What is better than a dual band handheld two way radio? Why, a tri-bander, of course. Now, it's here. Say hello to the Wouxun KG-UV8E tri-band transceiver.
The KG-UV8E is based on the very popular Wouxun KG-UV8D, the dual band portable handheld radio best known for its large color display, cross band repeat capability and true simultaneous two band reception, all at a very low price point. At the moment of its introduction in 2014, the KG-UV8D was an instant hit, and it is still the handheld of choice among many hams today.
However, the 2 meter and 70cm bands are becoming crowded, and many hams are moving to the 1.25 meter band for some breathing room. The problem? There aren't a lot of 1.25 meter radios out there, and the ones that are available tend to swap the beloved 2 meter band for it. This means amateurs had to choose between a dual bander with either 1.25m VHF and UHF, or 2m VHF and UHF. If you used a handheld for both, you either had to carry two dual band radios, or give up a VHF band altogether.
The solution? Wouxun created a portable handheld that includes all three. It's the KG-UV8E, and it's available now from Buy Two Way Radios!
The Wouxun KG-UV8E has all the same features of the KG-UV8D along with the feature upgrades of the KG-UV8D Plus. In fact, for all intents and purposes, it is a UV8D Plus, with the addition of one extra band for full transmit and receive on 1.25 meters from 222Mhz to 225Mhz.
The Wouxun KG-UV8E supports the following bands and frequency ranges:
| RX Only | RX and TX | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Band | Frequencies | Band | Frequencies |
| VHF | 136-174MHz | VHF | 144-148MHz |
| VHF | 220-260MHz | VHF | 222-225MHz |
| UHF | 400-520MHz | UHF | 420-450MHz |
With an apparent over saturation of dual band amateur radios covering the 2 meter and 70cm bands already on the market globally, coupled with an increase in activity on the limited frequencies within those two bands, more and more amateurs are searching for some other space on the radio spectrum they are licensed to use, but isn't quite as crowded. The obvious choice? It's the 1.25 meter band, or as more commonly, if not inaccurately called, the 220MHz band (the frequencies licensed for ham use are actually between 222Mhz and 225MHz). Underused for years and all but forgotten, 220MHz is coming back to life, and in a big way.
The advantages of the 1.25 meter band are obvious and easy to list:
- Accessible to all licensed amateur radio operators
- Still considered VHF, just below UHF
- Between 1.25m, 2m and 70cm, 1.25m is considered the band with the best propagation
- repeaters are available, but are not as crowded
- Not as active, so it is quieter, with less interference
There's just one disadvantage. Access to the band has been a challenge, simply because there aren't many 1.25 meter radios on the market. That is, it was a challenge, until now.
Wouxun intends to change all that and give amateurs what they want and need, one handheld radio to access the three higher frequency bands all technician, general and extra class amateurs are licensed to use, and to maximize the entire experience with a range of capabilities and features one would only expect from a handheld transceiver costing much more. They may just do it with the KG-UV8E.
But don't just take our word for it. Take a look at the Wouxun KG-UV8E and tell us what you think.
Take a look at the Wouxun KG-UV8E product sheet for full specs.
Hey very nice blog!
Will this radio do 2 tone decode for paging?
Hi Ken, at the date of this reply, the current price is $139.99. This includes a free upgrade to the high capacity 2600mAh battery pack, which is only available for a limited time. For the most current pricing, simply click on the link to the KG-UV8E in the article.
Could I please get the price for the Wouxun KG-UV8E tri-band handheld radio? Thank you... Ken Brannan