Kenwood TH-D72A-E User Manual 2
TH-D72A/E
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About this Manual
This document was created for the product using the following design specifications.
• TH-D72A/E, an external GPS unit and Weather Station available marketplaces.
• TH-D72A/E with firmware version 1.02 or later.
Cover 2 TH-D72A/E
About Registered Trademark
•Windows® and Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and other countries.
®
•Windows Vista
Corporation in the United States and other countries.
• Kenwood Corporation is a licensee of and entitled to use the APRS trademark and protocols from
APRS Engineering, LLC.
®
•APRS
(Automatic Packet Reporting System) is a registered trademark of WB4APR (Bob
Bruninga).
• TravelPlus for Repeaters™ is a registered trademark of American Radio Relay League, Inc.
• SmartBeaconing™ is a trademark of HamHUD Nichetronix, LLC.
•EchoLink
®
• Dayton Hamvention
and .NET Framework are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
is a registered trademark of Synergenics, LLC.
®
is a registered trademark of DARA Incorporation.
• All other product names referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
®
respective manufacturers. ™ and
are omitted in this manual.
TH-D72A/E Cover 3
CONTENTS
1 DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT ............ 1
1.1 GPS Unit ............................................1
1.2 Evolving Development........................2
1.3 Other New Functions..........................3
2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH
TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB
BRUNINGA, WB4APR).................... 4
3 PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATING
APRS .............................................. 15
3.1 What Do I Need to Configure? .........15
3.2 Configuration....................................17
3.2.1 Built-in Clock.....................................17
3.2.1.1 Activating Your Mobile GPS Position..... 17
3.2.1.2 Setting Manually in the Menu................. 17
3.2.2 My Callsign .......................................18
3.2.3 Beacon Type ....................................18
3.2.4 Data Band.........................................19
3.2.5 Packet Speed ...................................19
3.2.6 Position.............................................19
3.2.6.1 Using Internal GPS ................................ 19
3.2.6.2 Using GPS Receivers ............................ 19
3.2.6.3 Manually Entering Your Position............ 20
3.2.7 Position Comment ............................20
3.2.8 Status Text .......................................21
3.2.9 APRS Icon ........................................21
3.2.10 Method of Beacon Transmission ......21
3.2.11 Packet Path ......................................22
3.2.12 Sound ...............................................22
3.2.13 Battery Saver....................................22
3.2.14 APRS Operating Frequency.............23
3.2.15 Placing a Transceiver in APRS
mode.................................................23
3.2.16 Transmitting a Beacon......................23
4 GPS ................................................ 24
4.1 What is GPS?................................... 24
4.1.1 Position Determination Principle.......24
4.1.2 Datum (Geodetic Survey System)..... 25
4.1.2.1 GPS and APRS Position Format............ 25
4.2 GPS Receivers.................................26
4.2.1 Garmin GPS18xPC ..........................26
4.2.2 AvMap G5.........................................26
4.2.3 Other GPS Receivers .......................26
4.2.4 Settings for Geodetic Survey
System..............................................27
4.3 Internal GPS .................................... 27
4.3.1 GPS Satellite Information Display.....27
4.3.2 Automatic Adjustment of the
Built-in Clock.....................................28
4.3.3 North Up and Heading Up ................28
4.3.4 NMEA Sentence Output ...................30
4.3.5 Internal GPS Unit Save.....................31
4.3.6 Battery Operating Time during the
Concurrent Use of the Internal GPS
Unit ...................................................31
4.3.7 GPS Only Mode................................32
4.3.8 Log Function.....................................32
4.3.9 Mark Waypoint..................................35
4.3.10 Target Point ......................................35
4.3.11 SBAS ................................................36
5 APRS SOFTWARE FOR YOUR
PC ...................................................37
5.1 UI-View32 ........................................ 37
5.1.1 Introduction of UI-View .....................37
5.1.2 Connecting a PC...............................38
5.1.3 How to Configure UI-View32 ............38
5.2 Available Software associated with
APRS ............................................... 40
6 OPERATIONAL EXAMPLES OF
APRS ..............................................41
6.1 Let’s Go Mobile ................................ 41
6.1.1 Overview...........................................41
6.1.1.1 Automatic Reply Function ...................... 41
6.1.1.2 Entering Characters ............................... 42
6.1.2 Decay Algorithm Function.................42
6.1.3 Proportional Pathing Function ..........42
6.1.4 Simultaneously using Decay
Algorithm and Proportional Pathing.... 43
6.1.5 SmartBeaconing
(Written by Steve Bragg,
KA9MVA) ..........................................43
6.1.5.1 Variable Rate Beaconing
(Transmission Interval Changes with
Speed).................................................... 43
6.1.5.2 Corner Pegging
(Transmission after Heading
Change) ................................................. 44
6.1.5.3 Operation Example ................................ 46
6.1.6 QSY Function ...................................47
6.1.6.1 Transmitting QSY Information................ 47
6.1.6.2 Receiving QSY Information.................... 49
6.1.6.3 QSY Functions and EchoLink ................ 49
6.1.7 Message Function ............................49
6.1.7.1 Automatic Reply Function ...................... 49
6.1.7.2 TX Beep (Beacon).................................. 50
TH-D72A/E I
CONTENTS
6.1.8 APRS Lock ...................................... 50
6.2 Base Station (Weather Station)........51
6.2.1 Using Meteorological Equipment..... 51
6.2.1.1 Davis Instruments Corp. Inc. ..................51
6.2.1.2 Peet Bros. Company...............................52
7 APRS NETWORKS ........................53
7.1 APRS Servers ..................................53
7.2 IGate.................................................53
7.3 Let’s Send Email ..............................55
7.3.1 Sending Email with TH-D72A/E....... 55
