Note that Kenwood numbers the 8-pin mobile radio microphone jack pins backward from Ethernet.
The 6-pin ones may number them backwards from telco numbering.
- Most of the older mobile radios use a KPG-4(click for photo) programming cable - it has a 6-pin modular telephone connector (RJ-11/RJ-12/RJ14 style) on the radio end (it plugs into the microphone jack). The original KPG-4 cable had a DB-25 on the computer end, the modern cable has a 9-pin "D" female connector to match the computer COM port. The older radios that use the KPG-4 tend to use MS-DOS radio programming software and you need a programming computer with a real serial port (a DB9 male connector). Some of the older radios have had the software updated (Kenwood has isued a newer version) with Windows compatibility (examples of two of them: KPG-49 v4.21 for the TK-280-380-480-481-780-880-980-981 and KPG-56 v4.22 for TK-260G-TK-270G-TK-760G-TK-868G).
- The KPG-46 is used on the newer mobile radios - it has a 8-pin RJ-45 (Ethernet style) modular connector on the radio end. The original KPG-46 cable had a DB-25 on the computer end, the modern and readily available cable has a 9-pin "D" female connector to match the computer COM port. A number of aftermarket suppliers produce a USB version. photo of both KPG-46 cables
- The KPG-22(click for photo) is used on some handhelds, it has a dual connector (1/8" mini and a 1/16" sub-mini connectors) photo of a dual KPG-22 and KPG-4.
The most common version of the KPG-22 is the USB version.
The real Kenwood KPG-22 cable has a DB-25 female connector on the computer end.
The predecessor to the KPG-22 is the the KPG-8, which requires an external DC power source where the KPG-22 is powered from the computer COM port. Anyplace you see that a KPG-8 is required you can substitute KPG-22. (anybody have a photo of a real KPG-8 or a real KPG-22 ?)
Note: A number of chinese manufacturers (like Baofeng and Woxun) use the KPG-22 cable. - The KPG-36(click for photo) is used on some handhelds, it has a one-piece speaker/microphone connector.
Your page maintainer finally resolved the homebrew cable and KPG-4 versus KPG-46 issue by purchasing one each (plus a spare) KPG-4 (9-pin female "D" connector) and one of the USB FTDI KPG-46 cables from Mark Dunkle at www.bluemax49ers.com. (Off-site pointer - opens in a new browser tab)
Mark has both Prolific and FTDI based USB cables and the FTDI ones DO NOT need any funny drivers and they just plain work. You can buy through his web page and avoid the eBay or Amazon markup.
No, he's NOT paying me for providing this pointer.
This way you can minimize the radio programming cable mess - use a regular ethernet cable plus your homebrew KPG-46 adapter box.
Some Kenwood radios (the TK-780 and TK-880 are two) have a "gotcha"… the radio should be powered OFF when plugging in or unplugging the programming cable. The reason is that +8volts DC is provided to the programming cable circuitry through a surface-mount resistor in the radio (pin 1 on the microphone jack). If that pin is accidentally shorted to ground the resistor is blown open and the programmer won't talk to the radio. The microphone will still work normally since it doesn't use that power… but the programming cable does.
Your page maintainer (Mike WA6ILQ) has seen that… Locally several TK-880s have been found for sale cheap as the radio won't program. Using a KPG-8 cable instead of a KPG-22 cable works, or you can replace the SMD resistor so that a readily available KPG-22 cable works…
If you do a lot of radio programming, especially at repeater sites, you might want to consider dedicating a laptop to radio programming. My thoughts on dedicated radio programming laptops are here. (opens in a new window)
A little background information and some model-specific information, and some contributions from others. Updates appreciated!
The following TK mobiles will all go down to 440 MHz:TK-805DTK-830 - see note belowTK-840TK-860TK-860GTK-880TK-8160 …as well as the following TKR repeaters:TKR-820TKR-840 - see note belowTKR-850TKR-851The TKR-840 does require a bit of a hack to get it down there, as the KPG-47D software won't let you enter anything below 450 MHz.The comment thread says that patching the KPG was attemped but didn't work. If a working patch is developed please let the page maintainer know. He'll add it here.
