Kenwood TH-D75 Review: Was It Worth Buying?

Why Did I Buy the Kenwood TH-D75? Should I Have Not?
Author: Hasan Bahadır Koca (TA7HBK) – This content is republished with attribution.

Did I make a mistake by buying the Kenwood TH-D75, and is it really reasonable to spend this much money on a handheld transceiver? In this article, I want to share the answers to these questions based on my own experience. As a beginner amateur radio operator, I first used a Baofeng UV-82 and then a Quansheng UV-K6. However, as my interest in APRS grew, I started looking for a more advanced radio that supports this feature. After encountering several limitations, I consulted more experienced amateur radio operators around me and received feedback such as “you can’t do these things with toy radios.” This led me to decide on purchasing a more serious device. I was torn between the Yaesu FT5D and the Kenwood TH-D75, and ultimately chose the TH-D75 due to its HF listening capability and the fact that Kenwood has a long-standing background in APRS technology.

After using the device, I realized that while it comes with many impressive features, it also has some frustrating drawbacks. The most significant one is battery performance. Even with all additional features turned off, the battery lasts only about one and a half days, and with active use, this drops to just a few hours. As you continue using the radio, you become more impressed by its capabilities, but at the same time, you find yourself needing to charge it almost every night like a smartphone. If you have another radio with you, you may even choose to turn off the TH-D75 to conserve battery life.

One of the features I appreciate the most is its true 5W output power. Many handheld radios on the market are advertised as 10W, but in reality, they deliver much lower effective power due to high SWR values and harmonic losses. According to FCC regulations, harmonics must be at least 43 dB below the main signal, and many low-quality radios fail to meet this requirement. The Kenwood TH-D75, on the other hand, passes these standards and provides a stable and genuine 5W output.

APRS performance is one of the strongest aspects of this device. Kenwood’s experience in this field is clearly noticeable. The radio performs exceptionally well in both transmitting and receiving APRS data. It can store up to 50 APRS status packets and 50 messages, and thanks to its digipeater capability, it can retransmit packets from nearby stations. Additionally, with microSD card support, it is possible to record conversations in .wav format and play them back directly on the device. The ability to record and transmit voice messages over the air is also highly practical, especially for frequently repeated calls, saving both time and effort.

Another notable feature is the ability to send Morse code directly from the device, which can be useful not only in emergency situations but also for operators who enjoy CW communication. The inclusion of USB-C charging is a modern advantage, although the lack of fast charging support is a downside. The radio is also capable of receiving HF bands, supports true dual-band monitoring, and includes Bluetooth functionality for data transfer, making it technically very capable.

On the negative side, battery life remains the biggest disappointment. Since the dual receivers operate on separate circuits, power consumption increases significantly. In power-saving mode, the device periodically checks the receivers, which can result in missing the beginning of transmissions. The absence of a crossband repeater function is another notable limitation. Additionally, despite having USB-C, the lack of fast charging, the loose battery fit, the absence of automatic screen backlight activation during transmissions, and the tightly packed buttons can negatively affect usability. Bluetooth connectivity issues, the lack of detailed battery indicators, and the absence of recent firmware updates are also among the drawbacks. The lack of updates is particularly noticeable, especially when coming from devices like Quansheng, where software improvements are more frequent.

When evaluating all these pros and cons, it may seem like the negatives outweigh the positives on paper. However, in terms of actual user experience, the device delivers a premium feel. The speaker and microphone quality are excellent, the PTT response is satisfying, and the overall build quality feels solid. This radio can almost be compared to a stylish wristwatch worn with a suit. It may not be the most practical choice for rugged outdoor use, but in an urban environment, it stands out as a powerful and elegant device. For amateur radio operators who are more active in city environments, it can be a very satisfying choice.

Finally, using accessories such as portable power banks becomes almost essential with this device. Solutions like a Baseus 30W PD power bank or an Anker 18W mini power bank can significantly improve daily usability. As additional accessories like fast charging docks and spare batteries become more available, the overall experience is likely to improve further.

I hope everyone can get their dream radio as soon as possible and enjoy using it.

73 de TA7HBK – Hasan Bahadır KOCA