7.4 Digipeaters (Digital Repeaters) ........57
7.4.1 UIDIGI.............................................. 57
7.4.2 UIFLOOD......................................... 58
7.4.3 UITRACE ......................................... 58
7.4.4 Configuration Examples (USA)........ 59
7.4.5 Proper Configuration
(written by Bob Bruninga,
WB4APR) ........................................ 60
7.5 Packet Path ......................................62
7.5.1 New-N Paradigm ............................. 62
7.5.2 RELAY Paradigm............................. 62
7.5.3 STATE/ SECTION/ REGION ........... 63
8.5.3 Changing the Font Sizes ................. 74
8.5.4 Setting your Callsign........................ 74
8.5.5 Exporting .hmk Files ........................ 74
8.5.6 Configuring RSS .............................. 74
8.5.7 Changing the Power-on Bitmap
Image............................................... 75
8.5.8 Configuring the Character String for
the Power-on Password................... 75
9 HOW TO UPDATE FIRMWARE ...... 76
9.1 Firmware .......................................... 76
9.2 Verifying Necessary Equipment ....... 76
9.3 How to Verify Firmware Version....... 77
9.3.1 Checking with the Transceiver......... 77
9.3.2 Checking with MCP-4A.................... 77
9.4 How to Get Latest
Firmware/Software ........................... 78
9.5 How to Update ................................. 78
10 MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS .......... 79
10.1 AvMap (Don Arnold, W6GPS).......... 79
8 MCP-4A MEMORY CONTROL
PROGRAM (FOR USE WITH
TH-D72A/E)..................................... 64
8.1 Downloading and Installing
MCP-4A............................................65
8.2 Main Functions of MCP-4A ..............68
8.2.1 Useful Functions of MCP-4A ........... 68
8.2.2 Functions Only Configurable by
MCP-4A ........................................... 68
8.3 Reading a File ..................................69
8.3.1 Reading a File Created with
MCP-4A ........................................... 69
8.3.2 Importing Other MCP Files into
MCP-4A ........................................... 69
8.4 Reading GPS Log Data ....................70
8.4.1 Reading GPS Log Data from
TH-D72A/E ...................................... 70
8.4.2 Managing the Read GPS Log
Data ................................................. 71
8.4.3 Converting to KML or GPX File
Format ............................................. 72
8.5 Introduction to Main Functions .........73
8.5.1 Simple Operation ............................. 73
8.5.2 Graphical Display of
SmartBeaconing .............................. 73
11 APPENDIX ..................................... 81
II TH-D72A/E
PROLOGUE
Amateurs Building the New Global Communications Network
Hams have enjoyed using FM transceivers for years for SSTV, ATV, packet, satellite, EME, GPS and
other communications modes. A fundamental reason for this has been that FM transceivers are easy
to use. Recently, personal computers and the Internet have combined to offer global
communications opportunities. Yet, with their long history of communicating using various methods,
nobody is better prepared than hams to embrace and take advantage of these new communications
techniques to create an even more interesting new global network.
No longer are users of FM transceivers bound by line-of-sight distances and local same-city
coverage. The Internet now shrinks the vast distances to other operators who were once out of
reach by using only an FM transceiver. Every ham now meets, experiments and interacts worldwide
via voice and data communications using low-power FM transceivers.
These networks built by individual hams connecting through gateways into the Internet are allowing
others to share the experience that this infrastructure offers. Furthermore, the networks are growing
in size day-by-day. Hams are using basic FM transceivers to communicate on a direct one-on-one
basis with operators across the globe. Besides hobby applications, such a communications network
also has tremendous capability to deliver a powerful tool to serve the general public in times of
emergencies.
Kenwood’s Approaches for development of APRS
The TH-D72A/E, the successor of TH-D7A/E, incorporates APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting
System) functions. Kenwood has a long history in developing APRS: we have combined radio and
GPS technology and developed APRS products over the years.
At our first meeting with the father of APRS, Mr. Bob Bruninga, 15 years ago, our history of APRS
development products began. In 1996, the TM-V7A/E became popular for use with APRS because
the transceiver has been capable of the data communications using a separate band which is apart
from voice communications. But the Internet, personal computers, GPS and electronic mapping
technologies were all in their infancies compared to now and along with the change of the
environment over the years, our transceivers have always been on the way to be evolved.
TH-D7A/E and TM-D700A/E, marketed as APRS transceivers, had a great deal to do with APRS’s
expansion all over the world. In addition to APRS, with TM-D710A/E launched in 2007, it is possible
to use EchoLink over VoIP and this means you can plot stations from the other side of the planet on a
map while sending mail and communicating with them by voice.
Kenwood continues to be committed to exploring the possibilities of APRS to add more useful
features.
TH-D72A/E CONTENTS I
New Technology Expands Amateur Radio Versatility
Use of HF transceiver to call CQ and contact to hams around the world via ionosphere will never lose
its appeal. But there is elegance in being able to communicate with only an FM transceiver and by
adopting the latest technology.
The global network consisting of thousands or even millions of stations will only get more interesting
as it evolves with new ideas as a result of those like you becoming involved. Isn’t it exciting just to
think about? Everywhere even in such other country, there are hams all over waiting to be contacted!
Once you begin sending a radio signal, you can communicate with a myriad of other radio amateurs
via the network.
Besides, this global network evolves further as each of us adds our ideas.
In APRS, information on local events and weather conditions are distributed and even amateur
satellites orbiting around the earth also transmit positional data. Also, in APRS, not only can you
know where your acquaintance is currently located on the earth, but you can even send them an
APRS message from your radio or PC. You can send email directly to them or take advantage of
EchoLink node numbers to make direct voice contact.
