TK-7180 Pinout for the DB25

[KC1ART]

I recently purchased an R1-2023 (Blue Box) for linking my TK-7180 to Zello
None of the "plug-and-play" radios offered by the seller can program "splinter" frequencies so my TK-7180 is it.
My issue is correctly wiring the R1-2023 connector to the DB-25 on the mobile radio.

The R1-2023 data connector is as follows:



I've also got the 6-pin to 16-pin conversion board:

I'm pretty sure R1-2023 to 16-Pin Conversion Board is straightforward.
Can anyone help me fill in the 3rd Column?
Even GND...do I use Pin 7 "GND" or Pin 25 "MIC GND"?

I understand that I'll likely need to go into the KPG-89D software and program some of the pins for a specific function.

R1-2023 Data Cable	6-Pin to 16-Pin Conversion Board	Kenwood DB25 (TK-7180H)
1 - AF Out	Pin 11
2 - GND	Pin 7
3 - PTT	Pin 3
4 - Not Used	Not Used
5 - AF In	Pin 2
6 - SQL	Pin 8

 

[jeepsandradios]

Id start here. All pins should be on the DB25

https://www.repeater-builder.com/kenwood/pdfs/tk-7180-svc-man.pdf

 

[KC1ART]

I’ve definitely been though that but it couldn’t be as easy as “SQL” on the 6-Pin equals “SQL” on the DB-25.

So there’s a terminology, or pin description, that I’m not able to tie together.

 

[KC1ART]

I also went to this page:

Kenwood TK7180 / TK-8180 Accessory Connector Notes by WA6ILQ

And was encouraged by the “most common configuration” at the bottom, but I’m still doing something wrong, and just assume I’m using the wrong pins, and/or choosing the wrong functions for those pins in the programming software.

 

[mmckenna]

The "indepth" manuals are probably going to have what you want in the way of information. Specifically, the TK-2180/7180 MOD manual.

Pin number	Signal name	Input/ Output	Description
1	NC	-	No connection.
2	RXD1	Input	Serial Data Input 1 RS-232C Level, Input voltage range ±30 V max, L = less than 0.4 V, H = more than 2.4 V, Zi = more than 5kΩ
3	TXD1	Output	Serial Data Output 1 RS-232C Level, L = less than -5 V, H = more than 5 V, Zo = more than 5kΩ
4	AUX I/O 9	Input/ Output	Auxiliary I/O 9 Input: Active Low with 47kΩ pulled-up to 5 V, L = less than 0.8 V, H = more than 4.2 V Output: Active Low with 47kΩ pulled-up to 5 V, 0.2 mA max, L = less than 0.3 V, H = more than 4.8 V (no load)
5	DI	Input	Data Signal Input 60% of System Deviation with 2 Vpp input, Input Impedance = 10kΩ or more, DC coupled, Frequency Response = +2/ -3 dB
6	MI2	Input	External Mic Input: 60% Deviation with 1 kHz 5.0 mV ±2.5 mV Input signal
7	GND	-	Ground
8	AUX I/O 8	Input/ Output	AUX I/O 8: Same Level as AUX I/O 9.
9	TXD2	Output	Serial Data Output 2: C MOS Level, L = less than 0.7 V, H = more than 4.2 V (25kΩ load), Zo = more than 1kΩ

10	RXD2	Input	Serial Data Input 2 C MOS Level, Input voltage range = +5/ 0 V max, L = less than 0.8 V, H = more than 4.2 V
11	GND	-	Ground
12	AUX I/O 7	Input/ Output	Auxiliary I/O 7: Same Level as AUX I/O 9.
13	AUX I/O 6	Input/ Output	Auxiliary I/O 6: Same Level as AUX I/O 9.
14	SB	-	Power Output in conjunction with the Power Switch DC 13.6 V ±15%, 2.0 A max
15	AUX OUT 2	Output	Auxiliary OUT 2 Active Low, open collector 500 mA max, Default = None, L = less than 0.3 V
16	AUX OUT 1	Output	Auxiliary OUT 1 Active Low, open collector 500 mA max, Default = None, L = less than 0.3 V
17	AFO	Output	RX Filtered Audio Output DC coupled, AF low level output 700 mVpp typical while receiving standard modulated signal.
18	GND	-	Ground
19	DEO	Output	Detected Signal Output DC coupled, 740 mVpp typical while receiving standard modulated signal.
20	AUX I/O 5	Input/ Output	Auxiliary I/O 5: Same Level as AUX I/O 9.
21	AUX I/O 4	Input/ Output	Auxiliary I/O 4: Same Level as AUX I/O 9.
22	AUX I/O 3	Input/ Output	Auxiliary I/O 3: Same Level as AUX I/O 9.
23	AUX I/O 2	Input/ Output	Auxiliary I/O 2: Same Level as AUX I/O 9.
24	AUX I/O 1	Input/ Output	Auxiliary I/O 1: Same Level as AUX I/O 9.
25	ME	-	Mic Ground

