2 Gbps

Because my 100 Mbps connection isn't enough... Comcast to bring 2 Gbps to Knoxville.

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.)

Running Truism

Once you see a three foot snake cross the greenway in front of you, every stick for the rest of the run looks like a snake.

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."

QYT KT8900: Dual Band Mobile

I get the marketing e-mails from 409Shop and the QYT KT8900 dual-band mobile caught my eye - just because the price was less than $100.

Frequency Range: VHF:136-174MHz  UHF:400-480MHz
Number of Channel: 200
Channel Spacing: 25KHz 20K 12.5
Phase lock step: 5KHz、6.25 KHz、10 KHz、12.5 KHz、15 KHz、25 KHz
Working Voltage: 13.8V DC±15%
Squelch way: CTCSS/DCS/5Tone/2Tone/DTMF
Frequency Stability: ±2.5ppm
Operating Temperature: -20~+60
Dimension(W x H x D): 98(W) x 35(H) x 118(D)mm
Weight: 408g

Receiver
Sensitivity
Broadband: ≤ 0.25μV
Narrow band: ≤ 0.35μV

Transmitter
Output power: 25W/20W(VHF/UHF)

BaoFeng Buys Tokyo High Power Labs

On the Onion of Ham Radio:

"BaoFeng (the marketing name for PoFung Technologies) has purchased the remaining assets from the holding administrator representing Tokyo High Power Labs." 

"Details are still a little sketchy, but the rumored HF Transceivers are reportedly being labeled:

• BaoFeng Hurricane (SDR with knobs, 250 watt all band transceiver)

• BaoFeng Tornado (SDR with knobs, 400 watt all band transceiver)

• BaoFeng Tsunami (SDR no front panel, 100 watt all band transceiver)"

"We could not verify at this moment, but the suggested retail price for the Tsunami is $180.00 US."

Via the Chinese Ham Radio Equipment Google+ group

Tytera (TYT) MD-380: DMR HT

Check out the full review here, but the highlights follow:

The Good
Audio Volume and Quality: The audio from this radio is very full, with a good response to low frequencies, making it pleasing to listen to and it will get heard, even in the noisiest environments;
Rugged Construction: This radio is very well built, so it should keep going long after typical ham radio units call it quits;
Multicolor LCD Display: Having a multicolor LCD display on the radio allows for easy use and programming while on the move;
Front Panel Programming: This radio is capable of being programmed via the keypad, allowing users to make changes without the need for the PC;
Antenna Connector: The antenna connector for this radio uses a SMA connection, allowing it to easily be connected to an external antenna;
Price: At $170 USD, this radio is a very attractive option for anyone looking to get started with DMR. 

The Bad
Software Polish: There are a number of oddities within the firmware of the radio that impacts it’s overall user experience;
Bluetooth Capability: This radio is not Bluetooth capable, so the use of wireless audio accessories is not possible;
Desktop Charger: The desktop charger takes hours to charge the radio, plus the green “finished” LED indicator does not turn off, even when the radio is removed from the charge

A video from 409Shop.

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