Wouxun

Updated September 21, 2021.
We often receive questions about the range limitations of consumer FRS and GMRS two way radios. In fact, it is probably one of the most commonly asked questions about them, and for many, it seems to be one of the most important considerations when shopping for a handheld radio. This is certainly understandable, of course. Everyone wants the ability to communicate with others across great distances, and certainly more than just across their front yard.

However, since radios communicate line-of-sight, and given the power and other limitations of the typical FRS/GMRS handheld walkie talkie, coupled with the uncertainty of weather conditions, location and terrain, the average range of direct radio-to-radio communications with the typical consumer radio may not meet some applications.

In such a scenario, one may need more than just a standard walkie-talkie. One may need a handheld radio with the ability to operate through a repeater.

Although the FCC does not allow the use of a repeater on FRS frequencies (and given the 1/2 watt limitation of channels 8-14 on the FRS and GMRS services, it isn't practical anyway), it does allow the use of repeaters on the GMRS. Yes, there are GMRS repeaters out there, not too many, but they do exist. But what about repeater ready GMRS radios?

Yes, they do exist as well. We receive frequent inquiries and requests from customers who are searching for GMRS radios with the ability to operate through GMRS repeaters. While they aren't common, they certainly are out there, and they aren't too hard to find.

This chart lists brand name portable handheld GMRS radios currently available with repeater capability. Click on the name or image of each model for details and more specifications on each radio. All models listed in the chart are available from Buy Two Way Radios.

FRS/GMRS Two Way Radio Comparison Chart

	Model	Interference Eliminator Codes	FRS/GMRS Channels	Weather Channels	Repeater Capable	Repeater Channels
	Motorola Talkabout MR355R	121	22	11	✔	8
	Motorola Talkabout MS350R	121	22	11	✔	8
	Motorola Talkabout MS355R	121	22	11	✔	8
	Olympia R500	121	50*	11	✔	8
	Wouxun KG-805G	155	30	-	✔	8
	Wouxun KG-905G	155	30	-	✔	8
	Wouxun KG-935G	155	30	7	✔	8

Additional resources:
TWRS-68 - An Introduction to Repeaters
Radio 101 - How To activate repeater channels on a Motorola Talkabout radio

*According to Olympia, the 50 channels consist of 22 FRS/GMRS and 28 "extra" channels.

Since our announcement of the upcoming launch of the Wouxun KG-UV9D, we have received numerous queries for more details about the capabilities and features of this new radio. Some of the more frequently asked questions are related to bands and frequency ranges covered by the KG-UV9D and which of the two sides or areas of this dual receive radio (A, B, or both) support them.

The KG-UV9D does indeed perform Twin Band Simultaneous Receiving, which means both A and B areas of the radio can independently receive and audibly emit a signal through the speaker, allowing you to hear two bands and, on some bands, two frequencies on the same band at the same time.

We put the emphasis on the word some, because not all 7 bands are supported in both A and B areas of the radio. The table below maps the bands and frequencies supported by the KG-UV9D and the area(s) of the radio in which each will operate.

In a nutshell, the 2 meter VHF (144-148MHz) and 70cm UHF (420-450MHz) bands are available on both A and B for transmit and receive operation. In addition, the KG-UV9D can also receive up to 180MHz in the A area only. The only other band available on the B side is the FM radio. The other bands can be only received in the A area.