I got the software of hamfiles and it isn’t in the download zip file
Ideally you need to get the software legally from a Kenwood dealer. Bootlegging software off the internet is what drives radio manufacturers to lock things down, like the newer Kenwood softwares.
But...
Look for Kenwood FPRO.exe. That's the piece of software you need to do firmware updates. If you choose to, find a local Kenwood dealer and ask for correct updated software and firmware. The programming software revision level and radio firmware revision level are interconnected, so your KPG-89 software needs to be equal or newer than the firmware. Don't be in a rush to update software until you have those things taken care of.
The latest version of KPG-89DN is 1.61, released in September of 2012.
The latest version of TK-x180 firmware is 1.22, released in January of 2013.
As said above, you'll need to connect the KPG-89 to your radio and turn on the Firmware Programming capability under "Optional Features", "Common Page 2". Check the box that says "Firmware Programming". Without this done, you will not be able to put the radio in firmware programming mode.
Write to the radio so it's updated with the new setting.
Now read the radio again and SAVE that file somewhere on your computer. Do NOT skip this step. Do NOT skip this step. Do NOT skip this step.
Now, turn the radio OFF.
Now, hold the
key and turn the radio on.
The display will show the programming speed, should show "PROG 115200", that's the baud rate.
Next, open FPRO.EXE.
Using the software, point it at where your .hex firmware file is.
Now, choose the COM port your radio is connected to (will be the same one you used to program with KPG-89)
Click the WRITE button on FPRO.exe.
The software will write the new firmware to your radio. When it's complete (it'll take a few minutes) it will show the checksum on the LCD. Make sure that matches the checksum shown on FPRO.
When it's done, power off the radio and turn it back on. It'll now have the new firmware.
Updating firmware will NOT wipe the radio programming. It'll still be programmed the way it was before. If something went afoul, you can rewrite the file (remember, the part above where I said 3 times to save the file. Common rookie mistake is to skip that step. Don't. )
Now, if your KPG-89 is an older version, it may throw an error. It'll complain because the newer firmware in the radio is allowing or not allowing things that the software won't agree with. It's very important you understand this.
In 2013, the FCC required that most VHF and UHF licensees adopt narrow band frequencies. That means the old 25KHz channel width was required to switch to 12.5KHz channel width is all but a very few specific cases. As part of the rules, the new firmware/software has to require narrow band channels. If you are using this radio for GMRS or amateur radio use, then it's going to be an issue. The only way around this is to either stay with the old firmware/software, or BUY a narrow band key from Kenwood. Kenwood will want to have the activation serial number from your legally purchased programming software so they can create a new wide band key for you. If you send them the commonly hacked/default keys, they're likely going to know and refuse to sell you a key until you have the legally purchased software.
If you are using the radio on FCC part 90 frequencies, then you were required to switch to narrow band use by your license back in 2013, so this limitation isn't an issue and you don't need to worry about it.
Good luck, let us know if you have any questions.
