Kenwood: Please read before purchasing the Kenwood TH D-75

[Microwave-Kid]

Hello All



I JUST joined this forum and this is my first post. If for any reason this post seems extreme, I apologize beforehand. I am not paid by anyone for my opinion. This is just my thoughts as this is my 4th HT. However, regarding the Kenwood TH-D75A, if you would like to hear an opinion that isn’t on the lines of ‘ better than hot sliced buttered white bread’ - please read on. I am certain this will draw the attention of those that love this rig.

Here it goes. In December 2025 I bit on all the hype about this HT. Purchased a unit from a reputable local store in the greater Dallas area. My issue is not with the store as they have been helpful. My issue is with Kenwood post purchase support, poor build quality and insanely complex multiple sub menus. Please keep in mind that I have a 14 year old Wouxun HT, 2 Year old Baofeng HT and bought used Kenwood TH D-72 HT. The Kenwood TH D-72 is a TANK, and I’ve got nothing poor to say about that unit, the programming software works well. I LIKE my Kenwood TH D-72. My OLD HT's work GREAT! Can’t say the same about the D-75.

The list price from the retailer is $749.95; can we just say $750? The boxed unit contains the HT, substandard antenna, poor programming cable, conformal battery with low wattage charger and a poor belt clip. The Kenwood programming software is a laughable joke, barely capable of performing that task adequately, and the HT is well beyond the ability to program it from the front keyboard. This necessitated myself purchasing the RT Systems software (can’t recommend RT Systems enough) as THEY listen to the HAM community and actually incorporate suggestions into their software package. I did quite well in the Technical Writing course at University, and therefore can certainly attest that the instruction manual online from Kenwood, and the Kenwood printed version handed to me by the retail outlet are flat out WRONG by neglecting to mention crucial information required to operate this HT.

On the Battery Life. Per instructions I ‘seasoned’ the supplied Li-ion battery, and still the workable life of this HT with supplied battery falls excessively short of what is advertised. I purchased the aftermarket battery and now this HT could go DAYS without requiring a re-charge. Please be advised, the supplied charger takes an excessively long time not only to charge the supplied battery, but the time to completely charge the large ampere-hour aftermarket battery. This is due to the low current supplied by the supplied charger. Did I also mention the HT as sold comes without a charging base? Hello computer store and an adequate charger.

Regarding the Belt Clip. Attach it to your waist or hip pocket, then un-hook the HT, and you now find yourself with the HT stuck – permanent- in Weather Alert mode. Yeap – fat fingered the front buttons and now I have a very expensive weather radio in the field, and desperately trying to get the unit back in VFO or Memory mode. Even seeking online help using the cell phone was WRONG since the internet instructions as supplied by Kenwood are WRONG.

I’m an Electrical Engineer with an emphasis in Telecommunications Engineering. I’ve read a great deal about D-Star, the FM analog versus D-Star ‘cliff’; etc. So why is it with this unit, all things being equal, I can hit and get a radio report of Crystal clear using FM Analog, and yet can’t even ‘kerchunk’ the D-Star repeater using D-Star, and I know my HT is properly programmed because other D-75 D-Star users have looked at my config. FM-Analog, crystal clear; D-Star is like Alvin the chipmunk, IF you can even understand what is being said.

Earlier I mentioned that I have 4 HT’s. Wouxun, Baofeng, and two Kenwoods; models D72 and D75. The first three (Wouxun,Baofeng, D-72) have been through a lot, and yet not once has an antenna problem occurred. That’s because the engineers of those units used an adequate antenna mount. Can’t say the same for my D-75 since the thread assembly of the D-75 snapped off yesterday. Antenna came straight up and off the unit. I’ve coddled my D-75.

Kenwood Support – WHAT Kenwood support say I? Can’t get through to them on the phone, can’t get a reply by using the online contact form, and emailed the email address indicated on their website with photo’s and receipt of purchase. The Unit is less than 3 months old.

If you made it this far, thanks. I doubt I will be purchasing anything Kenwood again.

 

[AK9R]

The list price from the retailer is $749.95; can we just say $750?

You paid $749.95?

...the HT is well beyond the ability to program it from the front keyboard.

