Wouxun is on quite a roll these days, particularly with its popular line of professional quality FRS, GMRS and MURS radios. So, it comes as no surprise they would create something for the US business radio market as well. And sure enough, they have, with not one, but two models. Introducing the Wouxun KG-S84B and KG-S86B Business Two Way Radios!
The KG-S84B and KG-S86B are part of a new Wouxun line known as the KG-S Series. One notable model in this series is the KG-S88G GMRS radio. Although BRS and GMRS are different services, all of the S-Series radios have many of the same general features and share all of the same accessories. Of course, there are some differences between these models, however the cross-compatibility between all the radios in the S-Series is definitely a plus for all who use them, businesses and GMRS users alike.
KG-S84B
The Wouxun KG-S84B is the basic model in this series. There is no display and no keypad. What it does have is an on/off/volume knob, channel knob, two programmable side keys, one programmable top key, and a PTT button. Designed for ease of use, it has simple controls, making it optimal for businesses that need their staff to avoid the complications and frustrations of navigating buttons and menus on a radio so they can concentrate on doing the job.
The S84B is also quite compact, allowing it to be carried easily in the palm of your hand across the job site. But it's certainly no toy. While fairly simplistic in design, it is also quite powerful. It supports 99 UHF business frequencies at up to 2 watts of power and can be programmed with up to 16 channel groups consisting of 16 channels in each group, for a total of 256 custom channels. It also supports both standard and non-standard CTCSS tones and DCS codes.
If you are concerned about narrowband compliance, don't be. The S-Series is FCC type accepted for the BRS and operates on narrowband only. The S-84B is also equipped with a superheterodyne receiver, just in case you were wondering about that. It also features channel scan, priority channel scanning, companding, Call ID, DTMF support and VOX. It also has adjustable high and low power settings.
This radio is also rugged and durable for the daily rigors of the workplace. It is rated IP65 for dust and water protection. To keep it powered through long workdays (or nights, as the case may be), the S84B has a built-in USB-C port on the side, so you can keep it charged where ever a free USB port is available.
The S84B comes with a 2000mAh lithium-ion battery pack, antenna, belt clip, desktop charger, AC adapter, wrist strap, and owner's manual written in plain, easy to understand English. Price- $109.99.
KG-S86B
The Wouxun KG-S86B is essentially the same radio as the KG-S84B, but with two important upgrades, both of which are immediately discernable. While the KG-S84B does not have a keypad on the front of the radio, the S86B does. It's not a full DTMF keypad like the KG-S88G, but a 4-key ensemble. The keys may be few, but don't let that fool you. You can do a lot with 4 front panel keys. Added to the 2 programmable side key and the programmable top key, This limited keypad is nonetheless a powerful addition to the radio.
The second upgrade is the display. Simply put, it has one. It can display the channel name, number, or frequency. It can also display Caller ID and icons important to the operation of the radio, as well as a signal strength indicator.
Since it has a display, the S86B also has access to a menu, so you can customize many features and functions of the radio out in the field and on the fly.
But there is one other upgrade that puts the S86B at a level above the base model. The S84B has 256 custom programmable channels. The KG-S86B has up to 400!
These upgrades are in addition to all the standard features of the KG-S84B, which gives the S86B a value add, especially for the price. The Wouxun KG-S86B comes with all of the same accessories included with the S84B. Price- $129.99.
The Wouxun S-Series business radios offer a powerful, yet economical way to save hundreds or more on your radio fleet. They are also compatible with many other business class radios from other manufacturers. The chart below provides a comparison between the two models to help you decide which radio is right for you.
KG-S84B/KG-S86B Comparison Chart
Wouxun KG-S84B/KG-S86B Comparison |
Model | KG-S84B | KG-S86B |
Business Band | UHF | UHF |
Weight (ounces/grams) | 7.94/225 | 8.32/236 |
Transmit Power | 2W | 2W |
Pre-Programmed Channels | 16 | 16 |
Custom Channels | 256 | 400 |
Channel Groups | 16 | |
Frequencies | 99 | 99 |
Privacy Codes | 50 CTCSS/105 DCS | 50 CTCSS/105 DCS |
Receiver | Superheterodyne | Superheterodyne |
Narrowband Compliant | ✔ | ✔ |
Channel Scan | ✔ | ✔ |
VOX | ✔ | ✔ |
English Voice Guide | ✔ | ✔ |
Compander | ✔ | ✔ |
Configurable Side Keys | 2 | 2 |
Configurable Top Key | ✔ | ✔ |
Call ID | ✔ | ✔ |
Alarm and SOS Functions | ✔ | ✔ |
High/Low Power Selectable | ✔ | ✔ |
Keypad | | 4-Key |
Battery Saver | ✔ | ✔ |
Backlit LCD Display | | ✔ |
Monitor Function | ✔ | ✔ |
DTMF Support | ✔ | ✔ |
IP65 | ✔ | ✔ |
USB-C Charging Port | ✔ | ✔ |
2-pin Audio Connector (K1) | ✔ | ✔ |
Lithium-ion Battery | BLO-021 2000 mAh | BLO-021 2000 mAh |
Built-in Flashlight | ✔ | ✔ |
PC Programmable | ✔ | ✔ |
Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |