gmrs radio

Recently someone in our forum introduced a discussion comparing the amateur radio service to the GMRS, and provided a short but interesting take as to why he thought ham radio was the better option. The reasoning put forth was based simply on the concept that while both were governed by rules set forth by the FCC, ham radio had more spectrum allocated to it than GMRS. While it is true that GMRS is limited to only 22 simplex and 8 repeater channels, to say that ham radio is better then GMRS isn't an accurate or fair comparison at all, and here's why.

Both services are governed and regulated by the FCC
One observation that was brought up in the conversation was that fact that both services were established by the Federal Communications Commission and are governed according to the rules set forth in Title 47 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The GMRS is regulated under Part 95(E) and Amateur (ham) radio under Part 97 Subchapter D of the rules, respectively. Both of these services have rules of operation, so no difference there.

Both services require a license to transmit
Another similarity between ham and GMRS is the requirement to purchase a license to operate on each service. Each license is issued a call sign, which the operator must use for identification when transmitting on the air. As of April 19, 2022 a license for either service costs $35 and is valid for ten years. There are no differences there, either. That's where the similarities end.

The licenses are different
Although both ham and GMRS operators require a license, there are important differences in the way each license is acquired, and with good reason. The GMRS is a fairly simple service to use, requiring little to no actual technical knowledge for basic operation. Most of the GMRS radios available are pre-programmed out of the box or "plug-n-play", meaning that you don't really have to configure the radio on your own to get it to work.

Sure, it can get technical if you are treating it as a hobby and really want to get into the nuts and bolts of antennas, feed lines and such. But the GMRS was actually intended as a utility radio service that pretty much anyone could access and use for general purposes, and it still is. Because of this, getting a GMRS license requires nothing more than filling out a form, plunking down the fee, buying an FCC approved GMRS radio, and that's about it.

Ham radio, on the other hand, is the polar opposite. Unlike GMRS, which operates only on the UHF band and a very limited number of frequencies that are, like CB radio, hard set by the FCC to pre-assigned channels, ham radio covers multiple bands across a wide area of the radio spectrum, including HF, VHF and UHF. The FCC gives Amateur radio operators a lot of latitude for operation. For instance, hams can build their own of equipment and experiment over the amateur airwaves to develop methods and technologies intended to further enhance the quality of life. The FCC recognizes ham radio as a bona fide hobby service, and it is one.

The whole experimentation part is a lot of power to place in the hands of anyone, and can make it a highly technical and potentially dangerous hobby to pursue. For this reason, someone can't just plunk down $35 and get an Amateur license. It requires one to study the technical stuff and take a test to prove an acceptable level of competency in this area.

Also, unlike GMRS, ham radio has not one, but three license levels. These are the Technician, General and Amateur Extra. Each license level requires a higher degree of study, training and expertise than the last. Each license level also grants different levels of access to the amateur radio bands. The Technician license grants you the UHF, VHF and a couple of HF bands, the General grants some additional HF bands, and the Amateur Extra grants access to all of the amateur bands available.

There is one other important difference between an amateur license and GMRS license that's definitely worth noting. A ham license is issued to an individual, and is not transferrable. The exception is a Club license, which can be issued to a ham radio club, but it is still assigned to an individual designated as the trustee of the club, and not the club as a whole.

On the other hand, a GMRS license, while issued to an individual, is also valid for that individual's entire immediate family. This includes the license holder's spouse, children, grandchildren and various other relatives. Watch our video Radio 101 - Who is Covered by a GMRS License? for details.

The services have different freedoms and limitations
As already mentioned, ham radio operators can operate on multiple bands and frequencies, and those frequencies are not assigned to any specific, FCC mandated channel numbers. The GMRS is limited to a total of 22 assigned channels, plus 8 pre-assigned repeater channels. This limitation alone gives ham radio an edge. Ham operators can also bounce those signals around to increase coverage across hundreds or thousands of miles, giving it even greater freedom of range than GMRS.

Also, there are fewer limitations for ham as far as equipment is concerned. Because hams can build their own radios, those transceivers don't need to be Part 97 type accepted for use on the ham bands. What this means is that a ham can program and use, say, a business or other radio that is capable of transmitting on ham frequencies and use it without prior authorization from the FCC to do so. In contrast, a GMRS operator is required to use a GMRS radio that is Part 95 type accepted and approved by the FCC for legal use on the service.

But GMRS also has an advantage. GMRS shares the same 22 simplex channels and frequencies assigned to the Family Radio Service, or FRS. This means that a licensed GMRS operator can communicate with a license-free FRS operator, and vice-versa. This provides some flexibility and freedom for families, groups and even businesses who are using these services for short range comms that are not available to hams, as they generally only communicate with other licensed hams.

