Kenwood TH-D7A(G) User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
144/440 MHz FM DUAL BANDER
TH-D7A(G)
KENWOOD CORPORATION
B62-1359-00 (K)
09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00
ENHANCED FEATURES
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CHAPTER 1AUTOMATIC PACKET/ POSITION REPORTING
SYSTEM®
OPERATION FLOW ..................................................2
CONNECTING WITH A GPS RECEIVER ..................3
SETTING UTC OFFSET............................................ 3
SELECTING DATABAND.......................................... 3
SELECTING PACKET TRANSFER RATE ................. 3
RECEIVINGAPRS DATA...........................................4
ACCESSING RECEIVEDAPRS DATA ...................... 5
PROGRAMMINGA CALL SIGN................................. 7
SELECTING YOUR STATION ICON.......................... 8
PROGRAMMING POSITION DATA ...........................9
SELECTING A POSITION COMMENT .................... 10
STORING STATUS TEXT ........................................ 11
PROGRAMMINGA GROUP CODE .........................12
PROGRAMMINGA PACKET PATH .........................13
SELECTING PACKET TRANSMIT METHOD .......... 15
SELECTING PACKET TRANSMIT INTERVAL.........16
SELECTING PACKET TRANSMIT DELAY .............. 16
SELECTING STATUS TEXTTRANSMIT RATE ....... 16
RESTRICTING RECEPTION OFAPRS DATA.........16
PROGRAMMING POSITION AMBIGUITY............... 17
SELECTING A DISPLAY AREA ............................... 17
CONTENTS
This instruction manual describes only the
functions improved or newly designed for
the TH-D7A(G) model. For the functions
not described in this manual, see the other
instruction manual (original).
CHAPTER 2APRS®MESSAGE
OPERATION FLOW ................................................18
RECEIVING AMESSAGE .......................................19
ACCESSING RECEIVEDAPRS MESSAGES ......... 20
ENTERINGA MESSAGE.........................................21
TRANSMITTING A MESSAGE ................................ 22
AUTOANSWER REPLY .......................................... 22
PROGRAMMINGA GROUP CODE .........................23
CHAPTER 3 MENU REVISIONS
CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY OF ENHANCEMENT
BAND A & B.............................................................26
KEYPAD DIRECT ENTRY .......................................26
TRANSMITTING A 1750 Hz TONE .......................... 26
KEY BEEP ON/OFF................................................. 26
ADJUSTING VOLUME BALANCE ...........................27
SELECTING DATA BAND........................................ 27
DX PACKETCLUSTERS MONITOR ........................ 27
DCD SENSE ........................................................... 28

1
This transceiver includes a TNC and a program for
dealing with data formats supported by theAPRS. That
is, you need no other equipment to transmit, receive, or
displayAPRS packets. You do not need even a GPS
receiver if you manually enter position data to transmit.
For hams who want to fully enjoy APRS operations, this
transceiver has connection ports with a personal
computer and a GPS receiver; this manual, however,
does not describe APRS operations which require a
personal computer.
Using this transceiver, you can transmit a station icon,
position data, position comment, and status text. With a
GPS receiver, you can also transmit moving speed,
moving direction, and altitude data. From any type of
station you will receive information listed below:
Depending on the types of stations, you will also receive
the following information:
AUTOMATIC PACKET/ POSITION REPORTING SYSTEM
The Automatic Packet/ Position Reporting System
(APRS) is a software program and registered
trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR. He has made
packet communications much more exciting than before.
This program allows you to track mobile stations on a
map which you recall on a computer screen. Imagine
seeing one mobile station moving on the map which can
be scaled from .5 to 2000 miles. You also may be
tracked on the computer screen of another station.
Stations to be tracked must transmit beacons at certain
intervals. To track other stations, you usually need a
computer running the APRS, a transceiver, and a TNC.
To have them track you, you also need a GPS receiver.
It receives signals from the satellites to inform you of
your current geographical position. GPS stands for
Global Positioning System. The APRS interprets the
National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) data
strings coming from the GPS receiver. For further
information, consult Internet Web pages relating to the
APRS. You may use one of the Internet search engines
to find correct URLs.
nocinoitatS rotacolerauqsdirG/atadnoitisoP
tnemmocnoitisoPtxetsutatS
noitatsmorfecnatsiDnoitatsfonoitceriD
noitatseliboM edutitlA/deepsgnivoM/noitceridgnivoM
noitatsdexiF /annetnafothgieH/rewoptimsnarT ytivitceridannetnA/niagannetnA
noitatsdexiF
desserpmocgnisu( )tamrofatadSRPA
egnartimsnarT
noitatsrehtaeW /deepsdniW/noitceriddniW ruohtsalnillafniaR/erutarepmeT

2
uAccess Menu 2–4 to program position data
{page 9}.
iAccess Menu 2–6 to select from 15 position
comments {page 10}.
oIf you want, access Menu 2–9 to enter status
text using up to 20 alphanumeric characters
{page 11}.
!0 Access Menu 2–C to select the operation method
for transmittingAPRS data {page 15}.
!1 Press [BCON]. If you selected “PTT” in step !0,
then press and release the PTT switch. See
page 15.
qAccess Menu 2–M to select band Aor B as the
data band {page 3}. The default is bandA.
wPress [TNC] to enterAPRS mode.
•“ ” should appear.
eOn the data band select the same frequency as
other stations in your group.
• You may tune to the frequency of an appropriate
digipeater (144.390 MHz in the U.S.A.) {page 13}.
rAccess Menu 2–1 to program your call sign
(9 digits max.) {page 7}.
tIf you have connected a GPS receiver, access
Menu 2–2 and select “NMEA” or “NMEA96”
{page 3}. The default is “NOT USED”.
yAccess Menu 2–8 to select your station icon
{page 8}.
OPERATION FLOW
The following flow chart includes only the steps to give
APRS a quick try.
Now you are ready to receive APRS data from other
stations. Refer to “RECEIVING APRS DATA” {page 4}.
To transmit your APRS data, proceed to step r.When using a personal computer, press [TNC] repeatedly
in step quntil “PACKET” appears. All further operations
should be performed on your computer. For the cable
connection with a personal computer, see page 53 on the
other instruction manual (original).
Menu Set-up allows you to change various default
settings forAPRS operations. See the appropriate
sections in this chapter.
Note:
◆ To distinguish your various stations or nodes, you can have up to 15
Secondary Station IDentifiers (SSIDs); ex. WD6BQD-1 to WD6BQD-
15. You always have to put a dash between your call sign and SSID
number.
◆ If you have blanked the data band by pressing [DUAL], you cannot
select APRS mode in step q .

3
CONNECTING WITH A GPS RECEIVER
The GPS jack on this transceiver accepts a 2.5 mm (1/10")
3-conductor plug. If necessary, use the supplied cable to
modify the cable end of your GPS receiver.
Note: Turn OFF the transceiver power before making the connections.
In order to use the connected GPS receiver, access
Menu 2–2 (GPS UNIT) to select “NMEA” or “NMEA96”.
The default is “NOT USED”. Select “NMEA96” when
using a 9600 bps GPS receiver.
SETTING UTC OFFSET
This transceiver allows you to correct the UTC offset;
UTC stands for Universal Time Coordinated. Access
Menu 2–O (TIME ZONE) and select the appropriate UTC
offset in the range from +12:00 to –12:00 in steps of 30
minutes.
SELECTING DATA BAND
On this transceiver you can select data band for APRS
mode independent of the selection (in Menu 1–4–1)
for Packet mode. Access Menu 2–M (DATABAND)
and select band A or B as the data band for receiving
or transmitting APRS data. The default is band A. “ ”
indicates the current data band.