Combining the different technologies adds to and enhances your communications versatility and
makes you a part of the communicating world.
Kenwood TH-D72A/E Transceivers Development Team
II CONTENTS TH-D72A/E
1 DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Following is the designing and development concept for TH-D72A/E.
• A genuine tool for communications via voice and data that is based on the TH-D7A/E.
• An out-of-the-box transceiver with an internal GPS unit (turn-key solution)
• Equipped with a USB interface
• Emphasis on ease of operation (with multifunction keys; keys may not be minimized.)
• Full-size dot matrix LCD display that enhances visibility for the user
• User-updateable firmware
• Large-capacity lithium ion battery
• Compatibility with APRS inherited from the TM-D710A/E
In order to understand customer requirements, we did surveys at various ham shows, such as the
Dayton Hamvention, ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC), JARL Ham Fair
(Japan), Ham Radio in Friedrichshafen (Germany), etc.
The many ideas gathered coalesced into the above development concept as the Product Planning
staff and Development staff virtually merged during the conception phase to come up with the
present development program.
1.1 GPS Unit
When we developed TH-D7A/E series in 1997, it was difficult to incorporate an internal GPS unit in a
handheld transceiver. This was because, at that time, the GPS antenna and receive module were
too large. The advancement of technology has enabled the miniaturization of these components and
today they are mounted in a wide array of a mobile device such as a cellular phone, a GPS logger
and a digital camera, and is almost taken for granted.
If an external GPS unit was required for a successor to TH-D7A/E, i.e. a handheld transceiver, it
would have been very cumbersome for a user to carry around more than one device as well as
multiple batteries and cables connecting them. Therefore, we started the development of the
TH-D72A/E with the concept of an out-of-the-box product that delivers higher user convenience and
with the basic premise of incorporating an internal GPS unit.
The internal GPS unit consists of a GPS receive module and a GPS antenna. After repeated
discussions, to ensure enough GPS receive sensitivity and reliability, we have finally adopted a GPS
unit that integrates a receive module using a SiRFstar III chipset, which is highly accepted in the
market, and a microstrip patch antenna. Also, we have separated the transceiver circuit and the GPS
unit with an aluminum die cast frame to prevent mutual interference.
During the development, we have conducted endless sessions of testing and experiment to compare
the performance of the product in actual operational applications such as ease of transportation and
of mobile operation with competing products or GPS receivers on the market. Consequently, the new
transceiver ensures good positioning performance and satisfactory operation.
Although TH-D72A/E comes with an internal GPS unit, your GPS receiver can be connected as
before.
TH-D72A/E CONTENTS 1
1 DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
1.2 Evolving Development
Next, we turned our sights to applied functions of GPS.
Incorporating an internal GPS unit to support the collected positional information in APRS
applications is our minimum standard, and it is also very important to provide customers with applied
functions to enhance the convenience of the product.
Following are some examples of applied functions available with the internal GPS unit.
• GPS Logger Function:
It features the GPS logger function to log the tracking data. The maximum of 5,000 points seem
rather modest compared with a full-fledged GPS logger, but the GPS logger function on the
TH-D72A/E allows setting of the interval of records in the log according to the usage environment
and therefore is very useful. A user can choose from (1) the programmed interval duration, (2) the
programmed travel distance and (3) the timing of transmitting an APRS beacon.
The recorded movement trajectory data (log) can be exported to a PC with the MCP-4A,
dedicated memory control program for TH-D72A/E, installed and be saved in several file formats
including KML that is compatible with Google Earth.
• GPS Only mode:
A new mode is now added that disables all the features of the transceiver and allows only the GPS
logger to function. If you intend to only record the movement trajectory, using the mode results in
a substantial reduction in battery power consumption.
• Mark Waypoint and Target Point functions:
While you are on a trip, a maximum of 100 points that you want to store can be stored. The
recorded points can be used as a destination (a Target Point) for navigating while verifying the
distance and azimuth until the destination.
• Time adjustment function:
The current time data received from a GPS satellite can be used to manually or automatically set
the clock built in the transceiver.
• Display of GPS satellite information:
This is a familiar function of a typical GPS receiver. The location and signal strength of each
satellite can be viewed on the LCD screen.
2 CONTENTS TH-D72A/E
1 DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
1.3 Other New Functions
In addition to the functions related to the internal GPS unit, the transceiver has more new features.
Following are some major functions worth to be presented.
• USB interface:
RS-232C has been the most common interface to connect a transceiver and a PC; however, in
recent years only few PCs are equipped with an RS-232C connector. TH-D72A/E is equipped with
a Mini-B USB connector. The USB connector allows you to directly connect to a computer by
using the supplied USB cable.
• Connecting weather stations:
The weather stations from Peet Bros. Company, Incorporated and Davis Instruments Corporation
can be connected. The acquired weather information can be displayed on the screen or
transmitted in APRS format.
• Digipeaters (Digital Repeaters):
Packet signals can be relayed. The transceiver can serve as a temporary relay station when you
are on a trip or on other occasions. TH-D72 is the first handheld transceiver that has this function.
• APRS LOCK:
This is a function to lock the settings of the data band during the operation of APRS to prevent the
transceiver configuration from being changed accidentally. For example, locking the frequency of
the data band, locking the [PTT] switch, and locking the TNC so that it could not be disabled
without realizing it, are all possible as a user prefers.
• Cross tone:
Any combination with Tone, CTCSS or DCS can be used. For example, you can use DCS for
transmission and CTCSS for reception.
