Consumer Radios

We tell you about a new handheld GMRS radio from Wouxun with dual receive and weather mode that's also rated IP66 for outdoor use. We also take some of your comments and questions from our blog and our forum.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:14

New Wouxun KG-935G GMRS radio 1:32
We tell you all about the new Wouxun KG-935G Portable Handheld GMRS Two Way Radio. We'll go through its features, compare it to other Wouxun models and discuss whether or not this could be the ultimate walkie talkie for the GMRS.

Questions and Answers 50:32
Comments and questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. Check out and join the forum! It's free!

Wrap up and Close 1:01:50
Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show[at]buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. If we read your comment about this episode on a future episode, we may send you a free Two Way Radio Show t-shirt or some swag! Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2021 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:00 — 57.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Want a more compact mobile GMRS radio with the functionality, quality and performance of a full size model, but without the full size price? The new Wouxun KG-XS20G GMRS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio is the one to choose!

This video provides a quick, yet detailed introductory overview of KG-XS20G, shows off its unique physical attributes, and lists its many powerful features. It's available now and only from Buy Two Way Radios!

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

When we initially announced the arrival of the KG-1000G in November 2020, we knew it was something different and special, and even called it "best mobile GMRS radio in the world". We just didn't know how popular it would be. Nine months later, we're still trying to keep up with the high demand for this mobile, and it consistently receives high ratings and reviews across the board. The only caveat is the price. While the KG-1000G is a great value for all its many features, Some customers express concern that it costs too much for extra or advanced features that some of them will never use. To resolve this, we're excited to announce a new model for those who want the practical functionality and performance of a GMRS mobile, but at a lower price. Introducing the Wouxun KG-XS20G Compact Mobile GMRS Radio!

We knew we wanted it to be more budget friendly. The tough part was choosing which features were most important to have that would maximize the user experience without sacrificing core functionality, quality and performance. We think that the KG-XS20G provides an optimal balance of the three.

Let's take a look at some of the key features of the KG-XS20G and find out what they are all about.

Compact and light
Many mobile radios require ample space for permanent installation in or around the dash. Unfortunately, some vehicles just don't have the room. In other situations, a permanent installation isn't feasible or even wanted, particularly when drivers want the flexibility to swap the unit between one or more vehicles as needed. The Wouxun XS20G is a perfect solution.

The XS20G is designed for use in vehicles that don't offer much extra room for large, bulky transceivers. At only 2.16 × 4.72 × 4.7 inches (55 × 120 × 119.5 mm) it's roughly two-thirds the size of the typical mobile radio. Its compact frame accommodates installation in horizontally narrower spaces, and at a mere 22.36oz (634g), its lighter weight allows the XS20G to be installed, moved or removed with greater ease.

Power
The XS20G can transmit at a up to 20 watts of power, with two adjustable power levels. While not as powerful as full sized mobile transceivers such as the 50 watt KG-1000G, it does offer the maximum optimal wattage for its size. The lower wattage generates less heat. This enables the XS20G to operate within its compact, lighter enclosure without the need for a cooling fan or the heavier, bulkier case of a full size mobile that also serves as a heat sink.

GMRS Transmit and Dual Band Receive
As is the case with the full size, 50 watt Wouxun KG-1000G, the KG-XS20G includes all 30 GMRS channels, but is allowed to transmit only on channels 1-7 and 15-22 of the GMRS, as well as the 8 GMRS repeater channels. However, it is capable of receive-only operation on any frequency between 400-470MHz on the UHF band and 136-174MHz on the VHF band. It also has a built-in commercial FM radio, a standard feature on many Wouxun handheld and mobile transceivers. The KG-XS20G is FCC type accepted for both parts 95E (GMRS) and 15B (scanning UHF and VHF), so you have a fully legal radio for GMRS operation. For the record, the FCC ID is WVTWOUXUN25.

