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Dual band amateur radios are everywhere and many of them at bargain basement prices. But what if you want to take your portable handheld amateur radio beyond two bands? The TYT TH-350 is what you need!
The video above gives you a close look at the TH-350 with a quick overview of its features and included accessories. It's available to ship from our warehouse Buy Two Way Radios.
Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
In March 2021 we speculated on the question as to when the FCC would begin implementation of the new application fees on radio licenses, particularly those for the GMRS and amateur radio services. Well here it is. The FCC announced the effective date of the new application fees. The new $35 GMRS and Amateur license application fees go into effect April 19, 2022!
According to the public notice released July 6, 2021, the "As indicated in the 2020 Application Fee Report and Order, the new application fee rates will become effective when the Commission’s “information technology systems and internal procedures have been updated, and the Commission publishes notice(s) in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of such rules." At this time, the systems and internal procedures have been updated for the Office of Engineering and Technology and for the Media Bureau.
On March 23, 2022, the FCC released the effective date of the new application fee rates for the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, stating "This Public Notice announces that the new application fee rates for the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, codified at 47 CFR § 1.1102, will become effective on
April 19, 2022."
CFR § 1.1102 includes the fee rates for Personal Radio Services, including the amateur and GMRS.
Update 4/19/2022 - A notice on the FCC website states the following: System: Universal Licensing System (ULS) April 19, 2022, New Application Fees have been implemented. Please reference Wireless Telecommunications Fee Guide for fees related to applications filed in ULS. Please reference DA 22-307.
NOTE: This is a developing story. Keep bookmarked for updates.
It's no wonder the Baofeng UV-5R is one of the most popular two way radios in the world. It's tiny, powerful, and really, really cheap to buy. But there is another radio rising in the ranks that could become a contender for the UV-5R and its variants in the ham radio world. Called the TYT TH-UV88 Dual Band Analog Two Way Radio, this walkie talkie has similar features and power at about same price point.
In this excerpt from Episode 147 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast, Danny, Anthony and Rick compare these two portable handheld radios and explore the inevitable question, could the TH-UV88 be a UV-5R killer?
You can find our complete selection of Amateur Two Way Radios available at Buy Two Way Radios.
We have a long-standing relationship with Wouxun, and with good reason. Their reputation for manufacturing quality radios at very affordable prices is well established around the world. Some of their most recent products are very highly rated and proven to be extremely popular, which is why today we're announcing the release of a new amateur dual-band HT that we are incredibly excited about. It's the Wouxun KG-UV8H, a transceiver with more power, features and functionality than any other Wouxun handheld available in its class to date. The KG-UV8H is exclusive to Buy Two Way Radios and we believe it is Wouxun's best analog HT, ever!
The KG-UV8H is the latest offering from the same company that brought us the venerable Wouxun KG-UV8D. The 8D platform, which includes the KG-UV8D Plus, continues to be popular simply due to its overall value. A 2m/70cm dual-band radio with a color display and advanced features like cross-band repeat just shouldn't be available at such a low price point, yet the KG-UV8D delivers it all. It's no wonder Wouxun gained so many fans with this model! As such, the KG-UV8H is built from the same form factor.
Now that we've learned of its origin, let's go through some of the new features and discover what sets the KG-UV8H apart from its predecessors.
Improved Display Orientation and Size
The first thing you'll likely notice about the 8H is the display. While the actual display area on the KG-UV8H is only around 2mm larger than the KG-UV8D and KG-UV9D, it feels bigger when you're actively using the radio. This is most probably due to its orientation. In previous models, the LCD display was oriented in a portrait position. For the 8H, the screen has been flipped to a landscape presentation, so it is wider than it is tall. This provides a more natural field of view on the screen. But the best part is that the loss of height was handled very well. Previously the A and B areas were always the same size. Now, the currently selected area is larger and the non-selected area is condensed. I actually consider this a valuable feature, as this visual cue makes readily apparent which area is active.
Improved Display Color
The Wouxun KG-UV8H has added the ability to customize the screen colors with four themes. Two themes have a white background, similar to the KG-UV8D, and two have black backgrounds. The black background is the default, and I find it to be more modern looking as well as easier to read.