• Automatic cursor advancement:
While entering characters of a menu name or an APRS message with the numerical keypad, upon
elapse of a specified period of time after one character is entered, the cursor automatically moves
to the next digit. For example, assume you need to enter “AB” (both “A” and “B” must be entered
with the same [2] key). Upon lapse of a programmed duration of time (e.g. 1 second) after you
enter “A”, the cursor moves to the next digit automatically, and you don’t have to advance it
manually so as to simplify and enhance the key operation.
• Adjusting wait times:
Lengths of wait times that were fixed on the previous models now can be adjusted by a user. For
example, you can set the illumination timer, the delay time until resuming Time-Operated Scan or
Carrier-Operated Scan after a pause and the duration of an interrupted display upon receipt of
APRS data.
• Weather channel scan (USA/Canada only)
A total of 10 weather channels can be scanned. It is possible to search for adjacent weather
channels with the strongest signal. Also, the scan can automatically be done with a programmed
interval and it is most effective during the operation by a mobile or portable station.
In addition to the above, the TH-D72A/E has more applied functions, and we hope your actual use of
the transceiver presents excellence!
TH-D72A/E CONTENTS 3
2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E
(WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
APRS Overview
The TH-D72A/E APRS Handy Transceiver brings so many new capabilities and enhancements to the
portable and mobile operator, that it is hard to fully grasp the power that this brings to APRS. Besides
the built-in GPS, and significant enhancement of the capabilities and depth and breadth of APRS, the
new radio continues the evolution of the fundamental principles of APRS as a common information
resource channel for facilitating human-to-human communication on Amateur Radio. To see how
this fits in, it is first necessary to understand the history of APRS and packet radio.
Packet Radio History
The roots of the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) go back to the late 1970s as the
AMRAD (Amateur Radio Research and Development) Group was excitedly beginning to experiment
with AX.25 packet radio. This was before the Internet and as we spent our free time in our shacks,
we were in fact all socially networked by the AMRAD voice repeater. All evening and weekends,
someone was working on something or developing something new and sharing the excitement with
the others. We hung onto our handy transceivers everywhere we went like kids these days hang
onto their iPads and smartphones to keep up with the excitement.
Figure 2-1 The History of APRS from VIC-20 to TH-D72A/E
Since only RTTY was legal in the USA, we developed a RTTY chat channel to augment our repeater
communications. We wanted a digital channel that worked just like a voice repeater. That is, anyone
who had info transmitted it, and everyone monitoring captured it. Advancing from RTTY, AMRAD
developed the AX.25 spec and as soon as it was legal, we were on the air as a chat group using realtime Unconnected (UI) packet messaging. For this technical group, the only AMRAD operational event
was communications support for the annual Old Dominion 100 mile endurance run. In the mid 1980s,
the first vestige of APRS used Vic-20s and packet radio to share information on the hundreds of
runners and horses across the hundreds or so square miles over the 24-hour event. There was no
such thing as GPS. The system consisted of simply a packet channel where each checkpoint
beaconed information and objects about arrivals and then transferred object responsibility as it was
taken over by the next checkpoint. At any instant, everyone could see on their screens, a list of the
objects reported at each station and their status. New information was beaconed at a high rate for
immediate delivery but decayed rapidly to reduce channel loading so that fresh information had priority
with minimum collisions.
4 CONTENTS TH-D72A/E
2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
Packet Network Growth
Beginning in 1983, we added VHF, HF and a phone line to the Vic-20 as well as a BBS message
store and forward capability and began expanding to the Commodore 64. It was linked with other
systems on 145.01 and had the first dual-port HF link onto the 10.149 MHz HF packet frequency we
still use today for APRS. It was an exciting time, but packet radio was being used more and more for
connected point-to-point traffic and then to BBS systems and the real-time connectivity between
operators was being lost. By that time, live beacons to announce real-time activity and to conduct
group chats by UI messaging was not only disappearing but were actually being outlawed on the
shared BBS channels. Even UI digipeating was being disabled in all packet nodes to make sure that
no one beaconed or chatted on the BBS network and dozens of restricted/exclusive use packet
frequencies.
But we still wanted that live operator-to-operator UI packet chat capability and we still needed a
tactical real-time local communications and information distribution channel for rapidly exchanging
digital data of immediate value to local operators and operations. In 1992, we abandoned the
Commodore 64 and switched to the new IBM AT personal computer running at 4 MHz and changed
the name from the Connectionless Emergency Traffic System (CETS) to Automatic Packet Reporting
System (APRS) since it matched my call so nicely.
APRS in 1990s
I formally presented APRS at the TAPR/ARRL Digital Conference in 1992. APRS really took off as
the cost of GPS got below $500 each and I manually digitized the entire U.S.A. and some other
countries using coordinates measured from paper maps. It was during these times that the “P” was
temporarily called “Position” to highlight this new capability. Unfortunately, this was a mistake. Over
the next decade as GPS became readily available, too many hams only saw the position maps of
APRS and not the broad communication applications for human-to-human tactical ham radio
information exchange in real time. Too many operators bought transmit-only GPS trackers and
further ignored the real-time human communications element. Many follow-on software clients
focused on maps with little attention to the underlying network protocol and human-to-human
connectivity.
TH-D72A/E CONTENTS 5
2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
APRS-IS
In 1997, K4HG and the Mac/WinAPRS Sproul brothers tied APRS to the Internet and the APRS-IS
system as shown above was born. While this was a huge success that enabled instantaneous global
APRS texting connectivity beyond our wildest dreams, it also further enhanced the map view
experience of casual APRS viewers. Looking at an APRS map was colorful but it did not obviously
convey the human contact and connectivity inherent in the system. Also, it was impossible to
communicate with all of the one-way trackers equipment and the value of two-way amateur radio
communications was further being lost in favor of simple two-dimensional icons on maps. Further
these simple icons omitted the other 8 dimensions of color attributes that gave additional at-a-glance
real time information to viewers.
