I Bought A Kenwood D74a... WHY???? Check Out My Review 5 Years Later!!!

5 Years ago I checked out this radio when it was brand new... Since then it has been discontinued... I had a notion one morning that I just had to have one. I found one on the GIgaParts used equipment section as "Used - Very Good Conditon" for $825.99, and it actually turned out to be unused..
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[@MrScotchpie]

I bought this HT last year. Yes its 5 years old but it was so ahead of its time that its still a damn good, feature rich radio in 2021! Amazing radio.

[@ManuelPinner]

I just got theD75 this passed Week and I like it,

[@markusberg2770]

I holster my TH-D74 everywhere in Daytona Beach- while walking my foster dog, Lucy, and even while shopping for groceries. I’ve found that most of the features only become useful in my area when coupled to an external antenna. D-Star works well from many blocks away, with the factory rubber duck and an inexpensive MMDVM. In comparison to the IC-705 and FT-991A, the TH-D74 is filled with complexity. But, most HTs require intensive Rubik’s Cube skills. KO4CES

[@austinhallett9497]

Hey Eric I have daily driven my D74 since I bought it and I have done it all with it and explored almost every mode it is capable of. I am happy to help you with any questions you have. The radio is a learning curve but it is actually really intuitive once you get used to it

[@phillipgillenwater2914]

I bought this radio last year for $500 and I have no idea how to use it, so if you ever do some videos on this unit, that'd be great!

[@mikemayhue4723]

Thanks! Enjoyed the video. I have one of these and love it. Hoping you might do more vids to teach about how to use some of these features.

[@K4SRF]

I bought one "slightly" used off of eBay for $650 about 3 months ago. It too was just like new, wrappings and all. I love this radio.

[@jasonf4518]

Holy crap. I had no idea they were selling for so much. Almost tempted to sell mine. . . . almost.

[@johnk8091]

I couldn't see myself paying over USD 1000 for this HT. I would rather spend that money on a second IC-705 for a handy all band, all mode transceiver. I am interested to see what Kenwood replaces this with

[@MyAvitech]

I got one of these in April of 2020 for

[@jay-rus4437]

Its so awesome to be a ham radio operator in this time…..so many options. Personally, I wouldnt even consider this radio, even at $500. But having more options is always a good thing, and we all benefit from it.

[@N4DJC]

I have a later production D74A and it’s been flawless. My first one (2018) wasn’t as well built. It’s really the best APRS handheld I’ve used, perfect for the ISS. Much more sensitive than the 3DR or 5DR. Audio is great and D Star is excellent (not as good as my ID-52A though). Cons are: the menu is confusing, it loves batteries, has a terrible internal charging circuit, and is a not built as solidly as the ID-52A, FT3, or 5DR. Kenwood no longer offers in house repair so that’s a potential issue. I’ve considered selling mine many times, but there’s nothing in a handheld that has all its features.

[@raymondmartin6737]

Yes, there is a brand new one on eBay now, with accessories for about $1,500.00. I do remember that the battery 🔋 does drain fast. Thanks. Ray, W2CH in NH. I remember from a friend, WB2HTI, John, who was living many years in Palm 🌴 Bay, that there was a 146.775 repeater in your area, which I saw on your Kenwood TH-D74's display in your video.

[@ManuelPinner]

oh and this Kenwood handhelds are try banders, is not just dual bander, and they have full five Watts on 220,

[@rickpinelli1586]

I bought the 74-A about a year after it was announced. I bought it with a second battery because yes, it does eat them up! I use it mainly for D-Star and 220. You can use the D74-A to send photos on the D-Star Picture Net! (wed. 20:30cst ref 55D) I was disappointed that Kenwood decided to discontinue the D74-A. I remember when we had a petition to get Kenwood to make a mobile model but that never happened. The TX audio on D-Star is great... I can usually tell when someone is using the D74-A! Thanks and 73' Rick

[@bruehlt]

I loved mine so much I bought a second one. No other radio does DSTAR on 220 - none. Only wish Kenwood came out with a replacement for it.

[@ferdinandfrozenstein]

What a pity that it's discontinued! I wonder what will be the successor. I have this HT since 2018, it's great but the price was really high. It's visible how unique this Kenwood is, since it use to be for 500 EUR and now it reaches 1000 USD when discontinued... I hope mine will serve long. On the other hand, this is the most feature-packed HT ever seen. I use it for D-star, APRS, APRS over ISS, listening to VHF SSB SATs, contests, HF conds checking.. TNC is also useful thing not many manufacturers provide. It has great UI, lots of buttons with many side functions. Typing on the keyboard is easy! You need to answer someone over ISS, must be fast, incomparable with FT3DE which types terribly slowly. D74 has great memory bank system, lots of channels to program - airband, etc, everything fits in. Recording speech is also great, for SATs it helps a lot. I am glad I've bought it, it is useful and unique HT, however, the ptice is really high. Battery is nothing great, the additional pack is not AA, but AAA and that is not that strong. I have an Alinco with 6 AA Eneloop cells that lasts ages. If this had 6AA pack, it would be super cool. The AAA pack is a bit disappointing, since it doesn't help much. Also, the form factor of this radio is not great, you need to treat it kindly, or easily it gets scratched or broken. It's a fine lady among HTs... A bit of shame for the other brands (Icom, Yaesu) that their later HTs still miss many of the features in this already quite old RIG. As said, looking forward to its successor! Enjoy the rig, Eric!

