TK-8150 Programming

[tweiss3]

So I just picked up a pair of TK-8150 with remote heads from auction because the are 45W Type 95 certified and the right price. This is my first Kenwood radio, and I'm just starting to figure out prigramming. The software KPG-79D v1.01 came in today and I sat down to look it over. I figured out my primary use (GMRS) pretty quickly on the conventional side. Cable comes tomorrow, so I can't grab the base configuration yet, but I figured I would look at the software right away.

1) I see there is some version of trunking capability. I understand basic concepts but not enough to understand how to program it. For the heck of it, I was going to toss the local university's NXDN system in a separate zone just to listen. Is this possible, or is it a different version/type than it is capable?

2) If it's possible, how do I program this system on the radio? University of Akron Trunking System, various, Ohio - Scanner Frequencies

Thanks,

 

[ramal121]

The TK-X150's are analog only radios so you would not be able to use it for any digital transmissions which includes NXDN.

The trunking format is LTR which is analog. Gotta remember this model is well on it's way to being ancient.

 

[tweiss3]

The TK-X150's are analog only radios so you would not be able to use it for any digital transmissions which includes NXDN.

The trunking format is LTR which is analog. Gotta remember this model is well on it's way to being ancient.

Thanks for the quick reply.

This unit's sole purpose is for GMRS, everything else is just a bonus.

 

[mmckenna]

Yeah, that's an analog radio and is not going to receive and NXDN system.

Even if it was an NXDN radio, it's still not going to work. The packets sent by a NexEdge trunked system are tagged and an NXDN capable radio will not decode them, even if you put the individual trunk channels in as conventional NXDN.
You also would not be able to fake it, the radio requires a programming key, and that key will be a closely guarded secret by the system administrator.
The trunked system can also be set up to not allow any radio to register with the system unless its ESN is in the system. They can go as far as requiring the ESN and the Radio ID to match up.

Just don't want anyone to buy an NXDN radio thinking they can eavesdrop on a NexEdge system. Kenwood did a pretty good job securing them.

As for the TK-8150, good choice for GMRS. I'm sure you'll be happy with them. If you decide to get your amateur radio license down the road, you can program 70 centimeter frequencies into them.

 

[tweiss3]

I have another question, making sure I didn't make a stupid mistake programming.

I installed the radio this evening. Pins 5 & 6 are jumpered (how i got it from the PD). I tested on a known repeater close by, I key up for a second, let go, and get a response back, but I can't hear anything. Is there something in the programming I need to check to have it use the internal front facing speaker in the remote head?

 

[tweiss3]

Nevermind, it was a mechanical issue. One of the wires in the remote cable came out of the connector and didn't make contact with the pin. Inserted it into the connector and I'm in business.