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The Wouxun KG-UV8D two way radio has a quick and easy reset. The only downside to the reset operation is it also clears out all the language settings and sets them to the default. English is its second language. The default is Chinese. The reset process clears all the language settings, both voice prompts and menu items shown on the display. If you speak and read Chinese, that's not an issue. If English is your first or only language, fear not, we're here to help. if you can read this, follow the instructions below and post-reset navigation should not be a challenge.

There are two reset options.

Functional Parameter Reset (VFO)
the VFO option resets the function settings to factory defaults without wiping out the channel settings.

Total Parameter Reset (ALL)
The ALL option performs a full reset back to factory defaults and clears the channel settings.

Follow the steps below to reset a Wouxun KG-UV8D, KG-UV8D Plus, or KG-UV8E two way radio from Buy Two Way Radios to its original factory settings and English prompts.

To perform a VFO Reset
1. Turn on the radio and press the MENU button.
2. Press the UP and DOWN arrow key to select RESET (Menu Item 51).
3. Press MENU to choose RESET.
4. Press the UP/DOWN arrow keys to choose VFO.
5. Press MENU. The radio will display RESET SURE?
6. Press MENU to confirm. The radio will display Waite please (yes, "wait" with an "e") for a few seconds, then shut down and restart.
7. The radio will revert to Chinese language mode. Reset is complete.

To perform a FULL Reset
1. Turn on the radio and press the MENU button.
2. Press the UP and DOWN arrow key to select RESET (Menu Item 51).
3. Press MENU to choose RESET.
4. Press the DOWN arrow key to choose ALL.
5. Press MENU. The radio will display RESET SURE?
6. Press MENU to confirm. The radio will display Waite please for a few seconds, then shut down and restart.
7. The radio will revert to Chinese language mode. Reset is complete.

To set language from Chinese to English
1. Press MENU.
2. Press the UP and DOWN arrow key to select LANGUAGE (Menu Item 12). Note: the menu will be in Chinese, so the next two steps are important if you cannot read Chinese characters.
3. Press MENU.
4. Press the DOWN arrow key once.
5. Press MENU.
6. Press EXIT.

A reset may resolve many issues or malfunctions, but may not work for every scenario. However, it is usually a recommended first step when troubleshooting a two way radio.

The Wouxun KG-UV8D is a popular dual band handheld two way radio for a reason. It has great performance, it's loaded with features, and it has a nice, large, color LCD display. It's also reasonably priced.

Then there is programming.

Programming the KG-UV8D isn't very difficult if you do it with a computer. Although the programming software provided by Wouxun isn't perfect, it's really not too bad, and it's not too difficult to figure out over time. Of course, if you have the open source programming software called CHIRP, it's even better, because it now supports the original KG-UV8D. CHIRP is freely available online.

For the most part, programming the KG-UV8D from a PC is relatively painless, especially when connected to an XLT Painless Programming Cable from Buy Two Way Radios. Programming it manually from the radio itself is another topic. To someone who is not familiar with the process, it can certainly be confusing or downright frustrating. Yet, there may come a time when you need to program your 8D and there is no computer or programming cable handy. There may be a time and place when you may need to do it manually. What do you do? How do you do it?

Follow the instructions below to manually program your Wouxun KG-UV8D, KG-UV8D Plus or KG-UV8E directly from the keypad of the radio.

How to manually program a simplex channel

• Step 1. Press [A/B] and choose the A Side (upper display) as MAIN.
• Step 2. Press [VFO/MR] and enter Frequency Mode.
  The radio should be in Frequency (VFO) Mode to program all settings to the channel.
• Step 3. Enter the frequency.
  Use the keypad to enter the frequency into the radio.
• Step 4. optional - Enter the transmit CTCSS/DCS code.
  • CTCSS - [MENU] 16 [MENU] [enter/choose code XXXX] [MENU] [EXIT]
  • DCS - [MENU] 18 [MENU] [choose code XXXXX] [MENU] [EXIT]

  Use the [Arrow Up/Down] keys or the channel selector knob to choose the codes from the menu.

• Step 5. Assign the frequency to a channel.
  [MENU] 27 [MENU] [enter channel number XXX] [MENU] [EXIT]
  If the Channel number is displayed in black, it is already assigned. Choose another channel.
  If the channel number is blue, the channel is available.

