How to configure the Kenwood TM-D710G for APRS

Here's a no-frills walkthrough of all of the configuration options that need to be set to get APRS up and running on your Kenwood TM-D710G. This video covers this specific radio, but the configuration options are the same for most other APRS radios, although the location of where to change the settings will be different. I give a bit of a contextual explanation about many of the settings as well
For a list of radio gear I use, visit: www.amazon.com/shop/handsomea...
Since this video is quite long, here's an index so you can jump right any specific configuration page:
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Entering the radio menu
01:59 BASIC SETTINGS [600]
05:00 INTERNAL TNC [601]
GPS PORT [602]: 05:34
WAYPOINT [603]: 06:39
COM PORT [604]: 07:00
MY POSITION [605]: 07:37
BEACON INFORMATION [606] 04:46
POSITION COMMENT [607]: 8:39
STATUS TEXT [608]: 09:35
PACKET FILTER [609]: 09:59 SKIPPED
STATION ICON [610]: 10:02
BEACON TX ALGORITHM [611]: 10:39
PACKET PATH: [612]: 12:28
NETWORK [613]: 12:46
VOICE ALERT [614]: 12:55
WEATHER STATION [615]: 13:12
DIGIPEAT [616]: 13:19
UICHECK [617] SKIPPED
UIDIGI [618] SKIPPED
UIFLOOD [619] SKIPPED
UITRACE [620] SKIPPED
USER PHRASES [621] SKIPPED
AUTO MESSAGE REPLY [622] SKIPPED
GROUP FILTERING [623] SKIPPED
SOUND [624]: 14:03
INTERRUPT DISPLAY [625]: 15:17
DISPLAY UNIT 1 & 2 [626-627]: 16:43
NAVITRA GROUP [628] SKIPPED
NAVITRA MESSAGE [629] SKIPPED
SMARTBEACONING 1 & 2 [630-631]: 17:03
QSY (FREQUENCY) [632]: 17:28
ENABLE APRS: 18:45
TURNING APRS OFF: 21:15
TROUBLESHOOTING: 21:32

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

If you haven't watched my APRS Crash Course, check that out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGXLn3igftSNh6M To set the "A Side" to the correct APRS frequency without a TON of dial spinning, do this: 1) Push IN the "A Side" volume knob, to switch over to that side of the radio 2) Push the VFO button (center button, left side) 3) Push the CALL button 4) Use your mic's keypad to enter 144390

[@Wolvaroo]

Squelch tip at the end was what I needed, must have rolled the dail by accident at some point.

[@casey1193]

Very helpful, Brien! More videos with this radio will be much appreciated!

[@xxfaction6xx]

Great stuff man. I am going to watch your APRS crash course next. Thanks a lot

[@steveh1130]

Thanks, I’m trying to refresh my memory on the radio and this helped a lot.

[@davidmiller9435]

This is a great video - thank you! Just prepping for an introduction to APRS course I’m taking, and this really gives me a quick start for the TM-D710!

[@stefanoconca2403]

Thankyou very much! i bought an used 710E, did internal gps mod, upgraded unit, tnc and panel fw and configured with your guide, awesome it works!

[@lianalehua7424]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video and detail the pertinent individual settings. I wish I'd had this when I installed my D710, but I definitely learned some new things and will be making some adjustments to my APRS config.

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Thank you for watching, i'm happy to hear it was helpful!

[@ARIAVIALLE]

Excellent presentation. Maybe I can figure this APRS out now on my Kenwood radio.

[@steveverhoef5667]

Thanks, my squelch was stopping my beacon! Awesome

[@SherwoodR631]

This video really helped me out - appreciate the information

[@Dinehtah]

Great Job - I was able to adjust my radio as you went through. Looking forward to more of your videos. You mentioned running your tablet in conjunction with APRS on the radio. That would be an excellent .

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Thank you for watching! The tablet connection video is coming soon!

[@Dave-jd9qn]

Very good. I learned some things about the menus.

