How to Turn the Wouxun KG-1000G into a GMRS Repeater

[mam123]

Video Turtorial by Buy Two Way Radios. See the link below.

 

https://youtu.be/P7f6JhYZoS4

[mbrun]

I have raised an inquiry with BuyTwoWayRadios to learn what the duty cycle rating of this product is at each of its 4 power levels. They have acknowledged the question and have committed to getting an answer and letting me know. I will post their response when I receive it.

 

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

[mam123]

Sounds good.

[Radioguy7268]

Given the poor receiver selectivity of most of the CCR import radios -- I'd be really hesitant to use a Wouxun as a Repeater radio. Especially since you could buy two quality used mobile radios and do the same thing - at probably half the cost.

 

Simply put - there's a lot of better options available to anyone who wants to run a repeater.

[gman1971]

Poor selectivity is just one of the many issues with those "CCRs"... but, its their money, so let them have at it.

 

G.

[dwmitchell61]

Given the poor receiver selectivity of most of the CCR import radios -- I'd be really hesitant to use a Wouxun as a Repeater radio. Especially since you could buy two quality used mobile radios and do the same thing - at probably half the cost.

 

Simply put - there's a lot of better options available to anyone who wants to run a repeater.

Maybe we should go back to tube units manufactured before the FCC came into existence?

 

I was looking at the Kenwood TK-880 and Motorola CM-300 and the labels state they are made in Singapore and Malaysia, respectively... Can we add CSR and CMR to the "cheap" list?

 

Buying E-Bay goods is risky at best... What mods have been done? Are the finals fried? 

 

I just bought a used RS HTX-202 (Icom design) and it doesn't receive/transmit..... I did get my money ($10) worth in the accessories that came with it for the other working unit I have.

 

Caveat Emptor....

[Radioguy7268]

I don't really care much where a product is made. As has been said here before - CCR has simply become a shorthand for any "Radio on a Chip" design that uses the RDA1846 or a similar chip. Those radios claim to do some spectacular things, and in a way, they do. However, they don't do it very well in the Real world. The one we all live in. One where there are other radio transmitters on nearby channels. I'd much rather start with a radio that has good front end filtering and effective sensitivity combined with selectivity - than to have an FM broadcast receiver, or a flashlight. Especially if I'm building a Repeater.

 

As for buying stuff of Ebay - yes, you do need to be more careful. However, if I bought something off Ebay that wasn't working - I'd send it back & get a refund. Ebay makes that pretty easy.

 

Just because someone calls out a radio for being well marketed garbage doesn't mean they're a Snob, or anti-Asian. It doesn't mean they're stuck in the Stone Age or admiring the glow from vacuum tubes. It just means they've seen this movie before, and they know how it ends.

 

Take my advice, or don't. BuyTwoWayRadios.com is marketing something. I'm giving some free advice.

[PRadio]

Given the poor receiver selectivity of most of the CCR import radios -- I'd be really hesitant to use a Wouxun as a Repeater radio. Especially since you could buy two quality used mobile radios and do the same thing - at probably half the cost.

 

Simply put - there's a lot of better options available to anyone who wants to run a repeater.

 

The Wouxun KG 1000g uses a superheterodyne receiver. It is not a radio on a chip design. People need to actually learn about the radios they dismiss. If people keep maligning new GMRS radios online, without actually understanding the specs, manufacturers will stop producing new GMRS radios. I, for one, am happy to see companies actually producing GMRS radios. Sorry, but if we are relegated to only buying old radios that are not Part 95 certified, but Part 90 certified, eventually we will have no radios available for use, and no new GMRS radios. 

[Radioguy7268]

I'll grant you that I haven't actually seen one of the KG-1000G mobiles come across my bench yet. I also haven't seen a technical manual showing the circuitry. I've heard a few claims online that it has a Super Het front end - but color me suspicious.

 

When the receiver is covering nearly all bands from DC to daylight - you can be pretty sure it's not a selective front end.

[gman1971]

@O-B-1

 

Maybe you should do that, it will be an improvement over these garbage one-chip-wonder turds.