The rules for repeaters are different
Amateur and GMRS operators have another commonality. Both can extend their range through the use of repeaters. Yet the rules for using them are a bit different for each service.

Obviously ham repeaters have an advantage when it comes to the number of bands and frequencies on which a repeater can operate, as well as the options for linking these repeaters together to extend that range even further.

On the other hand, GMRS repeaters have an advantage of their own. Although limited to one band, a GMRS repeater has a bit more latitude as to who can use it and how they must identify the repeater station.

Ham repeaters are limited to individually licensed ham radio operators with valid amateur radio call signs. GMRS repeaters can be used by a licensed GMRS operator and any family member of that operator who is covered by that GMRS call sign, as allowed by the repeater owner. In addition, if a GMRS repeater is only intended for private use by that license holder and the family, it does not need to transmit an ID, since the repeater station ID is the owner's own call sign and everyone on that repeater will be giving their family call sign during normal communications.

Each service has different power limits
It's no secret that ham radio has an edge when it comes to transmit power. The FCC granted the amateurs a fair amount of latitude when it comes to wattage allowances, although with a few limitations as well. It also depends somewhat on the license class. Technicians can transmit on up to 1,500 watts PEP on most VHF and UHF bands, but are limited to 200 watts PEP on HF bands. General and Extra Class operators can transmit up to 1,500 watts PEP on most bands with a few restrictions on additional bands they can access.

Conversly, GMRS operators are limited to 5 watts on channels 1-7, a half watt on channels 8-14, and up to 50 watts on channels 15-22 and the repeater channels. This doesn't seem like much compared to the limits for ham radio operators, but it doesn't need to be for this service. Considering the great responsibility that comes with great power in the hands of the average GMRS family, that's a good thing.

Each service has different restrictions on permissible speech
There is one big difference between ham and GMRS that needs to be discussed, and it is an important one, because it has to do with what you can and can't say on the air.

First, let's look at the similarities. Both GMRS and ham radio have rules about keeping the speech civil, clean, and above board, so to speak, and that really should go without saying. Both services have rules against advertising and "broadcasting" transmissions or messages. Scrambled messages or those coded with hidden meanings are also against the rules, unless they are standard "10" codes (or "Q" codes in ham radio).

Now here's the difference. There was a time when GMRS licenses were also granted to businesses, and as long as the license is still maintained, it is considered a grandfathered GMRS license. Technically, a GMRS radio can still be used for commercial operations if each individual working in the company or organization has their own GMRS license. Also, license-free FRS radios can be used by businesses as well as individuals. Since GMRS and FRS share the same channels, and operators on both can communicate with one another, business related activity is allowed.

This is quite the reverse with ham radio. The FCC explicitly states that ham radio cannot be used for pecuniary interest, meaning business or commercial communications are generally not allowed. This gives GMRS a huge advantage over ham radio.

Conclusion
So, is ham radio better than GMRS? Or is it the other way around?

That depends on who you talk to - literally. It also depends on what you want to do with each service. For instance, there are certainly advantages to ham radio for people who want to make contacts all over the world, but not everyone wants to do this. The GMRS allows an operator to interact with license-free users on FRS, but not everyone wants to do that either. Each service has its strengths and limitations, and everyone who uses them doesn’t need them to do the same things. Each will fit one user better than another, and everyone is different.

You wouldn’t say airband is better than marine band, or FRS is better than CB, would you? These are all different services intended for different purposes, so one isn’t really better than the other. They’re just different, as intended. Such is the same with ham radio and the 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.

The Wouxun KG-1000 Series mobile two way radios have a removable front panel that, when detached, can be installed just about anywhere in your vehicle. The panel is fairly easy to remove. The trick is knowing how to do it.

In this episode of Radio 101, Tommy shows how to easily remove and attach the front panel or faceplate of the Wouxun KG-1000G Plus mobile two way radio. This procedure also works on the original KG-1000G and KG-1000M MURS mobile, as well as other Wouxun mobiles such as the KG-UV980P and KG-UV920P-A.

Want more videos? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our channel on YouTube or Rumble!

Earlier this year, Wouxun released the KG-Q10H quad band portable handheld radio to the market. Now, we are excited to announce a new addition to the Q10 Series, and this one is built for the GMRS! Introducing the Wouxun KG-Q10G GMRS Two Way Radio with GPS!

Like the amateur version, the new Wouxun KG-Q10G is packed with a lot of advanced functionality and premium features, including GPS, USB-C charging and an IP67 waterproof rating. It transmits on all 22 GMRS simplex channels and 8 GMRS repeater channels at up to 6 watts of power on the upper channels on which it is allowed. Although it transmits only on the GMRS to comply with FCC rules, it can receive on multiple bands, and it does make the most of it.