KPG-47D also programs the TKR-830, so it's likely that the same code plug hack works on that model too.
See this thread for info & the hex editing tool you'll probably need:https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/kenwood-tkr-840-uhf-repeater-need-help-programing-for-ham-frequencies.271724
Again this is for the TKR-840 but it MAY also work for the TKR-830.
The table shows which radios use MS-DOS based programming software, which ones have Windows based software, and more.
The basic information on this page is from 2008 and updated as we were given information. Updates appreciated!
This information is from 2012 Updates appreciated!
This PDF'd information is from 2018, and since PDFs can't be changed any updates will be added to the upper page. Updates appreciated!
You should check all of these version lists as none contain every programming product. Updates appreciated!
Found on a now defunct web site, original author unknown.
Someone found this on the web and sent it to us.
This connector is used on the TK-705 / TK-805, the TK-740 / TK-840, the TK-760 / TK-860 and several other models. Someone found this on the web and sent it to us.
FYI, amateur 8-pin Kenwood microphones are not wired the same as commercial 8-pin Kenwood microphones.
A customer needed a repair made to a specialty device that plugged into the microphone jack… Your page maintainer had to do some research… this resulted from his workbench notes.
The KPG-4 is the RS-232 to TTL cable that is used for programming most any commercial Kenwood radio that has a 6-pin (RJ-12) microphone jack. The KPG-46 is the 8-pin (RJ-45) version.
This diagram is similar to the above but with a lot more info - it shows the DE-9 and DB-25 connections, and the handheld connections. It shows the 6-pin microphone plug.
This one corrects a few omissions in the above diagrams. Best of all, it actually works.
Ths connector is used on both mobiles, and on repeaters (like the TKR-x50s and NXR-x10s). Your page maintainer had to replace the power connectors on a number of Kenwood mobiles… TK-840s, TK-8160s, TK-8180s and more. A friend had already researched the original connector and was happy to share his information.
These are used with the TK-630/730/830 series radios. They provide remote control head mounting, dual control heads, and dual band remote operation.
These are used with the TK-690/790/890 series radios. They provide remote control head mounting, dual control heads, and dual band remote operation.
Probably usable on many mobile radios with the 6-pin round mike connector.
PS-30 Schematic (with repair notes) 904 kB
For the TS-440S and others.
Remote controller for the TM-221A/221E/221ES and TM-421A/421E/421ES. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Remote controller for the TM-221A/221E/221ES and TM-421A/421E/421ES. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
This is a dual-band handheld that has a built-in Packet / APRS TNC.
The TH-D7A / TH-D72E is a dual-band handheld with a built-in GPS receiver and packet / APRS TNC. Includes options BT-15 and PB-45L. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options BT-13, PB-42L, PG-2W, PG-3J, SMC-32, SMc-33, SMC-34, EMC-3, HMC-3, KHS-21.
The F6A is a 144MHz/220 MHz/440MHz FM TRIBAND handheld, the F7E is the European 144MHz/430 MHzFM Dual Band handheld. The difference between the two radios is one diode.
Click here to read about a critical design flaw with the TH-F6A and TH-F7E radios.
Includes options BT-2, EB-2, PB-21, DC-21, SC-8/8T, HMC-1, SMC-30, TU-6. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options TSU-8, SC-41, SC-42, SC-43, BT-9.
Includes options BC-7, BC-8, TSU-4. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
This series uses the same battery, speaker/mike, programming cable, etc as the TK-380 and TK-481. The antenna connector on the radio is an SMA male.
Includes options KNB-17A, KMC-25A, KSC-19, KSC-20, KPG-36, KBP-4.
