Great review. I've been leaning towards the D74 to replace my current Mobilinkd+Yaesu FT-60R setup. The user-accessible TNC over Bluetooth KISS is another selling point in addition to everything you covered.

Sold my TH-D74 last year for $100 MORE than what I bought it for when it was new. Having said that, it was a really amazing radio. So many features that I used only a fraction of them. Never used 220 Mhz band. Antenna was too small to really get much out of the HF receive capability. And it lacked full duplex capability for satellite work. I have two of the older TH-D72 HTs which ARE capable of full duplex between 2 mtr and 70 cm. The TH-D74 does have audio record capability on the SD card, which the TH-D72 does not, but that alone wasn't enough to convince me to hold on to the TH-D74. So, whereas I really loved the TH-D74, I just ran out of reasons to keep it when my TH-D72 was answering all my needs. Push the TNC button and I'm working APRS. Push the TNC button again and I'm working WinLink via KISS packet. Both of these are amazing radios, but with full duplex capability, the TH-D72 is still a critical part of my communication kit.

Thanks for the review. This is a awesome HT and I get the fever to buy it every couple months BUT....My Yaesu FT60R at 1/3 the price has never failed me on over 100 mountain topping/SOTA excursions, desert hot, mountain cold, sometimes in snow and light rain. The Yaesu sounds great. I get excellent audio reports and I believe the RF on many summits would inhibit the D74 while the FT60R just works. If your licensed and interested in simplex and repeater operations the D74 is hard to justify. I have 5 Japanese Quality HTs and if I could only pick one...guess? That being said I will purchase the Kenwood soon, because why not!

My D74 has been in Kenwood service center 3 times in rapid succession over the past 3 months. No, did not transmit with it plugged into a power supply or drop it etc. Issues with slow moving A VFO/Memory and deafness. Then returned with same issue from service but that morphed into a white noise on VFO/Memory B Came back from service and seemed ok for a few days, then got weird charging logos on screen when radio was not being charged and charging lightning bolt on screen and radio had only battery installed. Genuine Kenwood batteries and drop in charger. No, radio was not plugged into wall wart and transmitted. Radio was not abused. I know many have this radio without issues, but this has been my experience.

Started out as a new ham with a Chinese radio and that I used for about four months. After that I purchased the d74 and have not look back. It is worked well for being a portable unit and also doubled up as a base station for a beginner. It has all the features to keep you learning and improving your skills. Now my question is since they have discontinued this model, will they come up with a better model in the future here!

Taking my Tech test this weekend. Buying this radio tonight..... I’ll enthusiastically “grow into it”!

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

You’ll enjoy it - just read the manual!

I wish Kenwood would bring this radio back. They told me no plans were to bring it back or even come out with a replacement.

@N4DJC

2 жыл бұрын

Not with the chip shortage. I don’t think Kenwood wants to invest in a new design until the chips they prefer are in good supply. When will that happen is anyone’s guess. The Yaesu FT-5DR is out but there appear to be some unhappy owners. There’s just nothing on the market that can compete with the 74 performance wise, even given some of its faults. The last run Kenwood made were the best built 74’s out there.

@K4SRF

2 жыл бұрын

@@N4DJC I was fortunate enough to find one of these D74, last run models on eBay. It was used for one month and re-boxed by the user. (I exchanged a few emails with him about this radio prior to purchase.) It was priced at almost $800 but gave him a 'best offer' of $625 which was accepted. I received the radio, and inspected it. It was physically in mint condition. I then programmed it and have tested it for over a week now. Works flawlessly. I even found that the Kenwood stock antenna works better than a Diamond tri-band antenna, so I am guessing that Kenwood really put their time and efforts into the design of their stock antennas.

@N4DJC

2 жыл бұрын

@@K4SRF that’s a fair price. I found the stock antenna to be very good. Don’t lose it, a replacement is over $75. My first D74 was a problem child, very loose battery fit, within a day it was dead and had to have a $280 board replaced. Thankfully, the national sales manager at Kenwood is an old friend of mine and took care of me. Mine newest one has been flawless. No issues whatsoever. I picked up two extra batteries. I only charge the battery off the radio with the drop in charger to avoid any in radio charging circuit issues just to be cautious.

