TK-5710 For Commercial and Ham

[motormayhem]

Hi,
I’m looking at ebay’ing a TK-5710 and want to understand the programming before jumping in. I’d be using it for mostly ham and vhf in the 150mhz (Baja racing). Maybe in the future also using it for SAR/fire work.

To program it, what is the best option? I see you can buy a cable and software online for <$100, but I’m assuming this software is pirated for that price? Is there an open source tool to program these or what is the best way to get real software?
Can these be programmed via the front panel? I thought I saw there was an option for that, but didn’t find a clear answer.

 

[motormayhem]

Additionally, I was reading it seems there might be different software licenses for unlocking wideband, p25, front panel programming etc?

 

[MTS2000des]

The VHF models will do wideband on VHF ham (144-148) with no additional licenses. P25 is an option and is costly to add later. Software can be purchased from an authorized JVC Kenwood dealer, and you'll need KPG-95D and a cable.

 

[mmckenna]

Yeah, you need to use KPG-95. I'm not aware of anyone making open source/chirp for this. Even if there was, it would be a bad idea to use it and risk screwing up the radio.

They'll do P25 conventional out of the box.

Get a good cable, don't brick your radio to save a few bucks.

I don't recall about front panel programming, I think there is. I have it on my TK-5210, which is the portable version of this mobile.

Decent mobile radio. I've got about 20 of them running in our PD vehicles since 2011 or so.

Pay attention to the install, don't cut corners, proper power and antenna will make this radio shine.

 

[motormayhem]

Good to hear? How does the face programming work? Can you type in frequencies / repeater configs (offset/tone,etc) or is it more complicated?

@MTS2000des , when you say "P25 is an option and is costly to add later." what do you mean? I'd be looking at used eBay unit most likely do they not all do P25? I was under the impression that is a default option for this radio?

 

[motormayhem]

What is the best way to get KPG-95?

 

[mmckenna]

Good to hear? How does the face programming work? Can you type in frequencies / repeater configs (offset/tone,etc) or is it more complicated?

Don't know, never tried it on a mobile.

But on the portable, it is nothing at all like a ham radio. If you use VFO and on the fly programming a lot, this isn't a solution that's going to sit well with you. It's limited in what you can do, and a laptop/cable is still something you are going to want to have. It's not intended for amateur radio type use. It's intended for federal users, specifically fire/disaster response users that may need to make a few tweaks in a jam when the laptop isn't available.
But, yes, you can change TX/RX frequencies as well as tones/NAC. There is no standard 'offset' on the VHF LMR band, so no such setting. You program in your RX frequency and you program in your TX frequency.

@MTS2000des , when you say "P25 is an option and is costly to add later." what do you mean? I'd be looking at used eBay unit most likely do they not all do P25? I was under the impression that is a default option for this radio?

The do conventional P25 out of the box.

P25 trunking is another can of worms when it comes to these radios. It's not easy and it's costly, even if they still support it. I believe that's what MTS was referring to.
But unless you plan on adding one of these to your very own private P25 trunked system, it's not really a concern. Public Safety trunked systems usually have requirements of what radios they'll support, and a 10+ year old Kenwood probably ain't going to be on that list. If that is your goal, you'd be better off talking to the system administrator and find out what they will support. I wouldn't buy one of these without talking to them first.

 

[motormayhem]

Don't know, never tried it on a mobile.

But on the portable, it is nothing at all like a ham radio. If you use VFO and on the fly programming a lot, this isn't a solution that's going to sit well with you. It's limited in what you can do, and a laptop/cable is still something you are going to want to have. It's not intended for amateur radio type use. It's intended for federal users, specifically fire/disaster response users that may need to make a few tweaks in a jam when the laptop isn't available.
But, yes, you can change TX/RX frequencies as well as tones/NAC. There is no standard 'offset' on the VHF LMR band, so no such setting. You program in your RX frequency and you program in your TX frequency.



The do conventional P25 out of the box.

P25 trunking is another can of worms when it comes to these radios. It's not easy and it's costly, even if they still support it. I believe that's what MTS was referring to.
But unless you plan on adding one of these to your very own private P25 trunked system, it's not really a concern. Public Safety trunked systems usually have requirements of what radios they'll support, and a 10+ year old Kenwood probably ain't going to be on that list. If that is your goal, you'd be better off talking to the system administrator and find out what they will support. I wouldn't buy one of these without talking to them first.

Thanks for the feedback. Yea this would be wildland fire which is just P25 and this is on the approved list.

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks for the feedback. Yea this would be wildland fire which is just P25 and this is on the approved list.

OK, that's what that features is designed for. Tweaking tones on the fly. In reality, these radios have enough memory that you should have no problem programming in everything you need. Most just program a button for user selectable PL tones, which fits the needs of most users.

CalFire used to have a standard load for the 5710. If you are a contractor for them, or an agency that works with them, you should be able to contact them and ask for this seasons load. Should have everything you need. I'm sure other agencies/NIFC have similar.

 

[lucas2121]

I sent you a message.

 

[mikepdx]

I love my TK-5710H-K 110W Mobile.
I make frequent visits to the
somewhat sparsely populated eastern part
of our state.
A lot of wide open spaces, forests, canyons, etc.
Very hot receiver & power to talk.
This radio fits the bill.