Note: In Menu 2–M, the selection switches among A, B,A:TX B:RX, and
A:RX B:TX. Select A:TX B:RX or A:RX B:TX ifAPRS networks which use
two separate frequencies become available in the future. “ ” appears for
the data transmit band and “ ” appears for the data receive band.
SELECTING PACKET TRANSFER RATE
The defaultAPRS packet transfer rate set on the built-in
TNC is 1200 bps which is the standard among the
currentAPRS networks. If APRS networks which use
9600 bps transfer rate become available in the future,
access Menu 2–N (PACKET SPEED) and select “9600
bps”. “96” will appear.
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GPS receiver
To GPS jack
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4
RECEIVING APRS DATA
Each time new APRS data is received, the frequency
display is interrupted to show information as below:
• The received APRS data may include information on an
object such as a hurricane or tornado. In this case, the
name of the object appears instead of a call sign.
• The transceiver restores the frequency display after
approximately 10 seconds pass or when you press any key.
Note:
◆ When you receive APRS data including an “Emergency” comment, a
different format of display from the above will appear and a different
beep will sound.
◆ When you receive APRS data that you transmitted, the frequency
display is not interrupted. “MY POSITION” will appear at the bottom
of the display. This could happen when one or more digipeaters
{page 13} are used.
If a received packet does not include new (or proper)
APRS data, the frequency display is not interrupted. An
indicator such as “dP” appears depending on the types
of data. See the table.
1The transceiver automatically transmits the appropriate
information in approximately 2 minutes after receiving a request.
Note: TheAPRS programs for PCs have entry fields for a position
comment and status text. The data entered to these two fields are
transmitted as separate packets. This transceiver, however, includes
both of a position comment and status text in one packet to transmit.
This transceiver beeps each time it receives any type of
APRS packet. You may access Menu 2–F (BEEP) to
change this setting. The default is “ALL”. The selection
in this menu is shared with APRS Message {page 19}.
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Pn }71egap{ noitisopweNtnemmocnoitisopweN
Sn }71egap{ sutatsweNtxetsutatsweN
Pd noitisopetacilpuDtnemmocnoitisoP deviecerydaerla
Sd sutatsetacilpuDydaerlatxetsutatS deviecer
P> noitisopdnoyeB timil noitatsamorfataD detcelesehtedistuo }61egap{egnar
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?? dedocedebtonnactahttekcaP
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FFOpeeboNpeeboNpeeboN
ENIM
egasseMSRPArofylnodilavsinoitcelessihT .}91egap{
WENLLApeeBpeeboNpeeboN
LLApeeBpeeBpeeB
Position
comment
(or status text)

5
4Press [OK] repeatedly until you can access the
desired information.
• The next page shows how displays will be switched.
• You may press [ESC] to restore the previous display.
5Press [LIST] twice to restore the frequency display.
You may want to delete all information of the desired
station. Press [A/B] instead of [OK] in step 3 or 4.
“DELETE?” appears. Press [OK] to delete the
information.
To delete the information of all stations, press [A/B] (1 s)
in step 2. “DELETE ALL?” appears. Press [OK]. Then
“SURE?” appears. Press [OK] again to delete the
information.
The types of information accessible in step 4 differ
depending on the types of stations. For details, see the
next page.
Note:
◆ When data from the 41st station is received, the oldest data in
memory is replaced by that data.
◆ Each time new APRS data is received from the same station, the old
data from that station (in memory) is replaced by new data.
◆ WhenAPRS data is received with a GPS receiver connected, included
position data is sent to the receiver, using the NMEA-0183 $GPWPL
format (or Magellan format). This data is registered in the Waypoint List of
the receiver. Access Menu 2–3 (WAYPOINT) and select the number of
characters to be input. You can select 6 to 9 digits for NMEA, 6 digits for
Magellan, DGPS, or OFF(default) . With NMEA6 digits selected, the right
6 characters of the call sign is used as a name (ex. for KJ6HC-3, J6HC-3).