Just purchased this radio (and a drop in charger) when I heard they were going to discontinued. If that turns out to be false info, no problem because I love it. Just wanted to comment on the tinny speaker. I procrastinated on the 74 because I have a Kenwood 6a. The 6a is the worst sounding HT I have and I have 12 now. True to form the 74 was on the tinny side but the receive EQ helps a whole bunch. So if you haven't already go in an play moving most of them way up. Mine now sounds almost as good as a Yaesu :). Thanks for the video.

If you don't mind my asking OM, do you know why the 2nd 4 in your display blinked at the 6:58-7:00 mark? I was thinking about this radio but I have an Icom IC-92 AD as does my YL. Just curious about that. I do like the screen. Easier to see than the 92AD.

Blue tooth connect to MCP Programming software is pretty cool as well yes its a keeper.

Totally agree with your comments 🙂

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

The biggest downside is the battery life. Thanks for watching!

@digitalanaloguehamradio

3 жыл бұрын

@@K0LWC yes that is not very good. Did you have any luck with your satellites

I had the D74A what a amazing radio I bought for 467.00 about 3 years ago but I used for 11 month but never take on of the cover or out of home is one of the best radio out there I sell it because it will get scratch easy so I got the FT3DR , FT5DR and FT70 , the FT70 is the one I use on my farmer I don’t if it get scratch but this radio is rugged getting the IC 52A soon the price drop

April 28th 2021, I recently heard that this radio has been discontinued. Is that true? I also heard that Icom can't get the necessary circuitry to manufacture the ID-52A so they're unable to market it. What's going on?

Thank you for the info. I keep watching more and more videos about not purchasing this unit if you are a new Tech. I'm new. passed the test in Sept and purchased the D74 based upon what all of you old Heads have to say about this radio and its design in Japan. What I don't hear from you guys are the reasons why a new Tech shouldn't purchase this as their first HT.

@darylnd

3 жыл бұрын

I'm a new Technician myself. I think they don't recommend the D74 for new hams for two reasons: cost and complexity. It's a fair amount of money to spend if you're not quite committed to the activity. The feature set can be overwhelming, but people tend to forget they don't have to learn it all at once. I have the Yaesu FT3D but I'm thinking of adding the D74. There are quite a few 1.25m repeaters in my area (SF Bay) but not too much by way of D-STAR: Repeater Book shows one D-STAR within 100 miles radius of my place in San Jose, and that one is 36 miles away in Concord. The D74 was in short supply due to a fire at one of Kenwood's chip suppliers in Japan, though supplies apparently bounced back enough for Kenwood to offer a rebate in March that I foolishly missed. I expect the worsening global chip supply situation to hit the radio market hard, so I'd say buy what you want now. KN6NPZ, 73.

@chrisborona5063

3 жыл бұрын

Waiting for mine to arrive. How do you like yours. ?

I can't wait for the New Kennwood D75 to come out. Some people say that $750 is a Lot of Money for a New High HT, but used D74 go for at Least $700 or More and usually more.

@arupian666

5 ай бұрын

check prices again... with the new D75 coming out, the prices of the D74 are coming down. Nickel and dimed a seller on eBay to sell me his "excellent condition" D74 for $500. When I got it, it looked unused to me. No-one is going to pay 7 bills when the D75 is just around the corner for $50 more.

Why is so good in APRS? Because shares a very important characteristic with the old brothers (TH-D7 and TH-D72). The TNC via hardware, a truly TNC. All others equipments with built-in APRS is via software. It have Bluetooth too... You can pair it with an Android phone or tablet, and use APRSDroid with no wires. And with a PC with bluetooth, can make packet radio at 1200 and 9600 bauds. Definitely, the cons are insignificant. I have a TH-D7AG (very old HT, from year 2000), and i'm very happy with it.

Thanks for the video. Would you recommend the D74 over the AnyTone 878 for a new ham? Something else?

@K0LWC

2 жыл бұрын

No. The D74 is not a good starter radio. It’s very complicated to learn. I’d look at the Yaesu FT70. Great starter radio that does analog and C4FM digital.

The D74 lcd screen scratching.,. ICOM handhelds and the other Kenwood HTs like the D72 etc.. have soft plastic screens that are easily scratched and they're not recessed so are a scratch magnet. The good news is PolyWatch or Semi-Chrome polish on a soft cotton cloth will rub the scratches out and look new again. (except for really deep scratches).

Great video!

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Dave!

Great video , would you consider this for somebody just getting there license?

@elcascarrabias8382

3 жыл бұрын

7:25 answers your question

I love my D74. Bought 2 extra batteries.

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

Smart move! That’s the biggest issue with this radio, battery life is just plain bad!