How to manually program a repeater channel

• Step 1. Press [A/B] and choose the A Side (upper display) as MAIN.
• Step 2. Press [VFO/MR] and enter Frequency Mode.
  Like the simplex channels, the radio should be in Frequency (VFO) Mode to program all settings to the channel.
• Step 3. Enter the frequency.
  Use the keypad to enter the frequency into the radio.
• Step 4. optional - Enter the transmit CTCSS/DCS code.
  • CTCSS - [MENU] 16 [MENU] [enter/choose code XXXX] [MENU] [EXIT]
  • DCS - [MENU] 18 [MENU] [choose code XXXXX] [MENU] [EXIT]

  Use the [Arrow Up/Down] keys or the channel selector knob to choose the codes from the menu.

• Step 5. Input the repeater frequency offset.
  Press [MENU] 23 [MENU] [enter the offset for 2 meter or 70 cm repeater] [MENU] [EXIT]
• Step 6. Enter the Transmit Frequency Shift.
  Press [MENU] 24 [MENU] [enter 1 for positive shift or 2 for negative shift] [MENU][EXIT]
  Note: There are three ways to enter the frequency shift.
  • Enter 1 for positive (+) and 2 for negative (-).
  • Press [Arrow Up/Down] to toggle + or -.
  • Turn the channel selector knob to choose + or -.
• Step 7. Assign the frequency to a channel.
  Press [MENU] 27 [MENU] [enter the channel number XXX] [MENU] [EXIT]
  If the Channel number is displayed in black, it is already assigned. Choose another channel.
  If the channel number is blue, the channel is available.

To add more channels, repeat the steps above. If these instructions are followed correctly step-by-step, you should be able to program all 999 memory channels in your Wouxun KG-UV8D. Note: These instructions will also work for KG-UV8D Plus and KG-UV8E radios.

The two way radio is a powerful tool for short range communications, and for a number of reasons. There are no recurring connection charges, no subscription or usage fees, and it is easy to operate. Perhaps the best reason is the almost instantaneous connection. There is no dialing involved. Simply push a button and talk.

That is how a two way radio is supposed to work, and that is what users expect it to do. Many expect the radio to do it as soon as it is turned on, right out of the box, and some radios do. However, some of them don't, and a user who is not familiar with how a radio works may assume their brand new, freshly unboxed transceiver may not work at all. To those who are new to radio, it can be a real source of confusion and frustration.

While it is possible to receive a product prone to malfunction, such damage or defect isn't usually the issue. In fact, in all likelihood, there is probably nothing inherently wrong with the device itself at all. More often than not, the radio simply needs to be programmed.

The two way radios of today usually fall under one of two general categories: those that need to be programmed by the user, and those that don't. Some radio services, such as FRS, GMRS, CB and MURS, require the devices to operate on specific frequencies and/or within certain parameters, which means the radios operating within those services are generally pre-packaged and "hard programmed" at the factory to meet those requirements. An exception to this is Wouxun, which, while hard programming the service channels, does allow the end user to custom program additional memory channels and other advanced features into their radios.

Other radio services are more flexible, and the radios operating within them are more flexible as well. These transceivers are designed for partial or full programmability by the owners themselves. That's a lot of accessibility, power and control over a device, particularly one used for communication, and many radio operators want and prefer to take full advantage of it whenever possible.

As these programmable two way radios become more sophisticated, so does their programming. Many can be programmed from the units themselves, usually either through a set of buttons or a full keypad embedded in the radio. However, some of them don't have that option, and even some that do require additional input by the user that can be cumbersome, complicated and often confusing for anyone who hasn't studied the manual from cover to cover (and if it is a manual for some imported radios, even if they have). In such scenarios, programming the radio via computer is generally considered a more practical or desirable option.

Some radios, such as lower end models used by many small businesses, retailers or localized business operations, may need to have only limited user programmability or may need to be completely locked down to prevent users from tampering with their functions and settings. These radios may be pre-programmed with frequencies, CTCSS/DCS codes and other features at the factory or by a dealer, allowing the end user a preset choice of programmable options.

Most higher end radios used for commercial, industrial, business purposes or public service operations are fully programmable and may be programmed by the dealer or the end user. Transceivers used in amateur radio are almost always fully programmable, and are usually shipped without any pre-programming from the manufacturer or dealer. These units must be programmed by the end user before they are able to transmit or receive calls.

The chart below lists the programmability of different types of two way radios we carry at Buy Two Way Radios. It is not intended to detail the programming capabilities or limitations of every make and model, only to provide the basic differences between them.

