2016

NEWS RELEASE

August 8, 2016

Industry's first*1 portable amateur radio, supporting on both APRS and D-STAR®
New release of 144/430 MHz dual bander TH-D74

JVCKENWOOD will release a new high-end 144/430 MHz dual band portable amateur radio TH-D74 from the KENWOOD brand at the end of August in Japan.

Product name Model number MSRP (tax excluded) Release date
144/430 MHz dual bander TH-D74 72,800 yen End of August

Background of the product planning and overview

In the amateur radio set market, there is a high demand for portable radio sets that can be easily carried and used in any location. At KENWOOD, we have been introducing portable products compatible with the APRS, the Automatic Packet Reporting System, which realizes real-time two-way data transmission by using packet communications, and they were favorably received due to their superior operability. In order to enhance it's versatility, JVCKENWOOD has developed a Industry's first*1 144/430 MHz dual bander TH-D74 that supports the widely used D-STAR®, Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio, a digital voice and data protocol, too promoted by the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL).
This high-end model not only supports both APRS and D-STAR® but is also equipped with the radio technologies JVCKENWOOD has developed over the years, making it possible to operate in wide range of radio applications with a wideband reception function (HF bands SSB and CW) and various interfaces.

*1: As to the portable radio set for amateur radio will be sold towards the end of August, an accounting our research as of 8 August 2016.

Major features of TH-D74

1. APRS for real-time data transmission/reception

1) Built-in GPS provides location, directional information on the color LCD


In addition to real-time information of the local station obtained with the integrated GPS receiver, a directional compass that shows real-time information of the local station as well as distance, bearing, direction, and moving speed of another preset station can be displayed on the color screen. This function allows the user to easily recognize the position and moving direction of another station in relation to the local station. Furthermore, data (rainfall amount, temperature, wind direction, wind velocity, atmospheric pressure, and humidity data) acquired from meteorological observation systems.

2) Station list can be stored up to 100 stations

Up to 100 stations such as mobile stations, base stations, meteorological stations, and objects can be saved. The type limitation and order of receiving station are adjustable. In addition, local information can be transmitted as an object.

3) Real-time transmission and reception of APRS message

Messages can be transmitted and received in real time between stations using APRS. Letters can be typed in using panel keys and pre-stored phrases can quickly be selected for immediate transmission.

4) QSY function

Voice channels of FM or D-STAR® can be set and quick QSY is possible using frequencies embedded in beacons from APRS stations and information from received D-STAR® repeater. D-STAR® gateway is also able to set automatically.


2. D-STAR®, a digital voice and data protocol for Amateur Radio.

1) Flexible operation of voice mode and data mode


QSO with stations around the world is possible through flexible operation including conventional simplex operation, via a single-repeater, and IP-based-gateway repeater. Various types of QSO are supported in digital format with clear sound quality.


2) DV fast data mode

DV fast mode make it possible to accelerate the throughput by placing data on a vacant voice frame to provide fast data transmission.

3) Easy to use DR (D-STAR® repeater) mode

The target station can be called up easily by selecting the access repeater and from the list. Furthermore, a direct reply function for replying to a IP gateway call by pressing a PTT switch and a function to check the accessibility condition during kerchunk or passing the gateway. The status can be easily recognized the intuitive icons on the display. In addition, up to 120 records of TX and RX history can be stored and be used easily to reconfigure the station informations.

3. Wideband multi-mode reception

Wideband reception can be used with B band. SSB and CW can be received in addition to DV, DV fast data, FM, NFM, WFM, and AM of between 0.1 and 524 MHz band. The radio is equipped with a fine mode to zero-in with the minimum step frequency of 20 Hz*2, a bar antenna*3 to receive 0.1 to 10 MHz band, and a simultaneous dual watch function for VxV, UxU, and VxU.

*2: SSB, CW, AM mode only.
*3: Possible to switch to SMA antenna connector.

4. IF Filter to handle adjacent unwanted signals

An IF Filter that reduces adjacent frequency interference when receiving SSB or CW, it provides excellent contour characteristics. (Selection range: 2.2 to 3.0 kHz for SSB, 0.3 to 2.0 kHz for CW, and 3.0 to 7.5 kHz for AM)

5. IF Output Mode

An IF signal with a central frequency of 12 kHz and 15 kHz bandwidth can be output through a USB port, that enables various types of data reception via PC.