NOAA Weather Mode, Weather Scan and Alerts
One feature that is becoming increasingly popular on both handheld and mobile radios is the ability to receive NOAA weather channels and alerts. Wouxun acknowledged this by including a NOAA weather mode on the KG-XS20G. It's also very easy to access. Simply hold down the BAND key for 2 seconds and weather mode is activated, instantly tuning to the last weather channel accessed. You can change the channel to any of the 7 NOAA channels using the Channel/Frequency Knob or the arrow keys. The Weather Mode function can also be assigned to the PF1 or PF2 key from the menu. The XS20G also has a weather scan and weather alert function, the latter which to monitor the weather frequency currently selected for the 1050Hz subaudible tone that is broadcast when a weather alert or warning is issued.

Channel and Frequency Modes
The KG-XS20G can display and tune frequencies either by the channels to which they are assigned or by entering each frequency directly. You can switch between the channel and frequency modes by simply pressing the mode button until the desired mode is reached.

Up to 999 total memory channels can be programmed into the SX20G. Channels 1-30 are pre-programmed to the 22 simplex and 8 repeater GMRS channels by default. The rest can be programmed by the user and saved as custom channels. The radio can be programmed either with the optional Wouxun PCO-003 programming cable and programming software or directly from the radio using the full DTMF keypad on the hand microphone. The programming software is available as a free download and can be found under the Downloads tab on the KG-XS20G product page.

Standard and Non-Standard Tones and Codes
The XS20G supports 155 industry standard CTCSS tones and DCS codes, including 50 CTCSS and 105 DCS. It also supports non-standard tones and codes, including both positive and negative DCS codes. This maximizes your options for filtering out unwanted conversations from other parties on the same channel or frequency.

One handy feature of this radio is the Tone Scan. The KG-XS20G can scan an incoming signal for a CTCSS or DCS tone and Identify it for you. This saves a lot of guesswork when trying to figure out what tone or code everyone else is using. To make it even easier, the once the tone is identified, the radio can update the tone settings of the current channel.

Programmable Function Keys
The XS20G has two programmable function keys, marked as PF1 and PF2. PF1 is located on the front panel of the radio, and PF2 is on the left side of the hand speaker microphone. Although they have presets out of the box, both can be reconfigured with one of 12 different functions. Each key can be assigned up to two functions, one activated with a short press of the key, the other with a long press. The function keys can be programmed with the programming software or directly from the menu of the radio on the fly.

Better Menu
Speaking of programming, the menu of the XS20G is vastly improved from past handheld and mobile Wouxun models in a few ways. First, it's been reordered to put frequently accessed items earlier. Second, some menu items have been renamed from the standard "Wouxun" naming convention to make them more understandable to English users. Also some menu options were re-arranged in an attempt to group them with similar items. In all, it's an easier menu to navigate, understand and use.

Full Color Dual Display
One key feature of this radio that cannot be overlooked is the display. Unlike the straightforward LCD display of the KG-1000G, the full color screen of the XS20G is based directly on those of classic Wouxun handheld radios such as the KG-UV8D and KG-UV9D series. In fact, it's very similar to the display of the KG-UV8D, yet with considerable improvement. The colors are rich and bright, the alphanumeric digits are sharp and easy to read, and the icons are easy to identify. The brightness is also adjustable.

Like the aforementioned handhelds, this is also a dual display, meaning that the radio has an A and B side and both can be displayed at once. The radio can toggle between dual display and single display mode, adding even more versatility to the KG-XS20G.

Other Features
Of course, it would be remiss to neglect some of the other features of this radio, and in spite of its small stature, there are many of them. The selection of scan options comes to mind, including priority channel scanning and support for up to 10 scan groups. Bandwidth is selectable, there are multiple speaker output settings, and there is a 3.5mm jack in the back for an optional external speaker. As with many other Wouxun radios, the KG-XS20G supports Talk Around. It also has a reverse frequency function, selective call, and tone alert. There are several additional features many would consider minor, and some would not use at all. But they are there, ready to activate, just in case.