Two Way Radio Programmability Chart

Additional resources:
Motorola RDX Two Way Radio Programming Software
How to program Motorola DLR1020 and DLR1060 Advanced Configuration options
How to Clone a Motorola RDX Two Way Radio
Don't Let Your Two Way Radio Dealer Hold You Hostage
How to Wirelessly Clone Kenwood Protalk Radios
How to program the Wouxun KG-UV920P mobile radio from a PC
How to program a frequency into the Wouxun KG-UV920P-A
Radio Compatibility: Which Models Will Work Together

The programming cable for your two way radio is installed and operational. It's plugged into your radio. The programming software finds your cable, but it doesn't detect a radio. What's wrong? Is it the computer, the cable, the radio, or something else?

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue if your radio programming cable does not detect your two way radio.

Step 1. Verify the programming cable is installed correctly.

• If the cable is installed correctly, proceed to Step 2.
• If it is not installed correctly, uninstall the cable and re-install it according to manufacturer's instructions.

Step 2. Check to be sure the radio is on.
Believe it or not, this is not uncommon, especially when one is programming radios on the fly. One can connect the cable on both ends and simply forget to turn on the radio. Before cursing the cable or the computer, check the radio, to be sure.

• If the radio is turned on and there is power, proceed to Step 3.
• If radio switch is on but there is no power, follow our troubleshooting guide called What to do if the radio does not power on.

Step 3. Check to be sure the cable is plugged all the way into the radio.
Sometimes the cable can appear to be connected without a real connection.

• Unplug the cable from the radio and plug it back in to be sure.
• For some radios, the cable may require an extra push to snap it in all the way.
• If the cable detects the radio after reseating the connection, the issue is resolved.
• If the cable still does not recognize the radio, go to Step 4.

Step 4. Try another radio.
Sometimes it's the cable, sometimes it's the radio. To find out which, first swap out the radio.

• If the cable recognizes the other radio, go to step 5.
• If the cable does not detect the other radio, or you don't have another radio, follow our troubleshooting steps for what to do if the radio programming cable does not work.

Step 5. Perform a reset on the first radio.
At this point, it is probably safe to figure the problem may be with the radio itself.

• If the reset works, the issue is resolved.
• If the reset does not work or the radio does not have a reset feature, follow our troubleshooting steps for what to do if the radio is damaged.

  Of course, if the radio was purchased from Buy Two Way Radios, you can always contact us.

If you program your two way radio from a computer, the programming cable is critical. It is the one and only data link between those two devices, and it needs to be reliable, stable and easy to install. It needs to connect and work every time. If you have an XLT Painless Programming Cable, it's usually not an issue.

The programming cable for your two way radio is supposed to simply install, connect and work, but what if it doesn't? What if it doesn't seem to work at all?

There is more to a programming cable for a typical two way radio than just the cable itself, and there are several factors that determine its connectivity, functionality and performance, most of which involve your computer. If your radio programming cable isn't working, consider them all before you tie yourself and your cable into knots of frustration.

Follow the steps below in order to properly install and resolve issues with two way radio programming cables and drivers.

Step 1. Verify the correct driver is available for the cable.

• If the correct driver or driver CD is available, proceed to Step 2.
• If the correct driver is not available, locate it on the CD/DVD provided with the cable or download the driver from the manufacturer's web site.

Step 2. Before installing, be sure the radio is off, the computer is on and the cable is not plugged into either device.
The purpose of this step is to ensure a clean install according to the instructions of the manufacturer.

• If this is the first attempt to install the cable, skip to Step 3.
• If a previous attempt was made to install the cable and/or the cable driver, completely and thoroughly uninstall the cable and all elements of the driver according to the manufacturer's instructions, then disconnect the programming cable from all devices and reboot the computer.

Step 3. Follow the manufacturer's step-by-step procedure for proper installation of the USB programming cable and driver.

• If installation was successful, skip to Step 6.
• If installation was not successful or the cable is not recognized, go to Step 4.

Step 4. Try other USB ports

• If the cable successfully installs when plugged into another USB port, skip to Step 6.
• If installation failed on all USB ports, go to Step 5.

Step 5. install the cable on another computer.

• If another computer is available, proceed with installation.
• If installation is successful, Go to Step 6. Note: If the installation is successful on another computer, the issue may be with the first computer. You may need to contact a computer repair technician.
• If installation is not successful on another computer or another computer is not available, contact the cable manufacturer. If the programming cable was purchased from Buy Two Way Radios, contact us.

Step 6. Verify successful installation in the system and note the COM port number.
You may need this information to configure the programming software.

Step 7. Install and run the programming software for the radio.

• If the programming software successfully recognizes the COM port and the radio, the issue is resolved.
• If the cable installation is successful and the programming software does not recognize the COM port or the radio, follow the troubleshooting steps for What to do if the programming software does not list your COM port.