8 Watts Power
The default maximum power capability of the KG-UV8H has been increased to 8 watts on VHF and 6 watts on UHF. Our customers seem to love higher powered radios, so this will likely be a popular feature.
Actually, Wouxun has the ability to make this a full 10 watt radio, but we asked them to dial it back to safer 8 watts. The reality is that eight watts is about as high as a portable handheld radio can go and still pass a SAR test, which is a safety test that measures RF exposure. Unlike transceivers used for other services, amateur radios aren't required to pass this test. However, it seems prudent to have the radio be capable of passing this check to ensure personal safety.
This reduction in wattage also makes sense from a practical point of view. The increase from 8 watts to 10 watts will have a minimal effect on range, and in many situations none at all, but will be a much bigger battery drain on the unit, significantly decreasing service uptime and operating efficiency. Nonetheless, let us know in the comments below if you think we made the right decision here, or if you'd rather see a 10 watt version!
IP66 Waterproof
Wouxun has improved the waterproof rating of the KG-UV8H to IP66. At this level, the radio can handle powerful jets of water, but not complete immersion. The accessory cover is now held down with a screw and has a rubber seal. The connectors between the radio and battery are also sealed, further increasing resistance to dust and water ingress.
NOAA Weather Mode (with Alerts)
For the first time, we have a true NOAA weather mode in a Wouxun amateur HT. This feature is also easy to activate and access. Hold down the "1" key from the main screen to enter weather mode. From there you will find a bank of US and Canadian weather broadcast frequencies to select. Your last selected frequency is always tuned automatically when you enter this mode.
A new menu option WX ALT (#57) has also been added. When this mode is active, the radio will scan in the background for a 1050Hz tone on the currently selected weather channel. This is the tone transmitted by NOAA broadcast stations to indicate an alert. If the tone is discovered, an alert sound is played.
Standard High Capacity Battery (3200mAh)
A very high capacity 3200mAh battery is included with the KG-UV8H by default. This is a 23% capacity improvement over the high capacity battery available for the KG-UV8D and 88% more capacity than the standard battery. The battery upgrade alone will save many customers from having to purchase a separate accessory.
KG-UV8H or KG-UV9D/KG-UV9P
Obviously the new KG-UV8H is a better radio hands-down than the current KG-UV8D Plus, but what about the KG-UV9D and KG-UV9P models? Does it make them obsolete?
Absolutely not. Where the KG-UV9D/P has the advantage is in the wide RX range. If you need to listen on airband or 700-900 MHz frequencies, the KG-UV9D/P is the clear choice for you. However, in our experience as a two way radio dealer, most customers simply aren't concerned about those frequency ranges.
Things like a readable display, NOAA weather mode, and a high level of waterproofing are important and make the KG-UV8H stand out from the rest of the crowd. For most of our customers, we think the KG-UV8H is the clear choice, at least for now.
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.
NOTE: This promotion expired September 8, 2020 and is no longer available.
Make the most of your Labor Day weekend with these specials on Amateur two way radios and accessories from Buy Two Way Radios! Our ham radio Labor Day Weekend Sale starts now!
This sale runs from September 3-8, 2020 while supplies last. Here's a list of all our special offers:
The TYT MD-9600 is one of the most popular digital radios around, and it's no wonder. It's one of the first digital mobile radios to market, and one of best dual band mobile DMR radios produced to date! It provides crystal clear audio for noise-free, over-the-air digital communications in your vehicle. Plus it includes full analog transceiver capabilities, and all of it at a very reasonable analog mobile radio price! The TYT MD-9600 is regularly $269.99, but during our Labor Day Weekend sale, you can get it at $10 off for a special price of only $242.00!