Antenna Options
One important consideration that inevitably arises is the choice of antenna for this radio. Although it isn't a huge 50W GMRS powerhouse like the KG-1000G, the antenna requirements of the KG-XS20G are not much different. Of course, we've done most of the legwork already. Our recommendations can be found by clicking on the Accessories tab on the XS20G product page and choosing the antenna that fits your vehicle requirements and budget. It's not much more complicated than that.

KG-XS20G or KG-1000G
But that's not all to consider when shopping for a mobile GMRS radio. Now we come to the moment of some serious contemplation. With the arrival of the XS20G, Wouxun has two mobiles from which to choose. The question is, which one do you really need?

If you want a full featured, high powered GMRS mobile radio or base station with everything under the sun, including the ability to turn it into a repeater (which requires two), then the KG-1000G may be the one to choose. However, if what you really need is a compact, easy to move mobile with sufficient power that is still feature rich, but more moderately priced, then the Wouxun KG-XS20G may just be the perfect radio for you. Price: $219.99

First there was the KG-805G, a powerful, yet easy to operate handheld that was customizable, programmable, and capable of transmitting at up to a full 5 watts, all of which were almost unheard of for a Part 95 type accepted GMRS radio at the time. Then came the KG-905G, with its enhanced display, 256 custom channels, and hardened, IP66 dust and water resistance, another first to market for the GMRS.

Now, the bar has been raised again. But this time, it's different, and henceforth, the GMRS will never be the same. The Wouxun KG-935G portable handheld GMRS radio has arrived!

If the KG-935G looks vaguely familiar, it's not a Jedi mind trick. It's based on the Wouxun KG-UV8H, a dual band amateur radio descended from the very popular KG-UV8 series. Although slightly larger than the original 8D, it has lot of its functionality, including an advanced feature set, great overall performance, and a highly professional look and feel. It takes all that and adds many improvements, including better ingress protection.

So, what makes the KG-935G different? Read on.

Full Color Dual Display
The KG-935G certainly adds more features to the line of Wouxun GMRS handhelds but not all of them are internal. One huge upgrade is the display. The KG-805G has a fairly simple screen. The 905G has a larger, but monochrome visual interface. The KG-935G take the classic full color screen of the KG-UV8D and gives it an even cleaner, sharper look, with a slightly wider, more peripherally comfortable viewing area, richer colors, and a higher resolution. This makes the text, numbers, icons and graphics easier on the eyes. The display has four color themes from which to choose, two light and two dark.

As the KG-935G is a dual mode, dual receive GMRS radio, it is only natural to assume this is also a dual display, and it is. It can display both A and B sides simultaneously, and each side can be switched to be the primary or MAIN side with short press of the BAND button. You can also turn the dual display on and off and use view the screen in single display mode if desired.

New Display Brightness/Backlight Controls
Although Wouxun is well known for their premium LCD displays, previous models offered limited options when it came to managing the backlights for them. With the KG-935G, Wouxun now has three menu settings related to the display brightness, giving you full control over the brightness levels. The BACKLIGHT menu setting controls how many seconds the display stays in "Active" mode after certain activities occur, such as when a key is pressed or when an incoming transmission is received. The time can be adjusted from one to twenty seconds. After this time elapses, the display returns to Standby mode. New BRT-ACTV and BRT-STBY settings allow you to choose the brightness level of the display when in each of these modes.

To make the display easier to read in bright sunlight, Wouxun increased the maximum brightness level. The brightness adjustment settings have also been added as menu hotkeys on the keypad.

NOAA Weather Mode, Scan and Alerts
The KG-805G and KG-905G are two of the most popular Wouxun GMRS handhelds on the market. But for all the demand, one feature they lack, and is the one requested most often, is ability to program and receive NOAA weather channels. Enter the KG-935G. It has a NOAA weather mode built right in, easily activated at the push of a button. All 7 NOAA channels are available, and it even remembers the last weather channel accessed. The Weather Mode function can also be assigned to one of the side keys if desired.

