Sub'ed for the GMRS content. CB's since the 70's, mainly for off-roading use. Got licensed for HAM in the 80's but just never found I enjoyed it all that much. Recently, the off-road crowd has moved on from CB's for the most part (but not all) to GMRS and some groups (overlanders) will use HAM. So here I am... thanks for the great content!
Thank You for another great review. I ordered one, should be here in a day or two. Looking forward to playing with it. In other reviews, the power output has been just a hair under 5.5 watts and the antenna appears to be very efficient. It's good to see the short comings you have pointed out. I think it's a true duel receive radio...not 100% sure though. For the $$$, it should be a Super-Het radio, but the SOC design is much better than the design of the cheaper radios as far as sensitivity and rejection from what what I've seen on other channels. I'll find out in use. I really hope that Yaesu comes out with a radio in the future. I very much like your real world views on how things work in practice. Not something you see in other reviews. As to what's available on the market today, this radio looks to be at the top of the heap. IP rating, big battery and useful features make this a desirable radio. Life is too short to use cheap radios. I always want a radio I can count on when really needed. Oh....a flashlight that actually is usable. I've seen a video of a guy exploring a cave and his handheld flashlight run out of battery. The guy used his Baofeng flashlight to get out of the cave. Bet he would have done better with this radio...lol
Wouxun UV-3Q from Aliexpress wide open dual band version of this unit. I have the 935 and the UV-8H..the 3Q is like a replacement for both. My main complaint on all 3 of these is the visibility in direct sunlight. The KG-905G has a better screen in that regard.
I was very disappointed with the stock antenna. My boafeng bf-f8hp was so much more clear. Instead of returning, I bought a Nagoya na-771G which made a big difference. I'll keep the kg-935g. I'm looking at the kg916 for the superhetrodine radio.
I'm sending my kg 935 back the top bank doesn't scan correctly. It slower then the bottom bank and will show a transmission on every channel but no audio.The bottom bank works as should is this a setting problem
I appreciate your review - I am a total newbie at this radio stuff and just bought one of these radios. Hope I am not overstepping but I have a question: how did you get the text in the display blue? I can only find white and yellow.
In the menu there is a setting called "Theme" nav to that that selection, click "menu" again and you should be able to move between 4 options with the channel knob. Turn it until you get to "Black-2" click menu and the radio will reboot and you should have that color scheme. Black-2 is the Theme I am currently using.
For me, the major short coming is the slow scan speed. It's faster than a Baofeng, but far slower than my old FT-60. Performance has been very good. I like it's IP66 also. I'd buy one again.
One thing you might try which I do. Add a 141.3 (aka Travel Tone) to the xmit (encode) of every channel in the radio. That includes GMRS 1-14, GMRS 15-22, AND RPT-15 thru RPT-22. Set your receive on all to Carrier Squelch or "OFF" for decode. In many areas, repeaters will be in range that will key up with the 141.3 "privacy" tone. Ditto many may have their CTCSS decoder set for 141.3 on the non-repeat channels. Throw out your call sign on each channel and see if you get a response.
In reference to the keylock feature. I have a Wouxun KG-S88G and it has the keylock feature as well. However, on this radio you still can change the channel with the top channel knob. Also note that this radio is fully submersible. It's a great radio, I really like it a lot. Lonnie
When you have multiple individuals under one GMRS license, how does each person identify when having a conversation when they all have the same callsign?
Thank you for the review. Is there a shorter antenna that can be used with this model? I’m interested in a shorter antenna for group use, where the other members are less than 1/2 mile apart. Thanx
I have a KG-935G antenna video coming up in the next week or so that will feature the Nagoya NA-701G. It is not only a good bit shorter than the factory antenna, but also works much better.
So if GMRS channels are specific to a range of frequencies and specific channels 1-30 being uniformly set, can you make your own channels within the band range and save into memory slot?
Definitely, yes. Of all my GMRS radios this one is the most versatile in this regard. You can set your channels up however you like and have as many as you like up to around 900 channel slots. Something that you cannot do with other GMRS radios such as the Radioddity GM-30. I will do a video showing my setup sometime soon.
@@KS6DAY thanks...look forward to that. I ended up ordering the KG- UV9GX but haven't received it yet as website said 15 week backorder. Hopefully this will be a good radio too.
Just an off the wall side note as it relates to scanning on these GMRS radios and the cost of these GMRS radios. The "cost" of these radios is very cheap compared to a scanner that will receive most public safety frequencies now that are in the 800Mhz range and use P25 to decode the voice. (I'm just referring to Indiana really here where I'm from as other states use 700Mhz or 800Mhz and use other forms of voice "encryption") Anyways.......A Uniden Bearcat scanner now that will receive basically everything that a scanner CAN receive (minus cellular) and scans at a blistering pace costs upwards of $650!!! Yikes.....so a $150 GMRS radio is a great buy for the GMRS world it's intended for but if you're interested in scanning outside those bands or in those bands, be prepared for sticker shock to get a receiver that'll pick up what your local police, fire, State police, EMS, etc are using most likely in the state you're in a SHTF scenario or something a bit less than SHTF but still may be quite a concern for a fully prepared prepper. My .02 and just a note. Getting my 935G soon (so I can transmit)!!! And love my Uniden scanner.
