When we first introduced the Wouxun KG-1000G back in December of 2020, we had a vague idea that it would get a lot of attention from the GMRS community. Little did we realize just how popular it would become. Of course, there is always room for improvement, and we've received a lot of great feedback from fans of the KG-1000G with suggestions on how it could be enhanced to make it even better. As fans ourselves, we listened and got to work, collaborating with Wouxun to create a mobile and base station radio that takes the KG-1000G to the next level. Now, we are excited to unveil the next generation of this series, the KG-1000G Plus!
We don't want mess too much with what is already a good thing. The old saying that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" certainly applies here. For this reason, the KG-1000G Plus is essentially the same radio as the original, plus a few exciting tweaks and upgrades to fine-tune the GMRS radio experience.
What are these changes?
Before we dive into what is different, let's take a moment to cover what isn't. When we say it's "essentially the same", well, it really is. This is the exact same hardware as the original. If you already have an original KG-1000G radio, there's not much of a learning curve here, and it won't require any changes or upgrades to your existing antennas, mounts and other accessories.
The core feature set and functions are the same. It has 30 GMRS channels, including 8 GMRS repeater channels, 7 NOAA weather channels, dual mode operation, multi-band receive, CTCSS/DCS scan and detection, the works. If its a standard feature on the KG-1000G, you'll find it on the Plus, as well. No changes there. We certainly don't want to mess up a good thing!
So, what's changed?
Usability and Consistency
We've released several exclusive Wouxun GMRS radios since the original KG-1000G, and we've learned a lot in the process. Each model has had a slightly more refined user experience, customized for GMRS.
The menu, button and function names on the original KG-1000G were consistent with similar amateur radio models. Some amateur features remained in the menu even though they weren't useful for GMRS, and some button and function names were somewhat cryptic and difficult to understand without a manual.
With the KG-1000G Plus, we've changed the naming to be more consistent with other recent models. We've also changed some function names to eliminate confusion. As an example, the term "BAND" was used to refer multiple separate features. Now, switching between areas A/B on the front of the radio is done by pressing an AREA button, and BAND is reserved for changing between frequency bands.
Physical/Cosmetic
There are also a few minor physical changes to the Plus. The most noticeable change is in the four button array on the top of the front panel. The original KG-1000G has four buttons. Three are the labeled A, B, and C programmable buttons and the fourth is labeled with a graphical key, which signifies the button activates the Lock function. The KG-1000G Plus still has the four buttons, but the fourth is now a programmable button labeled "D". This button is no longer "locked" to the LOCK function, but can be assigned to any of the PF key functions, including LOCK.
The BAND button on the front panel was renamed to AREA. A weather icon was also added to this AREA button. Some users did not realize a long press of this button would activate weather mode, so the icon was added as a visual indicator.
In addition to the front panel, a few changes were made to the hand microphone. The MAIN button was renamed to AREA, the BAND label on the number 1 key was replaced with WX and now activates weather mode, B/SW on the number 3 key was replaced with BAND, MEMCH on the 4 key was relabeled CH-ADD, H/L (High/Low Power) on the 5 key changed to PWR, the VFO/MR text on the 6 key was renamed to MODE, and SET-D on the 7 key was renamed RPT.
Audio
We received great reports of the audio quality on the KG-1000G, but Wouxun found a way to make it even better! Don't expect to hear a major difference, but some improvments have been made to the transmit audio.
Menu Options
Some menu options have been renamed and reordered. Generally, we attempted to group items in a way that makes more sense and name items more consistently with the newer Wouxun handheld GMRS models. As an example, you can change the scan mode using the SCANMODE menu option instead of SC-REV.
New menu options have been added for several functions that were previously only available as programmable key assignments. Examples are WORKMODE, TDR, CH-ADD, and TX-POWER.
The OFFSET menu option was removed and the SFT-D menu label was changed to "REPEATER" with options for ON and OFF. This is similar to the Wouxun handheld GMRS radios and enables transmitting to the repeater offset automatically if tuned to a valid GMRS frequency.
Menu options have been added for some functions that were previously only accessible in the programming software. Some examples of this are DTMF delay, duration and interval features and the hold time for repeat.
The Priority Channel can now be set using a new PRI-SAVE menu option. This sets the priority channel to the currently active channel. PRI-SAVE is also available as a PF (programmable) key option.
