Kenwood Two-Way Radio Software

[TheRangerRick302]

Hey, all. I'm new to scanners and two-way radios that aren't CB radios. Well, I'm buying a Kenwood TK-730 radio and a Kenwood TK-350 radio for work (assistant park ranger). I've already purchased a programming cable that has two different plugs on one end made to work with both types of radios (mobile and handheld). Now I just need to know where I can find the software for the two radios.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Grog]

Most kenwood dealers should be able to help you, the software would probably run $50-70 each, just a guess. Some of their software will program both handhelds as well as mobiles, I'm not sure on what you have though.

 

[TheRangerRick302]

Hmm.... Would there happen to be Kenwood outlet stores like Radio Shack or anything? I've never noticed any Kenwood stores before so I wouldn't know where to go. I have, however, gone to KenwoodUSA.com and sent them an email asking about the software, but the site said it may take 3-5 days before I get a response.

 

[Grog]

Look in the phonebook for radio dealers, twoway, etc. Some of them might even advertise that they sell kenwood stuff. You might have to check for a larger city, depending on where you live.

 

[TheRangerRick302]

Probably end up having to cruise up to Raleigh. I'm in Pittsboro and all we have is a Radio Shack outlet store in the tiny corner of the Food Lion shopping center.

 

[n4voxgill]

the people that maintain the park radio systems should be able to help you.

 

[TheRangerRick302]

Yeah, I can give my handheld radio to the ranger that takes radios to the "radio shop" and have her get it programmed, but:

1. Since it'll be my radio and not the State of North Carolina's radio, I'm gonna want PD's, sheriff depts., FD's, VFD's, SHP, SBI, etc. on my radio and I'm not sure if they'll do that for me.
2. I'd like to program it myself since:
a. I don't know how they'd title certain frequencies
b. I'd like to have my channels in certain orders
3. I've already purchased the programming cable.
4. I don't know if she'd take a mobile/vehicle radio to be programmed.

But who knows? I guess I'll ask her if she'll do that for me.

 

[TheRangerRick302]

Now, when it comes to two-way radios, let's say I program 159.225 into my radio, which is the park channel. Now, I understand that I'd recieve radio traffic from this frequency, but would my radio also transmit with this same frequency?

 

[Grog]

It depends on how you have it setup. You can program it as simplex or a repeater.

Have you been authorized to program your personal radios on a state system? Just curious, as you could face a jam if they dicide they don't like you using your own gear.

 

[BaLa]

I ordered the KPG49D from here

http://www.ameradio.com/



I took a while to get it though.

 

[snoopyII]

The 730 can be set up to RX only any conventional freq. within its range. As well as the TK350 should be able also, but I never dealt with them. I am confused though, the 730 is VHF and the 350 is UHF. Are you looking to monitor frequencies on both spectrums? Also, are your frequencies wideband or narrowband?- you'll need a 730G if they're narrowband. If you intend to TX I would make sure you have authorization IN WRITING ON GOV'T LETTERHEAD to CYA. I will shoot you a e-mail.

 

[Grog]

I ordered the KPG49D from here

http://www.ameradio.com/

I took a while to get it though.

This would worry me.....

Top News
· Tekk radios on sale until May 20, 2005

 

[BaLa]

This would worry me.....

you guys are quick lol.


yeah, I thought that was kinda odd too.
But I e-mailed them and asked them a question about the software, and they got back with me the next day. So I went ahead and ordered the software.

 

[TheRangerRick302]

It depends on how you have it setup. You can program it as simplex or a repeater.

Have you been authorized to program your personal radios on a state system? Just curious, as you could face a jam if they dicide they don't like you using your own gear.

I spoke with my supervisor and he said the Park Superintendent wouldn't authorize it's usage as far as transmitting because of some FCC B.S., but I'm free to scan whatever I want at home, for personal use.

The 730 can be set up to RX only any conventional freq. within its range. As well as the TK350 should be able also, but I never dealt with them. I am confused though, the 730 is VHF and the 350 is UHF. Are you looking to monitor frequencies on both spectrums? Also, are your frequencies wideband or narrowband?- you'll need a 730G if they're narrowband. If you intend to TX I would make sure you have authorization IN WRITING ON GOV'T LETTERHEAD to CYA. I will shoot you a e-mail.

