Contribution By Kenwood To Aprs - Kenwood TH-D74A/E Operating Tips

2 ENJOYING APRS (by BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR)

2.16 Contribution by KENWOOD to APRS

KENWOOD has developed its series of radios, TH-D7A/E, TM-D700A/E, TM-D710A/E,
TH-D72A/E, TM-D710GA/E and now the new TH-D74A/E to best support the original
objectives of APRS.
The real-time 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-D74A/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 pre-stored frequently-used
positions.
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-D74A/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 (NEW)
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.
Not only does the TH-D74A/E also include filters for easy sorting of these objects in the list,
this radio is the first one to have the ADD OBJECT function so that users in the field can use
only their handheld to place important objects on the map.
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.
Field Data Entry
In addition to making excellent field data display devices, the TH-D74A/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, TM-D710A/E and
TM-D710GA/E as excellent field data entry and clipboard entry devices at many field
events.
Refer to: http://aprs.org/aprsevent.html
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