Kenwood TM-V71A
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| Frequency | 144-148 MHz, 440-450 MHz |
| TX power | 5 / 50 W |
| Modes | FM |
| Weight | 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) |
| Connector | SO-239 |
| Year | 2007 |
| antenna | SO-239 |
| dc in | 13.8VDC fused power cable |
| mic | Kenwood 8-pin modular (RJ-45 style) |
| power req | 13.8VDC (vehicle power) |
Kenwood's long-running dual-band mobile (now discontinued) and the successor to the TM-V7A. 1000 memories. Cross-band repeat. Simultaneous dual receive. EchoLink ready when paired with a computer. Simple, proven interface. The TM-V71A is the conservative choice for a dual-band mobile.
No APRS (requires the PG-5J programming cable and RC-D710 data terminal, or the TM-D710GA). No digital modes. The display is monochrome. No touchscreen. Kenwood's amateur radio commitment is uncertain.
The reliable choice. The TM-V71A does not have the APRS of the TM-D710GA or the digital voice of the Yaesu FTM-400XDR, but it is simpler, cheaper, and more reliable than either. For operators who want a dual-band mobile that just works, this is it.
The TM-V71A is the radio for people who want everything the TM-D710GA offers except the built-in APRS hardware, and at a lower price. It is a dual-band 2-meter and 70-centimeter analog FM mobile, 50 watts on both bands, sharing the same RF deck as the D710. The difference is that it has no built-in TNC: you can still do packet or APRS, but you supply an external TNC to do it.
For straight FM and repeater work it is excellent. It has 1,000 memories, a detachable and even invertible control head, EchoLink sysop mode, NOAA weather alert, and true dual receive on the same band. It earned a particularly strong reputation as a cross-band repeater, which is why many operators keep one specifically for that job. The only common gripe is a cooling fan that can be heard at full power in a quiet shack.
Kenwood discontinued it around 2021 alongside the D710GA, so it is a used buy now. If you do want APRS built in rather than bolted on, step up to the TM-D710GA; if you want a simpler older Kenwood dual-bander, the vintage TM-V7A is the predecessor.