[@JohnTarbox]

I have a Kenwood D74a and love it. It is the finest HT I own or have ever used. I was lucky to purchase a used radio in like-new condition for much less than you paid. Value for money is a separate question; it is hard to beat a $25 Baofeng on that score. Different strokes for different folks. Some people drive Toyotas, while others drive Maseratis. It will be interesting to see how the new Kenwood D75 is received by the amateur community. I see no compelling reason to swap the D74a for a D75. DE WA1KLI

[@DK5ONV]

Awsome Kenwood Handheld. A Killer Deal, you made me jealous. DANNG. 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter

[@terryadams8012]

Thanks for the video Eric. I would like to have one for satellite work, it seems to be the preferred HT for that. The $800 and over price is why I purchased a Wouxum instead. Maybe someday I will run across a bargain.

[@timmiesloan9850]

it is a great radio. cant believe how much they're going for used.

[@kurttuttle1817]

Always wanted one to do sat work with. D-star I have used on hf/2 meters. Good video.

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

I have this radio the DR mode is similar to Icom the other good thing is that you can use the CPS via bluetooth plus it uses the RSM1A app for sending photos yes you need a spare battery HF works great and there is free software to control the wide band receiver using your PC - 73

[@thebear6751]

I could not get my gps to come on and I went by the manual the icon would not flash

[@dave-wk4t]

Love mine.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

Damn, that’s a hell of a radio!

[@aeron-mw7ofs]

Great stuff 👍👍

[@GrandPoppyA]

Wiow man. I have on of these 6 feet from me that I paid around $500 for. Too bad I love it too much to sell it.

[@storrowpt603]

It's a great ht, I recently picked one up as well. Unfortunately I do feel like the complexity of the menu system limits me from getting the most out of it. Would be great to see you do some tutorials with it as you start experimenting. Keep up the good work! 73

[@patricktansey4721]

I bought this radio when it first came out. I dropped it one time at a property and it sat in the elements for about 6 months. Through snow, rain and sun. I was totally surprised that absolutely nothing was wrong with it. I charged the battery and it fired right up. My only complaint it that no one has made a higher capacity battery yet. I have bought the 12v direct power cable but it then limits you to your cord. 73

[@oldblindsonny8476]

Hey Erick kc7udh I’m a totally blind ham have you tried the voice guidance with the d74-a?

[@RonTramontano]

Anyone know where to buy a replacement Rubber protector on the side.

[@N7MYW]

Had two now due to the power supply chip defect and that is a negative on Kenwood as they won't replace it. But, other than that, if one keeps it away from DC power and only on batteries, it is a superb radio!

[@cedricvillani8502]

Ya because it’s awesome and does dstar over APRS

[@davidray4128]

I like that it has 220 but for the price you can't beat a Yaesu FT5d.

[@QRPadventures]

Angel Dust is my favorite Faith No More album. I also own a D74a, great radio.

[@cedricvillani8502]

Btw you have to buy separate programming cable. , no radio is like this one. SHFT total solution

[@billyparkinson9933]

No you don't, any micro USB Andriod cable will work for programming. And the free Kenwood CPS is actually pretty good, one of the best factory CPS I've seen.

[@rdmclark]

@@billyparkinson9933 and I can confirm thats true

[@Mxyzptlk21]

You can’t compare the audio of the ID51 to the FT3d / 5D, the Yeasu’s are Horrid! The Icom is perfectly functional.

[@lescampbell8022]

I loved mine, still have it but I’ve only got about 10 hours of use on it. Every time I went to use it it did not work, went back for repair 5 times in the year under warranty for the same issue so it spent most of that year in repair. It has the same issue now and will not power on. They want to charge me to repair it now, no, Kenwood’s customer service has got so bad I’ll never buy Kenwood again!

[@billyparkinson9933]

Even with all that stuff turned off, it's still a battery hog. Better have an extra battery or 2. That's my only gripe

[@patrickbear5383]

Yes eric.good vidio ,why chop your head off , was that intentional

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice................................. .

[@hamradiofrequencies]

D-Star on the 220 band simplex is about as private as it gets! Not many 220 radios out there that can listen to D-Star.

[@Flagrazi]

I love my TH-D74, the down side is the battery, it doesn't last.

[@chadlpnemt]

Whaaaaaat? I bought mine new for $450 bucks. 800? No way I'd pay that personally...and battery life on mine is not very good. The TNC is nice though.

[@kb6dxn]

I have one and what a piece of junk, I don't use it much. Battery life is like zero compared to the Yeasu. I am waiting for the new Icom to come out and see how it is. There is no way it will go 6 hours, it can't even do that in just receive mode.

[@AmRadPodcast]

Deftones, FNM. I have a feeling we’ve got the same playlist.

[@DrKO2453]

Kenwood made another awesome radio that is almost impossible to find now.... TM255 2M SSB radio. Regretfully sold mine.

[@edlapinski341]

Eric should have saved your money and purchasrd a FT-5D I did very happy with this radio 73 de KV1P!!!!!!

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Fusion is not my favorite mode it’s just all over the place

[@rkelly5803]

I should sell mine, I haven't turned it on in a year. I just never liked it.

[@Transmissions]

it’s too bad the achilles heel of this radio is it’s terrible battery life. i wish kenwood had made a 3000mah or higher battery for it.

[@AdamosDad]

16 turns and what do you get?🎜 Another day older and deeper in debt.🎜 St. Peter don't tell me that I cant go🎜 I owe my soul to an old radio🎜 🖐🏼🎙73's kd9oam🤡

[@mariaviklund4546]

Kenwood makes excellent radios. Their design sucks bad thou. It's a brick with an antenna.

[@gaborm4767]

They had good designs 25 years ago. They were better than the current ones.

[@ammocraft]

Great radio, but way overpriced and has a poor reputation for reliability. I just wish there was a dual-band analogue HT with full APRS functionality.

[@cedricvillani8502]

Gigaparts is ripping people off, they only cost $499 and only just stopped production

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Take a look again on the internet, the prices of these things are WAY up now,,,