Impact and Perception

I posted about the Wouxun problem.
Hans posted about the Wouxun problem.
Matt posted about the Wouxun problem.
David posted about the Wouxun problem.
It is making the rounds on the Yahoo Group.
It is making the rounds on the forums like eHam.net, QRZ, and AR-15, CalGuns.net.
[ EDIT TO ADD: ] The QRPer posted about the Wouxun problem.


That's in less than 24 hours. I know we don't represent a huge part of the total internet, but for the Chinese radios, we are what I like to call a non-trivial number. Wouxun had a huge lead on the other manufacturers. The KG-UV920R was a disappointment. Losing the guy that bought these radios to the US market is another step back. Culture issue? Poor management? Inability to manufacture? With alternatives like Baofeng, AnyTone, and a multitude of others, more problems or perceived problems* will make them go the way of AOL.

* Especially considering the price increases as they became more popular. My first Wouxun was less than $110.

Lots of Radios

I've posted about a lot of radios...


AnyTone
AT-5888UV / AT-588UV

Baofeng
BF-F9
BF-F8
F-11
UV-3R
UV-5R
UV-B5

Baojie
BJ-UV55

Chierda
CD-UV55

Hong Litong
HL-UV8R

Hora
HR-76D

HYS
TC-UV55

INTEK
HR-2040

Kirisun

KYD
NC-5H
NC-UV90A
UV-5H

MYT
MYT-Q1
MYT-Q2

Nanfone
NF-369

NKT
NKT-R3
NKT-R5

Puxing
PX-888K

Quansheng
TG-K4AT(UV)
TG-Q5 (Lucky Stone)
TG-UV2

Ronson
UV-8R

Shi Ying
SR-31

SMP
SMP698

TYT
TH-9000
TH-9800
TH-F8
TH-UVF1
TH-UV3R
TH-UVF9

Vero Telecom
UV-E5
UV-X5
VR-2200

Waccom
WUV-6R

Wouxun
KG-UVD1P
KG-UV920R / KG-UV920P
KG-UV6D
KG-UV2D

Wouxun KG-UV920R: $280

moleculo The Wouxun KG-UV920R VHF/UHF mobile is now available at universal radio for $280. Wouxun must have backed off their stupid high price #hamrFri, Dec 21 17:23:56 from TweetDeck

KYD NC-UV90A: Dual Band Mobile

Oh boy. Another one... KYD (Kydera) NC-UV90A. I am guessing Hans pulled his information from some of the Alibaba pages. He says it is expected next month. I do not see anything about it on the KYD site. (You can go to http://cnkyd.cn/en/ or http://www.century-comm.com/en.)

At least they started with "A," so we can increment in a predictable pattern as they release bug fixes - unlike the KG-UV920R and its successor the KG-UV920P! And maybe they won't have to toss in an extra 8 like the Anytone AT-5888UV. Could this even mean the Chinese are learning lessons about putting out a quality unit the first time?

I had posted about some KYD HTs in the past, but they never seemed to gain much traction. In fact, I see that the Yahoo Group for those radios no longer exists. They do have some radios listed on the FCC site (FFC ID: VO6).

Wouxun KG-UV920R: Relationships

I e-mailed a US dealer and asked if they would be selling the updated KG-UV920P. They replied that they would not sell the KG-UV920P if it was the best radio in the world. And they included the following to emphasize their point:

Being low cost and having a good product are important if you want to be a successful company, but they aren't the only things. Wouxun should want their re-sellers being evangelists for their products.

Wouxun KG-UV920R: KG-UV920P

Hans follows up his day one review of the KG-UV920P with some more information in Part II. He adds some pictures and a wish-list for furthur improvements, but closes with the following comments:

"The strongest point of the Wouxun KG-UV920P is the quality of the receiver. On the frequencies that matter this receiver does what it’s supposed to do. And it better be good – we lost all those RX bands we originally drooled over."

And

"Wouxun finally competes with the big three."

Wouxun KG-UV920R: KG-UV920P

Hans got the new sample and his first tests for the version P (KG-UV920P) has got him excited - no problems with second or third harmonics on 2M or 440 and the rotary encoder problems are gone.

