Monday, November 19, 2007

Quansheng K4AT Transceiver (UHF Version) / K2AT (VHF Version)

  • Frequency Range 400-480 MHz - check before purchase (some older models have 450-470 MHz coverage)
  • Channels 99 Storable
  • Antenna SMA fitting, Inductively Loaded. 50 ohms. Imp.
  • Output Power 4-5 Watts (selectable)
  • Dimensions (Approx)
  • 80x50x28mm
  • Modulation Mode FM
  • Voltage 7.2v Battery Pack (NiMh)
  • Frequency Steps
  • 5 / 10 / 12.5 / 25KHz
  • Display
  • Bright Green Backlit LCD
  • Power Socket for using a car charger. Headset Sockets (2.5mm,3.5mm).
Comments: Some models only cover from 450-470 MHz. No 6.25 KHz shift. Probably of limited interest in Europe because of small frequency coverage although I have seen versions of this radio that cover 400 - 470 MHz so it might be worth doing some research. Interesting speech function similar to Wouxun.
There are others of course but the ones above show the diversity of the Chinese market at this current time. The list will be updated periodically to introduce new brands or models as required. Remember that unless you are a licensed radio amateur these radios could be illegal to use in the UK and Europe. I've tried to make the list as accurate as possible but the source of information has been compiled from various sites around the internet and as we all know, mistakes do occur in translation. If you notice any errors then please contact us through the forums or the PM system and we will take a look at your information. Likewise if you know of any other brands that are doing the rounds on the Internet then please do get in touch!

Jingtong JT-308 (UHF) / Jingtong JT-208 (VHF Version)

Available in UHF and VHF versions. Kington and Jingtong appear to be similar radios with just slight modifications to casing. Kington was released to appeal more to Western buyers.
  • Frequency Range - 400.000 - 470.000MHz
  • Rated Voltage - 7.2v NiCd Battery Pack
  • Memory - 15 Channels
  • Frequency Steps 5 / 10 / 12.5 / 25KHz Selectable.
  • Antenna Connector SMA
  • Antenna Impedance 50ohms
  • Dimensions 100x50x30mm (Approx)
  • Output Power 2.5w
  • Modulation Mode FM VHF
  • Display Backlit LCD
Comments: Bargain basement handheld. Reasonable receive but lower output power than other handhelds. No 6.25 KHz steps. More of a first generation radio than some of the newer sets but can be found about £15 + shipping on ebay sometimes! Some units feature CTCSS but others don't have the facility so it's worth checking. Main problems include muffled sound. Comments from others say "It sounds like you've got a sock over the microphone". Apparently this phenomenon occurs on some sets because the manufacturer didn't place a hole in the right part of the case to allow the built in mic to pick up correctly. This is easily overcome using a speaker mic or headset. I've tested a couple of these radios and they didn't exhibit the problem so it may only be on earlier production runs.

Feidaxin FD-268A / FC-268B

New 2007 models from Feidaxin - these are some really slim stylish transceivers measuring 56(W) x 96(L) x 30mm(D) and even includes a bright white LED flashlight. Ideal for camping and other night time useage.

  • Built-in 50groups of CTCSS and 104 groups of DCS
  • LCD & keypad backlit display
  • Standby time: 120hours
  • Scan function, keypad lock
  • Rainproof
  • Hi / Lo power select(1W-5W)
  • Programming method:computer/manual
  • Charger LED indicator(red-charging; green-fully chaged)
  • Signal strength indicator
  • Key sound
  • Battery indicator
  • Semi-duplex operation
  • Reverse Frequency
  • Adjustable squelch

Frequency Range:

(FD-268A) 136-174MHz
(FD-268B) 400-470MHz

Channels Memory: 99
CTCSS: 50 tone
Channel Steps: 5, 10, 6.25, 12.5, 25kHz
Power Supply: 7.2V 1200mah Li-ion
Operating Temperature: -30°C ~ +60°C
Antenna connector: SMA(SMA-J)
Antenna Impedance: 50ohms
Dimension (H x W x D): 98 x 50 x 30 mm
Weight: 198g

Feidaxin FD-150A/450A

  • Built-in 50groups of CTCSS and 104 groups of DCS
  • LCD & keypad backlit display ,blue digital keyboard
  • Standby time:120hours
  • Scan function, keypad lock
  • Rainproof
  • Hi/Lo power select(1W-5W)
  • Programming method: computer/manual
  • Charger LED indicator (red-charging; green-fully charged)
  • Signal strength indicator
  • Key sound
  • Battery indicator
  • Semi-duplex operation
  • Reverse Frequency
  • Adjustable squelch level:0-9

Comments: Similar to other radios from Puxing and Wouxun. We have not tested this model but the feature set is virtually the same as others in the price bracket. This model claims to be rainproof. Makes some radios in very bright colours! Red, Yellow etc.