Multi Band Receive
As with the KG-Q10H amateur model, the KG-Q10G can receive a broad spectrum of frequencies across multiple bands. This includes Airband in AM mode, 136-174 MHz in FM Mode, 222-225 MHz in FM mode, 320-480MHz in FM Mode, and 714-999 MHz in FM. It can receive all 40 CB radio channels in AM or FM modes, and these are pre-programmed into the radio. It also has a built-in broadcast FM radio. And, just in case you were wondering, it has a superheterodyne receiver.

Enhanced Weather Alert Notifications
Like the other model in the Q10 series, the KG-Q10G has 7 built-in NOAA weather channels with five types of weather alert notifications for critical weather events such as severe storms, tornado warnings, or any other emergency condition issued by your local weather station. You can choose the alert to display the weather alert icon only, display the weather icon and emit an alert beep every 60 seconds, display the weather icon and emit flashlight LED pulses 5 times every 60 seconds, display the icon, emit alert and flashlight LED pulses, or display the weather icon and instantly tune the radio to Weather Mode. These options allow greater flexibility, and this freedom of choice is somewhat unique for a two way radio of any type, including GMRS.

GPS Location Data Display
Another key feature of the KG-Q10 series is GPS location tracking and data display. As with the previously mentioned ham version, the KG-Q10G can send, receive and map geo-location data between other Wouxun Q Series radios and display it directly on the screen. This can be invaluable for those who participate in family or group activities and can be an important tool for use in emergency situations. The added layer of safety and peace of mind may be worth the price of the unit alone.

Simultaneous Dual Channel Receive
The KG-Q10G can receive two signals on two different bands or frequencies at the same time. This is known as Simultaneous Dual Channel Receive and was first introduced into the Q Series with the KG-Q10H. While the GMRS version does not have the cross-band repeat capability featured in the H model, dual channel capability alone gives the G a powerful advantage over many other portable handheld GMRS radios currently available.

USB-C Charging
The KG-Q10G also has a USB-C charging port built right into the side of the radio for direct plug-in charging. It can charge the supplied 3000mAh Li-Ion battery pack within a few hours for minimal downtime between operations. This can be a huge advantage over other radios that may be limited to drop-in or desktop charging only. Whether you keep it at home or take it out and about, the flexibility of USB-C charging helps to keep your KG-Q10G radio powered up and on the air, anytime, anywhere.

IP67 Waterproof Rating
The Q series radios are built to withstand extreme weather conditions and harsh elements, and the KG-Q10G is no exception. Like the Q10H, it is rated IP67 dust and waterproof. this means it is impervious to ingress from dust and water. It's also submersible in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This is a rugged GMRS radio that can take the extremes and still perform flawlessly. Its durability makes it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures, emergency response, or any situation that demands a reliable communication device, especially when exposed to harsher environments.

Powerful Full Color Display
Wouxun incorporated their iconic full color LCD display into their Q-Series with enhanced functionality. The KG-Q10G offers a very user-friendly visual interface with extra customization options for complete control. There are 10 pre-set color themes from which to choose. These themes were first introduced in the extremely popular KG-935G Plus. However, the KG-Q10G takes those and adds 4 additional display themes. These four themes are fully customizable via the Q10G programming software, which features a color palette that allows you to choose any color combinations you want.

This new customizable color palette allows you to personalize the radio to your liking, creating a new level of customization that is unique to the Q10 series. It is not currently found on any other GMRS two way radio!

It's also worth noting that the display brightness is also fully customizable to your needs. Some other radios may offer a standard backlight control that consists of either a brightness level adjustment or time out. The Q10G features three controls. You can set the brightness of the LCD display backlight while the radio is transmitting, receiving, or otherwise active. You can also set the brightness of the LCD display backlight while the radio is in standby. Plus, you can set the amount of time that the display will remain active before entering standby. The combination of these three controls gives you the ability to really optimize your display.

Programmable Memory Channels
The KG-Q10G is a GMRS radio, so obviously it comes pre-configured with all the 22 GMRS simplex channels and 8 GMRS repeater channels built right in. This is a great advantage when you consider that you can also clone these channels for added customization and easy programmability. Since the radio can also receive on multiple bands, you would expect to be able to create additional receive-only channels to accommodate them. And you can. The Q10G has 999 memory channels to store all of your favorite frequencies for quick and easy access to them. Add your local repeater, emergency channel, or personal contacts and program customizable channel scans to access them at the press of a key.

