Search results for: 'UV-5R'

The Wouxun KG-UV950P quad band mobile two way radio has all the great features of the popular KG-UV920P-A dual band mobile radio, and more, two bands more, to be precise. It transmits and receives on the 2 meter (144-148 MHz), 70cm (420-450 MHz), 6 meter (50.1-54 MHz) and 10 meter (28.3-29.7 MHz) amateur radio bands. This is a great transceiver for hams who want access to multiple bands without paying through the nose to get on the air.

Like the the KG-UV920P-A, the KG-UV950P has cross band repeat capability for even greater functionality. It also makes a nice base station radio when connected to the Wouxun SPS31WIN or similar power supply as shown in the Wouxun KG-UV950P Quad Band Amateur Radio Unboxing video.

KG-UV950P Key Features

• Quad Band 2m/6m/10m/70cm transmit and receive
• Eight band receive only
• 87.5-108MHz FM Radio (Receive Only)
• 50W/20W/10W/5W (VHF) Transmit Power
• 40W/20W/10W/5W (UHF) Transmit Power
• 999 Memory Channels
• Dual Display
• Remote Head Mounting Capability
• Full Duplex Cross Band
• CTCSS/DCS Encode/Decode
• Dual Speakers
• Backlit DTMF Speaker Microphone
• Incoming Caller ID Display
• DTMF Encoding and Decoding
• Group Calls, All Calls and Selective Calls
• Optional 8 Group Scramble
• Priority Channel Scanning
• APO Power Management
• English Voice Prompts
• Minimum Operating Voltage Alarm
• Stun/Kill Function
• Single Tone Pulse Frequency
• Remote Control Settings
• Frequency/Channel Scanning with CTCSS/DCS Detection
• Cooling Fan
• Companding
• Selectable 3 Color Backlit LCD Display
• Timeout Timer
• Simultaneous scanning on AB areas
• AIre band function
• AM Mode receive capability
• PC Programmable
• Supports 2.5k Step
• Reset
• Roger Beep Enable/Disable
• Wideband/Narrowband operation

Programming the KG-UV950P
Programming The Wouxun KG-UV950P is the same as programming the KG-UV920P-A. You can do it direct from the console on the front panel of the radio, from the DTMF keypad on the speaker microphone, or through a PC using the Wouxun KG-UV950P programming software.

Direct from the radio
If you know how to program frequencies into the KG-UV920P-A, the UV950P will be old hat. If you haven't programmed a UV920P-A, or you are new to programming a two way radio, you will need to read the manual carefully and keep it with you for reference until you get the hang of it. The manual is not very intuitive, especially when explaining some advanced features, but it sure beats reading the original manufacturer's user guide for the Baofeng UV-5R, which is widely regarded in the ham radio community as one of the worst operating manuals ever written for an amateur radio of this century. While this latter point is not particularly inspiring, it may be of some consolation if you have trouble getting through the Wouxun manual. Compared to Baofeng, the Wouxun owner's manual is a literary masterpiece.

The KG-UV950P menu consists of 50 items compared to the menu options of the KG-UV920P-A, which has 45 menu options. Default settings are bold.

Programming with software
The KG-UV950P uses the same USB programming cable as the KG-UV920P-A, so if you already have one, you are halfway there. If you don't, you will need the PCO-003, which includes the Wouxun cable driver and programming software CD when purchased from Buy Two Way Radios. Simply follow the Wouxun KG-UV920P-A cable driver installation instructions and the programming cable should be set to go.

Unlike the programming cable, the Wouxun KG-UV950P programming software is specific to the radio and is currently available for Windows PCs only. If you have the programming software for the KG-UV920P-A, it will not work with the KG-UV950P. If you purchased the programming cable from Buy Two Way Radios, the KG-UV950P software will be included on the cable driver and programming software CD. It is also available as a free download.

KG-UV950P Operation
Working the KG-UV950P is almost exactly same as operating KG-UV920P-A. The only real difference is the layout of the console and redesign of the speaker microphone. While the key layout is the same on the consoles for both models, the location of the speaker mic jack is not. The speaker microphone plugs into the front of the KG-UV920P-A; on the KG-UV950P, the jack is located on the side of the front panel. The location of everything else on the front panel is the same. The LCD display with a selectable three color backlight, channel knobs, volume knob and DTMF keys, they are all there.

