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Recently someone in our forum introduced a discussion comparing the amateur radio service to the GMRS, and provided a short but interesting take as to why he thought ham radio was the better option. The reasoning put forth was based simply on the concept that while both were governed by rules set forth by the FCC, ham radio had more spectrum allocated to it than GMRS. While it is true that GMRS is limited to only 22 simplex and 8 repeater channels, to say that ham radio is better then GMRS isn't an accurate or fair comparison at all, and here's why.

Both services are governed and regulated by the FCC
One observation that was brought up in the conversation was that fact that both services were established by the Federal Communications Commission and are governed according to the rules set forth in Title 47 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The GMRS is regulated under Part 95(E) and Amateur (ham) radio under Part 97 Subchapter D of the rules, respectively. Both of these services have rules of operation, so no difference there.

Both services require a license to transmit
Another similarity between ham and GMRS is the requirement to purchase a license to operate on each service. Each license is issued a call sign, which the operator must use for identification when transmitting on the air. As of April 19, 2022 a license for either service costs $35 and is valid for ten years. There are no differences there, either. That's where the similarities end.

The licenses are different
Although both ham and GMRS operators require a license, there are important differences in the way each license is acquired, and with good reason. The GMRS is a fairly simple service to use, requiring little to no actual technical knowledge for basic operation. Most of the GMRS radios available are pre-programmed out of the box or "plug-n-play", meaning that you don't really have to configure the radio on your own to get it to work.

Sure, it can get technical if you are treating it as a hobby and really want to get into the nuts and bolts of antennas, feed lines and such. But the GMRS was actually intended as a utility radio service that pretty much anyone could access and use for general purposes, and it still is. Because of this, getting a GMRS license requires nothing more than filling out a form, plunking down the fee, buying an FCC approved GMRS radio, and that's about it.

Ham radio, on the other hand, is the polar opposite. Unlike GMRS, which operates only on the UHF band and a very limited number of frequencies that are, like CB radio, hard set by the FCC to pre-assigned channels, ham radio covers multiple bands across a wide area of the radio spectrum, including HF, VHF and UHF. The FCC gives Amateur radio operators a lot of latitude for operation. For instance, hams can build their own of equipment and experiment over the amateur airwaves to develop methods and technologies intended to further enhance the quality of life. The FCC recognizes ham radio as a bona fide hobby service, and it is one.

The whole experimentation part is a lot of power to place in the hands of anyone, and can make it a highly technical and potentially dangerous hobby to pursue. For this reason, someone can't just plunk down $35 and get an Amateur license. It requires one to study the technical stuff and take a test to prove an acceptable level of competency in this area.

Also, unlike GMRS, ham radio has not one, but three license levels. These are the Technician, General and Amateur Extra. Each license level requires a higher degree of study, training and expertise than the last. Each license level also grants different levels of access to the amateur radio bands. The Technician license grants you the UHF, VHF and a couple of HF bands, the General grants some additional HF bands, and the Amateur Extra grants access to all of the amateur bands available.

There is one other important difference between an amateur license and GMRS license that's definitely worth noting. A ham license is issued to an individual, and is not transferrable. The exception is a Club license, which can be issued to a ham radio club, but it is still assigned to an individual designated as the trustee of the club, and not the club as a whole.

On the other hand, a GMRS license, while issued to an individual, is also valid for that individual's entire immediate family. This includes the license holder's spouse, children, grandchildren and various other relatives. Watch our video Radio 101 - Who is Covered by a GMRS License? for details.

The services have different freedoms and limitations
As already mentioned, ham radio operators can operate on multiple bands and frequencies, and those frequencies are not assigned to any specific, FCC mandated channel numbers. The GMRS is limited to a total of 22 assigned channels, plus 8 pre-assigned repeater channels. This limitation alone gives ham radio an edge. Ham operators can also bounce those signals around to increase coverage across hundreds or thousands of miles, giving it even greater freedom of range than GMRS.

Also, there are fewer limitations for ham as far as equipment is concerned. Because hams can build their own radios, those transceivers don't need to be Part 97 type accepted for use on the ham bands. What this means is that a ham can program and use, say, a business or other radio that is capable of transmitting on ham frequencies and use it without prior authorization from the FCC to do so. In contrast, a GMRS operator is required to use a GMRS radio that is Part 95 type accepted and approved by the FCC for legal use on the service.