It is important to note that our scope of support is limited to the two way radios, programming cables and programming software we sell at Buy Two Way Radios. We do not service, support or troubleshoot computers or computer operating systems.

You may encounter a situation in which the CD or DVD drive in your computer may not detect or read the software CD provided by Buy Two Way Radios. Although troubleshooting your computer is outside our scope of support, we do need to determine if the issue is caused by a defective CD/DVD disc drive or a defective disc.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and possibly resolve the issue if your CD or DVD drive does not read or detect a Buy Two Way Radios branded CD.

Step 1. Verify you have a genuine Buy Two Way Radios CD.
The CD should have the official Buy Two Way Radios blue handheld radio graphic on the left side and the text www.buytwowayradios.com printed at the bottom.

• If using our CD, proceed to step 2.
• If a CD was included with a primary product purchased from us but it is not our supplied CD or is a copy created by a third party, contact us to request a genuine copy our CD. (The CD may have an additional fee when purchased separately). Important note: this applies to Buy Two Way Radios branded CDs only. We do not copy and sell duplicates of CDs or DVDs created and branded by the manufacturer or third parties.

Step 2. Insert another commercial data or audio CD into the CD/DVD drive.
The term commercial refers to a professionally or commercially mass produced Compact Disc or Digital Versatile Disc containing audio or data, such as a computer program, music or video CD/DVD.

• If the CD/DVD Drive successfully reads the other commercial CD, proceed to step 3.
• If the CD/DVD Drive does not detect or successfully read the other commercial CD, try a third commercial CD.
• If it reads the third commercial CD, go to step 3.
• If it does not read the third commercial CD, The CD/DVD drive may be defective. You may need to contact a computer repair technician.

Step 3. If your CD/DVD drive can read other commercial CDs but cannot read our CD, contact us at Buy Two Way Radios.

Please note: we do not service or support computers.

UPDATE: As of November 10, 2022, CHIRP now supports the KG-935G! Download the latest daily build of CHIRP here.

CHIRP is a free, open source application created by a team of volunteer amateur radio operators. The software is used to program a wide variety of different makes and models of two way radios with a computer.

When programming certain models of two way radios purchased from Buy Two Way Radios, some of our customers, particularly those who are ham radio operators, prefer CHIRP in lieu of the programming software provided by the radio manufacturer. This preference for CHIRP is largely due to a couple of reasons. CHIRP is often easier to understand and use than the original programming software from the manufacturers of certain radios, particularly those in China. The use of CHIRP also often minimizes or even eliminates the need to install and use a different programming application for each individual product when using a mix of of different radios.

CHIRP supports an impressively wide selection of radios, but not all of them. The list is expanding over time. When a new product is introduced to the market, depending on its popularity and relevance, The CHIRP project team may add support for the new model in a future version or build of the software.

We often receive calls from customers who request tutorials, tech support or other instruction for CHIRP. Although we do include CHIRP as a free add-on with a few select programming cables, we do not support it ourselves, as it isn't ours. It was created by a community of ham radio operators, and relies on the community to support it. We merely provide the application as a courtesy to our customers who may need or want it.

As of November 2020, CHIRP supports the following radios we currently sell or previously carried:

• Baofeng UV-5R
• Baofeng BF-F9 (Choose UV-5R)
• Baofeng BF-F8+ (Choose UV-5R)
• Baofeng UV-82
• Leixen VV-898
• Leixen VV-898S (Choose VV-898)
• Leixen VV-898P (Choose VV-898)
• Leixen VV-898SP (Choose VV-898)
• TYT TH-350
• TYT TH-7800
• TYT TH-9800
• TYT TH-UV88
• Wouxun KG-935G
• Wouxun KG-UV6D
• Wouxun KG-UVD1P
• Wouxun KG-UV7D
• Wouxun KG-UV8D
• Wouxun KG-UV8D Plus
• Wouxun KG-UV8E
• Wouxun KG-UV8H
• Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus
• Wouxun KG-UV9P

The next generation of CHIRP is CHIRP-Next, and includes support for some radios that may not be supported by the legacy CHIRP. Radios supported by CHIRP-Next are bold in the list above.

If your radio is currently listed in CHIRP or CHIRP-Next, you should be good to go. If your radio is not listed, download the latest daily build of CHIRP or the latest daily build of CHIRP-Next.

If the latest build of CHIRP does not list your radio, CHIRP does not currently support it. The CHIRP programming team does accept requests for support of new radios. You can submit a request to the CHIRP project and ask them to add the radio to a future version or build of CHIRP.

