Kenwood TM-D710GA - Appalachian Trail Golden Packet Configuration

Overview

While it is possible to use programming software such as Kenwood MCP-6A 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

Download

We prepared a PDF containing step-by-step instructions on how to configure the Kenwood TM-D710GA for ATGP as well as settings for what we refer to as "OTR" (short for "On The Road"). The OTR configuration settings are intended to be used while you are on your way to and from the event.

ATGP 2024 - Programming the Kenwood TM-D710GA and Working the Event

Video

Jeff - W4JEW - recorded a video where he shows the entire configuration process as documented below, as well as how to operate the TH-D710G the day of the event.

ATGP - Programming the Kenwood TM-D710G and Working the Event https://youtu.be/Rlh8gUfN_4M

The video is roughly 1h 15m long - the consensus is it is time well-spent.

Firmware Update

Update your radio's firmware with the most current version available on the Kenwood support site:

Kenwood - Amateur Radio Products Software Downloads - (https://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html

The most current version for the Kenwood TH-D710A as of the time this document was posted is:

• Main Unit: 1.02 (released November 2020)
• Operation Panel: 1.04 (released August 2020)

NOTE: While the RT Systems cable for the D710GA will allow you to upgrade the firmware, Kenwood recommends 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-6A 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

1. Turn the transceiver power off
2. Press [F] + Power On
3. Rotate the Tuning control and select your desired reset type: VFO RESET, PARTIAL RESET, PM RESET, or FULL RESET (we want FULL RESET)
4. Press the Tuning control to set the reset type - a confirmation menu appears on the display.
5. Press the Tuning control again to perform the reset.

Option 2

1. Enter Menu mode and access Menu 999.
2. Select your desired reset type: VFO RESET, PARTIAL RESET, PM RESET, or FULL RESET (we want FULL RESET).
3. Press the Tuning control to set the reset type - a confirmation menu appears on the display.
4. Press the Tuning control again to perform the reset.

Auto PM Store - WARNING

Bob used to be emphatic about disabling 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.

Basic Settings

Internal TNC

GPS Port - Unused

Way Point

COM Port

My Position

Beacon Information

Position Comment

Status Text

Skip for Now

Packet Filter

Station Icon

Beacon TX Algorithm

Packet Path

Network

Voice Alert

Weather Station

Digipeat

UICHECK

UIDIGI

UIFLOOD

UITRACE

User Phrases

Not Applicable

Auto Message Reply

Group Filtering

Sound

Interrupt Display

Display Unit 1

Display Unit 2

NAVITRA Group

NAVITRA Message

Not Applicable

SMARTBEACONING 1

Not Applicable

SMARTBEACONING 2

Not Applicable

QSY (Frequency)

APRS Operations

Press the TNC button until you see APRS96 on the display (ATGP 2024 is 9600 ONLY).

Press the Function [F] key until Beacon BCN becomes available on one of the softkeys on the bottom 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 packets.

Force Beacon

You can press BCN twice - the indicator will shut off, then turn back on again - and a packet will be sent instantaneously.

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 national 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 (Tone 100 Hz) simplex for voice communications with adjacent stations.

Testing

It's absolutely 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.