It is such a shame that these things start out so bad. I think the marketing teams get too far a head of engineering and manufacturing.

Anytone AT-5888UV: PD0AC Review

I noticed that Dale sold out of the radios in three hours this week. I saw this morning that Ed has more of the rigs for sale and then I saw the review from Hans. Please go to his site to read the entire review.

First, Ed reports these changes:

- Updated Microphone -- Added a built-in speaker in mic's front & a switch to defeat the Channel Up/Down button (which was easy to accidently hit). This switch was also supposed to lock all buttons on the mic, but not sure about that yet.
- Bracket for mounting detachable control head.
- Updated Firmware -- Several menu functions have been added. See the owner's manual for all functions.
- FCC Part 90 Certified -- ID # T4K-5888UV

The first item may address one of the concerns in Hans' review regarding the buttons, but I don't think it would change his conclusion:

"If I may be blunt: many flaws are impossible to live with. If I transmit, I want to be heard. If I listen, I don’t want to be annoyed by noise, distortion and high pitched tones."

He even goes on to recommend the Wouxun at this point:

"If I would like to own a Chinese mobile radio, I’d rather put my money in an improved version of the Wouxun KG-UV920R."

I think this reminds us, as it certainly is not news, that the Chinese process for design and manufacturing is to roll out models as quickly as possible, let the early adopters identify problems, and then fix the problems in subsequent releases.

KG-UV920R: CheapHam.com

CheapHam.com says they will have a new version of the KG-UV920R on (or around) Monday, Oct 29. (The link says 26th, but text on the page says 29th.) This version will have 2.5K steps. I wonder if there will be other improvements. And, oh, they are pricing it at $289 USD.

Wouxon KG-UV920R: Review by Hans (PD0AC)

Hans reviews the KG-UV920R. His conclusion:

"The KG-UV920R isn’t a bad radio, but for €299.00 I expect it to be as good as the competition. That’s not the case – yet. If the described problems are solved, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one."

Check out his review for his reasoning. Sounds like a couple of fixes and a price reduction and it could still be the radio we were all hoping for.

Wouxun KG-UV920R: FCC ID

The KG-UV920R is now in the FCC database.

FCC ID: WVTWOUXUN09

Wouxun KG-UV920R: Wouxun Reviews the KG-UV920R

Wouxun reviews the Wouxun KG-UV920R... and no surprise, they like it!

Review for KG-UV920R 

��Review for the First Homemade Dual Band Mobile Radio KG-UV920R

Concerning about WOUXUN, the Dual Band Handheld KG-UVD1 was highly impressed by
the most of the national hams, which is the first Dual Band Handheld in China
and had been successfully upgraded to the complete version KG-UVD1P. KG-UVD1P is
regarded as the Dual Band Handheld with the best performances currently, even
though the price is a little higher than other domestic brands. Most of the
national hams happily accept it because of its quality, considering KG-UVD1P a
sound investment.

KG-UVD1P commands a very good market not only nationally but also all over the
world. It is publicly recommended and reviewed by Amateur Radio Magazines
oversea. There were many foreign hams attending in the SEANET International
Conference in Shanghai in 2010, showing the great interests in this transceiver.
They got it because of its competitive price and strong features. Quanzhou
Wouxun Electronics Co., Ltd. is the leading manufacturer for the Dual Band
Handhelds in China. As developments continues, there are more and more
manufacturers for the Dual Band Handhelds, however, the Dual Band Mobile Radio
is still in vacancy. It is heard that WOUXUN started developing a Dual Band
Mobile Radio, and got the Radio Transmission Equipment Type Approval Certificate
by the National Radio Management Mechanism. However, we had been waiting for its
official marketing until 2012. All products of WOUXUN are strictly manufactured
according to the national requirements. It is highly appreciated and responsible
for them to be proactive to apply for the Type Approval. As all known, the radio
equipment with the Type Approval is much easier for the National Hams to apply
for the legitimate license. The CMIIT ID for the mobile radio KG-UV920R is
2010FP6596.

