TK-880 Programming Issue

[kib669]

I have a couple TK-880H Ver 2 radios that apparently have LTR-NET Firmware in it. I cannot read or write with the KPG-49D V4.21. When I tried to write normal program file, it says the radio is not a Ver 2. Apparently the radio is not setup for firmware programming either as the power on w/ SCAN down does not put it in firmware mode. Since I cannot program the radio, I am unable to set it to accept new firmware.

Anyone have ideas of how to get this back to a normal Ver 2 radio?

 

[NotMarconi]

See the MYGMRS Forum question from 2023 asked by WRY1632 about this issue and read .the answer/comments by AXORLOV.

Also see the Repeater-Builder.com article Changing the Kenwood TK-7180 / 7180H / 8180 / 8180H from Passport Trunking to Conventional Firmware By Robert W. Meister WA1MIK and Dennis Lombard N1MAT, 2/5/2019 and revised 4/5/2022.

These two references are to Kenwood software SJ-180 as found online at sj-180.software.informer.com

Looks like this might be what is needed.

 

[AM909]

I gotta love the several-paragraph "AI"-generated "review" that is generic enough as to not be wrong (mostly). The same text could be used to describe Microsoft Word or Excel. Or an alarm clock app.

 

[NotMarconi]

I’m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted, but in either case I assure you that not one word of my answer was “AI” generated or inspired. The info I offered was the result of many hours of my own diligent research because I too have a TK-880 with the same firmware issue that kib669 explained in his post. 🫥

 

[kayn1n32008]

Except the TK-7180/8180 isn't the same radio as a TK-880H.

 

[kayn1n32008]

Edit: I was thinking of the TKx60 series.

I have a couple TK-880H Ver 2 radios that apparently have LTR-NET Firmware in it.

What leads to that conclusion?

I cannot read or write with the KPG-49D V4.21. When I tried to write normal program file, it says the radio is not a Ver 2.

What specific error does the software give you when you try and read it? There were 2 different series of TKx80 radios, one was DOS only.

Can you post a photo of the tag on the rear of the heat sink? This will greatly assist in getting the correct info for you

Apparently the radio is not setup for firmware programming either as the power on w/ SCAN down does not put it in firmware mode.

It's a check box in KPG-49D. It stops unauthorized updating of firmware.

Since I cannot program the radio, I am unable to set it to accept new firmware.

Anyone have ideas of how to get this back to a normal Ver 2 radio?

 

[AM909]

I gotta love the several-paragraph "AI"-generated "review" that is generic enough as to not be wrong (mostly). The same text could be used to describe Microsoft Word or Excel. Or an alarm clock app.

I didn't realize the potential ambiguity. I was describing the page at sj-180.software.informer.com.

 

[NotMarconi]

kib669 and I both have radios from the same source and have the same issue. I realize the TK880 and the TK7180/8180 are not the same radios, but even though the firmware MIGHT BE different files, the process to restore Kenwood firmware to them in this situation is the same. When replying ok to the message that states that it’s not a factory version 2 radio, and before the UNPROGRAM message, the screen displays “PROG LTR-NET” so we know it has that firmware. Using 49D (with the PROGRAM FIRMWARE box checked) to start the plug writing-to-the -radio process, the radio screen display changes to PROGRAM from UNPROGRAM. If you stop there and do not proceed to write a code plug you can (supposedly) then use FPro to now write a firmware hex file to the radio, IF the radio does indeed have LTR-NET firmware installed. As I understand it. If that fails, then one must use the SJ-180 software to write the firmware to replace the alternative brand firmware, once the radio is returned to the PROGRAM screen display, supposedly! I’m prepared to try this but so far I CANNOT secure ANY (latest or previous) Kenwood firmware hex file for the Version-2 TK-880. Hopefully my area Kenwood dealer will provide the file next week at an acceptable price.

 

[NotMarconi]

kib669 and I both have radios from the same source and have the same issue. I realize the TK880 and the TK7180/8180 are not the same radios, but even though the firmware MIGHT BE different files, the process to restore Kenwood firmware to them in this situation is the same. When replying ok to the message that states that it’s not a factory version 2 radio, and before the UNPROGRAM message, the screen displays “PROG LTR-NET” so we know it has that firmware. Using 49D (with the PROGRAM FIRMWARE box checked) to start the plug writing-to-the -radio process, the radio screen display changes to PROGRAM from UNPROGRAM. If you stop there and do not proceed to write a code plug you can (supposedly) then use FPro to now write a firmware hex file to the radio, IF the radio does indeed have LTR-NET firmware installed. As I understand it. If that fails, then one must use the SJ-180 software to write the firmware to replace the alternative brand firmware, once the radio is returned to the PROGRAM screen display, supposedly! I’m prepared to try this but so far I CANNOT secure ANY (latest or previous) Kenwood firmware hex file for the Version-2 TK-880. Hopefully my area Kenwood dealer will provide the file next week at an acceptable price.

