Need a source for Kenwood KPG-111D AAR software

[RRR]

Curious why Software that simply enables entering the assigned AAR channel number for the frequency pair desired (TX/RX), would really be so restrictive?

You can easily program any VHF radio that is wide enough, to accept 160-161 freqs. The only real difference is "AAR channel direct entering" as opposed to scrolling through the frequencies/labeled channels, and/or programming split channels in the proper format.

 

[AK9R]

This is total speculation on my part, but it's possible that the Association of American Railroads (AAR) worked out an arrangement with Kenwood whereby AAR promotes Kenwood radios to their members while Kenwood agrees to restrict the AAR-specific programming tool to just railroad radio shops.

Again, total speculation on my part.

 

[N9JIG]

Curious why Software that simply enables entering the assigned AAR channel number for the frequency pair desired (TX/RX), would really be so restrictive?

You can easily program any VHF radio that is wide enough, to accept 160-161 freqs. The only real difference is "AAR channel direct entering" as opposed to scrolling through the frequencies/labeled channels, and/or programming split channels in the proper format.

Is that what this software/radio allows? I suppose the ability to select the transmit and receive channels separately would be a true railroad industry unique application.

 

[kd4efm]

This is total speculation on my part, but it's possible that the Association of American Railroads (AAR) worked out an arrangement with Kenwood whereby AAR promotes Kenwood radios to their members while Kenwood agrees to restrict the AAR-specific programming tool to just railroad radio shops.

Again, total speculation on my part.

Actually, it was an NXDN Forum thing. Icom has thier aar firmware and software available to dealers. KWD keeps it in a controlled setting, but it can be order.

So some truth to your statement, but not a promotion kind of way.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[RRR]

You would be surprised how many Railroads, using NXDN capable radios, aren't using AAR Channel select. I know several shortlines and regionals that don't, and now a large Class-1, while using Kenwood radios, have the AAR channel programmed in, along with what the Railroad calls the channel, and not the traditional way of entering the AAR numbers. The split TX/RX are programmed in this way as well.

While the list is large (due to interchange and use on different divisions and such) they are sure programmed that way.

And there is a class 1 using NXDN on a main line now. Matter of fact, there are even listings now in the database here, under class 1 Railroads, showing "NXDN use"