The WOUXUN transceivers not only Handhelds but especially the new mobile are
consistently with the unique appearance and the high-end designing concept. We
are lucky to get the sample to test and evaluate at the first time. Hereby, I
would love to share the review for the new mobile radio KG-UV920R with you all
as followings.

KG-UV920R is advertised the DUAL slogan, Dual Band, Dual Display, Dual Receive,
Dual Speaker, Duplex Cross-Band Repeat, Dual Control Interface. In summary,
KG-UV920R is a mobile radio with the Dual Band, Dual Display, Dual Frequency and
Dual Output.
Appearance& Designment
WOUXUN KG-UV290R is designed with the standard size for vehicle units, while the
size is 140*44*27mm and the volume is almost the same as FT-8800R/TM-V71A.
KG-UV920R is integrated with the detachable front panel from the radio body, and
the separate installation is able to one-line available, which means that the
Head line, the microphone cord and the speaker audio line are collected together
to one connecting cable of the radio body. There are flat and inclined
selectable for the front panel, while the inclined switchboard panel is the
standard package which is easier for the users to read and operate on the
inclined control panel when laying it on the vehicle units. The inclined
switchboard panel was used on Marantz GX3000 before and got the sound
impression. I love this designment, as the old mobile radios were used as fixed
station with the flat switchboard panel, and you had to use an extra mobile
mounting bracket to have a inclined view from the flat panel. This cute
designment is helping KG-UV9230R to be more brilliant and substantial solid, not
necessary to incline the radio body.

It is sweety for WOUXUN to offer the mobile mounting bracket for installing the
separated radio body and the long extension cable as the standard accessories.
The connection cable uses the one with eight cores, of which the connector uses
the RJ45 PLUG easy for the Hams to transform. One more reminder that the line
sequence of the KG-UV920R connection cable is not the simple straight-through
and I suggest that the guys who love DIY read the instruction in page 10 of the
user manual about making a professional connection cable for this transceiver.

WOUXUN KG-UV920R is created to structure with the cast aluminum, so the bottom
is easy to cool down the radio. There is a special devise that there are four
standing legs around four sides to make the whole body a little spare better for
the air moving. KG-UV920R is workable on high power transmission, so it is very
necessary for the radio to be configured with a cooling fan at the back of the
radio body.

This transceiver uses a 20mm fan on 12V 0.15A , much thicker than other brands,
to ensure that there is strong wind power. The fan uses the standard connector
with the main body, so it is convenient for the users to change new ones if
necessary. There is not much noise from the working fan, and it can link with
the PTT. Normally, the fan is working on condition that the transceiver
transmits, so it help the noise state in standby and keep the fan life. One more
feature of this fan is that the fan will automatically work if the temperature
is exceeding requirement even though the transceiver is not transmitting. You
should turn on the Over-temperature Detection in MENU 37 ahead, especially when
it is used in a hot workplace and high-load work. An intimate idea.

It is apparent to see that this transceiver is structured with two independent
speakers, one is big and one is a little smaller. I did detach this transceiver
and find that there are indeed two ultra-thin speakers. However, I guess they
are too close to make clear reception channels for both sides. There are
actually three speakers, two speakers structured on the radio body and another
one structured on the hand mic. The audio output from the hand mic is commonly
used in the professional mobile radios at the early stage, and it highlights its
benefits during the multi-vehicle radios and the remote separated installation.
There are three I/O connectors on the radio body, the hand mic connector on the
front panel, the PC connector by side and the double external speaker jack.
There are rubber cover to prevent from the duct and other small things. The PC
connector uses the RJ45 PLUG, which is able for the programming and connecting
two mobile radios for the offset repeating on the same band.

There are some creativities for the front panel on this transceiver. Firstly,
the large LCD screen, combining the charactor lattice with the preset symbol,
better than the traditional preset eight symbols and the M word strokes, even
though there is still a certain gap compared with the high density full lattice
screen on the imported high-end mobile radios. Secondly, there are three colors
selectable for the backlight, white, light blue and green. It is set in MENU 18,
MENU 19 and MENU20 relatively for the transmit, standby and receive mode. You
can set different colors respectively for the different work modes, so that you
can tell it easily. In addition, there are indicators accordingly. Thirdly, the
keys are used the hard plastic material and shined with the white backlight,
which is easy for the insufficient light. Moreover, the composite knob to adjust
the volume for two reception channels. I had thought it was for the volume and
squelch but actually it surprised me a lot. There is also the Chanel/Frequency
knob, but it is a little small because of the little space.