The KG-935G can also scan all the NOAA weather channels for active broadcasts. When Priority Scan is enabled, the radio can toggle between scanning a weather channel and a regular channel. On top of that it has a weather alert, which monitors the currently selected weather frequency for the 1050Hz subaudible tone broadcast by the NOAA station during an alert. This isn't just a frequency programmed into a channel. It's fully functional weather radio mode.

Dual Band with Simultaneous Receive Capability
Like the other Wouxun GMRS handhelds such as the 805 and 905G, the KG-935G transmits and receives all 30 GMRS channels, including the 22 simplex and 8 GMRS repeater channels. However, the KG-805G and KG-905G are single band radios, operating only on UHF. The KG-935G is capable of receiving on dual bands, both UHF and VHF.

But it doesn't stop there. The 935G also has dual channel receive capability, which means it can receive two channels or frequencies on the same or different bands at once, simultaneously. In this respect, the 935G is more like its mobile cousin, the Wouxun KG-1000G.

Channel and Frequency Modes
As mentioned earlier, the KG-935G is a GMRS version of the KG-UV8H, so its no surprise that both radios will share many advanced features, among which is the ability to operate in either channel or frequency (VFO) mode. This is a relatively new concept for GMRS operators, however if you are already familiar with the KG-1000G GMRS Base/Mobile radio, you will know just how powerfully useful it is to have this feature on a GMRS handheld. The KG-935G can display the channel name, channel number, or frequency. These channel and frequency work modes can be toggled back and forth instantly with the press of the Mode key.

As for memory channels, the KG-935G has 999 of them. The first 30 are pre-programmed by default to the 22 simplex and 8 repeater GMRS channels. The rest of them are available to program as you like, either with GMRS simplex and repeater channels customized with specific CTCSS tones and DCS codes, or as receive-only channels on the UHF and VHF bands. Programming can be performed directly from the DTMF keypad on the radio itself or with an optional Wouxun PCO-001 programming cable and Wouxun programming software. As with other Wouxun radios available from Buy Two Way Radios, the programming software is available as a free download and can be found under the Downloads tab on the KG-935G product page.

IP66 Dust and Water Proof
Consumer grade GMRS radios typically average out their resistance to the elements at about IPX4 or JIS4, which is the equivalent to the protection from a summer rain and little to no resistance to dirt or a sandy shore. A few are rated at IP54, which can take some sand and dirt, and splashing water or a heavier rain. The KG-935G isn't a consumer grade radio. It's rated IP66 for dust and water, meaning that it can take harsher elements. It's not submersible, but it can take the mud, sand and direct jets of water from any direction and still take your calls. This is a tough radio for tougher environments, indoors or out.

Standard 3200mAh Battery

The KG-935G comes standard with a 3200mAh lithium-ion battery pack. This is over 20% more capacity than the stock battery for the 905G and nearly twice that of the 1700mAh battery included with the KG-805G.

More Power
Previous Wouxun GMRS radios can transmit at up to 5 watts. The KG-935G has the capability to transmit a up to 5.5 watts of power. While not a huge boost to boast about, this modest increase does reach a reasonable balance between maximum wattage for transmit and what is considered a reasonably safe output level for a radio that can get right in front of your face. It manages this wattage with three selectable power levels, the highest of which can provide a bit of extra "oomph" in situations when you need to hit that distant repeater.

An Updated Menu
One of the more challenging aspects of field programming a Wouxun radio from its menu, or any import radio for that matter, is understanding the menu itself, and its options. More specifically, many of these menu items are labeled somewhat cryptically, and arranged in an arbitrary order. Such is not the case with the KG-935G. Menu options have been renamed for easier identification and re-ordered in a more logical arrangement for easier navigation and faster programming from the keypad.

