Amateur radio · Commercial-grade hardware

Professional radios,
programmed for amateur work.

Shadowcat Communications specializes in code plug programming, Motorola flash code editing, and Kenwood KWD enhancement installs for NX-series radios. We turn surplus commercial gear into amateur-ready field equipment — clean code plugs, correct firmware features, no guesswork.

Request a Quote Explore Services
Radio platforms supported
20+
Typical turnaround
3–7 days
Service location
US mail-in
Shadowcat Communications logo — panther silhouette beside a radio tower.
Callsign KR4DWS
Supported families
  • Motorola XPR / APX
  • Kenwood NX-5000 / NX-3000
  • Harris XL-series *Comming Soon
  • EF Johnsons VP-series *Coming Soon

Services

Programming, firmware, and feature work.

Three core service lines, each priced flat or quoted by scope. All work is performed by a licensed amateur operator with documented chain-of-custody on your radio.

01 · Code Plug

Code Plug Programming

Build, audit, or migrate code plugs for amateur band plans, repeaters, and talkgroups. Includes channel naming, scan lists, zone layout, and a printed channel reference card.

  • Repeater & simplex channel build
  • DMR talkgroup & color code mapping
  • Migration from older code plug files
From $75 flat Get Quote

Price shown is editable in WooCommerce — see README §3.

02 · Firmware

Motorola Flash Code Editing

Adjust feature sets on Motorola portable and mobile radios: bandwidth modes, scan, ARS/MDC/PTT-ID, FPP, and trunking capability. We document every feature toggled.

  • XPR / APX platforms
  • Feature unlock under licensed scope
  • Pre- and post-flash diagnostics
From $95 flat Get Quote

Customer is responsible for license/feature legality.

03 · NX Enhancements

Kenwood KWD Install — NX Series

Install supported KWD enhancement packages on NX-5000 family radios: extra protocols, expanded conventional features, and option keys. Bench-tested before return.

  • NX-5200 / 5300 / 5700 / 5800
  • KWD package install & verification
  • *P25, DMR, NXDN Trunking requires approval
From $120 flat Get Quote

KWD package licensing supplied by customer unless noted.

Shop · WooCommerce

Buy a service the same way you buy a part.

Flat-rate services are listed as WooCommerce products. Click Buy Now on any card to be sent to the product page on the live WordPress storefront. Need a custom scope? Use the quote form instead.

SKU · SC-CP-FLAT In stock

Code Plug — Flat Rate

Up to 75 channels, two zones, scan list and printable channel card. Ships back via USPS Priority. Add accessory programming in the quote notes.

Editable price $75.00 Buy Now
SKU · SC-FLASH-MOT In stock

Motorola Flash Code Edit

Feature set adjustment for one Motorola portable or mobile. Includes pre/post diagnostic printout. Customer must confirm license eligibility on the quote form.

Editable price $95.00 Buy Now
SKU · SC-KWD-NX Quote only

Kenwood KWD Install — NX

Install of a customer-supplied KWD package on a supported NX-series radio. KWD license can be purchased through us for added cost. Verification report included.

Quote only — Request Quote

Quote · Order request

Tell us about the radio. We'll send a written quote.

Most quotes are returned within 1-3 business day(s). For mail-in work, you'll receive a shipping label and an intake form before sending the radio.

All fields marked with are required.

Contact
Radio
Service requested
Notes
Acknowledgments

Process

Four checkpoints from request to received.

  1. 01

    Quote

    You submit the quote form. We respond within one business day with scope and pricing.

  2. 02

    Intake

    On approval, you receive a shipping label and an intake form. Code plugs and feature lists can be supplied as files or rebuilt from scratch.

  3. 03

    Bench

    Radio is logged, programmed/flashed, and bench-tested against your scope. You get a pre/post diagnostic export.

  4. 04

    Return

    Radio ships back insured with the diagnostic export, code plug backup, and a printed channel reference card.

Scope & trust

What we do — and what we won't.

We will

  • Program amateur band channels, scan lists, and zones
  • Adjust documented Motorola flash code features
  • Install customer-supplied Kenwood KWD packages
  • Provide pre/post diagnostic exports and backups
  • Ship insured and tracked

We will not

  • Unlock features without a licensed operator on record
  • Program public-safety / trunking systems we don't have authorization for
  • Bypass encryption keys we cannot legally distribute
  • Touch radios we cannot verify ownership of

FAQ

Common questions before you ship a radio.

Do I need to send the radio in to get it programmed?

For most code plug work, yes — programming is done over the manufacturer's CPS cable on our bench. Some platforms support remote code plug delivery; mention that on the quote form and we'll confirm.

Can you unlock features that the radio shipped without?

Motorola flash code editing can enable features the chassis already supports. We do not bypass licensing for features the customer is not entitled to operate. License documentation may be requested.

What's a "Kenwood KWD" install?

KWD packages are Kenwood's optional feature keys for the NX series. We install customer-supplied KWD packages onto supported NX radios, verify they activate, and return a written confirmation. If you need a KWD license purchased, let us know which and we'll price one for you. Be forewarned, this adds to the turnaround time due to JVCKenwood license approval.

How long does it usually take?

Typical turnaround on the bench is 3–7 business days from receipt. Shipping adds 2–4 business days each direction depending on origin. Rush slots are quoted when available.

Do prices on the shop page include shipping?

Shop prices are bench labor only. Return shipping is added to your WooCommerce cart based on weight and destination at checkout.

Can you help me decide which radio to buy?

Yes — submit the quote form with "Other / consult" checked and describe your use case. Brief platform-recommendation consults are free.

Contact

Direct line to the bench.

For pricing or scope questions, the quote form is fastest. For everything else, use the channels below. We reply during US Central business hours.

Mail-in address
Issued with shipping label after quote approval
Hours
Mon–Thu · 09:00–17:00 CT