[@chrisrose01]

That was excellent I’m hooked just after watching this video. I havent got nmt D710G yet

[@lorenmead111.7]

Thanks for your video, I have the same radio which was very helpful

[@TheMainsheet]

Awesome, lots of great info, just got one of these babies!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

another terrific video from Brien fantastic job thanks 73 you numero uno from kb2uew

[@TandLAdventuresYT]

You mentioned to me awhile ago but another good tip is the iGPS. If it only shows GPS and not iGPS I think you told me it will try to use an external GPS, if you don't have that hooked up then APRS wont include positional data. So on top of showing beacon on the right, make sure it has an i next to the GPS as well! Great video!

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

I was thinking of you when I mentioned that part in the video, hah!

[@Retinens704]

More videos on this radio would be awesome

[@steveverhoef5667]

Outstanding video

[@ckole10]

Great job. A google doc print out with all of your settings would be helpful. IMHO this is the best radio for APRS1

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing! I'll try to put that together

[@WarrenInDe]

Hey Brien, great video on the TM-D710G. I've had the same radio for 3 years or so now. I found your channel from Micheal's videos on his new install of the TM-D710GA. I did want to comment on your explanation of the Voice Alert function, menu 614. There is a "Voice" module that can be added to the radio, but it is not totally needed for Voice Alert. As I understand it from Bob Bruninga's documentation, as well as page APRS-15 from the manual, Voice Alert will allow notification that stations are within simplex range and that local communication is possible. If set to On(VA is displayed) the set CTCSS tone is sent with the beacon signal. Any radio configured to listen for that tone will beep or notify the user that another station is in range. This will also cause your radio to break squelch when it hears an incoming tone. The tones do not pass through digipeaters, so if your radio hears it the sender is local. If Voice Alert is set to RX Only(VAR is displayed) your radio will not send the tone when it beacons but will break squelch when it hears the set tone. Bob recommends using Voice Alert and leaving the volume of the APRS VFO up so you can hear if someone calls. If it is used, a quick call to the station and QSY to a clear frequency to continue a conversation. Great content, I'm subscribed, and I like to see Ham radio mixed in with Overlanding/Camping, very nice fit. Going to watch your APRS crash course now, thanks for taking the time to put these together. Warren - N3DLU OB - 12059

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Ah interesting, I understood this as a configuration of that text-to-voice card, interesting that it's simplex range notification, I'll have to play around with that, thank you!

[@irabetts3153]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram Warren speaks the truth. Really cool feature. Makes APRS more useful for meeting other amateur radio and APRS enthusiasts

[@Seattleskindoc]

Great video ! Thanks for helping me set up my new radio !

[@Andy-bw3se]

Can you make a video on how you connected it to your tablet? Your videos are the best I've seen regarding the tmd-710, keep it up!

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Thank you Andy, i'll be putting out a video on the tablet setup in the very near future! It's been /heavily/ requested!

[@edframbes5296]

Very helpful video for me (new TMD710GA owner). Thanks, for taking time to demonstrate. 73 K8EAF

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

You are welcome!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Thanks Brien nice video terrific good job

[@dcpk]

Another great video. I watched Michael's installation videos and decided on this radio even though I'm brand new to the hobby. I'm thinking buy once cry once I guess. Thanks for the videos. This is all a little overwhelming but you videos are helping me. OB6520

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Glad to help! It's definitely worth the investment for this radio. It's the best mobile radio on the market for adventurers, IMO

[@ronhuggins696]

Very informative..thank you....

[@ericgoyette1772]

Great walk thru. I had to make a few adjustments with regards to APRS - va7bug

[@davez2989]

Squelch setting ... SMH I'm pretty sure this is my issue. Appreciate the video.!!

[@AmericanMuscleTruck]

Great video, thanks! I'm a beginner to this radio and I'm still confused which bands I can use as an amateur.

[@smokintoaster]

Awesome video and Great instruction...Thank You!! de NF4J 73!

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

You're welcome!

[@profgyland2]

Thank you for the excellent and easy to understand video. I set the Kenwood D710 exactly up as you have described it. However, I cannot find the APRS NA under the CNTRL VA. What did I do wrong? Can you please explain and help me.

[@martyglapa359]

Great video. Is there a way to have APRS running in the background, while the A side and the B side of the radio are monitoring UHF/VHF channels?

