Kenwood Firmware Info
Firmware is what controls the radio's functions and features- its the operating system of your radio. Such things a PLL info, TOT controls, button maps and other features reside in the firmware. The data file (.dat file) you write to your radio is what has all the programming information in it such as specific button assignments, frequencies, settings, etc... Depending on what radio you have there have been few or many firmware revisions. Most of the revisions are enhancements or bug fixes which center on LTR or FleetSync functionality, and therefore do not pertain to conventional use of your radio- there have been a few fixes which do pertain to conventional use. Below is a simple and concise list of the latest/last issued firmware for each 900MHz radio that Kenwood has manufactured- with checksum.
The procedure for checking which checksum of firmware is currently in your radio is outlined in each radios' service manual- consult the service manual for your model radio for more info.
Please Note:
The info below is provided as a guide for radio amateurs only- which are operating their 900MHz Kenwood radios in the amateur radio 902-928MHz portion of the 33cm band. The info presented below is NOT intended as a guide for commercial users operating in the 896-902/935-941MHz section of the 33cm band. If you are a commercial user; please consult with your local authorized Kenwood dealer; only your local authorized Kenwood dealer can guide you as to what firmware is required for your radio.
NX-901- The latest firmware for this radio is release 82, version 5.36, checksum "9965". The latest firmware requires that the radio be programmed with KPG-111DN Ver. 5.21 or higher.
NX-411- The latest firmware for this radio is release 82, version 5.36, checksum "9965". The latest firmware requires that the radio be programmed with KPG-111DN Ver. 5.21 or higher.
TK-981 Version 2 Serial B2700001 and higher- There are two versions of the latest firmware issued for the Version 2 TK-981 with a serial number of B2700001 and higher is version 01, checksum "47C6" and version 2 "231F". These firmware releases are the only releases for radios starting at this serial number range. At serial number B2700001 a new LCD assembly was used in the TK-981 which warranted a new firmware be released.
TK-981 Version 2 up to Serial B26xxxxx- The latest firmware for a Version 2 TK-981 up to serial number B26xxxxx is version 28, checksum "0ADE".
TK-981 Version 2 Trident Micro Systems PassPort® Firmware- This firmware will assign a unique Electronic Serial Number (ESN) to your radio for use on a Trident Micro System PassPort® trunked radio system. A TK-981 Version 2 radio that has this firmware will start up with a "VER 1.5xx" on the display. Please see the TK-981 "Troubleshooting" section of this website for more information.
TK-981 Version 2 RSSI Firmware- This firmware is only for the Version 2 TK-981, checksum "7FB8"- it was NOT an official Kenwood release and is not for use with radios in the commercial spectrum! There is more info concerning this firmware in the TK-981 "Tips and Modifications" section of this website. The RSSI firmware was based off of Version 2, revision 18, checksum "E613" firmware.
TK-981 Version 1- The latest firmware for the Version 1 TK-981 is version 11, checksum "E4B3".
TK-481 Version 2 Serial B2200001 and higher- The latest and only firmware issued for the Version 2 TK-481 with a serial number of B2200001 and higher is version 01, checksum "47C6". This firmware release is the only release for radios starting at this serial number range. At serial number B2200001 a new LCD assembly was used in the TK-481 which warranted a new firmware release.
TK-481 Version 2 up to Serial B21xxxxx- The latest firmware for the Version 2 TK-481 up to serial number B21xxxxx is version 28, checksum "0ADE".
TK-481 Version 2 RSSI Firmware- This firmware is only for the Version 2 TK-481, checksum "7FB8"- it was NOT an official Kenwood release and not for use with radios in the commercial spectrum! There is more info concerning this firmware in the TK-481 "Tips and Modifications" section of this website. The RSSI firmware was based off of Version 2, revision 18, checksum "E613" firmware.
TK-481 Version 1- The latest firmware for the Version 1 TK-481 is version 12, checksum "10C5".
TK-941- The latest firmware for the TK-941 is version 14, checksum "AB00".
TK-431- The latest firmware for the TK-431 is version 4, checksum "510E".
TK-931- The firmware on this radio is burned onto a 27C256 EPROM- the last revision was "JKAF".