But GMRS also has an advantage. GMRS shares the same 22 simplex channels and frequencies assigned to the Family Radio Service, or FRS. This means that a licensed GMRS operator can communicate with a license-free FRS operator, and vice-versa. This provides some flexibility and freedom for families, groups and even businesses who are using these services for short range comms that are not available to hams, as they generally only communicate with other licensed hams.

The rules for repeaters are different
Amateur and GMRS operators have another commonality. Both can extend their range through the use of repeaters. Yet the rules for using them are a bit different for each service.

Obviously ham repeaters have an advantage when it comes to the number of bands and frequencies on which a repeater can operate, as well as the options for linking these repeaters together to extend that range even further.

On the other hand, GMRS repeaters have an advantage of their own. Although limited to one band, a GMRS repeater has a bit more latitude as to who can use it and how they must identify the repeater station.

Ham repeaters are limited to individually licensed ham radio operators with valid amateur radio call signs. GMRS repeaters can be used by a licensed GMRS operator and any family member of that operator who is covered by that GMRS call sign, as allowed by the repeater owner. In addition, if a GMRS repeater is only intended for private use by that license holder and the family, it does not need to transmit an ID, since the repeater station ID is the owner's own call sign and everyone on that repeater will be giving their family call sign during normal communications.

Each service has different power limits
It's no secret that ham radio has an edge when it comes to transmit power. The FCC granted the amateurs a fair amount of latitude when it comes to wattage allowances, although with a few limitations as well. It also depends somewhat on the license class. Technicians can transmit on up to 1,500 watts PEP on most VHF and UHF bands, but are limited to 200 watts PEP on HF bands. General and Extra Class operators can transmit up to 1,500 watts PEP on most bands with a few restrictions on additional bands they can access.

Conversly, GMRS operators are limited to 5 watts on channels 1-7, a half watt on channels 8-14, and up to 50 watts on channels 15-22 and the repeater channels. This doesn't seem like much compared to the limits for ham radio operators, but it doesn't need to be for this service. Considering the great responsibility that comes with great power in the hands of the average GMRS family, that's a good thing.

Each service has different restrictions on permissible speech
There is one big difference between ham and GMRS that needs to be discussed, and it is an important one, because it has to do with what you can and can't say on the air.

First, let's look at the similarities. Both GMRS and ham radio have rules about keeping the speech civil, clean, and above board, so to speak, and that really should go without saying. Both services have rules against advertising and "broadcasting" transmissions or messages. Scrambled messages or those coded with hidden meanings are also against the rules, unless they are standard "10" codes (or "Q" codes in ham radio).

Now here's the difference. There was a time when GMRS licenses were also granted to businesses, and as long as the license is still maintained, it is considered a grandfathered GMRS license. Technically, a GMRS radio can still be used for commercial operations if each individual working in the company or organization has their own GMRS license. Also, license-free FRS radios can be used by businesses as well as individuals. Since GMRS and FRS share the same channels, and operators on both can communicate with one another, business related activity is allowed.

This is quite the reverse with ham radio. The FCC explicitly states that ham radio cannot be used for pecuniary interest, meaning business or commercial communications are generally not allowed. This gives GMRS a huge advantage over ham radio.

Conclusion
So, is ham radio better than GMRS? Or is it the other way around?

That depends on who you talk to - literally. It also depends on what you want to do with each service. For instance, there are certainly advantages to ham radio for people who want to make contacts all over the world, but not everyone wants to do this. The GMRS allows an operator to interact with license-free users on FRS, but not everyone wants to do that either. Each service has its strengths and limitations, and everyone who uses them doesn’t need them to do the same things. Each will fit one user better than another, and everyone is different.

You wouldn’t say airband is better than marine band, or FRS is better than CB, would you? These are all different services intended for different purposes, so one isn’t really better than the other. They’re just different, as intended. Such is the same with ham radio and the GMRS.

Among the many features of both the original Wouxun KG-1000G and the KG-1000G Plus is the ability to connect one of these radios with a second one and build a working mobile or base repeater. It's easy to do, and we even made a video that shows you exactly how to make your own KG-1000G repeater.

One optional step that is not shown in the video is to connect a GMRS duplexer to both of the KG-1000G radios. While this is an optional step, it is highly recommended, as the addition of a duplexer eliminates the need for the radios to be connected to separate antennas for transmit and receive. This is much more efficient and eliminates other potential technical issues related to using multiple antennas.

If you are contemplating the use of a duplexer, Not any old one will do. Like an antenna, you will need to choose a duplexer that is tuned to the correct band and frequency that your repeater will be using. In the case of a GMRS repeater, it needs to support one of the 8 repeater frequencies reserved for the GMRS. We recommend the XLT DP-GMRS-50 Mobile Band Reject Duplexer. This is especially designed for GMRS radio repeaters and works with the KG-1000G Series radios.