You are going to need to set your pin function in KPG-89. You'll need to program an AUX pin for your PTT and the "Squelch" may be looking for a Carrier Operated Relay function. Those are all options in the "Extended Function" section of KPG-89.

You may also have to add some adjustability to your audio levels.

 

[KC1ART]

I went with the following.

Keying Zello causes the TK-7180 to turn off and re-boot.
Keying the TK-7180 does not bridge/transmit anything to zello.

I also switched Pin 6 and 17 in case I was thinking about AF in/out incorrectly. Same result.

R1-2023 Data Cable	6-Pin to 16-Pin Conversion Board	Kenwood DB25 (TK-7180H)
1 - AF Out	Pin 11	Pin 17
2 - GND	Pin 7	Pin 7
3 - PTT	Pin 3	Pin 4 (Programmed Input Ext PTT Voice)
4 - Not Used	Not Used	Not Used
5 - AF In	Pin 2	Pin 6
6 - SQL	Pin 8	Pin 24 (Programmed Output COR)

 

[KC1ART]

I also got a warning to not connect the TK-7180 to a PC when pins 4, 8, 20 and 22 were programmed as inputs which could cause a malfunction. So I changed the PTT to Pin 21. Same result.

 

[ramal121]

Whoa, stop! If Zello keying the PTT line causes the radio to reset that is a huge problem. Disconnect Zello and confirm it's logic level switches between 5 volts (and no more) and ground. Resetting is not good and can damage the Kenwoods I/O.

Also reset on radio transmit could be a power supply too small to supply the needed current by the radio.

 

[KC1ART]

Whoa, stop! If Zello keying the PTT line causes the radio to reset that is a huge problem. Disconnect Zello and confirm it's logic level switches between 5 volts (and no more) and ground. Resetting is not good and can damage the Kenwoods I/O.

Also reset on radio transmit could be a power supply too small to supply the needed current by the radio.

The Zello side doesn’t produce any voltage.

The TK-7180 PTT pin outputs 5v and the Zello controller shorts it to ground which I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to.

Checking the power supply, it’s 14v when the radio is off. 10.8v when the radio is on. So maybe you’re right that it’s undersized and the radio is turning off because of under-volt when transmitting.

 

[mmckenna]

Checking the power supply, it’s 14v when the radio is off. 10.8v when the radio is on. So maybe you’re right that it’s undersized and the radio is turning off because of under-volt when transmitting.

What kind of power supply, exactly, is this?

Standby current on these radios is only 400ma, so if it's dropping from 14 to 10.8 just under that amount of load, not surprising the radio is restarting when asking it to do anything.

 

[KC1ART]

What kind of power supply, exactly, is this?

Standby current on these radios is only 400ma, so if it's dropping from 14 to 10.8 just under that amount of load, not surprising the radio is restarting when asking it to do anything.

It’s a very old Sonar PS-2929.
I’m really not sure of the specs, and there’s no nameplate. Though it was working just fine last week when I had a Yaesu FT-7900 hooked to it.

 

[mmckenna]

Check all your connections. Especially any crimp connections or fuse connections.

No idea what the specs are on that power supply, but that much voltage drop is not a good sign.

 

[KC1ART]

Check all your connections. Especially any crimp connections or fuse connections.

No idea what the specs are on that power supply, but that much voltage drop is not a good sign.

I’m suddenly reminded that this is probably the same radio I had installed in a vehicle, and it would intermittently do the same thing (turn off and reboot) if you tried to transmit with the vehicle stopped/idling, but would work if you were driving down the road.

Thinking there’s something wrong with the radio itself, so I’m gonna park this thread, find a new radio and try again some other day.