Search results for: 'FRS and GMRS frequencies'

A frequent question asked by our customers who use the personal radio services is also a deceptively simple one. What's the difference between an FRS radio and a GMRS radio?

It's a logical question, since FRS and GMRS radios have many similarities. So many, In fact, that at one time FRS and GMRS transceivers were commonly sold in the US marketplace as combo radios. This changed in the summer of 2017, when the FCC reformed the Part 95 Rules to further define the two services and end the manufacture, sale and use of these combo units. Ironically, this move created a bit of confusion for some users, both old and new, thus prompting the titular question.

Although they are two separate radio services, the FRS and GMRS co-exist within 462-467MHz frequency range of the UHF band. Both services share the same 22 simplex channels and frequencies. These channel and frequency assignments are standard across the industry. This means that channel 1 on a Midland FRS or GMRS radio is the same as channel 1 on a Motorola Talkabout, or a Cobra MicroTALK, or a DeWALT, Uniden, or Wouxun KG-805F and 805G. Channel 2 is the same, channel 3 is the same, and so on. For this reason, someone with an FRS radio can converse directly with someone who has a GMRS radio and vice-versa.

There is one caveat. A license is required to operate a GMRS radio. It's not difficult to obtain, and the terms are rather generous, but it isn't free. In contrast, an FRS radio is licensed by rule, commonly referred to as license-free, which means that the simple act of buying an FRS radio gives you the license to legally use it.

So, considering the licensing schemes, the interoperability between the FRS and GMRS services provides a unique advantage to both, as licensed and license-free operators can freely communicate with one another on the radios approved for their particular service. And best of all, it's legal!

Which brings us to the obvious question. If FRS and GMRS share the same band, channel assignments and frequencies, and each can communicate between the other, aren't they basically the same? what's the difference between FRS and GMRS radios?

There are 5 primary differences, and they are all important to consider, as any one of them can determine whether you need a GMRS license to operate your radio, or if it can be used as an FRS radio by anyone for personal or business activities, license-free.

Radio Type
FRS radios are limited to portable handheld models only. In addition, mobile and base station GMRS units are not allowed to transmit on channels 8-14 period, and can only receive on those channels. For this reason, some GMRS radio manufacturers omit those channels on their mobile/base units altogether.

Wattage
The maximum allowable wattage of an FRS radio on channels 1-7 and 15-22 is 2 watts, while the GMRS is allowed up to 5 watts on channels 1-7 and up to 50 watts on channels 15-22. Although the power difference is usually the first thing that comes to mind by the average radio operator, it's not necessarily as important as one may think in terms of performance and range, particularly on portable handheld units.

Detachable Antenna
FRS radios must have a permanently affixed antenna, which means you must not be able to remove it, at least not without permanently damaging or destroying any part of the radio. And yeah, we've seen this. Our advice: don't try to remove a permanently fixed antenna from an FRS radio. It violates the rules, it will void the warranty of your radio, and it doesn't look pretty.

In contrast, GMRS radios are not only allowed to have removable antennas, but they can be attached to aerials mounted remotely on a vehicle, building or tower, as long as it is within a certain height limit.

Now, a non-removable antenna does not necessarily mean the walkie-talkie is an FRS radio. On the contrary, there are many older GMRS handheld radios with permanently fixed antennas, particularly those in existence before the Part 95 Reform of 2017. However, if the antenna is removable, that alone does classify it as a GMRS radio by default, since such a feature is not allowed on the Family Radio Service.

The non-removable antenna requirement of the FRS service is another reason why there are no FRS mobile or base station radios, as those types of devices typically require the use of a remote antenna that is connected using a feed line by default.

Repeater Capability
Although both services do share the same 22 channel and frequency assignments, the GMRS also has 8 additional repeater channels available to it, for a total of 30 channels. FRS does not have these repeater channels and is not allowed to transmit on repeater systems.

FCC Certification
In order to be considered an FRS or GMRS radio, it must be Part 95 type accepted by the FCC for that particular service. If it is type accepted for Part 95B, it is an FRS radio. If it is type accepted for Part 95E, it is a GMRS radio. The FCC makes the final determination on this, so if you have doubts about which service your model is made for, locate the FCC ID on the radio and look it up on the FCC website to be sure. Ultimately, the FCC makes the call.

