Kenwood TH-D72 - Appalachian Trail Golden Packet Configuration
Overview
While it is possible to use programming software such as Kenwood MCP-4A or RT Systems KRS-D72 to apply the configuration settings listed below, we encourage you to program the settings via the front-panel keypad. While the process is tedious, it is important to ensure you are able to configure your radio in the field without a computer at your disposal.
Once your radio is configured, the end result will allow you to operate as follows:
VFO A: 144.340 MHz - APRS enabled (AT Golden Packet APRS frequency*)
VFO B: 445.925 MHz - Voice communications with adjacent stations
- DO NOT USE THE STANDARD APRS frequency 144.390 MHz for AT Golden Packet!
Firmware Update
Update your radio's firmware with the most current version available on the Kenwood support site:
The most current version for the Kenwood TH-D72A as of the time this document was posted is: 1.10 (released August 2020)
Configuration Backup and Factory Reset
Prior to configuring your radio, make a backup of the configuration and perform a factory reset. This will ensure that you start with the factory default configuration as your baseline.
The easiest method of backing up the configuration is with Kenwood MCP-4A or RT Systems KRS-D72.
Once you have a good backup, proceed to performing a factory reset.
There are two methods to perform a factory reset:
Option 1
- Turn the tranceiver power off
- Press [F] + Power On
- Use the Up/Down arrows or rotate the Tuning control until "Full Reset" is selected
- Press > OK to set the reset type
- Press > OK again to perform the reset
Option 2
- Navigate to Menu 199
- Choose FULL RESET from the menu
Auto PM Store - WARNING
Bob used to be emphatic about disabiling Auto PM Store however, if used properly, it can an will work to your advantage!
Spend some time learning how it works.
Takes a snapshot of the state of the currently selected PM when radio is powered OFF.
Start with Clean Slate at Power On ONCE you have the specific PM fully configured.
Appalachian Trail Golden Packet APRS Digipeater Settings
| Menu | Display | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | My Callsign | Set MYCALL to tactical call (MDMTN-7) |
| 360 | * 1 | Select Position 1 - *ensure this position is selected with ** |
| 361 | Name | Enter name for site (i.e MDMTNS-7) - up to 8 characters |
| 362 | N (S) | Latitude Entry |
| 363 | E (W) | Longitude Entry |
| 370 | Speed | Set to DISABLED |
| 371 | Altitude | Set to DISABLED |
| 372 | Pos. Ambiguity | DISABLED |
| 380 | Position Comment | SPECIAL |
| 390 | *1/TX Rate/Text | Select *1, Set TX Rate to 1/1, and TEXT to your call and name |
| 3A0 | QSY in Status | Set to ON |
| 3A1 | Tone/Narrow | Set to OFF |
| 3A2 | Shift/Offset | Set to OFF |
| 3C0 | Icon/Symbol | Set station icon to DIGIPEATER (optionally TENT or HUMAN) |
| 3C1 | Symbol | |
| 3C2 | Table | |
| 3D0 | Method | TX Beacon set to AUTO |
| 3D1 | Initial Interval | 10 Minutes (will likely start more frequently and decrease as we go) |
| 3E0 | Decay Algorithm | Set to OFF |
| 3E1 | Prop. Pathing | Set to OFF |
| 3H0 | Type | Select OTHERS (ensure you use * to ACTIVATE!) |
| 3H1 | Wide1-1/Relay/ABBR/Others | Set to HOP7-7,HOP7-7 (confirm value with coordinator) |
| 3H2 | Total Hops | ???????? |
| 3K0 | Digipeat(MyCall) | Set to ON |
| 3L0 | Time (UI Check Time) | 15 Seconds (Default is 28) |
| 3M0 | UIdigi | Set to OFF |
| 3N0 | UIflood | Set to ON |
| 3N1 | Alias | Set to HOP |
| 3N2 | Substitution | Set to ID |
| 3O0 | UItrace | Set to ON |
| 3O1 | Alias | Set to TEMP |
| 3U0 | Display Area | Set to ENTIRE ALWAYS |
| 3U1 | Interrupt Time | Set to 10 Seconds |
NOTE: There are quite a few options available throughout the APRS configuration settings. If they are not covered in the aforementioned table, leave them set to the default value(s)
Field Operations
Once out in the field, the recommended method involves:
- Tune the radio on VFO A to 144.340 MHz - Set the power level on VFO A to High (if your battery has sufficient power) - otherwise, use Medium power
- Tune the radio on VFO B to 444.925 MHz - Use minimum power for voice operations
- Press the TNC button until D and APRS12 are displayed on the top line of the display
- Press the BCON button until BCON is also displayed on the top line of the display.
Testing
It's absoltuely critical that you test your configuration multiple times BEFORE going out the day of the event. We do not want you worrying about troubleshooting issues when you arrive the day of the event. Now is the time to ensure everything works as expected.
Questions
If you have ANY questions, do not hesitate to reach out to the ATGP group on Groups.io for futher assistance! It's imperative to ensure your radio is configured correctly and is consistent with how others have their radios configured.