10% OFF a Wouxun KG-UVN1 Dual Band DMR Digital Two Way Radio plus FREE Programming Cable!| Model | Reg. Price | Discount | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NA-24J | $16.99 | 10% | $15.29 |
| NA-666 | $9.99 | 10% | $8.99 |
| NA-701 | $11.99 | 10% | $10.79 |
| NA-701G | $16.99 | 10% | $15.29 |
| NA-702 (1.25m/2m) | $9.99 | 10% | $8.99 |
| NA-702 (2m/70cm) | $9.99 | 10% | $8.99 |
| NA-771 | $11.99 | 10% | $10.79 |
| NA-771G | $17.99 | 10% | $16.19 |
| NA-772 | $10.99 | 10% | $9.89 |
| NA-775 (SMA Male) | $9.99 | 10% | $8.99 |
| NA-775 (SMA Female) | $9.99 | 10% | $8.99 |
| NA-805 | $8.99 | 10% | $8.09 |
| NA-805-3 | $8.99 | 10% | $8.09 |
| NA-810 | $8.99 | 10% | $8.09 |
FREE KG-UV8E Quick Reference Card with KG-UV8E or KG-UV8E Limited Edition Radios!
Available in 2M/70cm (UHF 420-450 MHz), 2M/1.25M (220 MHz) and 2M/6M (50-54 MHz) versions, the Wouxun KG-UV7D is a high power dual band radio with 7 watts VHF on 2 meters and 5 watts on the alternative bands. It features 199 programmable memory channels, a full featured keypad, a lighted LCD display and a customizable Power-On display message. It's also rated IP55 water resistant for use outdoors. When you buy it during our Labor Day Weekend Sale, you get a Wouxun SMO-001 Speaker Microphone ($17 value) FREE! Plus, you get FREE SHIPPING!
Buy a Wouxun KG-UV8D Plus Dual Band Two Way Radio and get a FREE Wouxun SMO-001 Speaker Microphone! This radio has all the classic features of the original KG-UV8D. It features 999 programmable memory channels, dual band UHF/VHF operation, duplex cross-band repeat functionality, built-in flashlight, and a stopwatch. Plus, it adds an adjustable LCD backlight, storage for up to 20 sets of frequencies in the FM radio, a voice compander, and non-standard CTCSS/DCS. Your free speaker mic will automatically be added to your order at time of purchase. Limited quantity. No rain checks.
FREE Amateur Radio Quick Reference Card when you buy any amateur license study guide!This Labor Day Weekend Sale ends Midnight, September 8, 2020. No rain checks.If you want to get in on these deals, act now!
A few weeks ago we were excited about the release of the TYT TH-UV88 radio. This "Baofeng killer" has taken the ham radio community by storm. With new radios, bugs are ALWAYS expected and the TH-UV88 is no different.
A few days ago a customer pointed out that they were having trouble with scan not receiving. We tested this with several radios and were able to confirm that there was indeed a problem. We made TYT aware of this and they immediately jumped in to action and had a solution within 24 hours!
The turnaround time was impressive, but maybe even more impressive is that a radio in this price range has upgradeable firmware!
A programming cable and a PC running Windows is needed for installation. The only change in this update is the scan fix, so if scan is not something you need or use, you do not need to install the update.
Installing the Firmware
You want your mobile two way radio on your desktop, or you want to convert it into a base station for your shack. You've picked out radio, the antenna, and location for your rig. All you need is the power supply. There's just one minor detail. You know exactly how much power you need, but what type of power supply should you choose?
There are several types of power supplies. These include those that are unregulated, ripple regulated, regulated linear and switching. In this article we are going to focus on comparing the two types we carry at Buy Two Way Radios for use with our mobile and base station two way radios. These two types of power supplies are Linear (regulated) and Switching.
Linear Power Supplies
Linear power supplies have been around for a long time. At one point it was the only choice for power supplies. They produce clean, quiet DC voltage with little to no electromagnetic noise. This makes the linear power supply a great choice for use in radio communications. A linear power supply takes the AC line voltage and puts it through a transformer to lower the voltage, then a through a rectifier and filters to convert it to DC output voltage.
Linear power supplies are well suited for use with radios, but they do have a few drawbacks. The large transformers and filter circuits generate a lot more heat, which in turn requires large heat sinks to compensate. Due to all these components, they are also quite heavy. The more power they provide, the heavier and larger they become. In addition, their energy efficiency is fairly low compared to a switching power supply.