6. High-performance DSP contributes excellent audio quality

It is equipped with an audio equalizer to adjust both RX EQ5 band (0.4 to 6.4 kHz) and TX EQ4 band (0.4 to 3.2 kHz), allowing flexible adjustment of to the preferable sound quality.

Other characteristics

1. TFT transflective color LCD for excellent visibility

TFT transflective color LCD is adopted. A backlight is installed for excellent visibility in dark lighting conditions and it also provides superior visibility even under the sunlight. APRS has a blue background and D-STAR® has a green background in the popup screen so that it is easier to distinguish between them.

2. Flat key top for high operability

In addition to a 4-way directional-pad (D-pad), a flat key to ensure the operability.

3. Weatherproof (IP54/55) for outdoor operation


Equipped with a dustproof and water-jet-proof structure that meets IP54/55 standards assuring to use in outdoors and in bad weather. Heavy-duty specifications are adopted for operation in sudden rain and other outdoor environments.


4. High-performance GPS antenna


A high-performance GPS patch antenna is installed on the upper part of the main body. Functions such as nearest D-STAR® repeater search, GPS logger to save the position tracking, and automatic time correction are installed as well.


5. Bluetooth® and other various interfaces as standard

Bluetooth® (HSP and SPP) as well as microSD/SDHC memory card and is equipped with a Micro-USB terminal for flexible use with a personal computer.

6. Free software for PC

Free computer software such as MCP-D74*4 to manage the settings of memory. and ARFC-D74*4 for adjusting the radio frequency via PC.

*4: MCP-D74 and ARFC-D74 will be available for download (free of charge) at KENWOOD’s website after the product is released.

Main specification of TH-D74

General specification
Frequency range Band-A Transmission : 144 - 146, 430 - 440 MHz
Reception : 136 - 174, 410 - 470 MHz
Band-B
(VFO operating range)
Reception : 0.1 - 76, 76 - 108 MHz (WFM)
108 - 524 MHz
Frequncies below cannot be received.
253 - 255, 262 - 266, 271 - 275,
380 - 382, 412 - 415 MHz
Radio wave format Transmission F3E, F2D, F1D, F7W
Reception F3E, F2D, F1D, F7W, J3E, A3E, A1A
Operating temperature range
When supplied KNB-75L is used
-20 °C ~ +60 °C
-10 °C ~ +50 °C
Frequency stability +/- 2.0 ppm
Antenna impedance 50 Ω
Power-supply voltage range External power source DC 11.0 - 15.9 V (STD:DC 13.8 V)
Battery terminal DC 6.0 - 9.6 V (STD:DC 7.4 V)
Current during transmission (TYP.) - External power source 13.8 V / Battery: 7.4 V
DC-IN H  M  L   EL
1.4 A 0.9 A 0.6 A 0.4 A
BATT H  M  L   EL
2.0 A 1.3 A 0.8 A 0.5 A
Current during reception (TYP.) Single 260 mA (at rated power output)
135 mA (SQ close)
48 mA (average at save)
Dual 310 mA (at rated power output)
185 mA (SQ close)
50 mA (average at save)
GPS receiver mode 115 mA
Operation time*5 (reference) - Single, Save on, Rate 6:6:48 sec, GPS off
KNB-75L (1,800mAh) H   M   L   EL
6hrs 8hrs 12hrs 15hrs
KNB-74L (1,100mAh) H   M   L   EL
4hrs 5hrs  7hrs 9hrs
KBP-9 (alkali AAAx6) H   M   L   EL
----   ----  3.5hrs  ----
About 10% shorter when GPS is on.
Dimension
(width x height x depth)
- Protruding object not included
With KNB-75L 56.0 × 119.8 × 33.9 mm
With KNB-74L 56.0 × 119.8 × 29.3 mm
With KBP-9 56.0 × 119.8 × 36.0 mm
Mass Body only 202 g
With KNB-75L 345 g (including antenna and clip)
With KNB-74L 315 g (including antenna and clip)
With KBP-9 360 g (including antenna, clip and 6 AAA bateries)

Transmission
Transmission output External power source 13.8 V / Battery: 7.4 V
H  M  L   EL 
5 W 2 W 0.5 W 0.05 W
Modulation system FM Reactance modulation
DV GMSK reactance modulation
Maximum frequency shift FM +/-5.0 kHz
NFM +/-2.5 kHz
Transmission spurious HI / MID -60 dBc or less
L / EL -13 dBm or less (144 MHz)
L / EL -16 dBm or less (430 MHz)
Microphone impedance 2 kΩ

