If you can swing a little extra, consider getting the TM-D710G. It will allow operation on the APRS satellites (currently NO-84 and FS-3, but soon - hopefully, also PSAT-2 and Birds-2).
I use a D710 as my "home base", and love it. Nice being able to crank it up to 50 watts to get sub 10° contacts THROUGH TREES in my backyard (got one yesterday with K2MTS, and the sat was at about 5° though my ash trees in my backyard). Normally I operate at 10w, which is more than enough to get all the FM voice sats, including AO-85, without having to do any "arrow flipping". Adjust for best downlink only.
--Roy
K3RLD
Hello All, Is anyone using the Kenwood TM-V71A for Satellite work? I am looking for a portable station for field operations and, looking at the spec’s this radio seems to fit the bill. Anything I should know about it? Based upon this forum, I purchased the Kenwood TS-2000 for a base station, and I LOVE it! Peter, N7IY