Another theory I've heard is that Kenwood sells more radios in Japan than 
anywhere else, and the Japanese are very committed to accessibility.

Steve

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kelvin Marsh" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 19:25
Subject: Re: Rigs that take speech chip modules


> Hi Jim,
>
> I can't remember where I heard this, it could have been from Kenwood UK 
> when
> they brought me the evaluation TS-990, but I was told that Kenwood have a
> blind person close to the development team.  I'm not sure if the blind
> person is an employee or even one of the managers, but someone with a
> passion for accessibility is certainly deeply involved in the process!
>
> Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
>
> Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
>
> www.active-elements.org
>
> For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Jim Gammon
> Sent: 11 March 2014 22:31
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Rigs that take speech chip modules
>
> I have been trying to figure out why Kenwood seems to make all of
> their radios with the speech output option.  How did that become
> incorporated in the company policy? Why don't Yaesu, and Icom do
> the same thing? I for one, am happy to pay for a speech module
> that makes the rig quite usable.  I have three Kenwood rigs
> because of this feature.  73, Jim WA6EKS
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Doug and Sheilla Emerson <[log in to unmask]
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Date sent: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:15:50 -0700
> Subject: Re: i did it.
>
> Linda, you'll find that the Kenwood tmv71a is a very easy radio
> to program
> and operate.  Once you get it up and running, you'll ask
> yourself, "how did I
> get along without it." I very much enjoy mine.  More companys
> should make
> radios like that.  Enjoy your new ham gear.  God bless.  Doug,
> N6NFF
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Linda C.  Knight
> Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 10:05 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: i did it.
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi all,
>
>
>
> First, I want to thank this list for all of your imput.
>
>
>
> I just spoke to scott at universal radio and bought a nice rig
> for $604 and
> change.
>
>
>
> I bought the Kenwood TMV71A with an antenna and the VGS1 and
> power supply
> that was recommended.
>
>
>
> I won't mind telling you I am sort of nervous-as my experience
> with the 2
> meter even with mag mount was not a good one as like I said, I
> live in a
> condo complex.
>
>
>
> So hold my hand please as I wait for my mobile/base unit.
>
>
>
> Smile.
>
> Hugs and 73
>
> Linda C.  Knight & shirley
>
> CallSign: kk4hrg
>
> Please note email:
>
> [log in to unmask]
>