News

We 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.

Another 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!

Vertex Standard announced an important change to its line of handheld portable business two way radios for greater compatibility with the introduction of UNI batteries and a universal UNI charger.

Previously, each series of Vertex handheld portables required its own battery charger that was not compatible with another series of Vertex Standard radios. With the introduction of the UNI packages, one charger can be used across the entire line. Of course, a universal charger needs to be able to accommodate the different batteries used within each series. To accomplish this, Vertex Standard created an entire new line of batteries for each series, all re-designed to fit the new charger. These new batteries and charger will replace the batteries previously packaged with the radios, as the former will not be compatible with the new charger. Likewise, the new batteries will not be compatible with the charger previously included with the radios.

The advantages of having one universally compatible charger for all Vertex Standard radios are obvious. A mixed fleet of VX-231 and VX-351 radios will not require different single unit chargers for each series and one universal multi-charger can charge radios from a mix of series at once.

Notes:
All Vertex Standard portable radios will eventually be transitioned to the universal charger. The VX-231, 351, and 354 are the first to be transitioned to the UNI packages and are now in stock at Buy Two Way Radios.

Wouxun 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.

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.

Recently we were alerted to a programming issue with the Wouxun KG-UV950P Quad Band Base/Mobile Two Way Radio. When channels are programmed from the keypad on the speaker mic or on the radio itself, accessing and scanning those channels is not a problem. However, when using the KG-UV950P Commander programming software provided by the manufacturer, the radio does not display all of the channels.

Symptoms
When you attempt to program more than two channels into the KG-UV950P using the KG-UV950P Commander programming software, the radio seems to only acknowledge the first two channels programmed and will only display and scan those channels. All frequencies entered into the programming software can be stored to and retrieved from the radio, however only the first two frequencies will be displayed and accessible from the radio when it is in operation.

For instance, you program frequencies into ten channels using the programming software and write the file to the radio. The KG-UV950P will only display and scan the first two channels programmed into it. All other channels are not displayed or accessible.

Cause
This issue occurs when the KG-UV950P Commander programming software is used on a computer with Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 installed. It does not occur when the software is installed on a computer with Windows XP.

Solution
We contacted Wouxun and worked with them to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Wouxun then sent a fix to us for review and upon testing the fix we determined that it did resolve the issue. After reporting our test results to Wouxun, they released a new version of the KG-UV950P Commander with this fix to Buy Two Way Radios for distribution.

If you ordered a programming cable for the Wouxun KG-950P from Buy Two Way Radios after February 25, 2014, it should include the latest version of the KG-UV950P Commander programming software. Customers who purchased the programming cable with software from us before this date will need to replace their current version of KG-UV950P Commander and install the latest update.

To update KG-UV950P Commander, follow these simple instructions:

1. Download KG-UV950 Commander R2.V1.02.
2. Uninstall the old version of KG-UV950P Commander from your computer.
3. Reboot your computer.
4. Install KG-950P Commander R2.V1.02.

NOTE: Update the programming software only. It is not necessary to uninstall or re-install the USB cable driver.

The Kenwood rebate has returned! For a limited time you can save big on select Kenwood business two way radios!

Purchase at least 6 Kenwood TK-2400V4P or TK-3400U4P two way radios and get a $30 rebate per radio purchased. This offer is good for up to 60 radios purchased from now until April 30, 2014 for a maximum savings of up to $1800! If you need to upgrade or add to your current fleet of radios for your organization or business, buy them now and save!

That's not all. Kenwood is also offering a $25 rebate on the TK-3230. Purchase up to 60 from Buy Two Way Radios for a total savings of up to $1500!

To redeem your rebate, visit the Kenwood ProTalk Rebate Center and follow the instructions. Use program offer number: PRO-24110. This offer is fulfilled by the Kenwood directly, so the rebate will be mailed to you after Kenwood receives your rebate form. The Kenwood Rebate offer expires April 30, 2014, so if you want to take advantage of it and increase your bottom line, now is the time to buy and save.