The hand mic of KG-UV920R is using a classical appearance and bulky size, which
integrates ultra-thin speaker and balances innerly, which make it a nice touch
and professional. The two ends of the spring wire are crystal and are easy to
swiftly change. The users can order the special length of the mic wire if
necessary. WOUXUN puts the hand mic(the one with the keyboard) as the standard
accessory, whereas the mic without keypad is the optional accessory. This hand
mic is not only supportable for the DTMF tone, but also for the remote
operations. The keypad layout of the hand mic is almost corresponding to the
front panel of this transceiver and it is even with the receiving/transmitting
LED indicator. The hand mic can be regarded as a remote controlled KG-UV920R.

This hand mic is using the popular RJ45 crystal connector to connect the
transceiver body controller positively. Although this installation takes up some
space of the panel, it can avoid some troubles of lengthening the extension
cable. Compared to some designment set by side, the positive connection is good
for the life of connectors. In the actual operations, the force of the
connectors is quite uniform and the pressing lines are not easy to be got loose
or twisted. In a word, this mic is well praised by its strong features,
well-made and good-touching, even better than some mics of the world-famous
brands.

��������
Operations
WOUXUN KG-UV920R is Chinese and English selectable as the voice guide, which is
very frequently existed in Chinese transceivers. As a homemade mobile
transceiver, WOUXUN maintains this special function. There are two work modes:
Frequency mode and Channel mode. There are two options in Channel mode, the
channel number and the operating frequency display. KG-UV920R can be memorized
999 channels.Nowadays the memory spaces for the transceivers are very large.
KG-UV920R supports two receiving channels(left and right) to receive the UHF and
VHF signals respectively. There is configured by double covered potentiometers,
and the volume is separately adjustable for the left and right speakers. The
volume control seems traditional analogue mode, but actually it uses a CNC way
to adjust the volume. When the user is adjusting the volume knob,
correspondingly, there is a display for the adjusting volume level. The output
voice of KG-UV920R is very high, better for the users to receive the calls
clearly even you are in the noisy carriage. The squelch is using the complete
CNC way, and it is easy to press the key ��9/SQL�� to quickly enter the squelch
level menu in standby mode. The users can swiftly change the power
level(High/Mid/Low) via Key ��5/HL��. There are four power levels optional on
Menu 3. Mid power is divided into two levels(10W and 20W).

The keypad of WOUXUN KG-UV920R is designed to be very full-functional, which
does not strictly require the individual operations for the left and right work
area. It is unique that most keys are with dual functions, and it is convenient
to directly input the menu number to get the expected function.

KG-UV920R is able to input the frequencies directly via keypads(both keypads on
mic and on transceiver). This is a brand new design, which is very convenient
for the users who purchase the transceivers mainly for receiving and do not
install the mic to swiftly switch the frequencies. In past, only the receivers
of U/V band mobiles were supportable for the function of inputting frequencies
directly. KG-UV920R requires the users to press the functional key ��2/MHz�� to
manually program the frequencies. It is not so familiar for the new users to
see that the number keys are defaulted to carry on the corresponding functions
at the first beginning.

KG-UV920R is also able to adjust the frequencies/channels by switching the knob.
But this knob is near the MIC plug and its size is small, it is not easy to
switch it when the mic is installed at the same time. The functional keys cover
almost of the common operations, which include squelch setting, output power,
work mode, scanning, left/right operating windows and receiving on single or
dual bands modes etc. So the users do not need to operate the complicated menu
frequently. TDR key is for switching single/dual bands�� receiving and
transmitting, and is very practical for the in-service operation. KG-UV920R can
be used as the repeater without reconfiguring, and only a connecting cable is
necessary to connect two transceivers as a repeater.

FM radio is a auxiliary function and it is really an enjoyment to use it to
listen to the broadcast programs in the spare time.

