Kenwood: TM-V71A

[KE0GXN]

I guess I am not understanding what cheif21 is saying then....

Is there a mobile that displays the frequency and alpha tag at the same time?

 

[bharvey2]

There may be some radios that can display the frequency and the alpha tag for any give channel. The TM-V71 isn't one of them. It will display either the alpha tag OR the 6 digit frequency for a give receiver (there are two separate ones on the radio) As an example, it will show 147.240 or "MY RPTR" or whatever alpha tag you program in for that channel. It just won't show both at the same time. As I mentioned, it is easy to toggle between the two. Google photos for this radio and perhaps you'll get a better idea of what I'm talking about. I don't really consider it a deal breaker.

 

[kayn1n32008]

I guess I am not understanding what cheif21 is saying then....

Is there a mobile that displays the frequency and alpha tag at the same time?

TM-D710 does. Regardless, the V71a is stupid simple to switch between alpha and frequency. Push the main dial once to go from frequency to alpha push the main dial one again to go from alpha to frequency.


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[kayn1n32008]

Got some questions for owners of this rig:



1. For programming if one was to go with RT Systems, would you still need to own the PG-5G cable for firmware updates or could you just use RT's cable for that?



2. I have read conflicting info on the CW IDer on crossband repeat...can it be disabled or not?



3. I am not all that informed on Echolink and what not.....if I was to use it as a node what would my capabilities be?



4. Any pros and cons you guys may have with this radio?



As always, thanks in advance and 73!

1. Because the RT cable only works with RT software, you would likely need a second cable to update firmware. I have had my TM-V71a for a few years now, never had a firmware update, and I have yet to find any firmware bugs. I would not worry about doing a firmware update. You likely never will have to do one.

Get the RT software, it is a much nicer interface than the free stuff from Kenwood, and works much better than CHiRP and the free stuff from Kenwood. The Kenwwod and chirp software do everything 'live' as in as you make changes to the software they are changed in the radio. With the RT stuff, you can read the radio, build your programming, then write it to the radio.

2. The CW ID can be completely disabled in cross band repeat. The cross band repeat can be both one way and bi-directional.

3. Honestly have no idea. Never used echo link. I also do not plan on ever using my radio for it either.

4. I have owned one for a few years. I love it. The only things I do not care for is the memory structure, and the 'banks' and how they operate. I also do not like the crappy audio output. But that is any hammy toy radio.


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[kayn1n32008]

1. Where can one fine the quuality USB converters with the FTDI chip? I am not computer savvy, so I would not know the difference between RT's software and Kenwoods. As long as I can program the radio via software and get firmware updates, I am good. I do use RT with my Yaesu FT60, but I am almost certain I don't make use of all of the software's capbalities, since all I use it for is to add or delete repeaters.

Thanks for the great feedback so far!

If you already use RT for the hand held, you will not be disappointed getting it for your mobile. With the latest generation you can copy and past between brands and between models.

Really handy. I promise, if you go RT you will not be disappointed.


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[Thunderknight]

The Kenwwod and chirp software do everything 'live' as in as you make changes to the software they are changed in the radio. With the RT stuff, you can read the radio, build your programming, then write it to the radio.

Not sure what Kenwood software you are using, but the Kenwood software I use (MCP-2A) for my V71A works as you would expect programming software to work. I compose (or edit a file) the codeplug and then hook up the radio and hit program. No live editing of the radio.

 

[kayn1n32008]

Not sure what Kenwood software you are using, but the Kenwood software I use (MCP-2A) for my V71A works as you would expect programming software to work. I compose (or edit a file) the codeplug and then hook up the radio and hit program. No live editing of the radio.

I stand corrected, I vaguely recalled it doing everything live. Chirp does it live, or did. Once I saw it did it live I dumped it and waited for the RT Systems to arrive. I refuse to program 300-ish ham repeaters, plus alpha tags by hand. Adding a new repeater by hand once in a while is ok and the V71a is pretty easy to hand enter.


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[N4GIX]

I stand corrected, I vaguely recalled it doing everything live.

My "ancient" TM-V7A is programmed "live", which is one reason why I rarely changed the programming. Of course now the issue moot as the display LCD is thoroughly hosed...

 

[KE0GXN]

1. Because the RT cable only works with RT software, you would likely need a second cable to update firmware. I have had my TM-V71a for a few years now, never had a firmware update, and I have yet to find any firmware bugs. I would not worry about doing a firmware update. You likely never will have to do one.

Not according to the RT website....you just have to set the COM port below 20 (whatever that means) and reboot the computer for it to work.

https://www.rtsystemsinc.com/kb_results.asp?cat=5

If you already use RT for the hand held, you will not be disappointed getting it for your mobile. With the latest generation you can copy and past between brands and between models.

Really handy. I promise, if you go RT you will not be disappointed.


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Yeah, I do like RT's software, I can program my HT within seconds with multiple repeaters and so far it has worked without a hitch. RT came highly recommended to me by a very knowledgeable ham I work with and I have not been disappointed with it at all.

You get you what you pay for with RT.

 

[kayn1n32008]

Not according to the RT website....you just have to set the COM port below 20 (whatever that means) and reboot the computer for it to work.

https://www.rtsystemsinc.com/kb_results.asp?cat=5




Yeah, I do like RT's software, I can program my HT within seconds with multiple repeaters and so far it has worked without a hitch. RT came highly recommended to me by a very knowledgeable ham I work with and I have not been disappointed with it at all.

