Kenwood TM-D710A - Appalachian Trail Golden Packet Configuration
Overview
While it is possible to use programming software such as Kenwood MCP-2A or RT Systems KRS-D710 to apply the configuration settings listed below, we strongly 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 (Appalachian Trail Golden Packet APRS frequency*)
VFO B: 445.925 MHz (Tone 100 Hz) - Voice communications with adjacent stations
Note
DO NOT USE THE STANDARD APRS frequency 144.390 MHz for Appalachian Trail 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-D710A as of the time this document was posted is:
- Main Unit: 2.12 (released November 2020)
- Operation Panel: 2.15 (released August 2020)
- TNC: 1.02 (Released May 2011)
Note
While the RT Systems cable for the D710A It is strongly recommended that you use an official Kenwood cable to perform the updates.
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-2A or RT Systems KRS-D710.
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
- Rotate the Tuning control and select your desired reset type: VFO RESET, PARTIAL RESET, PM RESET, or FULL RESET (we want FULL RESET)
- Press the Tuning control to set the reset type - a confirmation menu appears on the display.
- Press the Tuning control again to perform the reset.
Option 2
- Enter Menu mode and access Menu 999
- Select your desired reset type: VFO RESET, PARTIAL RESET, PM RESET, or FULL RESET (we want FULL RESET)
- Press the Tuning control to set the reset type - a confirmation menu appears on the display.
- Press the Tuning control again to perform the reset.
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
All of the settings covered below are configurable from the front panel.
Menu Settings
Use the Menu, Function, and Tuning knob to navigate and make selections. Some trial and error is to be expected. You can always reference the Kenwood documentation for further assistance.
| Menu | Display | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | BASIC | Set MYCALL to tactical callsign (Example: MDMTNS-7) | |
| 601 | INTERNAL TNC | DATA BAND: A-BAND DATA SPEED: 1200/9600 DCD SENSE: D or RxD BAND TX DELAY: Default value (200 ms) | ATGP 2024 will be usiing 9600 exclusively |
| 602 | GPS | INPUT OFF | |
| 605 | MY POSITION | Enter lattitude and longitude - ensure the asterisk (*) is associated with the #1 memory selection - the USE softkey will set the asterisk marker | |
| 608 | STATUS TEXT | *1 - enter the text "UNATTENDED" (without double-quotes) | |
| 610 | STATION ICON | Select the "tent" (portable) | |
| 611 | BEACON TX ALGORITHM | METHOD AUTO Initial Interval - 10 Minutes Decay Algorithm: Off Proportional Pathing: Off | |
| 612 | PATH | TYPE: OTHERS PATH: HOP7-7,HOP7-7 | Press the USE softkey to make sure OTHERS is selected (you will see the asterisk * when it's selected) |
| 616 | DIGIPEAT (MY CALL) | ON | |
| 617 | UICHECK TIME | UIFLOOD: ON ALIAS: HOP SUBSTITUTION: ID | |
| 620 | UITRACE | UITRACE: ON ALIAS: TEMP |
Frequencies
| Band | Frequency | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Band | 144.340 MHz | High (or Medium) | Stick with High if your battery can afford it Squelch: Tight |
| B Band | 445.925 MHz (CTCSS 100 Hz) | Minimal Power | Squelch: Tight |
APRS Operations
Press the TNC button until you see APRS12 on the display (or APRS96 depending on what was selected in Menu 601)
Press the Function [F] key until Beacon BCN becomes available on one of the softkeys on the bottmo row.
Press BCN until BCN is displayed near the top of the screen, If BCN is not indicated, the radio will NOT transmit any packets.
The radio will periodically send a beacon every X minutes depending on the interval defined in Menu 611. Pay close attention to the documentation provided for your site. The beacon rate can vary dramatically depending on where you are located on the trail.
Please test from another radio with the path set to HOP7-7,HOP7-7 to ensure your radio digipeats the packlets.
Force Beacon
You can press BCN twice - the indicator will shut off, then turn back on again - and a packet will be sent instatenously.
Program Memories
The Kenwood TM-D710 contains a total of 6 Program Memories (PM0 through PM 5). You should have two PMs defined for AT Golden Packet:
One for traveling to/from the event on the natioal APRS frequency (144.390 MHz) and a repeater of your choosing
One for the event with APRS set to 144.340 MHz and 445.925 MHz (CTCSS 100 Hz) simplex for voice communications with adjacent stations.
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.