Kenwood TK-880 displays "TEST" when powered on

[WSGZ436]

Trying to program 2 Kenwood TK-880s. Both radios read TEST on the display when i power them on. None of the buttons do anything other than beep. What exactly does this mean and how do i get out of test mode?

[nokones]

3 minutes ago, WSGZ436 said:

Trying to program 2 Kenwood TK-880s. Both radios read TEST on the display when i power them on. None of the buttons do anything other than beep. What exactly does this mean and how do i get out of test mode?

If my memory serves me right, you can change the message in the CPS.

[Jaay]

4 hours ago, WSGZ436 said:

Trying to program 2 Kenwood TK-880s. Both radios read TEST on the display when i power them on. None of the buttons do anything other than beep. What exactly does this mean and how do i get out of test mode?

Assuming you're using windows 10 or 11 you'll need KPG60D for your software, unless you're using an older OS. I have my 880-1 prog to directly to scan on power up.

[WSGZ436]

12 hours ago, Jaay said:

Assuming you're using windows 10 or 11 you'll need KPG60D for your software, unless you're using an older OS. I have my 880-1 prog to directly to scan on power up.

I think not getting the programming cable to communicate is my problem. If i could connect i think all would be fine.

[Jaay]

2 hours ago, WSGZ436 said:

I think not getting the programming cable to communicate is my problem. If i could connect i think all would be fine.

Are you using a Kenwood Kpg cable ? I use a spare Anytone programming cable, and it works fine.

[WSGZ436]

19 hours ago, Jaay said:

Are you using a Kenwood Kpg cable ? I use a spare Anytone programming cable, and it works fine.

Thanks for the tip on the Anytone cable. I am actually using a KPG cable. 

[nokones]

On 3/22/2025 at 5:59 PM, Jaay said:

Assuming you're using windows 10 or 11 you'll need KPG60D for your software, unless you're using an older OS. I have my 880-1 prog to directly to scan on power up.

The KPG-60D is for the 32-Bit computers and the KPG-49D is for the 64-Bit computers. The KPG-46P cable is for the Prolific driver and the KPG-46 cable has the FTDI chip in the cable for that driver.

[Radioguy7268]

When I get a used radio and program it, I will often put in a common frequency and label it as "TEST" instead of "Channel 1"  That way, when I have the radio on my tuning bench, I know the frequencies (and codes) that are in the radio, and I know it hasn't been programmed to a customer frequency.

I don't believe you are actually seeing a Test mode - ie: Something the radio is locked into. I believe you are seeing someone else's old programmed name for the first channel in the radios. Especially if the two radios talk to each other already.

A Kenwood radio should drop into a  "Program" message when you have the proper cable & software, and try to read or write the radio. Some of the older Kenwood software required you to run a regular Comm port (not USB) and the software only allowed a choice of Comm1  through Comm4 for serial ports.  Trying to use a newer computer with old software can lead to some issues.

[WSGZ436]

On 3/25/2025 at 7:40 AM, Radioguy7268 said:

When I get a used radio and program it, I will often put in a common frequency and label it as "TEST" instead of "Channel 1"  That way, when I have the radio on my tuning bench, I know the frequencies (and codes) that are in the radio, and I know it hasn't been programmed to a customer frequency.

I don't believe you are actually seeing a Test mode - ie: Something the radio is locked into. I believe you are seeing someone else's old programmed name for the first channel in the radios. Especially if the two radios talk to each other already.

A Kenwood radio should drop into a  "Program" message when you have the proper cable & software, and try to read or write the radio. Some of the older Kenwood software required you to run a regular Comm port (not USB) and the software only allowed a choice of Comm1  through Comm4 for serial ports.  Trying to use a newer computer with old software can lead to some issues.

That is a lot of good information, thank you!!