You stored your walkie talkies away for awhile and now you're planning that big weekend hiking or camping trip with your family or friends across the great outdoors. Naturally, you need them again, so you take them out, dust them off, turn them on and -

Uh oh. Nothing happens. They won't go on.

You have your company fleet of two way radios packed and ready to take to the next job. When you arrive onsite, you take them out of their case, pass them out to your workers, instruct everyone to stay on Channel 1, and -

No, wait. They don't turn on.

Yeah, it happens. Sometimes a radio may not power on. Of course, if it happens, it is a big deal, because the two way radio as we know it is considered one of the most stable and reliable modes of communication available to the modern world, especially during an emergency. As stable and reliable as two way radios are, it still happens. So if or when it does happen, what do you do?

Follow these steps to troubleshoot, identify and hopefully resolve the issue when your radio does not power on.

Step 1. Verify the batteries or battery pack is/are installed correctly.

• Verify the battery pack is seated or batteries are installed correctly or with the correct polarity. If correct, proceed to Step 3.
• If not installed correctly, reseat the battery pack or batteries.

Step 2. Check to be sure the radio is really on.

Some consumer FRS and GMRS radios turn on by pressing a power button or holding it down for one to two seconds. Sometimes there is a delay or there is poor contact internally and it needs to be held down a little longer. Other models, such as business, air band, amateur, CB and marine portable handheld radios have a power knob on top of the unit that must be turned to power them on. If the knob is loose, you might think it turned the shaft of the switch when it didn't. The on/off switch could also be defective.

• If the radio is turned on and there is power, proceed to Step 5.
• If radio switch is on but there is no power, check to be sure the battery or batteries is/are fully charged.

Step 3. Check to be sure the battery is charged.

• Swap out the battery pack or batteries with another or fresh one(s). If no spare batteries are available, put the battery(ies) in another known working radio to test.
• If no other battery(ies) or radio is available, go to Step 4.
• If swapping the battery(ies) or radio was successful and the radio has power, skip to Step 5.
• If there is still no power, proceed according to battery type.

Step 4. Troubleshoot according to battery type.

• If the battery is rechargeable, recharge it according to the manufacturer instructions. If the battery charges, go to Step 5.
• If the rechargeable battery pack does not charge, troubleshoot the battery pack and charger.
• If the battery is non-rechargeable and replacement batteries do not power on the radio, check the radio for damage.

Step 5. Turn the radio on.

• If the radio turns on, the issue is resolved.
• If the radio does not turn on, check the radio for damage and refer to the manufacturer for warranty support.

If these instructions are followed correctly, you should be able to quickly determine the cause of the issue and possibly resolve it. If these troubleshooting steps did not resolve your issue and your radio is out of warranty, contact us at Buy Two Way Radios.

Certain circumstances may require you to perform a reset on your Baofeng. Performing a reset is extremely easy, however if you speak only English and the voice prompts are in Chinese, performing a simple reset or recovering from one may require a little more attention.

Follow the steps below to reset a Baofeng UV-5R, BF-F9, BF-F8+, UV-B6 or UV-82 two way radio from Buy Two Way Radios.

To perform a VFO Reset
1.Turn on the radio and press the MENU button.
2.Press the UP and DOWN arrow key to select RESET (Menu Item 40).
3.Press MENU to choose RESET.
4.Press the DOWN arrow key to choose VFO.
5.Press MENU. The radio will display SOURCE?
6.Press MENU to confirm. The radio will display WAIT... for a few seconds, then beep twice to confirm reset is complete. The radio will revert to Chinese language mode. Reset is complete.

To perform a FULL Reset
1.Turn on the radio and press the MENU button.
2.Press the UP and DOWN arrow key to select RESET (Menu Item 40).
3.Press MENU to choose RESET.
4.Press the DOWN arrow key to choose ALL.
5.Press MENU. The radio will display SOURCE?
6.Press MENU to confirm. The radio will display WAIT... for a few seconds, then beep twice to confirm reset is complete.
7.The radio will revert to Chinese language mode. Reset is complete.

To set language from Chinese to English
1.Press MENU.
2.Press the UP and DOWN arrow key to select VOICE (Menu Item 14).
3.Press MENU to choose VOICE.
4.Press the DOWN arrow key to choose ENG.
5.Press MENU to choose ENG.

NOTE: a VFO RESET only resets the frequency values in VFO mode. To reset the radio back to factory defaults, choose RESET/ALL. A reset may resolve some issues, but will not resolve them all. Some scenarios, such as inoperability due to an incorrect or corrupt image file cannot be resolved with a reset and require another resolution. It is, however, usually a standard first step when troubleshooting the radio.