Select DGPS to input differential position data to a DGPS-compatible
receiver if it is connected.
ACCESSING RECEIVED APRS DATA
This transceiver is capable of receiving and storing
APRS data from up to 40 stations in memory. You can
select the desired station and access the desired
information, by switching the display.
1Press [LIST].
• The display for selecting a station appears.
• The numbers beside the call signs indicate the order in
which data is received. The data received last is
assigned 1.
2Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select the desired station.
3Press [OK].
• The display for accessing the desired information
appears.
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ESC
ESC
DWN
UP
DWN
UP
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OK
OK
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w
q
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qw
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Fixed station 1 Fixed station Mobile station Weather station
qWind direction
wWind speed
m: Mile/hour
k: km/hour
eTemperature
F: °F c: °C
r Amount of rainfall in
the past hour (" or mm)
qTransmit power
wHeight of antenna
(elevation)
’ : Feet M: Meter
eAntenna gain
rAntenna directivity
omni: Omnidirectional
qTransmit range
(mile or km)
1
Using compressed
APRS data format
qAltitude
’ : Feet M: Meter
wMoving direction
eMoving speed
m: Mile/hour
k: km/hour
qGrid square locator
wDistance from
the station
(mile or km)
qLatitude/ longitude
data
N: North S: South
W: West E: East
qSituation
wPosition comment
(TH-D7/ TM-D700/ Mic
Encoder only)
or call sign
(object only)
qstatus text

7
PROGRAMMING A CALL SIGN
Program your call sign using a maximum of 9 alphanumeric
characters; you may include SSID characters. Unless you
program a call sign, you cannot transmit APRS data.
1Press [MENU] to enter Menu mode.
2Press [2], [1] to select “2–1 (MY CALLSIGN)”.
• The display for entering characters appears; the first
digit blinks. The default is “NOCALL”.
3Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select a character, then press
[OK].
• You can enter 0 to 9, A to Z, and –.
• The cursor moves to the next digit.
4Repeat step 3 to enter up to 9 digits.
• Pressing [OK] after selecting the 9th digit completes the
programming.
• To complete programming after entering less than 9
digits, press [OK] twice.
• Each press of [ESC] causes the cursor to move backward.
• Pressing [A/B] deletes the digit at which the cursor is
blinking.
5Press [MENU] to exit Menu mode.
You can also use the keypad to enter alphanumeric
characters in step 3. For example, each press of [TNC]
switches entry as A, B, C, then 2. Press [ENT] to enter –.
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This transceiver is capable of displaying the following 19
icons as station IDs. When icon data other than these is
received, the display will show an icon code such as /$ or \$.
Some icons may appear with overlay characters as below if
the received icon data includes them.
The following icons show the directions of stations relative
to your position. For example, “ ” indicates the other
station is located at the northeast relative to your position.
0.0 to 9999 miles (or km) are shown for distances from
other stations. “xxxxmi” (or “xxxxkm”) is shown for
distances over 9999 miles (or km). If you do not change
the position data in Menu 2–4 from the default, “----mi”
(or “----km”) is shown.
On the TH-D7A(G), the default units for distance and
temperature are mile and °F. If necessary, access Menu
2–H (mile/km) and/or Menu 2–I (TEMPERATURE) to
change the setting(s).
Note: Some stations transmit APRS data through TNCs connected to
GPS receivers. If you receive data from those stations, “GOOD”
(satellites tracked) or “LAST” (satellites not tracked) will be shown as the
situation, with GLL, GGA, or RMC which designates $GPGLL, $GPGGA,
or $GPRMC format.

8
SELECTING YOUR STATION ICON
Select an icon which will be displayed on the monitors of
other stations as your ID. You may select an icon
depending on your current location.
1Press [MENU] to enter Menu mode.
2Press [2], [8] to select “2–8 (ICON)”.
3Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select from 15 icons plus
“OTHERS”, then press [OK].
