General

CTCSS tones and DCS Codes help reduce interference by filtering out transmissions from others who are using the same channel or frequency. When used with repeaters, these tones and codes serve as sort of an “access key” to allow communications by radio operators who are granted permission to use the repeater system. So, what is the difference between them?

In this episode of Radio 101, Tommy explains the difference between CTCSS tones and DCS codes in a two way radio and how they work.

Many two way radios require you to obtain an FCC license to legally transmit on them, but there are some that don't. These radios are considered Licensed by Rule.

In this episode of Radio 101, Tommy explains what the term means and which types of radios are considered license free.

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GMRS has been around for decades, yet it has only begun to enter the mainstream within the last couple of years. There are a few reasons for this, among them the Part 95 rule changes in 2017. Then in April 2022, the FCC lowered the GMRS license fee from an exorbitant $70 to a more reasonable $35. Now, as more and more people get on the air who are new to the GMRS and to the world of two way radios in general, the General Mobile Radio Service is thriving.

We get a lot of phone calls, live chats, and comments in our blog and our Two Way Radio Forum from first time buyers of GMRS radios, and their questions run the gamut between transmission range, price point and everything in between. All of them generally come down to one question overall: Which GMRS radio is the best one to buy?

This is a loaded question, because it is somewhat subjective. Sure, some GMRS radios are better than others, but the truth is, the radio you buy will largely depend on what your needs are, what your budget is, your level of experience and the type of radio you are searching for. There are a lot of GMRS radios out there, and it seems like more are entering the market every day. With all of the choices available, it's easy to become overwhelmed. So, how do you choose the best two way radio for you? No worries, because we can help. At Buy Two Way Radios, it's what we do.

Here are some important tips to consider before you buy your first GMRS radio.

Decide how you will use it.
Are you going to buy a pair or two for general family communications, or a single radio for personal contacts with peers? Are you using it around the house or while out and about in your vehicle? Will you be simply using it for short range radio-to-radio transmissions or calling other users over long distances using a repeater?

These are important considerations, because they will largely dictate how much radio you may or may not need, which will determine where you go with the other tips listed below. 

Budget your purchase.
How much are you willing to spend? Whether the radios are a necessity or a pastime, most of us do not have unlimited funds available to throw at our comms. While he old adage is true that you get what you pay for, what are you getting for it, and how much of it can you afford? These are important questions, because if you don't have a plan for what you are willing to spend, you may find yourself overextending your budget without actually getting what you need. Not only will this hurt your wallet, it will likely lead to buyer's remorse which may ultimately lead to a poor experience with your first GMRS radio, or with radios overall.

Don't get caught up in the hype about buying the cheapest radios on the market that have all the bells and whistles, as too many often do. This will likely entangle you in tall weeds of frustration. Instead, the best way to buy a radio is to figure out how you plan to use it, find out what that costs, compare it to what you can actually afford to spend, and if it costs too much, adjust your needs accordingly to make it work within your budget. Sure, it takes more work, but you'll have fewer regrets later. This takes us to the next tip.

Buy only what you need.
It is all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new interest, especially when joining a radio group online or local club where everyone is going gaga over the latest and greatest GMRS transceiver. You'll hear them talk about one specific model or another and which one has the most power, clarity, range or everything that is possible to have in a GMRS two way radio.

But do you really need a radio that does it all? Again, that depends on what you plan to do with it. The greatest advantage of having a radio in the first place is that it offers simple, instant communications. Just turn it on, press the push-to-talk button, and talk. Every GMRS radio gives you that.

But many radios available today go beyond the mere PTT, and many go way, way beyond that. Features such as adjustable frequency step, multiple scan modes, tone scan, busy channel lockout, companding, descramblers, call ID, programmable keys, channel and frequency modes, and much more are available in higher end, advanced models. Then there are features such as VOX. Who actually uses it? How many of those other features will you ever use?

If you need all that, fine. Some operators do. However, if you don't know what some of those features are or how to use them, then you probably don't, at least not starting out. The tip here is not to overbuy on your first radio. Buy only what you need, and upgrade to higher models as you gain more experience with using them. It will save you a lot of frustration and angst, and will likely make the overall experience with using radios for simple communication much more enjoyable.