[@brad8549]

I believe the way you described "manual" beaconing is actually "auto", and for manual you actually have to press the "beacon" key along the bottom each time you want to beacon

[@K4SRF]

I just purchased this radio this morning. Do you have to dedicate one channel specifically to ARPS, (in your case, the left channel) to make the APRS work continuously? I would think you wouldn't need to as I don't on my other radios, but just wanted to make sure. --Thanks / Steve

[@chevybill1833]

All the parts you told Brad (Trail Recon) to get with the radio, is that everything most guys would need to buy! Did you send Brad to a particular store? Thanks Bill

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Oops, sorry Bill, i somehow missed this comment until now. I told Michael (Overland Bound) to grab from HamRadio.com (HRO), as they typically have the best prices and ship VERY fast. The list of parts Michael mentioned are all you should need. The staff at HRO is also extremely knowledgeable and can help customize a setup for your specific vehicle if needed.

[@ReichenbachEsq]

@ 13:00 What is the Kenwood item # for the plug-in voice chip? I want to add it. Is it the kenwood VGS-1?

[@ronbrownell4707]

Thank you Brien. This is very helpful. What information do you give to a relative so they can follow you via APRS? Website and ID, etc?

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Yep, exactly, i usually send them to aprs.fi/ and give them whatever APRS id i'm using, which is almost always K7XPO-9

[@RonCallahanJr]

What do you set the TNC to if you want to connect to computer at a base station? APRS12 or Packet12? Ron N2RON

[@davidjackson8880]

Awesome video Brien, super helpful. I have one question about screen 607 (Position Comment). On the customized comments, where do you go to make those customizations? I have read all the manuals I could get a hold of and I can’t find any info on how to customize those comments. Thanks again for a great video. David

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Great question. The custom values of position comment are definitely confusing. They are not actually edited, instead you would define what each means within your group and then use them. For example, your group may agree to use "CUSTOM 0" to mean "on my way to camp", "CUSTOM 1" to mean "at camp", "CUSTOM 3" - "hiking", etc. The position message itself will never transmit any text other than "CUSTOM 0", "CUSTOM 1", etc. I don't actually know anybody that uses those CUSTOM statuses, but i'm sure in some cases they can be useful.

[@davidjackson8880]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram Thanks for the reply. I didn't know if the custom message where programmed through the software or not. Now it makes sense. Thanks

[@ckole10]

If you want to display your frequency on the B side and a message you an add this piece to your custom message, [Freq MHz] , For example - You can find me on simplex on [Freq MHz]

[@calvincollier8]

Hey Bryan! My igps icon doesn’t blink like yours , have any idea?

[@ReichenbachEsq]

What tablet & bracket do you use for this mobile APRS rig? Do you use a separate GPS unit? If so, which model?

[@davidc9695]

Be careful with Menu 632. In my case I had my tactical call and regular call sign in the APRS identifier and when 632 settings were enabled it added so much text at the front of the identifier that my reglar call sign was cut off.

[@va7dgp]

Are you using a Bluetooth TNC plugged into data? I use one with my Android Pad. I find aprsdroid tracking doesn't work too well. I may have the wrong settings. I sure like it if it works with the Gaila Map software.

[@ronkline8726]

Thank you for the video. I am curious how to use the "bookmark" for menu 605. Are these manual entries? If so, how are they used in beaconing? Also, if the iGPS is used, will that position be the one reported automatically?

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Thank you for watching! The menu 605 "bookmarks" can be used to save commonly used/visited locations, like Home, Work, Favorite Hunting Spot, Campsite, etc. You can "save" a bookmark into one of the slots by selecting "COPY" when looking at the current position (tap the POS button from the main screen of the radio). From there you will then be able to "paste" or select the saved position in other areas of the radio. Like when sending a message, selecting a target position, etc.

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

ah, and yes, the currently position is what is always transmitted in your APRS beacon. "iGPS" means it's using the built-in GPS. "GPS" (without the i) means it will read location data from the GPS input port on the side of the head unit

[@ronkline8726]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram Thank you !!!

[@va7dgp]

I got some info I didn't know about. I have a fellow Ham who runs his in his home. The GPS doesn't get a lock. I've set up My Position, I haven't seen a way to point to MY Position to run his APRS

[@Marshall7302]

is there a way to quickly get to menu 607 to set the status for the position comment?