As for the DTMF speaker mic, it is a noticeable redesign of the speaker mic for the KG-UV920P-A. The speaker microphone is shaped differently and a multi-function squelch open/remote control button is added below the PTT button on the left side. All the DTMF keys are there, and a MAIN key is added to change the master channel/frequency on the display. The keypad lock/unlock switch is resized and moved towards the top right of the keypad, and a second switch is added to turn the keypad backlight on and off. The 3 key assigned for CTCSS/DCS setup and scanning on the 920P-A is now assigned for band switching on the 950P. All other key assignments and operations are the same. The keys and their primary functions are listed in the chart below:

As a quad band radio alone, the Wouxun KG-UV950P is a great value. As a mobile/base station radio or cross-band repeater, it can add affordable versatility to any ham shack.

Tytera shook the world of digital radio in 2015 with the introduction of the MD-380, a portable handheld capable of both DMR and analog operation at an analog radio price.

Digital radios were outrageously expensive, and were priced out of the hands of many.

Then the MD-380 came along. It changed everything. For the first time, DMR was truly available to the masses, so to speak. Amateur radio operators on a Baofeng budget could experiment within the digital realm without spending hundreds of dollars on digital equipment, and because the UHF version was Part 90 type accepted for commercial use, small businesses could afford to keep up with their competitors and migrate to digital without the exhorbitant cost. The MD-380 was a game changer, and turned Tytera into a respected brand in the DMR marketplace almost overnight.

Now they are about to do it again. Get ready for the Tytera TYT MD-9600 Digital Mobile Radio!

Yes, that's right, the long-awaited announcement is here. Tytera has introduced a new mobile two way radio capable of operation in both digital and analog modes.

According to Tytera, the MD-9600 operates on 400-480MHz frequencies at up to 45 watts (UHF model) or 136-174MHz VHF at up to 50 watts (VHF model). As a DMR radio, It uses Time Division Multiple Access(TDMA) technology and is compatible with MotoTRBO Tier I and II.

The TYT MD 9600 boasts 1000 channels and 250 zones with 16 channels for each zone. Features include Private Call, Group Call, All Call, a lone worker mode, ANI function, encryption, short text messages, CTCSS/DCS encode and decode, power save mode, low power alarm, an emergency alarm and VOX capability. The console features a color LCD display and four programmable function keys. The hand mic also has four programmable keys, in addition to the two built-in LEDs and full DTMF keypad.

The MD-9600 is also quite versatile. it's not only PC programmable, it's firmware upgradeable as well, a flexibility most other portable and mobile transceivers lack.

The expected release date is sometime in 2016. No price point has yet been set or announced, but as soon as we have pricing, the MD-9600 will be available for pre-order at Buy Two Way Radios. For more specs, download the Tytera MD-9600 product sheet.

One look at the Leixen VV-898 and you can tell it isn't just another mobile radio. It's less than half the size of a conventional mobile two way radio and at just over 11 ounces, it's also lightweight, but don't let its tiny footprint fool you. This little radio packs a punch on both UHF and VHF bands with only 10W of operation. It's a solid solution for densely packed dashes. You can even install the VV-898 without drilling any holes. All things considered, the VV-898 is a great choice for those who want a small and discreet radio on the road or in vehicles in which installation of a full size mobile is difficult or out of the question.

Sure, it's easy to put in your vehicle, but what can you do with it, and what can it do? Is it difficult to program? is it easy to operate? Let's take a closer look.

The Leixen VV-898 - what is it good for?
For starters, this little radio is handy for hams who cruise around town while on the local nets or a ragchew in the 2 meter (144-148MHz) or 70cm (420-450MHz) amateur radio bands. But that's not all it does. The Leixen VV-898 is also Part 90 type accepted as a full fledged business radio, which means businesses can also it as mobile transceiver or even a base station radio when connected to an AC power source and mounted to a wall or desk. The typical mobile business radio can cost hundreds each. Investing in the VV-898 for an entire mobile fleet can save a company a lot of money on two way communications. Type accepted for business use? Really? If you don't believe me, look it up. FCC ID: 2AC2Z-898UV.

Key features - what can it do?
Okay, so it's somewhat versatile and can be used in more than one radio service. But what can it do? Plenty. Although it may be light in weight, it is not light on features.

