Midland BR180 & Kenwood ProTalkXLS/PKT-23

[NorthernRedwood]

I'm replacing old/expensive walkies at work (Kenwood ProTalkXLS and Kenwood PKT-23) with Midland BR180. Both use the same set of frequencies, and codes and I feel like I'm so close to getting them to work together, but I've hit a wall.

When I press the talk button on the Midland, the light shines red for transmission and on the Kenwood, it shines green for receive. BUT, no sound comes through. When I press the talk button on the Kenwood, non lights shine on the Midland. I think it has to do with the QT/DQT & CTCS/DCS privacy codes, but I'm not 100% on that.

I could really use some help. We're not in a position to completely switch over to Midland other than doing it piecemeal. We're also not able to keep buying Kenwood because they are too expensive.

Is there anyone that can help me troubleshoot what's going on? I feel like I'm going around in circles.

 

[speedway_navigator]

You seem to have a CTCSS problem from Midland to Kenwood, Can you read the programming for both?
The green light means the Kenwood sees the carrier but will not unmute since the CTCSS is wrong.

Sometimes there is a monitor button on the side that opens the squelch so you hear any traffic on that freq. If you hear Midland TX audio until the button is released that confirms the RX code is wrong.

Does the Midland have a light on when another Midland transmits?

 

[AM909]

@NorthernRedwood : are you certain they are both set to the same frequency and code? Please describe what you are doing to program them. Usually, busy light but no RX audio on the receiver means the transmitter is transmitting the wrong tone for that receiver. No busy light on the receiver means the transmitter is transmitting the wrong frequency for that receiver. There are exceptions.