 

What? Risky at best? Your experience doesn't mirror my experience, or how do you explain that over the past few months I've purchased, from eBay, more than two dozens of XPR radios, all used, ranging from XPR6550, 7550e, 5350e, 5550e, 4550, SL7550, etc... you name it.... and not a single one of them was defective? I think that is a pretty good success rate, about 100% success rate, and you tell me risky at best? 

 

@PRradio

 

Superhet, superhet, superhet... but it has a superhet... right? it must be good... 

 

Superheterodyne is just a technique, and it can be done using tubes, good old transistors, or a single chip.

 

Any superheterodyne receiver without a tuned front end that operates under strong off frequency signals will have intermod, period. The difference between the garbage radios and the quality LMR part 90 radios (like ICOM, Kenwood, Moto) is that the part 90 radios have a tuned front end. Police can't afford to have their radio fade out, desense or have intermod problems when they are in the middle of a critical situation. I guess if you like buying garbage phones b/c they have flashier screens we have nothing further to discuss. I much rather own a phone with more coverage than one that can play Call of Duty but only has coverage when I walk down to the driveway...

 

So, I guess I'll have to keep buying those old and crusty XPR7550e radios...  dang, I feel so sad for these cheap radio makers... 

 

G.

 

Maybe we should go back to tube units manufactured before the FCC came into existence?

 

I was looking at the Kenwood TK-880 and Motorola CM-300 and the labels state they are made in Singapore and Malaysia, respectively... Can we add CSR and CMR to the "cheap" list?

 

Buying E-Bay goods is risky at best... What mods have been done? Are the finals fried? 

 

I just bought a used RS HTX-202 (Icom design) and it doesn't receive/transmit..... I did get my money ($10) worth in the accessories that came with it for the other working unit I have.

 

Caveat Emptor....

[PRadio]

@O-B-1

 

Maybe you should do that, it will be an improvement over these garbage one-chip-wonder turds.

 

What? Risky at best? Your experience doesn't mirror my experience, or how do you explain that over the past few months I've purchased, from eBay, more than two dozens of XPR radios, all used, ranging from XPR6550, 7550e, 5350e, 5550e, 4550, SL7550, etc... you name it.... and not a single one of them was defective? I think that is a pretty good success rate, about 100% success rate, and you tell me risky at best? 

 

@PRradio

 

Superhet, superhet, superhet... but it has a superhet... right? it must be good... 

 

Superheterodyne is just a technique, and it can be done using tubes, good old transistors, or a single chip.

 

Any superheterodyne receiver without a tuned front end that operates under strong off frequency signals will have intermod, period. The difference between the garbage radios and the quality LMR part 90 radios (like ICOM, Kenwood, Moto) is that the part 90 radios have a tuned front end. Police can't afford to have their radio fade out, desense or have intermod problems when they are in the middle of a critical situation. I guess if you like buying garbage phones b/c they have flashier screens we have nothing further to discuss. I much rather own a phone with more coverage than one that can play Call of Duty but only has coverage when I walk down to the driveway...

 

So, I guess I'll have to keep buying those old and crusty XPR7550e radios...  dang, I feel so sad for these cheap radio makers... 

 

G.

 

 gman1971 we are all very aware of your opinion of any radio other than some professional part 90 radio. The problem with your opinion, is that if we all took that route, companies would stop manufacturing new Part 95 radios. Yes, I am very aware of what Superheterodyne is. I grew up in a radio shop, it was my dad's business. The point is though, the radio in question is not a radio on chip radio. That is all I said. 

 

The attitude of some on this site is getting to be as bad as the other radio site. It is a shame. All that is accomplished by this type of attitude is to drive new users off. Some people's needs can be very easily met using some of the radios you deem junk. Use what you want, and I am not saying you are wrong when you use a Part 90 radio from Motorola, or Kenwood, they are great radios, I know. Some people however want and nice off the shelf solution, and Midland, Wouxun, and others will fit their needs nicely. The Wouxun radio in question would be great for me, due to its detachable faceplate, which would make mounting in my car possible. I don't have room for a Motorola in my car, there is no good way to mount it. If I can take the largest part and mount it under the seat, then that would work nicely. 

 

Too many people here spout off about a radio without ever actually using it, seeing it, or even reading its specs. It's ridiculous and counterproductive. Not everyone needs, or desires, a Part 90 professional radio. 

