Kenwood D-74A / APRSDroid Transmit & Receive over Bluetooth

Instructions:
Setting up the Kenwood:
0. Make sure TX Inhibit is off if you intend to transmit
1. Menu: Settings: Bluetooth: On
2. Menu: Settings: Bluetooth: Pairing Mode
3. On the phone, select TH-D74 in your bluetooth options and accept pairing code
4. On the radio, press Dual A/B to accept pairing code
5. Menu: Settings: Interface: KISS: Bluetooth
6. Switch to APRS frequency (144.390 in NA) and hit F, APRS twice or until "KISS 12" appears alongside the frequency
In APRSDroid:
0. Set up your callsign & position settings as desired
1. In Connection Preferences:
a. Set connection protocol to TNC (KISS)
b. Set connection type to Bluetooth SPP
c. Set channel to blank (empty string)
d. Set TNC bluetooth device to the D74
2. Hit Start Tracking and the phone should connect to the device & start decoding packets.
If you have any questions, suggestions, etc., let me know!
73

[@digitaltree515]

Thank you! I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. Turns out, I was following the instructions. Switched over to KISS 12 on the phone and radio and it works like a charm.

[@lvgdkarma]

Trying for ISS. Any help with with setup?

[@kevinbrouelette6361]

I have the mobilink Bluetooth tnc but I’m going to buy the D74A tomorrow. :)

[@jacquesdipane3333]

NIce You from NJ

[@KB2NOM]

👍🏼 working great

[@johnsails]

Works good except does not TX the location, TX inhibit is off, any suggestions? viewed a few times.

[@ebreevephoto]

Woohoo it works - thanks!!!

[@luismirandakunert3475]

Nice!! thanks for sharing Already made the same procedure and It works well!! Just one question maybe I don't understand very well but you mention a bit of the APRS.FI so with packets that I've received if my mobile has an internet connection could it act as an I-GATE?

[@nobzin]

Is it works with Zello on Smartphone too?

[@Steve_W5IEM]

I believe the ICOM 51a +2 has some sort of Bluetooth capability. Do you happen to know if it will work and this same fashion?

[@ligafebi]

Hello I wanted to ask a question, does TH-D74A broadcast (108,136 mHZ) on airband? I am interested to be used RPAS, thanks.

[@cameroncameron6800]

Can you use ptt while aprs is working ver bluetooth?

[@chadlpnemt]

Mine keeps giving me a pairing error despite having the correct passcode. Then the tablet will keep adding "unknown" device to the list ready to pair.

[@stephenbrett4216]

How do I listen to d star on Kenwood not sure

[@dx9s]

What other radios expose a serial link (exposing KISS), either over BlueTooth or some serial cable? I looked briefly and have not found any. Other radios expose Bluetooth headset audio which probably doesn't have the audio quality, low latency (both PTT and audio delay) and stability to implement APSK from APRSDroid over that wireless audio link. I saw the mobilinkd and need to research that more, it appears to be a serial (KISS) link.

[@thuff3207]

Thank you for your explication. Ps I run a RPI with direworlf for APRS but I wanted to connect the TH-D74A would work with APRS Droid and a tablet.

[@thuff3207]

I have a Samsung Tab A working with APRSdriod as you showed but I can't get transmit to work. thank you for sharing it helps.

[@private7384]

@@thuff3207 same....

[@WalterBoring]

did you drop your kenwood? Looks like the screen is messed up

[@globalconferenceandeducati5633]

Great video: Is it possible to turn off the GPS on the radio and have the it come from the Phone/Tablet. If possible it might give better batterie life on the TH-D74.

[@lucaclary8436]

Hi, what is not clear to me is if the GPS signal is from the cellphone or radio?

[@timmanwell2538]

This is a great vid. I love Aprsdroid, with its map and the ability to msg someone conveniently with phone-style text experience. HERE'S MY QUESTION... for you or anyone on the channel...will this same process work with the Kenwood D-72A????? I can't bring myself to spend the $ on the D-74, plus it does things I just don't need. The D-72A, however, is much closer in terms of possible upgrades... 73!

[@robertnagy2163]

Superb video...worked straight off... AB5N

[@lucaclary8436]

Hi Jonathan. Great Video. My only question is....the position is throught the radio GPS or cell GPS? Thanks

[@lucaclary8436]

@@outrunautomata5050 Hi and thanks for fast reply. Can you show me how to use the 2 options? D74 GPS and or cell GPS. Thanks

[@alexb1903]

Excllent, I seriously appreciate your video. I was not able to setup APRS on my Note4/TH-D74 for weeks. Love the radio,best ever but eventually gave up connecting both. Now it works!!!! Will try to connect my Samsung tablet tonight instead of Note4 for a larger screen. Thanks again ZS6AGB P.S. is there a way to send txt messages over the network via the app?

[@BillBroadley]

APRS droid allows messaging, just select messaging from the menu.

[@robertchambers5821]

I have literally sent out hundreds of messages via APRS but found most people are driving. One guy replied from a boat with :-). Thats all. I have a feeling when the grid is down many more hams will start to look a little deeper into their existing gear.

[@robertchambers5821]

Have you managed to use Packet Radio using your phone? 8P6RC

[@gaborm4767]

And you?

[@CliffR]

If the Kenwood has the ability to do APRS built-in, and it is transmitting the packets via RF, why use this phone app? What is the benefit? I could see using the app for areas without iGate RF coverage (but then you don't need the radio connected to the phone in that situation). Just looking to learn and understand.

[@CliffR]

@@outrunautomata5050 Thanks for the reply. I haven't tried doing messages yet. But, your video definitely helped me get D74 and APRSDroid all setup, thanks!

[@ghostmandka5498]

@@outrunautomata5050 any way to get the app to act as an iGate? I want to leave the D74 in the car and act as a digi and iGate while walking or riding bikes.

[@rudolfschaffer1082]

Thank you very much Jonathan for this very helpful video ! My TH-D74E - Lenovo C2 pair is now working UFB in Kiss 12 mode via Bluetooth.Can I give the KZbin reference of your video in the Facebook Kenwood TH-D74's group ? 73 QRO, Rudi, HB9ARI