Batboard

Searched all over the internet, couldn't find any information there, so needed to put in front of the Pro's here, as I can always get the answer...

Anyways, I picked up a Kenwood TK-3170 UHF radio. Nice little unit. Then I bought the KPG-101D software to program it, factory new and sealed.

The computer requiresments say that you can use, 98, 2000, XP, etc. and that it requires a minimum of 200Mhz and 32 Meg of Ram.

Its a windows based program, looks nice and easy to use and the KPG-101D is the newest Kenwood software released.

I try to read the radio, it say 'PROGRAM' on the display, then I get a COM port error. Its says to check all port connections, etc. But I have the COM port set correctly.

So I figured it was a computer issue, as I was programming from my Dell 700M laptop with 1.8GHz Centrino and 2G of Ram. So I put it on my desktop computer, same problem.

Now I'm wondering if my cable is bad. Its an aftermarket cable, couldn't find the factory KPG-22 cable. I got in a brand new TK-3170 radio, never programmed, and it does the same thing.

Any idea's for you Kenwood guru's out there?

Thanks...

I have found that MOST (NOT ALL) of the aftermarket cables do not work with the new kenwood models like yours, TK-x160's and the TK-x200's.

I may have one that will work. I'll check on Monday. We can always get you an OEM.


Jim

Thanks Jim, I'm definitely interested in the OEM cable, I'll be doing some more searching today for a good price.

I hooked up and older computer today and installed the sw there, same problem. Could be the cable...

Jim, got them to read/write, picked up another cable like you said....thanks...

dave

I'm glad to hear that. The one I tested today would not work with a 2160, but it did with a TK272, and 360.

Jim.

i think thats what i found, most of the newer ones will only work with a few cables, but the older ones seem to work with any of the cables...thanks again...

Newer kenwoods use 3.3V logic level, while others use 5V logic. 2170/3180 and 2180/3180 all use 3.3V logic. The TH-F6A uses 3.3V too