Wouxun KG-UVD1P: 6M

I had never seen this before... "Wouxun KG-UVD1P VHF plus Six Meters! Handheld"

From the MTC page:

Wouxun KG-UVD1P Dual Band VHF/ 50 MHZ Handheld Commercial Radio

Please understand what you are buying before you purchase this radio. This is not a VHF/UHF model. If you purchase by mistake and then ship it back , you will be charged a re stocking fee to cover the shipping cost.

Dual band VHF/UHF. Freq. range: 136-174, 50-54 MHz RX and TX. KG-UVD1P 2 meters and 6 meters!

Description

The KG-UD1P is a rugged compact, high-performance VHF/UHF handheld commercial transceiver providing up to 5 Watts of RF power on VHF and 4 Watts on 50 MHZ
Frequency Range of 136-174, 50-54 MHz RX and TX. FM: 76-108 MHz (RX).

Via the KG-UV_Commander Yahoo Group

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-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.
������

Wouxun KG-UVD1P: Fakes

Kight Radio thinks he has come across some fake copies of the KG-UVD1P:

"BIG NEWS - BEWARE - We found copies of the Wouxun KG-UVD1p, these copies are almost exact copies and you can not tell by looking at them. They are being sold for a much lower cost then the real UVD1p. Many of these have been sold to Hong Kong so this will explain why Hong Kong is selling them so cheap including postage. BEWARE, if you are ordering from Hong Kong , you might be buying a copy ! In the next few days I will update everyone. I purchased one to compare to the REAL one. I am looking for something that will tell the real from the copy."

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?

KG-UV920R: "No Update" Update

I hesitate to post this as there is still no real news, but CheapHam had a note in their newsletter about the KG-UV920R:

"Wouxun KG-UV920R - We have received many inquiries about the new Wouxun Dual Band mobile. Latest word from the factory is that the unit is still under certification. The release date nor firm pricing have been released yet. Hopefully soon. We are a direct importer of Wouxun products and in constant communication with the factory. Stay tuned for any breaking news."

Ed, at Import Communications, also posted an update earlier in the month:

".......January 01, 2012 Update......
I recently operated this radio while in China.
Wouxun says this radio will be ready in November-December.
I would not expect to see it Certified and for sale until March-April."

I could read that as both good news for 2012 or, given the date he posted it, another scenario where it won't be ready until 2013.

Bonus:

You can subscribe to the CheapHam newsletter on their site. The latest one has a discount code for buying the Wouxun KG-UVD1P for $94.95 after the $5 discount. Or you can get the for Wouxun KG-UVD1P Special Package $139.95. Use WOU-5 as the coupon code when checking out.

Ham Radio Black Friday / Holiday Sale

Ham Radio Outlet has started their Black Friday deals. Some of the deals are one-day only, so head over and check them out.

Cheap Ham has some deals as well including two Wouxun packages:

Wouxun Dual Band KG-UV6D COMMERCIAL HT - VALUE PACKAGE for $184.95
This package includes our famous Wouxun Dual Band KG-UV6D Commercial HT - 2.5K step and TX/RX 137-174, 420-520 with the latest firmware and enhancements. Included with the HT you will receive the following:

2 1700mAh Li-ion battery packs
1 AA Battery case
1 Dual Slot Drop-in Desk Charger
1 USB Programming Cable
1 Speaker/Mic
1 Earphone
1 Battery Eliminator
3 Belt Clips
Dual-Band Antenna
Owner's Manual

Wouxun Dual Band KG-UVD1P HT - 2 Mtr/70cm (UHF) VALUE PACKAGE for $144.95
This package includes our famous Wouxun Dual Band KG-UVD1P HT - 2 Mtr/70cm (UHF) with the latest firmware and enhancements. Included with the HT you will receive the following:

2 1700mAh Li-ion battery packs
1 AA Battery case
1 Dual Slot Drop-in Desk Charger
1 USB Programming Cable
1 Speaker/Mic
1 Earphone
1 Battery Eliminator
3 Belt Clips
Dual-Band Antenna
Owner's Manual

Wouxun KG-UV8D

First and foremost, thanks again to the guys at BuyTwoWayRadios for loaning the KG-UV8D to me.

For the TLDR crowd, I'll sum up by saying that I think this radio is the next step in the evolution of the Chinese handheld transceivers. I say this for a few reasons. First, I think we will start to see a lot more color displays. The true dual receive is a step forward as well. While I don't believe that cross-band repeat will now be available on every new radio, it does demonstrate the potential capabilities coming out of China. And little things like the blinking phone icon for activity (that I discuss next) also add up to make this an great evolutionary step.