I'm new to two-way radios so I don't know the specifics, but I know our park uses TK-730's in the trucks and some TK-250/350's on our belts. Now I know that our park staff communicates on these radios with no problems.

And about transmitting, see my above reply to Grog.

 

[TheRangerRick302]

I have the software I need for the TK-250(G) I bought but for the life of me I can't figure out how it works in DOS. I've been trying to do everything the readme file told me to but nothing worked.... Here's what the readme file said:

TK-250/350 PROCEDURE OF WRITING MAIN PROGRAM

Connection
1. Connect KPG-8 or KPG-22 between radio and computer.

Radio side
1. Power is on while holding "LAMP" and "SCN SW" and then release them after 3
seconds.
2. Radio will display "PROG" (flashing).
Notice: Make sure you must enable the "Main Programming Mode" using FPU
(KPG-23D).

Computer side
1. Use DOS command as blow.
C:\>MODE COM1:9600,N,8,2
Computer will display "COM1:9600,N,8,-"
C:\>COPY A:\TK250.HEX COM1
After copy, computer will display "1 file(S) copied".

Also you can use communication software such as WINDOWS TERMINAL. Setting
as below.
Baud rate: 9600bps
Data: 8bit
Parity: None
Stop: 2bit
Flow: Off
2. If data transfer completely, radio will display check sum: "####"
(4 digits) and TX LED will light.





Any help is oh-so-appreciated.

 

[loumaag]

Any help is oh-so-appreciated.

Let me preface that I have never used that computer package, but have programmed radios from DOS based software often. Based on the instructions, I assume you are using COM Port 1 on the back of the computer. Some computers, especially laptops, commit COM1 to the internal modem. Change the instruction you type to match the actual serial port you are using.

 

[TheRangerRick302]

Yes, the instructions have me typing stuff about "COM1" and I assume I've plugged it in the right port, seeing as it's the only remaining port left that fits my programming cable. Would I have to disconnect other hardware from a similar port and use that port?

 

[TheRangerRick302]

Alas I have excellent news! I spoke with our Park Superintendent and he said it was perfectly legal for me to use my radio for work, but work only. I just can't use it outside of work. But he said he'd get the tones and stuff and would have it programmed for me!

This is great, however, I'd still like to learn to program it myself so I can't have everything the way I want it. So any help is welcome!

 

[loumaag]

...Would I have to disconnect other hardware from a similar port and use that port?

Good news for the work programming...as for the COM port, the answer is no, you don't have to disconnect anything, you just have to find out what port it is that you are plugging into on the back of the machine. Just try different ones: COM2, COM3, etc.

 

[obijohn]

I have the software I need for the TK-250(G) I bought but for the life of me I can't figure out how it works in DOS. I've been trying to do everything the readme file told me to but nothing worked.... Here's what the readme file said:

TK-250/350 PROCEDURE OF WRITING MAIN PROGRAM

Connection
1. Connect KPG-8 or KPG-22 between radio and computer.

Radio side
1. Power is on while holding "LAMP" and "SCN SW" and then release them after 3
seconds.
2. Radio will display "PROG" (flashing).
Notice: Make sure you must enable the "Main Programming Mode" using FPU
(KPG-23D).

Computer side
1. Use DOS command as blow.
C:\>MODE COM1:9600,N,8,2
Computer will display "COM1:9600,N,8,-"
C:\>COPY A:\TK250.HEX COM1
After copy, computer will display "1 file(S) copied".

Also you can use communication software such as WINDOWS TERMINAL. Setting
as below.
Baud rate: 9600bps
Data: 8bit
Parity: None
Stop: 2bit
Flow: Off
2. If data transfer completely, radio will display check sum: "####"
(4 digits) and TX LED will light.





Any help is oh-so-appreciated.

The procedure that you are attempting to do is to download the firmware flash to the radio-this is not what you want to do to program the radio.
The firmware is the UPC operating code for the radio.

You want use KPG23D.EXE at the DOS prompt. That loads the programming software.

To read or write to the radio, you must Hold down the "lamp" and the "LO" buttons while turning on the radio. The radio display will say "PC".

When done turn the radio off, then back on to clear programming mode.

Good Luck