Would this be better than a Motorola T800?

Good video! I am extremely new to the radio and want to learn the software, would you be interested in teaching some valuable tips with using the MCP-D74 software? If not, all good, I am learning a bunch of this stuff and look to getting an operator license as soon as I can. Subbed.

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the sub. How can I help?

Can you clarify - Is the problem with SAT work / ISS is that it will not work well, or that it makes the process harder because of a lack of duplex?

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

It's more difficult. Many common SAT operators hate when those without duplex try and work birds because they often step on other stations.

This radios $730 now at HRO

No mention of its D-Star capabilities? that is where it shines! you should try it sometime! Love my 74! 73

@gwr2243

3 жыл бұрын

Yes they do!

No, because no service manual release till now. Some of the areas/regions have no stable dealers/distributors and also that to difficult to find out the Kenwood service center, so " no service, no warranty".

It's set on a shelf more than It's use. Yes it has aprs. No the tnc doesn’t work for real packet though. Not a simple radio, you have to change settings for everything everytime you switch modes. Hopefully the th-d75a changes all of the above!

Just passed my Extra Class today! I don’t even own a radio yet but I’m now looking for a handheld. An ARES member here in Colorado recommended AnyTone 878. It has a great price point which leaves some cash for upgrades like a longer antenna. Can anyone recommend a after market antenna for the 878? Thanks. Hopefully I’ll be on the air soon.

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

Patrick McHenry The stock antenna on the 878 is not horrible, but you can check out the Diamond RH-77CA if you want an improvement.

@skyscratcher8825

3 жыл бұрын

The N9TAX Rollup Jpole $25, no HT mounted antenna can compete. Pick up a Signal stick HT antenna $20 for walking around. This is the best combo in my opinion. I have tried ALL the name brand HT antennas!

@tradedate

3 жыл бұрын

Nagoya works great for the 878 plus. Find them on Amazon or Bridgecom systems website.

@timholtzclaw8930

3 жыл бұрын

Heard they were good too.

@chrisborona5063

3 жыл бұрын

What's best Mobil antenna for this radio?

Can you do DMR on BRANDMEISTER with this radio?

@K0LWC

Жыл бұрын

Not natively, no. You can use a hotspot to transcode your D-Star signal to DMR Brandmeister. So natively no, but with the right hardware = yes.

I think I’ll stick with my Ft3d. Cool radio though!

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

I’m in the market for an FT3D as well, no matter what my wife thinks. 😂

@froby_flingit

3 жыл бұрын

I own both the FT3DR and the Kenwood D74 Different animals for sure. I like them both. I think the FT3DR is a more rugged radio. My D74 has been problematic, lots of issues have kept it going to back to Kenwood service over the past 3 months. The FT3DR has been pretty solid. Kenwood has some better APRS features such as longer stored "Canned" messages for APRS than the FT3DR. Both nice radios Battery life on neither is great, but Kenwood is worse. Audio on FT3DR kind of wimpy.

Definitely this is terrific radio great job 73 from kb2uew

Iv just come across this video, what is it used for? I love gadgets but so confused.

@K0LWC

Жыл бұрын

It’s a ham radio walkie talkie.

thanks very good review 73 from kb2uew

thanks PA3CRL

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

No problem!

How is the D-STAR on this radio I may consider thinking about one of these as well if I can find one on the used market

@N4DJC

3 жыл бұрын

Pretty good, a little more difficult than an Icom D Star Handheld. HRO is selling a new run from Kenwood but they’re $729. They’re bringing big money used as well. But nothing beats the D74 for APRS, terrestrial or satellite. They do have shortcomings : battery life and the internal charge circuit, you really need to use the drop in desk charger. It will fully charge the battery off radio and there’s no danger of damaging the radio even if you leave the battery on the D74A.

@N9IBZED

3 жыл бұрын

@@N4DJC just for your info I talked to someone at H. R. O. Milwaukee yesterday and he said Kenwood discontinued it because the factory that made the chips gor it has burned down so at this time there are no new D-STAR handhelds on the market

@N4DJC

3 жыл бұрын

@@N9IBZED heard the same thing, the fire at AKM semiconductor factory in October was the reason. Evidently they had enough parts to make another short run but that will be it. The Icom ID-52 has started shipping again in Japan as of late February after a long delay. HRO says they are thinking we might see the 52A in June or July, but who knows?

