Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Kenwood TM-V7A

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

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Kenwood TM-V7A
Reviews: 111MSRP: 719.95
Description:
The dual band mobile with the cool blue display.
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.kenwood.net/products/index.cfm?AMA=open&ama_mob=open
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001113.8
W4RIG Rating: 2008-02-29
Good Mobile Workhorse Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I use the Kenwood TM-V7A as my principal mobile rig. It has worked superbly for many years and is still going strong. Mine was purchased in 1999 so it is an older model but very dependable.
I did not run the power directly from the battery, but use the cigarette lighter as the power outlet - since I have the rig in my 1988 Toyota Cressida (yes it is a workhorse too) the cigarette lighter was still defined as such rather than an auxiliary power outlet.
KI4GST Rating: 2008-02-16
great radio Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I got this radio used from a ham in Texas. It is my main radio that I use in my apartment. I had the voice chip put in it since I can't see the display that good at all. Do to my very bad eyesight (20/800) can you say blind as a bat. The only problem I had with the radio was the cooling fan went out but that was no biggie was able to find a place that got me a replacement and had a friend help put it in since I couldn't see to plug the cable back in. Other than that it has given me no problems and I use it almost every day.
AC0Y Rating: 2007-12-04
Best mobile that I have ever owned Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After reading these reviews and owning a 7A for about 8 years I would like to address a few things. First the display. I have heard that people "cant read the display in the sun" I have my display "reversed" see menu that is blue letters on a white back ground and after setting the contrast that is also in the menu I have never had a problem seeing the display day or night, hot, or cold. Yes It has a serious problem with the design defect that causes the lines and I had to pay 168 bucks plus shipping to get a new display. I love the Blue and White display and I HATE amber displays that are on other radios!
The RF PAs are seperate Modules My VHF module went out and I repaired it...no problem but this kind of thing can happen and it might have been caused by a bad antenna connector.
I have replaced the PTT switch on the mic twice but it only taked about 20 minutes and I bought 10 for about 35 cents a piece.
For the features pack into this radio, this is one of the greatest mobiles that I have ever owned and I wish I could afford to but another one broken or other wise. I hope this helps.
73
AC0Y
KC0TNH Rating: 2007-06-30
Can't be seen in sunlight Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Had one until about 1 year ago, had to go I just couldn't see the display if the sun was up (mobile) otherwise a very good radio with good features for a mobile.
N0POM Rating: 2007-03-25
Not transmiting Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Greetings to the forum. I bought V7A new. Other than the infamous vertical lines on the display it has worked satisfactorily until now. All of a sudden it will display garbage like aaaaaaaa underscored by dots on the display where the freq should be and it does not transmit. I have checked the obvious. Different antenna, mic, and detaching cable (mounted head back on radio) it may transmit ok once and then resorts back to the garbage. Has anyone else seen this on theirs? If so what was the problem and what did it cost to fix? I wish Morotola made a dual band radio!!
W0ACE Rating: 2007-02-12
Better than some, but not the best.... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had this rig since they came out new. Its always worked fine as far as Tx/Rx, but the mic switch has broke twice. Now part of the display has quit. Other than these things, its always worked perfect. I like it, and have used it ALOT over the years, including X-band repeating.
N0WYO Rating: 2006-12-22
Still going strong! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I originally wrote a review on this radio back in July of 2004. I've had the radio now for two and a half years and it has preformed well. Most of it's life it's been in the house though, since the display IS very hard to read in the sunlight.

Crossband and remote control functions give the radio alot of flexability in it's operation. A very good radio.

----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by N0WYO on 2004-07-18

I owned a V7A when they first came out and made the huge mistake of selling it. I'm about to order this radio next week. I've really missed it.

I was attracted to this radio for the remote control function available with the G71A. I didn't have the G71A before, but I do now. So I'm looking forward to doing some experimenting.

Despite the complaints from others about the face being unreadable in sunlight, I never had a problem with it. The radio does have a problem with this though, which simply makes it more of a challenge mounting the radio in a place out of the sunlight.

I found the guide function of the radio to be very helpful at times, and the 'spectrum analyzer' helpful in locating traffic on the band.

Im looking forward to owning one of these radios again.
KB3KAI Rating: 2006-11-14
Overall good performer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Receive, transmit and audio quality is excellent. Communication range is exceptional on my base antenna. After several months I had to send it to Kenwood for replacement of the driver transistor; it would no longer transmit on low or medium power. A year after repair and it's still transmitting fine.

Functionality and programming requires a learning curve; details such as CTCSS programming are not intuitive. Cross-band repeat works but is a bit tricky. Keep a cheat-sheet handy! Programming frequencies with PC software and the additional cost data cable is very simple.

The only drawback is the white-on-blue display screen. It never was a problem in the house but it is often barely readable in my car during the daytime, even with brightness and contrast adjusted. Night time use requires an entirely different setting or it is too bright and distracting. If a high-contrast amber display was available I would give the radio a 5/5 rating.
K5THR Rating: 2006-10-01
A Great Base Rig, Besides The Microphone! Please READ! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I would rate this rig a 5 ceps for the worthless MC-53DM Backlit Microphone, I've owned 2 rigs with this same Microphone and have had the same issue with the PTT (Push To Talk Button) on both, the small spounge material inside when its been keyed up many times tends to wear and you either have to restretch it out again or replace with a small pencil eraser or something on that order I was told. I am happy that they have came out with a newer version of the same mic which they claim is better which is the MC-58, I maybe getting one soon. I really do love the rig, Its my one and only at the base now, and tend to keep it forever, It has great recieve/transmit along with great audio on transmit and recieve. I purchased this second hand In September of 06, and I'm really enjoying, I wish they would have never discontinued this rig, I regret not purchasing a brand new one before they got discontinued. I wouldnt mind having one brand new.

73!!!
Joseph / K5THR
San Antonio, TX :-)
OM8ARK Rating: 2006-09-24
Remote Control ? Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Is there someone who could explain me - how can I use the Remote Control Function? Please write to om8ark@cnet.sk Many thanks in advance! Martin