The Priority Channel can now be quickly accessed by using the new PRI-SEL menu option. Previously, some users found it cumbersome to switch to the priority channel after hearing activity. PRI-SEL is also available as a PF key option for even quicker access.
Scanning
A special mode has been added to the Priority Scan feature that allows for disabling the priority scan during RX. Previously if Priority Scan was enabled and activity was detected on the priority channel, this would be heard immediately, even if it meant interrupting an active RX. The PRI-SCAN menu item (formerly PRICH-SW) now has options: OFF, ON-ALWYS and ON-STBY. The ON-STBY option is new and means that priority scan is only active when the area is on standby.
As a side note, Scan mode now works in weather mode.
Real Time Squelch Adjustment
Changing the SQUELCH option now adjusts the squelch in real time instead of first requiring you to save the menu option. This allows you to dial-in (or out) the appropriate squelch level if a weak signal is currently being received.
Navigation
Pressing EXIT while editing a menu item will now return to the menu instead of exiting the menu completely. This works similar to the Wouxun handheld GMRS radios.
Weather mode can now be accessed on either A or B areas of the KG-1000G Plus. Previously weather mode was only accessible on the A area.
The arrow keys can be pressed during scan mode to change the scan direction. This previously only worked in TO mode but now also works in CO mode.
Display Icons
For receive-only channels, a "-" indicator is no longer shown on the display.
An indicator has been added to the display that is shown when weather mode is active.
Programming Software
An "Area Message" field has been added to the programming software. This allows for customizing the message that is displayed when the radio is powered on, as well as the text that is shown on the inactive area when TDR is set to OFF. The maximum message length is 8 characters - perfect for your GMRS callsign!
Various other items have also been updated in the programming software. These changes primarily involve renaming some items or reformatting them to produce a better user experience.
Programmable Function Key Options
The front panel programmable buttons and the hand Mic PF key are now assignable to all of the same PF key options. Gone are the limited options for specific programmable keys. You can assign any available option to any available key!
That's not all. Changes were made to the PF key options. For maximum flexibility and easier identification of available functions, new options were added and existing options were renamed. Check the table below for a full list.
| Programmable Function Key Options | ||
|---|---|---|
| KG-1000G Plus | KG-1000G | Description |
| REVERSE | Reverse | |
| PRI-SEL | Priority Channel Select | |
| PRI-SAVE | Priority Channel Save | |
| PRI-SCAN | Priority Channel Scan | |
| SQUELCH | SQL | Squelch |
| TX-POWER | H/M/L | TX Power |
| SCAN | SCAN | Scan |
| SCAN-CTC | SCAN-CTC | Scan-CTCSS |
| SCAN-DCS | SCAN-DCS | Scan-DCS |
| FM-RADIO | FM-RADIO | FM-Radio On/Off |
| WEATHER | Weather Mode On/Off | |
| CH-ADD | MEMCH | Memory Channel Save |
| W/N | Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Select | |
| TDR | TDR | TDR On/Off |
| WORKMODE | VFO/MR | Channel/Frequency Mode Select |
| BAND | B/SW | Band Select |
| REPEATER | SET-D | Repeater |
| LOCK | Button Lock/Unlock | |
| OFF | OFF | Off |
The KG-1000G Plus is packaged in the same box as the original KG-1000G, and with all of the same accessories, including the hand microphone, mounts and hardware.
The Wouxun KG-1000G Plus is now available to ship exclusively from Buy Two Way Radios. Price: $389.99
There are no local gmrs or amateur radio clubs in my area so I will ask my questions here. I recently purchased a wouxun kg-1000g plus. I also purchased an swr meter. After watching some videos on connecting the unit, antenna and meter, lmr 400 coax cable was the recommended cable. I ordered the cable from amazon and upon arrival, i found out that the cable fittings were not going to connect to my gear. The cable that I ordered was labled type N. I am going to return the cables to amazon . What I need to know is what coaxial cable is compatable with the wouxun unit.
Hi Jeff, as stated in the specifications on the product page, the KG-1000G Plus, as with most GMRS mobile radios, has a SO-239 (UHF Female) connector. The cable you need has an PL-259 (UHF Male) connector. Cable type is going to depend somewhat on where you are installing the radio and the antenna and the distance between the two. If it is in a vehicle, LMR400 or equivalent isn't feasible because the cable is thick and difficult to bend. It is more suited for longer, straighter runs to minimize signal loss. An example of this would be if using the radio as a base station in an office or home with an external antenna situated outside the building, such as on a roof.
