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Ham Radios

  • Small and Discreet Radios For Hard-To-Install Vehicles

    Effective communications while on the road is important to a radio operator, which is why there are so many mobile radios on the market today. However, as newer vehicles become more compact, the installation of a full-featured mobile radio is becoming more of a challenge. Large RVs or trucks usually offer more room to install a mobile unit without too much trouble, but many modern sedans and small compact cars offer little room and few options for adding another device to the dash. If you want to put a mobile radio in your car, but space on or under the dash is very limited or almost non-existent, what can you do?

    Fortunately, there are options, and they are not only sensible, they are often more affordable, as well.

    The most obvious choice, of course, is to find a mobile radio that is small enough to fit within the confines of your vehicle. This is easier said than done, since the radio needs to be large enough to provide the range, wattage and full feature set most radio operators generally expect from a typical mobile transceiver. Mobile radios come in different sizes, but even the smaller models may still be too big to mount in some newer vehicles. However, there is now one radio that may resolve the issue for many mobile users - the Leixen VV-898.

    The Leixen VV-898 is an ultra-compact dual band UHF/VHF radio that can fit inside almost any small vehicle. It's tiny, about the size of a handheld, and is very lightweight compared to other mobiles, which also makes it easier to mount. It's so small and light weight, it may even be possible to mount the VV-898 with hook-and-loop strips if necessary, although the included lightweight mounting bracket is recommended. (we haven't yet tried to use hook-and-loop to mount it, so we don't currently recommend it). It includes many features found on most standard mobile radios, plus one or two that aren't, such as the ability to change frequencies wirelessly.

    The VV-898 uses a standard SO-239 (UHF female) antenna connector for easy compatibility with many dual band mobile radio antennas and is powered with the standard 12 volts provided by most vehicles. It operates on up to 10 watts of transmit power. Of course, 10W is considerably lower than your standard 40w to 50w mobile radio, however it is still sufficient to reach local repeaters in many cities and suburban areas across the US, and is double the wattage of the typical amateur or business handheld radio. Considering the increased popularity of using handheld radios as mobile transceivers in vehicles today, the VV-898 is a definite upgrade.

    The best part is the price. At around $150 MSRP, The VV-898 costs considerably less than other mobile radios and is comparable to the cost of a decent handheld.

    If size matters but wattage is critical, another option is to find a full size mobile radio that can operate from the dash but install somewhere else. Some radio manufacturers, aware of the space issue in modern vehicles, are now using this method as a primary solution. An increasing number of mobile two way radios are now manufactured with a detachable front panel. The chassis of the radio can be discreetly installed somewhere else in the vehicle, such as under the dash or under a seat where there is more room, and the front panel can be mounted on the front of the dash or anywhere else more convenient for the driver.

    The Wouxun KG-UV920P-A and KG-UV950P offer this option and go even further, providing not one, but two front panel mounting plates, one angled and one straight. Both models also include an extension cable so the radio can connect to the front panel from almost anywhere inside the vehicle. Some Icom and Vertex business mobile radios offer such an option as well. This split installation allows you to find more space to mount your radio more securely and still be within your reach while driving.

    Whether you choose a tiny transceiver or a unit that can be split in two, there are ways to effectively install a mobile two way radio into a vehicle with very limited available space. We're always searching for more options. Any other ideas? Post a comment below!

  • Free mobile antenna with purchase of a Leixen VV-898

    Note: This promotion expired December 31, 2014 and is no longer available.

    VV-898 and 1185.pngThe Leixen VV-898 UHF/VHF Dual Band Mobile Two-Way Radio is not just ultra-compact, it's very economical. It also makes a great holiday gift. Now this amazing transceiver is an even better value! This holiday season, when you purchase a Leixen VV-898, you get a FREE Tram 1185 mobile antenna, a $20 value!

    The Tram 1185 is an amateur dual band 144-148/440-450MHz magnet mount mobile antenna with 2.5 dBd gain on UHF and Unity gain VHF. It comes complete with a 3 1/4" magnet mount and a 12ft premium 95% tinned copper shield RG58 A/U cable with a UHF male (PL-259) connector. The 1185 works with many amateur mobile two way radios, including the Leixen VV-898. It is even used with popular handheld ham radios such as the Baofeng UV-5R. The Tram 1185 is one of our most popular mobile radio antennas, and now it can be yours FREE with the purchase of a Leixen VV-898 from Buy Two Way Radios!

    This is a special promotion just for the holidays. No promo code is necessary. Your free antenna will be added to your order automatically at the time of purchase. Plus, there's no purchase limit. Purchase more than one Lexien VV-898, you will receive a Tram 1185 with each radio, but only while supplies last.

    Note: This offer is valid until December 31, 2014 or while supplies last, whichever comes first. No rainchecks. Get one now before they are gone!

  • Holiday Ham Special - Free Speaker Microphone with purchase of Wouxun KG-UV8D

    Note: This promotion expired December 31, 2014 and is no longer available.