Of course, if your radio does not have an FCC ID, it may not be legal for use on either radio service. All radios capable of operating on any of the personal radio services in the United States must be FCC type accepted for use on that service, and must have a valid FCC ID assigned to that model. We're not the radio police, but is something to keep in mind.

The items listed above describe the differences between an FRS and a GMRS radio. Any one or more of them can determine the service the radio falls under, and whether it requires a license or not.

We get this question from customers who receive their new Wouxun GMRS radio, open the box and presumably find two items missing from the package. They immediately call us to complain that these items are not included and want to know why. The items in question are a programming cable, and programming software. "Why is there no programming cable?", they ask. "Why is there no programming software included in the box with which to program the radio?" "How can I use it at all when it can't even be programmed?" Good questions.

The answer is simple. Although these radios are PC programmable, the programming software isn't needed to program them. These aren't ham radios. They are GMRS transceivers. The radios are already pre-programmed to operate on the GMRS right out of the box.

The need to program a GMRS radio from a computer is a myth
There is a myth that seems be growing with religious fervor among GMRS operators, particularly those who are brand new to the service, that a GMRS radio requires a lot of complicated configuration by the end user in order to get it to work on the air. We could speculate on the reasons for this. It could be due to the influx of amateur operators getting into GMRS who are accustomed to customizing their ham radios this way. This is because hams have numerous bands and frequencies available to them, which means the ham radios do need to be custom programmed to the specific frequencies that need to be used.

Another possibility is that GMRS newbies, hearing that hams have to program their radios to work, figure it's the same prerequisite with the GMRS. A third consideration is that they want to max out the capabilities of their radios right away, or before even inspecting the radio to find out if what they want it to do is already activated or configured into them by default. Yet another is the assumption that such customization is next to impossible to perform from the radio itself, at least without great difficulty and time.

This last assumption is very likely based on past experience with attempting to program a radio such as the legendary Baofeng UV-5R, and assumes that every radio is just as complicated. The UV-5R is a very poor example from which to make that assumption for two reasons. First, this cheaply priced little handheld is also cheaply designed, so it is kind of a confusing and convoluted piece of tech for field programming. Second, the UV-5R was not designed nor was it FCC type accepted for use as a GMRS radio in the first place, so there was nothing specific for that service programmed into it from the factory.

So, there are reasons why there is a myth that GMRS radios must be programmed by the end user before they will work at all. It doesn't matter the reason, really. It's just a myth. The fact is, none of those assumptions actually hinder or prevent the radio from transmitting or receiving on the GMRS at all. They only get in the way of the ease and enjoyment of its actual operation.

To fully appreciate why this whole argument of programming a GMRS radio is even a thing and why GMRS operators, particularly "hobbyists" (it's actually a utility service) are so adamant about having the cables and programming software to do it, we must first understand when, where and how it all began.

The history of the programmable GMRS radio
The truth is, this history is a short one. The phenomenon of the PC programmable GMRS radio only occurred within the last few years.

Until the Part 95 rule change in 2017, GMRS radios were nearly all hybrid FRS/GMRS models marketed and sold as pairs in "bubble packs". The antennas were non-removeable, they were fairly low wattage, and only a few of them supported repeaters, with no split tone capability, either. Although many of these simple radios were configurable from a menu accessed from the keys of the units themselves, that was the full extent of their customization. None of them were PC programmable by the end user.

There were less than a handful of radios that were FCC type accepted as GMRS alone, and the very few that were had both limitations on the service and a high price tag that kept them from wide distribution and adoption. Those were the only legitimate options for the hardcore GMRS power user.

In addition, although the GMRS service allowed for mobile and base station radios, no official Part 95 models for these categories actually existed. They were all commandeered from business models under the pretense that a Part 90 radio that met Part 95 requirements could technically be used for GMRS as well. This use of business radios for GMRS was a hotly debated topic at the time, and in some circles, it still is. In a nutshell, all the officially FCC approved GMRS radios were handhelds.

Then along came Midland.

Midland took the first of two big, bold moves to change that somewhat in April 2011, when the company launched the GXT5000 handheld radio, and Buy Two Way Radios was one of the first retailers to offer it. Although professional grade and a big step up from the hybrid bubble packs, There were still limitations. the antenna was permanently attached and it did not support repeaters. Nevertheless, the GXT5000 was met with great enthusiasm from the GMRS crowd, and the radio sold very well, that is, while it was available to buy. Unfortunately, due to long production delays after its initial release and a disaster at the manufacturing plant two years later, this iconic radio was put on a long hiatus and eventually discontinued altogether.