Channel Wizard
Speaking of easy programmability, the KG-Q10G also features the Channel Wizard. Originally introduced with the KG-935G Plus, Channel Wizard is a very quick and easy way to create a new channel and add it to the radio on the fly. It steps you through the creation and customization of a new channel very quickly, without fumbling through the menu to search for and set each option. The Channel Wizard is especially useful for adding repeater channels to the Q10G, and confguring them with tones or codes. Once you try the Channel Wizard, you'll wonder how you ever managed to program channels directly from the radio without it.

Advanced Functions
There is more to the KG-Q10G than just the highlighted items already mentioned. There are a lot of advanced features that are also packed into it for enhanced communications, such as channel scan options, priority channel scanning, group call options, DTMF encode/decode with remote control functionality, Standard and Non-standard CTCSS/DCS, CTCSS/DCS tone scan, customizable display messages and more. With all these additional tools, you can effectively communicate in just about any scenario.

Additional Features
But there's even more. The KG-Q10G includes a lot of extras that are not usually found on many other GMRS handheld radios. For instance, it has a pleasant voice guide that enunciates clearly in American English, and it covers every item on the menus, not just a select few. It also has a stopwatch timer, a GPS enabled clock display, and a built-in flashlight that is surprisingly handy to have when walking around with the radio outdoors in the dark.

Compact and Lightweight
Measuring just 5.18 inches high from the bottom of the unit to the base of the antenna, 2.43 inches wide, and 1.47 inches deep, the KG-Q10G is quite a compact unit, and at only around 11.1 ounces, it's also lightweight. This makes it easy to hold and easy to carry with you where ever you go.

Configurable PTT and Programmable Keys
The KG-Q10G is identical to the Q10H in its physical layout and overall design. It has the same two configurable side keys and a configurable top key, all of which are programmable to one of 19 different functions of your choosing. Each of the three keys can be configured to respond to a long and short press, for a total of six functions that can be activated instantly!

For even greater customization, The Q10G also has two programmable Push-To-Talk (PTT) keys, and both can be configured to perform specific TX related tasks from a list of seven different functions. This is a level of customization that you won't find on other GMRS radios currently available on the market.

Since the KG-Q10G is nearly identical to the KG-Q10H in both form and function, it stands to reason that it would be as easy to program as well. And it is! The Q10G can be customized to your needs, both from the keypad and using the KG-Q10G PC programming software. As with the amateur version, the programming software has essentially been reworked from the ground up to be more user friendly. In addition, you can import and export channels, a feature that was requested by many users of Wouxun radios in the past. It is now available in the Wouxun Q10 Series programming software.

Available in 4 Colors
Yep, just like the amateur version, The KG-Q10G is available in your choice of four colors, specifically red, green, blue and black. This isn't just for fashion or personal taste, it's also a practical feature. It gives you the option to color code the radios by family member or group, adding another dimension to its overall functionality.

Accessories
The Q10G package has all the essential accessories you need for basic operation, including belt clip, wrist strap, charger tray, AC cable, and an easy to read owner's manual written in perfect English.

There's a lot more to this radio than mentioned here and it would take quite awhile to cover it all. The best way to do it is to buy one and explore it for yourself. That's what makes the KG-Q10G a fun transceiver!

No doubt about it, the Wouxun KG-Q10G portable handheld GMRS two-way radio is very likely the most powerful and versatile radio around. With up to 6 watt transmit capability, superheterodyne receiver, multi-band receive, extensive memory channels, weather alerts, GPS functionality, and durable waterproof design, the KG-Q10G is the ultimate GMRS radio so far. Its user-friendly interface, customizable options, and range of additional features make it a reliable choice for comms in just about any environment or activity. Get a Wouxun KG-Q10G and experience the best of the GMRS! Price: $219.99.

There are a lot of pluses to Wouxun radios, particularly the GMRS models. There's the Wouxun KG-1000G Plus and the the KG-XS20G Plus. And guess what? Now there's one more plus, the the KG-935G Plus! It's the latest upgrade to the original KG-935G, and it really packs a Plus!

In this video introduction, Tommy from Buy Two Way Radios gives you a first look at this radio and quick overview of some of its exciting new features. The the KG-935G Plus is a new horizon for GMRS handhelds!

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The Wouxun KG-935G arrived in the summer of 2021 and became hugely popular within the GMRS community. Now, the number one portable handheld GMRS radio from Wouxun just changed the game again. Introducing the ultimate Wouxun GMRS experience to date, the KG-935G Plus!

Unlike the recent update to the KG-XS20G mobile GMRS radio that made it a Plus, the KG-935G Plus is a huge upgrade from the original with numerous improvements and tweaks, plus several all new features that are unique to this model, including one that is, for any radio, revolutionary.

