I need older firmware for TK-7180.

[WRBM331]

Hello,
Newbie to Kenwood radios. When writing my programming to the TK-7180, I would get a message that certain features weren't available because of the firmware version I was running. Through a different group I found firmware 1.22. I think I was at 1.15.

Anyway, I did the update and it comes back with "NO SYSTEM" if I try to write the new firmware via FPRO.EXE.

Everytime I power cycle it now it comes back in programming mode (Display says "PROG 115200")

In the firmware zip file there is a file named readme.txt, which I did read first and just gives the legal stuff about ownership and not modifiing the code.
After all of this I now see there is a RTF file that contains
"

TK-2180, TK-3180, TK-7180, TK-8180 Firmware

Checksum: 035C
Version: 1.22
SN: B05~"

My serial number starts with A94...
I am assuming I need to find an older version of firmware to push. Does anyone have an older version or know where I can get one?
Thanks!
Dale

 

[ramal121]

Shouldn't need to back pedal. Serial number shown just confirms at what level was this firmware shipped with from the factory.

Did you confirm the checksum after writing? You can see the checksum anytime by holding the left up arrow down while powering up.

Writing the firmware has no validation (other than the checksum). It is basically a hail mary and will sometimes fail. You need to try another write. Always confirm the checksum when finished. Sometimes changing to a lower write speed helps (with prog 115200 on the screen press the square key to change, then change Fpro).

 

[kd4efm]

confirmed its not a passport radio?

 

[ramal121]

Your radio is 16 years old. Kenwoods do suffer from eeprom fatigue as they age. I just recently had an old TK-790 come in stuck on "PROG 115200". Every firmware flash I tried came back with a different incorrect checksum. Just couldn't get it to take. Had to throw it into the parts bin. Just so you are aware.

 

[MTS2000des]

Many people don't understand this, radios made in the last 25-30 years use EEPROMs that do "wear out" and fail. These EEPROMs are subject to "save state" operations that over time, cause glitchy operation and eventually the radio just stops working.
They can be replaced, but it requires more skill than most end users have, and parts may not be available.

 

[WRBM331]

These were purchased as NOS, and I opened one up and it is completely dust free, so I believe they have little or no use.
I did have someone send me a 1.16 firmware and took ramal121's advice and updated at 19,200. It worked. I then tried 1.22 at 19,200 and had success.
Thanks for all of the help everyone!

 

[KK6ZTE]

What kind of programming cable are/were you using?