Switching Power Supplies
Switched Mode or Switching power supplies are smaller, lighter and more advanced. They also operate at considerably higher efficiency than a linear model. Switch power supplies also generate less heat, which can be an important advantage when operating in a small ham shack or in an area with limited air circulation.
The drawback to switching power supplies is that they can introduce RFI noise. This can be a problem with inexpensive, lower quality models and small, "brick" style power supplies intended for general consumer electronics, but is not generally an issue with power supplies intended for radios and built by high quality, name brand manufacturers. Even so, the noise can be sometimes be alleviated by using EMI chokes or ferrite cores on external wiring to the radio.
Before you shop around for power supplies, it is important to know that they are not all the same. It can make all the difference between choosing the right power supply for your radio, and not having all the power you really need.
TYT has updated the TH-UV88 radios being shipped to the United States and VFO mode is now disabled out of the box. Normally, pressing the # key on the keypad switches between channel and VFO mode. On the new radios, this doesn't happen. Most likely this is TYTs way to ensure that radios being shipped into the country aren't able to be programmed to transmit outside of the amateur bands, the only frequencies for which they are authorized.
It is understandable that TYT would want to restrict the radios to amateur frequencies, however it's not clear why they chose to accomplish this by disabling VFO mode. Fortunately there is an easy way to unlock the radios and re-enable VFO mode.
This procedure does not directly switch the radio into VFO mode. It unlocks and restores the ability to switch between channel and VFO modes by pressing the # key.
We've long been recognized as an authorized dealer of quality, name brand CB radios. Our product line includes models from such established and respected manufacturers such as Cobra, Galaxy, Midland, and Uniden. Now there's one more. We are excited to announce that we're now a President dealer!
President offers a very popular line of CB and 10 meter ham radios, and now all of them are available from Buy Two Way Radios. From the low priced President ANDY through the full featured President LINCOLN II Plus, you can find them all right here.
ANDY USA
The ANDY is the entry level model in the President CB line. It's also the lowest priced of the series. But don't let this budget friendly bargain fool you. This CB radio has the full capability to deliver maximum power and high performance using 21st century technology. It operates on all 40 CB channels, receives NOAA weather channels, weather alerts, and has a large LCD display that can be customized to illuminate with one of 7 colors. It features a public address system, noise blanker, built-in Automatic Noise Limiter filter, talkback, a function key, and digital S-meter. The package includes a 4 pin electret handheld speaker microphone with a coil cord and a mounting kit. Price- $74.95.
BILL FCC
The President BILL is the next model up the line, and is very different in the look and feel. This is an ultra compact mobile, very similar in design to the Midland MXT115 GMRS Micromobile two way radio, but at a much lower price. Like the ANDY, the BILL supports all 40 CB channels at 4 watts, the maximum allowed for CB in the US. It also has 7 NOAA weather channels, weather alerts, public address capability, and a 7 color LCD display. Many of the other features of the base model are included as well, but the BILL has a few more. In addition to the noise blanker and ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) filter, the Bill also adds a HI-CUT filter. It can also display the actual frequency of an active channel and has a USB charging port on the front of the radio. If you're short on space in your vehicle or want a CB with lots of features but a very small footprint, this is the radio for you. Price- $89.00.
JOHNNY III USA
The JOHNNY III is similar in design to the ANDY, and with most of the same basic features, but with more buttons. This means more features and functionality over all. In addition to the 7 NOAA weather channels, weather alert, PA support, and noise filters, this radio has built-in hands-free VOX capability. This can be a useful feature while on the road. Now, the display is scaled back somewhat, with only 3 colors instead of the 7 color choices offered in the previous models. But it has 6 buttons on the front panel instead of 2, including one for emergency channel 9/19, Memory Channel Store/Recall and an F Function key. There is also one important difference with the mics. The Andy uses a 4-pin hand microphone, the Johnny III uses a 6 pin connector. It's no biggie, just something to be aware of when choosing between these models. Price- $109.00.
