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amateur

  • Wouxun KG-UV8H: Our recommended dual-band handheld amateur radio

    We have a long-standing relationship with Wouxun, and with good reason. Their reputation for manufacturing quality radios at very affordable prices is well established around the world. Some of their most recent products are very highly rated and proven to be extremely popular, which is why today we're announcing the release of a new amateur dual-band HT that we are incredibly excited about. It's the Wouxun KG-UV8H, a transceiver with more power, features and functionality than any other Wouxun handheld available in its class to date. The KG-UV8H is exclusive to Buy Two Way Radios and we believe it is Wouxun's best analog HT, ever!

    The KG-UV8H is the latest offering from the same company that brought us the venerable Wouxun KG-UV8D. The 8D platform, which includes the KG-UV8D Plus, continues to be popular simply due to its overall value. A 2m/70cm dual-band radio with a color display and advanced features like cross-band repeat just shouldn't be available at such a low price point, yet the KG-UV8D delivers it all. It's no wonder Wouxun gained so many fans with this model! As such, the KG-UV8H is built from the same form factor.

    Now that we've learned of its origin, let's go through some of the new features and discover what sets the KG-UV8H apart from its predecessors.

    Improved Display Orientation and Size

    The first thing you'll likely notice about the 8H is the display. While the actual display area on the KG-UV8H is only around 2mm larger than the KG-UV8D and KG-UV9D, it feels bigger when you're actively using the radio. This is most probably due to its orientation. In previous models, the LCD display was oriented in a portrait position. For the 8H, the screen has been flipped to a landscape presentation, so it is wider than it is tall. This provides a more natural field of view on the screen. But the best part is that the loss of height was handled very well. Previously the A and B areas were always the same size. Now, the currently selected area is larger and the non-selected area is condensed. I actually consider this a valuable feature, as this visual cue makes readily apparent which area is active.

    Improved Display Color

    The Wouxun KG-UV8H has added the ability to customize the screen colors with four themes. Two themes have a white background, similar to the KG-UV8D, and two have black backgrounds. The black background is the default, and I find it to be more modern looking as well as easier to read.

    8 Watts Power

    The default maximum power capability of the KG-UV8H has been increased to 8 watts on VHF and 6 watts on UHF. Our customers seem to love higher powered radios, so this will likely be a popular feature.

    Actually, Wouxun has the ability to make this a full 10 watt radio, but we asked them to dial it back to safer 8 watts. The reality is that eight watts is about as high as a portable handheld radio can go and still pass a SAR test, which is a safety test that measures RF exposure. Unlike transceivers used for other services, amateur radios aren't required to pass this test. However, it seems prudent to have the radio be capable of passing this check to ensure personal safety.

    This reduction in wattage also makes sense from a practical point of view. The increase from 8 watts to 10 watts will have a minimal effect on range, and in many situations none at all, but will be a much bigger battery drain on the unit, significantly decreasing service uptime and operating efficiency. Nonetheless, let us know in the comments below if you think we made the right decision here, or if you'd rather see a 10 watt version!

    IP66 Waterproof

    Wouxun has improved the waterproof rating of the KG-UV8H to IP66. At this level, the radio can handle powerful jets of water, but not complete immersion. The accessory cover is now held down with a screw and has a rubber seal. The connectors between the radio and battery are also sealed, further increasing resistance to dust and water ingress.

    NOAA Weather Mode (with Alerts)

    For the first time, we have a true NOAA weather mode in a Wouxun amateur HT. This feature is also easy to activate and access. Hold down the "1" key from the main screen to enter weather mode. From there you will find a bank of US and Canadian weather broadcast frequencies to select. Your last selected frequency is always tuned automatically when you enter this mode.

    A new menu option WX ALT (#57) has also been added. When this mode is active, the radio will scan in the background for a 1050Hz tone on the currently selected weather channel. This is the tone transmitted by NOAA broadcast stations to indicate an alert. If the tone is discovered, an alert sound is played.

    Standard High Capacity Battery (3200mAh)

    A very high capacity 3200mAh battery is included with the KG-UV8H by default. This is a 23% capacity improvement over the high capacity battery available for the KG-UV8D and 88% more capacity than the standard battery. The battery upgrade alone will save many customers from having to purchase a separate accessory.

    KG-UV8H or KG-UV9D/KG-UV9P

    Obviously the new KG-UV8H is a better radio hands-down than the current KG-UV8D Plus, but what about the KG-UV9D and KG-UV9P models? Does it make them obsolete?

    Absolutely not. Where the KG-UV9D/P has the advantage is in the wide RX range. If you need to listen on airband or 700-900 MHz frequencies, the KG-UV9D/P is the clear choice for you. However, in our experience as a two way radio dealer, most customers simply aren't concerned about those frequency ranges.

    Things like a readable display, NOAA weather mode, and a high level of waterproofing are important and make the KG-UV8H stand out from the rest of the crowd. For most of our customers, we think the KG-UV8H is the clear choice, at least for now.

