Wouxun KG-D901 DMR Digital Radio Preview

Key Features
Unlike the 8D and 9D, the D901 is a single band transceiver, in your choice of either a UHF or VHF version. Most of the primary features are expected, and compared to other DMR digital radios, they may not seem particularly unique. However, there is one item on the list that may give the D901 a little extra. It is noted in bold.

400-470MHz UHF frequencies (UHF Model)
136-174MHz VHF frequencies (VHF Model)
Analog and Digital Modes
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) digital technology
Direct and Repeater Modes
16 memory channel and 2 Zones
Built-in CTCSS/DCS signaling in analog mode
Text Messaging (Digital Mode)
All Calls, Group Calls, Select Calls (Digital Mode)
Scrambler Function (Analog Mode)
Digital Encryption
Microphone Modulation Setting
IP57 Water Resistant

Full specs are available from the Wouxun KG-D901 product sheet.

Accessories
The KG-D901 has the same SMA Female antenna connector commonly used on other Wouxun handhelds, and there is a plethora of third party antennas available to choose from, so if you like to fine tune your antenna options, such customization is very easy. It also uses the Kenwood K1 audio connector that is so widely used on imported radios today, it is almost considered a standard. This opens up seemingly limitless options for audio accessories and add-ons.

More importantly, the KG-D901 uses the same battery pack as the KG-UV9D, which means other power accessories such as the desktop charger and battery eliminator are compatible as well. This cross-compatability adds greater functionality to both models and makes each a more practical compliment to the other when mixing and matching transceivers.

Programming
Here’s more good news. Unlike some other digital radios, which may require a different programming cable than their analog counterparts, the KG-D901 is compatible with the existing Wouxun (or Baofeng) serial to USB cable equipped with the now standard Kenwood K1 connector. If you already have one of these cables for another Wouxun handheld, it should work with the KG-D901. If you have the XLT Painless Programming Cable, that’s even better, because the KG-D901 has been tested to work with the it, as well (If you don’t have the XLT Painless Programming Cable yet, you may want to consider one, especially if you just upgraded your computer to Windows 10).

Of course, the D901 requires its own programming software, and for obvious reasons. It’s a different kind of radio, the first Wouxun DMR of its kind. The D901 is not currently compatible with CHIRP, so you will need the Wouxun software. It’s a little more involved than most programming software for the analog models, and can be a challenge if you have never programmed a digital radio. It is tested to work in Windows 10 without using Compatibility Mode.

The KG-D901 package includes one KG-D901 single band UHF or VHF two way radio (depending on your version of choice), a 7.4v, 2000mAh battery pack, belt clip, antenna, desktop charger, AC power cord, and wrist strap. The demo models we received did not include a manual, but we expect one to be in the box when the final version of the radio ships from Wouxun.