I got one when it dropped a month ago. Its pretty cool, using your phone to program is really nice. I started with the gmrs one, my family uses gmrs a lot. But pretty handy, I hope the other makers start going with Bluetooth phone control. Very convenient.
Got one a few months back for a big hiking trip. There's a lot of potential for a rugged (waterproof) self-contained APRS HT with great additional functions on the phone but the firmware lets it down. In particular, if you want reliable APRS messaging you need to keep it paired to the phone. The current firmware only stores one message per sender on board that is overwritten on receipt of new ones. This means messaging is unreliable if there's any chance you'll get multiple messages from the same sender when the phone is out of bluetooth range and keeping it paired drains the phone battery noticeably. This is fine for a single activity during the day (both the app and HT have direct message alerts) but just not reliable if you want a robust self-contained alternative to SMS like APRS should be. Yes the new TNC firmware seems nice to get full features but, again, if I have to pair it with another device, the value is maybe a slight reduction in dongles compared to a much cheaper radio and a Mobilink or something. There is also only one global squelch level that needs to be set to minimum to maximize APRS packet capture. That's a problem if you need it for monitoring a voice channel in an area with any noise (or plug it in to USB C charge with seems to boost the noise 2 S levels). Also would be nice if I could beacon just a message or current listening frequency from the HT.
@@krisguy Oh sure I understand it is beta, but what is cool is the manufacturer is listen and responding to the feedback. The Comm Channel on YT has a very cool demo of the VGC radio sending a winlink email with the WoAD app on android. I am excited for RadioMail support on iphone.
Looks very similar to the GMRS PRO. Same interface and app functionality. Kind of neat if you are in an area of weak signal and the radio needs to be outside (or up higher)... you can move the radio and use the phone app! I've used one for a couple of years and it's my fav GMRS HT. Another nice feture on the GMRS versions is GPS and telemetry. Kind of a cheap APRS, but with location turned on you can see the direction and distance to other radios (BTECH PRO) that are in your talk group. -73
So overall do you feel like it’s a good choice for a first handheld/new to HAM owner or is there a better choice out there? Thanks for the review since I’ve been looking at this HT.
I’ll be picking this up shortly it seems brilliant for a prepardness radio, main feature that’s drawing me to is with the app it can basically function like a KDU (keyboard display unit) that you would typically find on mil radios, the only thing I was aware on the market is the functional prc152 clones but then you’re paying silly money for a baofeng that has a party trick, if i like it that much then I’ll probs pick up some spare over time when the budget allows to add to the fleet (Edit: forgot to mention why the KDU function is high on the list, radio is stored in a pouch on my webbing belt w/ a antenna relocation cable set up that goes through the belt and up the H-harness and a then a PTT unit on my strap, less time having to fidget with the radio with using my dedicated field PDA as a KDU
I have the regular one, not the pro but like it a lot. Wasn't aware of the app which is pretty cool. Been looking at the 25W amp that you can get for $100 or so. I may have to upgrade. ;)
So that is the HT app that is used also with the VGC radios. The IOS version is behind the Android version of the software. I used with the mobile VR-N7500. Didn't like the mobile because of how open the front end was so took it out of the truck. Will be using it in my house though with APRS. (Which was pretty impressive, yes Jason do a video). Because it was bluetooth you can use bluetooth devices like headsets paired to your phone with it. At one time I did get it to pair with my 2016 (mention year because of the older firmware in the stereo system) F-150's stereo. Lot of hacking back and forth that I was only able to replicate one time. Robert KD4YDC
I recognized the software as well. I didn’t like using my phone to change/track channels in my vehicle. Therefore, the mobile became my base radio. Much nicer that way.😊
Definitely want to know how the APRS works. I'm guessing it's not actually built into the radio but uses the phone. But if it's full enough featured it's a much less expensive alternative to other APRS radios for when I do support for bicycle races and so forth.
I wonder if they have switched batteries from the GMRS pro. I've killed 2 of them just charging and using them the same way I use any other HT. They aren't very expensive, but it's annoying to pull your radio off the charging cradle only to discover the battery is toast.
Just an FYI The speaker mic connection is a Motorola type, not a K-type. It was different seeing that when I got my VGC versions from Verotech. But it works Great.
@@HamRadio2 if you take off the cover of the mic jack you can tell that the connectors are closer together. Don’t have ANY clue why they went direction when most out there are K-type
I got the VeroTech version and All in All I am Loving it. You can use the App to Talk and Receive through the radio. And it does APRS Tx and RX although “I Think” the receive is only readable in the App. I have been able to send APRS messages from the radio itself as well. It programs very fast as you know. Very Handy and is a daily carry for me.