Then in 2015, Midland released the first bona fide GMRS mobile in the form of a micromobile, the Midland MXT100. We were the first to carry that one as well. Two years later came a second wave of Midland mobile radios, and this time there were three. The MXT105 was an upgrade to the original MXT100. The MXT115 and the MXT400 did support repeater operation. Both the MXT105 and MXT115 are still on the market today. Except for the MXT400, which provided for it later, None of them were originally intended to be PC programmable by the end user.

Aside from Midland, that was about it. All of the other big brand manufacturers of consumer radios, including Cobra, Motorola, Icom, and Uniden all but ignored GMRS as a stand alone service, completely shunning its full potential. Dedicated, licensed GMRS operators had no where else to go.

The FCC Part 95 rule change in 2017 changed all that. Once the FRS and GMRS hybrids were separated, and the rules redefined, the possibilities for creating a new wave of GMRS radios that maximized the service had finally arrived. But would manufacturers step up to the plate and take a chance?

At first, not so much. Realizing the full market potential of this change, and based on the interests of our customers at the time, we approached several manufacturers about the possibility of developing at least one portable handheld GMRS radio that would meet the desires and needs of our customers. It needed to be a full 5 watts, have a removeable antenna, be built rugged for professional use, and fully support repeaters.

And then, a company did it.

On December 12, 2019, Wouxun released the KG-805G Professional GMRS Two Way Radio. It checked off all those boxes, and in doing so, opened up to the door to new possibilities for both the business and family utilitarian, and the dedicated power user, known today as the hobbyist.

But there was one more advantage to this legal GMRS radio. The KG-805G was PC programmable by the end user.

The radio was a huge hit right off the bat. It was so popular that Wouxun followed up a year later with the KG-905G. It was also a big seller, and still is today. The competition quickly took notice, and it wasn't long before other manufacturers, almost all of them from overseas, began to manufacture and market GMRS radios of their own. And nearly all of them user programmable from a CPS.

But do they really need to be?

This is an interesting question, and one that many GMRS power users who now call themselves hobbyists may answer with a resounding cry of "Yes, of course (and what a stupid question)"!

The real answer is, not necessarily. The simple truth is that it depends on why you are using the GMRS service, and what you intend to do with your GMRS radio.

If you are using the GMRS service as a general purpose utility, which is what the FCC intended in the first place by naming it the General Mobile Radio Service, the answer is quite simply NO. If you are using an Wouxun GMRS radio for that purpose, the answer is an even more emphatic NO!

This doesn't just apply to Wouxun radios, either, but every radio made that is officially FCC type accepted to legally operate on The General Mobile Radio Service.

However, Wouxun has made their GMRS radios easy to program, so easy, in fact, that all of them - even the mobile radios - can be field programmed straight from the radio itself, without any programming cable or CPS app needed.

This is because every Wouxun GMRS radio we carry at Buy Two Way Radios is designed from the inside out to be Transceive Ready right out of the box, as soon as you turn it on. They are all intended to be easy to use, and very easy to customize right from the radio itself, with easy to navigate menus that are sensibly laid out in organized, logical structures, easy to read menu functions whose labels are easy to understand, and an owner's manual written in plain, native English with simple explanations and instructions that are easy to read and comprehend.

Of course, if you want to program it from a PC, Wouxun does provide both a programming cable and programming software for that purpose, and in a few instances, certain advanced functions may need to be configured that way. But it's not necessary for most customizations.

Sure, there are a few exceptions. Some advanced features on certain models, such as Scan Group assignments, customizable color display themes in the KG-935G Plus and KG-Q10G, and DTMF functions, do require access to programming software. Those features may well be of interest to the hobby user. But even then, based on our experience with customers so far, very few hobbyists go that deep into the color themes on the radios that support them, and even fewer do anything with DTMF.

Fine, you ask, but what about all those available channels? Some radios have 99, some have a few hundred, and a few have nearly a thousand channels to program. Don't they all need to be filled?

Do they? Really? Why?

