D710a or D700 ?

[KD8PGB]

 I am looking at putting an APRS ready radio in my truck, the D700 is attractive because I can purchase an keyboard adapter for typing messages and used it is considerably cheaper to purchase, is there any real advantages the D710a has over the D700?

[K0JEG]

One interesting thing I found is that the newer units add a "frequency" field. This is the Freq/offset/PL/etc of the other band. I think other manufacturers support this field as well. This along with a "tune" button makes it easy to QSY to make a voice contact. The D710 also does smart beaconing instead of every x minutes beaconing no matter what has changed. I think there's an aftermarket GPS that just clips on the back of the head unit that simplifies installation and cabling.

Anyone else have anything? I'm looking at upgrading my D-700 if I can find enough good reasons.

If you were asking TH-d7 vs TH-D72 it would be a no-brainer. The D72 is a huge improvement over the D7 (which is the main reason I'm thinking of updating the D700 too).

[KD8PGB]

One interesting thing I found is that the newer units add a "frequency" field. This is the Freq/offset/PL/etc of the other band. I think other manufacturers support this field as well. This along with a "tune" button makes it easy to QSY to make a voice contact. The D710 also does smart beaconing instead of every x minutes beaconing no matter what has changed. I think there's an aftermarket GPS that just clips on the back of the head unit that simplifies installation and cabling.

Anyone else have anything? I'm looking at upgrading my D-700 if I can find enough good reasons.

If you were asking TH-d7 vs TH-D72 it would be a no-brainer. The D72 is a huge improvement over the D7 (which is the main reason I'm thinking of updating the D700 too).

I have had a D72a for about 3 days now and I love it so far! I purchased a f6a first but it was deaf on the b side and useless for HF listening so I returned it for a D72a and am really enjoying it.  I ordered a D710a yesterday, should be here on Monday, that will be exciting!

[K7NET]

SmartBeacon, APRSVOICE and QSY are some very good reasons for upgrading. The TMD-710A also can use voice or morse ID when in Crossband. The $75 voice card is needed for Voice ID. No more know it all's telling you that you are violating the regs by not IDing

I have owned all the Kenwood APRS rigs and the TH-D72A rocks for it's size. 5 Watts will get you lots and lots of APRS connections and the fact that it uses a USB mini connection is slick too!

[K0JEG]

One interesting thing I found is that the newer units add a "frequency" field. This is the Freq/offset/PL/etc of the other band. I think other manufacturers support this field as well. This along with a "tune" button makes it easy to QSY to make a voice contact. The D710 also does smart beaconing instead of every x minutes beaconing no matter what has changed. I think there's an aftermarket GPS that just clips on the back of the head unit that simplifies installation and cabling.

Anyone else have anything? I'm looking at upgrading my D-700 if I can find enough good reasons.

If you were asking TH-d7 vs TH-D72 it would be a no-brainer. The D72 is a huge improvement over the D7 (which is the main reason I'm thinking of updating the D700 too).

I have had a D72a for about 3 days now and I love it so far! I purchased a f6a first but it was deaf on the b side and useless for HF listening so I returned it for a D72a and am really enjoying it.  I ordered a D710a yesterday, should be here on Monday, that will be exciting!

Nice. Make sure you get the latest firmware:

http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html

Out of the box I had an issue with the PTT button not working properly. It turned out to be a software issue. Works great now, but I was ready to mail it back with a nasty letter!

Yours shouldn't have that bug, but there was a release in November 2011. You might need that one.

http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/th_d72/thd72_main_update_e.html