Thanks for your video. I wish I had viewed it before I struggled with the same confusion re: the Comm Port! Our Auxcom group will use a pair of the Kenwood D710 radios for Winlink comms. We have the DIN to USB cables...not sure if they shipped with the unit or if they were an add-on item. We bought the radios from HRO in 2019. 73! - Mike -
I believe we are using the PG-5A Data Cable (listed under Options on p. 38 of the Instruction Manual). The DIN plug goes into the back side of the Operation Panel and the USB end to the PC.
I was able to get the RT Systems (Programmer) cable to work in lieu of the serial cable. Still tweaking with settings (first day with the radio), but using the RT Systems cable rather than the accessory order cable for TNC is a nice little savings and it also has another use - programming memory channels. de K6KEC
APRS does work right in the control panel of the radio with no external cables or anything other than what is built into the radio. You don't need an external TNC or PC.
As Morgen points out; the GPS unit is right on top of the control head and it is what it is needed for APRS as the head will be mounted somewhere near the windshield of a car when mobile. Even indoors it works really well. Not everything is right with this radio, the mic cable would be nice to have a way of connecting it to the head unit as well but I am glad they did not decided to mount the GPS in the radio unit. I installed mine on the back of the Van not under the seat as it is better accessible to put in and take out in the back
What cable do I need to go from the com port on the D710GA control head to the USB on my PC? The PG-5G or is there on already with the USB on one end that goes directly to the USB on my PC?
Very interesting video. I am looking to buy this radio for packet communication digipeating in search and rescue scenarios. Since the TNC is integrated I fgure that is one less box and interface to worry about. So the COMM port is the TNC data connection, the PC port is for programming the radio (repeater lists etc.) and what is the DATA port used for? Is that just a terminal program you use to view the data going back and forth? Fred
Fred Lodden if I remember correctly, the data port is for an external device like another TNC or a GPS but not 100% sure. I was using PuTTY as the terminal app in the video
@@BrauckMan I had a another look into the 'In Depth' manual and it shows another cable for the DATA connection (not the one used for programming, or TNC connectivity) and it has stereo audio jacks for an audio connection to a PC. Like you, I find the port labelling rather confusing as I would assume that DATA meant digital data. Anyway, I think I will purchase a TM-D710G. Thanks so much for making the video - it was most informative. Fred
Quick question, I have the TNC working, thanks to your video. But it fails to connect to the RMS station. It quickly says disconnect. Currently I only have the Serial communications cable hooked up. Do I need to hook up the Data communications cable also (green/pink)?
What I am going through right now is that there is no way in heavens I can load a cvs or tpe file into the MCP program, even when using its latest version just recent July 30/18! I am new and do not understand how to program correctly the repeaters i want and manually it is a nightmare even knowing what buttons to use in the radio head! the whole thing is giving me buyers remorse already. I am exporting the repeater lists from Repeaterbook.com but when using the MCp program to open the file and import it, it just nothing happens or in the case of the .cvs it pops up a box saying the file can not be opened! this is so frustrating as there is no information anywhere to be found about what to do or why is this happening. I keep asking around but nobody knows. I am guessing this will be a good radio once I get it to program and work with it. After a week, I have not been able to use it yet; it is already installed in my van and using a Comet SBB-224 Antenna, no contact yet! 73 from KI7CSI
Thanks for demonstrating using PuTTy to connect to the TNC. When I issue "connect [callsign]" the radio doesn't transmit nor key up. The TNC is enabled and showing PACKET12. Is there anything else I can check? 73
Hmmm. Not really sure what the issue would be. You do get prompts from the TNC when going through PuTTY? Maybe back up the radio via RT Systems software or the Kenwood app and then try a factory reset and see if that helps. Good luck and 73 KC1ETB
@@BrauckMan yes, the TNC prompt is responsive. I can "display" and list settings. But when I do "connect [station callsign], even though it says "connecting", the radio doesn't transmit.
@@bero2 you can key down with the mic button and the radio will transmit? Unfortunately, this radio is now out in my car. I can’t take a look at it easily. But I know there are commands you have to enable to set your own call sign for the radio. Check the display menu and see if you can figure that out? Otherwise I would recommend a factory reset and or call Kenwood and see if they have any ideas. Sorry sir. Good luck. 73
Nope...as you can see...th4e radio is on a wire rack with plenty of ventilation. I worry about that as well and I try to mitigate heat whenever possible.
The question mark came up when I plugged my serial cable into the PC port and not the TNC serial port. The ? was displayed because the protocol used to program the radio does not involve using plain text...rather it will use binary data that the application understands.
@@BrauckMan And I'm a bona fide idiot. I thought I was still plugged into the panel but forgot I moved the cable to update firmware on the RF deck. LOL. It's working now, thanks! Sometimes I just need to be hit upside the head.
