Help Corbet pick a new mobile HAM

[DaveInDenver]

Dave, looking at the Yaesu website under files for the FTM-510 there is a separate instruction manual for APRS. The general manual lists APRS in the contents, but defers to the stand alone manual for details. I know nothing about APRS so this may not be meaningful, but I did find those four letters listed in a row in two manuals for that new radio. As usual Yaesu hasn’t done a good job in the description of any of the four new radios. Vague at best.

It seems you are on target.

I was looking at the DX Engineering page. The FTM-500 used to mention 1200/9600 APRS but didn't see anything on the FTM-510 listing.

Yaesu FTM-510DRASP Yaesu FTM-510DRASP C4FM Digital/FM Dual Band Mobile Transceivers | DX Engineering

Free Shipping - Yaesu FTM-510DRASP C4FM Digital/FM Dual Band Mobile Transceivers with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Mobile Transceivers at DX Engineering.

www.dxengineering.com

But in the manual it is in fact mentioned. Looks basically the same set up (using the CT-163 or CT-164 interface cables) as the previous radio.

 

[RDub]

It seems you are on target.

I was looking at the DX Engineering page. The FTM-500 used to mention 1200/9600 APRS but didn't see anything on the FTM-510 listing.

Yaesu FTM-510DRASP Yaesu FTM-510DRASP C4FM Digital/FM Dual Band Mobile Transceivers | DX Engineering

Free Shipping - Yaesu FTM-510DRASP C4FM Digital/FM Dual Band Mobile Transceivers with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Mobile Transceivers at DX Engineering.

www.dxengineering.com

But in the manual it is in fact mentioned. Looks basically the same set up (using the CT-163 or CT-164 interface cables) as the previous radio.

I got fooled the same way, Dave. I was trying to compare the four new radios to their predecessors but the descriptions on sellers websites and even Yaesu’s site is just dismal. They sort of sneak in something like “same core feature set as” and leave it at that. Not very helpful.

The big question now is does the FTM-510 do APRS like Corbet wants it to? That’s where my confusion sets in.

 

[DaveInDenver]

The big question now is does the FTM-510 do APRS like Corbet wants it to? That’s where my confusion sets in.

This is a pretty open question. APRS encompasses a lot of information.

Basically, yes.

It looks like the radio works very similarly to the 400 and 500 radios. The FTM-350, too, to some extent but that radio lacked the immersive touch screen UI and was kind of a major PITA to use for APRS. There radios can run data in the background on the secondary channel while you operate normally on the primary side. They'll beacon positions automatically, receive messages, etc. To send a message you compose and send it using a mini keyboard that pops on the touchscreen.

There's a lot to APRS and how these radios fit in isn't simple all yes-or-no. They do the core APRS functions but you have to do things like Yaesu intended, there's not much flexibility from it. Suffice to say, there's a reason people are willing to pay for a TM-D710 even now. It's when you get into tinkering with maps and different interfaces (like APRSdroid) where you have to figure out work arounds to Yeasu's decisions.

 

[Corbet]

This was posted on the Facebook page for the radio. $999 Canadian. If that is the case I’m totally in. But the TH-D75AK handheld is more than that in US$ so I’m not holding my breath. I’m with Dave, fully expect over a grand. Buy once cry once I guess.

Kenwood TM-D750A 144/220/440 Triband Mobile Transceiver w D-Star - Radioworld

TM-D750A 144/220/440 Triband Mobile Transceiver w D-Star TM-D750A

www.radioworld.ca

Then I keep my eye out for a 710 faceplate I can upgrade my 71 with in the 80-series.

 

[Corbet]

And look what’s back on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1356191566...9FeO4nQBpLPd3+t6LYg76GPNc=|tkp:Bk9SR9z5w6eyZQ

 

[Corbet]

And it pulls $600 at the hammer

 

[Corbet]

Just saving this here as it’s clean install video. Aussie hardware so probably just for ideas.


View: https://youtu.be/_KNw3V_854U?si=52UYvx72S9fAx1HS

This is the radio.

