Kenwood TM-D710GE - Manual (Page 9)

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APRS Operation (Written by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR) 01
• Overlay Characters on all Symbols: Although the KENWOOD transceivers have always displayed the overlay character of
a subset of APRS symbols, the TM‑D710 has vastly expanded the APRS symbol set by not only adding additional symbols,
but more importantly displaying and allowing the addition of an Overlay character on almost all APRS symbols. This provides
hundreds of new symbol combinations for better APRS application to new uses.
• Mobile Digipeating: The TM‑D710 KENWOOD mobile has additional features to help local sysops manage the local APRS
network. Each transceiver now has front panel access to the digipeater function so that it can be turned on and off as needed to
match the local situation. In addition, each TM-D710 is pre-configured to serve automatically as a TEMPn-N digipeater in support
of emergency operations when a user is having difficulty accessing the existing WIDEn-N network.
• Voice Operating Frequencies: The most important new feature of the TM‑D710 transceiver is the recognition of the value of
operator frequency as a fundamental local communications parameter. Not only does the transceiver automatically include its
own operator frequency in every position packet, it also has a new display column to display that information as it is collected from
other similar operators. Further, the transceiver can tune to these frequencies for a quick QSO with a single press of the TUNE
Button.
• EchoLink, IRLP and WinLink Frequencies: In addition to all other stations, information and objects, the TM‑D710 can
automatically tune to nearby EchoLink, IRLP or WinLink frequencies with the push of a single button. If the packets for these local
objects contain the frequency of these nodes, then the TM‑D710 TUNE button will QSY instantly if needed.
• Voice Alert: Voice alert is like a 3rd simultaneous radio channel on the KENWOOD APRS transceivers. It acts like an intercom
channel for all APRS operators to be able to quickly raise another nearby APRS voice alert station by a simple direct voice call.
Although this “3rd” intercom channel appears to be independent of the data channel and voice channel, it is simply the sharing of
the data channel for data and seldomly‑made voice calls by separating them with CTCSS tones. All network data on the APRS
channel is transmitted without CTCSS tones, and so the TONE squelch can be used to silence the speaker of all packet noise,
yet still provide a voice simplex calling channel between APRS operators if needed. The APRS CTCSS tone is 100 . Refer to
Receiving QSY Information (page 37) .
APRS in the Field
The photo below shows the typical APRS set up in the field at an event. This station can be used to not only show other
personnel at the checkpoint the tactical situation, but it keeps the APRS operator at this site informed.
Fig. 1-3 Field Setup for APRS