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Really late replay, omg! I don't think there is a way to quickly jump to a specific menu screen, not that i've been able to figure out, at least

[@RolandoNispiros]

Nice details. Thank you! OB # 17011.

[@rangethetrail]

HOW do you have your TM-710g mounted to the e-dock? i can't seem to find a turn-key solution to mount it using RAM mounts... (that what it looks like you've done!) i found stuff on thingaverse. i have ideas on how to fab something. just wondering what your solution was! thanks!

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

I made one by cutting up one of the mounting brackets that came with the radio, drilling some holes, and then bolting on a ram mounts diamond ball base. here's a photo of the one i made: photos.app.goo.gl/ds1b34Y7a1uJjGZ59

[@rangethetrail]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram ok, that's exactly what i had in mind! i also know there is about 1000 ways to skin this cat. i'm about to get the radio myself so i don't have it in hand to see exactly what i'm dealing with. thanks for the pic! LOTS of help! (BTW, still looking forward to your video about hooking up the tablet to this radio! *cough*HINT*cough* #NotTheBeerFlu

[@kurton5dz477]

Hi Brien, nice video! 1 question, my iGPS is not blinking. What's wrong? Thanks!

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Thanks for watching Kurt! If "iGPS" is not blinking, it likely means it's not yet picked up a good GPS position. make sure the head unit has clear view to the sky, park outside, try not to be under massive trees or next to a bunch of really tall buildings. Driving to a nearby field or parking lot may help. cycle through the "Key" button (Lower left button) until you see the "POS" button option show up (it will be the second button from the right). Tap POS and then tap the "->" button until you get to the last screen which shows you a bunch of bar charts of incoming signal strengths. Once it connects, you should never have to do that again. if it's been a really long time since the radio has been turned on, this can happen. Once it gets the initial connect you should not have this happen again, assuming it's turned on fairly regularly

[@kurton5dz477]

Hi Brain, i have a bunch of bar charts with nice signal. However no iGPS blinking. Next to the D710G stands the D710 with external green lab gps. That works fine. I dont now what i'm doing wrong...

[@ReichenbachEsq]

As I was saving Chanel slot 20 on my Kenwood TH-D710GA as my dedicated APRS channel I somehow LOCKED the A-side of my transceiver to APRS & now I can’t change the channel! I hit F & then held MR down...then it locked. It forces me to use the B-Side to scroll through my other channels. I held F down for a second or so to see if that was the lock I needed to disengage but it wasn’t that one. I also checked the memory settings to see if I can unlock the radio that way but that lock was turned off. I don’t know how to unlock the A-Side now. Help! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

That's the APRS Lock feature! Sometimes i get bit by this, too. If you toggle the TNC back to off you will be able to change channels again on the A-side. When you have it set to the desired frequency, toggle TNC back to APRS to turn it back on

[@ReichenbachEsq]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram 👍🏻 That worked! Thanks! For APRS I should have no tone set at all, correct? APRS is toneless?

[@goatmilk222]

I have a weather station that broadcasts to aprs. On the Tm-D700a, I don't see a way to "add" aprs stations. Do you know how that's done?

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

As long as your weather station is broadcasting its packets on the same frequency (and no DTS/CTCSS tones or anything) i would expect your radio should be able to pick up the packets. are you able to "see" the weather station's packets with any other radio?

[@goatmilk222]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram I was able to get it working and could see stations. The new issue I have is my unit will immediately die when checking gps/using the tnc

[@chucknyberg9020]

Excellent video. Why can't Kenwood explain things like that. Their manual is poor to say the least. Please do a video on sending a message. Thanks.

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Thank you! I will prepare a message sending video soon!

[@joe9824]

I put in all if the settings but still can’t send messages. Mine says aprs 12 at the top if the screen but not APRS above 144.390. Joe kj5zh

[@Dave-jd9qn]

Position Comment Menu 607. How are Custom 0, Custom 1, etc. edited?

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Great question. The custom values of position comment are definitely confusing. They are not actually edited, instead you would define what each means within your group and then use them. For example, your group may agree to use "CUSTOM 0" to mean "on my way to camp", "CUSTOM 1" to mean "at camp", "CUSTOM 3" - "hiking", etc. The position message itself will never transmit any text other than "CUSTOM 0", "CUSTOM 1", etc. I don't actually know anybody that uses those CUSTOM statuses, but i'm sure in some cases they can be useful.