• The following 15 icons are selectable:
4Press [MENU] to exit Menu mode.
APRS supports approximately 200 icons. It allows users
to select each icon by specifying a combination of two
ASCII codes, for example, / and !. One is a symbol
code, and the other is a table identification code (either /
or \). If you select “OTHERS” in step 3, use the following
procedures:
4Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select a symbol code, then
press [OK].
5Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select a table identification
code, then press [OK].
• For icons that can include overlay characters, 0 ~ 9 and
A ~ Z are also selectable.
6Press [MENU] to exit Menu mode.
Note: Because the icon code table is occasionally revised,
download the latest icon code table from Mr. Bruninga's Web page
(http://web.usna.navy.mil/~bruninga/aprs.html). Click on
“DOWNLOAD APRS” on its home page, then download APRSnnn.zip
from the FTP directory where nnn is a 3-digit number. After
uncompressing the zip file, you will find a created README
directory. Open and see Symbols.txt under this directory.
DOOWNEK
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reggoJ
tfarcriApeeJ
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taoB noitaerceR elcihev
elbatroP )tnet(
raCkcurT
thcaY
elcycrotoMnaV
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9
6Press [OK].
• The degree digits blink.
7Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select data for degrees.
8Press [OK].
• The minute digits blink.
9Repeat steps 7 and 8 to select data for minutes
(down to one hundredth digit).
10 Press [UP]/ [DWN] to switch between west longitude
(default) and east longitude.
11 Press [OK].
• The degree digits blink.
12 Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select data for degrees.
13 Press [OK].
• The minute digits blink.
14 Repeat steps 12 and 13 to select data for minutes
(down to one hundredth digit).
PROGRAMMING POSITION DATA
This transceiver has 3 memory channels for storing
position data. Program latitude and longitude data for up
to 3 locations from which you will often transmitAPRS
data.
Note: Grid squares were developed to shortly identify locations
anywhere on the Earth. The world is first divided into 324 areas (AA ~
RR) called “fields”. Each field is then divided into 100 “squares” (00 ~
99). Each square is further divided into 576 “sub-squares” (AA ~ XX).
The world is eventually divided into 18, 662, 400 grids; each grid is
expressed with 6 digits.
1Press [MENU] to enter Menu mode.
• You may press [POS] instead. Then you can skip
step 2.
2Press [2], [4] to select “2–4 (MY POSITION)”.
• A channel number blinks.
3Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select from channels 1 to 3.
• If you intend to use the current channel after exiting
Menu mode, press []. An asterisk appears at the left
of the channel number.
4Press [OK].
• “N” (or “S”) blinks.
5Press [UP]/ [DWN] to switch between north latitude
(default) and south latitude.
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locator
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10
3Press [UP]/[DWN] to select the desired comment.
4Press [OK] to complete the setting.
5Press [MENU] to exit Menu mode.
The selectable comments are listed below:
1Selecting these comments will highlight your station on all
other APRS computer displays.
2Select this comment only when absolutely necessary. You
will activate alarms in all monitoring APRS stations.
Note: Custom 0 ~ 6 selectable in Menu 2–6 are not defined; these are
reserved for personal definition.
15 As necessary, press [OK] then repeat steps 3 to 14 to
store in up to 3 memory channels.
16 Press [MENU] to exit Menu mode.
To select and set from up to 3 programmed channels,
repeat steps 1 to 3. In step 3 press [UP]/ [DWN] to
select the desired channel, then press [ ].
Note:
◆ If you have selected “NMEA” or NMEA96” in Menu 2–2, pressing
[POS] does not allow you to access the display for entering position
data. The position data received via the GPS receiver most lately will
be displayed.
◆ If using a GPS receiver, you can also copy the measured data to the
position entry display for Menu 2–4. Press [POS] to display the
measured data, then press [OK]. A message which asks the channel
number appears. Press [UP]/[DWN] to select the channel number,
then press [OK].
