TK-8180H K2 Wide band?

[N2ACF]

I just picked up a TK-8180 K2. I am unable to read it with my KPG89D software but my KPG89DN version reads it just fine. However, I need that radio to operate in wide band and the 89DN will not allow that.

Any idea why my KPG89D software won't read it? Or, anyone know of a way to force it into wide band with 89DN software?

Thanks!

Adam N2ACF

 

[mmckenna]

Any idea why my KPG89D software won't read it? Or, anyone know of a way to force it into wide band with 89DN software?

If it's running narrow band firmware, it's not going to let you program it with the older software.

The only way around it is to try to find older firmware. I've never tried forcing older firmware into an updated radio, but it might work. Or it might not.

Other option is to contact Kenwood and request a W-License. That'll reopen the wide band programming capability. You'll need to supply a legit serial number for the software activation, not one of the default ones that may be floating in the dark corners of the web. They may charge you (I think it used to be 80 bucks or so, not sure what it is now) and they'll issue you a new serial number that you activate your software with wide band capability. You'll need to provide proof of eligibility for wide band channels, that could be your ham license, GMRS license, or a Part 90 license that has not been impacted by the narrow banding requirement.

 

[N2ACF]

If it's running narrow band firmware, it's not going to let you program it with the older software.

Ok, thanks for the reply. I'm not sure which firmware version it has so I'll have to check that.

Do you happen to know the best means to contact Kenwood for the wide band license?

Thanks again....

Adam

 

[mmckenna]

Ok, thanks for the reply. I'm not sure which firmware version it has so I'll have to check that.

Press and hold the red triangle button while simultaneously turning on the radio

Do you happen to know the best means to contact Kenwood for the wide band license?

LMR Technical Support: 310‐639‐4200
Or
Your friendly local Kenwood dealer.

 

[N2ACF]

Press and hold the red triangle button while simultaneously turning on the radio




LMR Technical Support: 310‐639‐4200
Or
Your friendly local Kenwood dealer.

Thanks again!!

 

[kd4efm]

I can get you a wide band key for 89D 5.23 software.

 

[mmckenna]

I can get you a wide band key for 89D 5.23 software.

Yeah, option 3 should have been: Contact Evans. He'll help you out.

 

[N2ACF]

I can get you a wide band key for 89D 5.23 software.

Oh, great thanks! The "5.23" has me confused though. I wouldn't have thought that my versions were that old but my 89D software is version 1.02 and my 89DN software is version 1.61.

 

[KK6ZTE]

Yeah I'm not sure WTF is going on here with the misinformation.

You need 89D v1.61. Yes, there is an 89D that's 1.61. There is no "narrow band firmware" for the TK-8180. That may be true for other radios but not the 180s. Kenwood still requires use of 89D for radios with the Tactical Feature Set option enabled. That option is still easily purchased from Kenwood.

 

[mmckenna]

Yeah I'm not sure WTF is going on here with the misinformation.

You need 89D v1.61. Yes, there is an 89D that's 1.61. There is no "narrow band firmware" for the TK-8180. That may be true for other radios but not the 180s. Kenwood still requires use of 89D for radios with the Tactical Feature Set option enabled. That option is still easily purchased from Kenwood.

I think you are 100% right and I was probably confusing my radio models.
On some of the other models, when you upgraded firmware after the rebanding mandate, it usually required using the N software.

 

[KK6ZTE]

I think you are 100% right and I was probably confusing my radio models.
On some of the other models, when you upgraded firmware after the rebanding mandate, it usually required using the N software.

I apologize for coming off so aggressively last night.

I know you're quite familiar with the 1st gen NX radios which absolutely do work the way you describe.

These 180s though are my jam. I've got NXs and a work issued Harris and an APX6000. Still prefer and carry my 2180 and 3180 for every day tech stuff.

Had a 3180 and an NX5300 side by side doing some tower work. My 3180 was picking up the tower crew 29 miles way on simplex mostly full quieting, my co-workers 5300 barely broke squelch. (NX5k are deaf compared to most radios).

 

[mmckenna]

Had a 3180 and an NX5300 side by side doing some tower work. My 3180 was picking up the tower crew 29 miles way on simplex mostly full quieting, my co-workers 5300 barely broke squelch. (NX5k are deaf compared to most radios).

I've got a 3180 at work and like it. Solid little radio.

 

[wwhitby]

I've got a 3180 at work and like it. Solid little radio.

I upgraded my personal radios to a TK-2180 and TK-3180, and I really like them. Unless I have end up having a need for P25, NXDN or DMR in the future, I'm planning on sticking with them and not going to the NX-5K series.