The Core Functions

Before we get into what's new, it is important to note what isn't. The KG-935G Plus includes all the same features as the original KG-935G, plus enhancements and some new features that make it even easier to program and use. The core feature set and functions are the same. Both radios have 30 GMRS channels, including 8 GMRS repeater channels and 7 NOAA weather channels. It has a full color dual area LCD display, full DTMF keypad and two programmable function keys. If it's a standard feature on the KG-935G, you'll find it on the Plus, as well.

With that, here are all the new features of this radio that make it a bona fide Plus.

What's New

- USB-C Charging Support

There were several significant physical upgrades to the KG-935G Plus. Without a doubt, the biggest and most exciting is the addition of a USB-C port on the back of the battery pack. A USB-C port was introduced with the KG-S88G and proved to be hugely popular with the GMRS crowd, so it was added to the KG-935G as well.

Unlike the S88G which has the USB port built right into the radio itself, the USB-C port for the KG-935G Plus is built into the back of the battery. This introduces an all new battery to the growing line of Wouxun accessories, the BLO-016-USB-C. This new battery comes standard with the Plus, and can also be purchased separately. Since it is used by several other Wouxun consumer radios, this means that the KG-UV8H, KG-UVN1, KG-905G and the original KG-935G can all be upgraded with USB-C charging capability, just by adding the new BLO-016-USB-C battery to the radio!

But that's just the beginning. Other physical improvements to the KG-935G Plus include:
- A Louder speaker
That loud speaker in the original radio? In the Plus, it's louder.

- A Brighter flashlight
The bright LED flashlight at the top of the other radio? It's brighter.

- Improved Weather Alerts
The KG-935G features a Weather Alert option. The KG-935G Plus has it too, but its improved. It checks for alerts in both standby and scan modes. Also, the original model had one type of alert. The Plus has five notification types for alerts. WEATHERICON-ONLY displays the weather alert icon and the radio remains on a regular channel. TONE displays the weather icon and emits an alert beep every 60 seconds. FLASH displays the weather icon and the flashlight LED pulses 5 times every 60 seconds. TONE+FLSH displays the icon, emits the alert and the flashlight LED pulses. WEATHER displays the weather icon and the radio instantly tunes to Weather Mode.

- The Band button is renamed to AREA
This was done to eliminate any confusion between the two terms and functions of BAND and AREA that may have existed with previous models.

And those are just enhancements to the physical attributes of this radio. Wait until we get into the operational features of this beast. Oh, wait, here they come now.

More Display Themes
The original KG-935G has a full color LCD display with four full color display themes, two on a dark background and two on a light background. The KG-935G Plus takes advantage of its full potential and adds 6 new themes with different color combinations, for a total of 10 themes! These themes include WHITE-1, WHITE-2, BLACK-1, BLACK-2, COOL, RAIN, NotaRubi, SKY, BTWR, and CANDY. Yeah, CANDY.

And now for something completely different. It's an all new feature that is nothing short of, well, revolutionary.

The Channel Wizard
Programming a channel directly from the keypad of the radio itself is typically an involved, slow and often daunting process. As of now, it will all become only a distant, forgettably bad memory. The KG-935G Plus version adds a new feature called Channel Wizard!

Anyone who as ever programmed a frequency or channel directly from the keypad of a radio knows how challenging such a task can be, depending on the radio. A prime example is the Baofeng UV-5R. If you have or ever had a UV-5R, you probably already know from personal experience how complicated, confusing and even frustrating it is to program it from the keypad, especially for the first time.

We know this full well. We once posted an article on our site with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to manually program the UV-5R from the keypad, and some people still can't figure it out. We even created a Radio 101 video that visually walked through the steps of programming a UV-5R from the keypad. It is one of our most popular and viewed videos on this topic to date, yet some folks still have trouble with the process. This is certainly understandable, because it really is kind of a convoluted mess. It's not your imagination. The struggle is real.

Not anymore. The KG-935G Plus changes all of that with the introduction of The Channel Wizard.

Built right into the menu of the radio, the Channel Wizard walks you through the process of programming a channel in ten simple steps. There is no need to surf through the manual or, as is the case with the aforementioned Baofeng, the Internet to figure out what to do next or how get there to do it. Now you can easily enter a new channel, clone a channel, or update an existing one quickly and easily, in a logical order, and without jumping around different menu items to do it. The Channel Wizard does it all for you. This feature alone is worth the price of the radio and is destined to become a real game changer for GMRS, and very possibly the industry itself.

That's not the only new feature of the KG-935G Plus. Of course, there's more.

Favorite Channel
Another feature that was first introduced with the KG-S88G was the Favorite Channel, and it is now included with the KG-935G Plus. It allows you to access specific channels marked as favorite channels. With this feature, you can choose the channels you like as favorites and access them at the mere press of a programmable key.

