TK-780H-1 Programming

[avgas]

Hey Guys

I did a search and didnt come up with anything. I am wondering if the Kenwood TK-780H-1 can be programmed from the front panel of the radio. I thought I read a while back that it could be and thought I found some documentation on how to do it but have not had any luck locating any info. Any help would be great.

Thanks.

 

[jland138]

I'm not sure it's exactly the same on the TK-780, but on the TK-880 you'll need to remove R614 on the TX-RX board. In the KPG-49D software, don't forget to tick the "Self Programming" box on the Optional Features 2 tab (in the Optional Features window) to enable it. Then, update the code plug on the radio with this new setting.

I don't find programming the radio this way very useful. To enter Self Programming mode, you'll need to power it on while holding the 'D' key. Since the unit can't be programmed via a numeric keypad, you'll have to pick your way though the programming menu with the A/B/C/D and MON keys. It's not easy and nowhere near as nice as FPP (front panel programming) on a Motorola XTS2500. But, I guess if you're stuck and need to update a channel or two, it's better than nothing.

The service manual has all of the details in the "Realignment" section. You can get one for around $20 from a Kenwood parts house like Consumer Electronic Parts and Accessories at PacParts, Inc.

 

[avgas]

Thanks for the info, I think it will just be easier to use the computer to program it.

 

[code3cowboy]

You will find it much easier to use the software to program your radio.

 

[WH7WX]

TK-780 programming

I have the radio, programming software, and cable, but when I plug the cable from the radio to the computer, and attempt to read, it says to check the communications port. I tried all the ports and still nothing. I know you need to go from the DB-9F to a DB-25F for the cable. Tried that and still nothing. I've tried on two separate computers and both with failed attempts. One runs Windows 98 and the other Windows XP. Same problem on both computers. Any suggestions?

 

[code3cowboy]

Make sure your connections are solid and your contacts are clean. Make sure you are using the current version of software and your firmware is up to date.

I used to have this problem with an aftermarket cable and the dos software, with the OEM cables and current software I have yet to have a problem.

 

[WH7WX]

Cables

I just took a look at the KPG-46 cables on ebay. Will the usb cable work the same as the cable that has the serial port looking end on it? You also mentioned the OEM cables, is that a specific type of cable?

 

[avgas]

FYI

We could not read the info from the radio but we could program it. Not sure why but it did program so thats all that counts.