SELECTING A POSITION COMMENT
The APRS data which you transmit always include one
of the 15 predetermined position comments. Select an
appropriate comment depending on your situation.
1Press [MENU] to enter Menu mode.
2Press [2], [6] to select “2–6 (POS COMMENT)”.
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STORING STATUS TEXT
Status text is another comment to transmit with position
data. Unlike a position comment, you can make any
desired comment using a maximum of 20 alphanumeric
characters. This transceiver has 3 memory channels for
preprogramming.
Note: Attaching a long comment can double the size and length of the
packet. Enter a comment only if necessary.
1Press [MENU] to enter Menu mode.
2Press [2], [9] to select “2–9 (STATUS TEXT)”.
• A channel number blinks.
3Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select from channels 1 to 3.
• If you intend to use the current channel after exiting
Menu mode, press []. An asterisk appears at the left
of the channel number.
4Press [OK].
• The display for entering a comment appears; the first
digit blinks.
5Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select a character.
• You can enter alphanumeric characters plus special
ASCII characters.
6Press [OK].
• The cursor moves to the next digit.
7Repeat steps 5 and 6 to enter up to 20 digits.
• Pressing [OK] after selecting the 20th digit completes
the programming.
• To complete programming a comment after entering less
than 20 digits, press [OK] twice.
• Each press of [ESC] causes the cursor to move
backward.
• Pressing [A/B] deletes the digit at which the cursor is
blinking.
8As necessary, press [OK] then repeat steps 3 to 7 to
store in up to 3 memory channels.
9Press [MENU] to exit Menu mode.
To select and set from up to 3 programmed channels,
repeat steps 1 to 3. In step 3 press [UP]/ [DWN] to
select the desired channel, then press [ ].
You can also use the keypad to enter alphanumeric
characters in step 5. For example, each press of [TNC]
switches entry as a, b, c, 2,A, B, then C. Press [DUAL]
to switch 0 and space. Press [ENT] to switch among the
specialASCII characters.
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12
PROGRAMMING A GROUP CODE
Using a group code relieves you from receiving
unwanted packets. The APRS on this transceiver
supports the following three types of group codes.
All calls:
Program a 6-digit code that always starts with AP. You
will receive all APRS packets which include AP in group
codes. It does not matter whether or not the subsequent
4 digits match. The default on this transceiver is
APK002; K002 stands for KENWOOD Ver. 2.
Note: APRS packets, which are generated via various methods, include
various codes instead of group codes. Using “All calls” allows you to
receive packets which include the following codes.
Special:
Enter “SPCL”. You will receive only APRS packets that
include SPCL as a group code. This code is generally
programmed by all stations at a special event.
Alternate net:
Program any other code with a maximum of 6 digits.
You will receive onlyAPRS packets that include the
exact same code. In order to reject other packets, this
code should not include characters specified by the
above two types.
Note: The display shown in step 1 has a field for entering up to 9 digits
(not 6 digits) because of possible future enhancement of the group code
system.
1Access Menu 2–E (UNPROTOCOL), then press
[OK].
• The display for entering characters appears; the first
digit blinks. The default is APK002 (All calls).
2Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select a character.
• You can enter 0 to 9, A to Z, and –.
3Press [OK].
• The cursor moves to the next digit.
4Repeat steps 2 and 3 to enter up to 6 digits.
• Each press of [ESC] causes the cursor to move
backward.
• Pressing [A/B] deletes the digit at which the cursor is
blinking.
5Press [OK].
• If the cursor is blinking over the last digit that you have
entered, press [OK] twice.
6Press [MENU] to exit Menu mode.
You can also use the keypad to enter alphanumeric
characters in step 2. For example, each press of [TNC]
switches entry as A, B, C, then 2. Press [ENT] to enter –.