What functions of the radio can you not do from the front keyboard?

...the instruction manual online from Kenwood, and the Kenwood printed version handed to me by the retail outlet are flat out WRONG by neglecting to mention crucial information required to operate this HT.

Specifically what crucial information required to operate the radio is not covered by the manual?

 

[K9KLC]

Yeap – fat fingered the front buttons and now I have a very expensive weather radio in the field, and desperately trying to get the unit back in VFO or Memory mode. Even seeking online help using the cell phone was WRONG since the internet instructions as supplied by Kenwood are WRONG.

Check 24-1 in the manual, sounds like you have it in weather mode rather than your regular memory channel mode.

I can hit and get a radio report of Crystal clear using FM Analog, and yet can’t even ‘kerchunk’ the D-Star repeater using D-Star, and I know my HT is properly programmed because other D-75 D-Star users have looked at my config. FM-Analog, crystal clear; D-Star is like Alvin the chipmunk, IF you can even understand what is being said.

I am not familiar with the D-star repeater in your area. There could be many reasons you're not "kerchunking" the repeater. I have no idea how that repeater is set up, its coverage area, how far you are from it, your antenna situation or information that might help that issue.
D-Star does NOT sound like wide band analog FM, it's pretty narrow compared to FM or even some of the other more common ham digital voice modes. I'd almost have to hear what you're hearing to advise more.

Is the same repeater you're trying to hit with D-Star the analog FM one also or, is this two different machines. What are you hearing that you are hearing this. If you're having problems hearing the D-Star repeater, usually there's little chance of you getting into that machine. Some more info here may help.

I do NOT own the D-75, but I do a LOT of D-star both thru a local repeater and simplex (more simplex than thru a repeater) on my Icom 5100. Yes it also sounds different on D-Star vs analog wide band FM but personally I'll take the coverage of it (simplex) and lack of static any day over it sounding a little differently than FM.l.

 

[Microwave-Kid]

@ AK9R

1) I didn't say I paid $750.
2) This website is replete with many posts regarding the quite difficult, or near impossibility; to properly program the HT from the front keyboard only. I am unable to find the post on another webiste, but I clearly recall a professional technical writer driving home the fact that both the quick start and formal manual left out crucial information that the HT must first be placed into "DV', and/or "DR" mode. So I performed a cursory search in google, and the following came up the first hit. It is shown below.

"Based on user experiences and discussions within the amateur radio community, the Kenwood TH-D75A manual is noted for having a steep learning curve, particularly regarding D-STAR operations. While the manual does contain technical details on DV (Digital Voice) and DR (D-STAR Repeater) modes, it often fails to clearly emphasize in a "quick start" manner that the radio must be set to DV mode to enable proper digital operation, particularly for accessing hotspots or using Terminal/Access Point modes.
Key issues regarding the documentation and, specifically, the need for "DV" mode include:

• Failure to Emphasize Mode Setting: Users have noted that simply programming in a D-STAR frequency is not enough; the radio must be specifically switched to "DV" mode using the MODE button, which may not be adequately emphasized in early, quick-start sections of the documentation.
• Confusing DV vs. DR Modes: The manual distinguishes between DR mode (intended for repeater access via a repeater list) and DV mode (simplex or direct access), which can be confusing for new users trying to connect to a hotspot.
• Terminal/Access Point Mode Requirements: To use the TH-D75A in Terminal mode (connecting to a computer/phone rather than directly to a repeater), the radio must be in "DV Gateway Mode," a setting not immediately intuitive to locate in the menus.
• Hotspot Simplex Operation: When using the TH-D75A with a digital hotspot, the radio must be in DV mode, often with a 00.000 kHz offset (simplex), a configuration that requires careful navigation of both the radio menu and the digital mode settings.