When using a duplexer, it needs to be precisely tuned to that frequency. Yes, precisely. Of course, with a proper spectrum analyzer you could tune it yourself, but as shown in our video How to Tune a GMRS Duplexer, that sort of equipment is quite expensive and requires a modicum of expertise and patience to tune it just right.

Fortunately, when you purchase the XLT duplexer from us, you can choose the option to have us tune it for you at no charge. This will not only save you time, but the headache of doing it yourself.

That's great and all, but once you receive your duplexer and it is tuned precisely to the GMRS repeater channel you want to use, how do you do it? How do you connect it to your two KG-1000G radios correctly?

This is the simplest part of all. It only requires you to set up your repeater according to the instructions in the video, know which radio is set up as the transmitter and which is the receiver, connect the duplexer to both, and connect the completed repeater system to the antenna.

Here's how to do it:
1. Connect the TX radio (462 MHz transmit frequency) to the connector on the LOW side of the duplexer.

2. Connect the RX radio (467 MHz receive frequency) to the connector on the HIGH side of the duplexer.

3. Connect the antenna to the middle port marked ANT on the duplexer.

That's all there is to it.

GMRS radios allow you to instantly communicate with friends and family. They are great tools for camping, hiking, offroading and other outdoor activities. They can also be used for disaster preparedness, general comms around the home and neighborhood, and much more! If you're looking for reliable short range communications for such activities, a GMRS radio is certainly worth consideration. Here's how to get started with GMRS.

What is GMRS?
GMRS is an acronym for General Mobile Radio Service. GMRS is available for personal use and is a popular choice among consumers and a growing number of radio hobbyists. There are 30 GMRS channels available, consisting of 22 simplex channels and eight repeater channels. The 22 simplex channels are shared with the FRS, or Family Radio Service. Channels 1-7 are limited to 5 watts of power. Channels 8-14 are low power channels with a maximum of one half of one watt, and channels 15-22 are allowed to operate at up to 50 watts. Check out the list of FRS and GMRS Frequencies available.

Do I need a license for GMRS?
If you haven’t already, you will need a GMRS license. It’s easy to get, costs only $35 and is good for 10 years. No test is required. Once your license is issued, you’ll have a call sign to identify yourself to others when talking on your GMRS radio.

How do I get a license?
To purchase a GMRS license, visit the FCC website at fcc.gov and complete form 605. Once you pay the license fee and receive your GMRS call sign, you’re on your way. Learn how to get a GMRS license in only four steps.

Who is covered by my license?
Your GMRS license is valid for you and all members of your immediate family, regardless of age. Watch our video Radio 101 - Who is covered by a GMRS License? for more information.

I have a GMRS radio and a license to use it. Now what?
Talk on your radio! You can do a lot of cool things with a GMRS radio, such as connecting with caravans on road trips, emergency communications, going on outdoor adventures, coordinating community events, and simply staying in touch with family and friends. You can even talk on a repeater to communicate across long distances!

What is a repeater?
A repeater is a device that receives a radio signal and re-transmits or repeats it across a broader area, greatly increasing range. The repeater transmits the signal at a much higher wattage than a typical handheld radio, allowing for a much larger coverage area. Using repeaters, you can communicate with other GMRS users over long distances – even hundreds of miles!

How do I find a repeater?
Repeaters exist across the continental US. A national directory of repeaters is located online at myGMRS.com. You will need to join myGMRS.com to access the database, but once you do, simply type in your zip code to locate repeaters within your area.

How do I use a repeater?
Once a repeater is located, you will need to obtain permission to access it. Some repeaters are available to the public, while others are private. Once permission is granted, you will need the receive frequency, the transmit frequency and the CTCSS tones or DCS codes the repeater uses in order to access it.

What are CTCSS and DCS?
Also known as Privacy Codes and numerous other names, CTCSS tones and DCS Codes help reduce interference by filtering out transmissions from other parties that are using the same channel or frequency. When used with repeaters, these tones and codes serve as an “access key” of sorts to allow communications by radio operators who are granted permission to use the repeater system.

Some repeaters use the same CTCSS tone or DCS code for both transmit and receive, while others use a different tone or code for each, also known as split tones. Some repeaters don’t use them at all. It all depends on the repeater.

Where can I find more information?
There is huge repository of blog articles, podcasts, videos, and other resources about GMRS available at Buy Two Way Radios. Here is a List of Two Way Radio Resources to find the information you need.

