UPDATE
So, after a lot of digging, looking at fcc licenses and what not, come to find out these radios are made by Klein Electronics out of Escondido, CA. Several different companies have bought these radios and others from Klein, and put their labels on them.
The other off brand radios are Bantam/Blackbox labeled, but clearly manufactured by Baofeng. So it seems the Blackbox Zone and Blackbox Zone-KP (screen model) are the only two actually manufactured by Klein Electronics, and the only two that are made in the USA.
Programming for the Zone models requires a kenwood spaced two pin cable. Unfortunately the Baofeng cable will not work, and the ridiculously priced Blackbox Zone cable so far is the only one capable of reading Zone radios.
Purchase of the cable includes the software, but be sure you ask for the Zone software if you have the model without the display, and the Zone-KP software for the model with the display. This software is available through the the Blackbox site, or can be purchased from Surplus Two Way Radios for a little less. The Zone-KP software will program the Two Way Direct variant of the Zone-KP.
The radio itself feels very good in the hands. Doesn't have that cheap "toy" feel you would expect from a off-brand radio. Programming is very similar to programming a Motorola XTS radio, but simpler, if you can imagine. It actually does some things automatically I wish the XTS software would do.
All in all, this is a good radio. Definitely overpriced at $369 new-I would feel more comfortable paying $200 for it new.