TAYLOR FCC
The President TAYLOR is a mid-range model, and switches to a more retro design. This looks and feels like a "traditional" CB radio, with the chrome plated front panel, toggle switches and analog style meter reminiscent of a classic CB. Yet, the addition of a 7 color LCD display also gives in a contemporary feel. Like the other models, the TAYLOR has the NOAA weather channels, weather alerts, PA capability, and the noise filters. Like the JOHNNY III, it also has VOX. It adds the S/RF VU-Meter, Up/Down Channel Selector and USB charging port. If you like the look of a retro CB radio but want the functionality of a 21st century model, This is a CB to consider. Price- $119.00.
JOHNSON II USA
The JOHNSON II is the same basic design and functionality as the ANDY and JOHNNY III, but adds something new, a built-in front speaker! Okay, it also has one more button than the JOHNNY III, but includes most of the standard functions and the 3 color LCD display of its counterpart. It also features 3 memories, channel and memories scan, and Dual Watch. It also has a local DX key. What's not to like about that? Like the JOHNNY III, the JOHNSON II uses a 6 pin connector. Good to know when shopping around. Price- $129.00.
WALKER II FCC
The WALKER II is a premium model. It combines the retro look of the President TAYLOR with a modern flair for a rather distinctive front panel that really stands out. It has the chrome plated front, 7 color LCD display, dials, switches, analog multi-function meter and USB charging port and adds several lighted buttons to the mix. The WALKER also has most all the features of its mid-range cousin and throws in a frequency display and an AM / WX mode switch for good measure. It's a classic President CB at a great value. Price- $139.00.
MC KINLEY USA
The MC KINLEY is the top of the line in the President CB radio series. Like the JOHNSON II, it has an internal speaker built right in, but has a larger 3 color LCD display. It has the primary features and functions of its lower tier look-alike, including 3 memories, channel and memories scan, Dual Watch and local DX key. Then it adds a clarifier and dimmer. The icing on the cake? Single Sideband! Yes, the MC KINLEY operates on AM and SSB, giving you greater access to the local CB airwaves. The MC KINLEY uses a 6 pin connector and has rear jacks for an external speaker, PA speaker, and optional VOX microphone. It's the ultimate President CB radio at reasonable cost. Price- $179.00.
RONALD
The RONALD is the base model in the President Ham Radio line. It looks nearly identical to the ANDY USA CB radio, except it operates on the 10 meter and 12 meter amateur radio bands. It may be low end, but it's certainly not low power. This compact dual band mobile radio can transmit at up to 35 watts of power and is capable of operating in both AM and FM modes. It has the same large 7 color LCD display as the ANDY, same front panel layout. It also has a noise blanker, built-in Automatic Noise Limiter filter, talkback, a function key, digital S-meter, and that's about where the similarities end. The RONALD adds an AM/FM mode switch, Dual Watch, span and adjustable time out timer. This package includes a 6 pin speaker microphone with a coil cord and a mounting kit. Price- $129.00.
RICHARD
The RICHARD is a dedicated 10 meter ham radio and the mid-range model. It operates at up to 13 watts AM and up to 40 watts FM. It has a 7 color LCD display that is smaller than the RONALD to make room for the analog bargraph meter and all the added controls on the front panel. The meter indicates reception and emitted power levels. It has ANL, NB and HI-CUT filters. It has an AM/FM mode switch, rotary channel selector switch, F function key, MENU function key, Dual Watch, Echo, VFO Mode, and a front panel USB charging port. And a lot of other stuff. The RONALD has big features at low cost. Price- $169.00.
LINCOLN II+
The LINCOLN II+ is the top tier President Ham Radio. It's similar to the RICHARD in form and function, only it has even more power, more modes and more stuff. it operates on both the 10 meter and 12 meter amateur radio bands and supports AM, FM, LSB, USB and CW modes at up to 35 watts on FM and a whopping 50 watts on AM. In addition to most of the standard features of the RONALD, it has 6 Memories, 38 CTCSS tones, 104 DCS codes, clarifier, and AM/FM/LSB/USB/CW Mode Switch. The LCD display only has 3 colors, but the other features more than make up for it. Plus, it's software programmable! Price- $249.00.
All of these President radios come with a two year manufacturer warranty!
