TK-3170 (E) Programming Issue

[mneil911]

I have a TK-3170 that was improperly written with the European (E) version firmware instead of the American (K) version. In order to re-write the firmware to the American (K) version, the radio must first be programmed with the KPG-101D software, with the option to re-write firmware ENABLED. I have 4 different versions of KPG-101D and no matter what I do I cannot get the KPG-101D software to allow me to change the “Radio Model” from a TK-3170(K) to a TK-3170(E) model. In fact, none of the (E) options are even listed.

Even though everything I read about the KPG-101D indicates that it will program all versions (E, K & M) of the TK-3170, none of my software will allow me to start building frequency a database as a TK-3170(E).

Anyone with knowledge on how to get the TK-101D to allow me to switch the “Radio Model” to (E) version would be greatly appreciated. Once I do this, I will be able to re-write the firmware to change it back to the American (K) version.

Thanks,
Matt
KD8AVO

 

[mmckenna]

I think you are going to need to find the right market version of the software to do that. I don't know of any way to do what you want with the US market software.

You are kind of in a corner with the write firmware disabled in the radio and no way to change it.

 

[mneil911]

I don't understand why the KPG-101D says it will program all versions (even when I download it from a European site), yet when I open it the only option available is K.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[mmckenna]

KPG-101D that you'd purchase from a Kenwood dealer in the USA will not program a European market radio, at least not that I'm aware of.

If you purchased the software legally from Kenwood, it would include an activation key/serial number. That key can control how the software works.
For some versions of software, there is an "engineering key" that will sometimes let the software do "other" things that the customer oriented keys will not.

But that's getting into dangerous territory on many fronts and I won't go any farther with it.