BTECH GMRS-Pro GMRS APRS UHF VHF Handheld Radio | Offgrid Technology

Today we are taking a quick look at the all new BTECH GMRS-Pro which is a new kind of handheld for the GMRS community that features Data transmission and receiving for short messaging, location sharing, etc. While the HAM world has had Data abilities for a while, those who operate GMRS now have similar functions. Let me know what you think in the comments.
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BTECH GMRS-Pro Radio:
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[@8541stone]

I use the Bluetooth mic in my helmet while I'm riding my motorcycle. Since it's weatherproof i use radio holster on my belt. The Nagoya 771 works really well.

[@gastonbarouille767]

Do you connect your BT mic/headset with the app on a smartphone or with your radio?

[@bulldogbrower6732]

Finally a Garmin Rino killer, almost. The price is right and it’s loaded with features. The advantage of the Rino is that all the mapping and texting is done on the radio without the use of a phone. The Garmin Rino’s are extremely expensive at $650.00 and the fixed antenna on top is very poor. I hope BTech continues developing this radio and a future model of the radio will incorporate the map and texting.

[@phillipalbert8918]

Agreed, I have one and just one! You need to purchase 2 units!!! Hahaha, $1,300! Next option…

[@ko6712]

@Gary N1VWH I use ONX for hunting and can download maps for areas that I don’t have cell service.

[@gastonbarouille767]

@@phillipalbert8918 Garmin is one of the most over-valued company...

[@BoBoBrappins]

you can send messages on the radio without the phone connected its just a slow procces

[@TheChico868]

Ladies and gentlemen we have a game changer. The single greatest leap in GMRS radio technology has happened.

[@thebugg333]

I'd say catching up at the pace the FCC allows, not a leap. Also, for the price i'll pass; you get what you pay for. Cheap is ok to start with, but I am paying for it by trying to sell my cheap radios, including a few of my Wouxun's that I liked but not use as much.

[@hardtruth2039]

I ordered two of these for the wife and I. Looks like a great little GMRS radio.

[@offgrid.technology]

Having two units are key, while there is limited internet support using the App, these are really intended to be used with no internet, just allowing two way communication via the radios using a smartphone in a small group. While not true services like Winlink, SMSGate, etc. its a positive step in the right direction. All it would take to get these services is them allowing iGates to be setup on GMRS frequencies. I would do that in a heart beat.

[@jerbenhandyman]

We did too, 5 week back order

[@Gruuvin1]

Can you try testing data over a repeater? There's a rumor that it actually does work, but it hasn't been confirmed.

[@raspillade6027]

Regarding the antenna, glad you showed it close up as I was wondering what type (male or female) it used and clarified Nagoya 701g and 771g as compatible.

[@offgrid.technology]

Glad it helped :)

[@DonzLockz]

Its an awesome radio for the GMRS users. I wish it could work with our UHF CB downunder on 476MHz. Cheers for sharing the radio and its awesome features. P.s. I hope BTech ended up giving you a second radio to test with. :)

[@offgrid.technology]

Thank you. Funny the different standards from here in the US and there.

[@Adamdaj]

I'm waiting for mine. I bought the BTECH GMRS PRO and can't wait to start using it.

[@offgrid.technology]

Good choice! You won’t be disappointed.

[@Adamdaj]

@@offgrid.technology Man, I looked at Motorola and Kenwood as owning Harley Davidsons of two - way radios. I need to take some radios to a hamfest and sell them. I will keep my CS-800 and CS-800D, because I need some for DMR.

[@phillipalbert8918]

Ya, been down this rabbit hole with multiple types of devices. The cleanest open source solution is the TBeam 915 MHz devices running Meshtastic along with an open source plugin available online for Civtak/Atak. It’s about $35-$50 per unit. You need some familiarity with using utility software. If B-Tech writes the plugin for Civtak/Atak that would be a cool solution because you would then have only 2 devices instead of 3 because the Meshtastic option (TBeam & phone) still needs a separate radio for PTT communications.

[@redogman67]

Thanks for the demonstration, it's a really cool radio. I am new to GMRS so I don't know much but I am kinda thinking this app and display may actually make it easier to understand.