Programmable Function Keys x2
It's not uncommon to find one or two programmable buttons on a GMRS handheld these days, especially on the Wouxun models, and the KG-935G is no exception. It has two, called PF1 and PF2. What is different about this radio is that each key can be programmed with not one, but two different functions. The desired function is chosen by a short or long press. Both keys are located on the side of the radio, conveniently located below the PTT. You can program each key by choosing from a selection of 12 different functions. The function keys can be programmed directly from the keypad of the radio or from a PC with the programming software.

Other Features
We've covered the most notable items that differentiate the Wouxun KG-935G from the other GMRS portables, but there are many other features that, while more commonly found on some high end business and amateur models, are still quite advanced for a handheld that operates on the GMRS. Among these are:

• Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Options
• Standard and Non-Standard CTCSS Tones and DCS Codes
• Split CTCSS/DCS Tone Support
• CTCSS/DCS Tone Scan
• Channel Scan
• Priority Channel Scanning
• Scan Groups
• Compander
• Descrambler
• DTMF Encode/Decode
• Group Call/All Call/Select Call
• Incoming Caller ID
• FM Radio
• FM Radio Station Memory Save
• Stopwatch Timer
• Built-in Flashlight/Strobe
• English Voice Prompts
• Second Frequency PTT Assignment
• Talk Around
• Reverse Frequency
• Busy Channel Lockout
• SOS
• Alarm

Some of these features can be found on the KG-805G and KG-905G. Very few, if any, will be found on the typical consumer grade (read "bubble pack") GMRS radio. All of them are available, as standard features, on the Wouxun KG-935G.

If you just want a cheap GMRS radio available that does the bare minimum at the lowest power allowed, get the bubble pack. if you want a radio that maximizes everything possible with your premium priced, official FCC issued GMRS license, get the Wouxun KG-935G. Price: $149.99

After two decades, a mobile MURS radio has arrived. Could this be the ultimate MURS radio? Judge for yourself in this quick introductory video of the new Wouxun KG-1000M MURS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio!

In this video, we give you a detailed view of KG-1000M, show you some of its exciting features and explain why we think it's the ultimate MURS radio, and most likely the only mobile transceiver made for the Multi-Use Radio Service. Plus, its license-free! It's now in our warehouse and available exclusively at Buy Two Way Radios!

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

In the autumn of 2000, the FCC created the Multi-Use Radio Service, or MURS. As the name implies, it can be used for multiple applications, from wireless home and office intercom systems to callboxes, public address systems, and portable handheld two way radios. Best of all, its available to use by almost anyone, whether for home or business, license free.

For much of its history, interest in MURS was limited to specific types of applications, partially because of its relative obscurity and the dearth of radios available that supported the service. Recently there has been growing interest in MURS. As a result, we've seen a slow but steady influx of type accepted MURS radios in the US marketplace. These products were limited to portable handheld MURS radios, such as the increasingly popular Wouxun KG-805M MURS radio.

Until now.

In response to a growing demand for alternative options, one manufacturer just released a new radio that may usher in a whole new era for the Multi-Use Radio Service, the Wouxun KG-1000M Mobile MURS two way radio!

The KG-1000M is the first mobile MURS radio from Wouxun, and it hits the ground running out of the gate. It transmits and receives all 5 MURS channels at the full legal limit of 2 watts for maximum allowable power and performance. It also receives on several other bands, allowing you to hear traffic from other radio services such as FRS, GMRS, business, marine, airband and more. It includes a NOAA weather mode and a built-in FM radio. It even receives AM transmissions!

At first glance this multi-band functionality may not seem overly impressive on its own. After all, there are other mobile radios out there with these capabilities, such as the KG-UV920P-A and KG-UV980P. However, the KG-1000M is FCC type accepted for legal use on MURS, which makes it a total game changer for users of this service. And that's just the beginning.

The KG-1000M is also capable of simultaneous dual mode operation, with A and B sides or areas, each capable of independent operation. This means it can receive on one area while transmitting on the other. You can even receive on both areas simultaneously. This is particularly useful when using the NOAA weather radio, as you can monitor the weather channels while scanning, transmitting or receiving on MURS. Essentially it is two mobile radios in one.

