Kenwood Import/Export TM281 Memory to TMV71

[1FZj80]

Just got a new radio for xmas, Kenwood TM-V71.
I don't think it is possible to export the memory from my TM-281, but thought I would ask before I re-enter everything.

 

[gahi]

I've never had any luck copying files cross platform. Always had to just re-enter them.

 

[1FZj80]

Agreed. I tried but could not figure a way to export a useful file from the TM-281.
And have started to re-enter...

 

[jonheld]

I have a TM-271A and a TM-V71. I used Chirp IIRC.

 

[goshenite]

^
As Jonheld said use Chirp. Since the TM 281a interface is live I export as .csv file. Then import that csv into the file for my HT. I'm not familiar with the TM V71 but would think you could do the same.

 

[1FZj80]

Cool... I will give it a try.

 

[1FZj80]

I have a TM-271A and a TM-V71. I used Chirp IIRC.

Are you able to read the TM-281 memory with Chirp. The radio is listed on Chirp but cannot receive memory???
I am able to read the TM-V71 but not the 281??? I can read the 281 with the Kenwood software (MCP-1A) so I know it is not a problem with the USB/Serial cable and driver.

 

[jonheld]

Are you able to read the TM-281 memory with Chirp. The radio is listed on Chirp but cannot receive memory???
I am able to read the TM-V71 but not the 281??? I can read the 281 with the Kenwood software (MCP-1A) so I know it is not a problem with the USB/Serial cable and driver.

I have a 271 and yes. I also know folks with 281s and they can as well. You export as .csv as described above.

 

[1FZj80]

271?
I think I was doing everything correctly but will try again today.

 

[jonheld]

271?
I think I was doing everything correctly but will try again today.

Yes, the TM-271A came before the TM-281A. Basically the same radio and both work with chirp.
All of the software (chirp, Kenwood, Yaesu) is spreadsheet based. All are able to import/export .csv files and you can copy/paste between the Kenwood software IIRC, but it's been a while since I played around with this stuff.

 

[gahi]

I'll have to try it. Last time I tried chirp with the 281a i didnt work. But that was over 1 year ago.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I have a Kenwood 281 and use Chirp. It works perfectly for this. Are all of your programming cables OK? Read the bit on the Chirp home page about proper USB cables. One of my inexpensive Yaesu cables stopped working with the Windows 10 upgrade, and Chirp is now recommending FTDI cables.

But I have exported the 281 and then imported into Yaesu and Beofeng radios using Chirp

CableGuide - CHIRP

 

[gahi]

YA, I have 4 different cables with different gens of the prolific serial adapter, so I'm always switching drivers because I can never keep which ports I'm using for which straight.

I think my issue with chirp was I was probably on an old version, and just haven't really needed to mess with it.

 

[1FZj80]

No luck with the 281 and Chirp.
The V71 works fine.
The cable is good. I can use the Kenwood software and read/write without issue.
Kinda stumped here???
I have an old laptop running XP and might give that a try.

 

[jonheld]

No luck with the 281 and Chirp.
The V71 works fine.
The cable is good. I can use the Kenwood software and read/write without issue.
Kinda stumped here???
I have an old laptop running XP and might give that a try.

Make sure you're using the latest version of CHIRP. It gets updated frequently and the V71 is older than the 281.

Home - CHIRP

 

[1FZj80]

I already removed the 281 and replaced it with the V71. The V71 works good with Chirp. I need to get the 281 installed in my other truck before I can try it again with Chirp. I will make sure I have the latest software for the next try.