I’ve got one and overall am happy with it. They are releasing a lot of beta firmware updates to implement and improve the APRS/TNC functionality, so you may want to wait a bit to review so it can mature a little more. They still have some kinks to work out but seem to be putting in a lot of effort which is great to see.
I was done as soon as you said 8 characters for the name. Modern radios should do 10 or more. Icom radios do 16 plus display the frequency at the same time as the name of the channel.
I'd love to know if there have been known spurious emissions on the BTECH UV-Pro, unlike some of the Baofeng counterparts. Do they generally address those issues? I would assume they do. - KF0QNM
I have one and my friend just bought two. The Mic port on the side is physically an M1 but electrically a K1. M1 headsets DO NOT WORK. You have to buy the BTECH M1 to K1 adapter then use any K1 accessory.
I love my VR-N76, But I have an odd behavior: Any Frequency programmed in the last memory slot, 32, becomes a priority / watch channel, ie Any transmission on that frequency it overrides anything else I'm listening to.. Is this normal? Is there a setting I missed? has anybody else experienced this??
I have the Vero N-76 version of this radio (which is the same, to my understanding). The thing that I don't like about it is that the channel banks only give you 16 channels. So, if you want to scan all of the repeaters in your area, and they all don't fit into one of the banks, you're out of luck. I do like to scan, so this radio unfortunately doesn't work well for me. Everything else about it is cool, though. Bluetooth, the App, APRS. They're on the right track with this one.
This is actually just a rebranded VGC radio it looks like. same app and everything which makes sense because its what they do with Boateng. i feel like most of these Chinese radios come from the same parent company. would be curious if btech test and tune these
@@HamRadio2 My understanding is that Btech does not manufacture any radios. They work with Chinese companies to modify and resell them in the US markets. They are releasing an N 7600 soon, so I'm super excited about that.
Manufacturer, no. But they do design many different models, several of which you can't find elsewhere even from baofang themselves. Also they are a USA company
@HamRadio2 it's very true which is why I would prefer to buy from them. You know they go through the software and make adjustments and they are much more expensive if at all. And you get the American support.
I have Two GRMS -pro there ok I'm Really Curious if the GRMS -pro is able to send and receive locations and messages with the UV-pro . The apps look Identical .the biggest problem I've Had with the GRMS-pro is while I'm out at king of the hammer everyone else is on non gmrs channels (uhf Commercial channel like the race stuff) ex: Rugged sells all their stuff with those channels on but hate Rugged and it Talently breaking the law if I talk without a ham radio license only got GRMS license
The apps look very similar and that's because they likely have the same parent company. As far as I know those two models will not talk to one another because they don't use the same frequencies
If they want to make the 'ultimate' HT, then (IMO) it needs to have true dual receive. Like dual monitors on your PC, you get spoiled and never want to go back.
Please do an in depth on the aprs. I have mine set up but but there is so much more that I don't know yet. The manual is pretty vague but I am loving mine
I have to say, not too fond of it. My $35 H3 is smaller and better built. What is up with the display? The right side is cut off. The MAJOR lag on the phone for transmitting makes it pretty pointless.
It's the furthest thing from a Quansheng. Unfortunately I don't know anyone that owns one, and I don't either, or else I'd do some research on how to hack it. Another unfortunate point is that to achieve all the Bluetooth features, I suspect all the code runs on the Bluetooth chipset (which is some weird proprietary architecture and not ARM.) So custom firmwares are unlikely.
These Chi-Com radios have some neat features, but in the end, they are still cheap radios. I also don't want to have to juggle with a cell phone or tablet when using my radio. Buy quality and you'll have a radio for life. A FT-5 or D-72 will be with you long after the Chi-com radio is in the junk pile.
Iphone version of app SUCKS! It's has like 1/3 of features from android version. Also I upgraded firmware to latest firmware which supports KISS and iphone app can't connecting to radio anymore.
Wrong. This thing is capable of far more than any $20 Baofeng. Bluetooth, built in TNC, TNC works over Bluetooth too, simplex repeater built in, part 90 compliant, remote programming, remote usage, and so much more. It's impressive. While it has bugs, no radio is comparable to this radio at this time.
Show people how to calibrate the compass 😂 took me a whole day to figure out on my Vero VR-N76. Love this radio.
