BTech GMRS 50V2 - Review & Power Test - Is BTech's New GMRS 50V2 Better Than The GMRS 50X1?

You can get your very own BTech GMRS 50V2 here: amzn.to/3XQopJ9
In this video I show you the new BTech GMRS 50V2, 50 watt mobile GMRS radio. The GMRS 50-V2 is the updated model of the classic GMRS 50X1 from BTech. I will show you the radio, go over some of the features, I do a power-output test and I test the radio for spurious RF emissions.
Thank you to Mike ‪@hamradiotube‬ for explaining to us what spurious RF emissions are! If you want to learn more technical details about how radios work or you are interested in ham radio, please check out Mike's KZbin Channel ‪@hamradiotube‬ - If you watch any of his videos be sure to leave him a comment encouraging him and let him know that if he works hard and eats his veggies, someday he might grow up to be as good as The NotARubicon!
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#GMRS

[@joeframo3347]

Can you operate 2 m and 70 CM with it? 🌞

[@TheNotaRubicon]

No. This is a GMRS radio, not a ham radio. You can tell the difference by the letters.

[@thatprcrawlerguy187]

@@TheNotaRubicon 🤣🤣🤣 I fu$@& love this channel. Are you former military? I swear something about our sarcasms is so poetic yet hated upon by many. 😅

[@natecus4926]

@@TheNotaRubicon this is why I watch this channel

[@bybikenw7928]

2.7 meters at least, but your fars may vary.

[@bendeleted9155]

There's no metric math allowed in GMRS. 'Merica 💪🇺🇸👍

[@hamradiotube]

Lol that was too funny. Thanks for having me on Randy.

[@royrobinson4636]

Even funnier, regardless of Randy's reluctance to acknowledge your expertise and mention your channel, I found your channel via your youtube name! Oh wait, it's mentioned in the description ~ Never mind

[@BrandonJ131]

Haha. Good informations from a Happy Ham! You're awesome. I can tell you're awesome, judging from the shirt you are wearing. 👏

[@grigorirasputin5020]

Did anyone else experience a flashback to The Rocky Horror Picture Show during the first couple of minutes of Mike's presentation? 😄 Seriously though, great job, Mike!

[@craigdavidson2977]

Love that you mentioned taking THREE tests. It don't get nerdier than that! All the Sad-hams are nodding in approval as they watched the video. I also took three tests but in the old days that only got you to 'advanced class'. I did pass the 13 word a minute code test in the exam room at the FCC office in the federal building in downtown Houston so that proves I'm smarter than everybody. 😎😎

[@1977visa]

i love how the picture in the background adds to the sarcasms. its almost always a different picture

[@reidtillery2856]

Thanks, Randy. You have the marvelous ability to subliminally piss people off and give them great info at the same time. It's a rare talent. This viewer appreciates you. Excellent video.

[@joshspurlock3631]

Died with the desert scene "Affiliate Link.... below". Way to make everything entertaining for me, you're favorite viewer.

[@PalmettoNDN]

I'd die to go there. I want to see the desert so bad. I'm from Southern Appalachia. Totally different environment.

[@pablod6872]

I think it's great that you're getting popular Ham YouToobers to appear in your videos. At the end of the day, we all have various reasons for getting into radio. I have both a General class and a GMRS license for different purposes. Great stuff, Randy!

[@ahoward2kable]

Thank you for finally having a "qualified expert" explain the technical things. Thanks for doing the spurious emission test.

[@Later2u]

I was on the fence with getting a CB radio or GMRS radio. I decided to go modern and while looking on Amazon, noticed this radio and then found your review of it, cementing my choice to this radio since you've recommended it and it's a new model with U.S. support. Entertaining review, Thanks.

[@forkleftism9692]

That sticker removal sequence had me falling out. This man is my spirit animal.

[@vvogt4252]

Awesome affiliate link below, at the beginning. Still cracks me up no matter haw man times you say it. Have a Great Day Brother.

[@realandrewhatfield]

Wow, serious upgrade to the Affiliate Link Below! @8:10 "...because that is how I choose to do it!" I had my credit card out until you mentioned there was no roger beep... and just a bit disappointed that the company doesnt market the actual output power. Great review, as always, thank you!

[@BautistaII]

Big Fan of your Randy, this is a great video. I was lost when I saw some differences between the radio you are reviewing and my radio, then I noticed that this radio is GMRS ONLY radio. I own the BTECH UV-50X2 second generation it give me 46 watts on GMRS. Thank you for your videos.

