09-15-2001, 04:45 PM
KCØDMH and KCØJKX (http://www.qsl.net/kc0dmh) writes "
<TABLE>
<TR>
<TD>
<p align="center">http://www.qsl.net/kc0dmh/images/th-d7ag.gif (http://www.qsl.net/kc0dmh)</p></TD><TD>
We bought two Kenwood TH-D7A(G) handhelds this summer,
plus all the accessories to go with them including a Garmin GPS III +.</p>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
We have had lots of fun learning how to use our new
radios, and we still have a long way to go. The basic features of the TH-D7A(G)
are very easy to learn and use, and everything else is controlled through a very
convenient and well-organized menu system. The radio has a toggle key which is
used to access most of the radio's functions, and this extremely simplifies menu
operation. We will go as far as saying we feel this is the best menu system we
have seen on any handheld radio. This radio has a built-in TNC which allows for
APRS, APRS messaging, packet, and computer interfacing. The TNC is also very
easy to use and operate. This handheld also has three power settings, EL (50 mW),
L (2.5 W), and H (5 W).</p>
The only downfall to the TH-D7A(G) we have found so far is
the radio's factory antenna. The antenna is more comparable to a dummy load than
to a standard rubber duck antenna. The antenna will suffice if you do not want
to use anything else, but your range is dramatically decreased. We solved this
problem by purchasing two Diamond SRH519 dual-band antennas. These antennas are
very similar in size to the Kenwood factory antenna, but they have a much better
gain. For example, from one handheld to a base (approximately 12 blocks as the
crow flies apart) with the factory antenna transmitting at 5 W (high power) the
base registered a signal strength between 1 and 3 dB. Anything less than 5 W
would not register. After switching antennas, the same base was able to register
that same signal strength reading at only 50 mW. At 5 W it was off the scale. As
you can see, the new antennas make quite a difference!</p>
Our overall rating of the Kenwood TH-D7A(G) radio is
excellent and we recommend this radio to anyone interested in data
communications, as well as 2 meter and 440 operation! A ham is really unlimited
as far as what he or she can do with this radio. For more information on this
model, please visit our online Ham Shack (http://www.qsl.net/kc0dmh).
If anyone has any interesting stories or tips to share about their TH-D7A(G)
please let us know!</p>
</p>
</p>
</p>"
<TABLE>
<TR>
<TD>
<p align="center">http://www.qsl.net/kc0dmh/images/th-d7ag.gif (http://www.qsl.net/kc0dmh)</p></TD><TD>
We bought two Kenwood TH-D7A(G) handhelds this summer,
plus all the accessories to go with them including a Garmin GPS III +.</p>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
We have had lots of fun learning how to use our new
radios, and we still have a long way to go. The basic features of the TH-D7A(G)
are very easy to learn and use, and everything else is controlled through a very
convenient and well-organized menu system. The radio has a toggle key which is
used to access most of the radio's functions, and this extremely simplifies menu
operation. We will go as far as saying we feel this is the best menu system we
have seen on any handheld radio. This radio has a built-in TNC which allows for
APRS, APRS messaging, packet, and computer interfacing. The TNC is also very
easy to use and operate. This handheld also has three power settings, EL (50 mW),
L (2.5 W), and H (5 W).</p>
The only downfall to the TH-D7A(G) we have found so far is
the radio's factory antenna. The antenna is more comparable to a dummy load than
to a standard rubber duck antenna. The antenna will suffice if you do not want
to use anything else, but your range is dramatically decreased. We solved this
problem by purchasing two Diamond SRH519 dual-band antennas. These antennas are
very similar in size to the Kenwood factory antenna, but they have a much better
gain. For example, from one handheld to a base (approximately 12 blocks as the
crow flies apart) with the factory antenna transmitting at 5 W (high power) the
base registered a signal strength between 1 and 3 dB. Anything less than 5 W
would not register. After switching antennas, the same base was able to register
that same signal strength reading at only 50 mW. At 5 W it was off the scale. As
you can see, the new antennas make quite a difference!</p>
Our overall rating of the Kenwood TH-D7A(G) radio is
excellent and we recommend this radio to anyone interested in data
communications, as well as 2 meter and 440 operation! A ham is really unlimited
as far as what he or she can do with this radio. For more information on this
model, please visit our online Ham Shack (http://www.qsl.net/kc0dmh).
If anyone has any interesting stories or tips to share about their TH-D7A(G)
please let us know!</p>
</p>
</p>
</p>"