[@VE9ASN]

Very helpful and informative,73. VE9ASN

[@joe9824]

My igps is not flashing. Did I miss something?

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Hey Joe, i've seen this before when the radio doesn't yet have a good GPS lock. Here's a reply i posted to another person with the same problem. Let me know if this doesn't help: If "iGPS" is not blinking, it likely means it's not yet picked up a good GPS position. make sure the head unit has clear view to the sky, park outside, try not to be under massive trees or next to a bunch of really tall buildings. Driving to a nearby field or parking lot may help. cycle through the "Key" button (Lower left button) until you see the "POS" button option show up (it will be the second button from the right). Tap POS and then tap the "->" button until you get to the last screen which shows you a bunch of bar charts of incoming signal strengths. Once it connects, you should never have to do that again. if it's been a really long time since the radio has been turned on, this can happen. Once it gets the initial connect you should not have this happen again, assuming it's turned on fairly regularly

[@enceladus2263]

Is this radio overkill for a beginner?

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

It really depends on what your comfortable price range is, as it's a ~$580 radio. It's definitely overkill for beginners, but it's a radio that you can grow into as your knowledge increases. sort of a "buy it once" piece of equipment. It's definitely easy enough for beginners to use comfortably. For a "beginner" radio, i typically recommend new hams to start with a decent HT (handheld) like a Yaesu FT-70DR. They can often be found new for about $150 (on sale) and will be perfectly capable for most uses. The bonus is that when you then eventually do upgrade to a nice mobile radio like the one in this video, you'll still keep the HT around and use it regularly for trail spotting, hiking, having around the house, etc.

[@enceladus2263]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram Thanks for the response, I appreciate the info!

[@steveclark9881]

What about Voice Alert

[@hpvzchris]

Your VOICE ALERT section is in-correct. The VOICE ALERT setting has nothing to do with "VGS-1" voice chip for voice guide functionality.

[@hpvzchris]

VOICE ALERT setting is there to set CTCSS to 100Hz and 100Hz transmit tone when transmitting packets.

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Yes, thank you! I realized this a couple of days after i uploaded it, i was confused as to the setting when i was recording it and totally forgot about the APRS VoiceAlert stuff. For other interested parties seeing these comments, here's more info on the feature: www.aprs.org/VoiceAlert3.html

[@cpjv1987]

Everything works except my beacon. Apps is on but when I press beacon nothing happens. No beacon at the top

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

do you have "iGPS" blinking in the upper right corner?

[@cpjv1987]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram yes the Igps is blinking. I still haven't received my call name, could that be it?

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

@@cpjv1987 Ah yes, i bet that is it. I likely won't beacon until you have your callsign assigned and then set it in the APRS configuration menu

[@cpjv1987]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram thank you brotha, can't wait.

[@durmazon6963]

FB!

[@CmdrPusa]

Hi! I see your iGPS is blinking. Mine is NOT. Is my iGPS off/NOT WORKING? It used to blink on the first couple of weeks I had my Kenwood TM-D710G. I thought I might have unintentionally disabled it while playing around with the menu system and trying to make sense of it all. I also Tried to do a FULL RESET but it didn't make any difference. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[@SonoranSpaceProgram]

Thanks for watching, Rommel C! Here's a reply i posted to another person with the same problem. Let me know if this doesn't help: If "iGPS" is not blinking, it likely means it's not yet picked up a good GPS position. make sure the head unit has clear view to the sky, park outside, try not to be under massive trees or next to a bunch of really tall buildings. Driving to a nearby field or parking lot may help. cycle through the "Key" button (Lower left button) until you see the "POS" button option show up (it will be the second button from the right). Tap POS and then tap the "->" button until you get to the last screen which shows you a bunch of bar charts of incoming signal strengths. Once it connects, you should never have to do that again. if it's been a really long time since the radio has been turned on, this can happen. Once it gets the initial connect you should not have this happen again, assuming it's turned on fairly regularly

[@CmdrPusa]

@@SonoranSpaceProgram Thanks Brien! Appreciate your reply and insight. Now I can breath easy knowing I did not buy a lemon after all :) Truly appreciate it. God bless!