[@Makakahanap]

I came for the radio knowledge I stayed for the pics hahaha love this guy's humor

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Might have to get one for a base station later. Thanks for the video Randy. Always good stuff on here kind sir.

[@silvershooter555]

Thanks for the Biden-Zelensky make-out photo in the background. How touching. 🙂

[@mikec.8556]

I felt warm inside when I seen that photo in the background.

[@moosenut1337]

It's so distracting

[@adrenalinowner7992]

Oh that’s who them old guys are, I thought it was a couple of sad hams… lol

[@grigorirasputin5020]

I wonder how long it took those two to go from embracing to "all the way on the floor".

[@DonnieDarko727]

Hook nose and the molester. Touching

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I love How nice BTech Manuals are the color combo is very nice

[@Medic911pr]

Hello Randy. Back in Feb 2019 I got the Midland 40 watt mobile radio. At that time it was the highest rated mobile GRMS of the day. I make the point since you stated about the radio you presented as being one of the first high power mobile GMRS. Still I enjoyed your presentation. Thanks ! Take care.🚑🇵🇷

[@freddie3159]

It’s a nice radio , no doubt. But for those channels that are blocked, I would rather get a good ole CB with FM frequency in it, and now you are getting dozens of channels. This has changed my mind completely. Thank you for the awesome review.

[@53Ironhead]

I missed the first minute of your video, laughing at your T-shirt :) Great Video !!

[@ke8mattj]

@1:11 🤣 Best "affiliate link below" ever.

[@sweetbushstudiochannel4606]

Love the humor brother. Always find your videos useful, thank you

[@66skybluepony]

Thx to your patient instructions; received my cert, joined (and support) the local/regional/national repeater orgs, and after many days/weeks of patient listening and learning, now hitting half a dozen repeaters in my rural area loud and clear! Have a couple of these units (1 mobile, 1 base) purring away along with various antennae including a TRAM 1486 which didn’t even need to be trimmed to hit 1.01 (just luck I guess) complimented by a bag full of lovely UV5R units, which are the true objects of my affection.

[@jaket.9193]

That k1 adapter has me sold. I like that i can plug my ads-sr1 in and have a simplex repeater for comms around camp.

[@MissingLinkMTB]

Planning a BTech GMRS 50V2 after I get home from deployment. Your channel has sparked my interest and gotten me into GMRS while I'm deployed to the border. I now have 5 HT's, all ones that you've reviewed. This one seems to have features I want and definitely fits the price range I'm hoping to hit for a mobile @ 50W. The locked out channels..... well, I looked and it's on CHIRP now so maybe we can tweak that.

[@MrStanwyck]

That was too funny how you cut Mike K8MRD off…. He’s a great guy who is very knowledgeable and entertaining to watch. Is it possible we may get a Randy and Mike radio adventure in the near future???? 😂

[@petek1pml746]

Randy, love your videos. informative and entertaining at the same time. i may just get a gmrs license in the near future. thanks again..

[@Felix-tm7tp]

Thank you for your good reviews !!

[@LostDepot]

You are the Bob Ross of GMRS.

[@tnewdad]

Helpful look at this unit. Thanks. I’m currently shopping for a mobile unit - and certainly don’t want yet another unit with spurious (if not nocturnal) emissions.

[@rfengineer3]

You got me with that one!!! I thought I had accidentally clicked on another video for a second... lol!!!!

[@ramonbennett8416]

Always a fan, thanks for your channel 👍

[@applejacks971]

That's an EPIC 'Affiliate link...below', well played! :)

[@darrenmurphy5186]

Hahaha! I would like to note for the record that I appreciated this particular “affiliate link below” above all others. Well done.

[@dangerpudge1922]

Great video; this one might fit the bill! Regarding spurious emissions: Former electronic warfare systems tech here. All radios will generate harmonic transmission. ALL OF THEM. It's a matter of physics. There are ways to help mitigate a bit of that, but ALL OF THE RADIOS EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF RADIOS generate these secondary (and more) emissions. In fact, my job in the intelligence world, counted on them being there ;) Yes, we're listening (if we care to...). Harmonics are normal, but spurious interference is a slightly different kettle of worms because it's how those harmonics then generate secondary (and more) emissions. It's a bizarre rabbit hole. I don't recommend going down it. Suffice to say that a Bewfwang isn't really any more of an offender than anything else.