Stick with a real GMRS radio.

There was a time when shopping for a GMRS radio was relatively easy, as there were few true GMRS radios available from which to choose. Almost all of them were hybrid FRS/GMRS models sold in pairs. These were known as "bubble pack" radios, due to the way they were packaged for consumer retail sale.

This all changed in 2017, when the FCC updated the rules for Part 95 and required the dehybridization - yes, that's a real word - of FRS and GMRS radios. Then, Wouxun broke new ground with the introduction of the KG-805G, a true, FCC type accepted GMRS radio that went well beyond the bubble pack models because it was higher wattage, repeater capable and professional grade. Other manufacturers quickly took notice. Suddenly the dam broke, with new models flooding into the market for the GMRS, mostly coming from China. Now there are seemingly countless GMRS radios available from which to choose.

While this greatly expands the potential for maximizing the capabilities of the service, it also creates a new set of problems for those who use the service or seeking to get into GMRS, either as a hobby or a utility. What makes these radios attractive to the average consumer is the price point, because many of them are dirt cheap. However, it also introduces a lot of products that are marketed as GMRS capable, but are not actually approved by the FCC for this purpose.

This also created complications, particularly when it comes to programming. Remember, until the rules were changed in 2017, GMRS radios of that era were simple bubble pack models. They were not user programmed, nor were they user programmable, period. That was the beauty of GMRS. It filled a gap between the home user and professional in the consumer market by providing a "prosumer" option. But what was once a service that combined capability with simplicity, is today about pushing the envelope with more functions and tech, and that often requires programming, usually by the user directly. That makes the radios more complicated.

A common error that many GMRS radio operators make when choosing a first radio is to buy the cheapest one they can find. This is perhaps the biggest mistake one can make for a number of reasons. First, as stated above, many of those radios on the market are not made for GMRS. They are general purpose radios, and they may need to be programmed to the frequencies on which they will be used. If this will be your first radio, and programming one is not you're forte, it's best not buy it, because you may find yourself struggling or frustrated with it, sending the device to the dumpster and leaving you with a bad first impression of GMRS in the end.

Second, some of those really cheap radios are of dubious quality, and may not perform according to your expectations. No need to elaborate on that one. We all know what it means. They are Licensed for Landfills. In other words, Junk.

Third, there is a matter of support. Many of them have little to none. It is going to hurt you when searching for answers to basic questions or common issues with them. Does the seller offer an actual phone number for tech support, or does it hide anonymously behind another marketplace or platform? If there is a support line, is it foreign based or domestic? Can you even talk to a live person? Does the radio come with a manual? Is the manual in English? Is it understandable? If not, you're going to be even more frustrated and lost. Not a great experience with a first radio.

An FCC approved GMRS radio is always the way to go. This is true for several reasons.

The GMRS channels are already programmed and ready use. This is a hard requirement by the FCC in order for the device to be certified as a genuine GMRS radio. If it is not already hard coded and assigned to the required GMRS channels for transmit and receive, and at their proper bandwidth and wattage limits, it's not a true, legal GMRS radio, and the FCC will not accept it as one.

The quality is typically better and there is more support. A radio that is granted FCC certification is going to go through rigorous evaluation and testing to ensure it meets the Commission's guidelines and rules for operation on the GMRS. This means the manufacturer will have a greater attention to detail and a higher level of quality control to produce a radio that meets or exceeds those standards so that it will pass the testing phase and be granted final approval for operation on service.

In addition, the manufacturer is more likely to offer a greater level of support to the users of the radio before and after the sale to be sure those standards continue to be met.

They are legal for use in the US. Yes, it sounds melodramatic, but it really does matter. Will the radio police suddenly knock on your door, confiscate your radio and take you away? Probably not, but if it's really something that may keep you up at night, why torture yourself with worry? Just keep it legal and you'll sleep soundly.

Keep it simple.
As noted above, some of these radios can be quite heavy in the features department. For instance, some models have hundreds of extra programmable channels. Some may even have a thousand or more. But we aren't talking on multiple ham bands here, this is GMRS. There are only 30 channels allocated to the service, and if you are getting an FCC approved GMRS radio in the first place, as we're sure you are, they are already going to be pre-programmed to those channels and frequencies by the manufacturer from the get-go. All you need to do is turn the radio on, tune to your desired channel, and press the PTT button to talk.