• Dual Band UHF/VHF transmit and receive
• 200-260MHz/87.5-108MHz (Receive Only)
• 4W/10W Transmit Power
• 199 Channels
• Voice Scramble - Configurable per channel
• Emergency Alarm
• Channel Scan
• Skip Channel
• Dual Watch
• Companding - Configurable per channel
• Busy Channel Lockout
• CTCSS/DCS Codes
• Backlit LCD Display
• Backlit Keypad
• User Customizable Power-On Display Message
• Power Save Feature (Auto Power Off)
• Timeout Timer
• VOX
• Keypad Lock
• English Voice Prompts
• Wireless Frequency Change (Wireless Cloning Capable)
• PC Programmable
• Built-in Speaker
• DTMF Code
• Supports 2.5k Step
• Reset
• Individual Call
• Group Call
• Remote TX/TX Inhibition
• Adjustable Squelch
• Adjustable Display Font Size (No kidding!)
• PTT ID - Send a code that IDs your transceiver
• Roger Beep Enable/Disable
• Reverse - Swaps out the offset frequency for simplex operation
• Tail Elimination
• Talk around
• Wideband/Narrowband operation

Programming the VV-898 - how difficult is it?
As with many mobile two way radios, the VV-898 can be programmed in one of two ways, either direct from the console and/or keypad, or through a computer via programming software. Let's take a quick look at both.

Direct from the radio
At first glance, programming the radio directly through the console seems complicated and foreboding, but not because there are a lot of buttons, knobs and dials, but because there aren't. In fact, there are no knobs or dials on this radio at all. There are only 9 buttons on the face of the radio itself, four of which are function keys, and a rather plain looking keypad on the hand microphone consisting of sixteen keys, four of which are labeled with the letters A, B, C, and D, respectively. Although the keys are marked, there is nothing intuitive at all about them in regards to actually programming the radio. In addition, the user manual, at only 55 pages, seems rather basic, providing the essentials of operation without much detail. In other words, the simplicity in design of the radio itself and within the pages of its user guide may give the user a sense it is a complicated device to program.

However, it isn't complicated at all. You just need to read the manual before you start, and not necessarily in page order. That is the key. You will also need to use the buttons on the console and the keypad on the hand microphone combined to do it efficiently. It takes longer at first, but once you understand the sequence needed to enter a frequency, assign it to a channel and save it to the radio, the entire procedure makes sense. I personally think setting up frequencies and channels on the VV-898 is easier than programming a Baofeng UV-5R, but then, so are many other radios.

The menu consists of 51 items. Default settings are bold.

Programming with software
The VV-898 programming software is a lot more intuitive, of course, and generally easier than manually programming through the physical interface of the radio itself. Although the VV-898 does have a nice feature set, its full capabilities become more noticeable once you run the software. It's not complicated, but the software is more comprehensive and offers more programming options than you may expect from such tiny, simple looking radio. Considering its size and price, the VV-898 can do quite a lot more than just transmit and receive.

The USB programming cable is proprietary to this radio, so it isn't like you can mix and match them like you can with, say, Baofeng and Wouxun handheld transceivers. The programming software is also specific to the radio. However, the software is available as a free download, and for the most part it is self-explanatory, so unless you have never programmed a two way radio before, it should not be difficult to master. The USB cable driver needs to be installed, the programming software is available for Windows PCs only, and you do need a username and password to run the program, but once it's all set up, you are ready to program the radio. Oh, yes, in case you need it, the username is ham (all lower case) and the password is 89812345.

Operation - is it easy?
Once programmed, the VV-898 is fairly simple to operate. To turn it on, simply hold the power button down for a second or two, and release. Use the CHA+ and CHA- buttons on the console (or the * and # buttons on the hand mic) to change channels, adjust volume with the VOX+ and VOL- buttons on the console (or the UP and DN buttons on the side and top of the hand mic), and of course, the PTT on the mic to transmit, and your pretty much good to go. There are three buttons on the console that are user programmable to your needs. The A, B, C, and D buttons on the hand mic are preset for functions according the the chart below:

The Leixen VV-898 seems like a plain, low power, unimpressive little radio, but it really does have a lot to offer. Is it a 125W PEP powerhouse Icom mobile or a feature rich Wouxun KG-UV920P-A? Of course not! Considering its small size, weight and unassuming looks, when you take a closer look at the Leixen VV-898, in some ways it seems even better.