The 935G is robust with it’s IP rating, but some of the software functions are frustrating. Wouxun’s KG-UV9 line, which they make GMRS versions, has a better user interface and the top knobs quick scroll, but you don’t get the IP rating. I’m still waiting for Kg-UV8H and 935G chirp compatibility. It takes forever to program hundreds of channels without being able to copy paste from Chirp. Thanks for continuing to make GMRS videos from a ham viewpoint.
I have a KG UV-9P that I am becoming very fond of. My only complaint is the display backlight, but they fixed that with a dark display version. I will be doing a review very soon on that one.
I actually emailed Yaesu and was told they had no interest in making a GMRS radio. So unless it really explodes they probably will stick to the Amateur band stuff only. If i can get the rest of my family on the GMRS bus I like the Wouxun 805 because it has GMRS and FM.
Not that I have found. And I have indeed been looking as the HAM equivalent of the KG-935G, the KG-UV8H, lacks a few of the excellent features of the KG-935G such as the TDR button. I will definitely shout it out if I ever find a way to do it.
Sub'ed for the GMRS content. CB's since the 70's, mainly for off-roading use. Got licensed for HAM in the 80's but just never found I enjoyed it all that much. Recently, the off-road crowd has moved on from CB's for the most part (but not all) to GMRS and some groups (overlanders) will use HAM. So here I am... thanks for the great content!
Great choice of radio. I have KG-935G along with a MARS modded Yaesu VX-6R. Terrific pairing! Purchased your case for the VX-6R and love it.
Thank You for another great review. I ordered one, should be here in a day or two. Looking forward to playing with it. In other reviews, the power output has been just a hair under 5.5 watts and the antenna appears to be very efficient. It's good to see the short comings you have pointed out. I think it's a true duel receive radio...not 100% sure though. For the $$$, it should be a Super-Het radio, but the SOC design is much better than the design of the cheaper radios as far as sensitivity and rejection from what what I've seen on other channels. I'll find out in use. I really hope that Yaesu comes out with a radio in the future. I very much like your real world views on how things work in practice. Not something you see in other reviews. As to what's available on the market today, this radio looks to be at the top of the heap. IP rating, big battery and useful features make this a desirable radio. Life is too short to use cheap radios. I always want a radio I can count on when really needed. Oh....a flashlight that actually is usable. I've seen a video of a guy exploring a cave and his handheld flashlight run out of battery. The guy used his Baofeng flashlight to get out of the cave. Bet he would have done better with this radio...lol
"Life is too short to use cheap radios". I like that.
FYI undocumented feature. If you are in scan mode and it stops on a channel you can hold the arrow up or down to contine scanning.
Thank you. Got one. Having problems programming into memory channels
Wouxun UV-3Q from Aliexpress wide open dual band version of this unit. I have the 935 and the UV-8H..the 3Q is like a replacement for both. My main complaint on all 3 of these is the visibility in direct sunlight. The KG-905G has a better screen in that regard.
Not oddly, my first GMRS HT is the Baofeng UV-9G and second is this Wouxun. I'm brand new at two-way radios so thanks for lots of good information.
This has been my gmrs main for a few months now. I really enjoy it. I plan on getting the ham version soon
I was very disappointed with the stock antenna. My boafeng bf-f8hp was so much more clear. Instead of returning, I bought a Nagoya na-771G which made a big difference. I'll keep the kg-935g. I'm looking at the kg916 for the superhetrodine radio.
I'm sending my kg 935 back the top bank doesn't scan correctly. It slower then the bottom bank and will show a transmission on every channel but no audio.The bottom bank works as should is this a setting problem
Have you tried to unlock transmitting on other frequencies using chirp?
Excellent video! I just got my KG-935plus version
I bought the KG-905G last year. Living in a hurricane prone area, I have a bunch that I can pass out should an evacuation be required.
I appreciate your review - I am a total newbie at this radio stuff and just bought one of these radios. Hope I am not overstepping but I have a question: how did you get the text in the display blue? I can only find white and yellow.
You can change the color of the text and background in the menu. Not sure as to what the options are yet as my radio has not arrived yet.
In the menu there is a setting called "Theme" nav to that that selection, click "menu" again and you should be able to move between 4 options with the channel knob. Turn it until you get to "Black-2" click menu and the radio will reboot and you should have that color scheme. Black-2 is the Theme I am currently using.
For me, the major short coming is the slow scan speed. It's faster than a Baofeng, but far slower than my old FT-60. Performance has been very good. I like it's IP66 also. I'd buy one again.
Please do a review on a GMRS mobile transceiver.