Keep in mind that the more sophisticated the machine, the more knowledge is needed to operate it. Are you ready for that? A lot of new radio operators aren't. In fact, a large portion of our support calls are from new GMRS licensees who just bought their first radio and are frustrated with the installation or use of programming cables, software and feature sets that they are unfamiliar with or do not yet understand. Remember, it's your first radio, so go for something that does not require a lot of complicated setup and programming.

Learn how to use the basic radios first, then buy up to the more advanced models as you become more familiar with them.

Our recommendations for your first GMRS radio

There are a number of models that meet all of the qualifications discussed above. Here are a few that we think make a good first GMRS radio.

Midland GXT1000VP4
The GXT1000 is a tried-and-true classic GMRS radio, and has been for more than a decade. It's has a basic set of features with a couple of bells and whistles thrown in. It is quite simple to operate. Just turn it on, pick a channel and transmit. This radio is sold in pairs with headsets and dual pocket desktop charger.

Wouxun KG-805G
The KG-805G is a true business quality GMRS radio that is designed for both new operators and power users. At a full 5 watts, it is also the most powerful handheld radio on this list.
It has the features and ease of use that are available in common lower quality FRS two-packs. It is also repeater capable out of the box. Support for PC programming is not necessary, but is available using the optional programming software, which is a free download. It is sold as a single unit.

Wouxun KG-905G
The KG-905G goes way beyond the bubble pack with features you won't find in typical consumer grade GMRS walkie talkies. One big feature is USB-C charging. The LCD text display is professional grade too, with easy to read icons, customizable channel names and a user selectable Power On message. It's rated IP66 for dust and water protection, which means it is a good radio to take outdoors. It is repeater capable with no serious programming know-how required, but can be programmed if needed. It is sold as a single unit.

Midland MXT275
This is a 15watt mobile GMRS Radio that fits easily in almost any vehicle. It's small, compact, yet powerful. It can be plugged into a 12v vehicle power outlet, so no hardwire installation is required. The package includes a detachable external magnetic mount mobile antenna for quick and easy setup.

It includes important features found on many popular handheld models. It is also repeater capable. The controls are integrated in to the hand microphone, so the main unit can sit under a seat or well behind the dash, out of sight.

Wouxun KG-XS20G Plus
The KG-XS20G Plus is a GMRS base/mobile two way radio that is built for beginners and advanced operators alike. It takes the best features of a full size mobile radio and puts it all into a very compact package that fits into most any vehicle with ease. It is pre-programmed with all 30 GMRS channels, including 8 repeater channels, and can receive on dual UHF and VHF bands. It has NOAA weather channels with alerts, and has a built-in FM radio.

It's also quite rugged. The Wouxun XS20G Plus is rated IP65 for dust ingress and water resistance and the hand microphone is rated IP55, which makes this a great GMRS radio for off-road adventures. Although ready to transmit out of the box, XS20G Plus is also fully PC programmable, so it will keep up with your needs as you become more advanced.

Your first foray into the world of the two way radio should be an enlightening and exciting experience, not one fraught with confusion and frustration. When you follow these basic procedures to decide what you need for a radio, how much you are willing to spend for it, buy only what you need it to do, choose one that is FCC approved and keep it simple, you are more likely to be satisfied with your purchase when you buy your first GMRS radio.

NOTE: This promotion expired November 29, 2023 and is no longer available.
The holidays are upon us, and so are the deals! This year save big on two way radios and radio accessories during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale at Buy Two Way Radios!

This sale runs from November 23-29, 2023 and these specials are available while supplies last. Instead of hunting around for the best deals, they are all listed right here to simplify your shopping experience. Choose the categories you want from the menu below and get right to the sales you are searching for!

