WLN KD-C1 Mini radio

[wqwk297]

just received this radio today and have only played with it for a short few minutes but am having difficulty programming it...anyone have any experience with these yet

[wrodina]

Interesting, never heard of that make/model. Here's what RadioReference has to say: http://forums.radioreference.com/budget-entry-level-transceivers/333637-wln-kd-c1-programming-software.html

 

As near as I could tell, someone was able to get it working with CHIRP with some fiddling around; for the OEM software, though, you may need to contact one of the distributors for the download and further instructions. Sources point to the Zastone website, but I didn't have much luck. This is the best I could come up with (you may need to use Google Translate if you don't have the Chrome browser or speak Chinese): http://www.zastone.com/product/showproduct.php?lang=cn&id=55

[FrankNY]

409SHOP Limited in Hong Kong sells the WLN KD-C1 radio, in your choice of either black or white, for USD $19.50.

 

WLN KD-C1 at 409SHOP (black)

http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=123982

 

WLN KD-C1 at 409SHOP (white)

http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=123983

 

Here's a direct download link, courtesy of 409SHOP, for the programming software.

 

http://www.pic.409shop.com/software/KD-C1_SETUP_2016-05-23.rar

 

A few weeks ago I had a text chat with the good folks at 409SHOP concerning the lack of programming software for the WLN KD-C1 and they told me that they would contact the manufacturer on the mainland (PRC), secure a copy of the software, post it on their Web site, and e-mail me a link to download it. Seven hours later, I received an e-mail with the above link.

 

Regards,

 

Frank.

[jwilkers]

I just got a pair. Factory software is ok. Not a lot going on with these radios. Just don't switch to a channel with nothing programmed....you'll get a loud, annoying tone , until you switch channels. They really aren't a bad deal.

 

AntiSquid Disclaimer: All comments are personal opinion only and may not indicate a claim of actual fact.

[cdesigns]

How is the sound of those radios? do they sound decent? 

[n4gix]

In one word, excellent! They sound just as good as my XPR7550 (eXpensive Personal Radio) when using an analog frequency...

 

Battery life is also excellent. I have one channel set for the Chicago PD SE District dispatch (closest to me here in NW Indiana), which is extremely active 24/7 and I've been averaging 18 hours before needing a recharge.

 

Another radio has been scanning a dozen GMRS and amateur 70cm repeaters and averaging >72+ hours before demanding a recharge.

 

I ordered two from China (WLN KD-C1) and received them on Monday for $15 each. I ordered the Luiton LT-316 branded version (pair) via Amazon for $29.95 and received them the next day.

 

The nice thing is that I can safely hand these out to anyone and not have to worry about them too much. At only $15 each, they are truly a "throw away if they break" HT.

[jwilkers]

How is the sound of those radios? do they sound decent?

Yep. Sound great.

 

AntiSquid Disclaimer: All comments are personal opinion only and may not imply actual fact.

[Hans]

I concur, battery life, sound quality RX & TX is great, and range is nice.

[cdesigns]

I concur, battery life, sound quality RX & TX is great, and range is nice.

 

I think I will by a few for my kids to work my repeater, I was worried about a "trebble like voice" or low audio.

[Hans]

I think I will by a few for my kids to work my repeater, I was worried about a "trebble like voice" or low audio.

On the several that we currently have deployed, transmitted sound is great and the speaker, with 1W stamped on the back of it, sounds good.

 

We had two bad out of the last batch of five. Both were microphone issues. With the first one, I couldn't get the microphone to work until I plugged in an external speaker mic. Then, I unplugged it and the microphone worked but would buzz when the case was flexed or the radio when shaken while transmitting. The second one acted the same way out of the box. Both work fine with external speaker mic. Those were the only two out of any that we purchase that were bad but make sure you check them over carefully for that specific issue. I suggest micing up and shaking the radio around and tap it while transmitting to observe if the microphone cuts in and out. The board is tightly fitted in the case, so, as long as it doesn't do it straight from the factory, I don't think it will be a problem with the other radios in the future.

[cdesigns]

WTF..... just received my pair of radios, YES the audio is awesome, compared to my commercial ht, this little radios sound better, deep loud audio, and range is great too, hitting many local repeaters with the "mini antenna" , very impressed.