@@IM1deadMONEYsame thing 😉
yeah you need to do those figures 8 vigorously like a maniac otherwise it will not calibrate
I got one when it dropped a month ago. Its pretty cool, using your phone to program is really nice. I started with the gmrs one, my family uses gmrs a lot. But pretty handy, I hope the other makers start going with Bluetooth phone control. Very convenient.
Got one a few months back for a big hiking trip. There's a lot of potential for a rugged (waterproof) self-contained APRS HT with great additional functions on the phone but the firmware lets it down.
In particular, if you want reliable APRS messaging you need to keep it paired to the phone. The current firmware only stores one message per sender on board that is overwritten on receipt of new ones. This means messaging is unreliable if there's any chance you'll get multiple messages from the same sender when the phone is out of bluetooth range and keeping it paired drains the phone battery noticeably. This is fine for a single activity during the day (both the app and HT have direct message alerts) but just not reliable if you want a robust self-contained alternative to SMS like APRS should be. Yes the new TNC firmware seems nice to get full features but, again, if I have to pair it with another device, the value is maybe a slight reduction in dongles compared to a much cheaper radio and a Mobilink or something.
There is also only one global squelch level that needs to be set to minimum to maximize APRS packet capture. That's a problem if you need it for monitoring a voice channel in an area with any noise (or plug it in to USB C charge with seems to boost the noise 2 S levels).
Also would be nice if I could beacon just a message or current listening frequency from the HT.
Very interesting. Would be interesting in the APRS features on it as well.
I will make a video about that!
They have a firmware upgrade that will allow you to select a KISS TNC mode too. Great radio.
It's still very beta, but BTECH support is very receptive to reports and is willing to work and test with customers.
@@krisguy Oh sure I understand it is beta, but what is cool is the manufacturer is listen and responding to the feedback. The Comm Channel on YT has a very cool demo of the VGC radio sending a winlink email with the WoAD app on android. I am excited for RadioMail support on iphone.
Jason i have the gmrs pro, and i love it, the only downfall is when hooked up to my power meter it only puts out 3.3 watts... But it works very well!
Ordered mine last week. Should be arriving tomorrow. Ordered straight from BTECH.
Looks very similar to the GMRS PRO. Same interface and app functionality. Kind of neat if you are in an area of weak signal and the radio needs to be outside (or up higher)... you can move the radio and use the phone app! I've used one for a couple of years and it's my fav GMRS HT. Another nice feture on the GMRS versions is GPS and telemetry. Kind of a cheap APRS, but with location turned on you can see the direction and distance to other radios (BTECH PRO) that are in your talk group. -73
So overall do you feel like it’s a good choice for a first handheld/new to HAM owner or is there a better choice out there? Thanks for the review since I’ve been looking at this HT.
This one is a good choice, yes. There are other good choices also
@ thanks. I’m actually leaning towards the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus instead.
I just ordered two of them last night.
Wonder if it can be unlocked to also do GMRS since I have a ton of them in my area
The Radioddity ones usually can, but BTECH makes sure that their radios are band locked, at least in my experience.
@@krisguy i can on my btech
The Vero unlocks, and all my other btechs unlock
I’ll be picking this up shortly it seems brilliant for a prepardness radio, main feature that’s drawing me to is with the app it can basically function like a KDU (keyboard display unit) that you would typically find on mil radios, the only thing I was aware on the market is the functional prc152 clones but then you’re paying silly money for a baofeng that has a party trick, if i like it that much then I’ll probs pick up some spare over time when the budget allows to add to the fleet
(Edit: forgot to mention why the KDU function is high on the list, radio is stored in a pouch on my webbing belt w/ a antenna relocation cable set up that goes through the belt and up the H-harness and a then a PTT unit on my strap, less time having to fidget with the radio with using my dedicated field PDA as a KDU
I have the regular one, not the pro but like it a lot. Wasn't aware of the app which is pretty cool. Been looking at the 25W amp that you can get for $100 or so. I may have to upgrade. ;)
So that is the HT app that is used also with the VGC radios. The IOS version is behind the Android version of the software. I used with the mobile VR-N7500. Didn't like the mobile because of how open the front end was so took it out of the truck. Will be using it in my house though with APRS. (Which was pretty impressive, yes Jason do a video). Because it was bluetooth you can use bluetooth devices like headsets paired to your phone with it. At one time I did get it to pair with my 2016 (mention year because of the older firmware in the stereo system) F-150's stereo. Lot of hacking back and forth that I was only able to replicate one time. Robert KD4YDC
I recognized the software as well.
