Extreme
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Posts posted by Extreme
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I also have mobile TK-880 (few of them), where I can try to have assignment somewhat similar, to have less confusion for everybody:
A = scan add/delete
B = home GMRS channel
C and D = zone select
SCN = scan start/stop
MON = squelch off
Up and Down (left) = volume
Up and Down (right) = channel select
When programming ham channels into both the 880 and 3170 it pops up "Out of Freq Range" or such. I ignored and said "OK" so I guess I'll have to hope someone hits a repeater when I'm monitoring to see if they work.
Mirrored your buttons except:
3 Zones (GMRS, GMRS Repeaters, and ham Repeaters - 880 only). So it will take a conscious effort to go to ham. All set to Scan.
A = Talk Around
Programming is easy once I got past the apprehension and work it a bit.
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Very helpful, thanks.
I moved all channels to Zone 1. I forgot about the triangle indicator for Scan, so yes, ham is included as programmed.
My first try with 2-way communication between home and town (15 miles and over a mountain, probably 10 mi. LOS + the obstruction). The repeater is on the mountain between. It worked well calling from the grocery store to inside my house, both of us on HT. Odd for me though, was a gal chimed in saying she was on the channel to talk to her boss across town and wondering it it was a "private" channel and should she move. Naw, whatever.. didn't really have an answer. So, are their radios coincidentally setup with the repeater PL, is there bleed, or..?? My wife could hear her as well so have to assume the lady was on the repeater but how and why I don't know.
I'll try a simplex channel from home to town next time to be sure we're not hitting from 15 miles with a hill considerably higher than the house obstructing LOS.
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Next question(s): Should I put ham channels in a separate Zone?
And how do you switch between Zones?
I have all my buttons occupied but can change one maybe.
My Wouxun 805G displays channels scrolling as they Scan. The Kenwood does not, but just says Scan. I currently have ham channels in Group 2 so wondering if they're actually scanning? No way to transmit on ham to bring up a repeater for any confirmation (legally). Should I leave the in Group 2 or move to Group 1?
Conventional.
Group 1: Ch 1-7 CH 23 – 31
Button Programming:
Selector = CH UP/Down.
AUX (Orange) = LAMP
S1 = Scan Multi.
S2 = Squelch Off Momentary.
S = Low TX Power.
A = Talk Around.
B. Squelch Level.
C. Scan ADD/DELETE.
Thanks.
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I have TK-3170-K and is works in ham band, no problem. No hardware modifications needed.
Nice. Mine is the K also. Give me something to do on this cold rainy day.
Thanks.
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Do you know if the Kenwood TK-3170 HT will work with the 440 range ham frequencies?
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I might have mentioned that you paid a premium, but I didn't mean that as a bad thing. You got value for the premium you paid, for exactly the reasons you state here.
Not at all.. I don't even remember who might have said that, and it certainly didn't bother me - I'd pretty much decided on the used-radios route after learning here I could do better than Midland stuff. Learned more about GMRS here than I thought there was to know.
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Perfect.. thanks!
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Question is can I LEGALLY program in the HAM freq for Monitor only (no TX)?
Yes, absolutely.
So, now that I have a properly working 880 V2 and the correct FTDI cable and 49D software I thought I might try adding the local ham repeater frequencies for my listening pleasure. I've found 4 local repeaters in 443, 444, and 448. One of 4 has no PL code, the others have the same PL Code. Do I need the PL code to be able to monitor only? They don't list TX/RX PL codes so can I assume they're the same or is only one used?
Think I know the answer to this one but here goes: will Multi-Scan on the 880 include the ham frequencies (group) as well?
Of course, this is up for grabs whether it will work in the V2 880. I view this as a step toward furthering my interest in ham and possibly moving forward.
Thanks.
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Update FWIW.
I sent my TK-880 back to www.used-radios.com to verify firmware and install the correct V2. Turnaround was 7 days total. I got a call from the service manager and he got the tech to work it over and correct it. Fired it up this afternoon and all seems well, buttons are correct for me, groups and channel programming are right, and there's no 'yyyyyyy' across the display. Hopefully, it won't revert (it didn't do it the first time until power had been cycled multiple times). They suspected corruption in the software/firmware or such.