[@UnDragonized]

Amazing video keep up the amazing work ❤️

[@EverydayAdmin]

Thank you 🙏

[@martirjd]

As a survivalist this radio changes things for me. Good leap forward with the GMRS band radios.

[@offgrid.technology]

Yes it does for me as well.

[@int4d]

Great vid. Rumor has it you can text over repeater even though the manual says you can't. Dig into that if you get board. I'm waiting to buy until more info comes out. 👍

[@EverydayAdmin]

Interesting I’ll look into it.

[@nbookie]

That would be interesting... many repeaters are large state/multistate networks. That could mean full state coverage without internet at the repeaters or handheld. Also with much more simple "digital" mode for the novice.

[@superpoint43]

High probability that any large repeater network is internet linked.

[@RKingis]

Simplex only!

[@togeika]

I have two. They can be used as a simplex repeater. Both the VGC mic and the PTT button for the mobile works with this HT

[@offgrid.technology]

Yea I love it. Not sure why the BTECH ones are not out yet.

[@gleivapz]

Hermoso radio. Creo que no se puede variar la frecuencia, sería maravilloso una versión para radioaficionados, al menos VHF

[@RKingis]

The Vero is the ham version, but is UHF only.

[@joekirklin]

Good thing you ID'd into that dummy load, lol. Nice video.

[@offgrid.technology]

Right lol I get comments about not identifying all the time lol

[@Demosophist]

I have heard that the GMRS-Pro has passed emission standards, which allow the antenna to be changed. The data restriction, apparently, only applies to radios that haven't passed the test.

[@offgrid.technology]

Interesting thank you I’ll have to look into that.

[@stevenrobertson7069]

Yes they did ....

[@RKingis]

Part 95 states it's to be fixed, and say nothing about exemptions.

[@natewelch6490]

The question is. Can it be enabled to transmit on VHF too? Would be great to have all these features at this price point in a ham radio.

[@BobMaratas]

Nope, it's a GMRS radio and I do have one of these units. Funny, they included the antenna as being dual-band, however, I will change it to a fully UHF antenna since I do not monitor VHF frequencies.

[@RKingis]

​@@BobMaratasUS ham APRS frequency is 144.390, and that radio can receive APRS data. Unfortunately, I've heard it's UHF only, even for the Vero ham version.

[@rbmwiv]

Got mine a couple of weeks ago and it was not glued. Came off like every other one does.

[@djholograf]

Same here. Just got one today. The antenna was in it's old plastic wrap and not detached to the radio just like my TIDRADIOs and other BAOFENGs.

[@DaddyBusAdventures]

One year later, would you still recommend this radio. What have you learned, what has improved. A follow up vid might be great.

[@offgrid.technology]

Great idea. I love it thank you. I have added it to my list.

[@beretta804]

Still trying to figure out how to scan a channel plan.

[@Robert-cd5zr]

can you go over the audio relay functionality? That sets this radio apart from a lot of others, having a simplex repeater in your pocket

[@MattNis1]

Recommend a good full duplex radio

[@markward7088]

Btech if you're listening, if you wouldn't mind donating a radio to me. Please send it to OffGrid Technology, and when it arrives he can send it to me. Thank you Btech

[@offgrid.technology]

Would love a second one to do pair videos. If the donated it I would give it away after the videos. ;) they did send me a GMRS 20V2 I am going to use in an upcoming GMRS manpack video.

[@georgespeck8761]

that gmrs radio has a lot of feathers on it

[@Siskiyous6]

This is a competator to the GARMIN RINO system, but not ground breaking. That it uses PARS can be exploited by the highly capable, but not in any easy way. It DOES NOT do the mapping of the Garmins, though with a paired blue tooth device it has a plot going for it. I keep seeing a lot of people who do not understand Garmin is Decades ahead here.

[@offgrid.technology]

I have heard that but I think the Garmin is more towards hikers, etc. But I have been interested in comparing the two! Thanks for the support!

[@thebear6751]

How do you calibrate the compass

[@rbmwiv]

The android has Morse code monitor and tone scanning are the difference between the two.

[@timothyfour8245]

Are you going to make a part 2 now that you've had it for a while?

