Wouxun KG-UV980P impressions

[WSFU381]

DOSW, I forgot to mention that I don’t use ch 1-14, only 15-22.  So this 980P should work just fine.  It will be replacing the Anytone AT 5888UV which is brand new… with issues.  I’ve had it for a month.  It was working just fine, but started having problems with it yesterday.  It would power off immediately after turning it on.

[SteveShannon]

7 minutes ago, WSFU381 said:

DOSW, thanks for your reply.  I missed the 2w limitation in the original post for MURS.   I’m hesitant to purchase the KG-1000 plus as I’m in the process of getting licensed for HAM and I’d like a radio that can do GMRS as well… like the KG 980p.  I was just curious about expanding the frequency range or “unlocking” it.   Looks like I’ll just copy and paste my CHIRP settings and hope for the best

Best wishes as you go through ham licensing.  HamStudy.org makes it easy and enjoyable and free if you like online learning.

One of the things you might learn within a couple years of becoming a ham is that one radio isn’t enough.  You might even find that the radios you have unlocked, thinking they could do it all, really aren’t enjoyable to use on those unlocked frequencies when compared to a radio certified for those frequencies.

[73blazer]

11 hours ago, WSFU381 said:

I’m thinking of buying this radio.  The specs on the Wouxon site for vhf is up to 174MHZ and 479 on UHF.  You say it’s easily unlocked.  Is that just a matter of inserting the frequencies into Chirp?  Or, is it required to make frequency adjustments in its proprietary software?  

I use some MURS frequencies (151+) and GMRS.  

Either works, but CHIRP is much simpler. In Extra Settings->Frequency Limits match the TX to the RX and .... you have a full SHTF radio, including MURS & GMRS among others, but as others mention, it's now up to you to be compliant with the rules/power limits etc.

[WSFU381]

Thank you all for the information.  Makes life easier... until the next blunder

Any recommendations on other radios with the same or better capabilities... not just GMRS?  Thanks

[WSFU381]

3 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

Best wishes as you go through ham licensing.  HamStudy.org makes it easy and enjoyable and free if you like online learning.

One of the things you might learn within a couple years of becoming a ham is that one radio isn’t enough.  You might even find that the radios you have unlocked, thinking they could do it all, really aren’t enjoyable to use on those unlocked frequencies when compared to a radio certified for those frequencies.

I'll check out Ham Study.org.  Much appreciated.  

[WRYZ926]

13 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

Best wishes as you go through ham licensing.  HamStudy.org makes it easy and enjoyable and free if you like online learning.

One of the things you might learn within a couple years of becoming a ham is that one radio isn’t enough.  You might even find that the radios you have unlocked, thinking they could do it all, really aren’t enjoyable to use on those unlocked frequencies when compared to a radio certified for those frequencies.

I can verify what Steve said. Some amateur band radios that have been modded/unlocked work fine on GMRS while others don't work as well. My MARS Modded Icom IC-2730 does not do as good of a job on GMRS as my unlocked TYT radios.

Remember, radios are like potato chips, you just can't have one or two. 

[WSFU381]

9 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

I can verify what Steve said. Some amateur band radios that have been modded/unlocked work fine on GMRS while others don't work as well. My MARS Modded Icom IC-2730 does not do as good of a job on GMRS as my unlocked TYT radios.

Remember, radios are like potato chips, you just can't have one or two. 

You’re right about potato chips, especially here in Idaho. I have 4 mobiles and 6 HT’s.  They tend to accumulate., 

[WSFU381]

I'll be purchasing the KG UV980P at "Buy Two Way Radios".  I tried calling them, but they are closed.  They offer a Free software download, but they also Sell the   "RT Systems Programming Software and Cable For Wouxun KG-UV980P."  I'm wondering if the software that's for sale (with the programing cable) is the same as the Free download.  Does anyone know???  It doesn't make sense to purchase the software if it's the same... and the cable is only $16 bucks.

Thanks

[WRYZ926]

The RT Systems softwares is not the same as the free software that you can download. I find the RT Systems software works better.

[WSFU381]

51 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

The RT Systems softwares is not the same as the free software that you can download. I find the RT Systems software works better.

Thanks for the reply.  I use chirp and planning on changing the frequencies to use GMRS.  Does the RT package offer the programming to do the same?  

[WRYZ926]

Yes you should not have any issues with RT Systems.

[WRUE951]

3 hours ago, WSFU381 said:

Thanks for the reply.  I use chirp and planning on changing the frequencies to use GMRS.  Does the RT package offer the programming to do the same?  

yes, but with a price tag.. Some like RT, i have used both, I don't mind CHIRP, it's free and will get you the same results.