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2 APRS OPERATIONS written by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
TM-D710A/E CONTENTS 7
• Mobile Digipeating: The new TM-D710A/E Kenwood mobile has additional features to help
local sysops manage the local APRS network. Each transceiver now has front panel access to
the digipeater function so that it can be turned on and off as needed to match the local situation.
In addition, each TM-D710A/E is pre-configured to serve automatically as a TEMPn-N
digipeater in support of emergency operations when a user is having difficulty accessing the
existing WIDEn-N network.
• Voice Operating Frequencies: The most important new feature of the new TM-D710A/E
transceiver is the recognition of the value of operator frequency as a fundamental local
communications parameter. Not only does the transceiver automatically include its own
operator frequency in every position packet, it also has a new display column to display that
information as it is collected from other similar operators. Further, the transceiver can tune to
these frequencies for a quick QSO with a single press of the TUNE Button.
• EchoLink, IRLP and WinLink Frequencies: In addition to all other stations, information and
objects, the new TM-D710A/E can automatically tune to nearby EchoLink, IRLP or WinLink
frequencies with the push of a single button. If the packets for these local objects contain the
frequency of these nodes, then the TM-D710A/E TUNE button will QSY instantly if needed.
• Voice Alert: Voice alert is like a 3rd simultaneous radio channel on the Kenwood APRS
transceivers. It acts like an intercom channel for all APRS operators to be able to quickly raise
another nearby APRS voice alert station by a simple direct voice call. Although this “3rd”
intercom channel appears to be independent of the data channel and voice channel, it is simply
the sharing of the data channel for data and seldomly-made voice calls by separating them with
CTCSS tones. All network data on the APRS channel is transmitted without CTCSS tones, and
so the TONE squelch can be used to silence the speaker of all packet noise, yet still provide a
voice simplex calling channel between APRS operators if needed. The APRS CTCSS tone is
100 Hz. Refer to section 6.1.6.2 Receiving QSY Information.
2.5 APRS in the Field
The photo below shows the typical APRS set up in the field at an event. This station can be used
to not only show other personnel at the checkpoint the tactical situation, but it keeps the APRS
operator at this site informed.
Figure 2-3 Field Setup for APRS