How many channels must be programmed into the radio?
This is not ham radio we're talking about here, it's GMRS. Unlike the Amateur radio service, which covers a huge swath of frequencies across well over a dozen bands, GMRS is limited to only 22 simplex and 8 repeater channels in one narrow spectrum of the one UHF band. 30 channels. That's it. Technically speaking, those 30 channels that are already pre-programmed into the radio are all you really need to transmit anywhere on the GMRS in the USA. So what are all of the extra programmable channels for?

They are there for the convenience of customizing those existing 30 channels with CTCSS tones, DCS codes and other features that enhance the GMRS experience without having to constantly reconfigure the original channels with new customized settings every time a modification is needed.

Now, you could say that in the case of repeaters, you would want to be able to connect to a repeater that is using RPT channel 16 and a CTCSS tone of 67.0 in one locality and program a new channel with the same RPT 16 frequencies and a CTCSS tone of 254.1 to a repeater in a different locality.

Or perhaps you want to transmit on simplex channel 7 at five watts for certain activities and on the same frequency for that channel at a lower power for something else. Instead of constantly changing the settings every time you need to do so, you can customize these channels by assigning additional instances of them to a new channel. This is a practical way to go.

Where this gets a little over the top is when a user wants to program all the extra channels for every repeater in the country. While this can be very useful for someone on a cross-country road trip or a trucker going from one coastal city to the other, for most users, 400 channels is going to be overkill for everyday use of a GMRS radio. You don't have to fill the radio with channels you'll never use. But they're there, if you really need them.

And yes, some operators want to be able to scan any and all RX only frequencies that some radios may support, and add customized channels for them, as well.

Even so, Wouxun GMRS radios are designed to be field programmable, so you can quickly and easily add new channels right from the radio, without any programming software. Most models allow you to clone existing channels and assign them to new ones with full customization, including channel names. And two models have a revolutionary feature that allows you to program these new channels, directly from the radio, in mere seconds.

Channel Wizard
The KG-935G Plus and KG-Q10G have an amazing tool called Channel Wizard. Built right into the menu of the radio, the Channel Wizard walks you through the process of programming a channel in simple steps. There is no need to surf through the manual or, as is the case with the old, clunky (and not legal for GMRS) Baofeng UV-5R, watch a youtube video to figure out what to do next or how get there to do it. The Channel Wizard allows you to quickly and easily program a new channel or modify an existing channel directly 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 any programming software.

Some users have reported the ability to program multiple channels at a time via the Channel Wizard to be faster than programming them through a CPS.

So, why don't Wouxun GMRS radios include the programming cable and software?
Even so, in spite of all the Transceive Ready capability and field programmability that Wouxun builds into their radios, you may still be adamant that these Wouxun radios must be programmed via computer in order for you to operate it. Well, even if that's true, and it isn't, there are two more compelling reasons why they don't come with the programming cable and software, nor should they. The first is a combination of practicality and cost.

Wouxun radios are high end, high quality products. With that comes a premium cost. The inclusion of a programming cable is part of that cost. We have found that too many of our customers who regularly buy GMRS radios from us don't actually need a cable because they already have one, either the famously standard Wouxun PCO-001/PCO-009 red cable, the XLT Painless Programming Cable, or some other brand. Why fill up your junk drawer with a dozen cables that you don't need? By not including a cable, we are able to keep the cost of the radio down. Save a cable, and save your wallet. There is no reason to inflate the price for everyone.

The second reason is to save frustration for both the customer and our techs. As mentioned several times already, Wouxun radios are carefully designed to be Transceive Ready. Unfortunately, too many customers who are new to GMRS radios and have been conditioned to believe The Myth will have a tendency to instinctively open the box, pull out the radio, plug in the programming cable, install (unnecessarily) the driver for it, and install the programming software - all without even opening the manual - and immediately render their cable and/or radio inoperable.

Then it's an angry call to tech support and a half hour or more on the phone to sort it all out and get the cable and/or the radio back to operating condition, with the tech often reciting instructions to the caller from the same manual included with the radio that the customer didn't read. The tragic irony is that 95% of the time, the radio needed little to no customization at all.

Ultimately, while the competition may or may not need it, Wouxun GMRS radios do not require programming from CPS to work as advertised. On the contrary, these radios are specifically designed to be used as soon as you turn them on without the need for any additional configuration, and without the need for any programming software. This includes CHIRP.

The ability to program a Wouxun GMRS radio using computer programming software isn't a requirement, it's an option. It's an optional choice for those who want to get into the weeds and further customize the radio beyond its standard capabilities. For this reason, a programming cable and programming software are considered optional accessories, and as such, are not included in the original box.