See http://aprs.org/symbols.html
APRS Handheld and Mobile Radios
To counteract this trend, we stopped using “Position” and went back to the original “Packet”
nomenclature for APRS. Then in 1998, Kenwood gave a landmark boost to APRS in the field and to
this digital communications capability by introducing the fully integrated TH-D7A/E. Thus TH-D7A/E
put APRS in the palm of the hand of ham radio operators worldwide. Not only did it take GPS inputs,
but it fully implemented the APRS messaging, bulletins and texting capabilities. Over the next 11
years, this predecessor to the TH-D72A/E was the most popular Kenwood HT ever as APRS brought
new life to packet radio. In parallel, Kenwood also introduced the fully integrated TM-D700A/E
mobile APRS radio in 2000. These APRS front-panel-display radios now brought the full APRS local
situational awareness to the mobile operator as shown below. With these displays, the APRS
information content delivery system was in place without any need for mobile PC’s or laptops.
Further, the attached GPS provided the map display and the radio display provided all the other
information content.
6 CONTENTS TH-D72A/E
2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
Texting
But still most non APRS ham radio operators just did not find any advantages beyond the maps. My
frustration with the growing lack of live human content in APRS continued to fester to the breaking
point at a 2006 ARRL Special Meeting at Dayton on the lack of youth in ham radio. The gathered
fathers of ARRL lamented: “Ham radio was missing the youth. They were “too busy texting on their
cell phones” and ham radio had nothing similar to offer”. I was incensed. Ham radio had had
wireless hand-held texting and email for nearly a decade in the form of the handheld Kenwood APRS
TH-D7A/E and yet even the amateur radio leadership was not aware and had never tried it. This was
frustrating. The reason was because while the hams were shunning real-time APRS digital text
communications, the kids of the world were just getting going with texting and then Twitter on every
conceivable handheld device. Yet the entrenched amateur radio old timers could not see any value
to APRS texting and emailing on a keypad.
As mentioned in the above illustration, there are more than 26 different text systems available.
I counted over 26 different texting systems in ham radio as suggested in the image above.
Fortunately, today just about every smartphone and handheld has an application for APRS message
compatibility. Our goal in APRS is to seamlessly integrate these disjointed systems so that a
message-to-callsign from any device gets delivered to the callsign owner on any device that is
currently turned on. Many of these systems are already connected by APRS and the APRS-Internet
system (APRS-IS).
Refer to: http://aprs.org/aprs-messaging.html
TH-D72A/E CONTENTS 7
2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
Facebook on APRS
Purely as an aside, you can think back to the Kenwood VC-H1 handheld SSTV
device as an attempt (before its time) to add the visual aspect of social
networking to ham radio and APRS. This was a fantastic idea. And it was fully
integrated into all Kenwood APRS radios at the time, adding real-time video to
APRS digital and texting connectivity. You could think of the combination as
real-time “Facebook” on APRS. Unfortunately it was ahead of its time and the
VC-H1 handheld is no longer in production, but thousands of hams have them
and still use them. These SSTV handhelds along with readily available free
SSTV software make a great visual adjunct to APRS. This was in the early
2000 time frame before anyone had camera phones. Think of the potential.
Snap an image, and send it into APRS where it was picked up by a web site
that cataloged it by position, originator and a text description for viewing by
anyone. This can be a tremendous asset for ham radio public service. There
are a few such active links from APRS and SSTV to the web called the
Automatic Picture Relay Network, or APRN.
Refer to: http://aprs.org/aprn.html
APRS Voice Alert
Three things dramatically brought back human connectivity to APRS. The first factor was Voice Alert.
The second was the addition of a Frequency field in all APRS position packets. And the third was the
emergence of VOIP Internet/ham radio linked voice. Voice alert is like a 3
rd
simultaneous radio
channel on the Kenwood APRS transceivers. It acts like an intercom channel for all APRS operators
to be able to quickly raise another nearby APRS voice alert station by a simple direct voice call. It
required no new hardware or software. It simply consists of setting CTCSS 100 Hz on the APRS
data channel and keeping the speaker volume up. This way, all packet noise was completely muted,
but the operator could still be called at any time with a CTCSS 100 Hz voice call. A secondary
benefit to this technique was a free proximity detector. If any other Voice Alert station got within
simplex range (maybe 5 miles or less) his periodic packets would give an audible alert. These new
features of APRS Voice Alert as indicated in the APRS Mobile Information Exchange drawing above
finally made it easy to keep the eyes on the road, but never miss the opportunity for human contact
with a fellow APRS operator on the open road. Voice Alert is now on the Function Menu in the
TH-D72A/E.
Frequency Data Field
At the nearly same time (2004), the Frequency field was added to the position packet specification.
This standardized the inclusion of a voice operating frequency in the APRS system. APRS was
never intended as an end-in-itself, but as a tool to be applied to all aspects of ham radio and human
contact. Knowing other station’s voice contact frequency in many cases is even more important for
establishing communications than knowing position. Now every ham could announce his monitoring
frequency in his APRS packet and could call others on their indicated frequency. Kenwood was the
first to leverage the value of this capability by releasing the TM-D710A/E in 2007. This radio (as well
as the new TH-D72A/E) not only automatically includes your voice band frequency in every position
packet but can also then tune to someone else’s frequency by simply selecting “Tune” as shown
below.
