Kenwood TK-7180/8180

e911god · Post by **e911god** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 10:07 pm

I have been looking at the new 80 series mobiles since they came out and really do like the radio features, channel capacity, etc. However, they were only offered originally in 30 watts and because of this I never purchased one because I was looking for more wattage, preferably 50 VHF/45 UHF. Well, it looks like Kenwood just came out with the H series ! Needless to say it looks like I'm going to purchase 2 of these units. Anyone out these currently using the 80 series mobiles and what do you think of them? What prices am I looking at for VHF, UHF ? Can the Fleetsync be used for PTT ID like MDC1200?

Splat · Post by **Splat** » Sun Nov 06, 2005 3:57 pm

TK-8180H is a great radio with nice power. My buddy's got one and I'm getting one ASA I sell my Motorola CDM1550. BTW, make sure you get the latest programming s/w because the earlier 8180 s/w doesn't do the 8180H. IRRC my Kenwood dealer quoted around $650 for the radio and remote head setup.

Splat · Post by **Splat** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 11:51 am

The eariler versions of KPG-89 s/w does not support the 8180H mobile.

Birken Vogt · Post by **Birken Vogt** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 4:28 pm

We just set up a trunking system and are selling the heck out of the 7180s lately, however we quit buying the Hs and have been using the 30 watt ones, because the 2.2 dB difference has very little effect on system performance anyway, and the premium $$$ Kenwood charges are not worth it usually.

One thing to note, they do suck up every amp of power on the nameplate, as I recall the H is 13A and the regular is 9A, pretty inefficient radio.

Birken

Splat · Post by **Splat** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 4:41 pm

I decided to go with the 30W 8180, as well. I couldn't justify the extra $ for the wattage when I could hit what I need to hit with even 20W. The TK8180 is a great radio though. I know a few more guys that have picked one up and they love it. Who is that company again.... Moto who?

e911god · Post by **e911god** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 9:21 pm

I have a DTMF mic for the TK-7150/8150...does anyone know if it will work on the 7180/8180 mobiles ?

Splat · Post by **Splat** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:23 am

I know the non-DTMF mic from the 7150/8150 mobiles works on the 7180/8180 mobiles. I'm curious if the DTMF will work, too.