The New HT is here! The new HT is here!
Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2024 12:20 am
I purchased a Kenwood TH-D75 a few weeks ago and now it's in my grubby little mitts. I didn't get the chance to buy a second TH-D74 as a backup, so this is the next best thing.
So far, it's almost exactly like the TH-D74. Physically it's a little larger by a millimeter or so but won't feel too off. The volume ring is shorter on it that the D74, probably to keep from bumping it.
My first issue came up when I tried importing all of my frequencies over from the D74 to the D75. If you use Windows, use Kenwood's new virtual COM port file to ensure your PC recognizes that your radio is a radio and not just a USB device. If you used the old MCP-74 software to manipulate your radio's memory, you will need to upgrade to the MCP-75 software. The D74 saves information as .d74 files and the D75 does not read them, it only reads .d75 files. Thankfully the new software is backwards-compatible and you can convert .d74 files to the .d75 standard. It isn't as easy to clone settings as I would have liked, but the problem is fixed.
It comes with a KNB-75LA battery, but can still use the old KNB-75L batteries. It also uses the same charging cradle and accessories, which is nice.
Once I get a chance to work outside with it I'll try running APRS. It should be the same as the D74. Overall, I'm happy I have a good backup to my old radio.
So far, it's almost exactly like the TH-D74. Physically it's a little larger by a millimeter or so but won't feel too off. The volume ring is shorter on it that the D74, probably to keep from bumping it.
My first issue came up when I tried importing all of my frequencies over from the D74 to the D75. If you use Windows, use Kenwood's new virtual COM port file to ensure your PC recognizes that your radio is a radio and not just a USB device. If you used the old MCP-74 software to manipulate your radio's memory, you will need to upgrade to the MCP-75 software. The D74 saves information as .d74 files and the D75 does not read them, it only reads .d75 files. Thankfully the new software is backwards-compatible and you can convert .d74 files to the .d75 standard. It isn't as easy to clone settings as I would have liked, but the problem is fixed.
It comes with a KNB-75LA battery, but can still use the old KNB-75L batteries. It also uses the same charging cradle and accessories, which is nice.
Once I get a chance to work outside with it I'll try running APRS. It should be the same as the D74. Overall, I'm happy I have a good backup to my old radio.