Wouxun KG-UV920P-A programming and menu options

The Wouxun KG-UV920P-A dual band mobile two way radio is a popular choice for ham radio operators who want to go mobile on the 2 meter (144-148MHz) or 70cm (420-450MHz) amateur radio bands without burning all the cash needed to get around town. But there's a lot more to this mobile than just the transceiver. The KG-UV920P-A also has cross band repeat capability, which means you can have a mobile repeater in your vehicle on demand. It can even become a base station radio when connected to an AC power source and mounted to a wall or desk, as depicted in this unboxing video. The typical mobile radio can cost hundreds, without premium features. Investing in the KG-UV920P-A for a low cost, low power cross-band repeater can save a lot of money on two way communications.

Key features

• Dual Band UHF/VHF transmit and receive
• 87.5-108MHz FM Radio (Receive Only)
• 40W (UHF)/50W (VHF) Transmit Power
• 999 Memory Channels
• Dual Display
• Remote Head Mounting Capability
• Full Duplex Cross Band
• CTCSS/DCS Encode/Decode
• Dual Speakers
• Backlit DTMF Speaker Microphone
• Incoming Message Display
• DTMF Encoding and Decoding
• Group Calls, All Calls and Selective Calls
• Optional 8 Group Scramble
• Priority Channel Scanning
• APO Power Management
• English Voice Prompts
• Minimum Operating Voltage Alarm
• Stun/Kill Function
• Single Tone Pulse Frequency
• Remote Control Settings
• Frequency/Channel Scanning with CTCSS/DCS Detection
• Cooling Fan
• Companding
• Selectable 3 Color Backlit LCD Display
• Timeout Timer
• PC Programmable
• Supports 2.5k Step
• Reset
• Roger Beep Enable/Disable
• Wideband/Narrowband operation

Programming the KG-UV920P-A
As with many mobile two way radios, the KG-UV920P-A can be programmed in one of two ways, either direct from the console on the front panel of the radio, or through a computer via programming software. Technically speaking, there is a third way. The radio can also be programmed directly from the DTMF keypad on the hand speaker mic.

Direct from the radio
While not impossible, programming direct from the radio can seem daunting, not so much because it is, but because of the sheer number of configuration options available. An evening with the owner's manual is helpful, but may not be particularly enlightening on the first read. However, it may be well worth the time and effort to learn, just in case you ever need to add a channel or two on the fly.

The menu consists of 45 items. Default settings are bold.

Programming with software
The Wouxun programming software isn't the greatest application, but it's really not too bad, considering the alternative, which is to program the radio directly from the keypad.

The USB programming cable connector is somewhat specific for this mobile radio, so it isn't something you can freely swap out with other mobile transceivers. The Wouxun programming software is also specific to this model and is currently available for Windows PCs only, but it is available as a free download from Buy Two Way Radios. While not particularly intuitive, the software isn't that complicated, either. If you have programmed a two way radio before, it is somewhat self-explanatory. The USB cable driver needs to be installed first, which can become a challenge if the Wouxun KG-UV920P-A cable driver installation instructions are not properly followed, but once it is set up and the cable is working, it is ready when you need it.

Operation
The detachable front panel of of the KG-UV920P-A can be mounted inside your vehicle almost anywhere you need it for instant access and ease of operation. The console on the front panel includes an LCD display with a selectable three color backlight, channel knobs, volume knob and the equivalent of a DTMF keypad spread out across the face of the console. In effect, every operation that can be performed from the keypad on the speaker mic can also be initiated from the front panel of the radio.

Once the power button is pressed on the console, The KG-UV920P-A can be configured and controlled directly from the built-in DTMF keypad on the hand speaker mic. This is quite convenient, especially when the mic is in hand and the console is slightly out of reach. The speaker mic even has a volume wheel to adjust the output of the speaker on the mic. It also includes a keypad lock to prevent accidental key presses of the keys on the hand mic. The keypad consists of 16 keys. The keys and their primary functions are outlined in the chart below:

The Wouxun KG-UV920P-A is a feature rich mobile radio at a value price. When you add in the cross-band repeat functionality, it's really quite a bargain.