-
To anyone looking to acquire commercial radio programming software:
Please do not make requests for copies of radio programming software which is sold (or was sold) by the manufacturer for any monetary value. All requests will be deleted and a forum infraction issued. Making a request such as this is attempting to engage in software piracy and this forum cannot be involved or associated with this activity. The same goes for any private transaction via Private Message. Even if you attempt to engage in this activity in PM's we will still enforce the forum rules. Your PM's are not private and the administration has the right to read them if there's a hint to criminal activity.
If you are having trouble legally obtaining software please state so. We do not want any hurt feelings when your vague post is mistaken for a free request. It is YOUR responsibility to properly word your request.
To obtain Motorola software see the Sticky in the Motorola forum.
The various other vendors often permit their dealers to sell the software online (i.e., Kenwood). Please use Google or some other search engine to find a dealer that sells the software. Typically each series or individual radio requires its own software package. Often the Kenwood software is less than $100 so don't be a cheapskate; just purchase it.
For M/A Com/Harris/GE, etc: there are two software packages that program all current and past radios. One package is for conventional programming and the other for trunked programming. The trunked package is in upwards of $2,500. The conventional package is more reasonable though is still several hundred dollars. The benefit is you do not need multiple versions for each radio (unlike Motorola).
This is a large and very visible forum. We cannot jeopardize the ability to provide the RadioReference services by allowing this activity to occur. Please respect this.
TK-3180 Full Refurb.
- Thread starter N1SQB
- Start date
- Status
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
The tips on this one are round. That won’t work with this type of nut.
You're welcome....
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Right, and 4mm is much too large anyway. The X-tool will fit the antenna nut as well as those on many other radios, including volume/channel knob stuffings. I've had mine for years and used it on a lot of Kenwood and older Motorola radios. For the price, you'll get a lot of use out of it.
I just ordered one. Thank you very much for your help. I’m loving this radio for refurb. It’s a breeze.
Manny
FWIW, I have the "official" Kenwood tool – W05-1012-00 – with an MSRP of $85! It's made by Glacier (#107), which seems to be a custom tool manufacturer. I found a cheap one like that X-tool that fits most of the Vertex and others. I'd like to find a set of deep/thin-wall spanner-nut wrenches with various common control-shaft sizes. All the usual tool designs assume clearance around the nut that isn't there in our two-way radios.
Since you guys were extremely helpful in my refurb project, I thought I would share the finished product with you. This is my first Kenwood refurb. I could not have done it successfully without all of your input. The radio was stripped completely, down to the metal chassis. Boards were left in tact. Every other piece was replaced. New battery is aftermarket and Lithium Ion 3300 mAh. I did not run into an issues. Radio now looks and operates like new. I was gonna sell it along with the new KSC-32 rapid charger, but then I decided to keep it.
Manny
Manny
Attachments
The X tool worked like a charm. I was able to loosen the two nuts on the channel and volume pots. Then, tightening was easy too. He’ll, I only paid $14 Friday on Amazon, and had it here on Sunday. Good luck finding what you’re looking for.
Manny
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Yeah, pretty good investment for $14. I've got one at work and one at home. Occasionally I run across abused radios that just need the shaft nuts snugged up a bit. Much cheaper than the official Kenwood tool.
Yeah, It made the nut removal and the tightening much easier. Love it. I actually have 2180 coming as well. Yup, refurb job round-2..
Keep in mind that is is for fun. I have an APX8000 XE quad as my main workhorse...I just HAD to have the 2180 VHF version.. LOL..
Manny
UPDATE:
The TK-2180/3180 refurb project is finally done! Just finished the 2180 today. Both are performing flawlessly and looking brand new. Every part was replaced. ( except the inner PC boards obviously ). Case, rubber pieces underneath, battery, belt clip, side dust cover. Once again, I want to thank everyone on here for your assistance in this project. My reason for doing this was to give my more expensive workhorse ( APX8000 ) a daily rest. I am happy with how everything turned out and how easy it was to do the refurb. Before anyone asks, they are NOT for sale.
Manny
The TK-2180/3180 refurb project is finally done! Just finished the 2180 today. Both are performing flawlessly and looking brand new. Every part was replaced. ( except the inner PC boards obviously ). Case, rubber pieces underneath, battery, belt clip, side dust cover. Once again, I want to thank everyone on here for your assistance in this project. My reason for doing this was to give my more expensive workhorse ( APX8000 ) a daily rest. I am happy with how everything turned out and how easy it was to do the refurb. Before anyone asks, they are NOT for sale.
Manny
Attachments
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
The x180 series are great radios. Superior performing ones too if all one needs in analog FM. And unlike CCR trash, they are designed for 20-30 year service life, have superb transmit and receive, super scan rate, and overall a quality product. The KPG-89D is easy to use as well. Superb quality from Kenwood that despite being a 20 year old design, still holds it's own.
I agree with you 100%. While I love my APX8K, I find myself using these 2 a lot. I added the 3300mAh battery to both. I just updated the firmware too. Everything about these radios is simple and easy to do. From firmware updating to a full refurb, everything was simple. The audio is nice and crisp, the build quality is good and the knobs are nice and big for people with big hands. Finally, the accessories for these radios is still cheap and widely available. Yup, these 2 will be with me for a very long time.
Manny
- Status
Similar threads
