Kenwood: MCP for Kenwood TH-F6A

[kc4jgc]

I recently acquired a TH-F6A to replace one I'd accidentally destroyed a couple years ago.

Today, I tried to upload my programming using both my WIN11 and my old XP laptop, which I used for this radio and scanner programming for years.
No luck on either. MCP on the XP now says "invalid radio" (whaaaaa?); WIN11 says to "contact supplier" because .... something .... I can't remember the alphanumerics now.... was expired in 2012. My question is this.... Is there an interface cable for this radio that my WIN11 machine will like? I'd been using a USB-DB9 serial adaptor between the laptop and the interface cable.

Why I cannot use the XP now when I was able to use it up to 2021 is really puzzling!

73; Steve KC4JGC

 

[krokus]

You checked your serial configuration on the computer? The USB to serial? Remembered to change the mic port to programming mode?

FWIW, the programming cables for Wouxon & Baofeng radios work, as they adopted the Kenwood standard. They are USB to the 2-pin, so your newer OS should not object.

 

[AK9R]

I've had good luck with cables from Valley Enterprises. They use the very reliable FTDI chips for the USB to RS232 conversion. Here's the Kenwood cable: Kenwood KPG-22 USB FTDI Chipset Two-Way Radio Programming Cable

As krokus mentioned, you have to switch the speaker/mic jack to PC mode in order to program the radio. From page 45 in the manual:

 

[kc4jgc]

You checked your serial configuration on the computer? The USB to serial? Remembered to change the mic port to programming mode?

FWIW, the programming cables for Wouxon & Baofeng radios work, as they adopted the Kenwood standard. They are USB to the 2-pin, so your newer OS should not object.

First thing I did was change to PC mode.

 

[kc4jgc]

I've had good luck with cables from Valley Enterprises. They use the very reliable FTDI chips for the USB to RS232 conversion. Here's the Kenwood cable: Kenwood KPG-22 USB FTDI Chipset Two-Way Radio Programming Cable

As krokus mentioned, you have to switch the speaker/mic jack to PC mode in order to program the radio. From page 45 in the manual:
View attachment 146642

First thing I did was to change to PC mode. Remember, I had one before and frequent updates from the MCP. Very familiar with the process.
I see the KPG-22; except for the straight to USB instead of the DB9. Do you think that maybe this will work?

 

[kc4jgc]

This is what the Win11 laptop says when I plug in the cable (USB-DB9 adaptor cable; PG-4Y interface cable)
"PL2303HXA PHASED OUT SINCE 2012. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SUPPLIER." This is with just the cable plugged in; no radio.

Also, on the old XP laptop, I go through all the com ports. Mostly says "invalid com port" or tries to briefly connect only to say a few seconds later that something took too long to respond.

 

[AK9R]

PL2303HXA

That's a Prolific USB-to-RS232 chip and I would avoid it like the plague. Unless you are using a genuine Kenwood cable or bought the cable from a very reputable supplier, there's every possibility that the cable has a fake Prolific chip that Windows 11 and Prolific drivers will not support.

FTDI USB-to-RS232 chips are generally much more reliable. The link I provided is for a KPG-22 clone that uses the FTDI chip.

 

[kc4jgc]

That's a Prolific USB-to-RS232 chip and I would avoid it like the plague. Unless you are using a genuine Kenwood cable or bought the cable from a very reputable supplier, there's every possibility that the cable has a fake Prolific chip that Windows 11 and Prolific drivers will not support.

FTDI USB-to-RS232 chips are generally much more reliable. The link I provided is for a KPG-22 clone that uses the FTDI c

Interesting. This cable I'd bought from Radio Shack many many moons ago; had used it to bridge between an XP desktop & the PG-4Y interface for years without issue. So.... Since I'm not aware of any computers that have DB-9 available, the Kenwood PG-4Y is now useless, correct? I guess I'll order up the KPG-22! Thanks for the tip! 73

 

[KE5BCP]

I recently acquired a TH-F6A to replace one I'd accidentally destroyed a couple years ago.

Today, I tried to upload my programming using both my WIN11 and my old XP laptop, which I used for this radio and scanner programming for years.
No luck on either. MCP on the XP now says "invalid radio" (whaaaaa?); WIN11 says to "contact supplier" because .... something .... I can't remember the alphanumerics now.... was expired in 2012. My question is this.... Is there an interface cable for this radio that my WIN11 machine will like? I'd been using a USB-DB9 serial adaptor between the laptop and the interface cable.

Why I cannot use the XP now when I was able to use it up to 2021 is really puzzling!

73; Steve KC4JGC

Kenwood TH-F6/F7 Programming Software & Cable: KRS-F6

www.rtsystemsinc.com

 

[kc4jgc]

Kenwood TH-F6/F7 Programming Software & Cable: KRS-F6

www.rtsystemsinc.com

What are the differences between this and the Kenwood MCP? Anything that makes it better & easier to work with? I do find the Kenwood MCP pretty darn easy!

 

[KE5BCP]

What are the differences between this and the Kenwood MCP? Anything that makes it better & easier to work with? I do find the Kenwood MCP pretty darn easy!

It's been a LONG time since I've touched the MCP software, but all of the RT Systems titles allow for copy and paste between each (IE: TH-F6 to TH-D74 or to ID-52 or IC-T10...). If I recall correctly, it allows moving of individual channels up and down, where the MCP did not.

 

[AK9R]

Since I'm not aware of any computers that have DB-9 available...

Actually, if you look at the business-oriented desktops from Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc., you may find hardware-based RS-232 ports with DB-9 connectors. Though, its true that these ports are long gone from consumer-oriented computers, especially laptops. Also, there are add-on boards available for desktop computers that provide RS-232 ports.

What are the differences between this and the Kenwood MCP? Anything that makes it better & easier to work with? I do find the Kenwood MCP pretty darn easy!

The RT Systems software is often easier to use and has more flexible import/export options.

 

[kc4jgc]

UPDATE:
I received the KPG-22 in the mail today. Pleased to report I was able upload my old file.
Thanks, Bob!
73!