Kenwood FleetSync/NexEdge Overview

Datalink's software is compatible with Kenwood FleetSync and NXDN radios running over trunked or conventional channels. The radios can be used in basic stand-alone mode, or enhanced with external data devices.

DataGate server connects into the radio network via one or more base radios. This allows the system to communicate with multiple remote sites at the same time.

Radio Configuration

Datalink supports running the radios in standard or transparent modes. In standard mode, the system uses Kenwood protocols to direct data around the network. Transparent mode causes the radios to broadcast data over the network, which is less efficient. This is only required when using devices that do not use the Kenwood protocols, such as Mobius or the MDT-2000 terminal.

The radios need to be configured so that data is sent in the correct format. The required KPG-111d configuration settings for each radio can be found here. It is very important to set the radio IDs correctly, allowing the network to route data to the appropriate destintion.

If you will be sending status messages from mobile radios, program the Status Message list so that status codes can be used to send canned messages. For example, Status 1 = 'Job Complete'.

Base Radio Connections

It is recommended to connect the base radios to serial-to-Ethernet adapters, which translate from RS-232 into an IP connection. Data is then sent over a LAN or Internet connection to DataGate. Base radios can also be connected directly to Windows PCs, where our Kenwood Source (for standard mode) or Radio Source (for transparent) programs translate the data and send to DataGate.

The following diagram shows the connections required to adapt the radio's DB-25 connector to a standard DB-9.

Radio DB-25 to DB-9 wiring

Software Set-Up

• DataGate is the central server, and must be installed to process network data. It should have a network connection if it will be processing data from remote base radios.
• If base radios are connected through serial-to-Ethernet adapaters, no other software is required. The adapters need to be able to see the DataGate server.
• If connecting base radios directly to PCs, install Kenwood Source (for standard mode) or Radio Source (for transparent) on the PC attached to the radio. The source should be programmed to connect to the DataGate IP address, and the COM port settings must match those programmed into the base radio.
• In DataGate, add a Data Source for each base station. Each base uses a password or IP address for security and identification.
• In DataGate, add assets for each mobile/handheld radio. Set the asset type to match the type of device (Kenwood radio, Sprite, i50, Mobius, MDT, etc). If using standard mode, each asset can be programmed for FleetSync or NexEdge modes, and given a radio ID.
• If you will be sending status messages from the radios, program the Status Message lookup list to match that programmed into the radios. This list is located under the Kenwood Source settings (if used), or Data Source settings (if using serial-to-Ethernet adapters).
• Full instructions are contained in the DataGate manual.

External Devices

For advanced messaging and reporting options, consider attaching an external device to the mobile radios. Datalink's Tracker i50 supports the Kenwood protocol for seamless operation over FleetSync and NexEdge networks.