• GMRS Radio Deals
• Digital Deals
• Holiday Ham Radios
• FRS Radio Sale
• MURS Madness
• Airband Radio Sale
• CB Cyber Specials
• Business Radio Promotions
• Accessory Specials
• Apparel Specials

GMRS Radio Deals

• $40 OFF + FREE Antenna, Mag Mount and Quick Reference Card on a Wouxun KG-1000G Plus Mobile GMRS Two Way Radio!
  The KG-1000G Plus is the mobile and base station radio that GMRS fans have been waiting for! With 30 GMRS channels and the ability to receive on multiple bands, this 50 watt powerhouse is full of functions and features that takes the GMRS experience beyond limited capabilities of the typical GMRS transceiver. Now you can get one at $40 OFF the regular price, PLUS a FREE Melowave Shadow GMRS Mobile Antenna, Melowave NMO Magnet Antenna Mount, and FREE Quick Reference Card when you purchase a KG-1000G Plus radio during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale! Available while supplies last. Watch our KG-1000G Plus video to learn more about this popular Wouxun mobile radio.
• $20 OFF + FREE Speaker Mic, Screen Protector and Reference Card on a Wouxun KG-935G Plus GMRS Two Way Radio!
  The KG-935G Plus is one of our most popular GMRS handheld radios! It supports 22 GMRS channels, plus 8 repeater channels at up to 5.5 watts of power. It also features the revolutionary Channel Wizard for fast and easy programming right from the keypad of the radio! This is a solid, rugged radio rated IP66 for dust and water protection. Now you can get one at $20 OFF the regular price, PLUS a FREE Wouxun SMO-002 Speaker microphone, FREE Wouxun Screen Protector, and FREE Quick Reference Card (total $35 value) when you purchase a KG-935G Plus radio during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale! Available while supplies last. Watch our KG-935G Plus video to learn more about this exciting radio.
• FREE Speaker Microphone with the purchase of a Wouxun KG-Q10G Handheld GMRS Radio!
  The Wouxun KG-Q10G is not just a simple GMRS handy talkie. It's not limited to a simple RX and TX on the GMRS. Besides the GMRS, it can receive on a wide spectrum of other bands too, including 136-174MHz VHF, 320-480MHz UHF, 714-999 MHz, and CB channels in AM and FM mode. It can even receive airband frequencies in AM mode. And it can receive on dual channels simultaneously! When you buy it during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale, we'll add a FREE speaker mic! Available in four colors. only $219.99
• $30 OFF a Wouxun KG-805G GMRS Two Way Radio!
  The KG-805G is the original classic GMRS radio from Wouxun. It's a true business quality radio designed with the needs of the GMRS power user in mind! is built with a superheterodyne receiver, transmits at up to 5 watts of power, and has built-in support for GMRS repeater channels. Now you can get one at $30 OFF the regular price when you purchase a KG-805G radio during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale! Available while supplies last. Watch our KG-805 video to learn all about it!

Digital Deals

• $10 OFF the TYT MD-UV380 Plus Dual Band DMR Digital Two Way Radio!
  The TYT MD-UV380 Plus takes the two band UHF and VHF digital functionality of the MD-2017 and puts it in the classic MD-380 shell to create an all new digital handheld transceiver for use anytime, anywhere! It provides crystal clear audio for noise-free, over-the-air digital communications on dual bands, right in the palm of your hand. It boasts 3000 channels and built-in CTCSS/DCS (analog mode only). It is MOTOTRBO™ compatible, DMR Tier I and II compatible, and is firmware upgradeable. The TYT MD-UV380 Plus is regularly priced at $99.00, but during our Cyber Holiday Sale, you can get it at $10 off for the special price of only $89.99!
• $10 OFF the TYT MD-UV390 Plus Dual Band DMR Digital Two Way Radio!
  The TYT MD-UV390 Plus provides the same amazingly clear, full quieting digital voice communications as the original TYT MD-390, with digital and analog modes, GPS capability, AES-256 Encryption, and an extra layer of dust and water protection. Plus, it operates on both UHF and VHF, and all of it without walloping your wallet! The TYT MD-UV390 Plus is regularly priced at $119.00, but during our Cyber Holiday Sale, take an additional $10 off and get it for only $109.99!
• FREE Speaker Microphone with a Wouxun KG-UVN1 DMR Radio!
  The Wouxun KG-UVN1 has 3072 channels, 250 zones, and a whopping 160,000 contacts. The full radioid.net contact database is preloaded onto the radio. It has CTCSS/DCS, digital encryption, channel scan, group scan and text messaging. When you buy it during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale, we'll throw in a FREE SMO-002 Speaker Microphone! All this for only $159.99!

