Kenwood TK-880

[WRYQ303]

I just picked up a Kenwood TK-880. I powered it up and all it says on the screen is unprogrammed. I have a BlueMax49ers cable coming and I have the KPG-49D software. Do I need the software to see the firmware on the radio? Also do I need it to be programmed to use the monitor button to hear any noise?

Thanks.

 

[Socalgmrs]

2 minutes ago, WRYQ303 said:

I just picked up a Kenwood TK-880. I powered it up and all it says on the screen is unprogrammed. I have a BlueMax49ers cable coming and I have the KPG-49D software. Do I need the software to see the firmware on the radio? Also do I need it to be programmed to use the monitor button to hear any noise?

Thanks.

 

Yes you need to program the radio.  It is not a ready to go gmrs radio.   It has no frequencies programmed into the channel slots.   It’s a blank slate 

[WRYQ303]

WRXP381 thanks for the info. New to this radio. Hopefully the cable comes soon. 

[WRYQ303]

On 7/29/2024 at 2:35 PM, WRXP381 said:

Yes you need to program the radio.  It is not a ready to go gmrs radio.   It has no frequencies programmed into the channel slots.   It’s a blank slate 

I understand it isn't programmed. I am not seeing the firmware version. I have the programming software and cable coming but I need the firmware to flash to radio. I believe it is a version 1 radio (back label only shows TK-880).

[Socalgmrs]

The software will tell you the firmware.  

[WRYQ303]

1 hour ago, WRXP381 said:

The software will tell you the firmware.  

Ok. Thanks. I am still a noob at this. Nice little radio.

[OldRadioMan]

Most Kenwood radios will show firmware by holding down done of the buttons while powering up the radio. Which button varies by the model.

[nokones]

On 7/29/2024 at 12:31 PM, WRYQ303 said:

I just picked up a Kenwood TK-880. I powered it up and all it says on the screen is unprogrammed. I have a BlueMax49ers cable coming and I have the KPG-49D software. Do I need the software to see the firmware on the radio? Also do I need it to be programmed to use the monitor button to hear any noise?

Thanks.

 

I don't recall if you can ascertain the radio's firmware version from the CPS.

The "Mon" ( Monitor) button is soft programmable with a list of features that can be assigned to that button. I have mine set for Monitor, Carrier Squelch, Toggle, to Defeat the PL (Disable the Receiver Decoder). Also, you can set it to blow squelch momentary or toggle if you want.

You'll like the radio. It is a great little radio for several purposes. I have two and I use one for a car that accommodate a radio installation and the other for a jetk and run for my radioless friends on Jeep Trail or Porsche Driving Tours so they can have radio comm.