Includes options KDM-5, KHS-1, KMC-8A, KWR-1, KLF-3, KNB-4/5/6, KQT-9, KSC-6, KSC-8, KSC-76, KSC-86. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes option KNB-14, KNB-15A. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options KNB-14, KNB-15A, KMC-17, KMC-21. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options KNB-14, KNB-15A. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options KNB-16A, KNB-17A, KPG-36, KSC-19, KRA-14, KMC-25. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options KNB-17A, KMC-25, KMC-26, KSC-19, KSC-20, KPG-36, KRA-14.
Note: The TK-290 radio is only rated for up to 7.2vDC input! Do not use a mobile power cord directly from a 12v source without a voltage regulator in the cord.
Includes options KDM-7, KHS-1, KSC-76, KSC-8, KSC-86, KNB-11A, KNB-12A, KPG-22, KMC-17. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options KNB-14, KNB-15A, KNC-17, KMC-21. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options KNB-14, KNB-15A. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options KNB-16A, KNB-17A, KPG-36, KSC-19, KRA-15, KMC-25. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options KNB-16A, KNB-17A, KPG-36, KSC-19, KRA-15, KMC-25. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options KNB-17A, KMC-25, KSC-19, KSC-20, KPG-36, KRA-14. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes option KQT-8. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes optios KMC-9, KPG-19. Donated by John Casullo N2QKV.
Also appropriate for the TK-980 (800 MHz) and TK-981 (900 MHz) models.
Note: This Service Manual applies to products with serial numbers 30300001 and higher. (KCH-10 and KCH-11 front panels are applicable to the productions June 2001 and after.) In terms of the products with the serial numbers earier than 30300001, refer to the TK-790/(B)/H(B) Service Manual as per part No. B51-8438-00 and the TK-790(B) Service Manual as per part No. B51-8456-00.
Note: Applicable to units with serial numbers 60400001 and above.
Includes options KCT-19, KDD-4, KPG-25D. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
The 15-pin Accessory Connector pinout can be found on page 40 of this manual.
Supplement to the above service manual for serial numbers A8B00001 and higher.
Includes options KMC-9, KMS-5, KQT-7, KSK-2. Scanned by Harley KI7XF.
Includes options KMC-9, KMS-5, KQT-7, KSK-2. Scanned by Harley KI7XF.
Includes option TU-3A. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
The same manual except horizontally oriented (for printing) 2.8 MB PDF
Includes options DRU-1, DTU-2, MC-44, MC-44DM, MC-44DME, MC-44E, TSU-6, plus a note on extending the frequency ranges.
Includes option PG-5A. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes option TSU-5. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options DRU-1, MC-44, MC-44DM, TSU-6. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options DRU-1, DTU-1, MC-44E, MC-44DM, MC-44DME, MC-44, TSU-6. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes option TSU-6. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes option TSU-6. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options DTU-2, TSU-7, MC-45, MC-45DM, PG-4K, PG-4L.
Only has parts lists, schematics, color X-ray views. For circuit descriptions and semiconductor information, refer to the TM-742A/E, TM-942A service manual B51-8192-00.
Includes options TSU-7, MC-45, MC-45DM, plus the UT-28S, UT-50S, UT-220S, UT440S, UT1200 band units.
1) If you need CTCSS/PL decode you will need to plug in a TSU-7 board. The firmware already "knows" about it.
2) The remote mount kit is a DFK-3, DFK-4 or DFK-7 (3 meters, 4 meters or 9 meter long cable).
3) A replacement microphone is a MC-45 (plain) or MC-45DM (with 16-button DTMF).
4) The TM-641/741/941/642/742/942 radios can draw as much as 12 amps on transmit, and the DC wire pigtail hanging from the back of the radio and the matching power cord that was shipped with it was, in my opinion, undersized in AWG. The transmitter is sensitive to low DC voltage, a voltage drop of less than a volt can cost you 25% of the transmit output power. Start by measuring the voltage at the radio while transmitting‑the simple way is to temporarily push a couple of sewing pins through the insulation of the power cable right by the strain relief at the back of the radio, then clip your VOM to the sewing pins). While you are keydown compare the voltage at battery to the voltage at the radio. If the voltage drop is excessive while transmitting then you need to change the wiring to a larger AWG size (lower resistance) wire. Been there twice, done that twice, got the t-shirt (but not the coffee cup). I had close to a volt of loss between the battery and the the back of the radio. I replaced the short pigtail built into the back of the radio with the heaviest red/black zip cord I could find and changed to Anderson Power Poles instead of the stock "T" connector. At the time the biggest red/black zip cord available to me was 12 gauge, but since then I've seen 10gauge on a spool at the local HRO store. Be careful, don't trust the outside diameter of the insulation to be indicative of the internal conductor size; look at the cross-section of the actual copper.