[gman1971]

There is no attitude like you state... this is a textual form of communication, which makes anything contrary to your opinion always sound worse than it is. When someone posts about a radio on a public forum, they should expect some criticism... so it sounds like I am the snob now, fine by me. Its a shame we'll never get to meet in person... go get some coffee together and have a good laugh about it, really.

 

Absolutely it is my opinion, is there a problem with me stating my opinion?, repeated times? Others state theirs repeated times as well, the only difference I see is that mine doesn't align with yours.... so? I don't count? I thought exactly like you do now, but opinions always change over time, I am entitled to my opinion, and to change it over time when I realize I made a mistake.... I am learning and my opinion has changed over a decade spent hell bent in trying to achieve reliable simplex range for my family... so... I guess if you don't need simplex range, then that's fine, just buy whatever. 

 

Also, to be clear, the "spouting off about radios without ever using them" comment is also your opinion as well. Nothing wrong with it, but you should be aware that I've used several earlier Wouxun radios, with so-called superhets, and that I've spent several grand $$$ in CCRs already, hoping to get "more simplex range" but after comparing them to the LMR stuff, even the "entry level" 50 dollars inexpensive LMR portable gear, these performed better than the 400 Anytone AT-578 mobile, which is a 400 dollar radio!! So, I quickly realized there must've been something I've missed.... so I started picking more used LMR stuff, and simplex range started to improve, reliability improved, radios wouldn't freeze up on my belt, all features actually worked, etc... but the range, the most important thing I wanted, the range I got out of used LMR gear was closer to what my initial expectations where when I started down this road, and especially so in a portable-to-portable on foot situation; just try an XPR7550e to XPR7550e on foot, you'll be hard pressed to find anything else on the market that comes even close to the impressive range you'll get, short of a $$$ APX.

 

 

G.

 

 gman1971 we are all very aware of your opinion of any radio other than some professional part 90 radio. The problem with your opinion, is that if we all took that route, companies would stop manufacturing new Part 95 radios. Yes, I am very aware of what Superheterodyne is. I grew up in a radio shop, it was my dad's business. The point is though, the radio in question is not a radio on chip radio. That is all I said. 

 

The attitude of some on this site is getting to be as bad as the other radio site. It is a shame. All that is accomplished by this type of attitude is to drive new users off. Some people's needs can be very easily met using some of the radios you deem junk. Use what you want, and I am not saying you are wrong when you use a Part 90 radio from Motorola, or Kenwood, they are great radios, I know. Some people however want and nice off the shelf solution, and Midland, Wouxun, and others will fit their needs nicely. The Wouxun radio in question would be great for me, due to its detachable faceplate, which would make mounting in my car possible. I don't have room for a Motorola in my car, there is no good way to mount it. If I can take the largest part and mount it under the seat, then that would work nicely. 

 

Too many people here spout off about a radio without ever actually using it, seeing it, or even reading its specs. It's ridiculous and counterproductive. Not everyone needs, or desires, a Part 90 professional radio. 

[gortex2]

As said many of times its all what you expect to get for your hard earned dollars. If you want a quality well performing radio you buy a LMR/Part 90 radio that was designed for the band in the first place. If this is new to you and you just want to dabble as a user and want something a bit better than FRS then you get the CCR such as above. Yes some CCR are better than other but some are worse. 

 

Over the last 3 months I have noticed the increase of membership and new members wanting to know why folks aren't hearing them on repeaters and why there UV5R doesn't talk 30 miles to the repeater. If you want to play with the good stuff you need to spend money. GMRS isn't about chatting with folks on the repeater you don't know. 

 

The radio in the original post appears to be a decent GMRS radio but everyone will give there opinion on them. I personally use only part 90 radios in all my vehicles and house, and repeaters. However my parents have the MTX in all there vehicles as do I in my off road Jeep. Why because it serves the purpose needed only. I looked at a few GMRs mobiles for my parents and none were simple, turn on and talk on the channel I tell them. The Midland was. So for their purpose this fit the bill perfectly. 

 

back to normal programming.....

[PRadio]

There is no attitude like you state... this is a textual form of communication, which makes anything contrary to your opinion always sound worse than it is. When someone posts about a radio on a public forum, they should expect some criticism... so it sounds like I am the snob now, fine by me. Its a shame we'll never get to meet in person... go get some coffee together and have a good laugh about it, really.