When assigned to a programmable key, pressing that key will change channels to the next highest channel marked as Favorite. Pressing the key again will go to the next favorite channel on the list. When the highest channel is reached, the radio will cycle back to the first favorite channel on the list. If no channels are marked as favorites, pressing the key will produce an error beep.

Channel 19, widely considered to be the designated GMRS travel channel, is a favorite channel by default.

PF Key Quick Guide
As with its predecessor, the KG-935G Plus has two programmable keys, called PF1 and PF2. These keys are located on the left side of the radio below the PTT key. These keys can perform two different functions, one with a short press of the key and another with a long press. You can program both keys at will with a wide selection of functions from the menu of the radio. The keys can also be assigned via the programming software.

There's just one caveat to all these key assignments. Once you've assigned them all to different operations, how do you remember which key does what at which press? Of course, you could go through the menu and check each PF key setting to recall them, but that takes time, and when you're out and about in the middle of a call or some other activity with your radio, it isn't usually expedient or practical to do so. So, what do you do?

The KG-935G Plus solves this dilemma with the introduction of the new PF Key Quick Guide. Simply hold down the EXIT key for two seconds to view the PF Key Quick Guide and the radio will instantly display the current assignment of each PF key. How cool is that? Pretty darn cool.

As with the Channel Wizard, the PF Key Quick Guide is a brand new feature and, at this time, is exclusive to the Wouxun KG-935G Plus.

Yes, it's a long list of pluses. But we're not yet done.

Customized Display Messages
The KG-935G Plus, as with many other Wouxun radios with a dual display, has the ability to toggle from Dual Display Mode to Single Display Mode and back again. When Dual Mode (TDR) is off, the non-active area typically displays the brand or model name of the radio. For the original KG-935G, this message was fixed to display "KG-935G". On the Plus version, the message shown on the non-active area when dual mode is OFF can be customized via the Area Message setting in the programming software. This allows you to replace the model name with your own text, such as your call sign.

There is also a second display message that is also customizable, located at the top of the display. It is, of course, called the Top Message. This was previously configurable on the 935G but was positioned on the left side of the display. The top message is now centered.

The KG-935G Plus has not one, but two customizable display messages!

BRIGHT+ PF key option
The KG-935G allowed you to adjust the brightness level of the display, but required a trek through the menu to do it each time. The KG-935G Plus made this an instant improvement with the addition of a new BRIGHT+ PF key option to quickly increase the brightness of the active display. The backlight of the LCD display has 10 brightness levels. When assigned to a PF key, BRIGHT+ will toggle through the brightness levels, increasing the brightness to the next level at each press of the key. If the display is already at the brightest level, the PF key will toggle back down to the lowest level and start up the levels again.

This feature allows you to instantly adjust brightness levels, to accommodate a changing environment, such as when moving from an indoor location to one outdoors, or vice-versa.

Improved Text Entry
The process for entering and editing text directly from the keypad on many Wouxun radios could be a little confusing. However, the KG-935G Plus simplified it somewhat with an improved the process. Now the PF1 and PF2 keys move forward and backwards between the text positions and the UP/DOWN keys change the alphanumeric characters.

Improved Battery Level Display Options
The KG-935G has the old familiar battery level icon, the same general one used by many Wouxun radios. You know, the one that displays a graphic of a battery that is full, partially full, or almost empty. The limitation is that it only gives you a general idea of the remaining battery power. What if you need something a little more accurate? With the KG-935G Plus, now you have it. It has a new BAT-TYPE menu option. With this option, you can select the type of display indicator you want. Choose from ICON, VOLTAGE, or PERCENT to select what is shown in the battery area of the display. ICON gives you the traditional battery icon mentioned earlier, filled to a level that is roughly indicative of the remaining battery charge. Voltage displays the current battery voltage. Percent displays the percentage of battery life that remains.

In addition to the Battery Level Display, there is also a new menu item for displaying the battery voltage on demand. Simply enter the menu, go to VOLTAGE (menu item 32) and press the menu key again. The radio will display the current voltage level of the battery.

Pricing and Purchase Options
Considering all the new features and the enhancements to existing ones, it would be reasonable to expect the Plus to cost considerably more than the original. Not so. The original KG-935G is currently $149.99 and will still be available for purchase. The KG-935G Plus is just $20 more. Price: $169.99.

But that's still not all. In addition to the single radio, the KG-935G Plus is also available in a two radio value pack and an accessory packed deluxe edition! The two pack includes a pair of KG-935G Plus radios with batteries, antennas, belt clips and chargers, all packed into a hard shell zipper carry case for easy storage and transport. Price: $349.99.