SPGMYSTSQQCNOCAEB
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PROGRAMMING A PACKET PATH
Apacket path specifies how APRS data should be
transferred via one or more repeaters. A repeater, which
is used for packet transfer, is commonly called a
digipeater. This came from a digital repeater. A
digipeater is usually located on a mountain top or high
building. Unlike a voice repeater, it operates on a
simplex frequency. Each volunteer who installs a
digipeater programs it either as a WIDE or RELAY type.
Generally a WIDE transmits packets over much greater
distances than a RELAY.
On this transceiver, you can edit a packet path using a
maximum of 32 alphanumeric characters. The default is
“RELAY,WIDE” that is one of the common settings. With
this setting, packets will be transferred to a RELAY first,
then to a WIDE. The APRS supports various methods
for specifying a packet path. Some of those methods
are described on the next page.
Note:
◆ This transceiver is incapable of functioning as a digipeater.
◆ To serve for mobile stations who always use the RELAY,WIDE path,
most WIDEs also respond to packets addressed to a RELAY.
1Access Menu 2–B (PACKETPATH), then press [OK].
• The display for entering characters appears; the first
digit blinks.
2Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select a character.
• You can enter 0 to 9,A to Z, , (comma), and –.
3Press [OK].
• The cursor moves to the next digit.
4Repeat steps 2 and 3 to enter up to 32 digits.
• Use a comma to separate each path segment.
• Pressing [OK] after selecting the 32nd digit completes
the programming.
• To complete programming after entering less than 32
digits, press [OK] twice.
• Each press of [ESC] causes the cursor to move
backward.
• Pressing [A/B] deletes the digit at which the cursor is
blinking.
5Press [MENU] to exit Menu mode.
You can also use the keypad to enter alphanumeric
characters in step 2. For example, each press of [TNC]
switches entry asA, B, C, then 2. Press [ENT] to switch
between , and –.
WIDE-type
RELAY-type
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1The first digipeater which receives your APRS data specifies
the entire route to the destination before forwarding; often 2
digipeaters are used in total.
2The digipeater which receives your APRS data specifies the
call sign of the next digipeater before forwarding. This is
repeated until your APRS data reaches the destination.
Let us describe five basic methods for editing a packet
path. Methods 3 to 5 are supported only by advanced
APRS networks.
Method 1 (Specific Path):
Program the call signs of one or more digipeaters in the
sequence of transfer relay; ex. “KD6ZZV,KF6RJZ”.
Method 2 (Generic Path):
Program RELAY and/or WIDE; ex. “RELAY,WIDE” (or
simply “R,W”). In this example, your APRS packet is
transferred to any RELAY digipeater near your position
first, then to any WIDE digipeater. You can also program
more than one WIDE. If you enter “WIDE,WIDE” for
example, your APRS packet will be transferred to any
WIDE near your position first, then to another WIDE.
Method 3 (WIDEN-N Path):
Program WIDEN-N, where both Ns indicate the number
of WIDE digipeaters to be used for relay. If you enter
“WIDE3-3” (or simply “W3”) for example, your APRS
packet will be relayed by three WIDEs in any direction.
Method 4 (TRACEN-N Path):
The operation is the same as WIDEN-N except that
digipeaters add their call signs to your packet before
forwarding. You may program “TRACE3-3” (or simply
“T3”) for example.
Method 5 (SSID Path):
Program a single number 1 to 15. You can easily specify
the number of digipeaters that will be used for relay. You
can also specify which directions of digipeaters relative
to your position will be used. See the table.

15
SELECTING PACKET TRANSMIT METHOD
Select the operation method for transmitting APRS data.
The table concludes how operations differ depending on
the selection:
1Access Menu 2–C (DATA TX), then press [OK].
2Press [UP]/ [DWN] to select Manual (default), PTT, or
Auto.
3Press [OK] to complete the setting.
4Press [MENU] to exit Menu mode.
Note: When using a GPS receiver, this transceiver transmits APRS data
for the first time after any NMEA data is received.
