Wouxun KG-805G GMRS Radio
The Wouxun KG-805G radio comes in two versions. The 805G is a GMRS radio for use on the licensed GMRS band. The 805M is configured for the MURS band. In this review we’ll be discussing the 805G, GMRS radio.
KG-805G Features
I called this a mid-level radio based primarily on price. As I write this, the KG-805G is priced right at $80 dollars US. For example, I’ve reviewed a set of two BaoFeng radios that come in at about $60. You can, of course find higher priced GMRS radios, too.
We’ll take a closer look at both the radio and programming software in just a minute, but let’s chat a bit about some important features of the KG-805G.
Like nearly all GMRS radios, the 805G has all 30 GMRS channels. This includes 22 regular channels labelled channels 1 through 22 and eight repeater channels. Also like most GMRS radios you can only transmit on the 30 preprogrammed channels. Unfortunately, that’s a function of the FCC rules for GMRS radios.
So while this radio has128 memory slots for user identified frequencies, they are receive only channels. Only the 30 preprogrammed channels can be used to transmit. User defined channels must be in the 400 to 470 MHz band as the 805 G is a single band, UHF radio.
This means that if you are changing areas or groups, you’ll need to change any CTCSS or DCS code using the radio’s menus. You can also make those changes with the radio’s customer programming software on a computer, but it’s easy to do on the radio itself.
KG-805G is a Single Band Radio
Unlike other dual band GMRS radios, the 805G won’t pick up NOAA weather broadcasts as they are in the VHF band.
The KG-805 G does allow you to change the power level of the high channels to low using the CPS. That means channels 1- 8 and 15 through 30 can be changed to low and in fact, the radio broadcast at low power according to my power meter. Unfortunately, channels 9 through 14 can also be set to high and the radio broadcasts at high power. This is not lawful in the US and should probably be fixed in the CPS. Power settings aren’t accessible in the radio’s faceplate menus, only the CPS.
There really aren’t many use cases where you’d want to reduce power in the radio so stay legal and don’t mess with power settings in the CPS.
The KG-805G has customer programming software as do most GMRS radios. This freely downloadable software allows you to connect the radio to your computer and make changes to various settings and easily add channels to the available receive-only channels.
KG-805G Pros
Wouxon has a solid reputation for producing good quality radios and the KG-805 G is no exception. It fits in your hand easily and the limited control buttons on the radio’s faceplate allows for easy changes to various settings such as CTCSS or DCS tones.
Build quality seems solid and the radio should be able to deal with outdoor use around the campsite or worksite.
KG-805G Cons
If there’s anything to complain about or watch out for is that that this radio is a single band radio. It’s designed that way and works as it should. However, if you want to program in both UHF and VHR receive channels or listen to NOAA weather broadcasts, this radio won’t do that. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a small handheld that does GMRS well, the KG-805G might be for you.
If you’re still thinking about why you might want to get a GMRS license and use what the FCC calls the Part 95 Radio Service, I’ve got a GMRS overview video on the channel I’ll link to on this video’s end card to help you decide whether this technology meets your communications needs.
Closing
The Wouxun KG-805G is a solid radio for basic GMRS use. Wouxun has a solid reputation in the handheld radio market.
