Kenwood TM-D750A Release Date, Pricing & Feature Comparison Guide
Kenwood TM-D750A Release date could be fast approaching. Kenwood’s upcoming TM-D750A promises to reinvigorate the triband mobile market when it ships in Summer 2025, combining legacy APRS/D-STAR functionality with modern conveniences. Below is the latest information on specs, release timing, pricing expectations, and how the TM-D750A stacks up against other popular mobile rigs.
Release Date & Expected Pricing
- Ship Window: Kenwood confirmed at Hamcation 2025 that production units will begin shipping in Summer 2025, with dealer deliveries expected by late July.
- Reservation Deposit: Major U.S. retailers (e.g., Ham Radio Outlet, DX Engineering) are accepting refundable $35 deposits for first-wave allocations.
- Projected MSRP: Community polling and early dealer quotes suggest a retail price between $700 and $850. Given the TM-D710GA retailed around $530, the added 1.25 m band, built-in Wi-Fi, and upgraded display justify a 30–60~30 – 60 30–60% premium.
Key Features & Specs
- Tri-Band Coverage
- Full 50 W on 2 m (144 MHz), 1.25 m (220 MHz), and 70 cm (430 MHz)
- Integrated Networking
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth for native D-STAR access (no external adapter needed)
- USB-C for PC control and firmware updates
- APRS with KISS TNC
- On-board 1,200/9,600 bps AX.25 digipeater and iGate
- Internal GPS module and external patch antenna port
- Dual Receive
- Listen to two bands or modes simultaneously (e.g., voice + data, or two repeaters)
- High-Resolution Display
- 3.45″ color TFT with wide viewing angles
- Voice-guided prompts (900+ phrases) and customizable menus
- Remote-Head Option
- Detachable control head with built-in speaker; ideal for dash-mount installations
- Audio Quality & Controls
- Multi-step mic gain, digital noise reduction, RF/SQL adjustable filters
These enhancements make the TM-D750A ideal for both everyday mobile use and emergency communication deployments.
Comparison with Competing Mobiles
| Feature | TM-D750A | Kenwood TM-D710GA | Icom ID-5100A | Yaesu FTM-400XDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bands | 144/220/430 MHz (tri-band) | 144/430 MHz (dual-band) | 144/430 MHz (dual-band) | 144/430 MHz (dual-band) |
| Digital Voice | D-STAR (via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) | D-STAR (external Wi-Fi dongle) | D-STAR (built-in) | C4FM (System Fusion) |
| APRS/KISS TNC | Yes (1,200/9,600 bps) | Yes (1,200/9,600 bps) | D-PRS (D-STAR position reporting) | No |
| Dual Receive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display | 3.45″ color TFT | 2.7″ color TFT | 3.5″ color TFT | 2.7″ color TFT |
| Wi-Fi | Built-in | Optional dongle | No | Optional (via smartphone hotspot) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Kenwood TM-D710GA
- Strengths: Proven APRS/D-STAR performance, lower entry cost.
- Limitations: Requires external Wi-Fi adapter for D-STAR networking; no 220 MHz band.
Icom ID-5100A
- Digital Mode: Native D-STAR support (AMBE codec), with “DR” (Digital Voice + GPS) and dual-watch functionality .
- Position Reporting: Utilizes D-PRS over D-STAR (not APRS), enabling automated GPS packet transmission to D-STAR networks.
- Comparison Point: While the ID-5100A excels in seamless D-STAR reflector access and compact head design, it lacks true APRS/KISS TNC support and the 1.25 m band found on the TM-D750A.
Yaesu FTM-400XDR
- Digital Mode: C4FM with automatic ANALOG/DV switching; extensive Fusion talkgroup network.
- Networking: Relies on smartphone or hotspot for wide-area linking; no APRS.
- Trade-Off: Better Fusion ecosystem integration, but fewer native APRS or D-STAR features than the TM-D750A.
Who Should Upgrade?
- APRS Enthusiasts & Emergency Communicators
The TM-D750A’s integrated APRS digi/iGate and GPS offer out-of-the-box positioning without extra hardware—critical for public service events and EmComm vehicles. - Digital Voice Operators
D-STAR users gain Wi-Fi/Bluetooth reflector access natively, plus tri-band flexibility for less-crowded 220 MHz talkgroups. - VHF/UHF Contesters & DXers
Simultaneous dual-band monitoring and full output on three bands mean fewer missed contacts during high-speed contesting or DX hunts. - Portable/Camping Hams
The detachable head, USB-C power options, and built-in APRS make lightweight, battery-powered deployments simpler.
Final Thoughts & Reader Poll
The Kenwood TM-D750A’s combination of tri-band operation, native APRS/KISS TNC, and D-STAR networking positions it as a unique offering among today’s mobile transceivers. While the $700–$850 price range is higher than legacy dual-band models, the added 220 MHz capability and built-in connectivity may well justify the investment—especially for serious DXers, EmComm groups, and digital mode fans.
What price point would tempt you to purchase the TM-D750A immediately? Share your ideal MSRP in the comments—and tell us which feature you’re most excited about!