Wouxun KG-D901: 2016 Release

Wouxun says the KG-D901 will be released next year. They also say there will be a KG-D900 - it will not have a keypad like the D901. So, it is real, but no firm date for it to be in someone's hands.

Wouxun KG-D901: DMR HT

Is it real? Will it be real? I had seen the image before. The BuyTwoWayRadios guys discuss what we know - which is basically only what you can see in the picture below. Wouxun won't confirm or deny the existence of the DMR radio.

Image via Simon The Wizard

Leixen VV-898: What's it good for?

The right tool for the right job...

A closer look at the Leixen VV-898 - what can it do? https://t.co/Ohc5YtPsWK @amatradio #hamradio #amateurradio #hamr

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) December 4, 2015

"The Leixen VV-898 seems like a plain, low power unimpressive little radio, but it really does have a lot to offer. Is it a 125W PEP powerhouse Icom mobile or a feature rich Wouxun KG-UV920P-A? Of course not! Considering its small size, weight and unassuming looks, when you take a closer look at the Leixen VV-898, in some ways it seems even better."

Wouxun KG-UV8D: BuyTwoWayRadios Special

From their webpage:

"The standard KG-UV8D regularly sells for $159.99, but for a limited time, Buy Two Way Radios is offering the standard Wouxun KG-UV8D for a special holiday sale price of only $99.99! 

That's right, the 8D is now available at just under $100! This package includes the Wouxun KG-UV8D with black buttons and all the standard accessories in the box, such as dual band antenna, 1700mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack, belt clip, wrist strap, charger tray, AC cable and owner's manual."

Wouxun KG-UV9D (Plus)

BuyTwoWayRadios has announced a new version of the KG-UV9D:

"The KG-UV9D (Plus) has all of the standard features of the KG-UV9D, plus cross-band repeat capability. It also has 6 additional menu items, most of which are related to cross-band repeat configu
ration.

While the Plus does look nearly identical to the standard 9D cosmetically, on closer inspection there are noticeable differences. The buttons on keypad of the UV9D are somewhat square, but the buttons on the 9D Plus are rounded. The speaker grill on the Plus is wider, and the knobs on top are shorter and wider. The PTT button looks and feels different as well, with a bit more play on the edges. The chassis of the UV9D Plus is also a little thicker, measuring about a millimeter or so more than the regular 9D.

However, both radios use the same battery, belt clip, desktop charger, case and other accessories, plusthey use the same Kenwood K1 accessory connector, which means if you already have a 9D, adding a 9D Plus to the mix really won't be much of an issue."

The radio is being sold as part of a special package that includes:

• The Wouxun KG-UV9D (PLUS) Two Way Radio
• Two Li-Ion Battery Packs - yes, two of them
• Multi-Band High Gain Antenna
• Dual Band Stubby Antenna
• Two Belt Clips - one for each battery
• Charger Tray
• AC Adapter
• 12V DC Adapter - to charge in a vehicle!
• Battery Eliminator - to power directly in a vehicle!
• C-Ring Earpiece with PTT - nice!
• Speaker Microphone - another nice extra!
• Leather Case
• SMA Male to UHF Female (SO-239) Adapter - to connect a mobile antenna!
• USB Programming Cable/USB Driver CD/Programming Software CD

The package is only being sold as a limited edition and you get everything for $229.99. 

Wouxun Radios Yahoo Group Moderator Needed

Wouxun Radios Yahoo Group Moderator:

"I've lost 2 Wouxun radios to the "Suicide Chip" bug.  Additionally, the popularity of this brand has waned.  When my third radio fails, I'll no longer have any interest in Wouxun radios. 

As a result, I'll be leaving this group after a new owner is found.  If interested, please let me know.

Thanks... John KD8DVR"

Wouxun KG-UV9D: $179.99 at BuyTwoWayRadios.com

Use the promo code "179UV9D" to get the special pricing.

Special #PromoCode 179UV9D gets you a Wouxun KG-UV9D for $179.99! Limited time offer. http://t.co/bGkKU5BhAQ #amateurradio #hamradio #hamr

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) May 21, 2015

That's a lot better than the $245 price I'm seeing at the 409Shop.

Wouxun KG-UV9D: Software

BuyTwoWayRadios has added a link to the software on the KG-UV9D page under the Resources section. (Direct link here.)

Wouxun KG-UV9D: In Stock and Shipping

BuyTwoWayRadios has the Wouxun KG-UVD in stock and is shipping out orders:

"If you already pre-ordered the 9D from Buy Two Way Radios, get ready. Your new radio is now on its way! If you haven't ordered yet, we have a limited number currently in stock, so if you want one, get it now."

Wouxun KG-UV9D: Upgraded Chip

In January last year, there was a lot of talk about a bug with some of the Wouxun radios that would cause them to lose their memory. A question was asked if the new KG-UV9D used the same chip. I reached out to Danny at BuyTwoWayRadios and he talked with Wouxun:

"Just wanted to let you know that I got a response from Wouxun over the weekend. They acknowledge the memory problems, but say that they are now using an upgraded chip."

 He adds:

"They didn't provide a date for when they switched chips, but I've never seen a radio with the memory problem so I think it’s been a while."

His experience sounds similar to the update at the bottom of Hans' post from last year:

"I just talked to Ruud PE1OPG, owner of Bamiporto.nl. While he sold at least 500 dual-band Wouxun models, he only ran into the problem once. Statistically that’s an irrelevant percentage of failures."

Wouxun KG-UV9D: Software

I always like to look at the software to get a sense of the features and functions. Here are some screenshots from the Wouxun KG-UV9D. (Loaner radio and software courtesy of BuyTwoWayRadios.)

