Kenwood TM-281 programming software
Open WebCHIRPWebCHIRP programs the Kenwood TM-281 in your browser. It runs the CHIRP project's own driver for this radio, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does — without installing anything.
No driver install needed
Kenwood programming cables use a CH340, CP2102, PL2303 or FTDI USB-serial chip. WebCHIRP speaks to all four directly from the browser, so there is no driver package to download and no Windows version to match. Plug the cable in and pick the port when the browser asks.
What you can edit on the TM-281
- 100 memory channels, numbered 0 to 99
- Channel names up to 6 characters
- Modes: FM, NFM
- Bands: 137–173.99 MHz
- Tone squelch: DTCS, TSQL, Tone
Can I update the firmware on the TM-281?
The TM-281 has no firmware update: its firmware is written at the factory and is not replaceable in the field.
WebCHIRP does not flash firmware. It reads and writes the channel list and settings over the programming cable, which is a separate part of the radio.
How to program a Kenwood TM-281
- Plug the programming cable into the radio and the computer.
- Open WebCHIRP, check Kenwood TM-281 is selected, and press Download.
- Edit the channels, or pull in nearby repeaters from a directory.
- Press Upload to write the result back to the radio.
Questions
Do I need to install a USB driver to program the Kenwood TM-281?
No. WebCHIRP talks to CH340, CP2102, PL2303 or FTDI programming cables from the browser, so there is nothing to install on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Do I need the Kenwood CPS software?
No. WebCHIRP runs CHIRP's own Kenwood TM-281 driver in the browser, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does.
How many channels does the Kenwood TM-281 hold?
100, numbered 0 to 99 in the channel table.
Can I update the firmware on the Kenwood TM-281?
The TM-281 has no firmware update: its firmware is written at the factory and is not replaceable in the field. WebCHIRP does not flash firmware. It reads and writes the channel list and settings over the programming cable, which is a separate part of the radio.