When we initially announced the arrival of the KG-1000G in November 2020, we knew it was something different and special, and even called it "best mobile GMRS radio in the world". We just didn't know how popular it would be. Nine months later, we're still trying to keep up with the high demand for this mobile, and it consistently receives high ratings and reviews across the board. The only caveat is the price. While the KG-1000G is a great value for all its many features, Some customers express concern that it costs too much for extra or advanced features that some of them will never use. To resolve this, we're excited to announce a new model for those who want the practical functionality and performance of a GMRS mobile, but at a lower price. Introducing the Wouxun KG-XS20G Compact Mobile GMRS Radio!
We knew we wanted it to be more budget friendly. The tough part was choosing which features were most important to have that would maximize the user experience without sacrificing core functionality, quality and performance. We think that the KG-XS20G provides an optimal balance of the three.
Let's take a look at some of the key features of the KG-XS20G and find out what they are all about.
Compact and light
Many mobile radios require ample space for permanent installation in or around the dash. Unfortunately, some vehicles just don't have the room. In other situations, a permanent installation isn't feasible or even wanted, particularly when drivers want the flexibility to swap the unit between one or more vehicles as needed. The Wouxun XS20G is a perfect solution.
The XS20G is designed for use in vehicles that don't offer much extra room for large, bulky transceivers. At only 2.16 × 4.72 × 4.7 inches (55 × 120 × 119.5 mm) it's roughly two-thirds the size of the typical mobile radio. Its compact frame accommodates installation in horizontally narrower spaces, and at a mere 22.36oz (634g), its lighter weight allows the XS20G to be installed, moved or removed with greater ease.
Power
The XS20G can transmit at a up to 20 watts of power, with two adjustable power levels. While not as powerful as full sized mobile transceivers such as the 50 watt KG-1000G, it does offer the maximum optimal wattage for its size. The lower wattage generates less heat. This enables the XS20G to operate within its compact, lighter enclosure without the need for a cooling fan or the heavier, bulkier case of a full size mobile that also serves as a heat sink.
GMRS Transmit and Dual Band Receive
As is the case with the full size, 50 watt Wouxun KG-1000G, the KG-XS20G includes all 30 GMRS channels, but is allowed to transmit only on channels 1-7 and 15-22 of the GMRS, as well as the 8 GMRS repeater channels. However, it is capable of receive-only operation on any frequency between 400-470MHz on the UHF band and 136-174MHz on the VHF band. It also has a built-in commercial FM radio, a standard feature on many Wouxun handheld and mobile transceivers. The KG-XS20G is FCC type accepted for both parts 95E (GMRS) and 15B (scanning UHF and VHF), so you have a fully legal radio for GMRS operation. For the record, the FCC ID is WVTWOUXUN25.
NOAA Weather Mode, Weather Scan and Alerts
One feature that is becoming increasingly popular on both handheld and mobile radios is the ability to receive NOAA weather channels and alerts. Wouxun acknowledged this by including a NOAA weather mode on the KG-XS20G. It's also very easy to access. Simply hold down the BAND key for 2 seconds and weather mode is activated, instantly tuning to the last weather channel accessed. You can change the channel to any of the 7 NOAA channels using the Channel/Frequency Knob or the arrow keys. The Weather Mode function can also be assigned to the PF1 or PF2 key from the menu. The XS20G also has a weather scan and weather alert function, the latter which to monitor the weather frequency currently selected for the 1050Hz subaudible tone that is broadcast when a weather alert or warning is issued.
Channel and Frequency Modes
The KG-XS20G can display and tune frequencies either by the channels to which they are assigned or by entering each frequency directly. You can switch between the channel and frequency modes by simply pressing the mode button until the desired mode is reached.
