Kenwood TK-880H-1

[RCM]

I had been looking at various Kenwood TK-880s and also a TK-863G, when the Motorola M1225s popped up for a good deal and I bought one of those. Then 2-3 days later one of the TK-880s (this one a high power version) had its price reduced and I jumped on it.

 

It arrived today. The M1225 still hasn't arrived, but hopefully it will be here tomorrow. The TK-880H powers up, shows Version 1.50 and then "unprogram." I was hoping it would still have some frequencies in it so I could test it into a dummy load. I was also hoping (but not expecting) that it would have FPP enabled. No dice in either case. Oh well.

 

So I ordered a usb programming cable from Bluemax49ers. When it gets here I'll see about programming it, and also enable it for FPP. Although with 62,500 possible channels (250 banks of 250 channels) it's doubtful I will need FPP very much.

[PastorGary]

Looks like you will also need the Kenwood KPG49D software. Really easy to use...  Since it is a firmware 1.5, you may see an alert that it is not a software target radio.  Disregard that alert and continue.

 

Hint: when you get the software loaded, the radio connected to your new USB cable and the COMM PORT checked as active from  the setup tab... hit the "MODEL" tab in the software menu screen. Click on "Model Information" and a drop down menu appears.  Normal settings would be -

Model Type: TK880

 

Frequency:  450 to 490

Radio Format:  Conventional

Option Board:  none

 

Fleet Sync Enhanced Function:    (Important that this check box IS NOT CHECKED)



 

[RCM]

Looks like you will also need the Kenwood KPG49D software. Really easy to use...  Since it is a firmware 1.5, you may see an alert that it is not a software target radio.  Disregard that alert and continue.

 

Hint: when you get the software loaded, the radio connected to your new USB cable and the COMM PORT checked as active from  the setup tab... hit the "MODEL" tab in the software menu screen. Click on "Model Information" and a drop down menu appears.  Normal settings would be -

 

Model Type: TK880

 

Frequency:  450 to 490

 

Radio Format:  Conventional

 

Option Board:  none

 

Fleet Sync Enhanced Function:    (Important that this check box IS NOT CHECKED)

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Gary. Sounds like you know the ins and outs of 880s.

I think I read somewhere that these early ones work better on the ham band than Version 2 radios. Do you know anything about that? It would be great if it would perform well on GMRS and 70 cm.

[PastorGary]

I can not address that question directly because I have no 'ham' radio experience. However, the Kenwood commercial radios are just that - designed for Part 90 and Part 95 Commercial use. That may answer your question.

Keep us up to speed on your progress... and as with all used equipment, the transmitter should be tested 'officially' for frequency tolerance compliance before connecting to a broadcasting antenna.  (Part 95.1765).

[RCM]

I can not address that question directly because I have no 'ham' radio experience. However, the Kenwood commercial radios are just that - designed for Part 90 and Part 95 Commercial use. That may answer your question.

 

Keep us up to speed on your progress... and as with all used equipment, the transmitter should be tested 'officially' for frequency tolerance compliance before connecting to a broadcasting antenna.  (Part 95.1765).

Thanks!

Most of the world only uses 430-440 for ham radio, and business/industrial starts 10 MHz below the US. Kenwood makes radios for those markets, too. So they actually are designed to work there.

What I read somewhere is that the firmware in V2 880s makes it more difficult, but that V1 880s program down to 440 without issue.

 

My TK-805Ds program there. I'll try it with this 880 and see how it goes.

[axorlov]

According to data sheet, TK-880 Type 1 is aligned for 450-490MHz, Type 2 is for 485-512MHz, Type 3 is 400-430MHz. I have TK-880H-1 v2.0, and there are no problems programming ham bands into it.

[RCM]

According to data sheet, TK-880 Type 1 is aligned for 450-490MHz, Type 2 is for 485-512MHz, Type 3 is 400-430MHz. I have TK-880H-1 v2.0, and there are no problems programming ham bands into it.

Thanks. To clarify, I was referring to Version 1 vs. Version 2; not Types 1-3. Thanks for verifying that your V2 does program into the ham band. How well does it perform there? Did you have to realign it?

[axorlov]

I did not realign it. I just programmed several local ham UHF repeaters into it. I can easily reach repeaters, signal quality seems to be good. I do not have equipment to see if there is some excessive distortion or any other problem with the signal.  One day I might check it with the power meter.

[RCM]

Thanks! I just programmed mine with one group of basic GMRS channels, a couple of days ago. I plan to go back in and add more groups soon, and I'll probably include some 70cm test frequencies.

[RCM]

Update: It wouldn't receive below about 444 MHz. I tweaked the receive VCO and it now receives down to 442.000 or a bit lower. It transmits at full power down to about 442, as well.

I now have a V2 that I tweaked the same way, and it also works well on 70cm.