5) The TM-641/741/941/642/742/942 radios use a solder-tab-style CR2025 coin cell for memory backup. The coin cell seems to last forever if you keep 12v applied to the radio, or just a few years if it's in storage. If your radio needs a new battery I strongly suggest you replace the solder-tab coin cell with a socket. Here's an exploded drawing of how to get to it. There is barely enough space inside the radio for a coin cell socket - I had to file the edges of the plastic socket body down a little on each side to make it fit. The socket needs to be a vertical socket with top access (i.e. the cell is positioned at right angles to the circuit board). Here's a photo of the coin cell socket I used (thanks to Joe Orrico WB6HRO for the tip).
Includes options MC-44, MC-44DM, MC-44DME, MC-44E, TSU-6. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
The manual includes CTCSS decode option TSU-6.
Includes option TSU-6 and some service bulletins. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options MC-45, MC-45DM, PG-4K, PG-4L, TSU-7. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Includes options MU-1, MB-10, TU-7, PG-2K, VS-1. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
The TM-D700 is a dual-band mobile that has a built-in packet / APRS TNC.
Includes options MC-59, PG-5F, PG-5H, PG-5G, MCP-2A. Covers the panel section. Refer to the TM-V71A / TM-V71E Service Manual below for further information. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
The TM-G707 is a basic twin-band mobile: one band at a time. For simultaneous receive see the TM-V7A.
Also includes information on the VS-3 Speech Synthesizer option and the DF-3C, DF4C and DF-7C remote mount options.
The TM-G707 / TM-V7 mobile mounting bracket is 881M96-7309-80. The TM-G707 / TM-V7 VHF RF Power Module is the Kenwood 880P34413. The UHF module is the 880P24455PU-91. The mobile microphone is the MC-53DM, part number 880W68-7253-72. A replacement microphone cable for the MC-53DM has two part numbers, 880H07-4298-82 or 881H07-0917-75.
Also includes information on the VS-3 Speech Synthesizer option and the DF-3C, DF4C and DF-7C remote mount options.
Includes options DFK-3C/4C/7C.
Details on the programming (PG-5G) and audio (PG-5H) cables for the TM-V71 can be found here.
Memory Control Program MCP-2A Version 3.22
See the next item for an alternative ZIP file.
The executable file inside the ZIP is renamed to M2A310.EEE; you will have to rename it to M2A310.EXE before running it.
This is a firmware update that increases the usability as a remote base or EchoLink radio.
Includes options DF-3K, PG-5F, MC-59, PG-5G, PG-5H.
Includes options MU-1, VS-1, TU-7. Donated by Brad KB9BPF.
Get the larger file if you have the download bandwidth. The files are larger than they would normally need to be as both files have a lot of background shading (i.e. the background is a varying shade of grey rather than white).
Includes options DRU-2, PS-52, SP-31, VS-2, SO-2.
For the TR-7950/30 radios.
Information provided from various sources as listed in the text.
Hand-coded HTML © Copyright 2004 and date of last edit by Mike Morris WA6ILQ.
You can contact Mike at (his-callsign) at repeater-builder dot com
This page originally posted on 14-Oct-2004
It was rearranged and split into more logical pieces 27-Dec-2017 by WA1MIK
This web page, this web site, the information presented in and on its pages and in these modifications and conversions is © Copyrighted 1995 and (date of last update) by Kevin Custer W3KKC and multiple originating authors. All Rights Reserved, including that of paper and web publication elsewhere.