GME XRS Connect 4WD Pack 370C4P

The GME XRS Connect 4WD Pack pairs the top-of-the-line XRS-370C Compact UHF CB Radio, with the Heavy Duty AE4704B radome antenna, the perfect solution for those users looking for the ultimate communications setup for their hardcore 4WD. Enabled by Bluetooth Smart technology, the XRS Connect...

accelerateoffgrid.com.au

I’m guessing the power supply might be a little short for a 50watt radio. Not sure I could shoehorn a HAM in the same spot but maybe. Guess I should open it up and look. I can order just the mounting bracket. Wonder if my TM-D71A from my 80 would fit in there and I could just upgrade the 80’s radio to the new Kenwood.

UHF Body Bracket - Prado LC250 Series - Behind Dash

250 Series Prado UHF Body Bracket The Ultimate UHF Body Bracket for Your Touring Setup Designed for 250 Series Prados | Built for Off-Road & Off-Grid Adventures Want a secure mounting point for your UHF Body Module? No cable ties and no jamming it in the dash. Accelerate has designed an easy...

accelerateoffgrid.com.au

 

[Corbet]

I’m going to post this here instead of starting a new thread. Last weekend I was having some issues with my old Kenwood TM-v71a

Doing some trouble shooting today, I’m no expert here but it appears the band A, left side radio on my dual band is having issues. With them both set to the same frequency only band B (right) side shows a transmission being received when I key my handheld. You can see the signal bar on right display.



So googling shows a common issue with an internal ceramic filter. Looks like it’s not a terrible repair, but probably one I wouldn’t do myself as I don’t have the tools or experience working on circuits boards. Looking for any other opinion and by that I’m really talking to @DaveInDenver but anyone else is welcome to chime in.

 

[Corbet]

Tuning into the weather broadcast I can hear it on both bands but the A band has static in the background. B band is crystal clear. And again we have the signal bar on band B. There is also a pretty significant difference in overall available volume between both bands.

 

[Corbet]

Some data on the common filter issue. I need to try this filter setting change but need to track down my manual to figure out how to do it.

Kenwood: - Does my D710a need repair or am I an idiot?

I love my D710a. But it started doing something this week that I can't figure out how to fix. I'm not sure if I accidentally activated something on the radio or it needs to be sent into Kenwood for repair. The A side of the radio will not receive a transmission unless the squelch is turned to...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[nakman]

You already ruled out a separate squelch setting, or mute setting? I wanna say I experienced something similar with the Yaesu FT-8800 then realized there was another squelch in there messing with me. I just scrolled through all the settings on both sides to compare settings...

 

[DaveInDenver]

You already ruled out a separate squelch setting, or mute setting? I wanna say I experienced something similar with the Yaesu FT-8800 then realized there was another squelch in there messing with me. I just scrolled through all the settings on both sides to compare settings...

I think what you're talking about is the audio mute functions. These dual VFO radios usually have a way to quiet the secondary channel audio if there's activity on the side you have selected as main.



The FT-8800



The similar function in the TM-V71


It's a good thought but I don't think it's @Corbet's issue. I base that only on the S-meter on the left side shows no received signal. With both VFOs set to the same station I'd expect the signal strength bars to show the same thing. Additionally the "PTT" is on the left side, which indicates that's the side selected as main so should be the right side showing "MUTE". Worth a try messing with the settings though.

Another thing I notice is the left band is selected as the data side (indicated by the 'D' on the screen). This can make the TM-V71/TM-D710 do odd things like hold off or mute itself when it thinks the main or non-data band is active with open squelch.

When you designate one of the sides of the TM-V71/TM-D710 as data it doesn't need that side to be selected for it to get the transmitter key when the TNC asks for it (through the data port, for example). It's smart enough not to override your mic PTT key, though.

I'd move the B side to a different frequency with no signal on it and see if the A side comes back.

It could be the filter issue. The TM-V71 has two distinct RF paths after the antenna switch. It's certainly possible for one side to work and the other not.