The Baofeng UV-5R is a very popular dual band amateur handheld radio, with one of the most recognizable form factors in the world. So, when Baofeng released the BF-F8+, many hams naturally assumed it to be identical to the UV-5R in function as well as form, and it is, with one important exception.

What is it? Watch this video to find out, as Danny Feemster of Buy Two Way Radios opens the box and gives you a quick and close look at the one feature of the BF-F8 Plus that sets this Baofeng apart from the UV-5R and the most of its standard variants.

Hams around the world rejoice. April 18, 2015 is World Amateur Radio Day!

It was on April 18, 1925 that the The International Amateur Radio Union or IARU was founded in Paris, France. The IARU is an organization dedicated to the use and development of amateur radio around the globe and boasts over 3,000,000 licensed operators worldwide. Each year on April 18, amateur radio operators around the world get on the air to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day or WARD.

To celebrate, nearly a dozen World Amateur Radio Day Special Event Stations will be in operation. Two of these stations include:

World Radio Network: Special WARD IRLP net -
1600-1730 UTC via the World Conference Server (IRLP Node 9251) and the Hi-Gate Server (IRLP Node 9250). KD2HWN, net control. Stations around the world are encouraged to check in.

United States -
North Carolina: W4SNC - Iredell County Amateur Radio Society, 1100-1600 UTC

In celebration of World Amateur Radio Day 2015, Buy Two Way Radios is offering a WARD special: Purchase a qualifying model from our selection of Amateur Radios and take an additional 10% off with Promo Code: HAMDAY15! This special discount is valid from 2 PM EDT April 17, 2015 to Midnight Monday, April 20! Simply enter Promo Code: HAMDAY15 at checkout and your 10% discount will be applied to your order.

The celebration doesn't end there. In addition to the promo code discount, we're also offering freebies and other add-ons with the purchase of select Baofeng, Leixen and Wouxun amateur radios!

Note: This special is valid during the weekend of World Amateur Radio Day only beginning at 2 PM EDT Friday, April 17, 2015 and expires at midnight, April 20, 2015.

Join the celebration and Get On The Air Saturday, April 18, 2015 for World Amateur Radio Day!

The Baofeng UV-5R is perhaps the most popular handheld two way radio in the modern world, especially among hams. It's compact, feature rich, versatile and, most notably, very inexpensive. Whether you are an old or new amateur radio operator, chances are you own a UV-5R or one of its many variants. Even if you don't have one, two, three or more of these economical little radios, you very likely know or at least have heard of Baofeng. It is one the most recognizable Chinese brands in the two way radio marketplace today, and its reach is global.

However, as popular as this brand is, there is one major disagreement surrounding the manufacturer that has long been a point of contention between the users of Baofeng radios. It's been the subject of discussions and debates in articles, newsgroups, forums, social media groups and other venues. The argument is so much an issue that it even became a serious topic in more than one episode of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast.

One would think that with such global brand recognition, it wouldn't be an issue at all. Yet it exists, and at the end of each day, untold numbers of Baofeng users are still left wondering and scratching their heads, pondering the one simple, yet confusing question about the brand:

How do you pronounce the name BAOFENG?

We wanted to answer this greatly mystifying, universal question and put the issue to rest once and for all. So, we went to IWCE in Las Vegas, met with Baofeng officials, and did what anyone else in our position would have done.

We asked.

To be absolutely sure there was no mistake, we recorded the official audible response directly from the Baofeng representatives themselves. Since the common mispronunciation and mangling of their beloved brand name was apparently even more frustrating to them than it was to the users of their products, they were ready and willing to comply - in unison.

To find out how to correctly pronounce the name Baofeng, click the player below.

[ Download MP3 ]

Call it what you wiil, but you now have the official pronunciation of Baofeng. No matter how you say it, we still call Baofeng the manufacturer of a cool and very affordable little radio.

The Wouxun KG-UV899 is a powerful dual band amateur handheld transceiver that offers premium features at low cost. It has long been a contender to the Baofeng UV-5R, with more channels and more durability than its low cost counterpart. The KG-UV899 also has a handy channel knob, something the UV-5R doesn't have at all. Now there's one more reason to upgrade from Baofeng to Wouxun, a new lower price!

You read it right. We've dropped the price of the KG-UV899. You can get it now for only $69.99!