Holiday Ham Radios

• FREE Speaker Microphone with the purchase of a Wouxun KG-Q10H Quad Band Handheld Amateur Radio!
  The Wouxun KG-Q10H is not your typical handy talkie. It's not limited to transmit on just one, two or even three bands. The KG-Q10H is a quad bander with a superheterodyne receiver, capable of transmitting on the 1.25 meter, 2 meter, 6 meter and 70cm ham bands! And that's just for starters, because the KG-Q10H can also receive on a wide spectrum of other bands too, including 50-54 MHz, 108-174MHz VHF, 220-225 MHz UHF, 320-480MHz UHF, and 714-999 MHz. It can even receive airband frequencies in AM mode. When you buy it during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale, we'll add a FREE speaker mic! Available in four colors. only $219.99
• 10% OFF the Wouxun KG-UV9D Mate Multi-Band Ham Radio!
  The Wouxun KG-UV9D Mate is a multi-modulation transceiver that combines dual band transmission, 7 band reception and multiple feature options for multi-functional operation you won't get with the typical dual band handheld radio. It transmits on up to 8 watts UHF and a whopping 10 watts VHF! It features an impressive 999 programmable memory channels with QT/DQT encoding and decoding, DTMF encode/decode and 25KHz/12.5KHz wide/narrow bandwidth selection. This is one of our most popular amateur handheld radios. During our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale, you get it for only $143.99!
• 10% OFF the Wouxun KG-UV9P Dual Band Ham Radio!
  The Wouxun KG-UV9P is a multi-modulation two way radio with dual band transmission, 7 band reception and adds higher wattage to create an even more powerful multi-functional dual band handheld radio! It transmits on 7 watts UHF and 8 watts VHF, has 999 programmable memory channels with QT/DQT encoding and decoding, and DTMF encode/decode. You can transmit on one band while you receive on the other at the same time. It also has cross-band repeat. It's equipped with a built-in flashlight and even a stopwatch! When you buy it during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale, you get it for only $134.99!
• $20 Rebate on a President RONALD Ham Radio!
  Buy a President RONALD Ham Radio between November 1 and December 31, 2023 and you can get a a $20 Manufacturer Rebate! This is a great deal from President and is available for a limited time only! This offer is fulfilled by President directly, so your $20 rebate check will be mailed to you after President receives your signed Mail-in Rebate Coupon. Offer limited to 1 rebate per product, per person, household, family or address. Radio must be purchased new from an authorized dealer between November 1 2023 and December 31, 2023.
• FREE Programming Cable+Screen Protector with the Wouxun KG-UV8H Dual Band Ham Radio!
  The Wouxun KG-UV8H operates on 6 watts UHF and up to 8 watts VHF. It has all the standard features of the popular KG-UV8D, and adds NOAA weather channels, weather alert, and an awesome upgrade to the LCD display. The KG-UV8H also has duplex cross-band repeat capability, so you can operate your handheld in full cross-band mode! When you buy it during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale, you get a FREE programming cable and screen protector too! Only $159.99!
• 20% OFF the TYT TH-UV88 Ham Radio Starter Kit!
  The TYT TH-UV88 is a solid, economical Dual Band UHF/VHF analog amateur radio for everyday ham use at an entry level price. Touted as a "Baofeng UV-5R killer", this radio is an excellent alternative for ham radio operators who need the features and versatility of the popular UV-5R but with a more mature look, professional feel and greater durability. It's a great choice for hams old and new. When you buy the complete starter kit during our 2023 Cyber Holiday Sale, you get it for only $59.99!

FRS Radio Sale

• $30 OFF the Wouxun KG-805F FRS Two Way Radio!
  The Wouxun KG-805F is the professional FRS radio you've been waiting for! Why sacrifice commercial quality to get the benefits of license-free FRS when you can get a true business grade radio designed especially for the FRS power user? With the Wouxun KG-805F FRS Two Way Radio, you can! Now you can get it for only $69.99 off during our Cyber Holiday Sale! Available while supplies last.

