Kenwood TM-D710GE - Manual (Page 5)

Prologue
1
Amateurs Building the New Global Communications Network
Hams have enjoyed using FM transceivers for years for SSTV, ATV, packet, satellite, EME, GPS and other
communications modes. A fundamental reason for this has been that FM transceivers are easy to use. Recently,
personal computers and the Internet have combined to offer global communications opportunities. Yet, with their long
history of communicating using various methods, nobody is better prepared than hams to embrace and take advantage
of these new communications techniques to create an even more interesting new global network.
No longer are users of FM transceivers bound by line‑of‑sight distances and local same‑city coverage. The Internet
now shrinks the vast distances to other operators who were once out of reach by using only an FM transceiver. People
now meet, experiment and interact worldwide via voice and data communications using low‑power FM transceivers.
These networks built by individual hams connecting through gateways into the Internet are allowing others to share the
experience that this infrastructure offers.
And the networks are growing in size day‑by‑day. Hams are using basic FM transceivers to communicate on a direct
one‑on‑one basis with operators across the globe. Besides hobby applications, such a communications network also
has tremendous capability to deliver a powerful tool to serve the general public in times of emergencies.
APRS Action
KENWOOD has a long history in developing APRS: we have combined radio and GPS technology and developed APRS
products over the years.
At our first meeting with the father of APRS, Mr. Bob Bruninga, in 1996, our history of APRS development products
began.
In 1996, the TM‑V7A/E became popular for use with APRS because the transceiver is capable of the data
communications using a separate band which is apart from voice communications. But the Internet, personal computers,
GPS and electronic mapping technologies were all in their infancies compared to now and along with the changes in the
environment over the years, our transceivers have always been on their way to being evolved.
The TH‑D7A/E and the TM‑D700A/E, marketed as APRS transceivers, had a great deal to do with APRS’s expansion
all over the world. In addition to APRS, with TM‑D710A/E (launched in 2007), it is possible to use EchoLink over VoIP
and this means you can plot stations from the other side of the planet on a map while sending text messages and
communicating with them by voice.
The TH‑D72A/E (launched in 2010) and the new TM‑D710GA/GE (launched in 2013) incorporate APRS with built‑in
GPS functions.
KENWOOD continues to be committed to exploring the possibilities of APRS to add more useful features.
New Technology Expands Amateur Radio Versatility
Using HF radio to call CQ and contact hams around the world will never lose its appeal. But there is elegance in
being able to communicate with only an FM transceiver and by adopting the latest technology. The global network
will only get more interesting as it evolves with new ideas as a result of those like you becoming involved. Already,
APRS plots locations of amateur radio satellites and presents weather information such as hurricane data on screen.
APRS accurately tracks your traveling amateur radio friends. You can send email directly to them or take advantage
of EchoLink node numbers to make direct voice contact. Combining the different technologies will add to your
communications versatility and make you a part of the communicating world.