[@grigorirasputin5020]

Randy outdid himself with this episode! Definitely one of his best!

[@kb6lcw99]

Very cool radio, good over view.

[@JAKE3914]

Randy; as soon as you said "these United States" AND Christian based. . . .I WAS SOLD!!!! Thanks for ALL you do for me...your favorite viewer!!!

[@PalmettoNDN]

Which is exactly why they advertise it.

[@dustytrailscactusron]

Excellent! Thank you for this!

[@marcspaz]

Great review, awesome video! I love your sense of humor. My wife yelled at me twice for laughing hard enough to wake the baby.

[@PWMoonFeather]

I appreciate your very subtle digs at the locals population. We are likely neighbors.

[@dustytrailscactusron]

This looks remarkably like the QYT KT890 Plus, but in a locked GMRS version. I would guess these radios are probably all manufactured in the same factory, but I don't care. As long as they work. (And they do, quite well) Thanks again for your video! You do excellent work!

[@Thegrimmechanic]

I have the GMRS-50X1, the UV-50X2, and QYT 980 Plus. The UV-50X2 and QYT 980 Plus are identical (except for the stickers). The only difference I've found between the UV-50X2 and the QYT 980 Plus is the QYT seems to put out a full 50 watts, where the UV-50X2 only manages around 40. There is a hack to unlock the UV-50-X2 and the QYT90 Plus. The hack DOES NOT work on the GMRS-50X1, but there might be hope. On all three, you can open the "password" display by powering off, then power on, and when the "WELCOME" display is still up, press the menu button (the channel knob). But you only have a few seconds to do it. If you're successful, the display will popup with "PASSWORD" and seven blank spaces. Enter 1001201 on the mic keypad and it will automatically junp to the next screen displaying "136-172" with another seven blank spaces. Enter 0000000 on the mic keypad, and it will switch to the next display with seven blank spaces. Enter 4005201 and the unlocking is complete! Now you can transmit on the full range of frequencies. Now, you can still access the "PASSWORD" screen with the GMRS-50X1, but you only have six blank spaces, not seven. I haven't figured out what the magic numbers are to unlock it. Too bad because I like the display layout of the GMRS-50X1 much better than the other two.

[@SLSAdventurrs]

​@Thegrimmechanic thank you thank you thank you! Been trying to unlock this damn thing for a week

[@ronlosh1402]

Thank you randy for All your videos I think I might get me the Brecht for my rig

[@brianb6603]

Excellent as usual!!!

[@shakennotstirred32]

Love the photo in the background 😂 I was wondering if you ever considered doing a video on the N9tax gmrs/murs antenna?

[@thomaswashburn3513]

Just got mine in today! So far, it seems to work pretty well! I will probably upgrade my antenna now that I found it a permanent home in my house. I bought a cheap GMRS antenna to start with. Next thing on my todo list is to make a solar powered field expedient 10W repeater with a couple of 10W handhelds.

[@coyote20030]

Your videos are good, entertaining and funny.. Thank you for posting.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great explination on spurious emmisons and lol randy telling mike to shut up

[@smc65714]

Top notch as Always,And I laughed my ass off,Thanks for Sharing!!!

[@DevinAkin]

Love this video. Definitely buying this unit from BTech. Love them.

[@richardschnedorf5711]

Great presentation.

[@craigdavidson2977]

Oh, that was sweet. That was fun. Do more of that. 0:57 You are a jeep guy. Let us see more scenes outdoors (preferably with jeeps in the background)

[@craigdavidson2977]

Hmmmm.... What kind of strange and interesting places around the Los Angeles area do we need to see you do comments from? The mind wonders.

[@SnakePliskin86]

Just grabbed one. And trying to get it to speak to my buddies wouxun the way he has it coded. All new to me

[@michaelmartin5995]

Good review.

[@keithh.2624]

You portrait a lovable cartoon character. Wouldn't miss your videos for the world!!!

[@MitchellPetersonJr]

I love the struggle you put up with the screen protector. 😂 That was great. Subbed for that

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Nice design love the customisable colours .

[@richardcorwin1828]

Thank you!

[@sdriza]

I had some spurious emissions in TJ at Adelita's back in the day - not always a bad thing.