I would likely mention here if I'd received poor or sub-par service from a vendor, so it's only fitting that I complement one with great service. Some might say I paid a premium for a used radio but part of my rationale was the 90-day warranty they provide, and that it came complete with mic, power cable, and mounting bracket.
Now I can add good service to that. And thanks to all of you who helped diagnose the issue.
- kipandlee, RCM, wayoverthere and 1 other
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From one 'newbie' to another (also UTV), welcome.
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What material is the kayak made out of, fiberglass or plastic? If so, think of it as a radome and don't worry. In any case, you can always run a test by supporting the kayak on two sawhorses, have someone get under it with an HT and see how far away you can work them. Then, have them try the same test standing outside the kayak (with the HT at the same height).
Hmm... I was going to ask about that but thought it would be a silly question. It's plastic. I will definitely give it a try. I have no real issue drilling into the roof (it's my truck, right - and probably my last). Maybe move the 8 x 8 plate over to the UTV rack/antenna.
As always, thanks!
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Forget all of that bulkhead connector stuff. That is a problem waiting to happen. If the cab ever has to come off, just replace the whole mount if needed. That would be cheaper than all of the added connectors for that bulkhead setup, and those connectors ARE lossy.
Here's another better idea... just drill a hole in the top center of the cab roof, and mount the antenna there. If the cab ever needs to come off, the antenna comes with it. You will also get better results with the antenna on the roof than you would with it on the rack due to a more evenly distributed ground plane around the base of the antenna.
Except when hauling the kayak on the rack it would cover the antenna. Those travels are probably when I would most use the radio.
When not carrying the kayak I can easily set it up to slide the mount on the rack (8 x 8 x 1/4" aluminum) to the center,extended over the back portion of the CC roof, but doubt the roof would contribute much at 3 - 4 inches below the antenna.
I will be grounding the headache rack to the truck frame/body.
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For TK-3170 you need KPG-101D.
First try with the KPG-101D software and FTDI cable for 3170. Drivers loaded fine so I brought up the software "Setup" (RUN) and it gives me a form to fill in.
User Name:
Company Name:
Serial Number:
Filled it in with my name, my company name and 3170 S/N from under the battery.
"Sorry your license ID is incorrect". ?? Is there default info to pop this form?
ANSWER: Found it (the License ID) in the .zip file under "serial" - "Text Document". Copy/Paste into the form with:
Name: motorola
Company name: motorola
S/N: 101xxxx
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.. and successfully performed my 1st programming function by changing the AUX button from OST to LAMP (I had no backlight).
Now I have to figure out if I want to add more channels (as in 15 - 22 for Simplex - or just try Talk Around on the repeater channels?)
P.S. I'd delete this post due to chagrin but leaving it up for the next guy who might search and find an answer.
Thanks.
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Installing 880 or 880H in my '18 F350. Had thought I'd run the antenna cable through the rear of the cab (antenna on the headache rack) using a 3/16 x 5/16" rubber grommet to avoid additional connections, but, in case the cab ever has to be removed this might be a better option:
UHF Connector Female Nut Bulkhead Panel Mount to SO239 Jack - RF Coaxial Coax Cable Adapter Plug FOR PL-259.
No big deal regarding loss, correct? Other thoughts?
I guess if the cab has to come off I'll have bigger issues than re-routing a cable.
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Yes, the mic can control all of those and more, the down side is you need to have a "function" button. Now if you get the kit from Kenwood, the function button could be a foot petal, if not it is a button on the face of the radio (A/B/C/D) Thus it isn't really handy to use the mic for those functions. It is handy if, lets say a repeater has selective calling, you can set A to function, then use 0-9 on the keypad of the mic to set up your auto-dial. Basically it allows you to add more functions to the radio with only having 4 buttons on the face plate.
For my set-up, I programed the buttons as follows:
Scan: Scan
Mon: Monitor
Vol: Volume up/down
Group: Ch up/down
A: OST [for changing between 15 PL/DPL tones]
B: Memory (RCL) for paging a particular radio or group using DTMF
C/D: Group up/down [switches between my home repeater, all repeater channels, and simplex frequencies]
Foot: N/a [i don't have one]
I find this set-up works for my needs, your needs may be different. For instance you may not use radio paging when looking for a particular user or group so you may change "B" to something like Scan add/del. Perhaps you dont need the MON button so you may set that to key lock. Its completely customisable.