Main Memory Group

Configuration Settings

VFO Settings

FM Broadcast Memories

Remote Settings

Scan Group

Call Settings

Save Settings

Wouxun KG-UV9D: BuyTwoWayRadios Podcast

BuyTwoWayRadios has a podcast where the discuss the new Wouxun KG-UV9D.

Wouxun KG-UV9D: FCC ID

On the back of the Wouxun KG-UV9D, you will find the FCC ID: WVTWOUXUN10. I believe this is the same as the KG-UV8D. (Since they were kind enough to loan me the radio, I'm going to keep mentioning and thanking BuyTwoWayRadios!)

Wouxun KG-UV9D: BuyTwoWayRadios.com

BuyTwoWayRadios has loaned me a KG-UV9D. Time to play! Any requests?

Wouxun KG-UV9D: Pre-order

BuyTwoWayRadios has the Wouxun KG-UV9D available for pre-order for $159.99. It should ship around May 8th.

"Experience Multi-Band excitement with the Wouxun KG-UV9D! This multi-modulation two way radio combines dual band transmission, 7 band reception and multiple feature options for multi-functional operation you won't get with a typical dual band handheld radio!  

The KG-UV9D transmits on 4 watts UHF and 5 watts VHF with multiple power settings. It features an impressive 999 programmable memory channels with QT/DQT encoding and decoding, DTMF encode/decode and 25KHz/12.5KHz wide/narrow bandwidth selection.

Dual Band Transmission

• 136-174MHz VHF (FM TX)

• 400-512MHz UHF (FM TX)

7 Band Reception

• 76-108MHz (FM Radio)

• 108-136MHz (AM RX)

• 136-180MHz (FM RX)

• 230-250MHz (FM RX)

• 350-400MHz (FM RX)

• 400-512MHz (FM RX)

• 700-985MHz (FM RX)

The KG-UV9D operates on multiple levels to maximize the experience! it has true dual reception, so you can receive two signals on the same or different bands simultaneously. You can even transmit on one band while you receive on the other at the same time!

But its multi-function operation doesn't end there. The KG-UV9D has multiple scan capabilites, as well. Priority scan, channel group scan, these are just a given. CTCSS/DCS scanning is a plus. Want a scan feature that's really exciting? With it's dual receive, the KG-UV9D can scan two bands at the same time. Now, that's multi-functional!

Of course, we can't forget the multi-display. First introduced with the popular KG-UV8D, the large, color screen is also a prime feature of the KG-UV9D, and with some notable improvements. Of course, there is still plenty of room to display all the information needed to operate a multi-function radio on both bands at the same time. Now the display is also adjustable, with five levels of brightness. Customize the settings for your viewing comfort while conserving battery power as needed. With the KG-UV9D in your hand, you are in control!

Speaking of control, check out Lock Mode. You can choose to lock only the keypad, lock the keypad and the encoders, lock the keypad and the PTT, or lock it all. It's no longer all or nothing. Multiple lock options let you decide how your radio can be accessed, keeping you in control.

The KG-UV9D is also loaded with other features to make it truly multi-faceted! Three programmable side keys, sub-frequency transmission setting, Channel Name edit and display, Caller ID display, 76-108Mhz FM radio, SOS function, remote alarm, single-tone pulse frequency, reverse frequency, low voltage voice prompt, VOX (Voice Operated Transmit) for hands-free operation and a high illumination flashlight are all part of the package. And yes, like the 8D, the KG-UV9D has a stopwatch!

The Wouxun KG-UV9D comes with a 7.4v 2000mAh (14.8Wh) Li-Ion battery pack, belt clip, high gain antenna, stubby antenna, wrist strap, desktop charger, AC cord, owner's manual and a one year manufacturer warranty from Wouxun." 

BuyTwoWayRadios World Amateur Radio Day Specials

BuyTwoWayRadios World Amateur Radio Day Specials:

In celebration of World Amateur Radio Day 2015, Buy Two Way Radios is offering a WARD special: Purchase a qualifying model from our selection of Amateur Radios and take an additional 10% off with Promo Code: HAMDAY15! This special discount is valid from April 17, 2015 to Midnight Monday, April 20! Simply enter Promo Code: HAMDAY15 at checkout and your 10% discount will be applied to your order.

The celebration doesn't end there. In addition to the promo code discount, we're also offering freebies and other add-ons with the purchase of select Baofeng, Leixen and Wouxun amateur radios! 

Click the link for details on the freebies.

Wouxun KG-UV9D: Product Sheet

BuyTwoWayRadios has the product sheet for the KG-UV9D [PDF]. I've copied it as images below.

Wouxun KG-UV9D: Unboxing Video

BuyTwoWayRadios has an unboxing video of the KG-UV9D.

Wouxun KG-UV9D

BuyTwoWayRadios announces the new Wouxun KG-UV9D:

"Billed by Wouxun as a multi-band, multi-RX, multi-display, multi-modulation and multi-functional two-way radio, the KG-UV9D offers dual band transmit and 7 (that's right, you read seven) bands reception. The list includes 76-108MHz (FM radio), 108-136MHz (AM RX), 136-174MHz FM RX/TX), 400-512MHz (FM RX/TX), 230-250MHz (FM RX), 350-400MHz (FM RX) and 700-985MHz (FM RX). 

While the full color display is similar in design to the KG-UV8D, the new radio looks and feels different. The KG-UV9D also has some new or improved features. According to Wouxun, some of the features of the KG-UV9D include Twin Band Simultaneous Scan, Multi-Keypad Lock Modes and the ability to adjust the brightness of the backlight with five level settings."

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.