Which Wouxun KG-UV2D model to buy?

[cmario]

Got my Tech license a few months ago and was looking at the Wouxun KG-UV2D as my first radio. I live just outside of San Francisco and would like opinions on what frequency range model to buy. My main use is communicating with family who live within a 30 mile radius. My wife and son are studying for their Tech. Lic. as we speak.

Listed below are the frequency's in question.
Thanks!!

136 - 174 mhz & 216 - 280 mhz

136 - 174 mhz & 350 - 470 mhz

136 - 174 mhz & 420 - 520 mhz

 

[KJ6HYC]

I have the KG-UV1D (2M & 440) and the KG-UV3D (2M & 220), so the answer is; what band(s) are you active on? 2M is usually a given, then you deside 220 or 440.

 

[cmario]

The answer is I'm not. No radio no activity. I did find a map that shows repeaters in my area and found most are 440. Looks like that will be my choice unless there is an advantage in 220.

Thanks for the reply

 

[W5LZ]

Not much advantage in having a 220 radio if there aren't any 220 repeaters around.
- 'Doc

 

[cmario]

Thank you Doc.

Another radio mention in this thread (KG-UV1D) is said to be a professional radio that has the ability to program RX and TX frequencies. I looked up what RX and TX is and figured it has something to do with the commercial industry which I have no interest in. Sorry if this is an obvious question to most but I don't want to miss out on something that I may be able to use.

cm

 

[W5LZ]

That means that the receiving frequency and transmitting frequencies can be programmed in independently. Transmitting on one frequency and receiving on another is quite common and is how repeaters work. A repeater receives a signal on it's input frequency and immediately/simutaniously retransmits it on it's output frequency. Since most repeaters are located 'higher' than an individuals radio, and typically has more power output, it means that the repeated signal is heard further, especially in the case of hand held radios. That's a nice thingy to have around, right?
- 'Doc

 

[cmario]

Doc, I'd say yes if I fully understood but I will eventually. So I guess it's better going with the KG-UV1D?

cm

 

[bw3us]

Go with the KG-UV1D... it works great and is only around $100.
I have both the VX-8GR and the KG-UV1D and both work well. No need for the low power 220 as 2M and 440 are more than enough for local repeaters.
Bill, k3waw

 

[Qwazyone]

136 - 174 mhz & 350 - 470 mhz

136 - 174 mhz & 420 - 520 mhz

Order a wouxun from wouxun.us that uses either of the frequency pairs above since you have no 220 repeaters, and by ordering from wouxun.us the frequencies will be locked so that you can't transmit outside the amateur bands for the US but the wider RX range should still work

 

[pstewart99]

Congratulations on your new 'ticket'! Other than Public Safety, there is not much use for 220 in the SF Bay area. Either of the 440 covering ranges will work. The Wouxun is arduous to program manually- be sure and get the programming cable and software.

 

[oe2lro]

it doesnt matter which version,

because with the programming cable you can lock/unlock the range u wanna have.

 

[n0zna]

dont bother with 220 mhz,there isnt much there get the 2 mtr 440 mhz...congrats on the lic...73s de JW

 

[cmario]

Thank you for all the replies. I purchased the KG-UV2D 420-520 a couple of days ago and so far it has been what everyone has said it would be “Great little $100 radio”. I’ve got a lot to learn and think this HT radio is perfect for now. I'll step up to bigger and better things later. I was wondering if anyone has any experience using it simplex with another HT Wouxun radio? What was your max range and sound quality?

 

[FatHam]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience using it simplex with another HT Wouxun radio? What was your max range and sound quality?

I've got a KG-UV1D & KG-UV3D and have used them simplex on both 2m & 440. Range TOTALLY depends on your surroundings/terrain. Worst case is a river canyon that I frequent with lots of twists, turns and trees. Range under the worst conditions is 3/4 to 1 mile. "Line of site", I've used them to about 4 miles, but haven't tried to get a "max" range out of them.

 

[cmario]

Looking for 8 miles line of sight. What if one is connected to a Yagi antenna? Think that would work? Sorry if questions are basic but I’m new to the hobby. Thanks