• To anyone looking to acquire commercial radio programming software:

    Please do not make requests for copies of radio programming software which is sold (or was sold) by the manufacturer for any monetary value. All requests will be deleted and a forum infraction issued. Making a request such as this is attempting to engage in software piracy and this forum cannot be involved or associated with this activity. The same goes for any private transaction via Private Message. Even if you attempt to engage in this activity in PM's we will still enforce the forum rules. Your PM's are not private and the administration has the right to read them if there's a hint to criminal activity.

    If you are having trouble legally obtaining software please state so. We do not want any hurt feelings when your vague post is mistaken for a free request. It is YOUR responsibility to properly word your request.

    To obtain Motorola software see the Sticky in the Motorola forum.

    The various other vendors often permit their dealers to sell the software online (i.e., Kenwood). Please use Google or some other search engine to find a dealer that sells the software. Typically each series or individual radio requires its own software package. Often the Kenwood software is less than $100 so don't be a cheapskate; just purchase it.

    For M/A Com/Harris/GE, etc: there are two software packages that program all current and past radios. One package is for conventional programming and the other for trunked programming. The trunked package is in upwards of $2,500. The conventional package is more reasonable though is still several hundred dollars. The benefit is you do not need multiple versions for each radio (unlike Motorola).

    This is a large and very visible forum. We cannot jeopardize the ability to provide the RadioReference services by allowing this activity to occur. Please respect this.

TK-380 problems?

Status
Not open for further replies.

wwhitby

Member
Feed Provider
Joined
Jan 10, 2003
Messages
1,295
Location
Autauga County, Alabama
Still better than a TK-380. I really do not care for those temperamental things.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but what problems have you had with the 380? I've used one as my personal radio for over 5 years now with no problems.

Although, I have thought about replacing it with a TK-3180 or an ICOM HT, just so I can use a lithium battery and shave some weight off my belt.
 

DeoVindice

P25 Underground
Joined
Sep 27, 2019
Messages
520
Location
Gadsden Purchase
I don't want to hijack the thread, but what problems have you had with the 380? I've used one as my personal radio for over 5 years now with no problems.

Although, I have thought about replacing it with a TK-3180 or an ICOM HT, just so I can use a lithium battery and shave some weight off my belt.

Bad EEPROMs on half of the units I purchased for personal use, the aforementioned battery latch durability problem on work TK-480s, and the V1/V2 disconnect where earlier radios require DOS for programming. I think I'd also consider the free-wheeling channel selector a negative, but that's personal preference rather than an objective design flaw.

Don't hesitate on the TK-3180. It's essentially a better TK-380 in every way. If I had to pick an analog-only portable, it would be a 3180 with a TK-390 as a close second.
 

wwhitby

Member
Feed Provider
Joined
Jan 10, 2003
Messages
1,295
Location
Autauga County, Alabama
Thanks DeoVindice!

I was aware of the battery latch durability issue, but haven't experienced the rest of the problems.

My TK-380 works fine, but every ounce I can shave off with a Li-on battery and a 3180 will help save my back!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top