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2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
These views show the screens for a station with frequency included in his position packet. This is the
11th station in the list and it is beaconing its operating frequency as well as a short note telling
everyone he is also listening on Voice Alert in simplex range. The “MENU” button on this display will
bring up a number of additional actions. One is the TUNE function shown in the middle display
above. When TUNE is selected, then the radio automatically tunes to the second band frequency as
shown in the 3
rd
display.
Voice Repeaters and Club Info
Besides alerting others to the voice monitoring frequency of other APRS operators, the addition of
the Frequency field to APRS opened up a whole new application of local information for the mobile
operator. Now everywhere the APRS operator travels, he can be alerted to the recommended
travelers voice repeater in any area he was passing through. This is accomplished by not only
having every digipeater beacon its position and availability, but also by beaconing this local frequency
object. These frequency objects show up in the station list of all mobile operators in range as shown
below in the TM-D710A/E and TH-D72A/E front panels:
On the TM-D710A/E station list as above, not only are the two stations of AB9FX nearby, but also his
current VOICE operating frequency is visible. Also, we can see that this radio is in OPERATING
range of three voice repeaters that are also identifying themselves as objects on APRS as the locally
recommended voice operating channels. The TH-D72A/E on the right has two ham calls, two tactical
calls and one repeater object. It is easy to find these nearby frequencies in the huge station list by
first doing a SORT. This brings all the numeric objects (in this case, frequencies) to the top of the list.
But there is more!
The standard for these frequency objects also includes Tone, Shift, and bandwidth for instant tuning.
In addition, they include the weekly on-air voice net times as well as the monthly club meeting dates
as shown below:
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2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
Although the information appears a bit cryptic, the fact that all voice repeater objects use this same
standard format makes it easy for the operator to understand the meaning. In this case, the local
recommended voice repeater in this area is the 147.105 (Maryland) repeater with a Tone of 107.2 Hz.
The range is 25 miles and the weekly net time is Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. The final 8 characters
(for backwards compatibility to TM-D700A/E) announce that the club meetings are on the 3
rd
Thursday of every month. Again, a press of the “MENU” button and then selecting TUNE will
instantly take the radio to this channel. For full details on this function, refer to the following website:
http://aprs.org/localinfo.html
10 CONTENTS TH-D72A/E
2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
Hamfests
Another very typical object that everyone loves to see is the HAMFEST object. This bright red APRS
symbol stands out smartly on any APRS display including the AvMap GPS display as shown above.
At first glance, this object tells you the most important information: Where it is, and when. The
HFEST-DDn standardized object name includes the DATE in the DD digits. Only the day is shown
(here it is on the 26th), but this allows for 2 weeks notice to everyone in the area and anyone driving
through. The final character “n” is chosen to make the symbol unique in the global APRS system.
This makes for easy sorting of these objects. Simply go to http://aprs.fi/hfest*
and see a list of all
active hamfests the world over!. The talk-in frequency is also listed for instant QSY with the
TH-D72A/E TUNE function. I was on a cross-country trip one day on a weekend and just happened
to see one of these objects and was able to detour and spend an hour or two at this favorite ham
radio pastime.
To see how to beacon your local hamfest, refer to the following website: http://aprs.org/hamfest.html
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Recognizing the huge potential for linking local ham radio over Internet, an added goal of APRS
since 2001 has been to facilitate the use of IRLP, EchoLink, and other VoIP systems. Just like the
Frequency Objects, all ham radio VoIP systems are encouraged to announce their presence on
APRS. Within 10 minutes the node number, frequency, tone and other info are available to all APRS
operators on their radios as shown above. Again, a simple press of the TUNE function will QSY the
radio for instant operation. The long-term goal of this VoIP and Frequency capability has been to
enable APRS to be used for setting up end-to-end global voice contacts. Simply entering a callsign
in a contact-request message will cause the APRS Internet system to handshake with the VoIP
systems to set up the call and send the necessary QSY messages and frequency information for the
radio to instantly tune and complete the call. Think of it as a cellular system for ham radio where you
dial by callsign instead of phone number. Both TM-D710A/E and TH-D72A/E were designed to be
evolved with this capability!
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2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
Digipeater Path Information
Another new information feature of TH-D72A/E is
the digipeater path display shown here. This display
shows the First and Last digipeaters used. Most
APRS areas encourage the use of only 2 hops or
less. This means, in most cases, the full path is
visible. In this image the WB3V-6 packet was First
heard by the N3KTX-1 digipeater and then it was
delivered to my radio by the Last hop on the KV3B-2
digipeater. This path knowledge is very valuable to
the operator in understanding his local area
network. This display is just one of the 9 pages of
additional information available on each station
heard by TH-D72A/E and captured in the station list.
APRS Radio Map Capabilities
All of the Kenwood APRS radios can display all stations in the Station list on any attached GPS map
display if the GPS supports standard NMEA waypoints. These stations are shown with the GPS's
native generic waypoint symbol except for those that are compatible with the special Kenwood
interface such as the AvMap G5/G6 which has the full APRS symbol set (shown below) and the
Garmin nuvi 350 which requires the corresponding conversion cable supplied by Argent Data System
and has about 50 different symbols. The nuvi 350 needs a GTRANS Kenwood to Garmin translator
cable available from http://argentdata.com. The AvMap is designed for 100% compatibility with the
nearly 200 APRS symbols. The data cable manufactured by Argent translates the special Kenwood
data format into the 50 or so Garmin symbol set where possible.
(Image of AvMap by Don Arnold, W6GPS and nuvi 350 by Mike Wren, N2QDK)
Other APRS Information Resources
The information available to the mobile operator is unlimited. APRS is not an end in itself, but the
information is not available if no one is transmitting it. The potential is still wide open for additional
content. This is not spam, but real immediate information of value to the mobile or traveler. There
are many examples of data sources that have been implemented in some local areas.