Many handheld radios include a feature called Reverse Frequency. It's typically found on business, amateur and some professional grade GMRS radios that support split frequencies for transmit and receive to allow two way communications with repeaters. But what is it? What does it do? Why, if ever, would you need it?

Reverse frequency is a function that reverses the transmit and receive frequencies on a channel. This is not to be confused with Reverse Burst, which is a term used by Motorola for squelch tail elimination or RPT-Tone. That's a different thing entirely. To understand reverse frequency, it is important to first understand how a radio talks through a repeater.

In simple terms, a repeater is a device that is used to extend the range of a two way radio by picking up and forwarding its transmission to a broader area, thus "repeating" the transmitted signal. It does this by using two different frequencies, one to receive the incoming signal from the radio transmitting to the repeater, and another to simultaneously transmit the signal back out.

Reverse Frequency works by swapping the two frequencies that you are using to talk with a repeater. When Reverse Frequency is activated, the transmit and receive frequencies of the active channel are exchanged or reversed. This allows your radio to transmit on the receive frequency and receive on the transmit frequency to the repeater.

Why would you want to do this? It can be particularly useful when trying to hear someone who may be attempting to talk through a repeater but the signal may be too weak for the repeater to pick it up to retransmit it. However, it may be within range for you to pick it up on your radio directly.

Let's say another user is attempting to access a local repeater you are using, but their transmission is too weak for the repeater to hear them. This could be due to the operator transmitting on low power, from a poor location, or with too many obstructions between the radio and repeater. There could be issues with the repeater itself, or a combination of things. You know they are out there, they just can't get through.

In this type of situation, you can activate reverse frequency on your radio to listen as the repeater would and find out if you are within range of the other user to either communicate directly, or relay their message to the others listening on the repeater for them.

It is important to note that Reverse frequency is not the same thing as Talk Around, which is another feature commonly found on radios that support repeaters, and it is not intended to be a substitute for it. In fact, Reverse Frequency should only be activated momentarily to listen for the signal as the repeater hears it. If you transmit while in Reverse Frequency, you risk interfering with the transmit output of the repeater.

Reverse frequency isn't intended to bypass the repeater in a two way communication. However, is useful for checking if you are within simplex range of other operators before activating the Talk Around feature.

Earlier this year, Wouxun released the KG-Q10H quad band portable handheld radio to the market. Now, we are excited to announce a new addition to the Q10 Series, and this one is built for the GMRS! Introducing the Wouxun KG-Q10G GMRS Two Way Radio with GPS!

Like the amateur version, the new Wouxun KG-Q10G is packed with a lot of advanced functionality and premium features, including GPS, USB-C charging and an IP67 waterproof rating. It transmits on all 22 GMRS simplex channels and 8 GMRS repeater channels at up to 6 watts of power on the upper channels on which it is allowed. Although it transmits only on the GMRS to comply with FCC rules, it can receive on multiple bands, and it does make the most of it.

Multi Band Receive
As with the KG-Q10H amateur model, the KG-Q10G can receive a broad spectrum of frequencies across multiple bands. This includes Airband in AM mode, 136-174 MHz in FM Mode, 222-225 MHz in FM mode, 320-480MHz in FM Mode, and 714-999 MHz in FM. It can receive all 40 CB radio channels in AM or FM modes, and these are pre-programmed into the radio. It also has a built-in broadcast FM radio. And, just in case you were wondering, it has a superheterodyne receiver.

Enhanced Weather Alert Notifications
Like the other model in the Q10 series, the KG-Q10G has 7 built-in NOAA weather channels with five types of weather alert notifications for critical weather events such as severe storms, tornado warnings, or any other emergency condition issued by your local weather station. You can choose the alert to display the weather alert icon only, display the weather icon and emit an alert beep every 60 seconds, display the weather icon and emit flashlight LED pulses 5 times every 60 seconds, display the icon, emit alert and flashlight LED pulses, or display the weather icon and instantly tune the radio to Weather Mode. These options allow greater flexibility, and this freedom of choice is somewhat unique for a two way radio of any type, including GMRS.

GPS Location Data Display
Another key feature of the KG-Q10 series is GPS location tracking and data display. As with the previously mentioned ham version, the KG-Q10G can send, receive and map geo-location data between other Wouxun Q Series radios and display it directly on the screen. This can be invaluable for those who participate in family or group activities and can be an important tool for use in emergency situations. The added layer of safety and peace of mind may be worth the price of the unit alone.

