Newbie Programming help please

[davekaye]

Hi All

Im trying to get familiar with the programming of a TK-3202. I need to get familiar with the software and how the radio reads and writes. Im really struggling to get the radio to connect to the PC via a usb to serial and the software KPG-87D. there is not much info on how to get the radio to talk to the software etc, even in the manual. Can any one help please.
Many Thanks
Dave

 

[03msc]

Hi All

Im trying to get familiar with the programming of a TK-3202. I need to get familiar with the software and how the radio reads and writes. Im really struggling to get the radio to connect to the PC via a usb to serial and the software KPG-87D. there is not much info on how to get the radio to talk to the software etc, even in the manual. Can any one help please.
Many Thanks
Dave

If you haven't already...

• Connect the USB to Serial adapter to the computer; make sure it loads and is "ready to use" (i.e. Windows installs the driver)
• Click 'Start' on your taskbar and type "Device Manager" in the search box at the bottom
• When Device Manager appears in the list, hit Enter or click on it to open it
• Down the list a way, closer to the bottom, look for the Ports (COM and LPT)
• Click the arrow to expand it and see what COM port your computer assigned the adapter (if it shows more than one you'll have to determine which is the one you just plugged in; If it doesn't say USB to Serial Adapter or something similar, just unplug it and then plug it back up again and see which appears)
• Connect the cable to the adapter (if you didn't already, it won't matter if you did)
• Within the software, make sure the COM port is set to the same as what the computer assigned the adapter
• Read the radio

If you don't do this, the software has no idea where to look for the radio to read/write.

 

[davekaye]

TK-3202

Thank you for the quick reply. I have got to that stage and both ports in the hardware and software are pointing to the same com ports. I was unsure if once the software is open and you switch on the radio is there some thing I should wait for or should I be able to click on read strait away. Im using the correct software and cant understand why it wont connect.

 

[sfd119]

Also make sure you save the first codeplug you read and don't overwrite it as you make changes. That way if you screw up your radio, you've got a place to start again.

 

[03msc]

Thank you for the quick reply. I have got to that stage and both ports in the hardware and software are pointing to the same com ports. I was unsure if once the software is open and you switch on the radio is there some thing I should wait for or should I be able to click on read strait away. Im using the correct software and cant understand why it wont connect.

Well, I haven't had that particular model radio before but the other Kenwoods that I have had would just read, as long as the radio was powered on, when I clicked 'read'. This sounds elementary, I know, but maybe check your cable to make sure it is fully plugged into the radio and connected at the adapter (serial)? You might move it to a different USB port on your computer (note the COM port number may change). I know that sounds weird but I had a device once that would connect on 2 USB ports but not another one for some reason.

Just throwing some ideas out there...

 

[avdrummerboy]

In short, no, the newer Kenwood radios don't need to be powered on into any special programming mode. Once the radio is on and is connected to a COM port (1-20 for most Kenwood software) all you do is go to the Program menu and click on Read Data From Transceiver. Or click the button with the arrow pointing to the little monitor. If that doesn't work, check and recheck the COM ports and drivers, FTDI always gave me the most trouble.