[@apar1560]

Awesome video, THANKS 😅 ...Alan in 🇨🇱

[@juhegama64]

I just got my GMRS license 2 days ago and I already know more than you (LMAO). Just trying to mess with you. I love your videos.

[@royrobinson4636]

Great timing for your infotainment review 😎 I was just looking at the current sale they emailed me on the "40-watt" Midland MXT400 MICROMOBILE®TWO-WAY RADIO ($199), (or the bundle $250) However, I prefer most BTech products and at "50-watts" for a similar price, although I was disappointed to see the 40-watt output. I also suspect the blocked channels are those combined-use FRS/GMRS frequencies, which would make it a Big No for me. Just limited the output power like other radios do with their software. Great review, Randy

[@sonofnone116]

It's a mobile, they can't have the FRS channels transmit on it. Thank the FCC for that...

[@doubled7517]

Your "Hand modeling" courses clearly is paying off ...those ninja up/down maneuvers are hardly noticeable. Awesome vid always informative and LMAO content 👌 😫😎👍

[@charlesbarkley2883]

I think the inclusion of a K1 adapter is interesting. Originally, it was going to have a KY adapter (made outside Paducah) but there was some concern that this might be a slippery slope.

[@joeframo3347]

Thank you Charles 👍

[@JD-xk4wp]

At least don’t have to worry about Kentucky windage !!

[@thetravi1348]

Randy! You need to do one on the UV-25! I know it’s not a dedicated GMRS radio, but it’s right up your alley. It’s so ugly it’s cute. And the ad says “Grand and Magnificent”! Come on, how could anyone but the haters on my GMRS Facebook page not like this radio? Firmware is the 5RM but mine tested out at 16w with a fully charged battery and 13w with one bar of power left. (Battery didn’t last long) It weighs like 10 lbs too. It has a huge speaker and bigger programming buttons too. And it IS chirp comparable under the 5RM file. I must say, it is a receiving beast! I can receive signals even my mobile can’t get as clear. You REALLY need to see it!

[@teeveeviewerski3381]

$500 million hug on the wall?

[@rustafar_2354]

More hugging incoming, I'm sure. 😉

[@grigorirasputin5020]

I thought it was well into the billion$ by now, with or without the kickbacks.

[@StanleyPugh]

Thank you

[@ChristopherDavis-dp9mk]

Hello Randy. Really like your honest reviews of all the gmrs mobile radios. I have watched them all at least 5 times. I have been trying out several models. Im down to the btech 50v2 or the Wouxun KG XS20g. I live in a heavily wooded area. Is more power better or a better radio like the wouxun a better choice. I noticed the scanning works very diffently on these two radio. Any opinions would be helpful if you have the time.

[@Frostytravels]

you sir are a hoot.....great videos.

[@TomRolfson]

Wow! Fox Sports look out... It's not just "in the field B-roll" but it's informative pointing to that affiliate link below. Getting fancy Randy... I'm going to start a pool on what date you will use FX to show us gigglehertz in motion spurting from your very personal antenni.

[@06kamalei]

Thanks!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thank YOU!

[@TheGadgetwiz]

Holy cow. Is that near 29 Palms? 50 years ago, my grandfather named a gold mine after me, and it looks like your really close to it . "Joel Mine"

[@kevinkoepke8311]

Best "affiliate link below" yet! Thanks

[@hakes187]

Good vid

[@brucejohnson8349]

Great video. Thanks Randy. 73 KG5GEM

[@thetravi1348]

Mine will be here tomorrow. It looks like a big upgrade to my at-8900d that I’ve been using these past few months. The RT-8900d is a pretty good little 25 watt GMRS radio but to hit my favorite repeater 18 miles away I will need more penetrating power as I have woods all around me. I can hit my other favorite repeater just fine with it which is weird as it is 30 miles away. Must be running a lower power repeater. But it’s linked to a bunch of other repeaters in the Midwest so I want on it. WRZV439

[@06kamalei]

I really appreciate your videos and your sense of humor. I am new to GMRS. I am waiting on a couple of btech pros to arrive. My question is can this radio be used as a repeater? Looking for a home based GMRS 50 watt that can also be used as a repeater. Many mahalos for all you do.

[@fredm8788]

BTech is off my "love list"! Since They're tech support won't respond to my questions and complaints regarding the bricked amplifier that fails to operate, I will not be buying from them again! ! Hah Still love Randy, though!