If tweaking settings doesn't get you there my next step would be to clone the memory to a PC and do a hard factory reset to flush out everything and see what happens before thinking about service. Never know if flipping one setting is biting you. If it starts working then you know it's a setting or corrupted memory slot and not the hardware.

Starting the betting line at 3/5 on whether it needs filter component work. My bench is of course your bench.

 

[Corbet]

You already ruled out a separate squelch setting, or mute setting? I wanna say I experienced something similar with the Yaesu FT-8800 then realized there was another squelch in there messing with me. I just scrolled through all the settings on both sides to compare settings...

I'm not aware of a 2nd squelch adjustment other than the two independant knobs with the volumes. The A band squelch can't get rid of the static like it will on B. I'm pretty sure my problem is the common filter issue.

 

[Corbet]

@DaveInDenver

I'll try a hard reset, I don't have anything in the memory to save to a PC so that's an easy task. One could argue I'm not the best canidate for HAM but better for GMRS. I don't really have any strong drive to tinker and dive deep into all the aspects of HAM. More of a connect power and start talking kind of guy. Part of my problem is my preference in computers is MAC and this radio, probably like most, need a PC interface to program.

I did mess around with many of the other scenarios you described above to see if I could get the A band to function normally. I just did not take photos of the display under each condition. The data setting is one I did not move to the B side to test. So I need to try that.

See if I can carve out some time this weekend to trouble shoot again. Otherwise the man in brown delivered a box yesterday with a different solution.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Part of my problem is my preference in computers is MAC and this radio, probably like most, need a PC interface to program.

Yes and no.

Yes, Kenwood's official program called MCP2A is Windows. It's last updated in the days of like Windows XP. It's ancient. I know it runs on Win 7 and works fine in a virtual machine like Parallels. It's free, if someone wants to go that way.

https://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/mcp_2a.html

CHiRP is an open source freeware program that is in active development. It supports the TM-V71/TM-D710 well and has a native Mac version. Much more modern. It'll do everything you need.

https://chirpmyradio.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home


You still need a cable. The official one is Kenwood PG-5G

https://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/pg5g_5h_e.html

Got a DB9 serial port still? Yeah. If you do happen to have a RS232 port (or USB adapter) you can actually just make this cable yourself so no need to spend money to get the real one.

What I recommend is to get them from the eBay seller BlueMax49ers. I've got a few of his cables for different radios and they are high quality, legitimate FTDI USB parts, well worth the price.

This is the one you'd want.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/161505378008

 

[DaveInDenver]

I completely forgot to mention RT Systems. These guys do a lot to support ham radio, their cables are absolutely top shelf quality and the software is modern and usually just as good as the OEM software in supporting features. They have a Mac version as well.

CHiRP relies on volunteers and may or may not support advanced features. CHiRP does the core function of reading and writing memories but might not be able to do organization or change settings like the factory software does.

RT Systems program will do all the features, so you are getting value from spending money with them over CHiRP. I would encourage throwing money their way if you feel inclined.

TM-V71 Radio Programming Software | Kenwood Radio Software | Cloning Software

 

[Corbet]

The other solution. Thanks @DanInDenver

 

[Corbet]

Kenwood TM-D750 gets FCC approval. Guess I should put a deposit down.






View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ8BopHxVCA

 

[nakman]

alright, in 30 words or less... can someone explain the difference between full duplex, and dual channel/dual monitoring? ok 100 words. but that's it

 

[DanInDenver]

ChatGPT (66 words)

Full duplex: transmit and receive simultaneously on different frequencies—like a phone call. You can talk and hear at the same time. Often used in repeater links or satellites.

Dual monitoring (dual watch/dual channel): the radio listens to two frequencies but has one receiver. It rapidly switches between them and stops when it detects activity. You can’t truly hear both at once, and when you transmit, you’re only on one channel.

Key difference: full duplex = simultaneous TX/RX; dual monitoring = alternating RX only, single TX.