I'm setting up my first APRS mobile station using a Kenwood TM-D710G and getting conflicting information about path settings. The recommended path for mobiles or portable stations in North America is now WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1, but I'm seeing older documentation suggesting just WIDE2-2.

Can someone explain when to use which path? I understand the New-N paradigm was implemented to reduce network congestion, but I want to make sure I'm not causing QRM with improper path settings.

Also, should I be using different paths for stationary vs mobile operation? My QTH is in a suburban area with good digipeater coverage.

The WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1 path is correct for mobile operation. Smart TNCs are capable of determining what has already happened with the packet and can prevent redundant packet repeating within the network. This two-hop path allows your packets to reach fill-in digipeaters first, then get picked up by wide-area digipeaters for better coverage without excessive repeating.

For stationary operation, you might want to consider a shorter path or even direct operation if you're in a well-covered area. If you're a stationary object, we don't need to hear from you any more than every 15 minutes. Preferably 30 unless you're serving up weather data. Check your local APRS activity first before adding to the network.

I had the same confusion when I started! The key is understanding that WIDE1-1 hits nearby fill-in digis first, then WIDE2-1 gets you the wide coverage. Avoid the old WIDE2-2 path - it causes unnecessary network traffic. Your TM-D710G should handle the path settings perfectly once configured correctly.