Programming a Kenwood TK-8180

[ndejohn]

Is there a way to get around having to use the SJ-180 software to program a Kenwood TK-8180? I am looking to merely use these for conventional use. They have Passport programming in them now but I want to take them out.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[sbarr]

Simlar problem with 7180H

I have a similar problem with a 7180H. We have the software and cabling to program the 7180H, but the latest radio we purchased, will not program and gives the message "Use SJ-180". I have been unable to locate any source for this software. I need to either purchase this software or get the Passport stuff out of the radio so it will work with the normal software.

Thanks

Stephen Barr

 

[ndejohn]

Steve:

Keep me posted as to what you come up with so I can figure out what I am going to do.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[btritch]

I use KPG 89D to program mine..

 

[ndejohn]

I tried using that software first and the radio flashed "Use SJ-180". So, that's where I am at now.

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[evfd1625]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 4.0.4; en-us; DROID RAZR Build/6.7.2-180_DHD-16_M4-31) AppleWebKit/534.30 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/534.30)

Can you make a blank radio code plug in the software, for the correct model and write it without reading the radio first?

 

[ramal121]

My experience with Scholer Johnson is close to nil, but I know they have been around for years providing custom firmware mostly to allow radios to to operate on LTR and Passport trunked systems. Because the firmware is different and not supported by the radio manufacturer, it requires its own programming software. Regular programming software by the manufacturer doesn't have a clue as to as to what is in the radio or how it is set up hence the error message.

I have never "rescued" a Scholer Johnson radio, but I would think a X180 Kenwood would just need to be reflashed with the regular firmware from Kenwood and then programming from KPG-89D would be possible.

 

[ndejohn]

I don't have the firmware for it, at least I don't think. I wonder if I just write a blank code plug to the radio id that would wipe it clean.

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[ndejohn]

I'm think that as well now that you have mentioned it. I put the question out there to see what others thoughts are.

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[LTR]

You need to flash the radio with a non-PassPort firmware and then KPG-89D should work. I just tried this with one of my PassPort radios and KPG-89D read the radio after changing it to a standard Kenwood firmware, and all the PassPort information in the radio disappeared. I was not sure if the embedded ESN would mess it up too, but it does not appear to be a problem after the flash.

 

[ndejohn]

I need to see if I have the firmware. I don't think I do.

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[radioguy99]

SJ180

Hello,

I know this is an old post, but if your still stuck in the problem, here is your solution:

Switching the radio back to use with the KPG89 is easy, all you need to do is reflash the radio with the original KW firmware for the -180, once that is done you can then use the radio as normal. With these, the firmware is what makes the radio do what it does, either with SJ or KW.

Need help with the firmware, send me a PM.

 

[shellyshaun]

pm sent

 

[rrcraig]

tk-8180 firmware problem

Hello,

I know this is an old post, but if your still stuck in the problem, here is your solution:

Switching the radio back to use with the KPG89 is easy, all you need to do is reflash the radio with the original KW firmware for the -180, once that is done you can then use the radio as normal. With these, the firmware is what makes the radio do what it does, either with SJ or KW.

Need help with the firmware, send me a PM.

I am having the same problem trying to program my TK-8180 and TK-3180 as these radios apparrently have Passport firmware installed. Can you assist me in getting the firmware updated to the proper Kenwood version.

Thanks!

 

[BrAdAsS]

Hello,

I know this is an old post, but if your still stuck in the problem, here is your solution:

Switching the radio back to use with the KPG89 is easy, all you need to do is reflash the radio with the original KW firmware for the -180, once that is done you can then use the radio as normal. With these, the firmware is what makes the radio do what it does, either with SJ or KW.

Need help with the firmware, send me a PM.

I couldn't find anywhere to send you a PM radioguy99, but I need help locating the firmware too.. You help would be muchly appreciated mate!

-Brad

 

[CultDoctor]

Trying to Read, Not Program TK-3180-K

Well, I have the correct cable, KPG-92D gave the "use SJ-180". Tried running in compatibility mode, made sure I had the correct model set and correct port. No go.

I don't want to erase, corrupt or reprogram, I just want to read what is currently on the radio. Any suggestions?

 

[radio259]

I have one of these gems also.
Tried firmware, no luck, so I geuss it is a nice door stop now?

 

[westtexan7]

radioguy99, are you still available to provide firmware via PM?

 

[westtexan7]

Looking for some advice...I have one of these 8180 radios with the passport firmware installed, and a Pyramid data modem (no microphone). I'm really only interested in using this for UHF amateur use. Am I spending my wheels trying to get this working, and would I be better off trying to sell the radio and just buy a dual-band amateur radio? Is there even a demand for these radios on the used market?

 

[streetdoc21]

You can flash conventional firmware to a Passport radio and then use KPG-89D for programming. The problem is that firmware programming is disabled by default in the SJ-180 software, unless the person who programmed the radio went in and enabled it. You can try putting the radio into Firmware Programming Mode by holding down the "S" button while powering on the radio. If it won't go into Firmware Programming Mode then you will have to read the radio with the SJ-180 software, go into the settings and enable Firmware Programming Mode, and then write the info back to the radio before you can flash the conventional firmware. If you need the latest conventional firmware then shoot me an email and I can help you out.

garrettramsey21@yahoo.com