Kensung KG-6228 Programmable Handheld UHF Radio

Kensung / Wouxun KG-6228 Programmable UHF Transceiver

Kensung KG-6228 is a UHF Two-Way Radio made in China.
It covers 400MHz~470MHz with 38 CTCSS codes, able to store TX/RX independent frequencies, repeater shift, CTCSS code in 99* channel memory; manual states 15 memory in error. Green backlit on LCD display and Keypad. It is very simple to operate, press "SET" and number key to access functions.

It's very similar to JingTong JT-308, probably just different firmware on same circuit. Housing size is 3~4mm taller than JT308. Battery pack slides down, no need to remove belt clip for exchange. Operation is identical except some keys and slight deference on features. On Channel mode, LCD display shows CTCSS code number. Channel is accessible by entering 2 digits channel number from keypad. [SET][3] is to see frequency of the current channel for 10 seconds then automatically back to channel display.

It has a loud 2 seconds power up beep. Keypad beeps loud even volume is fully turned down. No control on these loud noise... but not bad as JingTong.
Large two keys below LCD screen are "SET" & "EXIT" why not "UP" & "DOWN"? Up & Down keys are located at upper right of small 4x4 keypad, not easy to use.

I bought this as a Wouxun KG-6228, item received was Kensung KG-6228. Kensung=Kenwood+Samsung??
Keypad of my KG-6228 is a bit chatty, sometimes one press produces a few. There was burr on battery pack plastic case, no problems I sanded them off nicely.
It's a same manual as JT308 with a few editing, written in Engrish.

Removal of Power pack is not written on the manual. Slide lock at bottom of unit towards front, Slide power pack down.

The User's Manual is written in Engrish, takes the better part of a day to decode.

KenSung / WouXun KG-6228 Function List

Wouxun KG-5118 Programmable Handheld UHF Radio

Wouxun KG-5118 Programmable UHF Transceiver

This Kenwood TK-3118 housing design clone radio covers 400MHz~470MHz. It has 100 memory channels that could store TX/RX frequencies independently. 2.5W Radio output. Normal operation is in Channel mode, very simple to use. Unlike its looks this radio seems to be designed for work radio, you can't see the frequency on normal operation which is probably the better option for a work/business radio.

Construction of housing is very good, back half is all aluminium, front half is ABS plastic, very solid feel to it. Battery pack slides in from bottom, you don't need to remove Belt Clip to pull out battery pack. LCD and Keypad have green backlit, easy to see at dark.
Sound quality is much better than JingTong JT308, and reception is slightly better. Worth mentioning, No Power Up Tune!
Frequency step is 25KHz. Some information on the net indicate 5/10/12.5/25KHz but I can't find any mentions on the manual. Though manual is not well written, "if it's hard to describe, then don't" seems to be the policy.

Things I don't like is that keypad is made of soft silicon rubber with shiny surface, Feels like sticking to finger tip. It won't slide if you put face down, may be that's the purpose of this keypad... non skid keypad.

Unlike JingTong's Fortune Cookie Manual, KG-5118 manual is understandable though missing some information. No need to say "to enter 450.175MHz, press "4" see fig1, press "5" see fig2, press "0" see fig3...."
Push "450175" then press PTT, done! too simple?

Wouxun KG-5118 Function list

Linton LT-2288/3288 Programmable Handheld Radio

Linton LT-2288/3288 Programmable Transceiver

Motorola GP388 housing design clone Linton LT-3288 is a UHF (VHF LT-2288) Two-Way Radio from in China.
LT-3288 covers 400~470MHz including Amateur 70cm HAM/Business/FRS/GMRS/PMR446/CPC409 band. LT-2288 covers 136~174MHz including Amateur 2m HAM/Business/MURS band.
The Radio requires no computer/external device to program. 99 Channel Memory capacity with Alphanumeric channel naming capability, Repeater shift, CTCSS code per channel. Rotary Encoder makes easy to operate this radio.