MURS Madness

• $30 OFF the Wouxun KG-805M MURS Two Way Radio!
  The Wouxun KG-805M is the perfect MURS radio for both consumer and business use. It is a true business quality radio, loaded with powerful features at an affordable price, and designed specifically for use with MURS! It's also license-free! It operates on all 5 MUR channels and is rated IP55 water resistant, a plus when taking it with you outdoors. Now you can get it for only $69.99 during our Cyber Holiday Sale! Watch our KG-805 video to learn more!

Airband Radio Sale

• $20 OFF Plus FREE Speaker Mic with a Wouxun KG-S74A Aviation Two Way Radio!
  The Wouxun KG-S74A is a ground to air radio with a superheterodyne receiver, up to 6W PEP RF output power and powerful features for efficient communications while in your aircraft! When you buy this airbander during our Cyber Holiday sale, you get it for $20 off the regular price and a FREE speaker mic too! Sale price: $159.99.

CB Cyber Specials

• $10 OFF + FREE Speaker Mic and Quick Reference Card on a Wouxun KG-S72C Handheld AM/FM CB Radio!
  The KG-S72C is built with a superheterodyne receiver, full DTMF keypad and USB-C charging port. It's also IP67 dust and waterproof! feature packed and powerful, the KG-S72C is the first handheld CB radio to be FCC approved for both AM and FM operation. It is ready for use right out of the box with all 40 CB channels and is fully compatible with other popular CB radios. During our Cyber Holiday Sale, you can get one at $10 OFF the regular price, PLUS a FREE Wouxun SMO-002 Speaker microphone and FREE Quick Reference Card (total $29 value) when you purchase a KG-S72C radio! Watch our video to discover its power and charging options!
• $20 Rebate on a President BILL II FCC CB Radio!
  Buy a BILL II FCC AM/FM CB Radio between November 1 and December 31, 2023 and you can get a a $20 Manufacturer Rebate! This is a great deal from President and is available for a limited time only! This offer is fulfilled by President directly, so your $20 rebate check will be mailed to you after President receives your signed Mail-in Rebate Coupon. Offer limited to 1 rebate per product, per person, household, family or address. Radio must be purchased new from an authorized dealer between November 1 2023 and December 31, 2023.
• FREE CB Radio Reference Card with purchase of select CB Radio!
  Select a Cobra, Midland, Galaxy or Uniden CB and we'll throw in a BTWR CB Radio Quick Reference Card, FREE! No purchase limit while supply lasts.

Business Radio Promotions

• Kenwood ProTalk Rebate offer!
  Buy at least one select Kenwood ProTalk® Business Radio and you qualify for a $10-$30 Rebate Check per radio! Yes, that's right, just ONE (1) radio. The rebate amount varies depending on model purchased. This is a great rebate from Kenwood with no maximum purchase, which translates to substantial savings for your business or organization! Read the Kenwood promotion flyer for details.
• Free Wouxun Business Radio Offer!
  Buy at least six Wouxun KG-824B, Wouxun KG-826B, Wouxun KG-S84B, or Wouxun KG-S86B Business radios and get a FREE radio of the same model! This offer valid on all Wouxun KG-820 and KG-S Series Business Radios, including six packs and six pack with multicharger combos. This is an awesome deal that is not to be missed, especially if you're a retailer. No purchase limit. Offer ends December 22, 2023. Read our blog for details.
• FREE Motorola TLK100 Radio Offer!
  Get a Motorola WAVE 30 Month Subscription Service Contract and get your TLK 100 radio at NO upfront cost! This LTE radio combines the ease and simplicity of a two way radio with the extended coverage of a nationwide cellular network to bring you the best of both! The Wave TLK 100 is built for business. The advanced 4G LTE functionality requires a subscription to Motorola's Wave On Cloud Nationwide Cellular Network. Call Buy Two Way Radios at 1-800-584-1445 for details.

