How to blank/reset a TK-8102H?

[mtnlion]

I have a Kenwood TK-8102H radio that I am unable to program using CHIRP. It recognizes the radio, but gives an error message: "radio refused to enter programming mode."

I have found several forum posts from other people having this same problem, and according to the replies, this likely means the radio is locked and will have to be blanked or reset. However, after much fruitless searching I am unable to find any information on how to do this. Only a couple comments saying to send the radio to a Kenwood shop for them to do it. I was given this radio for free, so I'm not interested in paying $$$ for shipping and service fees to have someone else perform a reset procedure.

I'd really appreciate if someone could tell me how to do this. I am perfectly comfortable opening the radio up and jumping pins, disconnecting cables, etc. TIA.

 

[mmckenna]

There is no way to 'blank/reset' these radios.


The radios can be set up with a read password (prevents reading of the radio programming with software), a write password (prevents overwriting of the radio with new programming), or a read/write password (prevents both).

Sounds like that may be what you have. The work around for this requires a software activation that Kenwood or a dealer would have. Chirp isn't going to do it. There is no other way around that. Software is the only option, there's no internal modification that can be done to bypass it.

Best option is to sell the radio as is, and explain to the buyer that it is password locked. You may find someone who wants it for parts, or has the correct software.

 

[mtnlion]

thanks for the reply. What software is required?

 

[mmckenna]

thanks for the reply. What software is required?

Kenwood KPG-70D, however you also need a specific activation key to turn on the function that will let you bypass the passwords. Finding the software isn't hard. Getting the activation key is the challenge.

 

[wd8chl]

I wouldn't expect chirp to work with that radio anyway. It's meant for ham grade programming, not commercial.