Kenwood TM-D700a Review
Another Dual Band, Cross band repeater.
Like the FT-8800r I reviewed earlier this radio can do all of that and more. There is an integrated TNC, with GPS decoder module. This means you can do APRS with nothing more than the Radio, and a GPS. Really kinda cool stuff.
As for using the TM-D700A. Being primarily a Yaesu guy, it took some getting used to the menu system.
the display hands down destroys the 8800R. The controls are actually easier to use, and are all backlit making night time operating MUCH easier.
I only have 2 complaints regarding the D700.
1) It supports V/V. V/U, and U/U operating (left and right side bands) The Yaesu, and Icom IC-2720h both support… V/V, V/U, U/V, and U/U it likely wouldn’t make any difference, until you’ve gotten used to putting your 440 repeater on the left side, and your 2m repeater on the right. Nitpicking? sure. but still a complaint.
2) The Mic. It’s a giant slab, It sounds nice sure, but common man! This is the 21st century.
If I could go back and do it all again? I’d seriously consider owning TWO TM-D700a Radios rather than 1 Kenwood and 1 FT-8800R