I didn’t like using my phone to change/track channels in my vehicle. Therefore, the mobile became my base radio. Much nicer that way.😊
I have been doing aprs on the Vero, but I have no time these days. Do an APRS video to help me getting up to speed.
That's very interesting, making progress with programming, great review, tnx Man!
If you can only message with only other BTech radios that's pretty limiting. Would the APRS be able to connect with all radios with APRS?
Yes, if you send APRS messages it works as you should expect
I have the UV Pro and a GMRS Pro. like them. GMRS licenses pretty much covers entire family tree lol.
APRS - Yes please!
It would be nice if there was a 1.25 meter version.
Is this just another iteration of the Vero n76?
Yup
Love my N-76 from an actually Communications Co. That cost me $188.00!
The one feature I found on the BTECH over the others is the NOAA alerts. The Radioddity doesn't have them. Not sure on the Vero.
Yes
@@mkudron1 N76 doesn't have noaa oddly enough.
The Walmart link is not working.
Scratch that their out of stock
I like. I'm more interested in the GMRS version though. Maybe they'll come out with a DMR version too 🙏🏿
they had dmr for a while already .
btech-dmr 6x2pro
Definitely want to know how the APRS works. I'm guessing it's not actually built into the radio but uses the phone. But if it's full enough featured it's a much less expensive alternative to other APRS radios for when I do support for bicycle races and so forth.
Looks like I am located just down the road from you here in Arlington/Mansfield area.
Me too! KD2MUX
You can simplex message on none aprs frequencies, uhf, vhf, gmrs. Probably through a gmrs repeater too.
I wonder if they have switched batteries from the GMRS pro. I've killed 2 of them just charging and using them the same way I use any other HT. They aren't very expensive, but it's annoying to pull your radio off the charging cradle only to discover the battery is toast.
I would like to see the GMRS version
Would like an APRS demo
Just an FYI The speaker mic connection is a Motorola type, not a K-type. It was different seeing that when I got my VGC versions from Verotech. But it works Great.
Mine didn't come with a mic, so hard to tell. It looked like the standard connection to me
@@HamRadio2 if you take off the cover of the mic jack you can tell that the connectors are closer together. Don’t have ANY clue why they went direction when most out there are K-type
I got the VeroTech version and All in All I am Loving it. You can use the App to Talk and Receive through the radio. And it does APRS Tx and RX although “I Think” the receive is only readable in the App. I have been able to send APRS messages from the radio itself as well. It programs very fast as you know. Very Handy and is a daily carry for me.
I’ve got one and overall am happy with it. They are releasing a lot of beta firmware updates to implement and improve the APRS/TNC functionality, so you may want to wait a bit to review so it can mature a little more. They still have some kinks to work out but seem to be putting in a lot of effort which is great to see.
It is physically an M1 but electrically it’s K1. You have to buy their adapter cable. M1 stuff does not work on it.
I am interested in the APRS function. Thank you and 73
Gotcha
I was done as soon as you said 8 characters for the name. Modern radios should do 10 or more. Icom radios do 16 plus display the frequency at the same time as the name of the channel.
had they implemented that the all the letters would be so small you'd complain again .
Same radio as my VGC VR-N76.
Yes
I'd love to know if there have been known spurious emissions on the BTECH UV-Pro, unlike some of the Baofeng counterparts. Do they generally address those issues? I would assume they do. - KF0QNM
Usually they do. I'll check this one
Can it operate on 222 MHz ? I'm looking forward to see videos on APRS using the UV Pro.
No 220 but the BF-F8HP Pro will do 220
@@HamRadio2 OK; Can the BF-F8HP be programmed by an App VIA Bluetooth?
No
I have one and my friend just bought two. The Mic port on the side is physically an M1 but electrically a K1. M1 headsets DO NOT WORK. You have to buy the BTECH M1 to K1 adapter then use any K1 accessory.
@@KatsuTanda that's kinda lame
I love my VR-N76, But I have an odd behavior: Any Frequency programmed in the last memory slot, 32, becomes a priority / watch channel, ie Any transmission on that frequency it overrides anything else I'm listening to.. Is this normal? Is there a setting I missed? has anybody else experienced this??
I have the Vero N-76 version of this radio (which is the same, to my understanding). The thing that I don't like about it is that the channel banks only give you 16 channels. So, if you want to scan all of the repeaters in your area, and they all don't fit into one of the banks, you're out of luck. I do like to scan, so this radio unfortunately doesn't work well for me. Everything else about it is cool, though. Bluetooth, the App, APRS. They're on the right track with this one.
