TH-D72A
Featuring the SiRFstar III™ high-performance GPS receiver, KENWOOD’s TH-D72A dual-band transceiver is compatible with APRS® data communications.
Offering position and weather information, The TH-D72A opens up broad new vistas of outdoor enjoyment, especially for activities like trekking.
The SiRFstar III™ GPS receiver, widely recognized for its high accuracy, is built into the top of the transceiver.
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.
- 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.
You can connect the TH-D72A directly to your PC with the supplied USB cable.
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).
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.
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.
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.
With the internal NMEA 0183 compatible GPS receiver, information is available on distance, speed and heading in addition to latitude, longitude and altitude.
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.
This stores a maximum of 100 stations – including fi xed base, mobile, object and weather stations – and offers fi ltering so you can select from different types of station. You can also sort them by call sign, reception time and distance from your own station.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
- 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
- 1,000 memory channels and 8-character names
- 9 scan modes (VFO, Program, MHz, Memory, Memory Group, Call, Tone, CTCSS, DCS)
- 42 CTCSS frequencies
- 104 DCS (Digital Code Squelch) codes
- Cross-tone
- Waypoint export
- DX cluster tune
- Clock (date / t ime )
- Band mask
- Call channel
- Monitor
- Auto power-off
- MHz mode
- Selectable frequency step
- Shift
- VOX
- Auto repeater offset
- Automatic simplex checker
- DTMF memory (10 channels, 16 digits)
- DTMF remote control
- Time-out timer
- Key lock
- APRS lock
- Power-on password
- Memory shift
- Programmable VFO
- Key beep on/off
- Programmable function key
- Channel display mode
- Adjustable LCD contrast
- Reset (VFO, PART, FULL)
- External GPS receiver input (2.5mm stereo jack)