As a dedicated MURS radio alone, the KG-1000M is an extremely powerful device. In addition to the 5 primary MURS channels, it also has memory slots for additional custom programmed channels, for a total of 999 channels. But they aren't just for MURS. Any frequency from the wide RX range supported by the KG-1000M can be saved as a listen only channel. It also supports standard and non-standard CTCSS tones and DCS codes, plus the ability to split these tones and codes for transmit and receive. This means that you can leave the first 5 MURS channels straight, and customize them all with different tones and codes in hundreds of configurations on additional programmed channels as needed. Each channel can also be assigned a custom name with up to eight alphanumeric characters, so you can ID them instantly when switching channels.

Its powerful versatility doesn't end there. The Scan options provide even more. Of course, you can scan all 999 programmable channels, but you can also scan them with CTCSS tone and DCS code detection. The KG-1000M also features priority scanning and support for up to 10 Scan Groups, for even greater control over scans.

Then there is the Tone Scan. This feature scans for CTCSS tones and DCS codes. It allows you to discover the precise tone or code used on a specific channel, completely eliminating the guesswork of which one the sender is using.

Among its many other features, the KG-1000M has caller ID display, group, call, all call and selective calling, DTMF encoding and decoding, a compander, descrambler, wide and narrow bandwidth selectivity, and English voice prompts. Environment features include four power level settings, APO power management, minimum operating voltage adjustment and a built-in cooling fan in the back with adjustable control from the menu.

Of course, a dual mode radio wouldn't be very easy to manage without a dual display, and the KG-1000M has one. Like the equally powerful GMRS version of this series, the popular and highly rated KG-1000G, this dual display is detachable and includes both angled and flat switchboard panels in the kit, so you can mount it virtually anywhere in or around your dash while the base of the radio is neatly tucked away somewhere else within your vehicle.

Actually, the KG-1000M is essentially the same radio as the KG-1000G, only it's for MURS instead of GMRS. Physically, it's nearly identical, right down to the control knobs, front panel keys and 3 color LED. The hand microphone is also the same, with speaker, TX/RX indicator LED and volume control. Like the 1000G, the hand mic allows nearly full control of radio including full menu access and on-the-fly programming directly from the radio. The KG-1000M has two speakers built into the base of the radio that can be controlled independently. The additional speaker in the hand microphone brings the total number of speakers to three.

For all the functionality that is core to this radio, there is yet one more feature that sets the KG-1000M apart from any other MURS radio on the market. Aside from three different Channel Modes, the KG-1000M also has Frequency Mode. That's right. In Frequency (VFO) Mode, you can type in or to tune directly to a specific frequency regardless of the frequency having been previously saved. This is a feature rarely, if ever seen on license-free radios, and never on one for MURS.

Until now.

As for the price? For all it's advanced features and powerful functions, the KG-1000M is available for the same price as the GMRS model at $369.99.

The KG-1000M is the logical alternative for those who want more range and flexability than FRS offers for personal use, and without the need to purchase a license. It's also good choice for businesses that are already using MURS and need mobile radios, or are looking for VHF radios that are license-free.

By March of 2020 it had become clear that the Wouxun KG-805G was becoming popular with the GMRS community, so we started working with Wouxun on a second model for those who wanted more than one option. It was important to us that the best features of the KG-805G remained intact, but we wanted a more contemporary look, better weather resistance and more features for power users. It's been a long year (maybe the longest year), but this weekend we received FCC approval for the new Wouxun KG-905G.

Before we get started on what is new with the KG-905G, let's cover what's current. We've heard from those of you within the GMRS community that we got a lot right with the KG-805G and we wanted to be careful not to shoot ourselves in the foot with a new model. We continue to get a lot of helpful feedback as well. You tell us that you like the power and sensitivity of the superheterodyne receiver. You also like that radio seems "designed for GMRS" with the simplicity of operations and the omission of useless buttons. We hear that the ability to set CTCSS and DSC tones directly from the menu is critical, and you love having the ability to use software to add additional GMRS simplex and repeater channels as well as listen-only frequencies outside of the GMRS. You'll be happy to hear that all of this is still possible on the KG-905G. Now, let's move on to what's new.