@N9IBZED

3 жыл бұрын

@@N4DJC now that I didn't hear so maybe I might want to wait to get my new handheld till then depending on what the cost might be and use one of the apps to check out D-STAR till then

@N9IBZED

3 жыл бұрын

@@N4DJC and thanks for that info

New ham here who bought this radio. It's pretty cool, but I have NO idea what I'm doing. Also, turns out I just don't care about phone much. I am wanting to play with digital modes more, and I suspect this radio isn't going to do it for me.

@K0LWC

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it’s a confusing radio for any operator, even those with experience.

Can this receive dual band, VU, UV? DV8AW FROM PHILIPPINES 73

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, it can.

@boboywong5033

3 жыл бұрын

@@K0LWC thank you for the info, DV8AW 73

I have owned a variety of Kenwood products since 1965 and I am not shy about saying how much I hated the D74! I have a TH-F6 that’s over a dozen years old. Best. HT. Ever. I also own a Yaesu FT-70D, Fusion HT, an ICOM ID-51A, DSTAR HT, and a TYT-UV-MD380 GD77-enabled DMR HT. All three digital HTs work great, too. I paid full price for the D74 and sold it to a friend for $150. Does that tell you how eager I was to get rid of it?

@K0LWC

Жыл бұрын

Damn. That friend STOLE it from you at that price.

@N2GJ

Жыл бұрын

I know, right?!

The shame this radio has been discontinued before I could even get my hands on it and at everything I wanted to

@findtherepo9233

3 жыл бұрын

Discontinued?? So no one has them in stock anymore? I wonder why kenwood still has it on their website.

@davidaix5771

3 жыл бұрын

@@findtherepo9233 yeah GigaParts says it's been discontinued by the manufacturer on their website and there's only a couple of them on eBay and people want like $1,300 for him it's a damn shame cuz I kind of want one and I don't even have a ham license yet and I'm willing to drop $500 on it since all the features and the quality plus I live in an apartment and I really can't set up anything

The D72 and now the D74 have been discontinued by Kenwood effective 12/31/2020.

@user-jt5vm3mi1w

3 жыл бұрын

Wow does anything replace them?

@N4DJC

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-jt5vm3mi1w no, and I’m skeptical we will see anything new in the next year.

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

I’m thinking they’ll announce something this Spring.

@user-jt5vm3mi1w

3 жыл бұрын

@@K0LWC bankruptcy

@N4DJC

3 жыл бұрын

@@K0LWC there was a fire back in October at the AKM semiconductor plant in Japan that supplies a lot of the industry. If they don’t find another supplier it might be a while. Icom is affected as well. The ID-52A is delayed for that reason.

all that for 5/9 or wx. Hardly seems worth it unless of course just rig fever.

I wish there was a "for dummies" series on amature radio.

@K0LWC

3 жыл бұрын

There is! Just google it.

@kenbarbdaeful

3 жыл бұрын

Even better - Gordon West's Technician Class license preparation book.

Good comment on new hams not buying this.

@peytonbass5396

3 жыл бұрын

Nobody explains why that is the case. I just purchased this HT and passed the Tech exam in Sept. and recently purchased this rig.

@tradedate

3 жыл бұрын

@@peytonbass5396 how do you find it as a first radio? Have you been able to figure it out?

This is the voice of your wife, #1 wip out credit #2 but what ever you want , but only buy the newest ham radio. Dont worry honey the kids dont need to go to college anyways, they can work at Walmart.

I had a preorder with HRO and let it go because the lazy slobs at kenwood didn't add a bandscope. Its unacceptable for a radio at this price range not to have it. The $30 Quan Sheng I own with custom firmware (thank you Russias) now has a bandscope and can do HF receive AND transmit. The only thing the $30 modded radio can't do is transmit on SSB, but this radio can't either, its only receive and it can't even transmit on HF. All thats shows is Kenwood COULD make this radio with a bandscope and HF transmit (with SSB) but chose to just make another D74 with a USB C port, while marking it up $150 for nothing more than the now mandated European standard of USB C. Screw Kenwood.

Not $500 anymore, more like $800

Cadillac Radio? Are you used to YUGOS. This radio is abject junk. Its a dstar nightmare which is supposed to be its strong point Lets start there. This is a disingenuous review on a junk radio. Now if all you want is analog radio then its average at best. notice the KZreadr does not mention the radios extremely short battery life. Now as for audio quality, maybe this youtuber is used to listening to radios at the bottom of the ocean through string connected cans. The icoms actually let you use dstar right out of the box. Junk review.