There are many practical functions configured on KG-UV920R, for example
scanning, CTCSS/DCS, CTCSS/DCS scanning, PTT ID, voice prompt,
scrambler(optional), remote control functions(including stun, kill and monitor)
and PC programming.

BASIC TESTING
Transmitting Performance

The highest output power of Wouxun KG-UV920R is 50W (VHF) and 40W (UHF), and
working voltage is 13.8V. The RF amplifier of this transceiver uses the
MOSFET RD70HVF1 from MITSUBISHIS company, this component is extensively
used by the pop mobile radios manufacturer. The output power of RD70HVF1 can be
reached to 70W on 175MHz while 50W on 520MHz. It is obviously that the
KG-UV920R��s design is very reasonable, larger allowance will be less vulnerable
under the higher SWR value.

We tested the real output power and the current of the KG-UV920R, as well as the
sensitivity to voltage under high output power. The frequency range of this
tested transceiver is 136-174MHz & 400-480MHz, which is really large range.

������ UHF Band
400MHz 410MHz 420MHz 425 MHz 430 MHz 433 MHz 435 MHz 436 MHz 440MHz 445MHz
450MHz
30.2W 28.7W 30.1W 41.9W 40.5W 40.1W 40.3W 40.3W 41.9W 39.4 39.1W
������
455MHz 460MHz 465MHZ 470 MHz 475MHz 479.995MHz
36.7W 32.3W 30.2W 20.2W 19.0W 19.7W
������
Note: Testing voltage 13.8V, High power
������
������VHF Band
136MHz 140 MHz 142mhz 144 MHz 145 MHz 146 MHz 148 MHz 150 MHz
30.7W 34.5W 30.7W 49.5W 49.7W 49.5W 34.1W 31.9W
������
155MHz 160 MHz 165 MHz 170 MHz 174.995 MHz
30.4W 24.2W 22.8W 22.0W 17.5W
Note: Testing voltage 13.8V, High power

From the above testing result, the KG-UV920R gets the expected power.

Then we tested the relationship of the transmitting voltage and power, the
testing equipment is KIKUSUI PAK20-18A, we tested the changes under different
voltage, and transmitting frequency we chose the UHF central frequency which is
the most concerned by the HAMS.



f=435.100MHz
High poer Voltage Power Current
13.8V 39.7W 7.9A
13.0V 37.2W 8.2A
12.5V 35.4W 8.5A
12.0V 34.0W 8.7A
11.5V 31.4W 9.0A
11.0V 29.9W 8.6A

We found that the KG-UV920R with the compensating ability for the voltage
changes, if the voltage is decreased it will compensate by increasing the
current, in this case, the output power will less effect the reduced voltage,
but you will see this influence is lower than the other similar radios. Also,
the KG-UV920R with the alarm function, when the voltage is reduced to 11V during
the transmitting, it will come out a voice prompt.


Receptivity Testing
There is no indication from WOUXUN that KG-UV920R is available for the wideband
reception, but actually the receiving range is a little expanded. The available
receiving range is working in VHF:136-174MHz, UHF:350-480MHz, FM Radio receiving
in 65-108MHz.

This transceiver is with the Cross-Band Repeat function. For example, you set
the144.700MHz in the left band and set the left side to 144.700MHz and the right
side to 439.625MHz, and these two crossed bands can be twin receive at the same
time.
������
There are independent signal indicator in both left and right sides, in addition
to the BUSY, there are nine divisions which means the signal strength and they
can be successively displayed. We have tested the actual signal strength in UHF
and get the following results:
NO.1 NO.2 NO.3 NO.4 NO.5 NO.6 NO.7 NO.8 NO.9
-132dbm -130dbm -128 dbm -127 dbm -126 dbm -125 dbm -123dbm -122 dbm -120 dbm
After testing, it is found that the radio signal is factually reporting the
receiving signals. However, we also see from the above table that the radio
signal of this transceiver is easy to get full, basically in -120dbm, 0.22mv has
got full.
It is seen that the receiving sensitivity is very high, for example, it is
0.18mv in 435MHz and 0.20mv in 145MHz, better than 0.25mv indicated in the user
manual.