As I mentioned, I'll start with a small thing that makes a huge difference and makes me wish all my radios had this feature - the blinking phone icon to indicate which frequency had the most recent activity. Such a simple thing, but when you aren't staring at the screen and are monitoring two repeaters owned by the same ham, it eliminates any confusion about where the activity was.

And for what it's worth, I do like green for the "A/B" and "EXIT" buttons. It just makes navigating a little easier. I don't know why the new radios have all black buttons - saving a penny in the manufacturing cost?

From a subjective perspective, I really like how the radio feels in my hand. It isn't that much thinner than the KG-UV1DP, but it feels better. I also like the feel better than the Baofeng UV-5R.

The dual receive works perfectly. While my brain/CPU can't always follow two conversations at once, it allows me to hear both and then easily pick one to monitor using the RPT button to switch to the single frequency mode.

As for the cross-band repeat, I did not encounter any problems using it. I think it is a great feature/option to have, but not something I will use all the time. For temporary usage I think it is perfect, but I cringe anytime I read about someone trying to make this a "permanent" repeater.

Speaking of options, the KG-UV8D lets you customize the functions of some of the keys, so you can tailor it a bit to meet your preferences.

People always ask about the S meter on these radios. Between my good QTH and mostly listening to some great repeaters, I don't see much besides a full meter. Here is a short video here showing something besides zero and full strength.

Scanning is fine for my use, but by others' standards it is still too slow. A sample is here, so you can decide for yourself.

John has a mini-review on the Yahoo Group:

"Receive sensitivity is very good- about 0.25 microvolt.
Transmit power- 5W VHF, 4W UHF
True Dual Band Rx- you hear both upper and lower simultaneously
Easy to setup XBand repeat
Nice large multi-color display 

Annoyances:
Back light stays on during scan- same as other Wouxuns. Seems it should be OFF during scan and ON when it stops on an active channel.
Scan is still not professional- scan stops when any button is pressed. As a result, if you think you are scanning but bump any button, scan stops and you don't know it. The scan button should start and stop scan period, unless it is in SE mode where it automatically stops on any active channel.
The 8D is a very nice radio and it will replace my aging (but still working) 4 year old KG-UVD1P."

My test unit would do 135 to 174.995 and 400 to 479.995 out of the box. Miklor has the software to expand the frequencies (134 to 174 and 400 to 519), but you do so at your own risk.

Hans has the KG-UV8D on his test bench (along with the Puxing PX-UV973) and reports that harmonic suppression and sensitivity measurements are where they should be expected. He goes on to say:

"preventing both oscillators of interfering with each other
Here both radios fail miserably. For some reason both manufacturers weren’t able to to get this right, resulting in an awful lot of spurious emissions up and down the carrier. 

The problem is most evident when you’re receiving around the third harmonics of your transmit frequency."

His post indicates more information will follow.

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

TERMN-8R and KG-UVD1P

I picked up my first Chinese radio, the Wouxun KG-UVD1P in 2010 for $107. Getting a TERMN-8R for $138.89 in 2015 seems like a pretty good deal in comparison. I'm curious to know what others think.

Baofeng UV-B5: Best Kept Secret

[ Don't have a UV-B5 yet? Get one here. ]

Ben (PA2OLD) called me out for being so slow to post about the Baofeng UV-B5. Hans posted some general information about it when he discovered the UV-B5 and UV-B6. (Yes, back in November - just wait, it gets worse.)

On the surface, it is your typical dual band 5W Chinese HT: 136 - 174 MHz and 400 - 470 MHz along with 65 - 108 MHz FM receive. Here are the links to the radios on the Baofeng site: UV-B5 and UV-B6. Of note is the lack of the customary flashlight (for the UV-B5) and, perhaps more importantly, 2.5Khz steps. You can get one at the 409Shop for $53 (USD) along with many of the usual accessories (USB programming cable, serial programming cable, extra batteries or chargers) - no colors or AA/AAA battery packs yet. Give them time and I am sure they will show up. As you will find, the UV-B5 does not share the same form as the UV-5R, so you won't be able to share batteries or chargers. However, the programming cable from your UV-5R should work.

No surprise.. a Yahoo Group has been started for the UV-B5.

Hans, in his full review, says:

"For now this is the HT to compare others with – the receiver is at least as good as the Wouxun KG-UVD1P and outperforms the Quansheng TG-UV2. Overloading is not impossible, but far from easy – almost unreal for an HT this price."

"The Baofeng UV-B5 is close to perfect. The only two niggles are the 5-character limit for alphanumeric descriptions and the belt clip screws which are too short. For the rest: best value for money to date. Needless to say, I’m keeping this one."

Hans also points out that you can save a few dollars if you don't want the pretty box by ordering from AliExpress. I'm guessing price was not the biggest factor when Hans did his "Best/Worst of 2012" and ranked the Wouxun KG-UVD1P ahead of the Baofeng UV-B5. If price had been weighted heavily it looks like the UV-B5 might have been the winner.

