TK-2180 HELP

[KO4FHB]

I just recently was given a TK-2180 and thought I would program it for HAM use. I bought the cable and downloaded KPG-96D V3.30. I selected the correct Model and port information but when I try and read from the radio I get "Check Model Name and Market Code". I am new to the commercial radios. Please help!!! Thanks in advance, 73

KO4FHB

 

[mmckenna]

I get "Check Model Name and Market Code".

That means one of three things:
1. The software activation code you used isn't for the US market. The US market activation code should start with K44…..
2. The radio itself is not a North American market radio (Does it have an FCC ID on the back under the battery?) Model number on the back should be something like TK-2180K. The K is North American market.
3. It's got the MPT firmware in it.

There's probably other causes, but those are the most common.

 

[KO4FHB]

That means one of three things:
1. The software activation code you used isn't for the US market. The US market activation code should start with K44…..
2. The radio itself is not a North American market radio (Does it have an FCC ID on the back under the battery?) Model number on the back should be something like TK-2180K. The K is North American market.
3. It's got the MPT firmware in it.

There's probably other causes, but those are the most common.

Thanks for your reply. The radio does have a FCC ID and the activation code does not start with K44, not sure what MPT firmware is.

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks for your reply. The radio does have a FCC ID

That's good.

and the activation code does not start with K44,

That's bad. If it's a K45, that's engineering key activation and while it'll work, it'll open up functions you don't need, and shouldn't adjust. If it's not K44 or K45, you need to get the correct one.

Correct/legal place to get the right software is from your Friendly Neighborhood Kenwood Dealer… Downloading off the internets can work, but you need to make sure you are getting correct software (KPG-89, which it sounds like you have) and the correct activation code.

not sure what MPT firmware is.

Special trunking firmware that requires specific KPG software. Can be updated with correct/non MPT firmware and it'll return to a standard TK-2180. But, before you chase that down, make sure you have the correct software activation key.

 

[mmckenna]

Come to think of it, there's also a Tactical Feature Set/Fire service firmware for these radios that could be causing this, I think.

But, try the correct software activation code, since you said it's not K44, we know that's an issue.

Good luck. Those are solid little radios with a lot of features. I use the UHF version as a shop radio for the few UHF systems I maintain. Kenwood only discontinued them a year or two ago. Lots of accessories that will fit these radios.
And KPG-89 is one of the easier commercial software packages to learn.

 

[KO4FHB]

I received the code when I purchased my cable. I have emailed them and hopefully fix that but, in the meantime, where can i purchase a legit code. I searched the web, and they all look shady. I am using KPG-96D V 3.30

 

[mmckenna]

I received the code when I purchased my cable. I have emailed them and hopefully fix that but, in the meantime, where can i purchase a legit code. I searched the web, and they all look shady. I am using KPG-96D V 3.30

Contact a Kenwood dealer directly.

Or, reach out to user @kd4efm he works for a Kenwood dealer and may be able to assist you in purchasing the software. He's "ham friendly."

Sounds like the cable dealer was out of China?

 

[N5XPM]

I received the code when I purchased my cable. I have emailed them and hopefully fix that but, in the meantime, where can i purchase a legit code. I searched the web, and they all look shady. I am using KPG-96D V 3.30

KPG 96 is for the MPT version and may be your problem.

 

[mmckenna]

KPG 96 is for the MPT version and may be your problem.

Yeah, I didn't catch that.

KPG-89 is the correct programming software for a non-MPT TK-x180 radio. You'll need KPG-89 and the correct activation key (K44#########)

 

[kd4efm]

089K is the serial number for 89D
As noted, 2180 is 89D unless it has Passport or MPT.

 

[mmckenna]

089K is the serial number for 89D
As noted, 2180 is 89D unless it has Passport or MPT.

Oh man, I think my brain is fried...
K44 is the Grantee Code for the FCC ID/OET.
089K is the right one for the software. Sorry about that, and thank for catching it Evans.
I think I need a vacation….

 

[mmckenna]

I received the code when I purchased my cable. I have emailed them and hopefully fix that but, in the meantime, where can i purchase a legit code. I searched the web, and they all look shady. I am using KPG-96D V 3.30

OK, so sorry about that, I've had a really long stressful week and probably should take a vacation rather than playing on the internets.

If KPG-96 with an activation serial number that starts with 096K doesn't work, then that really suggests that the radio is NOT an MPT radio and using the correct KPG-89 with a 089K44####### activation serial number -will- work for a North American market TK-2180 running standard firmware.

Apologies for the confusion. I already can't wait for 2023 to be over.

 

[KO4FHB]

Hey guys I appreciate you both. I have been pulling my hair out. I actually used CHIRP and it actually works but you don't have a lot of options like changing zones or anything. I was able to program a couple simplex frequencies and local repeaters, but I realized the spacing doesn't work all that well with ham radio. My local group uses 145.735 Simplex and that is a no go. I don't know if I can change the spacing with the KPG-89 or not. I have emailed the cable supplier to see about the KPG-89 software and SN. I will let you know how it goes in the next couple of days. Thanks again for your time and response's 73.

 

[mmckenna]

I was able to program a couple simplex frequencies and local repeaters, but I realized the spacing doesn't work all that well with ham radio. My local group uses 145.735 Simplex and that is a no go. I don't know if I can change the spacing with the KPG-89 or not.

That must be a CHIRP issue. You should have no problems programming that in with the KPG-89. Spacing isn't a thing like with VFO ham radios. You can type in the frequency you want.

 

[FKimble]

He may have NFM software/firmware installed and will need to back it down.

Frank

 

[mmckenna]

He may have NFM software/firmware installed and will need to back it down.

Frank

No, it wouldn't give that error. Anyway, the older wideband capable firmware will still work with the newer software.

The issue looks like he's trying to use KPG-96 MPT software on a non-MPT radio. KPG-89 should work.

 

[KK6ZTE]

2180 wide/narrow is enforced only in software, not in firmware. This one always seems to come up and misinformation is posted.

KPG-89D v1.61 (not 89DN) is the best choice for ham use (and if the radio has the Tactical Feature Set enabled). If it has TFS, you HAVE to use 89D because DN does not support TFS.

KPG-89DN is the narrowband enforcing software.

KPG-89D is not narrowband enforcing.

Firmware versions are irrelevant. 035C firmware (v1.22) is the latest firmware available, and supports MDC-1200 and other neat features. It is happy to accept wideband channels.

 

[KO4FHB]

UPDATE: I recieved the KPG-89 software and Key. Now I have to enter a Password. My uneducated guess is that its protected. I am about to throw this radio as far as I can chunk it.

 

[kd4efm]

He is in my area, so I am helping him out locally.
thanks gang!

 

[mmckenna]

2180 wide/narrow is enforced only in software, not in firmware. This one always seems to come up and misinformation is posted.

KPG-89D v1.61 (not 89DN) is the best choice for ham use (and if the radio has the Tactical Feature Set enabled). If it has TFS, you HAVE to use 89D because DN does not support TFS.

KPG-89DN is the narrowband enforcing software.

KPG-89D is not narrowband enforcing.

100% correct, but just in case any hams come across this later:
The Narrow band limitation starts at 150.1MHz and goes up from there. Below 150.1MHz, it'll still do wide band even with the newer software.
So, if a ham ends up with a TK-2180 or TK-7180, they can still run wide on 2 meters.

Unfortunately, it's not the same on UHF, the UHF models (TK-3180/TK-8180) are narrow band only with the new software. For ham or GMRS use, they'd need older software/firmware or the W-license.