Here is a list of Wouxun PC programmable radios. Many require some or complete programming for general use.
Note: *The menu items in yellow are business radios that are programmable by the dealer only.
**The menu items in red are amateur radios and require programming software.
***The menu items in green are GMRS radios and do not require programming.
Also note that none of the models that require programming are GMRS.

GMRS radios allow you to instantly communicate with friends and family. They are great tools for camping, hiking, offroading and other outdoor activities. They can also be used for disaster preparedness, general comms around the home and neighborhood, and much more! If you're looking for reliable short range communications for such activities, a GMRS radio is certainly worth consideration. Here's how to get started with GMRS.

What is GMRS?
GMRS is an acronym for General Mobile Radio Service. GMRS is available for personal use and is a popular choice among consumers and a growing number of radio hobbyists. There are 30 GMRS channels available, consisting of 22 simplex channels and eight repeater channels. The 22 simplex channels are shared with the FRS, or Family Radio Service. Channels 1-7 are limited to 5 watts of power. Channels 8-14 are low power channels with a maximum of one half of one watt, and channels 15-22 are allowed to operate at up to 50 watts. Check out the list of FRS and GMRS Frequencies available.

Do I need a license for GMRS?
If you haven’t already, you will need a GMRS license. It’s easy to get, costs only $35 and is good for 10 years. No test is required. Once your license is issued, you’ll have a call sign to identify yourself to others when talking on your GMRS radio.

How do I get a license?
To purchase a GMRS license, visit the FCC website at fcc.gov and complete form 605. Once you pay the license fee and receive your GMRS call sign, you’re on your way. Learn how to get a GMRS license in only four steps.

Who is covered by my license?
Your GMRS license is valid for you and all members of your immediate family, regardless of age. Watch our video Radio 101 - Who is covered by a GMRS License? for more information.

I have a GMRS radio and a license to use it. Now what?
Talk on your radio! You can do a lot of cool things with a GMRS radio, such as connecting with caravans on road trips, emergency communications, going on outdoor adventures, coordinating community events, and simply staying in touch with family and friends. You can even talk on a repeater to communicate across long distances!

What is a repeater?
A repeater is a device that receives a radio signal and re-transmits or repeats it across a broader area, greatly increasing range. The repeater transmits the signal at a much higher wattage than a typical handheld radio, allowing for a much larger coverage area. Using repeaters, you can communicate with other GMRS users over long distances – even hundreds of miles!

How do I find a repeater?
Repeaters exist across the continental US. A national directory of repeaters is located online at myGMRS.com. You will need to join myGMRS.com to access the database, but once you do, simply type in your zip code to locate repeaters within your area.

How do I use a repeater?
Once a repeater is located, you will need to obtain permission to access it. Some repeaters are available to the public, while others are private. Once permission is granted, you will need the receive frequency, the transmit frequency and the CTCSS tones or DCS codes the repeater uses in order to access it.

What are CTCSS and DCS?
Also known as Privacy Codes and numerous other names, CTCSS tones and DCS Codes help reduce interference by filtering out transmissions from other parties that are using the same channel or frequency. When used with repeaters, these tones and codes serve as an “access key” of sorts to allow communications by radio operators who are granted permission to use the repeater system.

Some repeaters use the same CTCSS tone or DCS code for both transmit and receive, while others use a different tone or code for each, also known as split tones. Some repeaters don’t use them at all. It all depends on the repeater.

Where can I find more information?
There is huge repository of blog articles, podcasts, videos, and other resources about GMRS available at Buy Two Way Radios. Here is a List of Two Way Radio Resources to find the information you need.

First there was the KG-805G, a powerful, yet easy to operate handheld that was customizable, programmable, and capable of transmitting at up to a full 5 watts, all of which were almost unheard of for a Part 95 type accepted GMRS radio at the time. Then came the KG-905G, with its enhanced display, 256 custom channels, and hardened, IP66 dust and water resistance, another first to market for the GMRS.

Now, the bar has been raised again. But this time, it's different, and henceforth, the GMRS will never be the same. The Wouxun KG-935G portable handheld GMRS radio has arrived!