[@Rusted_Link]

Is it really APRS? "Automatic Packet Reporting System" emphasis on the Automatic!! Does it send information to the APRS network? The APRS system works on 2m only as far as I know. Oh and the manual mentions nothing about APRS. Do you know something we don't?

[@offgrid.technology]

The HT app that the BTECH is based on actually has an APRS section, no from my understanding the APP reads the GPS and frequency from the radio and send it to the APRS gateway on behalf of the radio (which makes sense since GMRS does not have an igate on GMRS frequencies) so it's more like sudo APRS but regardless its a positive direction for GMRS users who had no similar services before this. Also when I send my data via the connected phone it does show up on ARPS.fi

[@RKingis]

​@@offgrid.technologyAPRS was created in the 80's before mass internet usage! The problem would be who pays for the internet infrastructure.

[@StevenRAssmann-tb7ty]

I like the radio but I have been unable to use the gps or pair it with my Iphone as yet. I have also been unable to use the compass. BTech if you can help with these issues I would appreciate it.

[@babyjay3055]

Yo just ordered this in Denver hmu guys

[@offgrid.technology]

I’m coming up that way next year, gonna visit to see if I want to move there. Maybe a meet up then.

[@hardtruth2039]

Curious if it will allow transmit on 2m/70cm. My Radioddity 2m/70cm GS-5B allows TX on GMRS/FRS and MURS . Great to have if you need that for emergencies.

[@offgrid.technology]

No it will receive UHF and VHF and transmit on UHF, while designed for GMRS you can transmit on UHF with a work around.

[@Unknown-od5te]

@@offgrid.technology hi I’m a noob to transmit on uhf do we need a license like ham or can use it out the box sir?

[@blastco2]

@@Unknown-od5te you need a gmrs license. $35

[@blastco2]

Covers your family out to 1st cousins.

[@edgarvilmanyi3948]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful. Can I use this radio anywhere in the world or is it only for the United States?

[@offgrid.technology]

GMRS is a US radio specification. You could transmit outside of the us but no one may be listening that said the simplex (radio to radio) functions the same anywhere you are so the features would work just check their laws first.

[@MrBossCav]

Is there a way to unlock the GMRS Pro in order to transmit on ham frequencies (similar to how you can unlock a Baofeng UV-5R)?

[@offgrid.technology]

Unfortunately no, the base radio was a UHF radio called the Vero VR-N75 but the BTECH is locked to GMRS and I have not seen any software to alter it.

[@PropaneTreeFiddy]

Can the ID signaling (identifier, location, etc.) be decoded by other devices or os it proprietary to Btech? If it uses common protocol it'd be great to integrate into my base station for offroad trips.

[@offgrid.technology]

Text messaging I have figured out how to decode. Working on location, etc to see as well.

[@gastonbarouille767]

It uses APRS protocol. Any APRS protocol compilant will work.

[@timothyleear]

Time to select a channel and start a GPRS (General Position and Reporting System).

[@jroysdon]

If you set your GMRS callsign as your "handle" or "nickname" and enabled that transmission, would that alleviate the requirement to give your callsign every 15 minutes as it would be transmitted via data at the end of each transmission?

[@offgrid.technology]

Interesting I like that idea.

[@johnsusedik8363]

Ya have to give CALLSIGN via voice every 15 minutes don’t be lazy giving CALLSIGN is half the fun image if your on Ham should get use to it

[@RKingis]

I believe so, as in APRS a voice ID is never used.

[@RKingis]

​@@johnsusedik8363I've never heard a voice ID in APRS.

[@johnsusedik8363]

CALLSIGNS are only required on GMRS and Ham Repeaters I never said LOS without repeater and on the GMRS Pro the Nickname after transmission is only for location pinging and requires everyone with same radio or it doesn’t work

[@amop33]

How to unlock expanded transmit?

[@markcall9695]

I need to get a phone like that just to link to radio - can I ask what you got? BTW - great review I just got two of these radios.

[@offgrid.technology]

Its some old LG Walmart phone :) I want to move to an IP rated one just not found a good one yet for cheap.

[@markcall9695]

@@offgrid.technology keep me posted, please? So basically any Android phone that’s unlocked and attached to internet (no cell carrier or card) should work? - I am also testing a Bluetooth plantronics earpiece later and will keep ya posted… that would be perfect for our UTV off road group! Thanks for a great video bud it’s much appreciated and these radios are awesome!