Wouxun KG-669

  • HF 400-470 MHz or 136-174 MHz VHF Version
  • DTMF encoding and decoding, CCIR standards
  • Steps: 5, 6.25, 10, 12.5, 25 KHz
  • Output power VHF 5W/UHF 4W
  • VOX transmission (VOX level adjustable)
  • 105 groups DCS/50 groups CTCSS
  • All call, group call and select call.
  • ANI ID code (Caller ID)
  • Scrambler set (Optional accessory)
  • 128 memory channels and 1 group emergency channel
  • Voice prompt (Chinese /English)
  • Width/Narrow brand select (12.5KHz/25KHz)
  • Three color back light can be selectable .
  • 1200mAh Li-ion battery and intelligent charge
  • Frequency/Channel/Frequency+Channel display mode
  • Multi scan mode(TO/CO/SE)
  • Calling ring and ring overtime auto answer
  • Multi silent mode(QT/QTADT/QTXDT)
  • Alarm/Emergency calling
  • Keyboard lock(Auto/Manual)
  • Talk around function
  • Busy channel lockout
  • Programmable by computer
  • Menu/Channel reset
  • FM radio function

Comments: Good build quality and has an FM radio built in. Reception quality on FM radio was very poor with supplied antenna but this will obviously be a compromise considering that the antenna is cut for 400 MHz. Maybe works better on VHF version. This radio actually speaks to you! Voice prompts on the menus along with numerical confirmations. Feature can be disabled if needed. Chinese or English language is selectable. Radio is very sensitive and works well across it's given range. No scrambler or in review model but ANI appears to work. A "Plus" version has appeared recently and this has the scrambler function built inside. The only problem with this model is that I haven't worked out how to put it into PC Programming mode! Can anyone help?

Weierwei VEV-3288s

  • Frequency Range 400 ~ 470MHz
  • 118 Groups of memory channels
  • Built-in 50 Groups of CTCSS and 104 Groups of DCS
  • Channel Steps 5k,10k,6.25k,12.5k,25k
  • Wide(25kHz) and Narrow(12.5kHz) available
  • Comes with 1200mAh Li-ion battery
  • Input Freq. By using keypad
  • VOX built-in
  • Scan function
  • Three colour LCD backlight display
  • Emergency Alarm
  • Programmable by PC
  • Bell rings when receiving signal
  • Priority Scan Function
  • Adjust power Hi/Lo
  • Switching between Channel/Freq.
  • Adjust squelch level(0-9)
  • Busy channel lockout
  • Keypad lock

Comments: Another good radio to look out for. Works well and does the job efficiently. Not as easy to program as the Linton's. It has a programming mode and a channel mode which involve holding down keys at power on. Software is available for programming from the link above and you will need a Kenwood type lead to do this as with most of the clone radios. Strange Alarm mode included when you press the two side buttons. Bizzare! Rather thin/slimline antenna supplied but works extremely well. The only thing I worry about is snapping it off! (not the antenna shown in the picture).

Linton LT-3288 UHF / Linton LT-2288 VHF (Also KYD)

  • Memory Channels: 99
  • Freq. range: 400-470MHz (or 136-174 MHz)
  • Channel Steps 5, 6.25, 12.5 & 25KHz
  • Power Supply 7.4V DC Ni-MH
  • RF output: MAX 5W @ 12v DC
  • 50 Ctcss Encode/Decode
  • Keypad operation
  • HI/LO RF output power
  • 99 Memories
  • Repeater Shift
  • Key Lock
  • Battery level indication
  • 6-Digit Alphanumeric Memory Tags
  • Blacklight display & keypad
  • Rugged Die-Cast Aluminium Case
  • Audio output: 1.5W
  • Auto power off
  • Size: 100 x 55 x 30mm
  • Fully field programmable via the keypad
  • PC programmable via interface cable (not included)

Comments: Very high quality audio on incoming RX. Perhaps the best in the group we have tested. Outgoing audio excellent too. Some models appear to be distributed with Ni-MH batteries and others with Li-On. The two battery types and radios are not compatible, e.g.. you can't upgrade Ni-MH model to Li-On later. Good all round performer but expect it to be dropped from current product line soon as it's been in production for over two years now. Other models have more features but still worth checking out due to audio quality. UHF model I tested had an annoying "birdie" frequency on Channel 4 of the 446 band.

KYD appears to be the same as Linton. All features are the same but different colour backlighting and packaging. Other than that they are practically the same specifications.