Traffic speeds at select choke points: refer to: http://aprs.org/traffic.html
MF Mobile Satellites in view: refer to: http://aprs.org/satinfo.html
UI-InfoKiosk local info database: refer to http://www.apritch.myby.co.uk/infokiosk.htm.
12 CONTENTS TH-D72A/E
2 HOW YOU ENJOY APRS WITH TH-D72A/E (WRITTEN BY BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)
Contribution by Kenwood to APRS
Kenwood has developed its series of radios, TH-D7A/E, TM-D700A/E, TM-D710A/E, and now the
new TH-D72A/E to best support the original objectives of APRS. The display of APRS information on
the front panel of these radios gives the mobile operator instantaneous access to all local information
being provided on the APRS channel about all surrounding ham radio activities.
There are many APRS clients and programs that have been written that sometimes have
concentrated too much on the display of maps and vehicle positions while leaving out much of the
original fundamentals of APRS and the efficiency of the APRS network The Kenwood radios avoid
such an over-simplistic approach to APRS by implementing a rich and diverse function set. The
function set includes almost all of the original functions of APRS that are meant to reinforce the
concept of distributing local information. The Kenwood radios are not just Vehicle Tracking Systems,
but are designed to be real-time information distribution systems for mobile operators with these
features:
• Position Entry
TH-D72A/E with its built in GPS solves the hassle of external connections and setup and always
accurately knows your position. For times indoors the radio has 5 position memories for prestored frequently-used positions.
• Map Displays on attached GPS
Although the radio has a built-in GPS, it still has the special waypoint output for putting all other
APRS positions info on an attached external GPS. When connected to the AvMap G5 series and
later, these position objects will show as any of the nearly 200 special APRS symbols.
• APRS Network Fundamentals
Kenwood fully implemented the more subtle aspects of the APRS fundamentals that assure
optimum network efficiency and channel sharing among all users. New TH-D72A/E supports the
decay algorithm, proportional pathing and SmartBeaconing. These techniques provide good
refresh rates for new and local information while minimizing the network impact of old and distant
data.
•Objects
The Kenwood transceivers fully appreciate the value of APRS objects and display them
prominently. The object location is shown just like other stations either on the attached map
display or on the front panel with distance and range. TH-D72A/E also includes filters for easy
sorting of these objects in the list. These objects are what give APRS the local information value
to local users.
• Two-Way Messaging
Unlike passive one-way tracking devices, the Kenwood radios provide the mobile user with full
two-way messaging and display. This real-time human-to-human communications is what makes
APRS so valuable in support of special events and emergencies.
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• Field Data Entry
In addition to making excellent field data display devices, the TH-D72A/E menus have also been
designed for easy data, position and message entry. Often overlooked is the ability to use
TH-D7A/E, TM-D700A/E, and TM-D710A/E as excellent field data entry and clipboard entry
devices at many field events.
Refer to: http://aprs.org/aprsevent.html
• Individual Information Access
The Kenwood individual radio displays enhance the distribution of ham radio information to a large
number of users by giving them individual front panel and keypad access to all of the online APRS
data. A common mistake of fixed operations with computers is the use of large display screens for
large groups to see but which fails to recognize the individual needs of a given viewer. The
individuality of APRS radios with individual displays spreads this data access throughout the users
in the field.
• Overlay Characters on all Symbols
The Kenwood TH-D72A/E has been expanded to show the overlay character of all symbols, not
just the original subset of special symbols. This provides hundreds of new symbol combinations
for better APRS application to new uses.
• Digipeating
New TH-D72A/E is the first APRS HT to have a digipeater function. Each radio now has front
panel access control to the digipeater function so that it can be turned on and off as needed to
match the local situation. In addition, each TH-D72A/E can be used as a TEMPn-N digipeater in
support of emergency operations when a user is having difficulty accessing the existing WIDEn-N
network. Refer to: http://aprs.org/TEMPn-N.html
• Voice Operating Frequencies
The most important new feature of the new TH-D72A/E is the recognition of the value of the voice
operator frequency as a fundamental communications parameter. Not only does the radio
automatically include its own voice band frequency in every position packet, it also has special
displays and features that make this information readily available. For example, the station list can
be sorted to bring Frequency Objects to the top of the list in frequency order. Further, the radio
can tune to these frequencies for quick QSO with a single press of the TUNE menu.
• EchoLink, IRLP or Winlink Frequencies
New TH-D72A/E frequency TUNE function not only makes rapid QSY to another station operator
easy, it also facilitates quick tuning to nearby EchoLink, IRLP or Winlink frequencies with the push
of a single button. Future use of this capability is anticipated to automatically and seamlessly
integrate callsign to callsign calling from RF via local, national and global ham radio VoIP systems.
Note: If all you think of when you hear the word APRS is maps and stagnant icons, then you are not using the full potential of
APRS. If all of the local information that can be of immediate value to the APRS HT or mobile operator is not showing up
in your local area, then get active and get involved in supplying this content. APRS is a communication tool, not just an
automated map. Use it. But in most cases, that means entering data, not just watching it. Kenwood has provided the
APRS handheld and mobile information display capability, it is up to us to provide content!
14 CONTENTS TH-D72A/E
3 PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATING APRS
3.1 What Do I Need to Configure?
Following need to be configured before start operating TH-D72A/E with APRS.
Step 1: Built-in Clock
APRS data will be stamped with date and time. Therefore, the built-in clock must be set.
Since the time acquired via the GPS receiver is UTC, Time Zone must be configured.
