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Reviews For: Kenwood TM-G707A

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Base/Mobile (non hand-held)

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Review Summary For : Kenwood TM-G707A
Reviews: 114MSRP: 350
Description:
Dual-band 2-meter and 450 mHz FM mobile transceiver
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.kenwood.net/indexKenwood.cfm?do=ProductDetails&ProdID=5012&Group=5
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001144.5
N4SZS Rating: 2003-06-02
not worth the price!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've owned this radio for almost two years and have constantly had problems with it. I have had to replace the microphone twice. The 8pin modular connection just isn't rugged enough. The unit went 5k off frequency on transmit 14mo after I bought it and it was repaired by the factory. I have had the unit key up for no reason and the only way to unkey was to kill power. The display looks washed out, the figures are not as clear as one would expect. The unit is subject to intermod in conjested areas. Its apparent that kenwood is spending more time upgrading their commercial line rather than their amateur equipment. This is the third kenwood that I have owned and will be the last. I currently looking at the Alinco DR-620T/E as a replacement... just wanted to add that these radios go through a bit more abuse than normal. I'm a communication service tech and average 100k miles or more a year and the radios are operating always.
MDSMITH79 Rating: 2003-05-30
Excellent! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Love the radio, had it mobile for 2 years. Just needs to scan a little faster.
KG6JDC Rating: 2003-04-25
Solid, no-nonsense radio Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This radio has preformed flawlessly since day one. It is true that the programming techniques are unique to this radio, but I haven't owned a radio yet where this wasn't true.
My only complaints would be that the lowest audio output level available is too loud for quiet in-shack use, and the built in speaker audio quality is tinny. On the plus side, the screen is visible in any situation and the menu operation is simple; even intuitive.
Bottom line is when I push the button this radio gets out every time, and it didn't break the bank.
KB9IZB Rating: 2003-04-22
Works as Advertised Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I've had this radio for about a week. It works as advertised, but has a few quirks.
1. Direct frequency entry is not possible out of the box UNTIL you assign one of the mic buttons the "Enter" function. IMO this should have been the default config.
2. The automatic power off (APO) feature is not customizable. It's either off or on (3 hrs to shutoff). This feature really should have been user configurable in terms of the time to APO. All my other radios are this way and I usually set them just over 8 hours. Therefore the APO feature on this radio is useless to me.
3. The microphone backlight is always on. Perhaps a small nit to pick, but it just bugs me to have something on draining battery (and potentially emergency power) when it's not needed. Again, all my other radios allow the mic backlight to be turned off.
4. I expected the Band button to toggle between 2 M (with extended Rx) and 440. After all it is a DUAL-band radio, right? Not so. The band button toggles between THREE "bands": 2M, 440, AND a 118-135 MHz band. Why they did this is beyond me. It's a hassle toggling through the "extra" band. It should have just been part of 2 meters.

Other than these 3 things, which don't affect the actual operation of the radio in any way, it seems to perform to specs. If it holds up I'll be satisfied. For the price paid ($249 no sale/coupon) it's a good radio. We'll see if it holds up as well as my Yaesu FT-2500M has.

BTW - I picked this radio over the Icom IC-207H because I decided I just couldn't live without alpha-numeric memories. Given the above quirks and the fact that the 207H has 4 power levels compared to the 3 the G707, it's a more complicated decision than just between alphanumeric and non-alpha numeric memories. If I knew the Icom didn't have the quirks detailed above, I have to decide on the next purchase with a coin toss.