 

Absolutely it is my opinion, is there a problem with me stating my opinion?, repeated times? Others state theirs repeated times as well, the only difference I see is that mine doesn't align with yours.... so? I don't count? I thought exactly like you do now, but opinions always change over time, I am entitled to my opinion, and to change it over time when I realize I made a mistake.... I am learning and my opinion has changed over a decade spent hell bent in trying to achieve reliable simplex range for my family... so... I guess if you don't need simplex range, then that's fine, just buy whatever. 

 

Also, to be clear, the "spouting off about radios without ever using them" comment is also your opinion as well. Nothing wrong with it, but you should be aware that I've used several earlier Wouxun radios, with so-called superhets, and that I've spent several grand $$$ in CCRs already, hoping to get "more simplex range" but after comparing them to the LMR stuff, even the "entry level" 50 dollars inexpensive LMR portable gear, these performed better than the 400 Anytone AT-578 mobile, which is a 400 dollar radio!! So, I quickly realized there must've been something I've missed.... so I started picking more used LMR stuff, and simplex range started to improve, reliability improved, radios wouldn't freeze up on my belt, all features actually worked, etc... but the range, the most important thing I wanted, the range I got out of used LMR gear was closer to what my initial expectations where when I started down this road, and especially so in a portable-to-portable on foot situation; just try an XPR7550e to XPR7550e on foot, you'll be hard pressed to find anything else on the market that comes even close to the impressive range you'll get, short of a $$$ APX.

 

 

G.

 

I actually value you opinions for the most part, and it isn't personal. If we do ever get to meet, I'll buy the coffee.

 

My thoughts pertain to the average new user. We need manufacturers to make Part 95 radios. Yes, it would be nice if they gave us all we want in a radio, and they may at some point, but if we keep bashing everything they make, and steer people from them, fewer people will buy them, and the manufacturers will see that a a lack of interest, and quit making them. 

 

The radios being produced today for GMRS are not bad for someone wanting local communication with their families, with little fuss. The vast majority of users can use these radios with no issues. 

 

As for Part 90 radios. Isn't the current crop of Part 90 radios limited to narrowband? I do know most use older Part 90 radios, which of course the supply will eventually dry up. 

[erickight]

This radio seems overpriced at $320 each to me.  Plus you'll need two spaced out antennas, 2 power supplies, etc.  If it was priced more reasonably (like $250) then it may be more attractive to use for this.  Plus I hate the fact that you have to run 2 antennas and space them out or pay for a duplexer.  

[gman1971]

Totally, 320 is the price of a used XPR5550e on the fleaBay, which I know for a fact it will destroy the Wouxuns. 

 

G.

 

 

This radio seems overpriced at $320 each to me.  Plus you'll need two spaced out antennas, 2 power supplies, etc.  If it was priced more reasonably (like $250) then it may be more attractive to use for this.  Plus I hate the fact that you have to run 2 antennas and space them out or pay for a duplexer.  

[gman1971]

I still think spending money on anything beyond a Baofeng BF-888s is a waste of money for a beginner. The 888s one-chip wonder and the Wouxuns superhets I've tried had similar crap performance... as in, I couldn't get simplex radio-to-radio (no repeaters) worth crap. So, if you need a cheap starter radio then look no further than the BF-888s. Its a 9 dollar radio, if you hate CCRs you can smash one with a hammer on a daily basis and still be cheaper than buying the overpriced Wouxun CCRs... and once you get the gist of it, (or if you don't like GMRS/Ham you can smash it, shoot it, burn it, or throw it from a 20 story building....), but if you really want some decent family comms, then I am afraid you'll need to skip the toys and go for what real professionals use to communicate over long distances. I've tried simplex with every possible combination of CCRs, and none worked.

 

What do you mean by "all we want in a radio"? I only want one thing in a radio: Range, anything else I can live without just fine. Not sure what you're looking for in a radio, but if range isn't at the top of your priorities then anything goes, just make sure next time you upgrade your phone you the cheap one that only has coverage in ~3% of the CONUS. It will be the same thing.