Up to 999 total memory channels can be programmed into the SX20G. Channels 1-30 are pre-programmed to the 22 simplex and 8 repeater GMRS channels by default. The rest can be programmed by the user and saved as custom channels. The radio can be programmed either with the optional Wouxun PCO-003 programming cable and programming software or directly from the radio using the full DTMF keypad on the hand microphone. The programming software is available as a free download and can be found under the Downloads tab on the KG-XS20G product page.
Standard and Non-Standard Tones and Codes
The XS20G supports 155 industry standard CTCSS tones and DCS codes, including 50 CTCSS and 105 DCS. It also supports non-standard tones and codes, including both positive and negative DCS codes. This maximizes your options for filtering out unwanted conversations from other parties on the same channel or frequency.
One handy feature of this radio is the Tone Scan. The KG-XS20G can scan an incoming signal for a CTCSS or DCS tone and Identify it for you. This saves a lot of guesswork when trying to figure out what tone or code everyone else is using. To make it even easier, the once the tone is identified, the radio can update the tone settings of the current channel.
Programmable Function Keys
The XS20G has two programmable function keys, marked as PF1 and PF2. PF1 is located on the front panel of the radio, and PF2 is on the left side of the hand speaker microphone. Although they have presets out of the box, both can be reconfigured with one of 12 different functions. Each key can be assigned up to two functions, one activated with a short press of the key, the other with a long press. The function keys can be programmed with the programming software or directly from the menu of the radio on the fly.
Better Menu
Speaking of programming, the menu of the XS20G is vastly improved from past handheld and mobile Wouxun models in a few ways. First, it's been reordered to put frequently accessed items earlier. Second, some menu items have been renamed from the standard "Wouxun" naming convention to make them more understandable to English users. Also some menu options were re-arranged in an attempt to group them with similar items. In all, it's an easier menu to navigate, understand and use.
Full Color Dual Display
One key feature of this radio that cannot be overlooked is the display. Unlike the straightforward LCD display of the KG-1000G, the full color screen of the XS20G is based directly on those of classic Wouxun handheld radios such as the KG-UV8D and KG-UV9D series. In fact, it's very similar to the display of the KG-UV8D, yet with considerable improvement. The colors are rich and bright, the alphanumeric digits are sharp and easy to read, and the icons are easy to identify. The brightness is also adjustable.
Like the aforementioned handhelds, this is also a dual display, meaning that the radio has an A and B side and both can be displayed at once. The radio can toggle between dual display and single display mode, adding even more versatility to the KG-XS20G.
Other Features
Of course, it would be remiss to neglect some of the other features of this radio, and in spite of its small stature, there are many of them. The selection of scan options comes to mind, including priority channel scanning and support for up to 10 scan groups. Bandwidth is selectable, there are multiple speaker output settings, and there is a 3.5mm jack in the back for an optional external speaker. As with many other Wouxun radios, the KG-XS20G supports Talk Around. It also has a reverse frequency function, selective call, and tone alert. There are several additional features many would consider minor, and some would not use at all. But they are there, ready to activate, just in case.
Antenna Options
One important consideration that inevitably arises is the choice of antenna for this radio. Although it isn't a huge 50W GMRS powerhouse like the KG-1000G, the antenna requirements of the KG-XS20G are not much different. Of course, we've done most of the legwork already. Our recommendations can be found by clicking on the Accessories tab on the XS20G product page and choosing the antenna that fits your vehicle requirements and budget. It's not much more complicated than that.
KG-XS20G or KG-1000G
But that's not all to consider when shopping for a mobile GMRS radio. Now we come to the moment of some serious contemplation. With the arrival of the XS20G, Wouxun has two mobiles from which to choose. The question is, which one do you really need?
If you want a full featured, high powered GMRS mobile radio or base station with everything under the sun, including the ability to turn it into a repeater (which requires two), then the KG-1000G may be the one to choose. However, if what you really need is a compact, easy to move mobile with sufficient power that is still feature rich, but more moderately priced, then the Wouxun KG-XS20G may just be the perfect radio for you. Price: $219.99