Bluetooth
Version and class Version 3.0、Class 2
Transmission output -6 < Pav < 4 dBm
Modulation characteristic 140 ≦ ⊿f 1avg ≦ 175 kHz
Initial carrier frequency -75 ≦ fo ≦ +75 kHz
Carrier frequency fluctuation ±25 kHz (1 slot packet)
±40 kHz (3 slot packet)
±40 kHz (5 slot packet)

Reception Band-A Band-B
Reception system F3E, F2D, F1D, F7W Double super heterodyne
Triple super heterodyne
J3E, A3E, A1A
Intermediate frequency 1st IF - 57.15 MHz 58.05 MHz
2nd IF - 450 kHz 450 kHz
3rd IF J3E, A3E, A1A - 10.8 kHz
Sensitivity (TYP.)
Amateur band
FM 12 dB SINAD
FM/NFM 144 MHz 0.18/0.22 uV 0.19/0.24 uV
FM/NFM 430 MHz 0.18/0.22 uV 0.20/0.25 uV
DV PN9/GMSK 4.8 kbps,
BER 1%
- -
144 MHz 0.20 uV 0.22 uV
430 MHz 0.22 uV 0.22 uV
SSB 10 dB S/N - 0.16 uV
AM 10 dB S/N - 0.50 uV
Excluding above amateur band AM 10 dB S/N
0.3 - 0.52 MHz - 4 uV
0.52 - 1.8 MHz - 1.59 uV
1.8 - 54 MHz - 0.63 uV
54 - 76 MHz - 1.12 uV
118 - 174 MHz - 0.50 uV
200 - 250 MHz - 0.63 uV
382 - 412 MHz - 1.12 uV
415 - 524 MHz - 1.12 uV
FM 12dB SINAD
28 - 54 MHz - 0.32 uV
54 - 76 MHz - 0.56 uV
118 - 144 MHz 0.36 uV 0.36 uV
148 - 175 MHz - 0.36 uV
200 - 222 MHz - 0.36 uV
225 - 250 MHz - 0.36 uV
382 - 400 MHz - 0.50 uV
400 - 412 MHz 0.36 uV 0.36 uV
415 - 430 MHz 0.36 uV 0.36 uV
450 - 490 MHz 0.36 uV 0.36 uV
490 - 524 MHz - 0.63 uV
SSB 10 dB S/N
1.8 - 54 MHz - 0.40 uV
54 - 76 MHz - 0.79 uV
144 - 148 MHz - 0.16 uV
222 - 225 MHz - 0.20 uV
430 - 450 MHz - 0.16 uV
FM broadcasting band WFM 30 dB S/N
76 - 95 MHz - 1.59 uV
95 - 108 MHz - 2.00 uV
Squelch sensitivity (TYP.) - 0.18 uV 0.25 uV
Spurious interference ratio 144 MHz 50 dB or more 45 dB or more
430 MHz 50 dB or more 40 dB or more
IF interference ratio - 60 dB or more 55 dB or more
Selectivity -6 dB 12 kHz or more
-50 dB 30 kHz or less
AF output 7.4 V, 10% distortion rate 400 mW or more/8 Ω

GPS
TTFF cold start Approx. 40 sec
TTFF hot start Approx. 5 sec
Horizontal positioning accuracy 10 m or less
Reception sensitivity 25℃, open sky Approx. -141 dBm (capture)

*5: Estimate value when repeatedly operated in proportion of transmission 1: reception 1: and waiting 8 (measurement condition; transmission 6 sec: reception 6 sec: waiting 48 sec). Measurement method specified by JAIA is applied.

Supplied items

Comes with an antenna, lithium-ion battery (7.4 V/1800 mAh), AC adapter for charging, belt clip, instruction manual, and warranty certificate

Regarding Trademarks

  • D-STAR® is a registered trademark of The Japan Amateur Radio League.
  • The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and used by JVCKENWOOD under a license granted by Bluetooth SIG.
  • All other company names, brand names and product names are registered trademarks or trade names of their respective holders.

For further information, please contact:

[Media Contact] Public Relations & IR & SR Department, Corporate Communication Division, JVCKENWOOD Corporation
3-12, Moriya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 221-0022 Japan
TEL: +81-045-444-5310
[Customer Contact] JVCKENWOOD Customer Support Center
TEL: 0120-2727-87 (toll-free call from landline phones)
0570-010-114 (Navi Dial from mobile phones and PHS), 045-450-8950 (some IP phones)

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