Simultaneous Dual Channel Receive
The KG-Q10G can receive two signals on two different bands or frequencies at the same time. This is known as Simultaneous Dual Channel Receive and was first introduced into the Q Series with the KG-Q10H. While the GMRS version does not have the cross-band repeat capability featured in the H model, dual channel capability alone gives the G a powerful advantage over many other portable handheld GMRS radios currently available.

USB-C Charging
The KG-Q10G also has a USB-C charging port built right into the side of the radio for direct plug-in charging. It can charge the supplied 3000mAh Li-Ion battery pack within a few hours for minimal downtime between operations. This can be a huge advantage over other radios that may be limited to drop-in or desktop charging only. Whether you keep it at home or take it out and about, the flexibility of USB-C charging helps to keep your KG-Q10G radio powered up and on the air, anytime, anywhere.

IP67 Waterproof Rating
The Q series radios are built to withstand extreme weather conditions and harsh elements, and the KG-Q10G is no exception. Like the Q10H, it is rated IP67 dust and waterproof. this means it is impervious to ingress from dust and water. It's also submersible in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This is a rugged GMRS radio that can take the extremes and still perform flawlessly. Its durability makes it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures, emergency response, or any situation that demands a reliable communication device, especially when exposed to harsher environments.

Powerful Full Color Display
Wouxun incorporated their iconic full color LCD display into their Q-Series with enhanced functionality. The KG-Q10G offers a very user-friendly visual interface with extra customization options for complete control. There are 10 pre-set color themes from which to choose. These themes were first introduced in the extremely popular KG-935G Plus. However, the KG-Q10G takes those and adds 4 additional display themes. These four themes are fully customizable via the Q10G programming software, which features a color palette that allows you to choose any color combinations you want.

This new customizable color palette allows you to personalize the radio to your liking, creating a new level of customization that is unique to the Q10 series. It is not currently found on any other GMRS two way radio!

It's also worth noting that the display brightness is also fully customizable to your needs. Some other radios may offer a standard backlight control that consists of either a brightness level adjustment or time out. The Q10G features three controls. You can set the brightness of the LCD display backlight while the radio is transmitting, receiving, or otherwise active. You can also set the brightness of the LCD display backlight while the radio is in standby. Plus, you can set the amount of time that the display will remain active before entering standby. The combination of these three controls gives you the ability to really optimize your display.

Programmable Memory Channels
The KG-Q10G is a GMRS radio, so obviously it comes pre-configured with all the 22 GMRS simplex channels and 8 GMRS repeater channels built right in. This is a great advantage when you consider that you can also clone these channels for added customization and easy programmability. Since the radio can also receive on multiple bands, you would expect to be able to create additional receive-only channels to accommodate them. And you can. The Q10G has 999 memory channels to store all of your favorite frequencies for quick and easy access to them. Add your local repeater, emergency channel, or personal contacts and program customizable channel scans to access them at the press of a key.

Channel Wizard
Speaking of easy programmability, the KG-Q10G also features the Channel Wizard. Originally introduced with the KG-935G Plus, Channel Wizard is a very quick and easy way to create a new channel and add it to the radio on the fly. It steps you through the creation and customization of a new channel very quickly, without fumbling through the menu to search for and set each option. The Channel Wizard is especially useful for adding repeater channels to the Q10G, and confguring them with tones or codes. Once you try the Channel Wizard, you'll wonder how you ever managed to program channels directly from the radio without it.

Advanced Functions
There is more to the KG-Q10G than just the highlighted items already mentioned. There are a lot of advanced features that are also packed into it for enhanced communications, such as channel scan options, priority channel scanning, group call options, DTMF encode/decode with remote control functionality, Standard and Non-standard CTCSS/DCS, CTCSS/DCS tone scan, customizable display messages and more. With all these additional tools, you can effectively communicate in just about any scenario.

Additional Features
But there's even more. The KG-Q10G includes a lot of extras that are not usually found on many other GMRS handheld radios. For instance, it has a pleasant voice guide that enunciates clearly in American English, and it covers every item on the menus, not just a select few. It also has a stopwatch timer, a GPS enabled clock display, and a built-in flashlight that is surprisingly handy to have when walking around with the radio outdoors in the dark.

Compact and Lightweight
Measuring just 5.18 inches high from the bottom of the unit to the base of the antenna, 2.43 inches wide, and 1.47 inches deep, the KG-Q10G is quite a compact unit, and at only around 11.1 ounces, it's also lightweight. This makes it easy to hold and easy to carry with you where ever you go.