Regards,
KC2IQP Rating: 2003-03-17
I've wanted this one for over a year now! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I am very happy with this new rig of mine! I've wanted this one for over a year now, couldn't say no to $265 + FREE S/H! I have mine (remote)mobile mounted. I occassionally drive into New York City and this radio remains fairly quiet, especially with all the other radio/pager txing in around there. GREAT display! Quite! Good audio reports! Mine has the updated microphone MC-58DM (not the 53DM)Kenwood says its a new PTT button. I also purchased the programing cable which is nice to have. And the DFK-4C remote kit, makes the install look great! The scan speed is a little on the slow side, but I don't see it as an issue here. I considered the Yaesu 7100M ,90R, and the Alinco DR-620. eHam reviews sold me on this rig! I would definately buy another TM-G707A!
K7IHC Rating: 2003-03-15
Nearly-great dual-band mobile Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
My rating is actually a 4+, but it's not a perfect radio. I bought a new G707A in the summer of 2002. I use it in my car nearly every day. The unit has worked flawlessly. The three power output levels are up to par, so far as my Diamond SX-600 meter indicates. The large alpha display is a must on a good VHF/UHF mobile. It is very readable in all conditions (day, bright sun, night) in a vehicle. The mini-DIN front connector is handy for APRS, too.
I would give the unit a 5 rating, but there's a few so-so areas: 1. The memory channel scan speed is dismally slow. The TH-G71A is essentially the handie-talkie version of the 707, and it has a much faster scan speed. I find I can only effectively scan 6 or 7 memory channels at a time on the 707. Kenwood (or some tech-savvy ham) needs to figure out how to modify the radio for a faster scan. 2. The alpha display should have one or two more digits added to the 7-digit display that it currently has. This would minimize the abbreviating that needs to be done for many repeater locations/names. 3. A dedicated add/delete button on the front panel to manage the memory channel scan list would be very helpful in mobile operations. Using the menu system isn't easy while driving, though I've programmed one of the mic front keys to select MENU, which makes it a bit easier to add and delete channels as I travel. Menu operation is made easier by reading the manual and using the radio for a month or two.
I'd recommend using the optional PC cable and software to program the radio for all 180 channels. It makes entering the alpha info MUCH easier. Too bad the cable isn't included with the radio.
I haven't experienced any mic key problems and other operators have given me good signal quality reports. I'd rate this radio as the top entry-level dual-band mobile available today.
KD7PLU Rating: 2003-02-23
Just Right Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This radio is the perfect balance for any ham. The controls are easy to learn and use, the quality is very nice. It isn't overloaded with useless features, but has packet and PC interface, which is nice. I own a D700 also. The external control head is a valuable option. When my wife gets her ticket, I'll drop another G707 in her vehicle. She can navigate with the alpha tags until "Go to the Dot 24 machine" means something to her.

I don't use the other bands (RX-Only groups) or any special features. They exist, and that's nice enough. My 707 was used as a mobile for a while, and is now setup as my base. Ease of use is a major selling point. My only complaint is the cost of the remote head kit. They could have used an RJ-12/45 setup so we could build our own cables. I like the cross-band repeat feature. Any dual-band radio (Portable or Mobile) should have this feature.

Loren B. Cobb / KD7PLU
W4ADC Rating: 2002-11-26
Great Radio! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I installed this in my 2002 Tundra with a Diamond NMO mount 2M/70cm dual band antenna. I located the main radio under the passenger seat and remote mounted the control head in the ash tray. The antenna is located in the left rear stake pocket. The remote kit is rather expensive, but the DFK 7C kit I used also included the power cable, which made installation that much easier.
This radio works absolutely great. Programming via computer is easy with the only drawback being the very expensive PC cable. The radio is easy to operate from the mike and the voice annunciator is a nice option, especially when driving. The display is easy to read, day or night. I have experienced no intermod in town and have no trouble hitting repeaters on low power. The air band is absolutely phenomenal. As a pilot I was very interested in this. I have heard both plane and approach control transmissions clearly as much as 50 miles from the airport! Kenwood did a great job. I have also not experienced any problems with the mike button. Everything has worked flawlessly out of the box. I highly recommend this radio.
PE1RLN Rating: 2002-11-14
This thing is great! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Why would anyone buy a radio that receives 2 frequencies at once? You never listen to both...

I use this radio at home for local use and it works just fine. Reception is great and transmitting with 50 Watts should be enough.

I built the programming cable (KENWOOD is expensive on that one!) and that is quite handy. I advice KENWOOD to include the cable with the set when you buy it because entering names for channels on the radio is not funny..

I give it a 5/5 because the things it is meant for work as they should.

I will never sell it. I had a TM-V7 (blue wonder) but I sold it. This one is defenitely better!
KC5NIS Rating: 2002-09-26
Neat little radio Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
The reason I went with this radio is because of previous ownership of a 241a. I bought the radio at dayton 2002 because of the price. $239, thats way less than I gave for 241 years ago. The remote head option is a big plus. Rx is good, Tx is good, everything is still working great. Half a year later I am still glad I bought this radio.