Cruising through the forum threads to see what I should have been reading all along before my endless questions. Dredged up some old topics.
So, here's one more. A: OST [for changing between 15 PL/DPL tones] Just want to confirm this works. My 880 is getting programmed (probably tomorrow and might want them to change from A = TA to OST (FPP in other words?) . Yes, I'm getting software and cable so can play myself later but prefer to get it setup as much as possible since they'll be in there.
Thank you.
Pg. 5 TK-880 Service Manual Seems to be the answer.
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So the flattened pattern is a characteristic of the cone, but not the 1/4 wave? Aha moment.
Yup, definitely hilly, big hilly, steep canyons, and lost of sudden elevation changes in NE NV.
Thanks as always.
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ah.. d'oh.. thanks
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So, do you have KPG-49D software and cable? Can software talk to the radio?
Since I only had it a week I called used radios, got an RMA and sent it back. Hopefully, they'll get it right this time. I mentioned what was discussed here but all he said was it was usually due to corruption, nothing about the details here. If they can't get it right they'll replace with another 880.
But, yes, I got the software last week and the cable yesterday so can mess with it if I have to later. Rather not tho'.
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BTW, I honestly don't understand why you just don't go with a simple 1/4 wave NMO mount antenna. They are dirt cheap, and easily replaced. A fiberglass antenna, no matter how rugged, will shatter if it hits a low hanging branch, overhead rocks, or even the ground (for flipper). A simple metal 1/4 wave will just bend over and can be straightened out in seconds (or replaced with a spare).
That's what I've done.. simple Laird AB450. Comment to me was "now if you get a good antenna like TRAB4503"...
And Jones explained what I was told about the 4503 "That stubby antenna is more than likely a 5/8 or 3/4 wave normal mode helical antenna. It would have not as much gain as a true 5/8 wave, but due to a low-angle "flattened doughnut" radiation pattern, it would have slightly more gain than a 1/4 wave antenna. ... theoretically." 5/8 helical is what I was told.
Have to find just the replacement whip for the 450 to carry with.
All good stuff guys. Glad I asked.
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Just finished installing TK-880 (25w) in my '19 Wolverine X4. As WRAK968 said, I just used the cable that came with the NMO from the Antenna Farm.
Why 3 antennas?
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Not looking for high gain or the ability to shoot at far distant repeaters but wouldn't mind something a little better than 1/4 wave. Been told by a qualified source that the helical would Phantom will outperform the 1/4. And according to Laird the Phantom has a "low radiation pattern" so I'm thinking it might be ok for simplex and trail riding similar to the pattern of the 1/4. But I've been mistaken before.
Guess I'll try both and see if I can tell a difference (seat of the pants). I like that the Phantom is a couple inches shorter to the roof of my UTV.
Thanks.
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Any gains using simplex?
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Anyone care to critique/compare these 2 antennas for mobile? I have the 450 1/4 wave on SxS and planned on another for the pickup. Have been advised that the 4503 is 3 - 5db gain while maintaining a low profile (3.5").
The Laird description.
"The Phantom low visibility antenna has a wide bandwidth and low radiation pattern for superior results."
Thanks.
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Alan,
Just an FYI. I just went through exactly what you're doing. I ended up with a Kenwood TK-880-1 V2 @ 25w from used-radios. You can do some searching on this forum for the benefits (or not) of 40w over 25 (draws 12A vs 8A on TX, is 1" deeper). I'm still considering the 880H for my pickup with more room to mount and dual battery reserve (not that I intend to TX from the SxS for long w/o it running). Installed mine in a 2019 Yamaha Wolverine X4. I think I'm going to like it. Got a couple HT as well to hand out to family when on the trail.
Lots of help here and I've covered a lot of the questions you might have. You can search my posts for the answers I got on the topic. Or chime in with me and I'll do what I can.
Program repeater into my BTech v1 gmrs radio.
in Technical Discussion
Posted
Programming will depend on the brand and model radio. You can tell it here or do a search on the forum for your specific radio to find programming advice.