The KG-935G Plus Deluxe Edition has one radio, two batteries and a full complement of accessories, including a speaker microphone, 12v Vehicle charger cable, battery eliminator, a leather case, antenna connector, headset, USB charging cable and USB programming cable. Price: $259.99.

All three packages are available exclusively at Buy Two Way Radios.

The Wouxun KG-935G Plus is an extremely powerful and versatile portable handheld GMRS radio designed for power users who want maximum performance coupled with maximum functionality. Although it is nearly identical to the original KG-935G in outward appearance and core functions, it includes significant upgrades to existing features and introduces new ones, several of which are also new to two way radios altogether.

As with the original, the 935G Plus transmits on the 15 high powered GMRS simplex channels and the 8 repeater channels at up to 5.5 watts. It can also transmit on Channels 8-14, albeit at low output power, in compliance with FCC rules. This is not one of those minimum wattage, consumer grade, "bubble pack" GMRS walkie talkies found on the shelf at a big box store. The KG-935G Plus is a professional grade, portable handheld GMRS powerhouse.

KG-935G Plus Key Features

• 22 Simplex GMRS Channels
• 8 GMRS Repeater Channels
• 136-174.995 MHz (Receive Only)
• 400-479.995 MHz (Receive Only)
• FM Radio
• NOAA weather Channels
• NOAA weather alerts
• Up to 5.5W Maximum Transmit Power
• High/Med/Low TX Power Levels
• 5 weather alert notifications
• Tune Specific Frequencies Directly (Frequency Mode)
• Simultaneous Dual Channel Receive
• Repeater Capable
• Standard and Non-Standard CTCSS/DCS Tones
• Split CTCSS/DCS Tone Support
• Channel Scan
• Priority Scan
• CTCSS/DCS Tone Scan
• Scan Group Support
• Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Selectable
• Large Color Backlit LCD Dual Display
• 10 Display Color Theme Options
• Channel Name, Number or Frequency Display
• Incoming Caller ID Display
• Custom Display Messages
• Voltage Display
• Backlit Keypad
• Companding
• Descrambler
• DTMF Encoding and Decoding
• Group Call, All Call and Selective Call
• Timeout Timer
• Audible Button Beeps
• English Voice Prompts
• Transmit Overtime Alarm
• Scan Add/Delete
• Busy Channel Lockout
• Battery Meter
• Low Battery Alert
• Power Saver
• VOX
• 2 Programmable Function Keys
• PF Quick Key Guide
• Channel Wizard
• Stopwatch Timer
• Keypad Lock
• Built-in Flashlight
• Li-Ion Battery Pack (2600mAh)
• Rechargeable Battery Included
• Battery Charger
• USB-C Charging Port on Battery
• IP66 Waterproof
• PC Programming Support
• Drop-In Charge Capable
• Audio Accessory Connector
• Factory Reset

Programming the KG-935G Plus
As it is with all Wouxun GMRS radios we carry, the KG-935G Plus is fully programmable from a PC using a programming cable and the Wouxun KG-935G Plus programming software or directly from the keypad of the radio itself. In fact, while customizing the original KG-935G from the keypad is fairly easy overall, The KG-935G+ is now even easier, thanks to a brand new feature introduced with this model - the Channel Wizard.

Direct from the radio
If you already know how to program new channels and frequencies into the Wouxun KG-935G or another Wouxun radio, you're all set. If not, or if you are new to programming radios altogether, no worries. The KG-935G Plus owners manual is specifically written to get you up to speed quickly. The manual is written in plain English with instructions that are easy to understand. To make it even easier and faster, you can use the Channel Wizard.

Using the Channel Wizard
The KG-935G Plus has a built in wizard to make is super easy to program a channel into the radio. Called the Channel Wizard, this is a new function that allows you to quickly and easily program a new channel or modify an existing channel direct 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 programming software.

There are two ways to access the Channel Wizard. The standard method is to hold the MENU button down for 3 seconds. This will take you directly into it. The second method is to press [MENU] + [6] + [1] and the screen will display: CH-WIZARD. There are ten menu functions in the Channel Wizard, each with their own sub-menu. Go to the first menu item and press [MENU] to enter its sub-menu. Use the [UP] and [DOWN] arrow keys to choose the option you want from that sub-menu, then press [MENU] to enter your choice. This will take you back to the Channel Wizard menu to go to the next or previous Channel Wizard menu function.

The last Channel Wizard menu function is [SAVE-MODE]. You must choose this function to save your channel settings and add, clone or save your channel to the radio. You can choose to save your channel and create another channel or save the channel and exit the Channel Wizard.