If the KG-935G looks vaguely familiar, it's not a Jedi mind trick. It's based on the Wouxun KG-UV8H, a dual band amateur radio descended from the very popular KG-UV8 series. Although slightly larger than the original 8D, it has lot of its functionality, including an advanced feature set, great overall performance, and a highly professional look and feel. It takes all that and adds many improvements, including better ingress protection.

So, what makes the KG-935G different? Read on.

Full Color Dual Display
The KG-935G certainly adds more features to the line of Wouxun GMRS handhelds but not all of them are internal. One huge upgrade is the display. The KG-805G has a fairly simple screen. The 905G has a larger, but monochrome visual interface. The KG-935G take the classic full color screen of the KG-UV8D and gives it an even cleaner, sharper look, with a slightly wider, more peripherally comfortable viewing area, richer colors, and a higher resolution. This makes the text, numbers, icons and graphics easier on the eyes. The display has four color themes from which to choose, two light and two dark.

As the KG-935G is a dual mode, dual receive GMRS radio, it is only natural to assume this is also a dual display, and it is. It can display both A and B sides simultaneously, and each side can be switched to be the primary or MAIN side with short press of the BAND button. You can also turn the dual display on and off and use view the screen in single display mode if desired.

New Display Brightness/Backlight Controls
Although Wouxun is well known for their premium LCD displays, previous models offered limited options when it came to managing the backlights for them. With the KG-935G, Wouxun now has three menu settings related to the display brightness, giving you full control over the brightness levels. The BACKLIGHT menu setting controls how many seconds the display stays in "Active" mode after certain activities occur, such as when a key is pressed or when an incoming transmission is received. The time can be adjusted from one to twenty seconds. After this time elapses, the display returns to Standby mode. New BRT-ACTV and BRT-STBY settings allow you to choose the brightness level of the display when in each of these modes.

To make the display easier to read in bright sunlight, Wouxun increased the maximum brightness level. The brightness adjustment settings have also been added as menu hotkeys on the keypad.

NOAA Weather Mode, Scan and Alerts
The KG-805G and KG-905G are two of the most popular Wouxun GMRS handhelds on the market. But for all the demand, one feature they lack, and is the one requested most often, is ability to program and receive NOAA weather channels. Enter the KG-935G. It has a NOAA weather mode built right in, easily activated at the push of a button. All 7 NOAA channels are available, and it even remembers the last weather channel accessed. The Weather Mode function can also be assigned to one of the side keys if desired.

The KG-935G can also scan all the NOAA weather channels for active broadcasts. When Priority Scan is enabled, the radio can toggle between scanning a weather channel and a regular channel. On top of that it has a weather alert, which monitors the currently selected weather frequency for the 1050Hz subaudible tone broadcast by the NOAA station during an alert. This isn't just a frequency programmed into a channel. It's fully functional weather radio mode.

Dual Band with Simultaneous Receive Capability
Like the other Wouxun GMRS handhelds such as the 805 and 905G, the KG-935G transmits and receives all 30 GMRS channels, including the 22 simplex and 8 GMRS repeater channels. However, the KG-805G and KG-905G are single band radios, operating only on UHF. The KG-935G is capable of receiving on dual bands, both UHF and VHF.

But it doesn't stop there. The 935G also has dual channel receive capability, which means it can receive two channels or frequencies on the same or different bands at once, simultaneously. In this respect, the 935G is more like its mobile cousin, the Wouxun KG-1000G.

Channel and Frequency Modes
As mentioned earlier, the KG-935G is a GMRS version of the KG-UV8H, so its no surprise that both radios will share many advanced features, among which is the ability to operate in either channel or frequency (VFO) mode. This is a relatively new concept for GMRS operators, however if you are already familiar with the KG-1000G GMRS Base/Mobile radio, you will know just how powerfully useful it is to have this feature on a GMRS handheld. The KG-935G can display the channel name, channel number, or frequency. These channel and frequency work modes can be toggled back and forth instantly with the press of the Mode key.

As for memory channels, the KG-935G has 999 of them. The first 30 are pre-programmed by default to the 22 simplex and 8 repeater GMRS channels. The rest of them are available to program as you like, either with GMRS simplex and repeater channels customized with specific CTCSS tones and DCS codes, or as receive-only channels on the UHF and VHF bands. Programming can be performed directly from the DTMF keypad on the radio itself or with an optional Wouxun PCO-001 programming cable and Wouxun programming software. As with other Wouxun radios available from Buy Two Way Radios, the programming software is available as a free download and can be found under the Downloads tab on the KG-935G product page.

