Kenwood TK-8160H-K software

[W2JGA]

I've searched google, and can't seem to find the current, correct version of software to program this radio.(NO I'm not looking for freebie stuff)

I see so many flavors of Kenwood software and it confuses me as to why there are so many varieties?!??!

Anyhoo, the sticker on the bottom of my radio says TK-8160H-K. What does the K indicate?

While I'm at it, what is the recommended legal source to purchase this software?

 

[dryfb]

K means it's 450-520 MHz and for the North American market. The software you want is KPG-99D. Idk if you can still purchase the software legally, but it's out there.

 

[dapaq2]

W2JGA DM me...

 

[wd8chl]

Fwiw, that's a *long* discontinued radio. Think maybe more than 5 years since it's been supported. Maybe close to 10 even.

 

[AM909]

Fwiw, that's a *long* discontinued radio. Think maybe more than 5 years since it's been supported. Maybe close to 10 even.

Yup. Manuals are dated 2004, updated 2007 or 2012, and they were EOL sometime before 2017. Some parts still available, like the front housing at about $35 MSRP. I don't know what you're supposed to do to get a legit copy of the software. I'll ask the question next time I talk to someone in a position to give an "official" answer.

 

[W2JGA]

But for FRS/GMRS they would be ok yes?

 

[WX9EMS]

You can search the FCC ID and it will show the certification grants for the different radio services. I do believe that this radio is approved for Part 95 (GMRS), among others. The links below will let you search out the answers you seek.

FCC ID lookup: FCC ID Search
eCFR 47 Radio Services Federal Register :: Request Access

 

[kayn1n32008]

But for FRS/GMRS they would be ok yes?

If it is Part 95 certified, then it would be legal to use for GMRS, but not legal for FRS.

 

[W2JGA]

If it is Part 95 certified, then it would be legal to use for GMRS, but not legal for FRS.

If I'm reading the rules correct, the 8160 min power is 25 watts, which renders it useless for FRS?

 

[mmckenna]

If I'm reading the rules correct, the 8160 min power is 25 watts, which renders it useless for FRS?

FRS has a requirement of NO external antennas, so this radio wouldn't be FRS legal under any circumstances. Power level is limited to 2 watts on the 462MHz channels, and 0.5 watts on the 467MHz interstitial channels.

But FRS and GMRS share the same frequencies, so just get your GMRS license.

As for FCC certification:
The TK-8160 does have FCC Part 95 certification. FCC ID K4437673110
The TK-8160H does NOT have FCC Part 95 certification. FCC ID K443763210

 

[W2JGA]

FRS has a requirement of NO external antennas, so this radio wouldn't be FRS legal under any circumstances. Power level is limited to 2 watts on the 462MHz channels, and 0.5 watts on the 467MHz interstitial channels.

But FRS and GMRS share the same frequencies, so just get your GMRS license.

As for FCC certification:
The TK-8160 does have FCC Part 95 certification. FCC ID K4437673110
The TK-8160H does NOT have FCC Part 95 certification. FCC ID K443763210

I wondered about the license rules also. I do have my GMRS license, how does this change things?

 

[mmckenna]

I wondered about the license rules also. I do have my GMRS license, how does this change things?

Use the GMRS frequencies on a type accepted radio and you are golden.

You, as a GMRS licensee, can talk directly with FRS users.