Overview
The KENWOOD Viking® VM8000 is a multi-band, multi-protocol P25 mobile for patrol cars, fire apparatus, ambulances and command vehicles. One radio covers VHF, UHF and 700/800 MHz, and an optional multi-deck setup adds up to four RF decks for true all-band operation. It runs P25 Phase 1 and 2 trunking and conventional, DMR, NXDN, Viking16 and analog, with mixed-protocol zones, and it works on Motorola ASTRO 25, L3Harris VIDA, Airbus VESTA, KENWOOD ATLAS and other standards-based P25 systems. Choose a dash-mount control head, or remote-mount with one or two control heads, including a handheld control head.
Key features
- Multi-band: VHF, UHF and 700/800 MHz; optional multi-deck operation with up to 4 decks
- Multi-protocol: P25 Phase 1 & 2 trunking, P25 conventional, DMR Tier II/III, NXDN, Viking16 and FM analog, with mixed-protocol zones
- Up to 50 W VHF, 45 W UHF, 30/35 W 700/800 MHz
- 1,024 channels standard (2,048, 4,096 and 6,144 options), 255 zones
- Encryption: AES-256 (FIPS 140-3), DES-OFB and ARC4 (compatible with Motorola ADP), OTAR; keyloads with VK5000 or Motorola KVL4000/KVL5000; optional FIPS 140-3 Level 3 module
- Control heads: KCH-19 (dash or remote), KCH-20 full-featured and KCH-21 handheld; dual control heads supported
- Large 2.75-inch, 400 x 240 color display with day and night modes and 8 color themes
- Built-in GPS, Bluetooth 5.0 / BLE and dual-band Wi-Fi; Viking Connect broadband push-to-talk and Viking Connect Gateway
- 15 W audio through an external speaker, with TrueVoice™ noise cancellation
- Instant Recording Replay, vote scan and mixed-system priority scan
- Fast programming through a rear USB-C port; Armada fleet programming and perpetual software licensing
The VM8000 is built to order. Bands, decks, control heads, protocols, encryption and many features are options. We help you configure each radio for your agency and system, and include the right licenses in your quote.
Need it installed? Our vehicle upfitting team installs mobile radios, control heads, antennas and power wiring in patrol cars, fire apparatus and EMS units.
Frequency bands & power
| Band | Frequency range | Power (high / low) |
|---|---|---|
| VHF | 136–174 MHz | 50 W / 5 W |
| UHF | 380–520 MHz | 45 W / 5 W |
| 700 MHz | TX 763–776, 793–806 MHz | 30 W / 2 W |
| 800 MHz | TX 806–825, 851–870 MHz | 35 W / 2 W |
Control heads
| Control head | Mounting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KCH-19VM | Dash or remote | Standard control head with 2.75-inch color display |
| KCH-20RV | Remote | Full-featured control head |
| KCH-21RVM | Remote | Handheld control head (HHCH) with keypad and display |
Specifications
| Specification | KENWOOD Viking VM8000 |
|---|---|
| Protocols | P25 Phase 1 & 2 trunking, P25 conventional, DMR Tier II & III, NXDN conventional & trunking, Viking16, FM analog |
| Compatible P25 systems | KENWOOD ATLAS, Motorola ASTRO 25, L3Harris VIDA, Airbus VESTA and all standards-based P25 systems |
| Channels / zones | 1,024 (2,048 / 4,096 / 6,144 options); 255 zones of up to 255 channels |
| Encryption | AES-256 (FIPS 140-3 L1, optional L3), DES-OFB, ARC4 (ADP compatible); OTAR; up to 1,024 keys |
| Audio output | 4 W, or 15 W through an external speaker |
| Connectivity | GPS, Bluetooth 5.0 / BLE, Wi-Fi 2.4 & 5 GHz, broadband data, USB-C programming |
| Power supply | 13.6 V DC; 13 A transmit at rated power |
| Size (W x H x D) | 6.69 x 1.89 x 10.81 in (RF deck + KCH-19 dash mount) |
| Weight | 7.5 lb (RF deck + KCH-19) |
| Operating temperature | -22 °F to +140 °F |
| Environmental | IP54/IP55, MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F/G/H |
Good to know
Will it work on our county or state P25 system?
Yes. Kenwood lists the VM8000 as compatible with KENWOOD ATLAS, Motorola ASTRO 25, L3Harris VIDA, Airbus VESTA and other standards-based P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 systems. Tell us which system you are joining and we will confirm and handle the programming.
What is multi-deck?
The standard VM8000 is multi-band from a single RF deck. Multi-deck adds up to four decks under one control head, so a single radio can monitor and talk on several bands or systems at once, which is useful for command and interoperability vehicles.
Which control head should we choose?
The KCH-19 is the everyday choice and mounts on the dash or remotely. The KCH-20 adds more controls for remote mounting, and the KCH-21 is a handheld control head that works like a portable on a coiled cord. You can run two control heads, for example one up front and one in the rear of an apparatus.
Does it work with our Motorola encryption and keyloader?
It supports AES-256 and DES-OFB, its ARC4 encryption is compatible with Motorola ADP, and it can be keyed with a Motorola KVL4000 or KVL5000, the Viking VK5000, or over the air (OTAR).
Can you install it?
Yes. Our upfitting shop installs the RF deck, control heads, antennas, speakers and power wiring, and programs the radio to your system before it goes back in service.
Downloads
- VM8000 spec sheet (PDF)
- KENWOOD Viking radio overview (PDF)
- Viking Connect broadband push-to-talk (PDF brochure)
- KENWOOD Viking accessory catalog (PDF)
Pricing and availability: call 901-767-6800 or use the quote form on this page. We program, install and support every radio we sell from our Memphis shop.