    KG-UV8D-and-SM400-Final-2.png

    The Wouxun KG-UV8D dual band UHF/VHF transceiver was one of the most eagerly awaited new handhelds to enter the amateur radio market in 2014. Buy Two Way Radios was the first dealer to break the news and introduce it to hams in the US, and since it's initial launch, it has become one of the most popular amateur radios in our online store.

    Throughout the year, we've worked hard to add value to an already high value, feature-rich radio, such as including the ever popular green buttons, a free upgrade to the high capacity 2600mAh battery pack and, more recently, a factory set frequency range increase to 520 MHz on UHF. Now, we're going to make the UV8D an even better value.

    This holiday season, when you purchase a Wouxun KG-UV8D, you get a FREE XLT SM400 Heavy Duty Speaker Microphone, valued at $40!

    The XLT SM400 is a compact, heavy duty speaker / shoulder microphone with a high stress belt clip that swivels 360 degrees. It features a standard 3.5mm port to connect a listen only earpiece and a coiled cord with heavy duty strain relief. It's used by businesses, consumers and amateurs alike and is available for many popular makes and models of two way radios, including the KG-UV8D. This is no cheap toy. It's a real speaker mic, valued at $40 US.

    Tip: The KG-UV8D makes a great holiday gift for that special ham in your life, as well as yourself. When you add a bonus speaker mic to the package, especially at no extra cost to you, it makes that gift even better! Just sayin'.

    This is a special add-on just for the holidays. No promo code is necessary. Your free speaker microphone will automatically be added to your order at the time of purchase. There's no purchase limit, either. For each Wouxun KG-UV8D purchased, you will receive an XLT SM400 speaker mic, while supplies last.

    Note: This offer is valid until December 31, 2014 or while supplies last, whichever comes first. In other words, When we're out of radios or speaker mics for the holidays, we're out. No rainchecks on this deal. So, get yours now while you can.

  • Join us at the Rock Hill Hamfest 2014!

    Rock-Hill-Hamfest-2014-508x139.png

    We're going to the Rock Hill Hamfest!

    Join Buy Two Way Radios at The 62nd Annual Rock Hill Hamfest to be held Saturday, October 4, 2014 at the Faith Assembly of God, 2800 Faith Blvd. Rock Hill, SC 29730. The church is located off Cherry Road behind the Home Depot. General admission is $5 per person and tailgating spaces are $5 each in addition to the general admission. Gates open to the public at 7:00 a.m. eastern.

    Activities include an ARRL Forum and VE Testing for those who want to obtain an amateur radio license or upgrade an existing one. Hourly prizes will be drawn, and the Grand Prize will be given away at noon - a Baofeng UV-82, courtesy of Buy Two Way Radios!

    Visit our booth for a first look at some new products and demos of popular handheld and mobile amateur radios. Ragchew with the hosts of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast and walk away with some special discounts, deals and freebies just for stopping by!

    The Rock Hill Hamfest is sponsored by the York County Amateur Radio Society. For more information visit www.rockhillhamfest.com.

  • Wouxun KG-UV8D Dual Band Amateur Radio Unboxing

    We've been talking a lot about the KG-UV8D dual band two way radio, the next big thing from Wouxun. Now see this radio for the first time right out of the box!

    Watch as Danny Feemster unveils the KG-UV8D and tells you about some of its awesome features in this preview video of one of the most anticipated new ham radios for 2014! The KG-UV8D is currently available for pre-order from Buy Two Way Radios.

  • Our Wouxun KG-UV8D demo units have arrived!

    Thumbnail image for KG-UV8D_01.jpgWe just received our Wouxun KG-UV8D demo units! We can now confirm some of the specifications released in our previous announcement and finally answer some frequently asked questions about this new radio.

    For starters, it does indeed have a color display. This is not a simple LCD display with a color selectable backlight. It is a real color LCD display. For example, The battery indicator is blue and the channels display their programmed status in blue or red. There is a backlight of course, and it can be configured to time out or stay on. However, the display itself is capable of producing color icons and alphanumeric characters.

    Thumbnail image for KG-UV8D_04.jpgAnother feature in question is the number of memory channels. According to a discrepancy in earlier specifications, this figure was either 199 or 999. We can now confirm that the KG-UV8D does have 999 (nine hundred ninety nine) memory channels. This is a big number for a handheld transceiver.

    Also, the KG-UV8D has the same SMA female antenna connector as the Wouxun KG-UV6D. It also uses the standard Kenwood accessory connector, which means if you have an KG-UV6D and want to upgrade, you can still use your Nagoya antennas and XLT SM400 speaker microphone. However it does require a different battery, which means the desktop charger and battery eliminator are different as well and will not be interchangeable.

    In addition, there are three other features that were not included in the initial specifications. The new KG-UV8D has a built-in LED flashlight. That's not really news, of course, as the KG-UV6D has one too. But it also has two multi-function side keys that can be configured from the menu to perform specific tasks, similar to some business radios. The KG-UV8D also has something new, a stopwatch. Yes, that's right. The KG-UV8D has a built-in stopwatch!