[@RisingTidesAC]

How is the battery life?

[@offgrid.technology]

I have been able to get about 2 full days of normal use which is listening a lot and transmitting several times a day for several minutes.

[@jessehaynes6413]

What is a tack?

[@roycox-oi7zm]

How Can I Order A Police Scanner

[@RKingis]

Amazon!!!

[@andypadilla505]

Lol you need 2 radios for these

[@pechacekcp]

Are you near the Fort Worth area?

[@offgrid.technology]

Close Austin Metro!

[@Knarf14]

This app is no different from the app that runs the vg vrn7500 radio, i have both and both apps run both radios and still no tx option for ios , the vrn7500 been around for few uears and the app to , app is called BS HT

[@Squibknocket]

Are you affiliated with Wholly Outdoors?

[@offgrid.technology]

Nope just little old me lol

[@Squibknocket]

@@offgrid.technology He took your entire video and used it for his own channel

[@offgrid.technology]

Wow really. Thanks for the heads up I’ll look for it now. You rock.

[@Dr.Spooky]

My radio won’t display date/time, elevation/wind speed and won’t calibrate the GPS. I’m an amateur at best with comms so if you could help thatd be great bro. Thanks

[@offgrid.technology]

It takes time to get the GPS lock. It’s not quick. If you pair it to your phone it’s quicker to get a lock.

[@thedoc24]

Mine is slow too. Were you outside when you did this video?

[@shawnwade302]

It really looks like a cool gmrs HT but it's just too involved for me. I don't want to have to fiddle with an app on my phone just to use my HT.lol

[@offgrid.technology]

Yea it’s a niche radio for sure.

[@RKingis]

It's kinda still optional. You can even send texts without the app.

[@1crazynordlander]

Is there a mobile version of this radio?

[@offgrid.technology]

Yes the Vero VR-N7500, www.gigaparts.com/vero-vr-n7500-50w-dual-band-mobile-radio.html?msclkid=57e65340822318bfea15376f967153ff

[@gastonbarouille767]

Can you talk directly from your smartphone using VOX function on the app? I don't know if the app has VOX

[@offgrid.technology]

Not from what I can find in the app, sorry.

[@gastonbarouille767]

@@offgrid.technology HT app allows that function, but I don't know if I can control this device with HT app.

[@jameswalker5579]

On an Android, you can. You can connect the radio and phone together, place the radio in a better position, and communicate with the vox functions. I use this function when I'm home. My metal roof suppresses the signal, so I can place the handheld on top of my truck and talk from the phone inside the house.

[@bthemedia]

Does the Android app and maps work Offgrid / Offline? 24:48 said phone off internet, but Wifi icon is on

[@offgrid.technology]

Yes and you can Download offline maps as well.

[@JoeyIngles]

Does it have two TX keys like the GMRS V1 & V2?

[@offgrid.technology]

No only 1

[@martirjd]

Exactly what does simple mode do?

[@offgrid.technology]

Do you mean Simplex?

[@OvenBak3d360]

How did the Bluetooth headset work?

[@offgrid.technology]

Just connected it and worked right away. No issues at all. Love it.

[@OvenBak3d360]

@@offgrid.technology I wonder if it would work with the Bluetooth in a vehicle

[@offgrid.technology]

So it connected to mine but needed VOX to transmit which was wonky. I would use the Bluetooth mic instead.

[@thebear6751]

How do you save the battery it will draw a battery down quick

[@offgrid.technology]

If I’m doing heavy transmitting I Cary a 20,000mAh battery bank with me.

[@RKingis]

If you're doing data, you need the battery saver off, as you would miss the beginning of a packet.

[@jameswalker5579]

Use battery saver mode. Also set your screen time out to a lower setting. If you are on the frs channels, you can set the radio to the low power setting.

[@johnkaelberer237]

Thanks for the review. You stated in your video that this radio has APRS. It does not. Just very basic texting between two like radios and the ability to show where you are on a map, but only what is transmitted between the two radio's and only within the limited range of the radios. No FPP, you are stuck pairing a cell phone. Very basic GPS display on the radio. Neat features, but all very basic. For me it's a non starter, but others might really like this radio. As they say, there is a seat for every butt.