[WRAK968]

RCM, If you need, I do have firmware (Cant remember which one off the top of my head but it does update the radio options for version 2 units) for the 880, I can also explain how to enable FPP, but in all honesty its a bit difficult (I could never figure out how to do it.) All I use are 880/380's so if you need anything give me a shout.

[RCM]

RCM, If you need, I do have firmware (Cant remember which one off the top of my head but it does update the radio options for version 2 units) for the 880, I can also explain how to enable FPP, but in all honesty its a bit difficult (I could never figure out how to do it.) All I use are 880/380's so if you need anything give me a shout.

Thanks. I have it sorted out now, though. My 880s now work fine on 70cm as well as GMRS, and I have also performed the hardware mod on all of them and enabled FPP.

[Elkhunter521]

What is the hardware modification to enable FPP?

[axorlov]

Removing the R614 is the hardware mod for TK-880 Ver2.0:

 

[Elkhunter521]

Is this modification necessary to enter pl tones from the panel?

[axorlov]

Yes, it's needed to program anything from the panel. With this resistor present, pressing D when powering up will not bring you to "SELF PROG" mode. But only for Ver 2.0 of the radio. I've read that on version 1 you can enable self-programming from the KPG49D software. I cannot confirm or refute this claim, I do not own Ver 1.

[Elkhunter521]

Hey, Thanks

[Extreme]

RCM, If you need, I do have firmware (Cant remember which one off the top of my head but it does update the radio options for version 2 units) for the 880, I can also explain how to enable FPP, but in all honesty its a bit difficult (I could never figure out how to do it.) All I use are 880/380's so if you need anything give me a shout.

"All I use are 880/380's so if you need anything give me a shout."

Wide open offer.. I'm just the kind of pest who'd take you up on that.. lol.

I guess it's safe to assume you like both these units. 

 

Looking at that same combo for my first venture into GMRS (880/830 or possibly the 863G).  Forgive my ignorance on the topic (evident by other posts I've made - RCM has already been a big help BTW ).  Have considered the Wouxun KG-805 Pro GMRS posted here but thinking maybe the Kenwood HT might be a better choice - maybe you can give me the reasons. It's $15 more  but I want to try and get it right 1st time, last time, with something reliable and durable.  Figure I can have them both programmed identically from the vendor in the used market and/or get a cable and software.

 

Questions:  I read in this thread that you're programming HAM frequencies into these radios.  I do not have a HAM license but know how and where to get it and am considering.  Question is can I LEGALLY program in the HAM freq for Monitor only (no TX)?  Not a big deal, just thought it would be interesting and possibly prompt me to get my license once I get a taste of HAM.  Of course, I could be another interloper that lasts a few months and drops the 'hobby' completely.

 

Found a couple local GMRS repeaters yesterday (via the myGMRS Android App) within 10 miles and in line of sight from my house so I'm kind of itching to get started on this (as in, learn how to access a repeater) and see what's out there.

 

Thanks for the time.

[berkinet]

Question is can I LEGALLY program in the HAM freq for Monitor only (no TX)?

Yes, absolutely.

[Extreme]

Yes, absolutely.

This is ALL you guys need, me asking HAM programming questions.

[RCM]

This is ALL you guys need, me asking HAM programming questions.

If you get your ham (not HAM; it's not an acronym) license, those of us who are hams will be happy to offer guidance on setting up your radios accordingly.

[Jones]

This is ALL you guys need, me asking HAM programming questions.

Many of us here are hams.  We have a ham radio section on this forum: https://forums.mygmrs.com/forum/10-amateur-radio-ham/

 

We will be happy to answer your questions.

 

Some here will be happy to give you advice, even if you DON'T want it. hahaha

 

Seriously, we are here to help.

[Extreme]

Removing the R614 is the hardware mod for TK-880 Ver2.0:

 

 

Just a matter of de-solder and remove R614?  used-radios won't do it in-house.  Is access easy enuf?

 

..and is FPP a lot simpler than software programming?

 

Thanks.

[Hans]

Just a matter of de-solder and remove R614?  used-radios won't do it in-house.  Is access easy enuf?

 

..and is FPP a lot simpler than software programming?

 

Thanks.

This appears to be a photo of the board. Not sure of revisions. I did a quick search so take this with a grain of salt... https://www.qsl.net/yo4hfu/TK880.html

Mods, if this violates TOS, please be gentle and I apologize in advance.

[berkinet]

Just a matter of de-solder and remove R614? used-radios won't do it in-house. Is access easy enuf?

 

..and is FPP a lot simpler than software programming?...

Now that Hans has shown you where the resistor is, I can tell you it’s usually best to just snip one side and then bend the resistor up rather than getting a soldering iron in there.

 

The front panel programming is for making changes like frequency or PL on the fly, it doesn’t really replace software programming for setting up a radio in the first place.