OT: Help with TK-290 programming

[JustinMoon205]

Hey guys....sorry for the off topic post....but I'm sure that someone in here can help me with this lil programming issue.

I am new at Kenwood products. I have a couple of TK-290's that I am trying to program. I have the software and the cable. When I try to read the radio using the software I get an error that says "Error: Check Connection". I have tried both COM1 and COM2 ports on the computer. Are there any other considerations that I am overlooking in trying to program these units?

Any help is appreciated. Reply here, or by PVT.

Thanks,

-Justin

[fire_master_21]

did you check your pm's on the other board that i sent

[nmfire10]

What are you using for a cable? I have 25 of these radios and I programmed all of them so I know enough about them.

[JustinMoon205]

Matt,

I am using the regular program cable for it. It is a brand new cable...so I guess there is the slight chance that it is defective.

Is there a "program mode" that you have to put the radio into in order to program it? I know some of the other Kenwood product has to have a sequence of key presses in order to put it into a "program mode".

Thanks,

-Justin

[mikegilbert]

The newer kenwood radios do not require you to put them in programming mode, they switch when the software talks to them.

I get the same message on occasion with my Tk280/380's. Are you running the software in dos, or a DOS window. I've never had a problem running in pure DOS mode, but I've only had a few glitches while running DOS in windows. (kenwoods are very forgiving) One trick I use is switch the cable to COM 1 and set it to COM 2 in the software. Then switch the port to 1 in the software. This usually fixes it. I'd also recommend writing to the radio (if there's nothing in there you don't want to lose)

-Mike

[RESCUEMAN433]

i have had some processor speed issues with the 290's and 280's use a slow computer also--it is possible to program the radio with newer machines but i haven't had very much luck with 700mhz and above--but then again i have had a 1.5 ghz processor work fine-never know but if all else fails and you have a factory cable try a slower computer

adam

[n9upc]

Some tips on Kenwood programming I have found:

1.) Always run it under DOS. Do this by booting up your machine and hitting the F8 key right away. Then it will ask you what number per the fuunction you want to select. At that point I always push SHIFT F5 and I have never had a problem since.

2.) If you comm port is the DB9 (which I think it should be) you will need a DB25 male to DB9 female adaptor.

3.) Always make sure the radio is out of scan every once in awhile I have hit a snag with it.

4.) Make sure the battery has a good full charge. Something about the kenwoods but when the battery is less then 50% full it goes weird. (Be it in programming or normal usage.)

5.) Always try to use the software from the hard drive and do not use it from a disk. As well as make sure all your paths are correct.

This should help you out with what kind of problem/error message you are getting. I also find the adaptor becoming unplugged as a big accidental cause of this message.

[chief3]

I have been having the same problems with my TK-290. I use the same laptop to program the 760's with no problems. But I still have problems programming the 290's. I am wondering if I got ahold of a couple of bad cables. I have tried several different cables, thinking I got into a bad batch. Still no such luck. Thank you in advance

[cduda]

I am using a usb programming cable and am having same issue. Can not read radio. Any particular combination of keys while turning on ?

[KG6EAQ]

I am using a usb programming cable and am having same issue. Can not read radio. Any particular combination of keys while turning on ?

If you're just doing normal programming, no. Firmware flashing, if enabled, yes.