Accessory Specials

• $20 OFF the Wouxun Base Station Kit/Power Supply for KG-1000G/KG-UV980P!
  The Wouxun PSB-1000 is a base station kit with a built-in 13 amp, 13.8 VDC linear power supply for your KG-1000G, KG-1000G Plus and KG-UV980P mobile two way radios. It converts your Wouxun mobile into a stand alone desktop base station. Solid construction with a heavy duty handle on top, the PSB-1000 is a great addition to your ham shack or GMRS command center. During our Cyber Holiday Sale you can get one for $20 OFF the $219.99 regular price! Now available for only $199.99!
• 10% OFF XLT Audio Accessories!
  As an authorized XLT dealer, we are authorized to offer this special during our Cyber Holiday Sale on all genuine XLT audio accessories for your two way radio! Choose from a selection of XLT brand earpieces, headsets and speaker mics to fit your radio comms. No promo code is needed. Simply add them to your cart at checkout and save an extra 10% off all XLT audio accessories on your order!
• FREE Bonus Study Pack with purchase of any ARRL or Gordon West License Study Guide!
  The title of this one says it all! Buy an ARRL or Gordon West ham license study guide and get a Ham Study Pack as a bonus gift! The Study Pack includes an Amateur Radio Quick Reference Card, Lanyard, Pen, String Backsack and an Amateur Radio audio CD. Available in limited quantity.

Apparel Specials

• 15% off Superhet Apparel!
  Superhet Apparel brand tees are designed for comfort and quality first! Made of 52% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton and 48% polyester, these are side-seamed shirts with shoulder taping made to premium retail standards. The manufacturer of the shirt is proud of their "USA strong" approach, with significant portions of the manufacturing process occurring in the United States. Choose from Precision Engineering, Licensed Radio Dork and GMRS General Mobile Radio Service shirts

Note: Our Cyber Holiday Sale begins November 23, 2023 and ends at Midnight November 29, 2023. The specials are valid while supplies last. Some promo items are only available in very limited quantity and there are no rain checks. Offers void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.

Questions, comments or feedback? contact us. Leave us a comment below. You can also Give us a call, send us an e-mail or enter our live chat online. We'll be open from 8 AM to 6 PM ET during Cyber Monday!

Many handheld two way radios provide an option to manage the backlight of the display. However, the Wouxun KG-935G takes it to the max. It allows you to take full control of your brightness settings. How do you do it?

In this episode of Radio 101, Tommy shows you how all three backlight functions combined will provide full customization for greater control over the backlight of your display. This procedure works on the Wouxun KG-935G and KG-935G Plus.

Want more videos? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

The Wouxun KG-Q10G is the latest of a new line of handheld radios known as the Q Series. It takes the best features of the KG-Q10H amateur model and the extremely popular KG-935G Plus GMRS transceiver and puts them all into one compact container to create an advanced communications device that rivals the performance of every other portable GMRS radio currently on the market.

The Q10G is one of the most powerful handheld radios out there that is FCC type accepted for the GMRS, with up to 6 watts of transmit power. It is also one of the most versatile, with the ability to also receive on a multitude of other bands, include NOAA weather frequencies, aviation, and commercial FM radio stations. This is no bubble pack radio from a big box store. It is a powerful GMRS radio intended for power users. The KG-Q10G is only available at Buy Two Way Radios.

KG-Q10G Key Features

• 30 GMRS Channels
• 8 Built-In GMRS Repeater Channels
• 40 Receive Only CB Channels (AM/FM)
• 999 Memory Channels
• 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
• Superheterodyne Receiver
• GPS Location Data Display
• Up to 6 Watts 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 Full 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
• Compander
• Decrambler
• DTMF Encoding and Decoding
• Reverse Frequency
• 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
• Talkaround
• VOX
• 2 Programmable Side Keys
• Programmable Top Key
• 2 Programmable PTT Keys
• Full Backlit Keypad
• Built-in Flashlight
• Remote Stun/Kill/Monitor/Inspect
• Stopwatch Timer
• Clock Display
• Keypad Lock
• Li-Ion Battery Pack (3000mAh)
• Rechargeable Battery Included
• USB-C Charging Port
• IP67 Dust and Waterproof
• Drop-In Charge Capable
• Audio Accessory Connector
• PC Programming Support
• Cloning Capable
• Factory Reset

Programming the KG-Q10G
There are only 30 channels assigned to the General Mobile Radio Service. These channels are pre set into all type accepted GMRS two way radios according to the FCC rules, and all of the Wouxun branded GMRS radios are pre-programmed to comply. Wouxun radios also feature additional channels that are user programmable for further customization. As it is with all Wouxun radios we carry, the KG-Q10G is fully programmable from a PC using a programming cable and the Wouxun KG-Q10G programming software or directly from the keypad of the radio itself.