Step 2: My Callsign
The station configured for My Callsign will be used as the originating station when APRS data is sent.
You cannot send any APRS data from your station with the default value of NOCALL unchanged.
Step 3: Beacon Type
Select APRS (default) for data format for sending.
Step 4: Data Band
Set either of the bands on which the internal TNC handles APRS data communications.
Step 5: Packet Speed
Adjust the packet speed to suit the APRS network.
Step 6: Position
Your station’s position is added to APRS data; therefore, you must configure your latitude and
longitude. You can get your own position also from GPS.
Step 7: Position Comment
Select the template message (Position Comment) that is to be included in the position packet to
describe the current situation of your station.
Step 8: Status Text
You can store up to five comments containing any desired text using a maximum of 42 alphanumeric
characters.
Step 9: APRS Icon
Configure your station icon.
Step 10: Method of Beacon Transmission
Select a method to transmit the beacon.
Step 11: Packet Path
Select the packet path type.
Step 12: Sound
Set to enable or disable the beep sound to be emitted when an APRS packet is received or
transmitted.
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3 PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATING APRS
Step 13: Battery Saver
Set the receiver shut-off period for the battery saver.
Step 14: Frequency
The operating frequency will depend on what region of the world you are operating. You can begin
operation using the frequency configured for the data band as follows:
• North America: 144.390 MHz
• Europe: 144.800 MHz
• Australia: 145.175 MHz
• New Zealand: 144.575 MHz
• Argentina: 144.930 MHz
• Brazil: 145.570 MHz
• Japan: 144.640 MHz (9600 bps), 144.660 MHz (1200 bps)
Step 15: Setting to APRS mode
Press the [TNC] key to place the transceiver in APRS mode so as to operate APRS.
Step 16: Transmitting beacons
Select the [BCON] key to transmit the beacon using the method selected in the above-mentioned
Step 10.
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3 PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATING APRS
3.2 Configuration
Follow the explanations below to configure each item listed in the previous section.
3.2.1 Built-in Clock
3.2.1.1 Activating Your Mobile GPS Position
To enter the time in your local zone, select Menu 196 (Auxiliary-Time Zone).
Example: Set to -05:00 for Atlanta.
Figure 3-1 Menu 196 (Auxiliary – Time Zone)
Press the [F] + [MARK] keys to enable the internal GPS unit.
Once the internal GPS unit starts positioning (iGPS pictogram blinks), the built-in clock is
automatically configured with the time data from the internal GPS unit.
Figure 3-2 Display of Time and Date
3.2.1.2 Setting Manually in the Menu
To enter the value for the data, select Menu 194 (Auxiliary – Date).
• K-type (USA and Canada): Set month, date, year in this order.
• E-type (Europe): Set date, month, year in this order.
Example:
To configure the date to be May 20, 2011 (K-type), refer to Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3 Menu 194 (Auxiliary – Date)
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3 PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATING APRS
Select Menu 195 (Auxiliary-Time) and enter the value for the time.
Example:
To configure the time to be12:00, refer to Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4 Menu 195 (Auxiliary – Time)
3.2.2 My Callsign
To enter your own callsign, select Menu 300 (APRS – Basic Set – My Callsign).
Example:
Enter a callsign such as W6DJY-7 to be registered. Refer to Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-5 Menu 300 (Basic Set – My Callsign)
3.2.3 Beacon Type
To determine a beacon type, select Menu 301 (APRS - Basic Set - Beacon Type).
Generally, beacons are transmitted in APRS format, so selecting APRS enables a transceiver to
transmit beacons in APRS format.
Figure 3-6 Menu 301 (Basic Set – Beacon Type)
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3 PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATING APRS
3.2.4 Data Band
To configure the data band, select Menu 310 (APRS - Int.TNC - Data Band).
Figure 3-7 Menu 310 (Int.TNC – Data Band)
3.2.5 Packet Speed
To configure the data speed, select Menu 311 (APRS - Int. TNC - Data Speed).
Figure 3-8 Menu 311 (Int.TNC – Data Speed)
3.2.6 Position
3.2.6.1 Using Internal GPS
Press the [F] + [MARK] keys to enable the internal GPS unit.
Once the internal GPS unit starts positioning (iGPS pictogram blinks), the position data from the unit
become available.
Figure 3-9 APRS Operating Frequency
3.2.6.2 Using GPS Receivers
To use with an external GPS receiver, disable the internal GPS unit.
To configure for a GPS terminal, select Menu 331 (APRS - COM Port).
• Baud Rate: 4800 bps (select the same baud rate as that is configured for a GPS receiver.)
• Input: GPS (enable the GPS receiver)
• Output: OFF (if no WAYPOINT, DGPS are used.)
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3 PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATING APRS
Figure 3-10 Menu 311 (COM Port – Input)
3.2.6.3 Manually Entering Your Position
To use the position configured in the menu, disable the internal GPS unit.
To configure for a GPS terminal, select Menu 331 (APRS - COM Port).
• Input: Off
Figure 3-11 Menu 311 (COM Port – Input)
To configure the position of your own station, select Menu 360 (APRS – My Position).
• Name: any name (Enter a name familiar with you. For instance, Home name, etc.)
• Latitude: Enter a latitude value.
• Longitude: Enter a longitude value.
Example:
Configure a latitude of 39° 49.31' N and a longitude of 84° 15.39' W. Refer to Figure 3-12.
Figure 3-12 Menu 360 (My Position)
3.2.7 Position Comment
To enter a position comment, select Menu 380 (APRS - Comment - Position Comment).
Figure 3-13 Menu 380 (Comment – Position Comment)
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