I recently got my hands on the Kenwood TH-D75, Kenwood’s flagship handheld radio, marking their return to the amateur radio market. It comes in at a steep price for a handheld, but are the features worth it? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this radio.
Advanced Connectivity Features
The TH-D75 really shines when it comes to connectivity options. The built-in TNC (Terminal Node Controller) makes this radio a powerhouse for digital communications such as packet radio and APRS. What sets it apart from competitors is its sophisticated Bluetooth implementation – not only can you get wireless audio, but you can also establish a wireless serial connection for data operations. This means you can use the TNC with your computer completely wirelessly, and even program the radio without reaching for a cable.
APRS Excellence
One of the standout features is the APRS interface, which in my opinion rivals the highly regarded Yaesu FT5DR. The interface is intuitive and well-thought-out, making it easy to access APRS functions without diving through complex menu structures. Coupled with the quick-locking built-in GPS, you’re ready for APRS operations within moments of powering up.
D-Star Performance
While DMR might be my usual preference, the D-Star implementation on the TH-D75 is impressive. The audio quality is remarkably clear, showing Kenwood’s commitment to superior voice communications. The built-in speaker deserves special mention – it delivers substantial volume without the distortion that often plagues handheld radios at higher volume levels.
Battery Life Considerations
The one area where the Kenwood TH-D75 could use improvement is battery life. Kenwood recommends a rather specific “break-in” procedure – cycling the battery completely seven times to optimize its performance. Essentially this means fully charge the battery, let it drain all the way down, and repeat seven times. While I haven’t completed all seven cycles yet, I’ve noticed gradual improvements in duration between charges. As it stands right now, I’m getting about 8 hours of runtime, and that’s actively using APRS and D-Star, with GPS and Bluetooth turned on. The time is a good bit longer when just monitoring, even with GPS and Bluetooth still turned on.
Fortunately, there are workarounds for power-hungry users. The radio is compatible with D74 batteries, opening up options for higher-capacity aftermarket batteries. Kenwood also offers a practical AAA battery adapter that accepts six standard batteries – a valuable option for field operations where finding AAA batteries might be easier than finding a power outlet.
Wide Receive Capabilities
The Kenwood TH-D75 also includes wide, multi-mode receive. While some radios support receiving HF bands, it’s typically limited to AM. The D75 will receive all HF bands, and can support AM, SSB, and CW modes. Granted, picking up HF signals with the stock antenna isn’t ideal, strong signals are picked up fairly well. Beyond the HF bands, the D75 handles air band frequencies quite well.
Tri-Band Operation
A notable feature that sets the TH-D75 apart from many other handhelds is its tri-band capability. Beyond the standard 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands that are common in most dual-band radios, this unit includes support for the 220 MHz band. This additional band opens up new possibilities for communication and adds extra versatility to an already feature-rich radio.
Is the Kenwood TH-D75 Worth It?
The premium price point of the TH-D75 raises the obvious question: Is it worth the investment? The answer largely depends on your operating preferences. If you’re not interested in APRS or D-Star, there are more economical options available. However, if you’re looking for a feature-rich handheld with exceptional build quality, superior audio performance, and comprehensive digital capabilities, the TH-D75 makes a compelling case for itself.
The combination of advanced features like wireless TNC operation, excellent APRS implementation, and robust build quality positions the TH-D75 as a serious contender in the premium handheld market. While the battery performance might require some patience, the overall package delivers a sophisticated ham radio experience that power users will appreciate.