Kenwood TK-2170/3170 Field Programming Option

[hazmat13]

Hey there,

Can anyone assist me with information on how to set up a TK-2170/3170 for the "Field Programming" option? Its under the software but I do believe something basic has to be done to the radio. Can anyone help me out with some information?

Thanks!

PS: Does anyone have a TK-2170 Service Manual?

Thanks Again!

Pat

[KF6OWC]

field programming Kenwoods sucks . unless you do it every day forget it. i sold my KW Ht and bought a Bendix king, if you are in the fire service it is much easier. down side you dont get all the features. but life is easier. I would suggest buying a cheap laptop, keep it in the truck and programing with that. it is worth it in time alone.
jim

[hazmat13]

Jim,

Yes, i am an officer with our fire department and hazmat team. I have a few Kenwood radios and they are fantastic, I got away from Motorola. As for field programming, the TK-5210/5310's are OK to field program.

Anyway, I was just taking a look at the Realm/BK Radios....the Relm/BK RP3600 series. Do you or anyone have any input on these radios? Are they as good as they sound? I see they are also field programmable also. I need a good radio that stands up to firefighting and hazardous situations (NON-FM is OK) and that can be field programmed easily.

[rwo978]

At least with Kenwoods, you can field program. Lots of other radios out there that you can't. I usually just kept a copy of the directions handy to know what settings were for what. I programmed an entire 270 portable w/ 32 channels in under 45 mins, which I don't think is too shabby.

[hazmat13]

Ryan,

Do you know what needs to be done the TK-2170 and 3170 to be field programmable? I know you need to do something basic to the radio from what I have heard but i don't know what it is.

Or can anyone out there assist me with this option?

Thanks,

Pat

[rwo978]

I have no experience with the 2170/3170 at all. Maybe search the net to see if you can find the instructions for that mod.

[dmonty83]

In order to enable the "Field Programming" there is a resistor change that has to be done. Whether it is adding a resistor or moving a resistor I cannot remember. But it was a fairly easy mod.

David