Google Trends - Chinese Radios

Just messing around with Google Trends... any other interesting comparisons or surprises?

AnyTone AT-3318UV-A

I had not seen much from Ed at Import Communications. Now I know why. He is ending his relationship with Wouxun. He is selling off his current inventory of the Wouxun KG-UV6D for $109.95 (inc free AA Pack).

And for his next big announcement, he is introducing a line of AnyTone radios - the AT-3318UV. (Astute readers will recall that Buddy asked me what I knew about this radio in July. My answer was not much.) I suspect these will become more popular just because of the visibility that Ed will bring to it.

First off is the AT-3318UV-A for $99.95:

• 6 Watts VHF
• 5 Watts UHF
• 136-174 MHz & 420-520 MHz & FM Broadcast
• Wide Band & Narrow Band
• 2.5 kHz tuning step for splinter frequencies
• 5/Tone encode and decode
• 199 Channels with Alpha Tags
• Squelch level adjustable for each channel
• Squelch tail elimination
• CTCSS that really works - when scanning channels, radio will stop ONLY when CTCSS tone is present
• VFO Scanning - frequency limits can be set for both VHF & UHF
• Channel Scanning - scanned channels can be ADDED or REMOVED via the keypad
• Frequency Reverse button - exchanges TX & RX frequencies
• Talk Around button - sets TX frequency to repeater's output frequency
• Programmable by computer
• EASY to manually program
• Keypad totally lockable to meet FCC Part 90 requirements

There is a Yahoo Group setup for the AT-3318UV.

I'll post more as I learn more.

Extending Frequencies & Warranty Support

Ed on unlocking and warranty support:

"Is unlock software really needed for the 6D? I know the models I sell are factory set for various ranges and sold at varying prices. Unlock software is not available for the 6D radio and I hope it stays that way. When Jim started working on Commander for the 6D, I personally asked him to leave out the unlock feature. I often get "warranty" request only to find bricked radios with RX & TX set for foolish ranges like 0-999 MHz for both VHF and UHF. China gives practically NO warranty support, so all this comes out of the pocket of the dealers. I hope unlock software for the 6D never makes it to the public because it's been a pain in the rear for the other models.

Regards,
Ed Griffin
www.Wouxun.US"

I understand his point, but I would think he should just have a policy that trying to extend the usable frequencies voids the warranty. It might make some people mad, but those are the people he probably doesn't really want as a customer anyway.

RT Systems Advanced Radio Programming Software

I know it comes with a cable, but $50 is expensive when you could just use CHIRP to cover the basic programming functions.

Powerwerx New Item: RT Systems Advanced Radio Programming Software for KG-UV3D. Many improvements over the factory software! bit.ly/JCB6Sn Fri, May 25 17:22:20 from web

Powerwerx New Item: RT Systems Advanced Radio Programming Software for KG-UV6X. Many improvements over the factory software! bit.ly/KRq6j8 Sun, May 27 17:50:05 from web

Wouxun KG-UV6D: FCC Update

There are some new entries on the FCC site for Quanzhou Wouxun Electronics Co., Ltd. (Go the the FFC site here and type WVT for Wouxun in the "Grantee Code" field to see all the files.) I was hoping to see a new entry for the KG-UV920R, but, alas, no. Looks like they want all models of their radios to share the same FCC ID. From the cover letter:

"We declared, added models KG-UVD1P, KG-UVD1P V2, KG-UV2D, KG-UV2D V2, KGUV3D, KG-UV3D V2, KG-UV5D, KG-UV5D V2, KG-UV6D V2, KG-UV6D-E, KG-UV6D-A, KG-UV6D-R, KG-UV6X, KG-UV7D, KG-UV7D V2, KG-UV8D, KG-UV8D V2, KG-UV9D, KG-UV9D V2, KG-UVA1, KG-UVA1 V2, KG-UVA2, KG-UVA2 V2 basis of the original models KG-UV6D. These models are identical circuit, PCB LAYOUT to the original model, only the appearance and name are different. All models sharing the same FCC ID without permissive change would be electrically identical."

Wouxun KG-UV6D: Three New Versions

Three new versions - exclusively from Ed at Import Communications:

ALL VERSIONS FEATURE:

• 199 Memory Channels
• RPT Button*
• Lockable S/D Button**
• Tuning Knob functions when Keypad is locked
• IP55 (Dust and Water Jets rating)
• Uses all the same accessories as the other Wouxun dual band radios
• Uses the same antenna connector as other Wouxun models. (Not all 6D's are like this)

*When in Frequency Mode, the RPT button will quickly cycle through SIMPLEX, +OFFSET, -OFFSET, +REVERSE and -REVERSE to access repeaters. It can also be programmed for other functions.
** With the radio in "single display" mode, and with the Keypad, MENU and S/D buttons locked, the end user will only be able to turn the radio on/off, change channels and talk. This is perfect for the non-radio user. Nothing they do will get them lost in menu-land.

VERSIONS ARE DETERMINED BY FREQUENCY RANGE & TUNING STEP

KG-UV6D-2.5 (full range coverage for public service) $175.00

• 2.5 Khz Tuning Step - compliant with new FCC rules for Land Mobile Service
• TX & RX - 136-174 & 420-520 (frequency range can not be changed by owner)

KG-UV6D-IC1 (full range receive, ham band transmit) $140.00

• 5 Khz Tuning Step - the standard for Amateur Radio
• RX - 136-174 & 420-520
• TX - 144-148 & 420-520 (frequency range can not be changed by owner)

KG-UV6D-IC2 (full range coverage for ham, MARS, public service) $150.00

• 5 Khz Tuning Step - the standard for Amateur Radio
• TX & RX - 136-174 & 420-520 (frequency range can not be changed by owner)

Wouxun KG-UV6D: Software Bug II

Ed provided the warning and now he provides an updated version that will prevent the software from opening the problematic files:

Description : Latest software for KG-UV6D. This version will not open .tw
files created by other versions of Wouxun software. THOSE OLDER .TW FILES WILL
DAMAGE THE KG-UV6D RADIO.