Common Solutions Found in User Discussions:

• Ensure the radio is in DV or DR mode (not FM) by pressing the MODE button while on the desired band (usually Band A).
• For Hotspot use, ensure you have set "My CALL" (Menu 610) and are using a frequency with a 0 kHz offset.
• If using Terminal Mode, verify the radio is in "DV Gateway Mode" in the Digital Menu. "​

@ K9KLC
1) Thanks I'll check on 24-1.
2) I appreciate your feedback. Since I live in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area, I've tried the local, and not so local D-Star repeaters. I've found a good deal of D-Star traffic on 'nets' supported by the Dallas Amateur Radio Club. Whether dongle into PC, or HT; most D-Star has a good to great deal of digital aliasing. Said another way, it sometimes sounds like Alvin the chipmunk on helium. What I can pass on for a certainty is that my local HAM Club multi-protocol repeater has 99.9% of it's traffic in DMR, and NOT D-Star. There is a dashboard for all to see, and not one user other than myself is trying D-Star locally. The ham club I am a member of is one of the largest in Texas. In full disclosure, the multi-protocol repeater will not convert from one protocol to another protocol.

Feb 24, 2026 - Would anyone like to debate/discuss the following?
1) Telephoned Kenwood Amateur radio tech support three times yesterday. Even left voicemails with name, number and needs. Thus far no email or callback.
2) Kenwood (per their website) has contracted FTHGroup, INC. to perform their repairs. a) The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) indicates that the contact email starts with 'customersupport@'; however the website shows simply 'support@'. The unit was purchased on Dec 1,2026. I emailed a scan of the receipt, photo's of the broken antenna thread and the necessary contact info to hopefully initiate an RMA for warranty repair. My initial email to 'customersupport@' Bounced. My second email to 'support@' made it through by return receipt. Thus far, I've not heard from Kenwood directly, nor their authorized repair center.
3) Battery Life - anyone?
4) The need for RT Systems software as the Kenwood supplied software is laughably inadequate?

Who I have heard from! The credit card agency that handles Purchase Protection Coverage.

 

[KevinC]

The list price from the retailer is $749.95; can we just say $750?

Fortunately for you nothing else in the world is priced like that.

 

[kayn1n32008]

• Hotspot Simplex Operation: When using the TH-D75A with a digital hotspot, the radio must be in DV mode, often with a 00.000 kHz offset (simplex), a configuration that requires careful navigation of both the radio menu and the digital mode settings.

It's been a long time since I've used with DStar, and even longer since I've programmed my Icom DStar radios. I vaguely remember needing to use a 0MHz offset for simplex for an unknown reason.

3) Battery Life - anyone?

Not surprising at all. Pretty normal to have a small capacity battery when buying a hammy radio.

As for charging, it's frustrating that they don't include a drop in fast charger, it's an 'accessory' that you have to spend additional money to get.

Because of my preference for P25 and, to a lesser extent DMR, I almost exclusively use LMR for ham radio. I've got multiple, high quality non-OEM 4500mAh batteries for my P25 portables. I bought them after doing research on the company, not grabbing cheap junk off fleabay or the jungle site.

4) The need for RT Systems software as the Kenwood supplied software is laughably inadequate?

I currently own 2 Icom DStar portables, and an Anytone portable, and I invested in the RT System's software for each of those radios. I despise the Anytone CPS so much, that as soon as I heard RT System's had released software for it, I purchased it.

Over the years, I owned: VX170, VX177, FT8800 and a TM-V71 and I purchased RT System software for each of them. It is very well written, and it works very well.

 

[K9KLC]

3) Battery Life - anyone?

I cannot comment to the D-75 but I have a friend that has the D-74 and I know according to him the battery life isn't the best, but he only uses is an hour or so here and there.

2) I appreciate your feedback. Since I live in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area, I've tried the local, and not so local D-Star repeaters. I've found a good deal of D-Star traffic on 'nets' supported by the Dallas Amateur Radio Club. Whether dongle into PC, or HT; most D-Star has a good to great deal of digital aliasing. Said another way, it sometimes sounds like Alvin the chipmunk on helium. What I can pass on for a certainty is that my local HAM Club multi-protocol repeater has 99.9% of it's traffic in DMR, and NOT D-Star. There is a dashboard for all to see, and not one user other than myself is trying D-Star locally. The ham club I am a member of is one of the largest in Texas. In full disclosure, the multi-protocol repeater will not convert from one protocol to another protocol.

