Introducing the Wouxun KG-UVD1P dual band radio
Have been watching the influx of cheap amateur radio equipment coming out of China this past year, and from what I have seen they are getting great reviews. Not only from the ham community but from public service as well as preppers/ survivalists and FRS enthusiasts.
The Wouxun KG-UVD1P seems to be at the top of the pile, being a little bit more expensive than the others but with added features that make them easier for ham radio use as well as other services.
One of the major differences is the front panel buttons being made of soft plastic and easier to use. They also do not wear off as fast as the Baofeng UV-5R series of radios, making them usable for years.
The Wouxun can be programmed from the front panel or with the CHiRP software.
Dont forget that the Wouxun UVD1P comes in a 2M/440 model and a 2M/220 Model also.
Here is the spec sheet from AmateurRadioSupplies.
KG-UVD1P 2m/440
This low-cost 2m/440 HT is one of the best values on the market. Get a full functioned transceiver at a fraction of the price of the major brands. This radio is well reviewed and took the U.S. market by storm when it first came out.
Features:
- 4w on VHF; 5w on UHF
- 128 Memory Channels
- Computer Programmable
- VOX Transmission
- Digital FM Radio Reception
- Scanning w/Priority Scan
- Flashlight Illumination
- DTMF Encoding & CTCSS Scanning
- Low Voltage Warning Alarm
- Stopwatch Function
- SOS Function
Includes:
Belt-Clip
Li-ion BatteryPack
Desktop Charger
Handistrap
Dual Band Antenna
But HOW do they compare ?
From what I have seen of these radios compared to the Baofeng UV-5R series radio is that the Wouxun KG-UVD1P is a step above. Not only is it a solid radio but the appearance is professional as well. It steps out of the toy like radios that are coming out of china. The biggest issue again seems to be the programming of the radio. It is recommended to purchase the computer cable and programming software to program this radio. It is also "CHIRP" compatible, but keep in mind that CHIRP can sometimes have issues with Windows 8. It is best to run it in compatibility mode if you have the Windows * operating system. Don't forget your accessories.
IS IT WORTH THE HIGHER PRICE ?
From all the great reviews that I have seen of the Wouxun KG-UVD1P radios they are well worth the higher price tag if you want a good solid radio that will last your for years
If you want a toy, you can get a Baofeng UV-5R series radio or just buy the Hello Kitty FRS radios for hours of entertainment. If you want a REAL radio that feels like a professionally made unit, and is FCC type accepted for part 90 use, then go with the Wouxun UVD1P, a step above the rest.
Great prices on the Baofeng UV-5R at Amazon