Introducing the new TH-D72 FM dual bander
Amateur Radio portable transceiver equipped with a high-performance GPS for full-fledged APRS® operations

Main Features

1. Built-in high-performance GPS receiver

The SiRFstar III™ GPS receiver, widely recognized for its high accuracy, is built into the top of the transceiver.

Target point functions
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 find more convenient.

GPS logger functions

• 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 file 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.

2. APRS® firmware equipped as standard

With the cooperation of Bob Bruninga (WB4APR), who first developed APRS® (Automatic Packet Reporting System), KENWOOD has developed system firmware for the TH-D72A/E 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.

3. USB (Mini-B) port

The TH-D72A/E can be connected directly to a PC with the supplied USB cable.

4. Built-in 1200/9600bps TNC compliant with AX.25 protocol

The built-in TNC (Terminal Node Controller) is compatible with the AX.25 protocol, providing standalone access to APRS® functions. A wide range of APRS® applications can be used if the TH-D72A/E 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 (wirelless-Internet gateway) or as a digipeater station (relay station for wireless packet communications).

5. Stand-alone digipeater

On its own, the TH-D72A/E 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.

6. Simple node access with EchoLink® memory

Call signs, node numbers, commands, etc. can be stored 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 facilitates management of EchoLink® memory.

7. Enhanced operating ease and visibility

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.

8. MIL-STD810 & IP54 weatherproofing

Heavy-duty specs mean the user does not have to worry about getting caught in a shower. Fully prepared for tough outdoor conditions, the TH-D72A/E is very robust. And as well as offering IP54 levels of dustproofing and splash-proofing, it meets or exceeds the US MIL-STD standards for rain, humidity, vibration and shock.

9. Long operating hours (high-capacity battery included)

The TH-D72A/E 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).

10. Dual receive on same band (VxV, UxU)

In addition to simultaneous receive on both 144 MHz and 440 MHz bands (TH-D72A) or 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands (TH-D72E), this radio can receive two frequencies on the same band. This means it is possible, say, to have both the call channel and local channel, or the repeater channel and local channel, on the same VHF or UHF band.

11. Supplied accessories

The TH-D72A/E can be used right out of the box. It is supplied with an antenna, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC adaptor, USB cable, and a belt hook.