Apparently some Kenwood and D-Star fanboys were offended in the other thread, so let's go with this one, specifically about the new TH-D75, and its associated digital mode. Awfully hard to discuss a new digital radio without talking about its digital mode as well.
· D-STAR with Simultaneous Reception on DV mode - Compatible for transferring voice and digital data over D-STAR networks.
· Reflector Terminal mode to access D-STAR Reflectors
· USB Type-C for Data Transfer and Charging
· Built-in Digipeater station to transmit received data
· Built-in GPS Unit
· Easy-to-Read Transflective Color TFT Display
· Call Sign Readout
· Tough & Robust - meets IP54/55 Standards
· Wide-band and multi-mode reception
· Built-in IF Filter for comfortable reception (SSB/CW)
· DSP-based Voice Processing and Reputable KENWOOD Custom tuned Sound Quality
· Bluetooth, microSD/SDHC Memory Card Slot for Flexible link with a PC
Unfortunately, it looks like Kenwood is once again missing the mark with their latest offering. This radio appears to be just a re-issue of the TH-D74, which has almost exactly the same case, exact same display, and darn near the exact same features of the TH-D75. In fact, it looks like the only real new feature is the USB-C port. I'm sure it took the Kenwood brain trust considerable time and effort to come up with that one, and the very minor case design that went with it.
Kenwood is leading the way on the LMR side of the shop, with innovative new radios. They cover DMR, NXDN, and P25 all in one radio. Yet this new amateur radio only covers the same boring D-Star, completely dead in comparison to DMR. Why not take their existing technology and produce a radio that covers Analog, D-Star, DMR, NXDN, and P25 all in one box? The things would sell like hot cakes. I would be first in line to buy one. In fact, I'd buy two. No matter where you are, or which repeaters are in the area, you will likely be able to use them. You have all the major bands and all the modes covered, with the exception of 23cm and System Fusion, but if you thought D-Star was dead, System Fusion is REALLY dead. Then imagine a mobile radio to go along with the new handheld! You get the features of their phenomenal LMR line, with the ease of amateur radio features (VFO, programming, memories, etc.) and firmware.
Hopefully the Kenwood and D-Star fanboys will enjoy their TH-D74 rev. 2 with new and improved USB-C charging. I will not be adding this radio to my collection.
Kenwood TH-D75A 144/220/430MHz TRIBANDER
· APRS Protocol Compliant - To exchange GPS location data and messages in real-time.· D-STAR with Simultaneous Reception on DV mode - Compatible for transferring voice and digital data over D-STAR networks.
· Reflector Terminal mode to access D-STAR Reflectors
· USB Type-C for Data Transfer and Charging
· Built-in Digipeater station to transmit received data
· Built-in GPS Unit
· Easy-to-Read Transflective Color TFT Display
· Call Sign Readout
· Tough & Robust - meets IP54/55 Standards
· Wide-band and multi-mode reception
· Built-in IF Filter for comfortable reception (SSB/CW)
· DSP-based Voice Processing and Reputable KENWOOD Custom tuned Sound Quality
· Bluetooth, microSD/SDHC Memory Card Slot for Flexible link with a PC
Unfortunately, it looks like Kenwood is once again missing the mark with their latest offering. This radio appears to be just a re-issue of the TH-D74, which has almost exactly the same case, exact same display, and darn near the exact same features of the TH-D75. In fact, it looks like the only real new feature is the USB-C port. I'm sure it took the Kenwood brain trust considerable time and effort to come up with that one, and the very minor case design that went with it.
Kenwood is leading the way on the LMR side of the shop, with innovative new radios. They cover DMR, NXDN, and P25 all in one radio. Yet this new amateur radio only covers the same boring D-Star, completely dead in comparison to DMR. Why not take their existing technology and produce a radio that covers Analog, D-Star, DMR, NXDN, and P25 all in one box? The things would sell like hot cakes. I would be first in line to buy one. In fact, I'd buy two. No matter where you are, or which repeaters are in the area, you will likely be able to use them. You have all the major bands and all the modes covered, with the exception of 23cm and System Fusion, but if you thought D-Star was dead, System Fusion is REALLY dead. Then imagine a mobile radio to go along with the new handheld! You get the features of their phenomenal LMR line, with the ease of amateur radio features (VFO, programming, memories, etc.) and firmware.
Hopefully the Kenwood and D-Star fanboys will enjoy their TH-D74 rev. 2 with new and improved USB-C charging. I will not be adding this radio to my collection.