Well, got the Kenwood firmware but that didn't work. The radio WILL go into PROGRAM mode with the 49D software, but when switching to FPro to write the HEX file, FPro cannot use the COM port until 49D stops the PROGRAM mode which puts the radio BACK into UNPROGRAM mode and that mode obviously does not accept the files from FPro!!!!!!!! FPro WILL go through the complete transfer mode when the COM port is available but the radio is in UNPROGRAM mode and receives nothing. How does one write new firmware to the radio? Gotta get it into program mode for FPro. Not a port/baud/cable chip issue, I did try a non-Kenwood cable that wouldn't work with the com port. Other than volume up/down, panel buttons do nothing at power-up or after it's on. Maybe it is some other OS where the afore mentioned SJ-180 software is appropriate instead of FPro. What am I missing? This is looking like its over my pay grade.

 

[k2hz]

That info for Passport is a similar situation but LTR-NET is not Passport. The SJ software for LTR-NET is winSJLN80 and winSJLN180 for the x80 and x180 radios. SJ180 applies only to x180 Passport radios.

Most radios with SJLN firmware are password protected and firmware write protected. You need to access the radio (either x80 or x180) with the appropriate SJLN software and password the enable firmware programming. You can also disable the radio password protection.

Only then will FPro work to install standred Kenwood Firmware for the radio. Passport SJ software will not work on an LTR-NET radio.

If the radio is already Kenwood firmware, you still need to enable firmware programming to use FPro.

If you try to access a LTR-NET radio with Kenwood software you generally get an error message on the radio dispaly

 

[NotMarconi]

Thanks K2HZ. I finally realized that one needs the SJLN80 to work with this LTR-NET radio and that it might be password protected. There was an error message but no prompt for a password so not certain about that. In any case, thanks again for the confirmation, it is greatly appreciated. For both the other conventional programmed TK-880H units I have a couple other issues: 1st) can’t get to the CHECK SUM as depressing the SCAN key (or any key) has no effect at power-up so MONITOR key doesn’t work for the firmware ID; and 2nd) TEST MODE pop-up window used to show a ‘slider control’ to adjust power for various test modes but that control has disappeared from the 49D TEST window on both radios, testingg still works but without the slider option. Any suggestions?

 

[k2hz]

I am not very familliar with the 880s. The only thing I can think of is the firmware version of the conventional 880s is different from the software version you have. If you try to program a LTR-NET firmware radio with Kenwwod software you can't get past the error message with anything but the proper SJLN software. I have converted many x180s but always with the SJ software and password from the system they came from.

I just looked at KPG49D and I wonder if you have "Panel Test" enabled to see those features you are looking for?

 

[k2hz]

Another issue with the 880 with Kenwood firmware is if it was programmed as "Conventional Format" or "Trunking Format". That makes a big difference in the features and programming. I think programming conventional frequencies on a trunking format radio is kludgy.

I never liked the x80 radios and think the x180 series is greeat.

 

[NotMarconi]

You are so correct! Enabling “Panel Test” solved that issue, Check Sum revealed! Thanks again. I’ve tried to apply Microsoft’s fix for the 49D help files not working on Windows 10/11 but no joy, so my newbe ignorance is all over these forums. I’ll take another look at the x180 series. And although trunking radio has its place, I have no need for it and also find it to be kludgy so far.

 

[k2hz]

You are so correct! Enabling “Panel Test” solved that issue, Check Sum revealed! Thanks again. I’ve tried to apply Microsoft’s fix for the 49D help files not working on Windows 10/11 but no joy, so my newbe ignorance is all over these forums. I’ll take another look at the x180 series. And although trunking radio has its place, I have no need for it and also find it to be kludgy so far.

Kenwood radios tend to deny features like panel test, panel programming and firmware updates unless specifically enabled when programmed. It discourages unauthorized user tampering with the radio.

Buying any used trunked radio is risky. Unless you have the necessary software and probably a password, along with the knowledge of how to convert it back to a normal radio, you often find you bought a brick.

If you have a x80 radio with regular Kenwood firmware but programed Trunking Format for regular LTR use you can convert it to Conventional with KGP-49D. Go to the Model Information tab and change Radio Format to Conventional. Then you can program it a like a new Conventional radio.

The Microsoft fix for help files generaly does not work with the older Kenwood software. I kept my old Win 7 Netbook that used to be my field programming PC and has the old Kenwood programs so I can still access the help files.