comparison

The Wouxun S-Series of two way radios consists of five models encompassing four different radio services. These include Aviation, Business, CB, and GMRS. Each model is specifically made for the service on which it functions. All models are FCC type accepted to legally operate on the band, frequencies and service for which they are assigned.

While there are some standard features that are built-into the entire S-series by default, there are also some important differences. These differences are primarily due to the requirements and limitations imposed by the FCC on radios that operate on a specific service.

Below is a reference chart with a general overview of the differences and similarities between the current models in the Wouxun S-Series.

*Note: The features highlighted in green are only available on the aviation model.

Wouxun just added another Plus model in its line of GMRS radios with the introduction of the KG-935G Plus. While it does retain all of the key features of the original KG-935G, this new version adds more than just "Plus" to the name. It's a major upgrade.

Just how major is it? Well, there are so many updates and new features, we had to create a chart for a visual comparison between the two models. And here it is. The following chart compares the differences in functionality between the original KG-935G and the KG-935G Plus.

KG-935G/KG-935G Plus Comparison Chart

*Note: The feature highlighted in violet is an upgrade to an existing feature in the Plus.
The feature highlighted in green is a new feature in the Plus.

The Motorola CP200 was a very popular business two way radio for many years, and one of Motorola's best selling models. In 2017, Motorola discontinued the CP200 and replaced it with an updated model, the CP200d.

On the outside, they are essentially the same radio. On the inside, there's more to the story.

The CP200 is an analog only radio. The CP200d adds digital functionality. This digital difference alone gives the CP200d an obvious edge over its predecessor. But is that the only advantage? Let's compare the differences and similarities between these two radios.

Compatibility
The Motorola CP200d is a combination analog and digital radio, so it is backwards compatible with the older CP200 in analog mode. The dual analog and digital mode capability allows you to upgrade to digital gracefully through normal attrition instead of ditching analog entirely and going digital all at once. This makes the move to digital much more affordable, and much easier to manage.

Audio Quality
It goes without saying that digital radios tend to have a greater clarity than analog models, and the CP200d is no exception. Digital audio is cleaner, without a lot of the background noise and artifacts typically heard on an analog transmission. This helps minimize requests for re-transmissions of garbled or lost dialogue, thus decreasing response time and improving efficiency of communications between everyone in your group. As a digital radio, the CP200d improves on the CP200 with crisp, clear audio for higher quality sound.

Features
Both models support up to 16 channels, and both share the same physical characteristics, such as the rotary channel selector knob, tri-color LED, accessory connector, large push-to-talk (PTT) button and two programmable buttons on the side.

Inside, both models include many of the standard features typically found on many analog business two way radios, but the CP200d includes a few more, such as analog scrambling, a password lock, vote scan, and Auto Range Transponder System (ARTS™). The CP200d also has voice announcements.

The CP200d is a DMR digital radio, so it adds some unique features not available in an analog radio such as the CP200, such as Dual Capacity Direct Mode, private calling, and transmit interrupt (decode only). These digital features, combined with the added features in analog mode, give the CP200d a significant upgrade over the old CP200.

The table below compares the features of both models.

Battery Life
The CP200d offers slightly longer battery life in analog mode than the CP200, and much longer uptime in digital mode. The CP200d consumes less power in digital mode than analog, and it's another advantage to going all digital.

Footprint
Both radios are roughly the same size, but the CP200d is slightly lighter in weight, by about an ounce. Of course, this depends on the battery used, but in every case, with the same battery on both models, the CP200d comes out ahead.

Durability
The Motorola CP200 and CP200d are comparable in durability, with solid construction. These radios are built with a rugged, die-cast chassis to withstand harsh environments. Both models are rated IP54 for dust and water intrusion. They are also compliant to Portable Military Standards (MIL-STD) 810C, D, E, and F. In addition, the CP200d is MIL-STD 810G. The CP200d includes a two year warranty from Motorola.

Accessories
The CP200 and CP200d share the same form factor, so the batteries, chargers, antennas and other accessories are fully cross-compatible. If you already have a fleet of CP200 radios and want to migrate to digital, going with the CP200d is ideal, since you can use all the accessories in your existing fleet to mix and match with both models. This is a real money saving value and is another reason consider the CP200d.

Although they have important differences, the Motorola CP200 and CP200d are also very similar in the sense that they are compatible with one another in analog mode. If you already use CP200 radios in your work environment and need to replace a few or want to go digital, the Motorola CP200d is the logical choice.

We put the new TYT MD-UV380 in a three way match up against the popular TYT MD-380 and the MD-2017. We'll also tell you about updates to the Wouxun KG-D901 DMR radio and give you an update on the status of the proposed tariffs on Chinese transceivers.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:38

Discussion Topic 1:56
We talk about the new TYT MD-UV380 Dual Band DMR digital two way radio and put it in a three way match up against the popular TYT MD-380 and what is widely considered the first dual band DMR handheld on the market, the MD-2017. We'll compare the features of these three radios, respond to some of your comments and questions about the UV380 and tell you which model we think offers the best value for the price.

Wouxun KG-D901 Update 17:58
Response to a question about updates to the Wouxun KG-D901 DMR radio

Status of Chinese tariffs on Transceivers 21:13
We give you an update on the status of the proposed tariffs on Chinese transceivers

Linking GMRS Repeaters 23:36
We talk about an article in National Communications Magazine about connecting GMRS repeaters across the Internet. Could this be the next big thing for GMRS?

Questions and Answers 30:53
Comments and questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

Wrap up and Close 38:52
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!

© 2018 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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