Using a Kenwood TH-D72A HT to send and receive email via APRS

There are several ways to send an email using the APRS network. In these examples I am using a Kenwood TH-D72A HT radio that has a built in TNC but you can certainly use this information to send emails using whatever APRS setup that works for you. Even if you don't have any APRS iGates in your area, you can wait to send it when the ISS is to be flying overhead and send it through the space station! There's ways to even update your twitter feed this way.

The methods here are to send a message from the APRS network to an email address

  • EMAIL
  • EMAIL-2
  • SAMAIL
  • WLNK-1
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Charged up the battery and here's a quick start guide to start using GPS and sending APRS beacons

I plugged the HT into the supplied wall charger included with the radio and left it overnight. Now I want to start having some fun. I will be using either MCP-4A or Chirp software to program local repeaters, simplex, FM sat frequencies, but before that I want to turn it on and tune into some APRS. If you follow these steps outlined from a new (or reset) TH-D72 radio you will be able to send out APRS beacons in only a few minutes.

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I just purchased a new Kenwood TH-D72A HT, here's some basic info

I compiled some firmware/software/mods/etc together to get you up and running with this radio.

After trying to pick one up on eBay for the past 3 month or so, losing every auction, I finally gave in a purchased a brand new one from Ham City https://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/home.asp. Paid $429 and was on my doorstep in just a few days. I'm usually pretty good at winning eBay auctions but for whatever reason I could not get a used one at the price I was looking for. I tried bidding early, bidding late, sniping last few seconds...lost....every one. 3 months of aggravation, I realized I was meant to pay full retail for this radio. Brand new out of the box, here's some basic info.

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2014 Illinois and surrounding areas Hamfests schedule.

A compiled list of local area amateur radio hamfests for 2014 for Mchenry, Lake, Cook, Kane and other surrounding counties in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Hamfests can typically range from a small outdoor flea market style with only a handful of seller tables packed with boxes of junk found in their basement to a huge indoor/outdoor venue with a goldmine of antique radios, manufacturers selling brand new stock at discount pricing, every electronic part to fill in the gaps for your next project, antennas, coax and connectors, old and new radios, computers and anything thing else that can be useful in your ham shack. The larger venues also can include food, raffles, and door prizes. Parking and admission varies but is usually very affordable. Just like your typical flea market, prices on equipment vary across the board and deals are typically to be had at the crack of dawn.

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