Scanning Performance Testing

WOUXUN KG-UV920R with multiple scanning functions of frequencies and memory
channels.

We tested the speed of frequencies scanning under VFO (Frequency) mode, scanning
based on 10KHz step (total 1000 frequencies), it costs about 150 seconds, that
means the scanning speed of this KG-UV920R is approximately between 6CH/s and
7CH/s. It is not as good as the import mobile transceivers, but the scanning
speed is always a shortage of Chinese radios. However, this KG-UV920R��s
scanning speed is still faster than most of other Chinese handhelds. Besides the
frequency scanning, it also supports the CTCSS/DCS scanning to detect the
sub-tone parameters.

All in all, WOUXUN KG-UV920R surprises us a lot, especially its variety
functions. What��s more, its functional design has many outstanding advantages
against the domestic and abroad transceivers, and very considerable in details.
As the first marketing Chinese dual band mobile transceiver, this KG-UV920R with
a higher starting standard, even though it still has some ��bugs�� need to be
improved.

We strongly hope WOUXUN will keep introducing supreme products, and bring all
HAMs the cheaper but higher performance radio equipment in future.
������

AnyTone AT-588UV: Import Communications

As part of his one, two punch, Ed may soon be selling the AnyTone AT-588UV mobile. He expressed his interest in the AT-588UV when the KG-UV920R came out with a whimper:

"Anytone Dual Band Mobile  -  AT-588UV

For the past two years, I have consulted with Anytone as they developed their dual band mobile radio.  Anytone send a non-working model of the radio for me to show at the Dayton Hamvention (Wouxun would not send anything).  Anytone is now sending a working model (for free!) and says full production will begin in early August.  Anytone has quoted a price that lets me know this radio will retail in the $250-$275 range.  It will be Part 90 Certified and will have some wide-band receive ranges, including AM aircraft.  I look forward to working with this company and expect their mobile to be a big seller."

So they missed the demo date by a smidget and they are at the top of the price range ($275), but he seems very high on it. Ed's listing is here.

September 1, 2012
We are testing our sample model now.  Results are GREAT so far.This could be the Chinese dual band mobile that takes the prize!

Features:

• Receive Range     (FM)  134-174, 200-260, 350-400, 400-520 MHz  &  FM Broadcast
                              (AM)  118-134 MHz (Air Band)
• Transmit Range   (FM)  134-174, 400-490 MHz
• Output Power       50, 35, 10 & 5 Watts
• Bandwidth            Wide (25 kHz)  &  Narrow (12.5 kHz)
• Tuning Step          2.5, 5, 6.25, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25 & 50 kHz
• True Dual Receive - receive two signals at the same time or second side can be muted while transmitting
• Separate Tuning Knob and Volume Control, each side
• Separate Function Buttons, each side
• Either side can be VHF or UHF at any time  -  VU, UV, UU, VV
• Cross-Band Repeat (that works!)
• Alphanumeric Display
• 4 x 256 Memory Channels
• CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, ANI, PTT ID, 2Tone/5Tone Encode & Decode
• Scrambler Option
• DTMF Microphone
• Detachable Control Head (CAT5 separation cable)
• Computer Programmable
• FCC Part 90 Certified

Thanks to Nate for pointing out the updates on Ed's site.

Wouxun KG-UV920R: Import Communications May Not Sell the KG-UV920R

ImportCommunications.com:

"Due to the disappointing performance and excessive costs of the sample models,we are unsure if we will carry this Wouxun model in the future."

Wouxun KG-UV920R: Yahoo Group

There is a Yahoo Group for the Wouxun KG-UV920R... 195 members and only 165 messages since it was created in late 2010. I'll join and see if it has anything to offer beyond what we see in the original Wouxun KG-UVD1P (etc.) group.

Wouxun KG-UV920R: CheapHam

From the recent CheapHam.com newsletter:

"Wouxun KG-UV920R Mobile - We are please to announce that tesing is going well on the KG-UV920R. Our lab tests show excellent overall quality of the product. We are working with the factory to continue to improve the product and work towards FCC certification. We do not have a certification or general availability date at this time. We re also working with the factory to have more competitive introduction pricing. Additional details will be sent out to our newsletter readers as they become available."

