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Show all reviews of the WOUXUN KG-UVD1P
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of the WOUXUN KG-UVD1P.
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VA7CRH
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 20, 2009 16:25
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Great audio, so-so menus
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Picked up the US version of the KG-UVD1P from eBay after researching the legality of using it in Canada. They are not cleared for sale here, but can be used as long as one doesn't TX out of band and is licensed to TX in band.
Price, delivery cost and time were very reasonable - from Hong Kong.
I got the 2M 220MHz version - make sure you specify because the model number doesn't distinguish between the other band-pairings available (ie. 2M - 440 MHz). Also note, these TX outside of North American bands.
The electronics of the rig are very good, comparable to the Icom 91A handheld I have. The commercial FM-band standard option (ie. 88 - 108 MHz RX) is where the unit shines in audio. It is remarkably easy on the ear.
The display shows two frequency options, alternating from an A/B button on the front. But this is what makes it perhaps not a "true" dual bander - it really is a monobander with one-VFO but with two frequencies on the display. Mine is more properly called a monobander from 136 - 280 MHz, with the 174 - 216 MHz portion missing, if you get the drift. All memories are accessable from both displays.
Proof that this is probably not a true dual bander - but a dual frequency display - is that one cannot have one display on VFO and the other in memory. The menu-switch determines both displays' status....
Except for setting offset, CTCSS tone and such, which DO seem to be specific to either upper or lower display. So it takes a bit of getting used to.
From very good "sound" and electronics from such a small unit, to the menu system... it's best to say that the menus system is simplistically awkward. Some of the menu sub-options here are available from a front-button from more conventional rigs, like CTCSS entry and some memory functions. In the KG-UVS1P one has to access the menu, then scroll through the one-deep layer to find each parameter. After a while it begins to make sense, and there is a lot of button pushing. However, there is an option to go directly to each by memorizing the menu-number for each - but it is still somewhat simplistically cumbersome. I mean, Reprogramming after a number of weeks and the shortcuts need to be re-remembered!
Have yet to get the optional programming cable, and surmise that computer programming will clear up all the awkwardness.
One of the side buttons can be set to engage the commercial FM-Band or other functions - an omission is that CTCSS tone or other common functions are could have been included on this side button and were not.
It is well built and feels good in the hand. The backlight could have a further setting deep in the menus allowing it to be always on, rather that the only two options of "off" or 3 second delay before turning off.
I could have used more memories, as well as the ability to scan through banks of memories - but for the price can live without such.
Also, the cigarette lighter "charger" only allows the cradle to be plugged in to the car, not the radio directly. Further - when the radio is receiving a sig, the buttons don't respond! Thess are major oversights really, but not enough to downgrade the rating.
Generally I agree with most of what other reviewers write. In the final analysis, I'd buy another in a heartbeat. I know what I'm getting (very good audio) and can live with these low cost shortcomings.
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Product is in production.
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