In scan use the up/down keys if you don’t want to restart.
Got one and I'm not sure if it works. I can't get anyone to reply to me at all. Maybe no one has gmrs around here.
One thing you might try which I do. Add a 141.3 (aka Travel Tone) to the xmit (encode) of every channel in the radio. That includes GMRS 1-14, GMRS 15-22, AND RPT-15 thru RPT-22. Set your receive on all to Carrier Squelch or "OFF" for decode. In many areas, repeaters will be in range that will key up with the 141.3 "privacy" tone. Ditto many may have their CTCSS decoder set for 141.3 on the non-repeat channels. Throw out your call sign on each channel and see if you get a response.
In reference to the keylock feature. I have a Wouxun KG-S88G and it has the keylock feature as well. However, on this radio you still can change the channel with the top channel knob. Also note that this radio is fully submersible. It's a great radio, I really like it a lot.
Lonnie
There is a limited edition kg935 just got it has every option included
When you have multiple individuals under one GMRS license, how does each person identify when having a conversation when they all have the same callsign?
You can add an alpha/numeric designator to the end of the callsign.
Thank you for the review.
Is there a shorter antenna that can be used with this model? I’m interested in a shorter antenna for group use, where the other members are less than 1/2 mile apart.
Thanx
I have a KG-935G antenna video coming up in the next week or so that will feature the Nagoya NA-701G. It is not only a good bit shorter than the factory antenna, but also works much better.
@@KS6DAY would this work for shorter distances (1K yards, line of sight)?
cdn3.volusion.com/zjtzu.trdxw/v/vspfiles/photos/46560-2.jpg
Best gmrs ht on the market
My Wouxun KG-UV9G does not beep on power up
At 4:02 frequency range 462.550Mhz to 462.725Mhz?? Did you mean 467.725Mhz?
Yes
Great radio except I can’t read the display outside.
So if GMRS channels are specific to a range of frequencies and specific channels 1-30 being uniformly set, can you make your own channels within the band range and save into memory slot?
Definitely, yes. Of all my GMRS radios this one is the most versatile in this regard. You can set your channels up however you like and have as many as you like up to around 900 channel slots. Something that you cannot do with other GMRS radios such as the Radioddity GM-30. I will do a video showing my setup sometime soon.
@@KS6DAY thanks...look forward to that. I ended up ordering the KG- UV9GX but haven't received it yet as website said 15 week backorder. Hopefully this will be a good radio too.
Just an off the wall side note as it relates to scanning on these GMRS radios and the cost of these GMRS radios. The "cost" of these radios is very cheap compared to a scanner that will receive most public safety frequencies now that are in the 800Mhz range and use P25 to decode the voice. (I'm just referring to Indiana really here where I'm from as other states use 700Mhz or 800Mhz and use other forms of voice "encryption") Anyways.......A Uniden Bearcat scanner now that will receive basically everything that a scanner CAN receive (minus cellular) and scans at a blistering pace costs upwards of $650!!! Yikes.....so a $150 GMRS radio is a great buy for the GMRS world it's intended for but if you're interested in scanning outside those bands or in those bands, be prepared for sticker shock to get a receiver that'll pick up what your local police, fire, State police, EMS, etc are using most likely in the state you're in a SHTF scenario or something a bit less than SHTF but still may be quite a concern for a fully prepared prepper. My .02 and just a note. Getting my 935G soon (so I can transmit)!!! And love my Uniden scanner.
The 935G is robust with it’s IP rating, but some of the software functions are frustrating. Wouxun’s KG-UV9 line, which they make GMRS versions, has a better user interface and the top knobs quick scroll, but you don’t get the IP rating. I’m still waiting for Kg-UV8H and 935G chirp compatibility. It takes forever to program hundreds of channels without being able to copy paste from Chirp.
Thanks for continuing to make GMRS videos from a ham viewpoint.
I have a KG UV-9P that I am becoming very fond of. My only complaint is the display backlight, but they fixed that with a dark display version. I will be doing a review very soon on that one.
I actually emailed Yaesu and was told they had no interest in making a GMRS radio. So unless it really explodes they probably will stick to the Amateur band stuff only. If i can get the rest of my family on the GMRS bus I like the Wouxun 805 because it has GMRS and FM.
Anyway to open this up for HAM bands?
Not that I have found. And I have indeed been looking as the HAM equivalent of the KG-935G, the KG-UV8H, lacks a few of the excellent features of the KG-935G such as the TDR button. I will definitely shout it out if I ever find a way to do it.
@@KS6DAY Too bad. I’m not buying another radio without usb-c and I’d really like the 935g, but with the bands of the uv9d.
Excellent video
It's pronounced OCEAN
👍🏽👍🏽
check out radioddty gm30, great price and way better than the feng.just purchased kg-935
I'm definitely getting one of the GM-30's as soon as possible. I've had several people recommend it highly and I like the USB charging option.