TK-8180 Question

[Nysff]

I have the firmware that I can switch from FleetSync to MDC1200. Question I have is can it be programmed to decode the MDC1200 PTT Codes and display them on the radio so that I can write them down to make a file with all the codes in my fire district? If so, can anyone please explain how to go about doing this in the software.

 

[mmckenna]

Yes, it'll do that.
Under the MDC1200 "General" tab, make sure the "Caller ID Display" box is checked. Set the "Auto Reset Timer" to some number of seconds that allows you to read the display.

 

[Nysff]

And thats it? The talker who keys up will show the code on my end?

 

[mmckenna]

Auto Reset Timer can be set to something between off, 1 and 300 seconds. New incoming MDC messages will overwrite the older ones.

On some newer radios you can set up an ID Stack, where you can go back and look at previous ID's. The TK-x180's won't do that, though.

 

[mmckenna]

And thats it? The talker who keys up will show the code on my end?

Yes, if they are sending it out on the channel you are listening to.

 

[Nysff]

Well Thank You VERY Much mmckenna. I will let ya know if that works

 

[Nysff]

So im getting this error when updating.

Any Suggestions?
I did download the updated file from HamFiles.com and i assume thats the most current 1.61 ver.

 

[mmckenna]

So im getting this error when updating.

To help, I'd need to know the following:
What version software
What version firmware is currently in the radio.

Any Suggestions?

Yeah, be really cautious with things you download off the internets. Trying to jam the wrong firmware in to the wrong radio can lead to headaches you don't really want.

I did download the updated file from HamFiles.com and i assume thats the most current 1.61 ver.

Whoops, too late….

KPG-89DN version 1.61 is the latest version of programming software. Downloading bootlegged copies off the internet isn't always the best plan, especially since it's copyrighted, but I understand wanting a cheap solution….


The programming software is only part of the solution. Your radio needs to have the correct firmware to support the MDC function. From the error you are getting, it looks like your radio has an older version of non-MDC1200 firmware. Before you go searching for the updated firmware, you need to understand their are some risks with this…

Firmware changes the way your radio works. Often it's for the better, but sometimes it's going to bite you in the butt. Understanding what you are about to do is really important.
If you are running and older version of firmware on your TK-8180 or even a TK-3180, updating to the latest firmware can take away your ability to run wide FM channels. That can be a big issue for amateur radio operators and GMRS users. The radio will still work, it's just forced to run 12.5KHz channels across the board.
Kenwood sells a software key that will allow wide band channels on the newer firmware/software, but it's keyed to the software you have. If you try to buy a key that's linked to a software serial number that's been known to be bootlegged, you might get the cold shoulder from Kenwood.

On the VHF radios, TK-2180, TK-7180, and most of the newer VHF radios, the Kenwood guys wrote the firmware to allow wideband operation below 150.1MHz, which makes a lot of sense since below that is federal/NTIA stuff that wasn't necessarily forced to narrow, and amateur radio. Above 150.1MHz, they are forced narrow, which is an issue for listening to NOAA, marine VHF, etc. On UHF it's important to realize the the amateur 70CM allocation is -secondary-, so it's not set up to benefit amateurs.

So, while MDC-1200 is a nice to have thing, make sure you know what you are getting when you update the firmware.
If you need to retain the wide band functionality, you'll need to stay where you are, or purchase legit software and buy the W-license for it.
Or, get another radio that will natively do MDC-1200.

 

[Nysff]

Ok. Just a tip, I only use this for scanning honestly. I have no desire or need to transmit on it. But thank you for your advice.

 

[mmckenna]

Ok. Just a tip, I only use this for scanning honestly. I have no desire or need to transmit on it. But thank you for your advice.

OK, then upgrading the firmware shouldn't be an issue unless you really want to listen to GMRS or amateurs.

The latest firmware is version 1.22. That should add the MDC-1200 function.

I have a TK-3180 I use at work. I flashed it up to 1.22 and the MDC1200 works fine.

Only gotcha on that is you need to know if you have an MPT trunking radio or the standard model. The MPT version uses a different firmware.

 

[Nysff]

Right now its stuck at “UNPROGRAM” I did do the 1.22 upgrade but I honestly dont know to use K or E.

 

[Nysff]

if this helps at all

 

[mmckenna]

Right now its stuck at “UNPROGRAM” I did do the 1.22 upgrade but I honestly dont know to use K or E.

K. That's the US model.

"UNPROGRAM" means just that, the radio is not programmed with anything. They come that way from the factory.

 

[Nysff]

Also as it says "UNPROGRAM" When I try to write my backed up data, its pops up a message saying "Check Model and Market Code"


Im screwed I think Aren't I?

 

[mmckenna]

That's not an MPT radio, as far as I can tell. 1.22 should give you what you need.

 

[mmckenna]

Also as it says "UNPROGRAM" When I try to write my backed up data, its pops up a message saying "Check Model and Market Code"


Im screwed I think Aren't I?

Try reading the radio and let me know what it says. Even with nothing loaded, you can read it.

 

[Nysff]

No it still says the “Check Model Name and Market Code”

 

[mmckenna]

OK.
So, you have a TK-8180-K2, which is the US market radio.
If you got the correct firmware, that shouldn't be an issue.
Making sure you have the correct software and activation code is the next step.
The activation key should start with a K...

 

[Nysff]

Would you be willing to call me for an help? Id hate to bug ya but you seem to know what your doing

 

[mmckenna]

Phone won't work. Send me a PM and we can set something up.