NXDN system key. Been asked a lot, I know

[merlin]

Basic question: Where can I get or creat a system key for a nexedge system ??
So far the range has been > you can't, Talk to a dealer, get it from Kenwood, Etc....
Theoretical:
I just bought a NXDN repeater, got it licensed, and a location, ready to put on line. 9 users on a trunked system, but no system key.
Now where praise tell do these keys originate from so subscribers radios can be set up to use the site??
Hmmm

 

[mmckenna]

The trunking feature has to be active in the repeater. Simply having a repeater isn't enough. Back in 2011, that was $1050 for each repeater.
Then you have to have the USB security key for the system. That comes from Kenwood. $116.90 back in 2011 dollars.
You'd then use the USB security key and KPG-110SM to set up the trunked system and create system keys.

The repeater serial numbers are part of the USB key.

If you are looking for a way to bootleg all that, I'm not sure it's been done.

I think you need to sit down with a Kenwood dealer and work with them. They'll need to have Kenwood set up the USB key and the serial numbers for the repeaters. You'll also need the trunking feature for your repeater(s).

 

[kd4efm]

Have to say ditto. Just a repeater is just that, conventional FB6.
If you didn't order the trunking option, then it's not a trunked repeater. If you did order the trunking option, then you would also gotten a system key and a system number, along with kpg110sm.
1 repeater for trunking is not enough, but hey, I know people who have done it just to get the ball rolling.
You also need to at least have an FB8 for your control channel. Even if you use it as a hybrid.

 

[merlin]

Well, It seems trunking system is already configured, and I have 2 of those USB keys.
KPG-110sm gets along fine. the moment I select NXDN trunking system with either software I get no system key/file.
EXCEPT.
software is not finding the USB key. Try programming a blank user codeplug, I get the same thing.
Windows sees the dongle and properly identifies it.
On a side tone; I know system key data is in the codeplug. I have read and logges the serial stream so I should find that data there.
I also downloaded software to read the dongle. Just to check the integrity of that.
Odd, why can you not get a screenshot of the software ?

 

[motorcoachdoug]

Things that make you go hmmmm
Did you take a look over at Ham Files UK?

 

[merlin]

Not yet, but on the list.

 

[kd4efm]

So you now say you have system usb dongles. Now do you have the activation files?

Looks like this;
System-number_00_xxxx.atv
That goes in to 110 act folder.
Otherwise 110 will tell you no activation file found. I find it hard that your dealer didn't supply the 110sm manual for you to read up on, if this is a private system.

I manage several nxdn trunk systems and I have activation files for each system, otherwise I can't work on them.

Next thing, your comments, has me thinking your using the keys to run D1, D3, 111, 141 to program the radios. That's not how that works.
You use 110sm to make a skf for each FPU that programs the radio, again outlined in the system manual the dealer should have supplied you.

I'm kinda starting to get the whole picture here just worded in the wrong way.

you have a trunk system, you have the usb system keys, but missing the skf files to program your radios and stuck on how to make the skf files to program the radios.


1, what radios?
2, do you have your fpu license ID'S?
3, do you have all the files for 110sm?

 

[merlin]

Update: both keys read with no problem.

 

[merlin]

So you now say you have system usb dongles. Now do you have the activation files? View attachment 153188

Looks like this;
System-number_00_xxxx.atv
That goes in to 110 act folder.
Otherwise 110 will tell you no activation file found. I find it hard that your dealer didn't supply the 110sm manual for you to read up on, if this is a private system.

I manage several nxdn trunk systems and I have activation files for each system, otherwise I can't work on them.

Next thing, your comments, has me thinking your using the keys to run D1, D3, 111, 141 to program the radios. That's not how that works.
You use 110sm to make a skf for each FPU that programs the radio, again outlined in the system manual the dealer should have supplied you.

I'm kinda starting to get the whole picture here just worded in the wrong way.

you have a trunk system, you have the usb system keys, but missing the skf files to program your radios and stuck on how to make the skf files to program the radios.


1, what radios?
2, do you have your fpu license ID'S?
3, do you have all the files for 110sm?

I am not going through any dealer, but now tell me this. How does a dealer get the .atv file ?
You must not have read my first post. this is all hypothetical.
2 1/2 times I have gone through the NXDN technical reference and system manual. It isn't that complicated, just a lot of pieces of the puzzle.
Perhaps you have a copy of an .atv file you could send me ?

 

[mmckenna]

.atv files come from Kenwood.
USB security key and .atv files must match.

From Kenwood:
.ATV file has validation of serial numbers / ESN’s of repeaters in the
system, the type of site and number of Trunk channels licensed.
KPG-110SM requires USB hardware key that is unique to the .ATV
file. One Key is required for each Single site.


I'm not sure about the others, but there's no way I would send my .atv or any other system key files to anyone else.

Kenwood did a pretty good job on NexEdge system security and most of us who run systems wouldn't want to jeopardize that. It's also one of those career ending choices that most would avoid.

 

[KevinC]

It's also one of those career ending choices that most would avoid.

A "RGE" (resume generating event).

 

[mmckenna]

A "RGE" (resume generating event).

Right, and at 26 years at my current employer, I'm pretty sure I forgot how to write a resume.

 

[kd4efm]

I am not going through any dealer, but now tell me this. How does a dealer get the .atv file ?
You must not have read my first post. this is all hypothetical.
2 1/2 times I have gone through the NXDN technical reference and system manual. It isn't that complicated, just a lot of pieces of the puzzle.
Perhaps you have a copy of an .atv file you could send me ?

Here is how this goes, we place and order for the systemkey and kpg110sm, at which time, the order is slatted as new, they assign a system ID, then they collect the repeater Information with serial number and nxdn numbers, give it life of either local, intermediate, or regional, if for a Gen 1 system. Gen2 they build it to the server before shipping it out, and then remote access it to upload the need files, again, controlled environment here, and encrypted.

So there's no bootlegging the system.