    We now have a Wouxun KG-UV8D unboxing video!

  • Updated Design for the Nagoya NA-701 and NA-771 Antennas

    Nagoya NA-701 Old/New ComparisonJust a quick post to let everyone know that the design for a few popular Nagoya antennas has been changed slightly. On the popular NA-701 and NA-771 antennas, the base is now cone shaped, transitioning more smoothly from large to small. The lettering is also different: it is now silver instead of blue with larger print, and the specific frequency range has been replaced with "VHF/UHF".

    Normally we probably wouldn't point out such slight cosmetic changes, but we hear frequent reports of "fake" or "knock-off" Nagoya antennas. We just want our customers to be aware that they may be getting something a little different than before, and not to worry. When buying Nagoya antennas, always be sure you're purchasing from an authorized Nagoya dealer (like us!)

    Bonus Feature!
    A common annoyance with the Nagoya NA701 and NA771 antennas was a "gap" between the radio and the antenna on certain radio models - in particular the mega-popular Baofeng UV-5R. While this didn't hurt performance, it wasn't very pretty and led to many ham radio operators to fill the gap with a rubber washer or two. Well the new design has more of a "lip" at the base, eliminating much of this gap!

    New Nagoya NA-701 - Smaller Gap!

  • Wouxun KG-UV8D Dual Band Radio Specifications

    UPDATE (3/11/2014): The Wouxun KG-UV8D is now available for pre-order.

    We've received quite a few questions since announcing the Wouxun KG-UV8D earlier this week. It seems that this upcoming radio is generating quite a buzz!

    A couple of more details came in earlier today and I thought I would share:

    • I can confirm that the KG-UV8D will sell for $139.99 at launch. We will begin accepting pre-orders sometime next week.
    • While a 220 MHz version of this radio will eventually be available, it will not be available at launch. The 2m/70cm version is the only one that will be available at launch.
    • We also have the following flyer and spec sheet to share (click the image for a larger version):
      KG-UV8D Flyer
      KG-UV8D Specifications

  • The new Wouxun KG-UV8D is coming soon!

    UV8D-OK (2).pngWouxun has announced the launch of a new dual band portable handheld radio with cross-band repeat capability, the KG-UV8D! Billed as an upgrade version of the popular KG-UV6D, the new KG-UV8D will have some significant feature additions and improvements.

    One of the most exciting new features of this transceiver is duplex cross-band repeat operation, a standard feature on Wouxon's popular base/mobile radios (the KG-UV920P-A and KG-UV950P), but is a first on their handheld models. According to Wouxon, the KG-UV8D will also work in duplex, providing the ability to transmit on one band and receive on another simultaneously.

    One feature that really stands out is the display. The KG-UV8D will sport a large, color LCD display that is more than double the size of its predecessor. The screen alone looks impressive, encompassing nearly half the front face of this handheld.

    The new KG-UV8D is also FCC Part 90 approved and will be available in both 2 meter/406.1-512MHz and 2 meter/217-222MHz versions. The tentative launch date for the KG-UV8D is around mid-April 2014.

    We are very excited about this new radio and are eager to learn more about it. Two samples are on the way and as soon as they arrive, we'll unbox one on video and provide more details.

    Subscribe to our blog at Buy Two Way Radios for the latest on this exciting new radio coming very soon from Wouxun!

    UPDATE (3/11/2014): The Wouxun KG-UV8D is now available for pre-order.

  • Visit us at the 2014 Charlotte Hamfest!

    The 2014 Charlotte Hamfest is approaching and Buy Two Way Radios will be there!

    Hosted by The Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society (MARS), the Charlotte Hamfest will be held March 7 and 8, 2014 in Concord, North Carolina. This event will feature many activities, including hourly prizes, forums, a "build your own 2/440 dual band antenna workshop", a youth lounge, homebrew Go Box contest, VEC amateur radio license testing, Bingo with over five hundred dollars in prizes, and industry vendors, including Buy Two Way Radios!

    In addition, The hosts of The Two Way Radio Show will be there to give away T-shirts and conduct interviews for upcoming episodes of the podcast. If you would like to meet the show hosts and have an opportunity to be on The Two Way Radio Show, visit us at the 2014 Charlotte Hamfest!

    The 2014 Charlotte Hamfest will be held Friday, March 7, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET and Saturday, March 8, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM ET. The hamfest will be located at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4571 Hwy 49 North, Concord, North Carolina 28025. The arena is just minutes away from Interstate 85 and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Admission is only $7 per person in advance and $10 at the door. If you want to get your amateur radio license or upgrade your existing one, meet new hams or meet up with old ones, The Charlotte Hamfest is where you want to be!

    The 2014 Charlott Hamfest is an ARRL Sanctioned Hamfest Sponsored by the Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society. For more information, including a schedule of events, directions, and contacts, download the official flyer or visit www.charlottehamfest.org.

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