TK-7180 Wide/Narrow conventional: Latest Firmware?

[we7u]

I recently bought a couple of TK-7180's. My programming setup is working: -D software so I can program Wide/Narrow on a per-channel basis (I understand the -DN software forces narrow-band only). I do ham as well as SAR so require wide and narrow channels.

Which firmware does conventional LMR and allows both wide and narrow? Where can I obtain it? Perhaps the narrow-band restriction is set by the programming S/W only and I don't need to worry about this restriction in the firmware? I want to update firmware before putting them in service, but won't if I might lose wide-band capability.

Also: What are "tactical functions" (TFS) and are they useful to me?

Searching the forums I found mention of these sets of firmware:

x180 radio Checksum F1FF (v1.20)
x180 radio Checksum 838C (Tactical functions)
x180 radio Checksum 035C (v1.22)

I'm new to LMR Kenwoods, but have a couple of TM-742A's that I love and use. Any help appreciated!

--Curt

 

[we7u]

I hate to reply to my own post, but I _just_ found this post mentioning a wide-band firmware restriction. Since I only need wide-band below 150 MHz, that restriction is fine for my use:

http://forums.radioreference.com/kenwood-forum/340873-tk-8180-firmware-upgrade.html#post2648287

Anyone know where to find firmware v1.22 for the TK-7180's? Answers to my other questions in the original post are appreciated too!

--Curt

 

[mmckenna]

No matter what KPG software or radio firmware you have, the VHF radios will do both wide and narrow in the 136-150 range without any issues. Above 150 they are forced to narrow band with the KPG software that ends with "n".
Newer software is compatible with older firmware, so it's in the KPG software.

If you need to do wideband outside the 136-150MHz range, then you can buy a "W-license" from Kenwood that will allow a properly purchased copy of KPG to do wide band. I have it for KPG-95DN and KPG-111DN. It's tied to the software license key, so you'll need that off your original software.

Obvious disclaimers about using narrow where the FCC says you have to goes here, but I'll leave that out since I'm sure you understand it. (right?)

Don't mess with firmware unless you need to. If the radios are working like you need them to, you shouldn't need to update firmware.

 

[mmckenna]

Anyone know where to find firmware v1.22 for the TK-7180's? Answers to my other questions in the original post are appreciated too!

--Curt

I guess I type too slow and missed your response.

1.22 is the latest version of firmware for these radios. You can get it from your Kenwood dealer.

 

[we7u]

I saw warnings in the programming S/W about the firmware being old: Was why I originally wanted to update. I may want to do wide-band receive for the NOAA weather station channels now that I think of it, which should be the only wide-band channels I need above 150 MHz. If I can program both radios and use them successfully as they are, I probably won't reflash them. Also: These were Ebay acquisitions so I doubt Kenwood dealers would want to talk to me about firmware. Thanks for your help!

 

[searchrescueff]

....
Also: What are "tactical functions" (TFS) and are they useful to me?
.....

The tactical feature set, or TFS, is basically a command zone to be able to input your own channels into a single "command" zone (much like the CDF firmware for the 90 series mobiles I've heard). It is strictly a firmware upgrade feature that is encoded with your radios serial number in the firmware itself (single firmware file for 1 radio, not multiple radios).
I am just telling you what I have heard as I never upgraded any of the x180 series radios I've had to the TFS firmware.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[mmckenna]

I saw warnings in the programming S/W about the firmware being old: Was why I originally wanted to update. I may want to do wide-band receive for the NOAA weather station channels now that I think of it, which should be the only wide-band channels I need above 150 MHz. If I can program both radios and use them successfully as they are, I probably won't reflash them. Also: These were Ebay acquisitions so I doubt Kenwood dealers would want to talk to me about firmware. Thanks for your help!

You'd be OK running NOAA/NWR on narrow band. May not sound as nice, but it'll work.

I usually don't recommend updating firmware unless you are having a specific issue that the new FW fixes.

Buying a W-license has nothing to do with the radio or where you got it. It has to do with the copy of the KPG software. They'll want the key, so that needs to be legally purchased software.

I have it for our radios since our PD/Fire has a couple of marine VHF channels programmed for interoperability with USCG.
Usually not an issue with VHF radios now that all our stuff is narrow band. On the other hand, if you use a UHF radio for GMRS or Amateur, the UHF software doesn't let you do wide band on those frequencies, still forces you to narrow. Considering a lot of the guys at Kenwood are hams, it would make sense they'd address that, but it may have to do with amateurs being a secondary user on 70cm. Not sure the 8180/3180 have Part 95 certs, so maybe the reason for no wide on the GMRS channels.

 

[KK6ZTE]

The easiest answer is to use the readily available 89D (not DN). It doesn't enforce narrowband and does everything else you'll need.

And yes, the x180 series are Part 95.

The firmware doesn't enforce narrowband, the software does. That's the difference between 89D and 89DN.

 

[mmckenna]

Correct, but newer firmware in the radio won't always work with older software.
Often (not always) when new firmware comes out, especially if it offers new features, you'll be required to update the KPG software.
That's why I always will encourage people to NOT upgrade firmware unless there is a specific need for a fix or new function.

Latest programming software is KPG-89DN v1.61, released in November of 2012, just before the narrow banding requirement took place in the USA.

Good to know they are Part 95 certified. Glad someone is still making good GMRS suitable radios.

 

[KK6ZTE]

Agreed, I doubt it costs much, but makes a big difference to end users like us.

My 89D is also 1.61 dated 2010 I believe (not in front of me). I believe all the work went into enforcement and none else.