▲ Rotary Encoder
LT-3288 /2288 is very well built around Aluminum Alloy chassis inside. Rotary Encoder is very handy especially having 99 channel memory. Unlike some other radios, you don't have to press UP/DOWN buttons repeatedly. Also the encoder works just like a tuning knob on Direct Frequency mode.

▲ Alphanumeric Channel Naming
Channel Naming capability is one of unique features of this radio, think as 5 letters memo. Programmed channels become more useful.

▼ Errors in Operation Manual
Manual covers just basic operations and Menu Mode instruction is incorrect describing only 4 setups, actually 11 on the radio. 4 setups correspond to identical looking KYD TK-338, probably they didn't update manual upon upgrade on firmware or processor. Functions are correct on manual.

Computer Programming capability (unverified) is on spec. but no info on cable. Software is downloadable from manufacturers' web site.

1W/4W Radio Power

99 Channel Memory with Direct Channel input from Keypad

5/6.25/12.5/25 KHz Frequency Steps

Repeater Ready (shift +, - 0~19.995MHz)

50 CTCSS with Frequency Display (Independent TX/RX Memory)

Digital Squelch Control (level 0~9)

Programmed Channels/Full Band Scan with selectable Resume mode (Time-Out / Carrier-Out)

Direct Frequency Input

Direct 2 digits Channel Number Input

Multi Purpose Rotary Encoder

Large Blue Backlit Alphanumeric Multi LCD Display

Green Lighted Keypad

Battery Strength Meter

Signal Strength Meter

Top mounted LED TX Indicator

Backlit Control (full time/auto/off)

Monitor Key (Open Squelch)

Keypad Lock

Keypad Beep

Power-On Message: Personalized or Battery Voltage Read out

Micro Processor Controlled

2.5mm/3.5mm (12mm Pitch) Remote Speaker/Microphone Jacks

58mm x 95mm x 28mm / 2-1/4" x 3-7/8" x 1-1/8" (WxHxD approx. body only)

230g / 8oz. (approx. incl. Battery & Antenna)

Remote Speaker/Microphone (Kenwood Compatible)

Linton LT-3288/2288 Quick Guide & Function List

Jingtong JT-208/308 Programmable Handheld Radio

JingTong JT-208/308 Programmable Compact Transceiver

Kenwood TH-22AT housing design clone JingTong JT-308 is a UHF Two-Way Radio made in China.
It covers JT-208 VHF/136~174MHz, JT-308 UHF/400~470MHz with 38 CTCSS codes, able to store TX/RX independent frequencies, repeater shift, CTCSS code in 30 channel memory; manual states 15 memory in error. Decent build quality, you don't feel like holding thin plastic box. Nice blue backlit on LCD display. It is very simple to operate, press "SET" and number key to access functions. Great things about this radio is price, probably less than high end FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies.

▲ Easy Programming
Programming is very easy. Basically set all parameters (ex; frequency, repeater shift & offset, TX tone, RX tone squelch, ect.) in Direct Input mode and try if it works. Then just transfer to one of memory channels by <[B] select channel [C]> Think as copying settings to memory. Some other radio has specific memory setting mode, concept of copying current setting won't work. I like JT-308 type channel programming.

▼ Loud Keypad Beep
It has a very annoying and very loud power up ascending tune. I don't know if this is a Chinese Regulation to tell people around "Everyone! I'm Turning On my Transceiver!" like Japanese cell phone with camera, can't turn off the shutter sound when taking pictures. Keypad beep is loud too, it beeps loud even volume turned down! No control on these loud noise...

▼ Muffled Transmitted Sound
Transmitted voice is somewhat muffled, I guess because they forgot to open small microphone hole... Standard 2.5mm single pin PTT Mic/Speaker will improve the sound quality. Audio output is loud enough in noisy environment.

▼ User's Operation Manual
English Manual is badly written, takes the better part of a day to decode.

