Kenwood NX-3320 Programming Software Questions?

[mpsabre]

Hello, what software version is needed to program the Kenwood NX-3320 radios? What programming cable is needed? And where to purchase these? I'm new to the digital side of things and I am familiar with programming the analog radios in conventional mode. I'm looking for information on how the digital works as far as the software programming and licensing goes. What all is needed to fully program this radio? Are there additional fees associated with the programming software?
Thank you in advance for any and all information provided.

 

[Vern]

I entered the NXDN world a couple of years ago so I can give you a little info and there are others on this board who can provide lots more.

The software for the NX-3000 series is KPG-D3N. One of the users on this board, kd4efm, can possibly take your order for the software. Send him a message to inquire further about that.
The NX-3320 is a UHF model, and mine has the bi-pin connector on the side for programming. If you need wideband UHF channels in your radio (like for 70cm amateur band) then be sure to ask for the KPG-D3N WIDE version. It costs a little more than that narrowband version but you'll need it if you're going to use the radio for legit wideband channels.

The programming cable that I use on my Kenwood bi-pin radios is actually the same bi-pin cable that I've used on Baofeng radios for years. It's not 'high-speed' like the Kenwood-branded cables, especially when you have to update firmware (which can take about 8 minutes to load).
The later versions of Kenwood programming software have license keys that are 'managed' by a separate program, KPT-300LMC. When you receive your license key info, you should receive a link to download the LMC software and the start-up instructions. More than likely, you'll need to update your radio's firmware to use a current version of the KPG-D3N, so ask your dealer for a download link for the firmware. It's not hard to load... just takes a little while so be patient.

Fair warning, the KPG-D3N was a steep learning curve for me as compared to the scads of other software I've used over the years.

If you're going to use NXDN digital channels, the equivalent to analog's squelch tones are referred to as a RAN (Random Access Number) and you need to match the RAN in your radio to any NXDN repeaters that you'll want to use.
Also, NXDN comes in two channel spacing varieties... 12.5 kHz (Narrow) and 6.25 kHz (Very Narrow). Be sure to set the correct spacing for any NXDN digital channels.
Analog channels will default to narrowband so if you need to set any as wideband, be sure to look for that setting as well.

I hope that gets you started on the right track.
FWIW, do searches on this board for NXDN topics and read back through some of the content and it might answer more of your questions.
73
Vern

 

[mmckenna]

Programing Software: Kenwood KPG-D3NK. Version 3.31 is the latest, I think. $155.00 list price
Programming cable: KPG-22UM $162.00 list price


License Management Software is KPT-300LMC and it's included with the KPG-D3NK

You purchase these from your Kenwood dealer. That will give you what you need to program the radio.

The radio will do Analog and NXDN —OR— Analog and DMR. It will NOT do NXDN and DMR at the same time. If you want Analog + NXDN + DMR (or P25), then you need an NX-5300

On the digital side, the radio will do the following modes standard:
NXDN Conventional (6.25KHz or 12.5KHz channels.
DMR Tier 2 Conventional.

There are add on features:
NXDN Type C
DMR Tier 3 trunking
As well as others. Those are additional cost items and you order them from the dealer. The KPT-300LMC is the tool you use to add the features to the radio.


I've got a bunch of NX-3400's (800MHz version) running on my trunked system, one of them is my daily use radio.
I've also got a remote site with a bunch of NX-3300's.
They've been good radios and stood up to a lot of use/abuse.

You should consider your use case, however:
NX-3300 has the 14pin side connector for programming and audio accessories. It's a water resistant connection and recommended if you are using the radio in a sloppy environment, or changing accessories frequently. It will require the KPG-36XM programming cable if you go that route.
The NX-3320 uses the two pin audio connector. Not water resistant and usually won't stand up to a large number of accessory changes. Fine for most users, but consider carefully what your long term use is.

 

[EWC_BDN]

Do you have any issues with the bottom tab of the speaker mic breaking off so the tab stays in the radio. It breaks in a way that allows the tab to still technically function. I see it all the time. 50% of one guys radios are like that. see other people do it too. admittedly it could be just an aftermarket mic issue, but still not in love with the kenwood multipin. It's just not well sized for their knew radios. You can see the large gap behind the mic. Wish they would have make a totally different connector.

 

[mmckenna]

Do you have any issues with the bottom tab of the speaker mic breaking off so the tab stays in the radio.

No, haven't seen that. Most of the NX-3000 portables are being used by people that don't have speaker mics. I've used one with mine occasionally but haven't had any issues.

Our PD uses NX-210's, and they are all running Kenwood KMC-41 speaker mics, same 14 pin connector as used by the rest of the Kenwoods. The radios are pushing 10 years old and I haven't had any failures. In fact, the radios have been solid performers.