  • Baofeng UV-5R Amateur Radio Unboxing

    Want a first hand look at the Baofeng UV-5R dual band ham radio right out of the box? Here it is! Danny Feemster of Buy Two Way Radios takes you through a complete unboxing experience, complete with a feature overview of this very affordable and amazingly versatile handheld amateur transceiver that has become extremely popular with old and new ham radio operators alike.

    For more reviews and views of the Baofeng UV-5R, check out these other resources:

    Articles
    A Real Baofeng UV-5R Owners Manual

    Audio
    The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-54 - An Introduction To Amateur Radio

    Videos
    How to check the firmware version of the Baofeng UV-5R
    How to connect the Baofeng UV-5R amateur radio to the Tram 1185 mobile antenna

  • TWRS-57 - Getting Started in Amateur Radio

    We talk about how to get started in Amateur radio. We also review the T-REIGN ProHolster Case with Retractable Tether.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:17


    Topic Discussion 1:34
    We talk about the basic steps to becoming an Amateur radio operator. We'll discuss what it takes to prepare for the Technician level amateur license exam, what to expect when taking the exam and what to do after you get your license to start off on the right foot as a respected member of the amateur radio community. Study materials mentioned for the Technician level amateur radio license exam include Ham Radio License Manual Revised 2nd Edition w/ CD. For more information about the Amateur Radio Relay League visit The ARRL. Download our FREE chart of Q Signals. For tips on using your two way radios, watch our Radio 101 video series hosted by Anthony.

    Commercial Break 21:05
    buytwowayradios.com 1:00

    Product Review 22:06
    Today we review the T-REIGN ProHolster Case with Retractable Tether.

    Questions and Answers 27:58
    Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 32:31
    Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show[at]buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

    © 2013 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

  • TWRS-54 - An Introduction To Amateur Radio

    We discuss the basics of using Amateur or Ham radios. We also review the Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band UHF/VHF Amateur Radio.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:14


    Topic Discussion 1:33
    we talk about amateur radios. We recap the The 2013 Charlotte Hamfest, learn the basics of the Amateur Radio Service, find out how to obtain an amateur radio operator license and discuss the types of amateur radios available. For more information about the hamfest listen to Episode 53 of The Two Way Radio Show recorded almost live from our booth at the 2013 Charlotte Hamfest at The Cabarrus Arena and Convention Center in Concord, NC. Study materials mentioned for the amateur radio license exams include Ham Radio For Dummies and the Ham Radio License Manual Revised 2nd Edition w/ CD. For more information about the American Radio Relay League visit The ARRL. Download our FREE chart of Q Signals. For tips on using your two way radios, watch our Radio 101 video series hosted by Anthony.

    Commercial Break 29:21
    buytwowayradios.com 1:00

    Product Review 30:20
    Today we review the popular Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band UHF/VHF Amateur Radio.

    Questions and Answers 44:20
    Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 48:31
    Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show[at]buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

    © 2013 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

  • TWRS-53 - The 2013 Charlotte Hamfest

    An Interview with Andy Hawkins, President of the Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society, on location at the 2013 Charlotte Hamfest in Concord, NC.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:11


    Topic Discussion 1:28
    We come to you almost live from the floor of The 2013 Charlotte Hamfest, sponsored by The Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society. We talk with Andy Hakwins, President and one of the organizers of the event who explains what the hamfest is all about.

    Commercial Break 24:28
    buytwowayradios.com 1:00

    Product Review 25:25
    We review some of the activities planned for The 2013 Charlotte Hamfest and give you an overview of what actually goes on at one of these events.

    Questions and Answers 32:12
    Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 36:46
    Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show[at]buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

    © 2013 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

  • We now have books about two way radios!

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    When it comes to choosing and using your two way radios, we want you to be informed. There are informative blogs, articles, podcasts and videos available with tips, tricks and reviews to help you navigate the world of radio technology and keep you ahead of the curve. We have a number of resources at Buy Two Way Radios to help you get the most out of your radios. To make them even better, Here's one more. We now carry books about two way radios!

    Our new premium selection of books covers every type of two way radio available, including FRS and GMRS radios, marine radios, UHF/VHF business radios, CB and Ham. They're all listed right here on our web site and available now.

    Need a basic book for beginners? Two Way Radios and Scanners for Dummies is the perfect choice. It's easy to read, easy to understand, humorous and just a little technical without being boring.

    If you want to get into amateur radio, Ham Radio For Dummies is also a great choice. This book how to understand Ham jargon, prepare for your amateur license and how to set up a station. Getting acquainted with amateur radio has never been easier!

    Need a technical book for the serious amateur? The ARRL Handbook is a must read for you. Recognized as the standard reference for amateur radio operators everywhere, this handbook covers nearly every aspect of radio communication and is now available in a hard cover 90th edition for 2013.

    The ARRL Repeater Directory is a handy resource for locating repeaters across America. The directory lists 21,800 repeaters across the country in a spiral bound 2012-2013 desktop edition.

    These are just a sampling of the publications now available to provide you with the knowledge you need maximize the potential of your radios and put you in control of your communications. Whether you are new to two way radios, or you're a seasoned pro, There's a radio book waiting for you.

    If the publication you need is not listed on our site, please contact us and let us know.

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