Another consideration is the quality of the cable itself. There are a lot of cheap LMR400 type cables out there, and the quality is not consistent between them. If an LMR400 type cable is desired, we generally recommend Messi & Paoloni Hyperflex 10 Premium .400" Coax Cable. It's extremely low loss, is more flexible than LMR400 and is highly respected for the quality of both the cable and connector.
The choice of a quality cable is such an important consideration that we devoted a whole episode of our podcast to it.
For those wanting the screen to be dimmer, I have found you can buy some cheap 35% window tint and put it on like a screen protector. At night it is still plenty bright, just not as blinding, yet in the daytime it is still visible, just not as easy unless the backlight is on. Loving mine!
Hi Rick,
Given that the KG-1000G Plus updates were driven by user feedback, and most of the feedback on this page pertains to the display, I think I speak for the others in that we are asking you to convey this significant deficiency concern to the manufacturer. We recognize that the current hardware is not capable of dimming or colors. The ask is for the next iteration (or improved model) to include a theme-type display such as that of the KG-935G Plus. The KG-1000G Plus is otherwise near perfect, but for me, the display issue is a non-starter and I will not be buying this radio for this sole reason. At this price point it should be a standard feature and the manufacturer has already demonstrated its capability of providing such.
Thanks in advance for your consideration!
Mark
I noticed that I can only activate FM while on the A area and not the B area, is that expected. As mentioned, NOAA works on either A or B.
After reading the reviews I think it best to wait for a dimmable/color screen display. I'm already sensitive to light at night. Patiently waiting to purchase. In the meanwhile, I'll get started on a handheld. Just got my GMRS license. The midland MXT 500/575 has a few nice features as does the Wouxun Plus. Combine the best of both and you will have the best.
Hi Bill, Wouxun has no plans to release a version of the KG-1000G with a dimmable or color display. This is because it would require physical changes to the hardware of the radio itself. It simply doesn't have that capability.
Hello, does this radio still have dual receive? Meaning there are two receivers and two channels can be heard at the same time?
Yes, as stated in the article, the KG-1000G is the same radio as the original KG-1000G, and with a few updgrades.
Will there be a firmware update to add these improvements to the non plus version?
The KG-1000G is not firmware upgradeable.
Can you connect a KG-1000G plus and a non plus as a repeater?
Yes.
So many have already asked about the one feature I was hoping for and would make me consider buying, the screen brightness. At night it overpowers everything and can be a big distraction when driving. I would like to be able to tone that down, and/or change the color.
I guess I'll wait for the plus plus.
I will just keep slumming it with the regular 1000G. I would have upgraded if it had the ability to dim the screen. An additional bigger need would be the ability to change screen color as well. A blue non dimmable screen is kinda bright in a Jeep at night.
We still need the following #1-display BRIGHTNESS control, #2-mic keypad default to direct entry of channel number...not press mhz first to change channels
Split tones, especially DCS?
And the 'Lock' button now looks like a Power button. 'Lock' is a padlock icon. A '0' with a line coming down into it is a Power icon.
Hi Walter, The KG-1000G Plus does split CTCSS tones and split DCS codes. As for the 'Lock' button, the button in red on the top left side is indeed a power button, and is marked as such. There is no dedicated lock button. The button referenced in the article that was previously a lock button is located at the top of the front panel, and is marked 'D'.
Thanks for this development!
That sounds nice but, I was hoping there would be even better changes. Like, the ability to dim the screen brightness for night driving, changes like black or color screen similar to the KG935G. Also the area symbol arrow should be red in color so not to blend in with channel information on screen, because you can over look it when driving. Thats just a few ideas that need changing.
The issue of a "Plus" version seems to be poorly founded. Why not just update the firmware on the original version? There is nothing significant in the new capabilities to warrant a "Plus."
Does the Wouxun KG-1000G Plus allow you to dim the display? It's the only design flaw I'm aware of on the original KG-1000G. And to be honest, I am willing to upgrade just for that feature alone.
Hi Don, the hardware of the KG-1000G Plus is based on the the original KG-1000G, which does not have the physical capability to dim the display.