If you've been thinking about upgrading your UV-5R to a KG-UV899, you already know the advantages. 4 watts UHF and 5 watts VHF with high or low selectable power options, 199 programmable memory channels, DTMF encode/decode, 50 CTCSS/105 DCS Groups, ANI (Caller ID), 1570Hz Burst Tone, voice guide, call ring, reverse frequency function, 25KHz/12KHz selectable bandwidth, stun, kill, emergency alarm, VOX support, low voltage voice prompt, multi-step frequency options, multi scan modes, high illumination flashlight, programmable button and a 76-108Mhz digital FM radio, it's all there.

And don't forget the channel knob on top of the UV899. Compare it to the little chicklet-sized up/down arrow buttons on the UV-5R. No wait, you can't, because there is no comparison. The channel knob is an upgrade on its own.

Plus, the KG-UV899 is IP55 water resistant, which throws cold water on the Baofeng, which isn't. Better yet, don't throw any water on the UV-5R, because it isn't officially rated water resistant at all.

Everything in the package is there. The KG-UV899 dual band UHF/VHF two way radio, the rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack, belt clip, removable antenna, wrist strap, intelligent desktop charger, owner's manual and a one year manufacturer warranty. And it's all for only $69.99.

How long will this deal last? We don't know. But it won't last forever. Considering all that, if you're thinking about upgrading your Baofeng to a Wouxun KG-UV899, it's a no-brainer.

Ring in the new year with a Leixen VV-898 and free Baofeng BF-F8+ combo from Buy Two Way Radios!

The Leixen VV-898 is a nifty little low-powered mobile two way radio that's also very economical, which makes it a pretty good deal. Now the deal is even better! For a limited time, when you buy a Lexien VV-898, you also get a Baofeng BF-F8+ handheld radio, FREE!

The The Baofeng BF-F8+ is a small, yet powerful dual band transceiver that operates on UHF and VHF amateur frequencies. It has the features of Baofeng's popular UV-5R with a little extra class for added value.

No promo code is necessary. When you buy a Leixen VV-898, your free BF-F8+ be added to the shopping cart automatically, bundled with your purchase. There's no purchase limit, either. Purchase one, two or more Lexien VV-898 radios and you get a free BF-F8+ with each one, but only while supplies last. Offer valid until January 31, 2015 or until the last Baofeng is gone, whichever comes first. There are no rainchecks, so get yours now while you can!

Need to find a gift for that special ham? Searching for the perfect present to help a new amateur radio operator get on the air? Our Ham Radio Starter Kits may be the answer!

These starter kits are great for amateur radio classes or ham club programs, new hams searching for a first transceiver, or even an old ham who wants a handy handheld or new mobile radio that's already complete and ready to use.

Ham Radio Starter Kit HT ($74.99) - This is a complete handheld radio package with a few extra accessories for optimal operation. It features a Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band UHV/VHF radio, one of the most popular portable handheld transceivers in world. It comes with an antenna, standard 1700 mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack, PTT earbud, belt clip, desktop charger, AC power supply and wrist strap. But that's just the standard stuff. It also includes a second, 3800mAh high capacity battery pack for extended operation, a Nagoya NA-701 dual band antenna for greater performance, a battery eliminator for powering in a vehicle, a USB programming cable and the programming software with installation instructions on CD.

Ham Radio Starter Kit Mobile/Base ($349.99) - This is a great setup for mobile hams or a first ham shack! It features a Wouxun KG-UV920P-A Dual Band UHF/VHF Base/Mobile two way radio with cross band repeat capability and DTMF speaker microphone. It has two front panel plates, 12VDC power cable and panel extension cable for custom installation in a vehicle, plus a Wouxun SPS30WIN switching power supply for operation as a base station. It also includes a Tram 1185 mobile magnet mount antenna, USB programming cable and the programming software with installation instructions on CD.

These kits are ready made for any amateur who just wants to Get On The Air. Add an optional ARRL Amateur Radio Technician License Manual for an additional $25 (when purchased as part of the kit) and the starter kit becomes a complete beginning course for amateur operators in training!

These kits make great gifts for the holidays, birthdays, Ham Radio Field Days or any other time of the year.

Holiday Special! - For a limited time, get 10% off these Ham Radio Starter Kits with the Promo Code HOLIDAYHAM. This code is valid until December 31, 2014.

The 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!