 

Well, If these radios offered real ranges for simplex the I would've been set a long while ago... unfortunately, you won't get the same kind of ranges you get from two XPR7550e radios simplex, on foot, suburban terrain, no matter what antenna you stick on those. In fact, my XPR7550e have more range without the antenna than some of those things on a 5/8 over 5/8 base collinear... 

 

If they stop making them I don't think it will be something I miss at this point. I feel its quite a scam, TBH, its basically taking advantage of beginners just to sell radios that were developed (or I.P. stolen somewhere) 6+ years ago, for a price where you can get an excellent condition used Motorola XPR7550e or something like that. 

 

LMR radios can do both, narrow and wide. My EVX radios can even do 12.5, 20 and 25kHz without any entitlements. Motorola XPR radios require taking a free class to get the entitlement for 25kHz... after that you're good to go. I am sure the Kenwoods and ICOMS are on the same boat.

 

G.

 

I actually value you opinions for the most part, and it isn't personal. If we do ever get to meet, I'll buy the coffee.

 

My thoughts pertain to the average new user. We need manufacturers to make Part 95 radios. Yes, it would be nice if they gave us all we want in a radio, and they may at some point, but if we keep bashing everything they make, and steer people from them, fewer people will buy them, and the manufacturers will see that a a lack of interest, and quit making them. 

 

The radios being produced today for GMRS are not bad for someone wanting local communication with their families, with little fuss. The vast majority of users can use these radios with no issues. 

 

As for Part 90 radios. Isn't the current crop of Part 90 radios limited to narrowband? I do know most use older Part 90 radios, which of course the supply will eventually dry up. 

[mbrun]

Here is the reply I received to my inquiry. Passing it along as promised.

 

“I asked Wouxun and they said the radio is designed to hold up to heavy TX. They recommended that in a heavy TX situation, like a public repeater, they do suggest using the feature that automatically activates the fan based on the temperature (menu 37, and this is already the default). They also suggest using the TOT and TOA menu settings (menu options 11 and 12) to limit the maximum time for a single TX to at most 60 minutes.”

 

I have also asked that they push the issue further to get some official numbers.

 

I have raised an inquiry with BuyTwoWayRadios to learn what the duty cycle rating of this product is at each of its 4 power levels. They have acknowledged the question and have committed to getting an answer and letting me know. I will post their response when I receive it.

 

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

[dwmitchell61]

If only the US offices based here selling the Chinese, Singaporean and Malaysian radios would just bring the manufacturing back to the US.... SMH....

 

I know everyone says use a Part 90 reprogrammed... Plentiful and low priced used units. I would love to. But at my age, with cancer, a year in jail for doing so is just too expensive, and with my medical conditions having a $10,000 fine would be impossible for me to pay... So I just bought a Part 95A/E unit. I am the guy that gets a ticket EVERY time I do 5mph over the speed limit. 

 

So I live with the FCC rules and buy an overpriced CCR radio. They seem to do okay for me. My ears don't hear too well either, so intermodulation hasn't been detected by them and "hi-fi" wideband FM is a waste with my hearing.

 

I have a Wouxon KG-805G handheld and the Midland MXT400.... I am tempted to get a couple of these CCR's and a duplexer just to see how well it works. 

 

I know for some, it is like a religion and they are very devout, something like the whole Chevy/Ford debate in the auto discussion groups, it is getting like the whole left/right political environment... Everyone just seems so passionate and devoted to a singular view with a closed mind approach.  It actually makes me want to duck out of here.

 

SO.... I think I will just talk about my home brew antennas... They are made in the USA... LoL

[gortex2]

I think the issue with Part 90 vs Part 95 stuff for items like a repeater is you will most likely spend alot of money on stuff that wont perform to your expectations. I have said over and over you get what you pay for. To spend $320 each radio, then at bare minimum $300 for a decent flatpack mobile duplexer (not what Id use but alot do) your at $ 1000 and you dont have an antenna or hardline. For $1000 I can order a decent used GR1225 repeater, tuned and programmed and still have $500 in my pocket for antenna and hardline. 

 

There are Part 95 repeaters out there if folks are insistent on them from cheap to expensive and I'd go that route before 2 mobiles velcroid together....