NOTE: Rebates must be postmarked on or before May 6, 2014. The Kenwood rebate is NOT valid on radios delivered before February 3, 2014 or after April 30, 2014, regardless of invoice date.

Read the Kenwood promotional flyer for full details.

Buy Two Way Radios would like to wish everyone a happy, prosperous and safe 2014! Our offices will be closed to ring for the day on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 and Wednesday, January 1, 2014. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our forums or give us a call after 8 AM EST Thursday, January 2, 2014. Please stay safe while traveling during the new year.

The management and staff at Buy Two Way Radios would like to wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday! Our offices will be closed for the day on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25, 2013. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our forums or give us a call after 8 AM EST Thursday, December 26, 2013. Have a great holiday and please stay safe while traveling.

When it comes to business two way radios, function, range and durability often trump bells and whistles. As a general rule, unless you are going the digital route, the feature sets on typical analog radios made for business and commercial applications are fairly standard and there isn't a whole lot of real innovation going on. Sure, the added features are nice to have, but for general use, a good business radio needs to do two basic things, and do them well. They need to be able to transmit and receive reliably and on demand.

Considering the limited need for flashy features in most industrial communications, one would think the manufacturers have run out of ideas for new walkie talkie makeovers. Well, hold the phone. Motorola recently found a way to add one more feature to their new RM Series business radios that, while not exactly innovative, is somewhat new and different for the Motorola business radio market. It is a practical feature that makes obvious sense.

All Motorola RM Series radios that have a channel selector knob support NOAA weather channels and weather alerts.

The addition of a weather channel on a business radio is not a bad idea at all, especially when such a radio is used in an industry that primarily operates outdoors. Construction workers, maintenance crews, surveyors and others who work in outdoor and open environments can directly benefit from up-to-date announcements and warnings of ever-changing weather conditions, forecasts and other hazards while working in the field, potentially even saving lives in cases of severe weather emergencies. Access to an instant weather channel is a great feature to have on any radio. A weather alert feature is even better, and its a wonder more radios don't already have one.

These features are currently available on three models in the Motorola RM Series, the RMU2080, RMU2080d and the RMV2080. The NOAA Weather Radio feature is pre-programmed on channel 8 on all three models. According to Motorola, the feature can also be configured through the Customer Programming Software or in Advanced Configuration Mode to operate on any of the other channel positions available on these radios. Up to 7 national NOAA weather frequencies are available and the channel can be customized with NOAA weather frequencies specific to the user's geographic location. When the NOAA weather channel is selected by the user, the radio gives a voice announcement with the channel and weather frequency number. Pressing SB2 on the radio will change the weather frequency while in the Weather Channel.

The radio can also monitor a particular weather frequency for National Weather Service Alerts. When enabled, the weather alert feature can "mute" the weather radio, allowing the user to change to a regular business radio frequency for normal communication while it listens for a warning alarm tone issued by the National Weather Service. If the warning alarm is activated, the radio will go to the NOAA weather frequency so the weather announcement can be heard.

The addition of NOAA weather channels with alerts has become standard on Motorola consumer walkie talkies, but is a new concept for their 2 watt business radios. This functionality was not available on the Motorola RDX series and its addition as a standard on the RM Series takes Motorola business radios to another level. Is this the beginning of a trend for other two way radio manufacturers such as Icom, Kenwood, Olympia and Vertex Standard? Only time will tell. We'll just have to wait and see. Such a feature does offer real added value and, on any radio, it just makes good sense.

Next time you place an order for a Motorola CLS1110 or CLS1410 business two way radio, don't be alarmed when it arrives in different packaging than you may be used to. Motorola is no longer packaging these popular radios in large clamshell containers. Instead, they've now switched to (considerably) smaller cardboard boxes.

This switch brings the CLS series packaging in line with other radios from Motorola. The RDX series and the CLP series already ship in packaging similar to the style used by the new CLS radios.

There is also an interesting change that came along with the packaging update: manuals are no longer included with CLS series radios. If you need a manual for a newly purchased CLS series radio, you'll have to download it from the internet. (Our two way radio manuals page is the best place to find missing manuals.)