I've heard that complaint before, maybe they'll change it.
Check your Firmware, and update it. There are 30 channels per group on the latetst firmware, 0.7.10 (11 beta)
@@stephenmck1798 Thanks for the tip. That just might be what I'm looking for.
@@ralphnunn3 just not sure if that's the case with vgc, but that's how the Btech started out. Good luck!
This is actually just a rebranded VGC radio it looks like. same app and everything which makes sense because its what they do with Boateng. i feel like most of these Chinese radios come from the same parent company. would be curious if btech test and tune these
Actually I think VGC copied BTECH but either way, yes it's the same radio
@@HamRadio2 My understanding is that Btech does not manufacture any radios. They work with Chinese companies to modify and resell them in the US markets. They are releasing an N 7600 soon, so I'm super excited about that.
BETECH (American BF importer) added NOAA scan, alert monitor features in their firmware. Its my understanding VGC didn't as it's chinese
Manufacturer, no. But they do design many different models, several of which you can't find elsewhere even from baofang themselves. Also they are a USA company
@HamRadio2 it's very true which is why I would prefer to buy from them. You know they go through the software and make adjustments and they are much more expensive if at all. And you get the American support.
I see a lot of similarities on this radio to the VGC N76, or am I wrong?
It's the same radio
Can this be "unlocked"?
Likely. I'll check
Yes it can. tap the voltage block in the device settings menu 10 times and it will go into test mode. Hello GMRS......
@@stephenmck1798 cool cool!
I have Two GRMS -pro there ok I'm Really Curious if the GRMS -pro is able to send and receive locations and messages with the UV-pro . The apps look Identical .the biggest problem I've Had with the GRMS-pro is while I'm out at king of the hammer everyone else is on non gmrs channels (uhf Commercial channel like the race stuff) ex: Rugged sells all their stuff with those channels on but hate Rugged and it Talently breaking the law if I talk without a ham radio license only got GRMS license
The apps look very similar and that's because they likely have the same parent company. As far as I know those two models will not talk to one another because they don't use the same frequencies
I have a DMR one PRO
is it clean?
Two programs have tested that I have seen ,both with a clean TX
Modern Lionel Trains can be controlled by your cell. So why not Ham Radio.
If they want to make the 'ultimate' HT, then (IMO) it needs to have true dual receive. Like dual monitors on your PC, you get spoiled and never want to go back.
Please do an in depth on the aprs. I have mine set up but but there is so much more that I don't know yet. The manual is pretty vague but I am loving mine
Will do
I have to say, not too fond of it. My $35 H3 is smaller and better built. What is up with the display? The right side is cut off. The MAJOR lag on the phone for transmitting makes it pretty pointless.
Good Radio, Not a good value at this price. No DMR digital mode.
If the guts are from a quashing, as I suspect, it might be getting some fresh firmware 2025
It's the furthest thing from a Quansheng. Unfortunately I don't know anyone that owns one, and I don't either, or else I'd do some research on how to hack it. Another unfortunate point is that to achieve all the Bluetooth features, I suspect all the code runs on the Bluetooth chipset (which is some weird proprietary architecture and not ARM.) So custom firmwares are unlikely.
Meh, better off saving up for a wouxun KG-Q10
This BTECH will do a lot more than that Wouxun model. But the Q10 is good because it's quad band
These Chi-Com radios have some neat features, but in the end, they are still cheap radios. I also don't want to have to juggle with a cell phone or tablet when using my radio. Buy quality and you'll have a radio for life. A FT-5 or D-72 will be with you long after the Chi-com radio is in the junk pile.
Use is so limited why spend the money, very few have them.
I think you missed a few things about this one
Iphone version of app SUCKS! It's has like 1/3 of features from android version. Also I upgraded firmware to latest firmware which supports KISS and iphone app can't connecting to radio anymore.
Delete the BT UV-Pro profile from the iPhone and re-pair. I had the same issue, and that fixed it.
The iPhone app is newer, therefore older features
Nothing special about this in any way. $164 for this, your nuts. $20 Baofeng with a low res color screen.
Wrong. This thing is capable of far more than any $20 Baofeng. Bluetooth, built in TNC, TNC works over Bluetooth too, simplex repeater built in, part 90 compliant, remote programming, remote usage, and so much more. It's impressive. While it has bugs, no radio is comparable to this radio at this time.
Not a Kenwood connector. Its a smaller version. That kinda stinks!