Modern Look, Better Display

As we said when we announced the KG-805G, high performance was our top priority. This led us to base the radio on a very well-proven design, so aesthetics weren't much of a concern. Of course, appearance is an "eye of the beholder" thing, but we think most will agree that the KG-905G is an upgrade in the looks department.

The display is larger and provides high resolution text. The backlight is bright and makes all areas of the screen uniformly visible. The channel name is bolder and easier to read than that of the KG-805G display.

Waterproof Case, Improved Durability

The KG-905G is IP66 waterproof and dustproof to the Ingress Protection rating standard. This means that it can withstand "powerful water jets" with no harmful effects. All connections are very tight on the KG-905G and the battery terminals are protected with a rubber seal. The accessory port cover is also protected with a seal and it screws on to ensure that it's water-tight. We've heard from many of you who have been searching for an all-weather GMRS radio, and we're confident the KG-905G will provide the peace of mind you're looking for.

The water resistant case has also resulted giving the radio an even more "solid" feel. This is a "business quality" radio in every way.

Standard 2600mAh Battery

The KG-905G comes standard with a 2600mAh lithium-ion battery pack. This is over 50% more battery capacity than the battery included with the KG-805G.

Channels and Group Mode

The KG-905G supports channel groups. This is a feature that some power users are going to absolutely love. Using the programming software, you can add up to 256 channels, divided up into 16 groups of 16 channels each. A Group Up and Group Down function can also be assigned to the side keys. For those of you who do a lot of traveling or like to configure lots of RX-only channels, the channel groups feature make it quick and easy for you to skip to the specific list of channels that you need.

To get it started, we've broken the 30 standard channels up into 4 logical groups, right out of the box. Group 1 includes channels 1-7, which support up to 5 watts of power. Group 2 includes the low power (0.5w) channels 8-14. Group 3 includes channels 15-22, the channels supporting up to 50 watts of power. Group 4 consists of the eight repeater channels. By default, the top side-key is the Group Up function and will jump from one group to another.

Many of you just want an easy to use GMRS radio and aren't going to care about adding extra channels or using channel groups. If you are in that category, you're in luck, because we took a lot of care to implement this feature in a way that makes it invisible unless you need it. You can use the arrow keys on the front panel or the channel knob on top of the radio to scroll through all channels sequentially, just as you would normally do.

Tone Scan

You can activate CTCSS/DCS scan mode on the KG-905G to scan an incoming signal for a tone. Once identified, the tone can be automatically assigned to your current channel. This is useful for identifying the tone used by a repeater or a radio you're communicating with in simplex.

Other Features

A few other features have been added as well, but I'm not sure they're important to most people. The KG-905G supports Talk Around. If you're on a repeater channel, talkaround essentially provides an additional PTT button that bypasses the repeater, transmitting on the same frequency on which you would receive.

You are also able to set the radio power and bandwidth directly through the radio menu, no software is required. The GMRS frequency rules are baked right into the firmware, so for example if you select high power or wide bandwidth on a channel that only allows low power or narrow bandwidth, the selection will change automatically during transmit.

The PC software allows you to configure an "Opening Message" that is displayed when the radio is powered on. This is "KG-905G" by default, but you can change it to whatever you like, including your callsign (8 character max).

A menu option to restore the KG-805G to factory defaults has been added. This restores everything to the way it was right out of the box, so if you've changed your channel list, be sure to have a backup!

Accessory Compatibility

The Wouxun KG-905G shares battery compatibility with the new Wouxun KG-UV8H amateur radio. This allows you to upgrade to the BLO-011 3200mAh battery if desired. It is not compatible with the battery accessories of the KG-805G.

