The Next BIG Thing From Kenwood? TH-D74 Disassembly | APRS vs DPRS K6UDA Radio

I sit down with Don Arnold, W6GPS to talk about Kenwood's new TH-D74. He explains why the radio looks like it does, how to disassemble it, he schools me on the difference between DPRS and APRS and what you can do with APRS. We also talk about what may be next on Kenwood's plate and how you and I can influence it. This is a compelling interview you don't want to miss. Also in this episode I'll break down some of the differences between the Kenwood TH-D74 and the Icom ID-51A.
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[@chicagopapi6152]

That was an info packed super great interview. I'm excited.

[@K6UDA]

Here it is again, new and improved without the spelling errors.

[@MrAlphacallsign]

You hit on the target that's what everybody want to know do they going to make a mobile version? thanks for ask and what about plug the mic on the face not on the body

[@1ndomitus]

LOL, Just as you show both displays side by side and say, "How much better does that look..." 1:21 the Kenwood color screen goes into battery save mode - MONOCHROMATIC - LOL! ...Good Vid! Thumbs up!

[@ad4zuradio142]

Pretty good "fireside chat" with W6GPS :) I liked it! As for any potential mobile, Kenwood should give us options - with or without 220 MHz. Bluetooth, color touch screen, APRS and DSTAR would be impressive.

[@daverhodes7235]

Holly CRAP! I just bought this... but with all the goodies. I pushed it over a grand. I’m still looking forward to it.

[@I-am-EmJay]

I don't think the radio is ugly - it fits in my hand, its easy to use, I don't buy a radio based on its appearance, I buy it based on its feel in my hand and functionality. But between the two, the abilities of the Kenwood means it wins hands down.

[@roostershooter76]

Kenwood is known for audio . It's no wonder they are excellent audio radios! I have both the Icom ID-51A and the Kenwood TH-D74 and since I purchased the Kenwood ... I've shelved the Icom. They need to step up their game, because I also have the Icom ID-5100A and the monochromatic look is getting 'lonely'. That's the best way I can describe it.

[@seand4033]

Very helpful

[@tedder42]

One thing I noticed is the ICOM is boxier than it looks- the colored bezel has rounded corners that deemphasize the actual case's shape.

[@stevenknight993]

GOOD stuff W6COP send me a new Kenwood Dstar mobile yesterday!!!!

[@K6UDA]

right after I get mine.

[@Sam-w9des]

cool vid 73s W9DES

[@lyfandeth]

Three years later, and still no updated mobile model, just the aging old V71 kludge.

[@roberthicks686]

e-mailed my vote... added crossband repeat

[@fireyourrocketts]

I have an ID-51A that have not been able to use as have not dedicated time to pass the learning curve. Main reason I got the Ham was to take with me in hikes around the Nevada Desert or in wilderness trips in the future. wonder how well this radio would work with that. Currently, I have a GPS Device brand In reach Explorer, which does GPS, tracking, send and receive text messages and has an SOS function in case a rescue is needed but the subscription is $34.00 per month and as understandable really expensive. I have been always wondering if the HAM Radio would be a good substitute for this technology?`

[@Billblom]

Picked up the ID51a used.. The Icom appears to be more sensitive on FM than the 6a. (I tested a Icom v82 against it hearing a railroad dispatch frequency--- the V82 heard traffic a good 2-3 miles further out than the 6a. Now that could be part of the compromise made to make the Kenwood into a wide band radio.. Nothing I've been able to test for unfortunately... Looked at the d74 last year and drooled.. I asked "What about DMR as well as Dstar" -- got told there was no interest at Kenwood HQ to do something that might eat into their commercial line.. "What about NXDN?" Again, no interest.

[@MatthewN8OHU]

Taking cues from the commercial side? What is the world coming to? All joking aside, it's great to see that audio tweaking is finally coming to ham radio.

[@gregsaiter3768]

If you buy a Kenwood TH-D74A are you stuck with D-Star or do you have access to DMR and Fusion? What if there are no D-Star repeaters in my area. Can I connect with a hotspot, meaning I do not need to be near or have access to a D-Star repeater? I know, dumb questions but I am just getting into this. Thanks ahead of time. Greg KO8A. BTW, I have watched your videos and I subscribed.

[@ruhnet]

Fantastic video, but next time you might want to check your focus a bit more carefully on the main camera. :-D

[@busaman6404]

Fixing to order Th-D74A radio from G.P. have you done any testing with Mic. and if so would you recommend one for this radio .

[@K6UDA]

If you were inclined to get a mic I'd say get a real Kenwood mic.

[@mabo4848]

Love my Kenwood ... best hh for me

[@busaman6404]

Could you show us how to program reflectors on the 74 alpha without having to change reflectors on the open spot 2 we would appreciate it . Thanks

[@K6UDA]

Done. I'm uploading it now. Should be live in a bit.

[@slyfox720]

Which antenna do you recommend for the Kenwood? I like the function of being able to listen to HF, any particular antenna best?

