Kenwood TH-D72A 144/430MHz FM Dual Bander

Automatic display of relay path

A pop-up display showing the call sign of a digipeater currently relaying your own beacon enables you to check on wireless traffi c at a glance.

Built-in 1200/9600 bps TNC compliant with AX.25 protocol

The built-in TNC (Terminal Node Controller) is compatible with the AX.25 protocol, providing full access to APRS functions. A wide range of APRS applications can be used if the TH-D72A is connected to a PC with the supplied USB cable to enable control of the TNC. It is further possible to operate the radio as an IGate station (wireless-Internet gateway) or as a digipeater station (relay station for wireless packet communications).

Dual receive on same band (VxV, UxU)

In addition to simultaneous receive on both 144 MHz and 440 MHz bands, this radio can receive two frequencies on the same band. This means, say, that you can arrange to have both the call channel and local channel, or the repeater channel and local channel, on the same VHF or UHF band.

Enhanced operating ease and visibility

Thanks to the menu and arrow keys, selecting the many different functions is intuitively easy. All keys are backlit to facilitate use in the dark, and the full dot matrix LCD screen ensures the icons and text messages are clearly visible. Also, the rotary encoder knob on the top of the transceiver allows separate adjustment of volume and frequency.

GPS Logger functions

– Store up to 5,000 points of track data in internal memory.
– Choose from 3 different timing options for storing data – interval, travel distance, or beacon TX point (example: if set to a 10-second interval, logging is possible for up to about 14 hours).
– Convert GPS log data to the KML fi le format used by Google Earth™ using the MCP-4A memory control program.
– Extend operating hours (up to 35 hours per charge) by switching off transceiver functions and using just GPS.

KENWOOD engineers working closely with Bob Bruninga (WB4APR), who fi rst developed APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System), KENWOOD has developed system fi rmware for the TH-D72A that enables easy APRS operation without requiring a computer. The built-in GPS receiver provides positional information, while weather information can be acquired by connecting a meteorological device. All of this information can be exchanged with other stations, and it can also be output to a PC for map display using commercially available APRS application software.

KENWOOD Sky Command System II

The KENWOOD Sky Command System II allows you to use the TH-D72A for remote access to KENWOOD’s designated HF radios. Operating as the Commander, your TH-D72A transmits control signals to the Transporter, which also relays your voice to the HF radio. In return, HF signals are transmitted back to the Commander. This system allows you to transmit and receive HF signals, set frequencies (with LCD confi rmation), switch memory channels, and much more – all . You can thus enjoy HF access using the TH-D72A while making a quick trip to the local store.

Long operating hours (high-capacity battery included)

The TH-D72A comes with a rechargeable 1,800mAh lithium-ion battery. A single charge will power the transceiver for approximately 6 hours of continuous use with TX output set to the 5-watt maximum. Output can be set to HI (5W), LOW (0.5W), or EL (0.05W).

Messaging

• Messages: up to 100 (max. 67 characters each)
• Status: 5 x max. 42 characters
• User phrases (editable messages):
8 types x max. 32 characters
A special call function provides immediate notifi cation when a message is received from a designated station.

Meteorological Information

This transceiver can be connected to most Peet Bros. and Davis weather stations for access to wind speed/ direction, rainfall, temperature, humidity and barometric pressure information.

MIL-STD810 & IP54 weatherproofing

Heavy-duty specs mean you do not have to worry about getting caught in a shower. Fully prepared for tough outdoor conditions, the TH-D72A is very robust. And as well as offering IP54 levels of dust-proofi ng and splash-proofi ng, it meets or exceeds the US MIL-STD standards for rain, humidity, vibration and shock.

Multiple functions accessible from over 60 APRS® menus

– QSY function (exchange of operating frequency data)
– Auto message reply
– Packet fi lter
– Decay algorithm
(automatic extension of transmit interval)
– Proportional pathing (automatic selection of relay path)
– SmartBeaconing™
– 57 graphic symbols (icons)
– 3 types of grid square locator

Positional/directional data

With the internal NMEA 0183 compatible GPS receiver, information is available on distance, speed and heading in addition to latitude, longitude and altitude.

Power-On Message

On powering up, the transceiver will display your call sign and a message for 2 seconds. You can compose messages of up to 8 characters, and if you use the MCP-4A software you can have the transceiver display an icon of your own design.

Simple node access with EchoLink® memory

You can store call signs, node numbers, commands, etc. in up to 10 DTMF memory channels dedicated to EchoLink. And thanks to automatic call-sign/DTMF conversion, it is easy to make use of EchoLink’s Connect by call and Query by call. Moreover, the MCP-4A software allows you to manage EchoLink memory.

Stand-alone digipeater

On its own, the TH-D72A can serve as a digipeater. It can thus be used in various outdoor situations as a digital repeater for packet communications – for example supporting data communications from a location surrounded by mountains.

Station List

This stores a maximum of 100 stations – including fixed base, mobile, object and weather stations – and offers filtering so you can choose from different types of station. You can also sort them by call sign, reception time and distance from your own station.

Support for MCP-4A software

With the MCP-4A Memory Control software (a free download from the KENWOOD website), you can use a computer to input, edit and manage data – for the TH-D72A’s memory channels and APRS functions, for example. You can also back up GPS log data to your PC.

Target Point Functions

You can store up to 5 target points and display, in real time, the direction and distance to each of these. You can also switch instantly between north-up and heading-up displays, whichever you fi nd more convenient.

USB (Mini-B) port

You can connect the TH-D72A directly to your PC with the supplied USB cable.