Of course, you can opt to enter and save a channel or frequency independently through the individual menu items instead. While not as fast as the Channel Wizard, this method does allow you tweak a specific channel setting as needed.

The KG-935G Plus menu consists of 62 items. Default settings are bold.

Note: *The menu items in yellow are available in Frequency mode only.
**The menu item in green is available in Channel mode only.

Programming with software
The KG-935G Plus uses the same Wouxun PCO-001 USB programming cable that works with the KG-805G, KG-905G and KG-935G. Refer to the cable driver installation instructions for more information.

Of course, the Wouxun KG-935G Plus programming software is specific to this radio and is currently available for Windows PCs only. The programming software is located under the Downloads tab on the Wouxun KG-935G Plus product page at Buy Two Way Radios.

KG-935G Plus Operation
The KG-935G Plus operates in much the same way as other Wouxun GMRS handheld radios with full keypads, displays and menus. If you already have a KG-935G or other Wouxun radio that is field configurable, operating the KG-935G Plus is about the same. Although some keys on the keypad my be different in label and function from some of the other models, they are not difficult to to use once you understand what they do.

The keys on the keypad and their primary functions are listed below:

The Wouxun KG-935G Plus takes the GMRS to a whole new level. With the addition of new features such as the Channel Wizard, USB-C charging, and PF Key Quick Guide, this transceiver offers even more flexibility, programmability and ease of use than the original KG-935G to create the ultimate Wouxun GMRS experience -so far.

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.

This theatrical movie trailer style, coming attraction video provides a brief history of Wouxun GMRS radios and a sneak peek at the latest model in the line, the KG-S88G. It's available soon exclusively from Buy Two Way Radios.

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

More compact. More rugged. More GMRS. You get all that and more with the Wouxun KG-S88G. This is no cheap, throw away talkie from a retail bubble pack. The KG-S88G is a real GMRS transceiver, designed and built for the most serious GMRS operator!

The KG-S88G gives you more GMRS right out of the box. You get 15 high powered GMRS simplex channels, 8 low powered simplex channels, and 8 full power GMRS repeater channels, all ready to TX to the world as soon as you power it up. Want more channels? The S88G has 256 of them, custom programmable with standard and non-standard CTCSS tones and DCS codes to eliminate unwanted interference. It also supports split tones and CTCSS/DCS tone scan! Simply scan an incoming signal for a CTCSS tone or DCS code and update the current channel’s tone settings once the tone is identified. The KG-S88G makes it easy to find and configure tones and codes to match existing radios in your group.

Sure, you've got the standard features you've come to expect from a Wouxun GMRS handheld, such as channel scan, timeout timer, button beeps and VOX. You also get channel and frequency work modes, busy channel lockout, selectable wide and narrow bandwidth, group call, all call, selective calling, English voice prompts, programmable function keys, and a built-in stopwatch. And yes, it has that important, but oft elusive roger beep. It's not an anomaly. It's just part of the package.

But you get more.

The KG-S88G allows you to access specific channels marked as favorite channels. A new feature for the Wouxun GMRS line, you can choose the channels you like as favorites and access them at the press of a programmable key. Channel 19 (travel channel) is a favorite channel by default.

The KG-S88G also has a Repeater option that allows you to transmit to a repeater while in Frequency Mode. If you are tuned to a GMRS receive frequency that is valid for repeater use and turn the Repeater feature on, the KG-S88G will transmit to the repeater input frequency when the PTT is pressed.

And there's more.

The KG-S88G features a full DTMF keypad, with full support for dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) encoding. This enables the radio to perform a number of useful signaling operations, such as sending a radio ID. The keypad includes 6 function keys and 9 hotkeys to perform specific operations on the radio, from accessing and navigating the menu to the control of various functions. Don't underestimate the power of this keypad. It's more functional than you think.

And yet there's more.

The KG-S88G has not one, not two, but three programmable keys, two on the side and one on top of the radio. Each key can perform two different functions, one activated with a short press and one with a long press. More buttons gives the KG-S88G more functionality, which gives you more flexibility and power to operate on the air.

But wait. There's more.

The KG-S88G may be compact, but it's no wimp. This radio was built for rugged durability. It's IP67 dust and waterproof, rated to withstand any ingress of solid objects, and can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

And there's still more.

The KG-S88G features two charging options for the battery pack. It can be charged using the included desktop charger or the built-in USB-C port on the side of the radio using an optional USB-C cable (not included).

The Wouxun KG-S88G comes with a 2000mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack, belt clip, removable antenna, wrist strap, desktop charger, AC cord, owner's manual and a one year manufacturer warranty from Wouxun.

With the Wouxun KG-S88G, you don't just get a top tier, professional grade GMRS Portable Handheld Two Way Radio. You get more.