Direct from the radio
Those who are familiar with programming other Wouxun radios will find the general procedure pretty much the same with this one. If programming a radio is a new experience for you, be assured that it is not at all complicated. The KG-Q10G owners manual is specifically written for both novices and experts to get you up to speed quickly. Like other Wouxun GMRS radios sold exclusively by Buy Two Way Radios, it is written in plain English with instructions that are easy to follow.

Using the Channel Wizard
First introduced in The KG-935G Plus, the KG-Q10G has a built in wizard to make it super easy to program a channel into the radio. Called the Channel Wizard, this is a new function that allows you to quickly and easily program a new channel or modify an existing channel direct from the keypad of the radio itself. With the Channel Wizard, you can add or clone new channels into the radio in mere seconds. You can also change the settings in any existing channel. The wizard lets you do all of this without scrolling through the menu to find and set each individual channel option, and without the need for programming software.

There are two ways to access the Channel Wizard. The first method is to method is to press [MENU] + [2] + [5] and the screen will display: CH-WIZARD. The second method is to assign the CH-WIZARD option to one of the programmable keys for instant access to it at one key press.

There are ten menu functions in the Channel Wizard, each with their own sub-menu. Go to the first menu item and press [MENU] to enter its sub-menu. Use the [UP] and [DOWN] arrow keys to choose the option you want from that sub-menu, then press [MENU] to enter your choice. This will take you back to the Channel Wizard menu to go to the next or previous Channel Wizard menu function.

The last Channel Wizard menu function is [SAVE-MODE]. You must choose this function to save your channel settings and add, clone or save your channel to the radio. You can choose to save your channel and create another channel or save the channel and exit the Channel Wizard.

Of course, you can opt to enter and save a channel or frequency independently through the individual menu items instead. While not as fast as the Channel Wizard, this method does allow you tweak a specific channel setting as needed.

The KG-Q10G is a powerful radio with a lot of great features. There are so many functions, it has two menus to access and configure them all. The Area Menu allows for the customization of specific channels or frequencies. The System Menu manages the general functions of the radio overall.

Area Menu
The KG-Q10G 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-Q10G 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-Q10G uses the same Wouxun PCO-001/PCO-009 USB programming cable that works with many other Wouxun handheld radios. Refer to the cable driver installation instructions for more information.

As with all other Wouxun radios, the KG-Q10G programming software is specific to this radio and is currently available for Windows PCs only. The programming software is located on the Wouxun KG-Q10G product page at Buy Two Way Radios.

KG-Q10G Operation
The KG-Q10G operates in much the same way as the ham version of the Q series with the full keypad, display and menu. If you already have a KG-Q0H, KG-935G Plus or other Wouxun radio that is field configurable, operating the KG-Q10G is essentially 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-Q10G is the new top tier model in GMRS portable handheld radios. Features such as GPS Location tracking, USB-C charging, and dual menus give this radio maximum flexibility, portability,programmability, and style for the ultimate GMRS comms yet.

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.

Some radios have a feature called companding. It's usually found on business radios, but many amateur and even a few newer GMRS radios may also include this feature. But what is companding? How does it work, and do you need to use it on your radio?

In this episode of Radio 101, Tommy explains what the companding feature is on a two way radio and when it should or shouldn't be used.

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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.

Get ready for the next generation of affordable dual band digital radio comms for both business and amateur use! Introducing the TYT MD-UV390 Plus DMR Digital Radio!

In this video clip from episode 181 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast, Tanner and Rick discuss the primary features that make this a premium DMR radio at an amazingly low price. The MD-UV390 Plus is available at Buy Two Way Radios.

Listen to the full Two Way Radio Show podcast and Subscribe to the show!

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