Prospect62 wrote:Hello. I'm considering trying Kenwood. I like the TK730 remote mobile. What's involved in programming these radios? I have been doing GE for awhile now, so hopefully it's similar. Anybody have a TK730 for sale or trade? Input will be appreciated.
I don't have alot of info for you... but here goes...
A handy webpage that shows what cable/software is used on which Kenwood radio:
http://hometown.aol.com/kc7gf/kenprog.html
No radio interface box is required. KPG-4 is the cable needed for use on this radio series (TK-x30). The programming cable has a built in level convertor inside the db25 shell.
Radio has to be put into "programming" mode by doing the following:
1) Hold down the KEY1 key and power on the radio until "PG" (basic head) or "PROGRAM" (full-featured head) appears on the display.
2) Release the KEY1 key & you are ready to read or write to your radio.
If my memory serves me correctly (anyone plaese correct me if I'm wrong on this) the x30 series come with 32 channels standard. There is an inexpensive upgrade that amounts to a couple of IC chip replacements that will increase the channel capacity to 99 on the basic control head setup - or - 160 channels for the full feature control head version.
I really like my 100w 730 with the full feature control head. Really easy to see that huge display. I also have the VHF lowband TK-630. Looking for a UHF high power version which is the 830.
You can connect 2 radios to a single control head (see them for on eBay sometimes - usually a 630/830 setup). Requires a special set of cables of course (don't know the p/n for it).
I will e-mail you some more info off-list......
I have been trying to read a TK830 for a customer. I can get it into the program mode. but that is it. Will not read or write to radio. I have tried different port speeds, running in pure dos, and window dos. No luck.