[gman1971]

We are in agreement here, I would love for all Motorola radios to be made here, in the USA, and if I had to pay a bit more, so be it! I am already paying for every XPR7550e I get, so a few extra dollars aren't probably going to break the bank. I think the APX radios are made in the USA... but yes. I am in agreement.  I own a Chevy, a Ford and a Chrysler... the first two were made in the USA, and while FCA is not American, I was alive when Chrysler still was American. So yes, I am rather conscious about that, but I've owned imports before as well, so it depends on what I need to get out of it. I would love for everything made in the USA to satisfy all my needs, but sometimes you have to accept the fact that other countries can also produce pretty decent stuff as well.

 

Except both Ford and Chevy usually perform just about the same, in overall specs, within vehicles of the same class. SUV made by Chevy perform about the same as SUV made by ford, one might have a bit of an edge here, there, etc. CCRS? not so.

 

I have zero allegiance to Motorola, or Kenwood, or ICOM, or anything man made, for that matter. If ChungFu Radios Co. LTD, started producing 50 dollar APX8000 killers, with more bands than you can count using your fingers, performance so darn good that I could hear FRS radio chatter in Mars, on any modulation,... then you betcha I'll be getting those... unfortunately, they won't ever produce such radio b/c they don't know how (the cheap manufacturers), and if it ever existed it won't be 50 bucks, regardless of where it was made. If they could steal Motorola direct conversion Rodinia architecture and stick it in a 39 dollar CCR you bet they would... these manufacturers overseas only understand one thing: $$$$.

 

G.

 

 

If only the US offices based here selling the Chinese, Singaporean and Malaysian radios would just bring the manufacturing back to the US.... SMH....

 

I know everyone says use a Part 90 reprogrammed... Plentiful and low priced used units. I would love to. But at my age, with cancer, a year in jail for doing so is just too expensive, and with my medical conditions having a $10,000 fine would be impossible for me to pay... So I just bought a Part 95A/E unit. I am the guy that gets a ticket EVERY time I do 5mph over the speed limit. 

 

So I live with the FCC rules and buy an overpriced CCR radio. They seem to do okay for me. My ears don't hear too well either, so intermodulation hasn't been detected by them and "hi-fi" wideband FM is a waste with my hearing.

 

I have a Wouxon KG-805G handheld and the Midland MXT400.... I am tempted to get a couple of these CCR's and a duplexer just to see how well it works. 

 

I know for some, it is like a religion and they are very devout, something like the whole Chevy/Ford debate in the auto discussion groups, it is getting like the whole left/right political environment... Everyone just seems so passionate and devoted to a singular view with a closed mind approach.  It actually makes me want to duck out of here.

 

SO.... I think I will just talk about my home brew antennas... They are made in the USA... LoL

[gman1971]

Exactly what happened to me... I spent a ton of money and things didn't perform to my expectations... and 2 mobiles and velcro.. yep,. that sounds like a good plan to me! don't forget the cable!

 

G.

 

I think the issue with Part 90 vs Part 95 stuff for items like a repeater is you will most likely spend alot of money on stuff that wont perform to your expectations. I have said over and over you get what you pay for. To spend $320 each radio, then at bare minimum $300 for a decent flatpack mobile duplexer (not what Id use but alot do) your at $ 1000 and you dont have an antenna or hardline. For $1000 I can order a decent used GR1225 repeater, tuned and programmed and still have $500 in my pocket for antenna and hardline. 

 

There are Part 95 repeaters out there if folks are insistent on them from cheap to expensive and I'd go that route before 2 mobiles velcroid together....

[TheSquid]

I am using the KG1000s as a repeater with a tuned duplexer and it works good for me. I was getting a little interference, that was fixed when I upgraded to better jumper cables. It works, I’m happy. 
 

[mbrun]

I am using the KG1000s as a repeater with a tuned duplexer and it works good for me. I was getting a little interference, that was fixed when I upgraded to better jumper cables. It works, I’m happy. 
 

Glad it is working for you. A few questions.

What kind of interference where you experiencing?

What cables were you using when you received interference and what kind of cables are you using now? And where in the signal path did you have them?

How high above ground is your antenna, and what kind of range have been able to achieve, and with what type of radio?

Regards,


Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

[MaverickNH]

After watching NotaRubicon’s 5-part YouTube saga, I was thinking towards the KG-1000g repeater build and then saw this YouTube. It seems YMMV wrt success on this strategy.