Lastly, after living with the radio for a while he found some problems with the FM tuning and memories. He also reports the battery life, while not horrible, isn't great.

And Ben got his hands on one. He's got a summary page here with lots of pictures. He comments:

"The radio works excellent and the modulation is also good, not like some UV-5R types.I also think that the battery is more than enough capacity.
This Baofeng UV B5 cost at the 409shop only 53 Dollar, which is in Euros (with the exchange rate of January 2013) € 41.75 including shipping."

Bob (K0NR) really likes it as well:

"My overall assessment is that Baofeng has cleaned up the issues with the UV-5R (and don’t forget, I really like that radio!). The UV-B5 is a sweet little radio that will make a splash when it hits the US market."

Given my tardiness, the price, and the glowing reviews from the big name ham radio bloggers above, I'm surprised these things aren't the talk of the internet. The Yahoo group is of a modest size and Google searches don't reveal much beyond the links above. (I found one other review, but there wasn't much meat to it.) Here is the best video I found. (Best meaning the better of two.)



So for now, I'm calling the UV-B5 the best kept secret in the world of Chinese radios!

Wouxun KG-UVD1P: Display Problem

So I had been using the KG-UVD1P as my mobile rig (video here). Over time, the heat in the car must have taken its toll on the radio as the display does not work. I'm not the only one who has had this problem. Sorry for the poor iPhone video, but there isn't much to show, so I think it will suffice.

 

Waccom WUV-6R: Wouxun KG-UVD1P - Fight!

Hans (PD0AC) reviews the Waccom WUV-6R and compares it to the Wouxun KG-UVD1P (as well as the Baofeng UV-5R). Some of the features of the WUV-6R sounded nice, but he is very disappointed in the receiver.

Click here to read the whole review.

Wouxun KG-UVD1P: Alternative Manual

For a streamlined KG-UVD1P manual, click here.

Nifty Guide for the Wouxun KG-UVD1P

The Nifty Guide for the Wouxun KG-UVD1P is now available. I guess this means the Chinese radio is now officially a player.

From Brick O'Lore

Radio Indecision 2010

My waffling continues...

I'm still trying to decide what radio I want to buy. I've been reading reviews, forums, and other websites. Paralysis by analysis! The Yaesu FT-450AT has been added to the HF list. Lots of folks like the Icom IC-718, but I think I'd like to have the option of 6M. If I go with two rigs, then I'm looking at the Yaesu FTM-350R or the Wouxun KG-UV920R for 2M. The KG-UV920R isn't available yet, but I have hopes for it (in both cost and performance) based on my experience with their HT, the KG-UVD1P.

Option 1: FT-857D
Option 2: FT-450 + FTM-350R
Option 3: FT-450 + KG-UV920R
Option 4: IC-7000

My father-in-law brought over some RG-8X coax, a dummy load, and some connectors. This is in addition to the FT-817 he has loaned me, the power supply, and the quarter wave ground plane 2M antenna. He's gonna have me all setup except I won't have bought my own radio!

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 Mobile (KG-UV920R) - Vaporware?

I've been hoping for the release of Wouxun's KG-UV920R for some time now. Speculation was rampant that it would do for mobile radios what the KG-UVD1P did for HTs - a low price and lots of features.

Ed Griffin, from www.wouxun.us, recently posted this on a radio forum:

"No word on the mobile. But I will have a surprise at Dayton, and no it's not the mobile."

Ed Greany, another reseller who provides a lot of support to the Wouxun community, had this to say on the same forum:

"Personally, I'm REALLY tired of hearing about it. It's been over 6 months since it was leaked and there is absolutely NO word from China as to 1) IF it exists, 2) WHEN it will be released, 3) IF it will be Certified or 4) WHAT the price might be.

I stopped answering these inquiries. I suggested long ago that people STOP inquiring about it since that only drives the price up due to the spirited interest. High demand = High price. Some people just don't understand the evonomics of that principal.

Basically, all the U.S. dealers want it to come out and want to sell it. That's what we are in business for. None of us know any more information than you presently know right now. My most recent inquiry was "it is still in testing." Does that mean Wouxun's Test Lab or FCC Certification Lab or some highschool kid's chemistry lab. Nobody knows!

For now, pretend it was a dream and it really does not exist."

Makes me think I should start looking for alternatives for a dual band, dual receive, cross band repeating mobile rig.

Two Years of Brick O'Lore

I missed the actual two year anniversary on the 14th, but this is close enough for government work.

Not too much has changed since last year's review.

I still don't have an AR (but I do have two lowers!) or an M&P9. I've not been shooting in a long time.