Configurable PTT and Programmable Keys
The KG-Q10G is identical to the Q10H in its physical layout and overall design. It has the same two configurable side keys and a configurable top key, all of which are programmable to one of 19 different functions of your choosing. Each of the three keys can be configured to respond to a long and short press, for a total of six functions that can be activated instantly!

For even greater customization, The Q10G also has two programmable Push-To-Talk (PTT) keys, and both can be configured to perform specific TX related tasks from a list of seven different functions. This is a level of customization that you won't find on other GMRS radios currently available on the market.

Since the KG-Q10G is nearly identical to the KG-Q10H in both form and function, it stands to reason that it would be as easy to program as well. And it is! The Q10G can be customized to your needs, both from the keypad and using the KG-Q10G PC programming software. As with the amateur version, the programming software has essentially been reworked from the ground up to be more user friendly. In addition, you can import and export channels, a feature that was requested by many users of Wouxun radios in the past. It is now available in the Wouxun Q10 Series programming software.

Available in 4 Colors
Yep, just like the amateur version, The KG-Q10G is available in your choice of four colors, specifically red, green, blue and black. This isn't just for fashion or personal taste, it's also a practical feature. It gives you the option to color code the radios by family member or group, adding another dimension to its overall functionality.

Accessories
The Q10G package has all the essential accessories you need for basic operation, including belt clip, wrist strap, charger tray, AC cable, and an easy to read owner's manual written in perfect English.

There's a lot more to this radio than mentioned here and it would take quite awhile to cover it all. The best way to do it is to buy one and explore it for yourself. That's what makes the KG-Q10G a fun transceiver!

No doubt about it, the Wouxun KG-Q10G portable handheld GMRS two-way radio is very likely the most powerful and versatile radio around. With up to 6 watt transmit capability, superheterodyne receiver, multi-band receive, extensive memory channels, weather alerts, GPS functionality, and durable waterproof design, the KG-Q10G is the ultimate GMRS radio so far. Its user-friendly interface, customizable options, and range of additional features make it a reliable choice for comms in just about any environment or activity. Get a Wouxun KG-Q10G and experience the best of the GMRS! Price: $219.99.

Our sales and support staff at Buy Two Way Radios field a lot of questions, and we strive to answer them as best we can. One of the most frequently asked questions usually comes not from customers of our business radios, but from those who are interested in our consumer radios, particularly those for ham and GMRS. The question is about the type of receiver built into a particular model. Is it superhet?

Earlier this year we published a list of radios made by TYT with superheterodyne receivers. Since the superhet question is more often asked about the radios we sell from Wouxun, we thought it would be a good idea to put one out for them as well. Which Wouxun radios have a superheterodyne receiver? Check our handy dandy chart for the answer.

The table below lists some of the Wouxun radios we carry and the type of receivers they use.

One of the most value added features of the TYT MD-UV390 Plus DMR digital two way radio is its capability for high level encryption. Of course, many DMR radios on the market offer encryption. The TYT DMR models such as the MD-380, MD-UV380 and MD-390 offer strong security with 128-bit encryption. The TYT MD-UV390 Plus is capable of AES 256-bit encryption.

Unfortunately, accessing 256-bit level encryption in the programming software is not at all intuitive. There is a little known trick to it, but once you know, you know. And we're going to tell you how to do it.

To set up the encryption, you will first need to put the programming software in AES 256-bit encryption mode. Here is how to do it in three simple steps.

1. Click on Privacy Setting and enter the encryption setting interface.

2. Press and hold CRTL + SHIFT + P on the keyboard, and a prompt to restart will appear.

3. Click the "OK" button and the software will close. Run the software again, click on Privacy Settings, and there will be two tabs labeled Basic/Enhanced and Universal. The 256 encryption option will appear in the encryption settings.

All you need to do then is set up your encryption keys. After the first time, the programming software should be in 256-bit encryption mode when you run it.

Many two way radios have a feature called Talk Around. While not found on basic or entry level consumer radios, it is often included in higher end business, ham and even some GMRS models that can connect to repeaters. But what is it? What does it do? Most importantly, is it something you really need?

The Talk Around feature does exactly what the term implies. It allows a radio that is communicating through a repeater to bypass it and communicate directly to the radio on the other end of the connection instead, essentially "talking around" the repeater.

It's a simple concept, but to fully understand how this works, it is important to know how a repeater operates. Repeaters work by receiving a signal on one frequency and transmitting on another frequency that is spaced apart from the receiving frequency by a specified amount of bandwidth. This spacing is generally referred to as an offset. This allows the repeater to receive an incoming radio transmission and "repeat" the transmission across a broader expanse and higher power output, effectively increasing the overall range of the radios that communicate through it.

