Wouxun has made serious inroads into the world of FRS, GMRS CB and business communications. So it should come as no surprise that they are entering another arena as well. Introducing the first portable handheld VHF aviation radio from Wouxun, the KG-S74A!
The KG-S74A is the newest addition to the Wouxun S-Series of handheld radios, which include the KG-S84B and KG-S86B on-site business radios, the KG-S72C CB radio and of course, the popular KG-S88G GMRS radio. As part of this series, it shares the same physical attributes and characteristics of the other S models, and some of the same core features as well. However, as an air band radio, it also has a number of new features that are somewhat unique to the aviation radio service alone.
Physical Attributes
First let's look at the physical attributes that make this an S-Series radio. Like its business, CB and GMRS cousins, the KG-S74A is contained in a compact, durable housing with a built-in USB-C charging port. It is equipped with an on/off volume knob, channel knob, two programmable side keys, a programmable top key, easy to read backlit LCD display, loud, clear speaker and a bright LED flashlight.
The KG-S74A also inherits certain additional attributes from one specific S series radio, the KG-S88G. Like its GMRS counterpart, the airband model has the full DTMF style keypad and IP67 waterproof rating, which means it is also submersible.
Core Features
As for its core features, the KG-S74A shares the same basic internal specs as the other S radios, including the Superheterodyne receiver, 400 customizable memory channels, channel and frequency modes, channel scan, English voice prompts, monitor function and hands-free VOX capability.
It also has the power and flexibility of the programmable function keys found on the other S models. The PF1 and PF2 side keys can be configured in multiple ways, set to a short or long press of the key. The top key is also configurable in this way, providing a total of three function keys with six programmable functions!
These functions, a few of which are unique to this radio, include backlight activation, adjustable squelch, access to weather mode, the ability to switch between channel and frequency work modes, monitor channel function, flashlight activation, EM-121.5 emergency frequency activation and a recall function, which allows you to return to the previously tuned frequency or channel.
This radio is also programmable, either through PC programming software or, like the KG-S88G, directly from the keypad of the radio itself.
However, when it comes to its operating parameters, the KG-S74A is more in line with the KG-S72C CB radio. This isn't a UHF model, it is a VHF radio and transmits on 118-137 MHz air band frequencies using Amplitude Modulation (AM), the standard for aviation radios of its class.
Where it sets itself apart from the rest of the S series is in two areas. The first is its weather mode. The KG-S74A has 7 NOAA weather channels with weather alerts. And it isn't just one type of alert. The KG-S74A includes 5 types of weather alert notifications, all customizable according to your need. This is a new feature that's unique to Wouxun radios. It was recently introduced in the KG-935G Plus GMRS radio and is now available for the KG-S74A aviation radio as well.
The second area is in its transmit power. The maximum wattage capabilities of the other S Series models ranged from 2-5 watts. The KG-S74A handles wattage a little differently. It is capable of transmitting at up to 6 watts (PEP) on the aviation band.
Accessory Compatibility
One of the advantages of any two way radio is its ability to accessorize with other existing models from the same manufacturer. This cross-compatibility ensures long term support for its maintenance and operation. As an S-Series model, the KG-S74A shares the same battery, charger, programming cable and audio accessories available to the KG-S84B,KG-S86B, KG-S72C and KG-S88G. It uses the same Kenwood 2-pin (K1) style audio connector port common to many other radios today, which opens up access to a wide range of earpieces, headsets and speaker mics. It even uses the same SMA male antenna connector. Adapters are included with the KG-S74A for greater inter-connectivity to other standard air band antennas and audio accessories, just in case.
The Wouxun KG-S74A portable handheld VHF aviation radio is taking off exclusively from Buy Two Way Radios. Price: $199.99.
The Wouxun Aviation Radio seems to have one shortfall. The audio output is 500 mW and should be 1 - 1.2 watts because when used in the aircraft environment, the aircraft engines being loud will override the audible carrier. This also applies when working in terminals with loud equipment operating. The speaker microphone should also be able to provide a louder audible carrier.
Is this KG-S74A FCC certified for use on aircraft frequencies? Is it FAA approved for aircraft use? Does it support the 8.33kHz channel steps along with the older ones?
As listed on the Wouxun KG-S74A product page, it is FCC type accepted for airband, FCC ID 2A6DTET001, and it does support 8.33k / 25k Channel Step.