You get you what you pay for with RT.

Used to be their cables only worked with their software... If you knew about RT, why even fuss?

 

[KE0GXN]

Used to be their cables only worked with their software... If you knew about RT, why even fuss?

Because, I was not 100% sure their cables worked for firmware upgrades, until two days ago.....however after asking around, I doubt I will ever need to do one anyway. Just wanted to be sure one way or the other.

 

[KE0GXN]

There may be some radios that can display the frequency and the alpha tag for any give channel. The TM-V71 isn't one of them. It will display either the alpha tag OR the 6 digit frequency for a give receiver (there are two separate ones on the radio) As an example, it will show 147.240 or "MY RPTR" or whatever alpha tag you program in for that channel. It just won't show both at the same time. As I mentioned, it is easy to toggle between the two. Google photos for this radio and perhaps you'll get a better idea of what I'm talking about. I don't really consider it a deal breaker.

I am perfectly fine with that. While it would be nice to see both at the same time, I was not even aware of a rig that did that, so I am good with toggling. Not a deal breaker for me at all.

 

[searchrescueff]

Got some questions for owners of this rig:

1. For programming if one was to go with RT Systems, would you still need to own the PG-5G cable for firmware updates or could you just use RT's cable for that?

2. I have read conflicting info on the CW IDer on crossband repeat...can it be disabled or not?

3. I am not all that informed on Echolink and what not.....if I was to use it as a node what would my capabilities be?

4. Any pros and cons you guys may have with this radio?

As always, thanks in advance and 73!

I know I'm jumping in here late, but since I have a V71A, here's my $.02

1. As far as the RT Systems stuff, I couldn't tell you. I made my own programming cable and use a usb to RS232 adapter with the free Kenwood MCP-2A program. I don't see any problems with using it, and don't see any reason to pay for software when the free stuff works just as well for me. I don't use Chirp however. It tends to lock up on me when programming my V71A since is does it LIVE, or it won't load everything I've changed.
I have had my rig since around 2009 and haven't uploaded a firmware file. Got mine right after the latest update so it was already loaded. That should tell you something there.

2. I seen where this has already been answered, but again, yes it can be disabled. I believe, as already stated, it comes already disabled. However, the repeater ID can be toggled between OFF, MORSE, or VOICE. For the VOICE option, you must have a VGS-1 board installed. (See pages 81-82 in the manual... menu option 406 on the radio)

3. I have again made my own cables for use of Echolink, but I haven't tested them yet. Echolink let's you talk to other Echolink nodes, or Echolink users (I have talked on Echolink from my smartphone) across the internet. I prefer not to use my Echolink app on my phone, but would rather use my V71A for it as soon as I can get one for in the house. (My current one is used in my truck)

4. It's a great radio. I find it easy to program, and easy to use. Even manually adding a channel isn't that bad. I like the dual band/dual watch setup so I can be scanning channels on the A side and always monitor the local repeater on the B side, or vice versa. Lots of options regarding its use. And a plus is that if you wish to do APRS, all you need to do is purchase the RC-D710 head and the PG-5J cable. Replacing the V71A control head with the RC-710 control head enables all the features of the TM-D710A.

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[KE0GXN]

Thanks for the feedback! Not too late all.

 

[Thunderknight]

And a plus is that if you wish to do APRS, all you need to do is purchase the RC-D710 head and the PG-5J cable. Replacing the V71A control head with the RC-710 control head enables all the features of the TM-D710A.

Do you need the PG-5J to put the RC-D710 on a V71A? I'm looking at the PG-5J online and it looks like it's for interfacing the D710 to different radios?

 

[kayn1n32008]

If you want to use a radio other than a TM-V71a you need that interface. If using a TM-V71a I think all you need is CAT-5/5e/6.

 

[searchrescueff]

Do you need the PG-5J to put the RC-D710 on a V71A? I'm looking at the PG-5J online and it looks like it's for interfacing the D710 to different radios?

From what I'm seeing, it depends. If you just swap the control heads, no. If you use it as a stand alone TNC for the V71A, then yes. The cable for the control head supplied with the V71A should be sufficient enough for the head swap.

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[bharvey2]

If you want to use a radio other than a TM-V71a you need that interface. If using a TM-V71a I think all you need is CAT-5/5e/6.

I don't recall that being correct. While the plugs used are modular phone style plugs, I remember having to find some four conductor plugs to make up the control head extension cable. The mic cable, which plugs into the deck, not the head, does use 8 conductor RJ45 plugs but, wiring is proprietary. The conductors for the mic audio are shielded. While a concern when separating the head from the deck, it shouldn't be an issue just adding the 710 head.

 

[kayn1n32008]

The TM-V71a uses a 8pin modular on the RF deck and a 4 pin modular on the control head. Yes.

The RC-710 control head has am 8 pin modular on the control head. You can use CAT-5/5e/6 if not using the TM-V71a control head

 

[cmdrwill]

The TM-V71a uses a 8pin modular on the RF deck and a 4 pin modular on the control head. Yes.

Correct. And Kenwood numbers the pins on both the RJ45 and the 4 pin modular connectors backwards.