IP66 Dust and Water Proof
Consumer grade GMRS radios typically average out their resistance to the elements at about IPX4 or JIS4, which is the equivalent to the protection from a summer rain and little to no resistance to dirt or a sandy shore. A few are rated at IP54, which can take some sand and dirt, and splashing water or a heavier rain. The KG-935G isn't a consumer grade radio. It's rated IP66 for dust and water, meaning that it can take harsher elements. It's not submersible, but it can take the mud, sand and direct jets of water from any direction and still take your calls. This is a tough radio for tougher environments, indoors or out.

Standard 3200mAh Battery

The KG-935G comes standard with a 3200mAh lithium-ion battery pack. This is over 20% more capacity than the stock battery for the 905G and nearly twice that of the 1700mAh battery included with the KG-805G.

More Power
Previous Wouxun GMRS radios can transmit at up to 5 watts. The KG-935G has the capability to transmit a up to 5.5 watts of power. While not a huge boost to boast about, this modest increase does reach a reasonable balance between maximum wattage for transmit and what is considered a reasonably safe output level for a radio that can get right in front of your face. It manages this wattage with three selectable power levels, the highest of which can provide a bit of extra "oomph" in situations when you need to hit that distant repeater.

An Updated Menu
One of the more challenging aspects of field programming a Wouxun radio from its menu, or any import radio for that matter, is understanding the menu itself, and its options. More specifically, many of these menu items are labeled somewhat cryptically, and arranged in an arbitrary order. Such is not the case with the KG-935G. Menu options have been renamed for easier identification and re-ordered in a more logical arrangement for easier navigation and faster programming from the keypad.

Programmable Function Keys x2
It's not uncommon to find one or two programmable buttons on a GMRS handheld these days, especially on the Wouxun models, and the KG-935G is no exception. It has two, called PF1 and PF2. What is different about this radio is that each key can be programmed with not one, but two different functions. The desired function is chosen by a short or long press. Both keys are located on the side of the radio, conveniently located below the PTT. You can program each key by choosing from a selection of 12 different functions. The function keys can be programmed directly from the keypad of the radio or from a PC with the programming software.

Other Features
We've covered the most notable items that differentiate the Wouxun KG-935G from the other GMRS portables, but there are many other features that, while more commonly found on some high end business and amateur models, are still quite advanced for a handheld that operates on the GMRS. Among these are:

• Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Options
• Standard and Non-Standard CTCSS Tones and DCS Codes
• Split CTCSS/DCS Tone Support
• CTCSS/DCS Tone Scan
• Channel Scan
• Priority Channel Scanning
• Scan Groups
• Compander
• Descrambler
• DTMF Encode/Decode
• Group Call/All Call/Select Call
• Incoming Caller ID
• FM Radio
• FM Radio Station Memory Save
• Stopwatch Timer
• Built-in Flashlight/Strobe
• English Voice Prompts
• Second Frequency PTT Assignment
• Talk Around
• Reverse Frequency
• Busy Channel Lockout
• SOS
• Alarm

Some of these features can be found on the KG-805G and KG-905G. Very few, if any, will be found on the typical consumer grade (read "bubble pack") GMRS radio. All of them are available, as standard features, on the Wouxun KG-935G.

If you just want a cheap GMRS radio available that does the bare minimum at the lowest power allowed, get the bubble pack. if you want a radio that maximizes everything possible with your premium priced, official FCC issued GMRS license, get the Wouxun KG-935G. Price: $149.99

Retailing consumer FRS and GMRS radios is how we got our start in this business. Over the years, we've heard more than our share of gripes from customers who are looking for something better than the typical "bubble pack" FRS/GMRS radios. Those radios get the job done for most people, but they often don't cut it for advanced users. Anyone that uses a GMRS radio frequently, or needs advanced features (like repeater support) is left frustrated: none of the major manufacturers offer a product that meets their needs, and the few import radios that have been modded for GMRS have considerable drawbacks. Well, after years of asking the major manufacturers to address this need, we've decided to take matters into our own hands.

We've been working directly with Wouxun to design a radio that considers all of the needs of advanced users. It's been a long process, but we're really proud of the result. We hope you like it.

