Wouxun KG-UV980P Quad Band Mobile Radio Review: An In-Depth Look
Introduction: The Wouxun KG-UV980P is a versatile and feature-packed mobile transceiver that offers quad-band operation across VHF, UHF, and Air Band frequencies. With its solid construction, wide frequency coverage, and a host of features tailored for both amateur radio operators and aviation enthusiasts, the KG-UV980P stands out in the crowded mobile radio market. This review delves deep into the radio's design, performance, features, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right radio for your needs.
Overview of the Wouxun KG-UV980P
The Wouxun KG-UV980P is a quad-band mobile radio that covers the following frequency ranges:
VHF 136-174 MHz
UHF 400-480 MHz
Air Band (118-136 MHz)
This radio provides support for both analog FM modes as well as the ability to receive and transmit on a broad spectrum of frequencies, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from ham radio operation to aviation communications. It also offers dual receive capability on VHF/UHF frequencies, making it a great option for users who want to listen to two channels simultaneously.
The KG-UV980P is marketed primarily toward amateur radio operators and aviation enthusiasts, but its capability to monitor air bands is a unique feature that differentiates it from many other mobile radios in the same price range. Whether you're a hobbyist, a technician, or an emergency responder, this transceiver promises to deliver reliable performance across diverse communication bands.
Design and Build Quality
Construction
The Wouxun KG-UV980P has a rugged, durable design typical of mobile radios, built to handle the stresses of both in-vehicle operation and outdoor environments. The radio features a metal chassis with a matte black finish, contributing to both its aesthetic appeal and sturdiness.
Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.7 x 7.7 inches (160 x 43 x 195 mm)
Weight: 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
The large LCD display is a standout feature, offering easy readability with bright, backlit digits and clearly labeled buttons. The front panel also includes an intuitive keypad for quick access to settings and functionality. The controls are well-spaced and responsive, which makes navigating through the radio’s extensive settings relatively straightforward.
Display: 2-inch color LCD display with clear readouts for frequency, power level, channel, and other settings.
Buttons: Functional and tactile, designed for use while driving or on the go.
Knobs: Includes a large volume and squelch knob, providing tactile feel and precision.
The overall build quality is solid, and it feels well-suited for use in a vehicle environment or as part of a mobile radio station. The heat dissipation is also well-managed, thanks to the aluminum construction, which helps ensure stable operation even during long transmission sessions.
Key Features and Performance
Quad-Band Operation
One of the key selling points of the KG-UV980P is its ability to transmit and receive on four bands:
VHF (136-174 MHz)
UHF (400-480 MHz)
Air Band (118-136 MHz)
Wideband Receive (0.5-1,000 MHz)
The inclusion of air band reception is a particularly exciting feature, especially for aviation enthusiasts. The KG-UV980P can receive transmissions from aircraft, control towers, and weather services, which broadens its utility beyond traditional ham radio activities. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want to monitor multiple types of communications, including aviation traffic, public safety, and general-purpose two-way radio communications.
Dual Receive and Dual Display
The dual receive feature is another notable strength. The KG-UV980P allows you to listen to two separate frequencies simultaneously—one on the VHF band and another on the UHF band. This is ideal for users who need to monitor multiple communications at once, such as emergency responders or ham radio operators who want to keep an ear on two separate bands. The radio uses a dual display configuration to show both frequencies at once, allowing you to keep track of two active channels.
Power Output
The radio supports variable power output:
High Power: 50 watts (VHF) / 40 watts (UHF)
Mid Power: 25 watts (VHF/UHF)
Low Power: 5 watts (VHF/UHF)
This range of power settings ensures that users can adjust the output based on their requirements. The higher output is suitable for long-distance communications, while the lower output can be used to conserve power or reduce interference when operating in close proximity.
Multiple Modes of Operation
The KG-UV980P supports various modes, including:
FM
NFM (Narrowband FM)
WFM (Wideband FM) for airband reception
The inclusion of narrowband FM (NFM) is especially useful for ham operators, ensuring compliance with most radio communications standards in terms of bandwidth. Wideband FM (WFM) is optimized for airband communication, providing clearer and more intelligible audio when receiving aviation transmissions.
Memory Channels
The KG-UV980P allows you to store up to 999 memory channels, providing plenty of room for storing your favorite frequencies. Channels can be organized by frequency, name, and other parameters, making it easy to recall them quickly.
Scanning Functions
The scanning features on the KG-UV980P are robust and can scan through memory channels, VFO frequencies, or even a pre-programmed scan list. This is essential for users who want to monitor a broad range of frequencies or track specific types of transmissions.
User Interface and Ease of Use
LCD Display and Controls
The 2-inch color LCD display is bright and easy to read, even in low-light conditions. The dual-frequency display is a particularly helpful feature, as it allows you to keep track of two channels at once. The menus are easy to navigate, and most of the settings can be adjusted via the radio’s keypad.
The radio uses a combination of buttons and knobs to provide users with precise control over the radio’s functions. The volume and squelch knobs are easy to operate, even while driving. The 16-button keypad is functional, but some users may find it a bit cramped, especially when trying to access more advanced settings.
Programming
Programming the KG-UV980P can be done either manually via the keypad or through software via a PC interface. The software is generally user-friendly and allows for more efficient programming of memory channels, scan lists, and other settings. The manual programming process can be time-consuming, but for those who prefer direct control, it’s still a viable option.
Audio Quality and Reception
Transmit Audio
Transmit audio quality on the KG-UV980P is excellent, with clear and intelligible voice transmission. The built-in high-quality microphone picks up your voice clearly, even in noisy environments. The transmission audio has good modulation and does not suffer from noticeable distortion, even at higher power levels.
Receive Audio
The radio provides clear audio on both VHF and UHF bands, and the audio output through the external speaker is loud and easy to hear, even in noisy settings. The airband reception is particularly impressive, offering clear and intelligible communications from aircraft. The squelch control works effectively to eliminate unwanted noise and interference, while the wide dynamic range ensures that weaker signals can still be heard.
Sensitivity and Selectivity
The KG-UV980P offers good sensitivity across the frequency bands, picking up both strong and weak signals with ease. Selectivity is also commendable, with the radio able to filter out unwanted signals and interference effectively. It handles crowded bands well and minimizes distortion, especially in congested UHF and VHF bands.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Quad-band coverage including VHF, UHF, and Airband.
Dual receive and dual display capabilities for monitoring two frequencies simultaneously.
High power output (50W VHF, 40W UHF) for long-distance communication.
Clear audio quality for both transmit and receive, even at higher power levels.
Programmable memory channels and scan functions for easy frequency management.
Rugged design suitable for in-vehicle use or as part of a mobile station.
Ability to receive airband frequencies makes it a great option for aviation enthusiasts.
Good software programming support for advanced users.
Cons:
Manual programming can be tedious without the use of software.
The display and buttons may be difficult to operate while driving for some users.
Limited power output options for certain specialized use cases.
Airband transmission is not supported (receive only).
Conclusion
The Wouxun KG-UV980P is a high-performance quad-band mobile radio that offers excellent value for users seeking wide frequency coverage, dual receive capability, and robust transmission power. Whether you're an amateur radio operator, an aviation enthusiast, or someone who needs to monitor multiple frequencies in a mobile environment, the KG-UV980P offers an impressive set of features that make it a standout choice in the mobile radio market.
With its durable construction, clear audio quality, and versatile functionality, the KG-UV980P is an excellent investment for anyone serious about radio communications. The inclusion of airband reception and dual receive functionality sets it apart from many other radios in this price range, making it a strong contender for both casual and professional users alike.