DTFAudio
Member
I recently picked up a Kenwood TK-280 to use for my local VFD. I need some programming info / how-to for this radio.... Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
DTFAudio
Thanks,
DTFAudio
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Kenwood TK-280
- Thread starter DTFAudio
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You have to contact a Kenwood dealer, and purchase the software. You will also need a programming cable, it is your choice as to buying an actual Kenwood cable or one from China. (The Chinese ones are all over Ebay.)
You have to contact a Kenwood dealer, and purchase the software. You will also need a programming cable, it is your choice as to buying an actual Kenwood cable or one from China. (The Chinese ones are all over Ebay.)
DTFAudio
Member
Ok. How much does the software usually run?
kayn1n32008
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I got an aftermarket cable from a guy off ebay from Idaho, it is a usb cable and it has been flawless for my TK280. The windows software is EASY to use, and works very well. When you get the software and cable remember to DOWNLOAD and save the radio data in a safe place before doing any changes.
I got an aftermarket cable from a guy off ebay from Idaho, it is a usb cable and it has been flawless for my TK280. The windows software is EASY to use, and works very well. When you get the software and cable remember to DOWNLOAD and save the radio data in a safe place before doing any changes.
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I don't know the price for the software. Contact a Kenwood dealer.
I don't know the price for the software. Contact a Kenwood dealer.
DTFAudio
Member
Thanks for the help guys. Just to double check, I can use a Kenwood VHF Radio to monitor analog channels and talk correct?
kayn1n32008
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Yup, just make sure you have authorization to talk. Clear it with your chief before talking on the radio. It will work analog only, conventional and LTR trunk systems
Yup, just make sure you have authorization to talk. Clear it with your chief before talking on the radio. It will work analog only, conventional and LTR trunk systems
Per Kenwood, KPG-49D software is list $68.50.
DTFAudio
Member
Thanks for info guys! I'll order the software on Monday from Kenwood and get a programming cable off Ebay as well. Radio should be here by Wednesday.
DTFAudio
Member
I ended up getting a TK-270G. I have a few other questions-
1. This radio is field programmable is what I have been told, is this true?
2. When I enter the freq's that I want are there separate freq's that I need to use in order to talk / transmit? For example if I plug in 154.22000 for a VFD, will I be able to talk over the same freq as well?
3. Can I disable the PTT function on this radio?
4. Can I spell out a word in the display instead of channels? So, can I replace channel 1 with "Fire"?
Thanks,
DTFAudio
1. This radio is field programmable is what I have been told, is this true?
2. When I enter the freq's that I want are there separate freq's that I need to use in order to talk / transmit? For example if I plug in 154.22000 for a VFD, will I be able to talk over the same freq as well?
3. Can I disable the PTT function on this radio?
4. Can I spell out a word in the display instead of channels? So, can I replace channel 1 with "Fire"?
Thanks,
DTFAudio
1. Yes, IF that option is enabled in software programming. Cumbersome but works.
2. You will need to enter the receive and transmit frequencies separately. For a direct channel, both
the receive and transmit are the same. For a repeater you'll need the correct transmit frequency
which will be different.
3. Just leave the transmit frequency blank. No PTT will be possible on that channel.
4. Yes. A maximum of 8 characters possible.
DTFAudio
Member
Thanks for the info! Last thing, where do I find the transmit frequencies? Couldn't seem to track them down in the database....
Raptor05121
Member
Ask your Chief, he may know or could refer you to a "radio man" that most Fire Depts. have
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