Wouxun KG-UV6D: Software Bug

Ed provided this warning on the Wouxun KG-UVD1 Yahoo Group:

"Here is what I know to be factual at this time. Since this is a newly discovered problem, the details may change as time goes by.

I want to make everyone aware of a potential problem with the KG-UV6D model, more specifically, the programming software for the KG-UV6D. If you know a 6D owner please make them aware of this.

When using the programming software for the 6D, DO NOT begin with a .tw file that was created and saved with previous versions of Wouxun software. These older files contain information THAT WILL DAMAGE the KG-UV6D radio if written to it. Even opening and modifying one of these older .tw files will still cause damage if written to the radio. Always begin programming a 6D with a blank file or one that was created and saved with KG-UV6D software.

A solution to this problem is being worked on and I will post any information I receive. At this time, it's not known if damaged radios will be able to be recovered via software, but hopefully that will be the case.

Regards,
Ed
www.Wouxun.US"

Emphasis is mine for a critical point. Let's see how Wouxun responds. All companies have problems. Good companies strengthen relationships by ignoring cost and focusing on the customer as they provide a solution.

Win a KG-UV6D from AmatuerRadio.com and Import Communications

All you need to do is enter a comment on this post and you will be in the mix for a Wouxun KG-UV6D Dual-Band HT given away by AmateurRadio.com and Import Communications.

US Hams only - sorry to our international friends!

Wouxun and Baofeng Group Buy

Anyone interested in a group buy of the Wouxun or Baofeng should meander over to the World Wide DX forum.

Wouxun KG-UV6D: Expensive

Main Trading Company has the Wouxun KG-UV6D Dual Band radio, but it is $183. That still seems really high given the limited changes from the previous models. I will be curious to see what Ed's starting price is.

Baofeng UV-3R and Wouxun KG-UV6D

Looks like Hawaii Radio Sales (aka NH7QH Radio Supplies aka Baofeng-UV3R.us) will soon have the Baofeng UV-3R Mark II. They have added it to their web site and listed it at $60.00.

Wouxun.us also has a couple of updates:

KG-UV6D with 2.5 tuning steps and other new features in stock in mid October.  Special introductory price announced soon.

New Baofeng UV-3R with Dual Display will begin shipping October 11, order now.  All colors available.  Colored shells also available.

Looks like we'll have plenty of items to pick from for Christmas!

KG-UV6D: Coming to America

Well, it is actually already here. Here being Power Werx. I listed the specs when it was announced that it was coming to Australia, but you can get them on the Power Werx link, too.

The key:

"The KG-UV6D is a compact, high-performance dual band handheld commercial transceiver providing up to 5 Watts of RF power on VHF and 4 Watts on UHF, along with high audio output (500 mW).

Ideal for Fire, Police, FEMA, CAP, security patrols, business communications, schools, construction crews, universities, and other organizations that have FCC licensed frequencies. 2.5 step for FCC 2013 narrowband compliance. FCC Part 90 certified"

Thanks to commenter Chris for the tip.

KG-UV6D: Coming soon to Australia

So are the Aussies ahead of the game? Andrews Communications Systems has the KG-UV6D on their site with an estimated shipment of August 20.

He lists the specs as:

Superior crossmodulation, intermodulation rejection and strong signal performance guarantees far less received interference compared to all other amateur radios!
Commercial quality and commercial performance, too!
Excellent 0.18uV sensitivity across the 2m and 70cm bands
5W output 144-148MHz (2m), 4W output 430-450MHz (70cm)
High/low output power levels
128 memory channels
Digital FM broadcast band radio
Dual or single frequency display
Dual watch receive; continually checks VFO A and VFO B freqs. Each VFO accepts VHF or UHF
Priority scan in VFO mode and memory channel mode
Dual (V/U) squelch set levels
Dual repeater offsets selectable
Multi-function scanning
Single key for repeater reverse
Repeater offset; 0-69.950MHz
Voice annunciation
CTCSS rx/tx included (50 groups).
DTMF encode included!
DCS (105 groups)
VOX function
7 frequency steps selectable
Battery save mode
Busy channel lockout selectable
Low battery voice prompt
VFO or computer programmable
Wire cloning function
Includes Li-ion 1300mA/h @ 7.4V battery and AC charger
Optional accessories (in blue) just arrived in latest shipment...
Speaker-mic A$29
Li-ion 1300mA/h battery A$29
USB-only programming cables A$29 each (inc. mini-CD)
Car cig. lighter charger A$12
SMA-F to UHF-F (SO-239) adaptor A$15
"AA" battery dry cell case A$15
Leatherette carry case A$19.

KG-UV6D: Evolution of the KG-UVD1P

Ed at Wouxun.us has had a note published for a long time (see pic below) that "2.5 KHz Tuning Step Soon To Be Added." And, now Steve, the moderator of the Wouxun Yahoo group, has this to say:

"Wouxun seems to be finalizing an enhanced version of the KG-UVD1p, a KG-UV6D. The current UV 2 and 3 models are generally considered as slight variations of the UVD1p model including slight case cosmetics and/or a software feature or two. Having a chance to see the draft manual of the new model a couple features come to mind. The KG-UV6D, among other features, includes the 2.5khz frequency step, 199 channels, and boot up message ability. The case form factor is very similar to the current model.

I am not certain of the expected release or availability dates for this new version. Perhaps one of the "Ed's" wants to chime in."

Emphasis is mine to point out the changes. Anyone surprised that we would see this before the mobile?