How to change Caller ID on Kenwood NX-5200?

[sdfwf2f3f3]

Hello, I work in a correctional facility where we use these radios. All the radios are assigned a 4 digit number and they are used by different people. Consequently when someone hot mics or hits their mandown button, we have to figure out who has that radio because the only thing displayed is the 4 digit number. Is there any way I can change the caller ID to text so that when one of these events occurs we can have a better idea of who the operator is or what the radios assigned area is?

 

[mmckenna]

Yes.

How it's done depends on which mode they are using, Analog? DMR? NXDN? P25?
And it requires programming software. If it's on a trunked system, the software will need a system key.

The right way to do this is to talk to whoever manages the radio system.

 

[KK6ZTE]

Yes.

How it's done depends on which mode they are using, Analog? DMR? NXDN? P25?
And it requires programming software. If it's on a trunked system, the software will need a system key.

The right way to do this is to talk to whoever manages the radio system.

Not to mention, anyone programming radios for public safety should be programming them with read protection passwords at a minimum.

 

[sdfwf2f3f3]

Yes.

How it's done depends on which mode they are using, Analog? DMR? NXDN? P25?
And it requires programming software. If it's on a trunked system, the software will need a system key.

The right way to do this is to talk to whoever manages the radio system.

Our radios are programmed by the state's public safety communications division. We unfortunately have no dedicated personnel to deal with this within our own agency so we're usually at the mercy of whatever they give us.

 

[merlin]

Not knowing the system, my best input is usually the stuck mic or E-button, the dispatcher gets and knows all the needed info and can temp disable a radio or send call group alerts to those that need them.
That in turn can send alpha tags as to who, what, and where.
This is something that has to be programmed into the system and that by the system administrator doing the programming. Beyond the user control but can be done.
Radio to radio would be possible depending on the system and configuration.

 

[mmckenna]

Our radios are programmed by the state's public safety communications division. We unfortunately have no dedicated personnel to deal with this within our own agency so we're usually at the mercy of whatever they give us.

OK, then changing this yourself isn't going to be an option.

The radios can (and should) be programmed for read/write password, so buying the software/cable ($300) may not get you into the radios.
The programming software is very complex and unless you program radios frequently, it won't make any sense to you, if you could get in to the radio.
If the radios have any portion of a trunked system in them, you'd need a system key, which are not given out to anyone. Sort of like me asking you to send me a copy of the key to your front door. Ain't going to happen.

Have your Chief call the radio group and explain your needs. This is an easy fix for an experienced radio tech. Would take a few minutes per radio.

 

[ramal121]

Another consideration. If you are using digital either NXDN or DMR you can use a feature called Over The Air Alias. This encodes the name of the radio with the transmission data. Makes it easy to maintain the correct alias when new or swapped radios crop up as only one or two need to be updated.

If you have P25 or analog radios they do not support this. To make names display you will have to build an alias list that references the ID's to an alpha numeric string. When a receiving radio sees an ID it will look it up from the list and display that name. Works, however if over time the list becomes obsolete due to new and swapped radios you will have to update the list then reprogram every single radio to keep them current. This would be an ongoing thing and becomes a pain in the rear. Either that or just let the list degrade over time.

This assumes you are indeed able to program your own radios which from the above may not be possible.