VP8000 - Starting programming

[human8472]

So I received my VP8000 and just received my programming cable via UPS. The VP8000 shows a screen saying "Connect to Armada for option programming," so I am assuming I should first start with Armada. Anyone know of a guide that walks you through how to start using Armada? Does one need to create an account in Armada, and do the entitlements in the radio get transferred to that account?

I have other YouTube videos where they use Vault software? Does anyone know what Vault does and how it is different from Armada?

 

[kd4efm]

Vault is where options get pushed to the radio, and show your perpetual licenses.

 

[n7maq-1]

The Armada Help file is fair, it will help you walk through getting started. The first thing you want to do is read the codeplug (sorry radio now) and save it under the radio tab, then with a right mouse click, hit templates and create a template from, save that template and do a copy template and link to the copied template. That way you have saved the original factory programming if you ever need to back to it. If I'm doing major updates on a customer's template I always do a copy so I have a point to go bake to if needed. Armada is a great program, but there is a learning curve. Under Zone Channels tab there is a table tab, that will let you cut and paste from a spreadsheet and fill a lot of fields at one time, it was a game changer when they added that. Anyway I'm sure others will add some tips. Good Luck, and have fun.

 

[human8472]

The driver for the cable does not seem to be recognized. I installed the driver referenced by bluemax49ers, where I purchased the cable, but the driver is not recognized.

 

[AM909]

Which Windows version? There is a separate, unsupported driver for Win7 if you happen to be doing that.

On Win10 with the OEM KPG-236UM, it shows up under Network Adapters as "EFJohnson USBLAN Adapter" with the radio on and attached. Just the cable by itself, and you see nothing.

On a Win11 machine without the driver, the OEM KPG-236UM shows up under "Other devices" as "NEXT-5000" as you saw above. When installing Armada on that machine, the "Choose Components" dialog includes the option "Force Remove Existing Driver", which is not checked by default – check that as well as the USBLAN 2.5.0.4. Once installed, I attached the radio and cable and saw it show up in the Device Manager as above.

 

[Cortexian]

You'll need an account with the purchased options you have from Kenwood / EFJ before you can access vault. Whoever you bought the options from should be able to provide that info.

 

[human8472]

Which Windows version? There is a separate, unsupported driver for Win7 if you happen to be doing that.

On Win10 with the OEM KPG-236UM, it shows up under Network Adapters as "EFJohnson USBLAN Adapter" with the radio on and attached. Just the cable by itself, and you see nothing.

On a Win11 machine without the driver, the OEM KPG-236UM shows up under "Other devices" as "NEXT-5000" as you saw above. When installing Armada on that machine, the "Choose Components" dialog includes the option "Force Remove Existing Driver", which is not checked by default – check that as well as the USBLAN 2.5.0.4. Once installed, I attached the radio and cable and saw it show up in the Device Manager as above.

That did it. I ended up having the "EFJohnson USBLAN Adapter" entry under Network Adapters. Aramda was then able to connect. Thank you!