■ Desktop Charger
Most of JT-208/308 sold on eBay include 220V Desktop Charger with North American style plug. When pluged in to 110V outlet, Red LED (charger ON) comes on but placing radio on to charger will not light Green LED (charging). Don't assume voltage by shape of the plug, check AC voltage on Desktop Charger.
The Charger is not smart. Green LED means charging, not charged, and will not stop when fully charged. My recommendation is 7~8 hours Max.

■ Battery Pack
Sticker on rechargeable battery pack states "NiCd 7.2V 600mAh" but 6 AAA cells inside are actually Ni-MH batteries. Removal of Power pack is not written on the manual. Push lock on bottom of power pack, Lift power pack up.

Volume control on my JT-308 was very stiff, finger was slipping on small knob, it didn't move. I discovered volume knob was pushed down too far and touching base, pulling the knob fixed the problem.

I must say this is a very high cost performance radio. Just don't expect something you get from Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu handheld radios.

Remote Speaker/Microphone Wiring

JingTong JT-208/308 Quick Guide / Function List

Feidaxin FD-150A/450A Programmable Handheld Radio

Feidaxin FD-150A/450A Programmable Compact Transceiver

Feidaxin FD-450A is a UHF (VHF FD-150A) Two-Way Radio from in China.
FD-450A covers 400~470MHz, FD-150A covers 136~174MHz. The Radio requires no computer/external device to program. TX/RX independent 99 Channel Memory capacity with 50 CTCSS, 104 DCS. A very rugged build radio, professional use in mind.

▲ Rugged Build
FD-450A is very well built around Aluminum Alloy chassis inside. Case housing is thicker than most of other radios. The radio is a bit bigger and heavier than others due to large 6.0v 1200mAh Ni-MH battery pack; nearly 50% of volume.

▲ Easy to read Alphanumeric LCD
Blue backlit large Alphanumeric LCD is easy to read and navigate settings. Viewing angle of LCD is set correctly so that LCD is legible when held by hand. Keypad tone corresponds to volume level and can be turned off.

▲ 50 CTCSS & 104 DCS / Auto Keypad Lock
I could see this radio was designed for Business/Professional use. Auto Keypad Lock prevents accidental changes on settings, small but useful feature for Business/Professional use. The radio is equipped with not only CTCSS but DCS (normal/inverted), making application much wider. Screw hole below remote speaker/microphone jack is to attach connector securely, another small detail for Professional use.

▼ Remote Speaker/Microphone
Motorola* type 8mm pin pitch remote speaker/microphone can be used. But exposed jack has very unprotected looking and both 2.5mm & 3.5mm jacks are not supported by housing; usually barrel of jack is inserted to the hole on housing to relief stress on jack. Stress from pull & twist of the connector goes to soldering points of jacks which is not really comforting. Probably speaker/microphone from Feidaxin is proprietary shape to fit and secured with screw, not giving any stress to jacks and covers opening fully. The radio comes with plastic cover to protect jack opening.

Remote Speaker/Microphone (Motorola Compatible)

*Previously stated as Kenwood 12mm type by error. Thanks spark972 for the correction!

▲ Desktop Charger
Desktop battery charging base contains a LM317 voltage regulator. Charging process is better than dumb charger but indicator is not accurate (could be just mine).
Updated: Battery charger is NOT dumb as stated before.

Newer FD-450A has functions written on keys, older (see picture) has just numbers.

Feidaxin FD-150A/450A Function List

Quansheng TG-K2AT/K4AT Programmable Handheld Radio

Quansheng TG-K2AT/K4AT Programmable Handheld Transceiver

Kenwood TH-K2AT housing design clone Quansheng TG-K2AT/K4AT is a Compact Two-Way Radio from in China.
It covers K2AT VHF/136~174MHz, K4AT UHF/400~470MHz with 39 CTCSS codes, able to store TX/RX independent frequencies, repeater shift, CTCSS code in 99 channel memory. Output 4W/1W with 7.2V Ni-NH battery pack. Bright green backlit on LCD display. It has a voice reminder instead of keypad beep. Very good physical construction quality.