[@xray9alpha]

I'd recommend an HF Loop for portability and less noise, although with a high-q loop you will need to be tuning it constantly for best signal if scanning the bands

[@W1SRR]

Has anyone used this in SSB? I'm interested in getting this and maybe work digital via USB, while out and about (from the hotel room and external antenna)

[@egillis214]

MIKE W1SRR SSB in Receive mode only

[@MidFiMan]

If they do what he’s talking about at 16 minutes with a tri-band radio, because I use 220 constantly, and of course D-Dstar, Kenwood has me back.

[@rpgiuliani]

shared it

[@69GeneralLee01]

Built in Dvap?

[@gotammo9148]

My Kenwood is on the way and an anytone 878 incase my battery runs out of juice. Wife is pissed but at least it wasn't another gun

[@kb9oak749]

D-star, aprs, tri band, blu tooth, color screen, water fall signal display, detach face, GPS and 10 zillion watts.

[@K6UDA]

I'll take two.

[@kb9oak749]

Kenwood made excellent audio gear in the Golden Age of Stereo. not shocking that they would have the ability to make a tiny Ham Radio sound good,

[@rogerparrett3242]

Done. Sent. Thanks! 73...Roger / NQ8RP

[@JosephMassimino]

Got is for $499 from Main Trading, and free shipping.

[@RandyColey]

Have they improved the battery life?

[@K6UDA]

Here's my experience, after a couple of charge/discharge cycles my battery is lasting the better part of a day with normal TX use.

[@groundzero.]

nice radio, I like the look, like it's built for business not gimmicky ( hay look at me I'm shiny and cute ).

[@davidm1635]

shared via twitter, as a mobile for the VA QSO Party I'd like three bands in one rig (overdue). 73, kk4zuu

[@eldedo8927]

only downside, no full duplex (satellite stuff), but half duplex will do

[@gregorykemi8898]

The Kenwood have great modulation in D-star mode, none of the Icom's are even close to that.

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

Great more D-Star robot voice.

[@sergiudr6315]

Ok guys, let me begin by saying that I am an end user of C4FM and DMR radios. I recently acquired a Kenwood TM-D710G and I really enjoy it (really good craftsmanship), now about the idea of a dual/tri band mobile bla bla bla would be wonderful, but D-star? seriously! If already the TH-D74 costs 700 dollars, the mobile radio would be how much, 1000 dollars?!?!? for old fashion digital mode, from '90s!?!? And everything this is happening while C4FM radios are much cheaper and some chinese manufacturers are producing 70 dollars DMR radios and the quality, bit error rate are much better!!! I do have one recommendation for Kenwood marketing specialists, STOP RESURRECTING A DYING DIGITAL MODE (D-STAR) AND KEEP DOING GOOD RADIOS!

[@K6UDA]

I've got some news for you. D-star isn't dying. The new Kenwood radio sounds every bit as good as DMR. Plus, Dstar doesn't need a cqodeplug, doesn't need to download an entire user database, the radios can be programmed from the front panel, The d74 is tricky band, wide band receive, APRS, will automatically load repeaters near your current location, you can actually change reflectors, repeaters or modes while a qso is going on. (I've tested this on four different DMR radios and found the controls do nothing). Listening to both over the past few months almost constantly, I notice consistently more traffic on Dstar, more international traffic on Dstar and I hear many more hams on DMR who freely admit they have no idea how to build a cqodeplug or program their DMR radio. The blanket statement that DMR is a newer protocol than Dstar doesn't cut it. If newer was alway better, analog radio would have been long gone.

[@aemt4u]

dstar isnt dieing

[@sbadolian]

icom705 came with the so called dying dstar

[@Goyotero1000]

My icom always does sounds out r2d2 gibberish, to the point of making me crazy. Bad design that it does this.

[@K6UDA]

Could be the server, your internet provider or possibly the repeater your on. Mine is usually pretty rock solid.

[@Goyotero1000]

@@K6UDA Hard to imaging D-Star has no forward error correction.

[@davidmorley1606]

I wouldn’t hit a dead dog in the ass with anything Icom except the 706 and a few HF rigs.. Kenwood for HT’s and Mobile APRS.

[@jasonbrooks5557]

GThe

[@LTVoyager]

You think the 74 is ugly? Have you looked in a mirror lately? 😂. I think my 74 is a great looking radio and looks like a real radio and not a pastel colored kids toy walkie-talkie.

[@K6UDA]

LTVoyager I know I’m ugly but that’s not what we’re talking about. I’m glad you think your D74 is great looking. Some people think their Scion cubes are great looking cars. Or whatever.

[@LTVoyager]

K6UDA It all depends on your purpose for buying. If your radio is about making a fashion statement, then the 74 is not your radio. I ride a BMW rather than a Harley also. 😁

[@K6UDA]

I probably ride the same bmw. I don’t have to change the oil every thousand miles.