Problem with Wouxun KG-689, any specialists out there?

[Silverthorn]

Hello,

I won a Wouxun KG-689 radio (dual channel type). I have been using it for quite a while but lately all I can do is receive transmissions but I cannot transmit anything. Whenever I hit the transmit button people just hear a little static or nothing (as if someone was pushing the button but not talking). It worked early in a game but stopped working during the day.

Someone told me that my CTCSS should be OFF but it was already off.

Any ideas of what I can try or how to reset to factory defaults settings? Maybe a setting changed by accident during the game.

[Black Patch]

Hey,

Confirm your DCS/ctcss match. then Reset. You can do this by downloading the software from the Wouxun site and selecting your model of transceiver.

Reset your frequecies that are allowed here in Canada. there is a list of them available on ASC just do a quick search. Copy and paste those into your wouxun software.

reprogramme your radio. Everything should work.

If not then check for a loose wire in your plugs connecting PTT/Headset to radio. I think it will be the ground although if anyone else can advise better then listen to them.

Good luck

Pete

[Silverthorn]

Originally Posted by Black Patch

Hey,

1. Confirm your DCS/ctcss match. then Reset. You can do this by downloading the software from the Wouxun site and selecting your model of transceiver.

2. Reset your frequecies that are allowed here in Canada. there is a list of them available on ASC just do a quick search. Copy and paste those into your wouxun software.

1. Do I need to plug the radio in the computer for this or just use the software as a reference for these settings? How do I know if the ctcss and dcs match without the software? (they both should be off or is there more to it?)

2. The frequencies I used in the past are the classic 22 channels compatible with motorale and always worked. They still work for receiving but I just can't transmit.

Thanks!

[EagleDriver]

If you cannot transmit, the two most likely issues are 1) Microphone and 2) Sub channels.

To troubleshoot the microphone problem, try to use an external headset or speakermic. If that transmits with the headset but not without, then your built-in microphone is shot. If it still does not work, then check CTCSS/Sub Channels.

Sub channels are evil and should never be used. At least that is my opinion. If they are using sub-channels, then check to see if THEIR sub-channels (referred to as CTCSS) are off on theirs. They should be on channel 1 sub-channel 0, for example, and you should be on 462.5625 MHz with no CTCSS for transmit or receive.

The software requires a programming cable but they are really cheap:

USB: $8.50 USD
http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=103760

Serial: $8.00 USD
http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=103756

If BOTH above do not work then the transmit circuit may be the problem.

[Silverthorn]

Originally Posted by EagleDriver

If you cannot transmit, the two most likely issues are 1) Microphone and 2) Sub channels.

1. The problem happens both when I use the radio directly or with my headset.

2. The programming of the channels themselves didn't change. They are still programmed as before and been using these channels for more then a year. They were all programmed with subchannel 0.

[EagleDriver]

Probably a radio hardware problem then. If you have a local repair for Wouxun, you could send it to them. Otherwise you could contact Wouxun directly and see about repair. We have a Wouxun dealer here in the US but I do not know if he does work on the 689 (he mostly deals with the UVD1/2/3 and 6D.)

[Cobrajr122]

Sub channels do not effect your ability to transmit to others on the main channels, it will however stop you from hearing others unless they are on the same sub.

If other players are on the main channel with DCS and CTCSS turned off and you can hear them then you are not on a sub channel.

Its probably your TX circuit or some sort of no TX setting on the radio that you managed to turn on mid game.

[FlyGuy]

[RANT]

For the record, there is no such thing as a "sub-channel". This is ridiculously incorrect and utterly meaningless jargon. DCS and CTCSS are simply a method of conditional access / coded squelch which enables the following:

1. When operating duplex via a repeater system, seperate frequencies are used for receive and transmit. The repeater's receiver may employ either DCS (digital coded squelch) or CTCSS (continuous tone coded squelch) as a means of controlling who can actually access the repeater - not the correct tone or access code being transmitted from the portable means the repeater will ignore the transmission entirely. Additionally, the repeater may also employ DCS/CTCSS on the transmit side so your portable radio must also not only transmit the proper squelch code or tone, but it also must be set to receive the correct one as well or your speaker will remain muted.
   
   
2. When operating simplex, the receive and transmit frequencies are identical. This mode, as opposed to duplex, is what we all do when we're talking portable to portable at an airsoft field. Now in order to be able to share the same frequency or channel number if using a "blister-pack" FRS/GMRS radio, and not be subjected to hearing everyone else's transmissions, you can set a unique (for your team) DCS code or CTCSS tone squelch such that only transmissions having that code/tone will un-mute the speaker on your radio.

THIS is the purpose of the DCS/CTCSS squelch feature of your radio!! There isn't any "extra" radio spectrum being used. You are not magically operating "between channels". ALL of you are sharing the same damn radio frequency...period...full stop!!

[/RANT]

What Cobra said earlier is correct. CTCSS will not prevent you from transmitting but if the receiver CTCSS is enabled and set to a different tone than the one you are transmitting, then the other person will not hear you. A simple way to test this is have the other person press the "MON" button, usually located right above or below their PTT button and that will temporarily defeat the tone squelch on their receiver. If they do that and you transmit a test and they still cannot hear your voice but their radio has gone quiet instead of hearing loud static; your radio is sending carrier-only without modulation, then it's likely your radio's microphone circuit is broken. If on the other hand all they hear is loud static (no receiver quieting) even though you are pressing the PTT, then your radio isn't transmitting at all. It's either really broke or you've possibly and accidentally enabled a transmit-inhibit function if the radio is so-equipped. RTFM to determine if tx-inhibit is possible. If not then your radio is definitely nfg...

Good luck,

'Fly