When a radio is using Talk Around, it is circumventing this communication through the repeater. Instead of transmitting and receiving these signals on two different frequencies, The Talk Around function allows the radio to both transmit and receive on the same frequency in simplex mode, bypassing the repeater entirely.

This can be very useful when the repeater is nearly out of range, is not operating, or if the radios that are communicating with one another are within range of one another and simplex comms are preferred.

The Wouxun KG-Q10H is an extremely powerful and versatile portable handheld Amateur radio designed for power users who want maximum performance coupled with maximum functionality. Although it is similar to the S Series in some aspects, it has significant differences that set it apart from nearly every other radio out there, and includes several features that are new to two way radios altogether.

As a handheld radio, the Q10H is somewhat unique because it transmits on the four amateur radio bands, some at up to 6 watts of power. It can also receive on a multitude of other bands, include NOAA weather frequencies, aviation, and commercial FM radio stations. You won't find this on the shelf at a big box store, or any other retail store at all. The KG-Q10H is only available at Buy Two Way Radios.

KG-Q10H Key Features

• Quad Band Transmit (2m/1.25m/6m/70cm)
• 999 Memory Channels
• Superheterodyne Receiver
• 50-54 MHz (FM) Receive Only
• 76-108 MHz (FM) Receive Only
• 108-136 MHz (Airband, AM) Receive Only
• 136-174 MHz (FM) Receive Only
• 222-225 MHz (FM) Receive Only
• 320-480 MHz (FM) (Receive Only)
• 714-999 MHz (FM) (Receive Only)
• 7 NOAA weather Channels
• NOAA weather alerts
• 5 Weather Alert Notifications
• GPS Location Data Display
• Cross Band Repeat
• Up to 6 Maximum Transmit Power
• High/Mid/Low/Ultrahigh TX Power Levels
• Tune Specific Frequencies Directly (Frequency Mode)
• Simultaneous Dual Channel Receive
• Repeater Capable
• Standard and Non-Standard CTCSS/DCS Tones
• Split CTCSS/DCS Tone Support
• Channel Scan
• Priority Scan
• CTCSS/DCS Tone Scan
• Scan Group Support
• Favorite Channels
• Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Selectable
• Large Color Backlit LCD Dual Display
• 10 Display Color Theme Options
• 4 Customizable Display Themes
• Channel Name, Number or Frequency Display
• Incoming Caller ID Display
• Custom Display Messages
• Voltage Display
• Backlit Keypad
• Companding
• Scrambler
• DTMF Encoding and Decoding
• Group Call, All Call and Selective Call
• Timeout Timer
• Audible Button Beeps
• English Voice Prompts
• Transmit Overtime Alarm
• Scan Add/Delete
• Busy Channel Lockout
• Battery Meter
• Low Battery Alert
• Power Saver
• Reverse Frequency
• Talkaround
• VOX
• 2 Programmable Side Keys
• Programmable Top Key
• Built-in Flashlight
• Remote Stun/Kill/Monitor/Inspect
• Stopwatch Timer
• Clock Display
• Keypad Lock
• Built-in Flashlight
• Li-Ion Battery Pack (2600mAh)
• Rechargeable Battery Included
• USB-C Charging Port
• IP67 Dust and Waterproof
• Drop-In Charge Capable
• Audio Accessory Connector
• PC Programming Support
• Factory Reset

Programming the KG-Q10H
As it is with all Wouxun radios we carry, the KG-Q10H is fully programmable from a PC using a programming cable and the Wouxun KG-Q10H programming software or directly from the keypad of the radio itself.

Direct from the radio
If you already know how to program new channels and frequencies into almost any other Wouxun radio, you're all set. If not, or if you are new to programming radios altogether, no worries. The KG-Q10H owners manual is specifically written to get you up to speed quickly. The manual is written in plain English with instructions that are easy to understand. The Q10H has two menus.

Area Menu
The KG-Q10H Area menu consists of 26 items. Default settings are bold.

Note: *The menu items in yellow are available in Frequency mode only.
**The menu items in green are available in Channel mode only.
***The menu item in red is only available on Area A and not available in all bands.

System Menu
The KG-Q10H System menu consists of 48 items. Default settings are bold.

Note: *The menu items in purple requires activation of GPS.
**The menu item in green only functions in FM Radio mode.
***The menu item in orange accesses the GPS sub-menu listed in the chart below.

GPS Location Sub-Menu
The KG-Q10H GPS Location menu consists of 4 items. Default settings are bold.

Programming with software
The KG-Q10H uses the same Wouxun PCO-001/PCO-009 USB programming cable that works with most other Wouxun handheld radios. Refer to the cable driver installation instructions for more information.

As with other Wouxun radios, the KG-Q10H programming software is specific to this radio and is currently available for Windows PCs only. The programming software is located on the Wouxun KG-Q10H product page at Buy Two Way Radios.

KG-Q10H Operation
The KG-Q10H operates in much the same way as other Wouxun GMRS handheld radios with full keypads, displays and menus. If you already have a KG-935G Plus or other Wouxun radio that is field configurable, operating the KG-Q10H is about the same. Although some keys on the keypad may be different in label and function from some of the other models, they are not difficult to to use once you understand what they do.

The keys on the keypad and their primary functions are listed below:

The Wouxun KG-Q10H takes the amateur handheld to a whole new level. With the addition of new features such as GPS Location tracking, USB-C charging, and dual menus, this transceiver offers even more flexibility, programmability and ease of use than most other portable ham radios on the market to create the ultimate Wouxun Amateur experience -so far.

Recently we received a question from a reader in our blog who was searching for a device that could scan an incoming radio signal to detect and identify CTCSS tones and DCS codes. Although devices do exist that will perform this task, some radios will actually do it for you. Most Wouxun radios that we carry have a built-in tone scan feature, and some even allow you to save the scanned tone or code and add it to the current channel.

This is a very handy feature to have on any radio for a couple of reasons. For instance, if your group is using the same channel and/or frequency, but one person cannot hear the others, it is usually because the receiving unit likely either has a CTSS tone or DCS code enabled and the other radios don't, or the tone or code programmed into that radio is different from the one the rest of the group is using. Either way, the communication on that channel will be filtered out unless the correct tone or code is enabled, and the only way to do that is to obtain that tone or code and program it into the radio.

Another use for the tone scan, and probably the best example of it, is to identify the proper CTCSS or DCS needed to connect a radio with a repeater. Some repeaters are completely open and do not require a tone or code to use them, but many others do, and unless you know what it is, you won't be able to access it. With the tone scan, you can identify the correct tone or code and add it to the channel on your radio that is programmed for the repeater.

Tone Scan sounds like a great feature to have on any radio, and it is! It can also be a confusing one for those who are not familiar with how it works, because it's not simply a matter of enabling it in the radio menu. It requires a little more than that.

A common misconception of the Tone Scan feature is that you enable it in the menu, and the next time you receive a signal, it just pops up the code or tone on your screen. Well, yes and no. Yes, the radio will display it, but no, not just any time. Unlike most other features in a typical Wouxun radio menu, this one is different. You can't just enable the Tone Scan menu item and forget it. You need to be in the menu and enable Tone Scan while the signal is being received. In other words, the scan is active the moment you turn it on, but only while there is a signal to scan.

The reason for this is simply because you can't scan for a tone when there is no signal.

Here's how to use Tone Scan on a typical Wouxun radio. Keep in mind that these are general instructions intended Wouxun branded radios only.

To activate the Tone Scan, press the MENU key and choose the Tone Scan item. It may be listed as TONE SCAN, TONE-SCAN, TONESCAN, or something else entirely, depending on the model. Press MENU again to choose it and the first tone or code on the list should display on the screen. It is important to stay in the menu and keep the Tone Scan menu item open during the scan. Exiting the menu at this point will prematurely end the scan.

The scan will begin when a signal is received. The scan will stop when the signal ends and resume from where it left off the next time the signal is received. This cycle will continue until it identifies the correct tone. Tip: for faster results, you can usually use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scan in a different direction when using one of the Wouxun models listed in the chart below.

On Wouxun models that also support non-standard CTCSS, positive DCS, and negative DCS, there is usually an option to scan for some of them as well. Refer to the user manual for your specific model to read more information.

Once the tone or code is identified, all you need to do is note it and program it into the desired channel on your radio.

For added convenience, some Wouxun radios that are equipped with Tone Scan also include another feature called Tone Save. This item determines how a CTCSS tone or DCS code is saved to a channel after a CTCSS/DCS scan. On most Wouxun radios with this feature, you will have the option to either save the scanned tone to the receive CTCSS/DCS setting, the transmit setting, or both.

Note: *The models in green have separate menu items for CTCSS and DCS scan.
**The model in yellow indicates that the CTCSS/DCS Scan is only accessible directly from the keypad of the speaker microphone.