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SELECTING PACKET TRANSMIT INTERVAL
You can change the interval for automatically transmitting
APRS data. Access Menu 2–D (TX INTERVAL) and
select 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, or 30 minutes. The
default is 5 minutes.
Note:
◆ With “AUTO” in Menu 2–C and Beacon ON, pressing [OK] to
complete the setting causes the APRS data to be immediately
transmitted. After that, APRS data is transmitted at intervals of the
selected period.
◆ While signals are present, APRS data is not transmitted after the
interval. Approximately 2 seconds after signals drop, transmitting is
executed.
SELECTING PACKET TRANSMIT DELAY
If necessary, adjust the time delay between keying up of the
transmitter and the start ofAPRS data to the transmitter.
Increase this delay, for example, when recipients miss the
initial part of your packets and thus fail to decode the data.
Access Menu 2–P (TX DELAY) and select 100, 200, 300,
400, 500, 750, or 1000 msec. The default is 500 msec.
SELECTING STATUS TEXT TRANSMIT RATE
A long status text string can double the size and length of the
APRS packet. Access Menu 2–A and specify how frequently
status text is included inAPRS packets to be transmitted.
The selectable range is 1/1 to 1/8 and OFF (default). If you
select 1/3 for example, status text is included in your packets
once every 3 times; accordingly stations who receive your
packets will see your status text once every 3 times.
RESTRICTING RECEPTION OF APRS DATA
If APRS is popular in your country, you may receive too
many APRS packets for a short period. If this disturbs
your APRS activities, specify a distance from your
location. You will not receive APRS data from stations
beyond this distance. Access Menu 2–7 (POS LIMIT)
and select the range from 10 to 2500 in steps of 10, plus
OFF (default). The unit is mile or kilometer depending
on the selection in Menu 2–H (mile/km) {page 7}.
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SELECTING A DISPLAY AREA
Each time new APRS data is received, the frequency
display is interrupted. If this interruption annoys you too
much, access Menu 2–G (DISPLAYAREA) to select
“ONE LINE”. The transceiver then will not exit the
frequency display when receiving new data. It will use
the bottom of the frequency display to show an indicator
(nP or nS) and a call sign; “nP” and “nS” designate New
Position and New Status respectively {page 4}. The
default is “ENTIRE DISP”.
PROGRAMMING POSITION AMBIGUITY
There may be cases where you do not know or do not
want to report your precise locations. For position data,
you can select the number of digits not to be included in
your packets. Access Menu 2–5 (POS AMBIGU) and
select 1 to 4, or OFF (default). The table shows how the
digits will be cleared on a recipient.
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rAccess Menu 2–1 to program your call sign
(9 digits max.) {page 7}.
tIf necessary, access Menu 2–B to program a
packet path {page 13}.
yEnter a message (or bulletin) using up to 45
alphanumeric characters {page 21}.
qPress [TNC] to switch ON the TNC.
•“ ” appears.
wAccess Menu 2–M to select band Aor B as the
data band {page 3}.
eOn the data band select the same frequency as
other stations in your group.
• You may tune to the frequency of an appropriate
digipeater (144.390 MHz in the U.S.A.) {page 13}.
The APRSsupports a function for transmitting and
receiving a message independent of position reports.
You can transmit a message to a single station only or a
bulletin to all other stations in your group. If you specify
a station, the entered message is transmitted up to 5
times until an acknowledgment is returned.
Each message which you transmit can consist of up to
45 alphanumeric characters. A maximum of 16 incoming
or outgoing messages can be held in the message
memory.
OPERATION FLOW
The following steps should guide you to a good start of
APRS Message operation. Completing step ycauses the transceiver to automatically
transmit the message (or bulletin). When you send a
message (not a bulletin), an acknowledgment should be
returned; “ack0 ~ 9 (orA~ Z)” appears.
Now you are ready to receive a message from other
stations. Refer to “RECEIVING A MESSAGE” {page 19}.
To transmit a message, proceed to step t.
APRSMESSAGE