NX5000-series Multi-deck with KCH-20R Advanced Head...Random Questions

[03msc]

So, as a long-time participant on the threads, I know that some of these questions are probably already answered in an existing thread or somewhere in a reply on another thread but I ran across a deal from a fellow ham who was wanting to sell his dual-deck setup with the 20R and for the price he quoted me I couldn't pass it up. Anyway, with that in mind I have some questions for those with this type setup...sorry if they've been answered before.

• Volume - I know the programming can specify whether all decks are at the same volume or the unselected deck(s) are at a lower volume...my question is, can this be setup as a menu option or programmed to a button for quick change? In other words, if during general scanning I wanted all at the same volume but then during a net or a QSO I decided I wanted the other deck(s) quieter, can I change that in a menu setting or only in programming from D1N?
• Mic Buttons - Using a DTMF mic, I currently on my singled deck have some of the mic buttons programmed where they will adjust the volume or turn scan on/off, change zones, etc. I am assuming that on a multi-deck setup, the buttons will function (or can function) differently depending on which deck is selected at the time...correct?
• Lastly, for those with this setup...what 'advice' do you give to someone who is going to be setting it up for the first time? Meaning, what do you wish you'd know at first that you kind of had to figure out and tweak your settings to get it how you want? I'm more talking about programming intricacies or settings it took you a bit to get 'right'. The dual deck, single head config is already done on these as far as dip switches and the like.

I may think of something else and ask it in a reply later. Thanks in advance!

 

[mmckenna]

I'l leave the volume setting thing for someone else to answer. I'm only running single deck/single head setups.

What I will say is that you are going to learn to hate the software. I'm really disappointed with Kenwood's recent direction they've gone with it. To be fair, they are very complex radios, so they stuff a lot of options in the software, but I think it's poorly executed and should have been taken out back and shot.

 

[03msc]

I'l leave the volume setting thing for someone else to answer. I'm only running single deck/single head setups.

What I will say is that you are going to learn to hate the software. I'm really disappointed with Kenwood's recent direction they've gone with it. To be fair, they are very complex radios, so they stuff a lot of options in the software, but I think it's poorly executed and should have been taken out back and shot.

Oh I completely agree about the software. Not sure what they were thinking...except I think that's the problem - they weren't. But, I've been able to mostly figure it out, I just wasn't sure about these details and how they worked real-world.

 

[ramal121]

Yes the volume of all the deck(s) can be the same or the unselected deck(s) can be attenuated by 3 or 9 dB. This is hard written in programming and cannot be changed on the fly by a button or menu. There is button function however that can mute the unselect deck(s). It is a temporary function kinda like nuisance delete in scan. What I would like is to select a deck and adjust the volume with the knob and have it hold there whether it is select or unselect. Alas no such thing.

When programming multiple decks you would specify a deck for master operations. This will migrate information from the master to all decks which includes button assignments. So no, buttons can't be changed depending on deck used.

My biggest issue was wrapping my head around the flow used to create codeplugs for the decks and then using multi deck setup to get the whole thing programmed. Once you figure it out then no big deal but it's sure not as simple as the TK-X90 series to program.

With all the doo-dads and whiz bangs this radio has, the function reference manuals are truly needed to understand just what the radio can and can't do.

 

[03msc]

Yes the volume of all the deck(s) can be the same or the unselected deck(s) can be attenuated by 3 or 9 dB. This is hard written in programming and cannot be changed on the fly by a button or menu. There is button function however that can mute the unselect deck(s). It is a temporary function kinda like nuisance delete in scan. What I would like is to select a deck and adjust the volume with the knob and have it hold there whether it is select or unselect. Alas no such thing.

When programming multiple decks you would specify a deck for master operations. This will migrate information from the master to all decks which includes button assignments. So no, buttons can't be changed depending on deck used.

My biggest issue was wrapping my head around the flow used to create codeplugs for the decks and then using multi deck setup to get the whole thing programmed. Once you figure it out then no big deal but it's sure not as simple as the TK-X90 series to program.

With all the doo-dads and whiz bangs this radio has, the function reference manuals are truly needed to understand just what the radio can and can't do.

OK that makes sense. Thanks for that info!

 

[Cognomen]

I recommend reading the NX-5000 Common Function Reference manual, which explains everything. It's a 482-page .pdf available from your dealer.

 

[kd4efm]

Latest book on common functions.

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

 

[KK6ZTE]

Yes the volume of all the deck(s) can be the same or the unselected deck(s) can be attenuated by 3 or 9 dB. This is hard written in programming and cannot be changed on the fly by a button or menu.

FALSE. There's a menu item for this.

 

[03msc]

FALSE. There's a menu item for this.

I’m going to take a look for it. I knew there was one to turn on/off the mute unselected decks but I’ll look for the one to adjust audio offset. That’d be nice!

 

[ramal121]

I know I've looked for this before but might have been looking at the key functions only. Thanks.

 

[KK6ZTE]

"Unselected Deck Volume" or similar. I don't have D1 on this computer.