[@410dash]

We used to call it splashing over ! 40 years I never knew what spurious emissions !! 😂😂😂

[@JeepingBill]

I enjoy watching your videos, very informative. I bought one of the BTECH GMRS 50V2 radios, unfortunately it has an issue. When I hang up the mic the screen goes blank. It works fine otherwise. Just no data on the screen when hanging up the mic. If I then turn it off and back on, everything is then working as it should be, until I hang the mic back up. Have you seen this or heard of this while reviewing their radios? I contacted the company, but there was no good solution to this issue. I would appreciate any help that you might be able to offer. Thank you!

[@SUDSY0]

Your pulling thoughts out of my head and making shirts now...

[@Barracuda48082]

Awesome Review. Betting your un rubicon will be upgrading to a new chatterbox. Have you reviewed many mobile antennas, which mount type you recommend, and do you prefer whip or that hidden stubby like some chip cruisers have on all flat surfaces? I purchased a stubby and a huuge mag mount and it requires a ground plane to function well. Wrwa and some numeras

[@craigdavidson2977]

There is no upgrade for a Motorola in the Jeep.

[@Hinman_9124]

Thinking about getting this after this review. Removing the unusable 8-14. Guessing i can do this theough the chirp that i keep hearing about?

[@user-tv5dt3nm9y]

Thanks for not being a shill.

[@beatrixjones2982]

Well I’m late but I’m here for it.

[@BWheel001]

That shirt is amazing. 😂

[@bendeleted9155]

Harmonica missions? So THAT'S what HAM stands for.

[@fabianurrego69]

Great vid and apologies for my question… did not found it below… which antena would you recommend for general purposes?

[@jamesmcgarry8660]

Could be your greatest shirt ever.

[@sweetbushstudiochannel4606]

Where did you the the warning spurious emissions sticker? I like it

[@htdriver2012]

I have the 1st BTech 50 watt radio and still I don't use it. I have put the repeaters offsets in, but I can't get the tones put in and I have gone on the GMRS website to try to find someone that could help me and yet to find anyone. So,,,, I guess I will go back to my reliable easy to use CB Radio.

[@davidhirsch2980]

Can you use a K-1 programming cable with the adapter cable?

[@GoSlash27]

My offer still stands. I'm a lead EMI technician at a major aerospace contractor. I have all the experience and equipment necessary to do a proper radiated emissions scan for you, free of charge. Just let me know.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thank you for the offer, but normal people just dont care.

[@MojaveNunzio]

@@TheNotaRubicon LMAO

[@GoSlash27]

@@TheNotaRubicon Fair enough. Plus I suppose the sad hams would just say you're not qualified to understand the results anyway :D

[@WilderFPV]

On the bottom right where it shows the mic level, some pictures in the manual show it displaying the input voltage. Is there a way to change it to show voltage? I've searched all through chirp, the manual, and radio settings and I can only find the option to change the color.

[@338bigguns]

Nice radio. Looks good on the outside. And from your influencing on you tube I purchased this radio. After installing and checking with SWR and Power meter there was a huge problem. No power or signal to the antenna. Turn out we have a short across ground and transmit. Removed radio. Tested antenna and cable. All good. Tested center pin to ground. Ouch!!!. Removed top cover and found solder spatter over the entire PCB. Lo g story short. I've tried to contact Btech with no luck. Midland here I come.

[@morthomer5804]

Do most people refuse to get within 50 feet of you? Or, does that depend highly on whether you have an HT on your belt?

[@robertwood657]

I love that you know a good hillbilly term (I am from Arkansas). Term is nuff. You know- good nuff, fair nuff, far nuff, and of course 69 is more than nuff! Simple is as simple does. It is nuff. Thank you very much!

[@twistedfx69420]

I'm from the 11m band.. OF COARSE A FEW MORE WATTS MATTERS! LOL wscz561 with that wave!

[@bobbybarnes1652]

I was looking hard @ the Wouxun KG-XS20G for my SXS. Would anyone recommend the BTECH GMRS 50V2 over that for the (perceived) wattage increase alone, or would the features of the Wouxun put it over the BTECH if wattage wasn't (necessarily) an issue? I did note some actual tests showing the BTECH 50W testing out to only ~37W and the Wouxun 20W testing to 27-28W.

[@bobo8129]

are your hands related to the thing from the munsters? nice work thank you .

[@ValenteEspinosa]

Linux! he mentioned Linux! I like this channel a 5% more