Introducing the Wouxun KG-805G

Today, we're introducing the Wouxun KG-805G Professional GMRS Radio. The following is a list of goals that we had for our GMRS radio when we started this process, and thanks to Wouxun we were able to achieve all of this with the KG-805G.

• Legal for GMRS. GMRS users looking for the best often resort to buying a business radio and reprogramming it for GMRS. This is pretty common, but it isn't legal. We needed a radio that was approved for GMRS use by the FCC (Part 95 type accepted).
• Business Quality. The radio had to have a high level of durability and "feel" like a professional radio.
• Repeater support. The GMRS allows for repeaters. If you're buying a professional GMRS radio, you should be able to use them. You should also be able to configure the radio to use a repeater without connecting it to a computer.
• Ability to change common functions from the keypad. In particular, CTCSS/DCS codes should be adjustable via the menu.
• High power. Almost all radios using FRS/GMRS frequencies are well under 2 watts. We wanted at least 4.
• Single Band. There are a couple of dual band import radios that have been retrofitted for GMRS, and we felt like this was a compromise we didn't want to make. GMRS frequencies are all between 462 and 468 MHz. We felt like quality would be better if the radio and antenna were built specifically for this frequency range.
• "Classic" Radio Circuitry. One of the big reasons that there are so many low priced radios available is that there single microchips available that control almost all radio features. This is great if you're looking to keep costs down, but there's a reason that popular business radio brands don't use them: they compromise quality for price. If we were going to call our radio "Business Quality" it needed to be built like a business radio - inside and out.
• Good Accessory Selection. We didn't want anything proprietary or unusual when it came to accessories.
• Optional PC Programming. PC programming should be available for advanced users, but absolutely not be a requirement to use the radio.
• Priced below $100. We felt like the product needed to retail for less than $100, and we beat it by $10. Regular price for the KG-805 will be $89.99.

The KG-805G has 30 channels: 22 standard simplex channels and 8 repeater channels. It is compatible with any other 22 channel FRS or GMRS radio right out of the box. If you need to add a PL tone, you can do it directly from the keypad using the menu.

The KG-805G is built using the same "chassis" as the popular KG-UVD1P and KG-UV6D, which have been around for a long time. Replacement batteries for those models work with the KG-805G. The radio uses a standard "K1" style audio accessory connector, so two-pin audio accessories that work with a Kenwood, Wouxun, or Baofeng radio will work with this one.

The display supports three colors, and you can choose a different color for transmit, receive and standby. Channel scan is available by holding the A/B button for 2 seconds. An FM radio is built-in.

Optional programming software is available as a free download. The software allows you to add or remove channels and configure channel settings in an easier way than using the menu. You also have more options than the menu provides, as you can configure options like channel power and bandwidth. You can also add receive-only channels for frequencies outside of the GMRS band. Using the software requires a programming cable.

Why not build a MURS radio too?

While our focus was primarily on the GMRS product, we knew that there were customers also looking for a similar radio that operated on MURS. The Multi-Use Radio Service is a license-free service that allows for operation on 5 VHF frequencies at up to 2 watts of power. MURS is great for consumers that often use radios outdoors and don't want to get a license. It is also popular with businesses (even Walmart uses MURS frequencies).

MURS has a similar situation to GMRS, but with an even more limited selection of available products: current radios are either great quality and quite expensive, or they're cheap retrofitted Baofengs. We thought a high quality but reasonably priced radio was needed, so we helped design the Wouxun KG-805M Professional MURS Radio.

The KG-805M is essentially the same radio as the KG-805G, except it is designed to operate on VHF frequencies and we have customized the programming to the MURS service. The KG-805M also retails for $89.99.

Only need the basics?

Because things can't ever be simple, we also have a version of each radio with a simpler feature set for a few bucks less.

The Wouxun KG-805G Basic and Wouxun KG-805M Basic are available at a retail price of $69.99. The difference? These models don't support adjusting CTCSS/DCS codes via the keypad, so they're more appropriate for use in non-congested areas or when you're commonly using radios with the same group of people.

The CTCSS/DCS tones can be adjusted in the optional programming software, so if you're OK with using a PC for programming these Basic versions are a good way to save money!

Your feedback is important!

This is the most involved we've ever been in bringing a product to market and we definitely want this to be a success. We are very interested in hearing your thoughts on what we got right, or what we got wrong with the KG-805 series. Comment below, or send us a message!