I rarely even turn on the ham radios - partly because my KG-UVD1P that I was using in the car has died. Anyone know anything about a good, cheap Chinese mobile radio I could buy? (HA!) I did spend a little time with WSPR, but would like to invest some more. I haven't even cracked the book for the Extra Class exam.

I ran a marathon this year. I'm just crazy enough to think about doing another one. The bad news is I would need to start training now for an April race. Ugh.

I'm also getting a lot more involved at church. One week, between services, meetings, and fellowship, we were there four days out of the week.

Between family, exercising, church, work, and blogging; my days tend to be pretty full.

The radio posts are still the most popular, but that doesn't stop me from posting about anything I find interesting or funny. The blog has had 539,362 page views since I started it - around 112,000 in 2011 and 427,000 in 2012. I posted less in 2012 - 727 vs 856 in 2011 for a total of 1,583. SaysUncle is still the single largest referring URL thanks to a story about ninjas (of all things!). Makes me think I should resell radios under a zombie ninja brand.

The most popular post (15,555 views) is about the software for the Baofeng UV-3R Software. Given the endless discussion on the Yahoo groups about how to get the software to work with your Baofeng/Wouxun KG-whatever or UV-xxx, this really isn't a surprise. I think almost all of this traffic is driven via searches.

Given so much of my traffic is via search, the biggest surprise for me this year has been the jump in my RSS subscribers. Last time I checked, I think there were about 8. I could even account for half of those - me, my wife, probably Linoge, etc. I looked and found I have 100 subscribers - wow! I was and am floored. Thanks so much for reading my ramblings. If any of my RSS subscribers would do me a favor, please leave a comment on this post - anonymous is fine. I'm just curious as to how many people actually follow and would read a long post like this one.

Goals for next year... I need to build at least one of the lowers in to an actual rifle. I want to get my Extra Class license. I'd like to run a sub 20 minute 5k.

I will close the same way as I did last year...

Thanks for reading!

Chinese Radios - The Center Part II

A commenter on yesterday's post about which Chinese manufacturer is really making all these radios pointed me to this link at Kightradio. (He is the one offering the TYT TH-UV3 for sale.) There are multiple updates on the page:

03/19/12 "The TYT TH-UV3 Dual Band HT is on the way to me now. I will update everyone as soon as I receive them."

So he could have the TYT TH-UV3 any day now. We do live in interesting times.

02/20/2012 "Baofeng UVD-5R Dual Band 4 watt HT was just released for sale in China. This is a nice little Dual Band rig but as of now, the menuis only in Chinese. This is howthe first UV-3R started out and then they made the english menu later. I would like to note that this radio looks exactly like the TYT F8 Radios. In talking with TYT I found out this is a COPY and not a radio made by TYT and sold to Baofeng. TYT has a patent on the case so we will see what TYT does about this later. So if you buy one of these on the internet, BEWARE, its menu is ONLY IN CHINESE and hard to figure out. I have one to test and I am having the menu translated and I will update you later on this.

Dual Band mobiles are not anywhere close to being released. I would not look for them at Dayton this year. Maybe if we are lucky, a few months after Dayton but this is just my personal guess with info I hear in talking with the MFG's every few days."

We know that are now versions of the UV-5R that do Chinese only, Chinese & English, and English only. And he has been told that Baofeng is ripping off TYT's case. More interesting is his claim that the dual band mobiles (KG-UV920R anyone?) won't be available for a few more months.

No Date "We attended the Hong Kong Electronics Fair and the Canton Export Fair Oct 15,2011

We will be updating the site in a few days with all the New Goodies we found at the show. Lots of exciting things in the works so be sure to check back with us and get updated.

We are in China now so if you have any special radios you would like us to purchase for you, contact us and we will be glad to purchase for you.

Call 405-227-9980 (Our time is opposite the USA time so when its 11 am in the US, its 11 pm in China) Please call late evening your time to reach us.

We can get you the latest versions of Wouxun,TYT, Baofeng and others at Hong Kong Prices."

Pretty cool that he offers to ferry radios back from China. Shipping and wire transfers can make a good deal go bad very quickly.

11/11/2011 "Wouxun is going to raise the price effective now of the KG-UVD1p & UVD3 about $22.00 This is because of dealer requests to add 2.5 steps to those models. Its seems more like a move on Wouxun's part to increase the retail price like they have been wanting to do for sometime. They also increased the min wholesale order to 500 units. This is going to put the Wouxun HT's in a higher price class and TYT and others will have the advantage. Hong Kong will have a much lower price and attract more customers. As far as the Dual Band mobile, I would not look for it anytime soon and when it does come out, I am anxious to see the price. Wouxun is not aware of other companies working on Dual Band Radios because they pay little attention to their competition."

Build your brand and demand higher prices. It is the American way!