▲ Solid Build Quality
Physical built quality is good, so some cons on this radio stick out more.

▼ No Squelch Control
One major flaw on this radio is no squelch control. There is a Monitor button to open squelch like FRS radios.
Reception is good, you may not need to adjust squelch but not having control is a bit strange.

▼ Voice Reminder
Unique feature on this radio is "Voice Reminder", instead of keypad beep it speaks key being pressed. Sounds great? no, it's too loud and no control on sound level other than turning it off. Sound is injected to audio circuit after volume control, turning volume down has no effects. Quansheng's specification says language available in English / Chinese (Mandarin) / Thai, but it's not user selectable. Though it really doesn't matter because the first thing you do is turning "Voice Reminder" OFF by [F][5].

■ Channel Mode
This may be a Pros or Cons depending on how you're going to use this radio. No changes can be made to memory settings in Channel mode. CTCSS on/off and its frequency is locked with TX/RX frequencies. You can see current CTCSS frequency by [F][8] or [F][9]. Power output Hi/Low can be changed in Channel mode.

The radio should have Direct channel number input from keypad. Navigating 99 channels with up-[A] / down-[B] buttons is very difficult.

▼ LCD Dispaly
LCD backlit is bright (maybe too bright), 0.5KHz shows on display but design of display itself could be better. Battery indicator / Signal level meter (looks just works as on/off) is using "»" character in dotted line, it's not legible especially with perforated background pattern. Simple block pattern could be used for this indicator. Also it's minor, typeface of letters on LCD is not consistent, as if someone modified LCD display artwork using a typewriter.

▼ Key Layout
This is a housing design clone of Kenwood TH-K2AT. Location of orange button is Power button on Kenwood TH-K4AT which makes sense. The orange button is "Function" key on Quansheng, this is awkward to setup several functions, it's too far from others.

A button marked as "LM" below "Monitor" button is a fake, no switch inside. This could be used as a backlit button. Leaving non functional element upon design changes (or provision for future functions) isn't good.

▼ Desktop Charger
LED Indicator on desktop charger is not accurate. Simple circuitry in charger just detect voltage. You may want to leave the radio on green for awhile but don't leave the radio too long.

■ 39ch CTCSS Codes
The radio has 39 CTCSS tone settings, 69.3Hz is inserted at Ch2.
Shift one channel up if you need to communicate with standard 38ch CTCSS radios.
ex:TG-K4AT CTCSS ch3 = Standard 38CTCSS ch2.

Remote Mic/Speaker (Kenwood Compatible)

Quansheng TG-K4AT Function List

Chinese Cheapies

Be careful buying VHF and UHF radios from the overseas manufacturers. Most manufacturers of inexpensive portable and mobile radio equipment have not submitted their radios to the proper Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification process (Part 90/Part95). Importing these radios is not allowed and their use is strictly forbidden in the private land mobile radio services.

These radios are not legal to use in the United States as two way radios in the personal, commercial and public safety land mobile services. These include the business service, GMRS, FRS, MURS, police, fire, ambulance, etc. Use in the amateur radio service (Part 97) would be allowed but the importation of them without certification of any kind is questionable. All radios sold commercially in the United States need to be certified to comply with FCC rules.

A list of some overseas radio manufacturers that don’t comply with FCC rules:

Jingtong
Quansheng
Linton
Kington
KYD
Kensung
Wouxun
Abell
Feidaxin
Puxing
Weierwei


Many of the auctions selling these radios sell the radios for a very low price BUT charge huge shipping charges since they are shipped from overseas. The reason they can sell the radios so cheap is because they are of inferior construction and technical quality. Many violate the technical specifications that the FCC mandates. This could cause interference to legitimate radio users and someone's life could be at risk if you interfere with the local police or fire departments.

In addition to violating federal laws when using these radios, these radios could be confiscated by customs when they are shipped to this country. So, any radio you’ve purchased may never make it to your doorstep. And if it does arrive, you will risk large fines and possible prison time if you use it.