KG-UV920R: Hands on Reports from VA3ISP

Lots of good stuff here... all these posts give me the impression that this radio is no different than lots of the other Chinese radios in that there is a price for being first. Hopefully, they will correct the problems in short order.

Initial review and pictures:

Pros: microphone is also a speaker, split tones - TX and RX settings are independent
Cons: DC noise is very loud when using the remote head, touchy VFO

Thoughts after three days:

"Lack of proper cross-band repeat is a killer for me. I’ve tried all their modes and none of them let me use a repeater on one vfo and simplex on another. It just simply does simplex-simplex repeating. So if you need a simplex cross-band repeater then your in luck."

Crossband repeat fail:

"So I contacted Wouxun yesterday and asked them specifically what steps I needed to take to enable the XBand repeat.

Everyone that has one that I have spoken so has the same problems. (apparently except Ed over at ImportRadio, Somehow he has his working.)

Here is what I got from them.

1. Press MENU+3+1—MENU—UP/DOWN to select ON—MENU—EXIT
2. MENU+3+0—MENU—UP/DOWN to select ON—MENU—EXIT
3. MENU+3+2—MENU—UP/DOWN to select X-DIPRT/X-TWRPT—MENU

So after trying this multiple times, doing a complete wipe of the radio and starting over I can’t seem to get it to work. Anyone else?"

(I will add that Kight Radio also said they could not get the Cross Band Repeat to work - and then they did get it working by selecting x-twrpt in Menu 32.)

Alternator Noise Demo

DC Noise Root Cause:

"[Wouxun] have confirmed that the flat cable included with the radio does not provide adequate shielding ( which we already knew ). They have replaced it with a standard CAT5 cable and RJ45 connectors.

I have done the same and noticed quite a reduction in the DC noise in the audio when my truck is running. My next step will be to add a clip on choke and see if that gets rid of it altogether."

Dual Receive/Same Band Problem:

"I was on my local repeater last night and had a simplex channel that I use with a few friends in the area. Anyway… I noticed that when I have a conversation going on on one VFO the second doesn’t rx anything. They were both VHF."

Wouxun to Fix Dual Receive/Same Band Problem

Adding VA3ISP to my RSS feed now!

 

KG-UV920R: Programming from your PC

So the programming software for the KG-UV920R was uploaded to the Wouxun Yahoo Group. And it turns out that Wouxun has called the software: KG_UV920R Commander V0.1.0. Beta - Programming Software by Wouxun. Ed notes that Wouxun is aware they have appropriated the name "commander" that has been used by Jim for his popular KG-UV Commander software for quite some time.

I guess we should just be happy they didn't call it the Commander CHIRP programming software.

I also see you can get the USB programming cable on eBay now.

Updated after posting: VA3ISP has a fix for an import error when trying to use the software with an Excel file.

HYS TC-UV55: Notes from Ed

YAWKG-UV920R* gripe session on the Wouxun Yahoo Group included a link to this radio on eBay. This radio being the HYS TC-UV55 that has been written about here and here.

The interesting part was when Ed Greany - the other very helpful Ed on the Yahoo Group - had this to say:

"I can speak to this subject. I have a prototype of that radio that I was considering carrying it as a mobile alternative with the Wouxun HT. It is NOT certified and the company wasn't interested in spending the money to certify it. I guess it runs about $5000 according to them. I don't know. I still have the new unit in a box. It replicates the Kenwood TM471 radio. I even did a price survey for them and they asked me for a recommendation on the button layout for the front of the radio. My price answer was between $199 and $250. Perhaps they settled on $239 - not sure.

I stopped negotiations when he said he was best friends with the owner of Wouxun. I didn't want Wouxun to think I was going behind their backs while I am their dealer.

It's unfortunate this is not legal in the U.S. It is a great radio as far as I can tell without resulting in my prototype becoming a "used" radio."

*Yet Another Wouxun KG-UV920R

Wouxun KG-UV920R: eBay

The auction ended with a winning bid of $306. Not much of a deal since Ed sold his 10 for $325 (including a free KG-UV2D HT). I can only assume that scarcity is keeping the price high at this point.