Posted: 6/1/2016 11:58:58 PM EDT
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It's time for a new HT, my old IC-T7H is getting old.
I've narrowed down my choice to a Kenwood TH-D72A, has everything I want, TNC, GPS and GPRS. I know Kenwood has a new HT coming out but no release date has been given. I hate buying something and then 2 months later the price drops and a newer model is released. The TH-D72A has been out for a few years and gets great reviews. Is there anything comparable to this radio from Yaesu or Icom? Thanks KE7L** |
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The D72 is a fine choice but...... Are you really going to use all aspects of APRS and the TNC? I mean the meat and potatoes of APRS or are you looking for just tracking and messaging? If not, the Yaesu VX-8DR does 90% of what a D72 will do in a smaller package. Buddy of mine has one and I'm impressed with it. My D72 is one of the last radios I will sell. It just keeps coming back for more. Kenwood just makes fantastic gear. |
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Quoted: How long have you had your TH-D72? Does Kenwood still do firmware updates or is everything going to the new HT? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile February 2011. Firmware wise, Kenwood updates things when it needs updating. Look at the history on the D72 firmware page. Couple of years went by and they released a firmware update out of the blue to just tweak things. No reason at this point you would need to worry about firmware unless there are some changes to APRS and even then, Kenwood would make those updates available. They are very much the only manufacturer who is 100% behind APRS. What you would expect from a company that got Bob Bruninga to write part of their manual for the D72/D7 and the D710/D700? |
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The Kenwood is a nice radio. I almost got one, did get the mobile version(D710). For HTs I stayed with Yaesu - long ago had a VX-5 and then a 7, upgraded to the FT1 digital and again upgraded with the FT2. I think Yaesu's digital mode has promise, but we are still waiting on some key features. The Kenwood is great in that it talks to a very old and common digital mode, 1200 baud packet. Sure the Yaesu does APRS, but you have no access to the modem for other uses. The Kenwood would be great if there is still an active packet BBS in your area or if you want to use Winlink messaging. As already mentioned, the Yaesu rigs are more water resistant and perhaps a little more durable in general. I know my VX5 was tough as nails and was badly abused but kept on going. I have yet to have any issues with the newer models, although the high price of buying a recently released product(which then as usual dropped in price soon after) keeps me a little more gentle on the handling, especially with the FT2's touch screen. Either way will get you a good radio. The main decision here is do you want to do packet or do you want to do digital voice and hold up better in wet weather? |