A year ago we launched the Wouxun KG-805G GMRS radio. Its popularity confirmed for us that there is a market for high end, professional grade GMRS equipment. We're taking the next step and applying the principals that led to the KG-805G to a mobile radio. Today, we're announcing the Wouxun KG-1000G Professional Mobile GMRS Radio.
When we started the process that led to creating the KG-1000G, our goal was to end up with a GMRS mobile radio that didn't require any compromises. Looking at other GMRS mobiles that are available, it seemed that no matter what, choosing one feature means giving up another. We think that what we ended up with in the KG-1000G has it all, and we truly believe that it is now the best mobile GMRS radio in the world.
Let's take a look at some of the key features of the KG-1000G.
Power
Power is, of course, a key component of any radio as it directly contributes to the range of the radio. The FCC has set limits within the GMRS defining the maximum power for each channel, and it was important to us that the KG-1000G be able to deliver the maximum power allowed. Maximum power is also not always necessary, so the flexibility to switch to a lower power output when necessary is key.
The KG-1000G will transmit at up to 50 watts on high power and 5 watts on low power. Medium power is adjustable and can be set to either 10 or 20 watts.
Display and Installation Options
A current dilema with GMRS users seems to be, "Do I select a lower powered radio that is smaller and easier to install in a vehicle, or a full size high powered radio that's more difficult to mount?" No doubt vehicle installation options are a big concern, as newer vehicles in particular are leaving fewer options for clean installs.
The KG-1000G provides the best of both worlds. It's a high powered, full size radio but has a detachable faceplate. The faceplate can be removed from the radio and mounted in a remote location. This allows you to, for example, hide the radio body away in a trunk or under a seat while mounting the display within view of the driver. A remote display extension cable is used to connect the faceplate to the body and is included with the radio.
The flexibility of the KG-1000G display doesn't end there. The angle of the display can be adjusted even when attached to the radio by using the included adapters. By default the display is angled upward at around 30 degrees. This can be adjusted to have the display face straight ahead, or downward at 30 degrees.
Dual Display and Dual Watch
The display is divided into two separate areas, essentially making the KG-1000G two radios in one. Each side of the display can monitor a separate channel or frequency, with its own volume control and settings. Each side can also perform other functions, such as a channel scan, so you could monitor a channel on one side while scanning on the other. There are other radios that offer this feature, but the KG-1000G makes it simple and intuitive to use.
NOAA Mode
When we made the decision to offer NOAA weather channel support, we wanted it to be easy to use. Other radios may require weather channels be added as just another channel in the channel list. This is inconvenient, as you have to tune away from your primary channel. The KG-1000G has a NOAA weather mode. Simply hold the BAND key for a couple of seconds and weather mode is activated, instantly tuning your last weather channel. Hold BAND again and you're back where you started.
Wide RX Range and Frequency (VFO) Mode
As a GMRS radio, the KG-1000G is only allowed to transmit on the frequencies that are part of the GMRS. However, that does not limit the frequencies that can be received or monitored. The KG-1000G can receive on any frequency in the following ranges: 50-53.995, 108-179.995, 320-349.995, 400-479.995 and 700-985 MHz. Included in that range are airband frequencies where AM is often used, and the KG-1000G can even auto-detect and demodulate AM!
With such a wide receive range it would be a shame if non-GMRS frequencies had to be programmed in as channels before they could be accessed. The KG-1000G supports Frequency Mode to allow you to use the channel knob to tune a frequency directly. If you find a frequency that you want to save for later, a channel can be added and named directly through the menu. Up to 999 channels are supported.
Repeater Channels and Tone support
Of course the KG-1000G has the 8 GMRS repeater channels built-in, but if you use multiple repeaters with the same frequency and different tones you can add additional repeater channels. You can even do it directly through the radio without using programming software.
Full CTCSS and DCS support is provided, including custom tones. You can assign a different tone to receive and transmit, commonly referred to as "split tones". Even better, the KG-1000G supports CTCSS/DCS tone scan, allowing you to detect the tone of incoming transmissions and automatically set the tone on the current channel to match.
Repeater Mode
Two KG-1000G's can be paired to become a fully legal GMRS repeater! Link two radios using a repeater cable (included) and you're running your own 50 watt GMRS repeater! This is great for those who need an occasional repeater while on the go, or even for those looking for a more permanent repeater at a value price.
Full Featured Hand Microphone
The hand microphone that is included with the KG-1000G is backlit, includes a loud speaker with separate volume control, and provides quick access to many radio features.
Classic Circuit
Wouxun says the KG-1000G is built using a "classic radio circuit", but what they mean to do is differentiate their products from many lower quality radios being built today. Often radios are built using "radio-on-a-chip" technology that makes them inexpensive to produce, but often inferior in sound quality and receive sensitivity. The KG-1000G is a "real" radio, with a superheterodyne receiver, built in the same way as expensive professional radios made by large manufacturers.
Legal For GMRS
The Wouxun KG-1000G is FCC approved for both parts 95E (GMRS) and 15B (scanning). The FCC ID number is WVTWOUXUN20
Availability
The KG-1000G just received it's FCC approval last Friday (11/20) and we are expecting our initial shipment to arrive during the week of December 7-11. We are accepting pre-orders at this time. Our first shipment is limited in quantity. If our orders exceed the number of units that we are expecting in this shipment, we will stop taking orders until the date of our next shipment is more certain.
We recommend pairing the KG-1000G with a Nagoya NL-770G GMRS Antenna and a Nagoya RB-MJPL Strong Magnetic Mount Base, although there are other antenna options available that will work fine. The Wouxun KG-1000G is available for pre-order at $319.99. Click here for full details, or to place an order.
