't need to authenticate. Right now you authenticate first time on one machine per license and after don't need to worry about it. If you add features you'll need to use the server to authenticate the license key for added feature.

2. Not sure. It may be possible with work as anything is and bonus if you're c plus capable or a programer. If it's in a virtual type machine you may be able to get it to work. Others may chime in.

3. 4. I'll let Evans answer that he's the pro. My description could not be the answer you want.

5. The audio record is limited to 30 seconds or so give take. So if you want the SD card option for recording I'd say go for it. It'll add time for memory.

To add to that I used the internal memory which will record around 30 seconds or so, it's ideal IF your dispatch can tone out and get the info out within 30 seconds if a quick call 2 tone. But if not it'll stop recoring thus you'd need to SD option.

 

[mmckenna]

I'll add, the KPT-300 licensing software is used for a number of different radios/software, not just the NX-5000, so unlikely it's going to disappear anytime soon. There are models that were only just released in the last year that use it. I understand the concern, but I don't think it's something to worry about for a very long time.

 

[Giddyuptd]

I agree. I wouldn't worry.

Even so they'd release most likely firmware or software not dependant on the server if need be.

Keep in mind it is a new platform and to save them from illegal pirating and losses on upgrades it's in place.

Once it's all eol and the money has been made it'll be moot of worrying and they'd have a newer platform out by then to focus on with a basic software.

None the less I don't see Kenwood going anywhere.

They are heavy in the private business and smaller public safety agency types, some large. I don't see them going anywhere to a dead end.

Now Motorola, if they keep up their ways I see them flopping and them apx next radios being bricks for many in the down road lte versions to come.

 

[mmckenna]

Now Motorola, if they keep up their ways I see them flopping and them apx next radios being bricks for many in the down road lte versions to come.

Yeah, that and their hosted programming thing.

I'm in the market for about 50 new high tier portables and mobiles, and Motorola isn't near the top of that list. No longer a fan.

 

[Giddyuptd]

Yeah, that and their hosted programming thing.

I'm in the market for about 50 new high tier portables and mobiles, and Motorola isn't near the top of that list. No longer a fan.

Yep. I been pushing for many in our area to go to kenwood. Hopefully soon the pencil pushers will locally get kenwood I'm told they will. Hope so.

Kenwood is great. It is in its prime for public safety and loaded with features. With firmware it's even better for add on and improvement.

To the OP, go for it.

I love my nx5200.

 

[Wackodrumr]

Semi-related -- does anyone use the D1N software in a virtual machine? I'm a Mac/Linux guy. I can't tell if running it in a virtual machine might be helpful (e.g., the ability to save a snapshot offline in case there's a computer hardware failure), or if it's going to just cause headaches.

I've never tried it. I have a dedicated PC laptop I use for programming. My "regular" computer is a Mac. I've run some Kenwood software under VirtualBox on the Mac without issue, but not KPG-D1N.

To add to this, if I may. If you switch computers quite frequently, make sure you detach your license from that computer first. I made the mistake of forgetting to do that once... ONCE. I had turned in my old computer and got my new one. When I tried to use my D1N license I got the "License is Unavailable" message. I had to go back and get my old computer, fire it up, reinstall the software (it had already been ghosted), & detach the license so I could use it on my new computer.

On question 3, I had just posted this question on the big NX5000 thread. Someone had programmed a "mute" button, which is what I'm going to look into.

 

[fog]

Thanks, all! I'm very tempted to give this a go. The other nice thing about the software updates for adding digital modes is that I can start semi-affordably with just the DMR license, and then drop big money on the P25 upgrades at a later date when I'm sure I really like the platform.

One other question -- one of the other things that attracted me to Kenwood is that their programming software will, as I understand it, permit programming out of band without gross hex-edit hacks. I'm interested in 440 MHz ham, GMRS, and the ability to receive local T-band public safety up at 483 MHz. This is always a pain in the butt because virtually every radio only covers a part of that. (A mythical 440-490 MHz deck would be perfect!) Kenwood's UHF splits are 380-470 and 450-520. Does it make sense to try to take a 450-520 deck down 5-10 MHz for 70cm, where I'd be transmitting, versus trying to get a 380-470 MHz deck to receive 12-13 MHz higher?

 

[mmckenna]

I'm only using the NX-5700's and have no need to take them out of band, so I don't know the answer to that.

I'd suspect you'd get them a bit out of range, but at some point the VCO won't lock and you won't be able to go any further. As I'm sure you understand, these are not amateur radios, so they are not intended for that sort of bandsplit. If you -really- want it, you can go with a dual RF deck, single control head and just install a lower split UHF deck and a higher split UHF deck.
Issue you will run into is that you'll need the W-license to get the amateur and GMRS wide band capability.