Again, I cannot comment to repeaters in your area, but my experience with any "multi-protocol" repeater has ALWAYS been not extremely satisfying. As far as the sound, you really need to get someone in your area and do a D-Star to D-star simplex test. That's about the only way you can see if you even like the sound of D-star compared to say DMR. Yes DMR usually sounds a little more closer to FM, but at that, it's not wide band (or even narrow band) FM, nor will it ever be. I know logging on to our local DMR repeater, the people on all these talk groups at time, sound iffy, but DMR-DMR simplex is great honestly. I have the same experience with D-star, simplex it's great factor in other modes and it all goes down hill on some of these talk groups.

Sorry I can't be of more help with the D-75, and I'm not surprised Kenwood can't be of more help. They may have included D-star in the radio but my experience related from others has been, they're not much help. It's in there ya, but them knowing how to work D-star is yet another matter.

I'll they and get with Dave the D-74 owner soon and talk to him more about it. I know he's waiting me to come over there and see if I can get it working with his hotspot correctly, so I'll quiz him more on it and maybe learn something. I do not know the difference between the D-74 and D-75, but I suspect they're both pretty much the same barring some minor changes.

Good luck and 73!

 

[K9KLC]

It's been a long time since I've used with DStar, and even longer since I've programmed my Icom DStar radios. I vaguely remember needing to use a 0MHz offset for simplex for an unknown reason.

This is the #1 mistake people make but is 100% correct. without using repeater then the 0MHz offset, it simply won't work. I think it has to do with the way the reflectors are handled vs simply using simplex where there is no possibility of choosing a talk group.

 

[K9KLC]

I despise the Anytone CPS so much, that as soon as I heard RT System's had released software for it, I purchased it.

It is very well written, and it works very well.

I agree with RT...I had no idea they had any Anytone stuff, I may have to look into that for the 578. I can't imagine RT is at fault in the OP's situation.

 

[kayn1n32008]

As far as the sound, you really need to get someone in your area and do a D-Star to D-star simplex test. That's about the only way you can see if you even like the sound of D-star compared to say DMR. Yes DMR usually sounds a little more closer to FM, but at that, it's not wide band (or even narrow band) FM, nor will it ever be.

In my opinion, DStar has the worst audio quality of all the digital voice modes I've used. P25 has the best quality.

I know logging on to our local DMR repeater, the people on all these talk groups at time, sound iffy, but DMR-DMR simplex is great honestly. I have the same experience with D-star, simplex it's great factor in other modes and it all goes down hill on some of these talk groups.

Wide area talkgroups are... interesting... nothing like hearing people calling CQ on BM TG91, and getting 'you're 5-9 here in xxx' for signal reports. I much prefer local/simplex.

Sorry I can't be of more help with the D-75, and I'm not surprised Kenwood can't be of more help. They may have included D-star in the radio but my experience related from others has been, they're not much help. It's in there ya, but them knowing how to work D-star is yet another matter.

Unfortunately, like all of the various digital modes, there is a fairly steep learning curve when it comes to programming. It doesn't matter if it's DStar, DMR or P25. It's furore involved than entering a frequency, selecting an offset direction and hitting the PTT

 

[kayn1n32008]

I agree with RT...I had no idea they had any Anytone stuff, I may have to look into that for the 578.

You won't regret it, and not needing to buy a programming cable, makes it well worth the investment.

 

[K9KLC]

In my opinion, DStar has the worst audio quality of all the digital voice modes I've used. P25 has the best quality.

I guess some of this is in what you're used to I got so used to it prior to the others becoming popular for ham usage, I could be just used to it I guess. I will agree it sounds more "pinched up" (best I can come up with) than the other modes.
I will say P-25 usually is the best however but we don't have much of that in this area so it's D-star, DMR, or Yaesu's extremely poor implementation of their hacked P-25 stuff they call C4FM. I find myself doing more DMR lately however than D-star locally, simplex usually.

As far as to the OP's description, Yes, he may just be used to other modes or FM and no, D-star is going to sound differently than those do. It's not for everyone. I personally take the longer simplex range (after hundreds of tests) over DMR or C4FM and am just used to the sound I guess. In full disclosure, there's not enough P-25 around here (except some HT's) so we can't judge against that range wise.