I've had the new Kenwood TH-D72 144/440 Mhz APRS hand-held radio in my possession for almost 24 hours now, so it's time to start writing my review. This radio is indeed interesting and has a unique set of features which make it unlike anything else on the market. It is in some ways both more and less than I was expecting it to be, which I will cover in as much detail as possible. The price on this new radio is right at $500, which includes the built-in GPS.
Physical Attributes
Before discussing the feature set of the HT, I'll first cover the physical attributes. This first pic is of the TH-D72 next to the popular Yaesu VX-8r for size comparison:
These are the same two radios on their sides. The VX-8r has the extended battery pack:
As you can tell, the TH-D72 is considerably larger in height and width than the VX-8r. It is closer to the size of the Icom IC-T70a. If you like something that fits larger in your hand with buttons spaced a little farther apart, you will like this radio.
This picture shows the difference in the stock ducky antenna sizes. The Kenwood's is considerably smaller, but I haven't had a chance to do any real life comparisons yet.
The belt clip is made of metal and screwed to the back of the radio. I think you'll have a difficult time breaking this!
This picture should give you a fairly good idea of the width of the radio in your hand:
Here is the top of the radio with the SMA connector exposed. You can see that the connector is sealed up pretty well to help keep moisture and dust out. However, rhe specifications do not say anywhere that it is waterproof or even water resistant.
This is a close-up view of the PTT, monitor, and lamp buttons. The PTT is very nice, easy to push, and quite large. I like it!
This close-up view of the other side shows the speaker, mic, COM, power and USB port. Finally, an HT with a USB port!!!
This is the same view with the rubber covers closed:
Overall, the radio seems like it is constructed very sturdy. The battery is held in tightly by a strong clip on the bottom. There is no slop or play at all with the battery secured. I can't see any reason why this radio wouldn't last a long time, although time will tell how well it withstands the elements.
Next, I'll start discuss the features and functions of the radio.
Physical Attributes
Before discussing the feature set of the HT, I'll first cover the physical attributes. This first pic is of the TH-D72 next to the popular Yaesu VX-8r for size comparison:
These are the same two radios on their sides. The VX-8r has the extended battery pack:
As you can tell, the TH-D72 is considerably larger in height and width than the VX-8r. It is closer to the size of the Icom IC-T70a. If you like something that fits larger in your hand with buttons spaced a little farther apart, you will like this radio.
This picture shows the difference in the stock ducky antenna sizes. The Kenwood's is considerably smaller, but I haven't had a chance to do any real life comparisons yet.
The belt clip is made of metal and screwed to the back of the radio. I think you'll have a difficult time breaking this!
This picture should give you a fairly good idea of the width of the radio in your hand:
Here is the top of the radio with the SMA connector exposed. You can see that the connector is sealed up pretty well to help keep moisture and dust out. However, rhe specifications do not say anywhere that it is waterproof or even water resistant.
This is a close-up view of the PTT, monitor, and lamp buttons. The PTT is very nice, easy to push, and quite large. I like it!
This close-up view of the other side shows the speaker, mic, COM, power and USB port. Finally, an HT with a USB port!!!
This is the same view with the rubber covers closed:
Overall, the radio seems like it is constructed very sturdy. The battery is held in tightly by a strong clip on the bottom. There is no slop or play at all with the battery secured. I can't see any reason why this radio wouldn't last a long time, although time will tell how well it withstands the elements.
Next, I'll start discuss the features and functions of the radio.