Kenwood: Kenwood TS-2000 Programing help

[robert3024]

I have a TS-2000 for which I have the software and the cable. I have the MCP-2000, the ARCP-2000 and CHIRP software - all of which support the TS-2000. I have verified the baud rate (9600bps), on both the software and the computer. The ports are correct as well. Menu item 55 (packet operation) is set off as required. I briefly get the "PC" indicator to come one but goes out when I try to read the radio. I am at a loss as to what the heck is wrong.
Any suggestions from people familiar with these radios?
Thank you.

 

[WA0CBW]

I believe the main and sub receivers need to be in the VFO mode to read or program the memory channels.
Bill

 

[robert3024]

Thank you. I will check those settings.

 

[jwt873]

I've only familiar with the MCP-2000 program. It will read or write to the radio with the receivers either in VFO or memory mode..

You say the PC icon on the radio goes out when you try to read. Are there any error messages? FWIW, the PC icon is only displayed while data is actively being sent or received. You won't see it otherwise.

 

[robert3024]

I've only familiar with the MCP-2000 program. It will read or write to the radio with the receivers either in VFO or memory mode..

You say the PC icon on the radio goes out when you try to read. Are there any error messages? FWIW, the PC icon is only displayed while data is actively being sent or received. You won't see it otherwise.

No error codes are displayed. The PC icon only comes on briefly when I make a change to menu item 55

 

[robert3024]

I believe the main and sub receivers need to be in the VFO mode to read or program the memory channels.
Bill

the M/VFO button only beeps when pushed and shows not changes on the display

 

[WA0CBW]

Hmmm........that isn't right. It should change from memory to VFO and back each time you press the button. Do you have something programed in any memory locations? Can you program a memory location manually?
Bill

 

[jwt873]

You've probably done most of this, (several times ) but just to cover all the bases.....

When you plug the USB to serial cable in to your computer, do you get a COM port appearing in device manager? What does it say? Mine says: Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COMM10).

You mention the software and computer are set to 9600.. But make sure the -radio- is also set to that baud rate. Menu item 56 in the radio should also be set to 9600 bps. (It should be since it's the default).

In MCP-2000, make sure under Radio, you have the correct COM port and Baud rate selected..

Once set up, when you click 'Read' in the program, the PC icon should come on, then the radio should beep and the download should begin. It takes about 25 seconds and you'll get a progress bar on the screen showing the status.

The fact that you see the PC icon means that there is some connectivity between the computer and the radio. I can't think why the icon would just go off without the download occurring.... (FWIW, I just did a full read with both receivers set to memory mode.. But to be safe put them in VFO mode as has been suggested)..

If it's just not working, you might try a partial or full reset. (P 92 of the owner's manual). A full reset will be a pain since it will delete all the settings and memories you've made. And it will be a double pain if everything gets wiped and it doesn't solve the issue

Also.. There have been problems reported with some USB to Serial cables. The ones with the Prolific chips seem to be the best. I can't really add much more on this front..

 

[KE5MC]

My TS2000 days were a long time ago. Having worked many RS-232 connection issue hand-shake lines could be a problem. I don't recall if my connection was three wire (TX, RX, GND) only or at the radio I had jumped pins on the radio side. Might be something to check.

 

[robert3024]

Thanks for your help everyone. It turned out that the 'null modem, Kenwood specific cables" which I ordered (three different cables) were not actually null modem cables. Everything works now. Both CHIRP and thee Kenwood MCP-200 software.

 

[AK9R]

The cable you need to connect a Kenwood TS-2000 to a computer is not a null modem cable. If you had an RS-232 serial port on your computer, you'd need a straight through cable with a female DB-9 (DE-9) connector on both ends.

A null modem cable in RS-232 serial communications crosses the RxD-TxD, DTR-DSR, and RTS-CTS lines. But, you don't want that.

Most RS-232 to USB converter cables come with a male DB-9 (DE-9) connector. To connect that to a Kenwood radio, you need a female to female gender changer such as the bottom two devices in this Amazon listing: Amazon.com

 

[KJ4DHF]

 

[robert3024]

The cable you need to connect a Kenwood TS-2000 to a computer is not a null modem cable. If you had an RS-232 serial port on your computer, you'd need a straight through cable with a female DB-9 (DE-9) connector on both ends.

A null modem cable in RS-232 serial communications crosses the RxD-TxD, DTR-DSR, and RTS-CTS lines. But, you don't want that.

Most RS-232 to USB converter cables come with a male DB-9 (DE-9) connector. To connect that to a Kenwood radio, you need a female to female gender changer such as the bottom two devices in this Amazon listing: Amazon.com

All I know is that Null Modem adapter fixed all of the issues and that is how I am able to program it now.

 

[Echo4Thirty]

A null adapter on a null modem cable will convert it back to a straight through cable.