The audio accessory port uses a standard "Kenwood" K1 style connector and will work with many audio accessories, including those designed for the KG-805G or even the Baofeng UV-5R.

The same Wouxun PCO-001 programming cable designed for the KG-805G will work with the KG-905G.

The antenna connector is the same between the KG-805G and the KG-905G, so popular aftermarket antennas such as the Nagoya NA-771G and NA-701G will work.

Should You Upgrade Your KG-805G?

First of all, the KG-805G isn't going away and I expect that it will continue to be the most popular Wouxun GMRS radio. If you don't already own a GMRS radio, the KG-905G may be worth the extra $20 or so dollars for the additional features that I've mentioned above. If you already own a KG-805G, honestly, I wouldn't consider upgrading unless you found the lack of a waterproof rating to be a limiting factor. The performance that you can expect from the KG-905G is going to be very similar to what you're used to with your KG-805G.

If you've wanted your own GMRS repeater but didn't know where to begin, here's the video you've been waiting for. This quick and easy tutorial shows you how to turn the Wouxun KG-1000G GMRS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio into a real, working, fully functional GMRS repeater!

To make the repeater, you will need:

• Power Supply (20W or higher recommended)
• 2x Wouxun KG-1000G Mobile Radio
• 2x GMRS Mobile Antennas or GMRS Base Station Antennas*
• 2x Antennas Mounts*
• One UHF Mobile Duplexer (optional)
• Antenna/Duplexer Cables

All of these components are available from Buy Two Way Radios.
*Only one is required if using a duplexer.

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

UPDATE March 19, 2020 - When will the new FCC license fees take effect? Read here for details.

The FCC has just approved new license fees for Amateur Radio and the GMRS. These fees are actually lower than the original fees proposed in August, which were highly contested by hams, but welcomed by GMRS licensees. While the new FCC license fees may alleviate some of the sticker shock from the original fees proposed by the Commission, it is welcome news for fans of the GMRS.

According to the FCC Report and Order released December 29, 2020, Amateur Radio license fees will now cost $35. This same fee will apply to new licenses, renewal licenses, and vanity call signs. Previously, no fees were collected for ham licenses or vanity call signs issued to amateur radio operators, so technically it is a significant change. However, it is considerably less than the $50 fees originally proposed by the Commission, so it should be of some comfort to hams.

On the brighter side, a GMRS license will now cost significantly less than before. Up to now the application fee for a GMRS license was $70. With this Report and Order, the new GMRS license fee will be only $35, which is $15 less than the proposed fee and half the cost of the fees previously charged by the FCC. The license is still valid for 10 years and covers an entire family.

The amendment to the proposed fees was largely due to the comments and feedback the Commission received in response to the proposal in August. While the FCC disagreed with many of the assertions from hams and the ARRL why the original proposed $50 fees should not be charged at all, it did acknowledge on important point brought up by many that the fees did not fairly represent the amount of effort required to process the license applications, ,which is largely automated.

As the FCC put it, "We agree that the applications for amateur licenses, and other personal licenses, are largely automated, and for that reason the cost-based fee we adopt is only $35. With respect to the amateur licenses, while review is highly automated, staff must maintain the processing system to ensure applicants are qualified, vanity call sign procedures are followed, and off-lined applications are individually reviewed. Therefore, we cannot conclude that there are no costs involved in processing the applications and we do not have the discretion to exempt this service from application fees."

Since the same is true with the processing of GMRS licenses, the Commission amended the proposed $50 fee for that as well, bringing the cost of a GMRS license down to $35.

The new fees will take affect after the Report and Order is published in the Federal Register and is sent to Congress.

It's been a long time coming, but now the wait is finally over. the ultimate GMRS mobile radio is here! Get a quick introductory overview of the new the Wouxun KG-1000G GMRS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio!

In this video, we provide a close up view of this mobile, list some of its exciting key features and explain why we think it's the most advanced GMRS mobile transceiver available today. It's now in stock and available exclusively at Buy Two Way Radios!

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!