[@offgrid.technology]

The reason I use that term is that the APP that is designed for the radio actually calls the services APRS in the app. Also if I configure them I can view my info on APRS.fi so it does do some sort of APRS.

[@walteredwards544]

@@offgrid.technology Thank you. This is what I needed to know. I wanted this to be APRS

[@gastonbarouille767]

@@walteredwards544 their have APRS. If they didn't, they couldn't transmit data. The smartphone APP make packet modulation and sent them to the radio via BT.

[@RKingis]

​@@gastonbarouille767the radio acts as the TNC.

[@RKingis]

It does actually do APRS,as it's the same as the Vero, a ham UHF version. Even the app is optional, as you can view texts, and location data on the radio.

[@rickkimbley8991]

Can you unlock this radio and can you manually enter ctcss tones?

[@jameswalker5579]

Unlocking radio, not sure about that, but ctcss tones are programmable. You can program both a tx and rx tone if using a repeater.

[@Jaydies2049]

Roger beep yes or no?

[@offgrid.technology]

If on GMRS depends. Usually no. On Amateur band no I’m not that gluten for a younger lashing lol

[@trifishtri]

What are the options for displaying your position? I’ve only seen it display lat/long. Can it do UTM or MGRS?

[@RKingis]

Apparently in the app it can show an actual location.

[@Gruuvin1]

NotaRubicon thinks this seems to do data over gmrs repeaters. Can someone give that a try?

[@offgrid.technology]

Hmm I may need to look further into this. Thanks for the info I’ll reach out to him.

[@RKingis]

Part 95 says Nope.

[@chrisseidel8999]

It did. Then a firmware update took that away since it wasn’t supposed to.

[@Pops_607]

What’s Atac?

[@offgrid.technology]

Android Team Awareness Kit, and for Iphone its ITAK, its an app that allow you to use radio to communicate. sort of what this is offering but on a way larger scale.

[@RonWaller]

Can you send out your GPS location information to anyone? or only to another BTech radio?

[@offgrid.technology]

The burst I believe to just another GMRS-Pro but it does list the GPS to let you know where you are and you can relay via voice.

[@RonWaller]

@@offgrid.technology Ok thank. I was curious if you could use it to let someone know where you are for safety reasons.

[@EverydayAdmin]

@@RonWaller I will do some testing and let you know ;)

[@RonWaller]

@@EverydayAdmin Thanks, that would be pretty cool. I like the technology of this radio so I am curious.

[@tomzimmer5152]

Following

[@nbookie]

Birmingham Alabama? Anyone have these around here? I'll buy one and do some testing with you if you're local. Testing: text through repeaters, freq expansion (for hams, if fbi van is around), map interface, etc. I bet we can write the plug-in needed. I've got about 100 guys on the staff that would be interested in a side project. It would help with work and play.

[@sbranham86]

Any luck? I’m just north of Lagrange ga

[@echo1er]

Newbiw Question can a gmrs radio talk to marine radio

[@RKingis]

No. GMRS is UHF, marine is VHF.

[@echo1er]

@@RKingis thanks

[@RKingis]

@@echo1er 😊

[@gilbertdumais4476]

No video

[@donnymazon8516]

I didn't think GRMS has aprs that's a ham radio thing?

[@offgrid.technology]

APRS is a tech that ham uses not that ham invented.

[@donnymazon8516]

@@offgrid.technology yes I do know that my question was I didn't think u can use aprs on grms

[@offgrid.technology]

Why not FCC allows it now. Again APRS is a type of transmission not the frequency. If you have an APRS receiver it does not matter what frequency they listen and transmit on. Or FCC only allows short data bursts but still works the same.

[@donnymazon8516]

@@offgrid.technology I just know we use the lower end of the vhf band inches ham bands I never heard of aprs being used in the 440 band

[@RKingis]

​@@donnymazon8516Data was allowed in late 2017. Read Part 95, in the GMRS section about data.

[@Liam-ql7tr]

Lol somethings should be left unsaid

[@offgrid.technology]

I wholeheartedly agree, some things need to be left unsaid.

[@vettemaniac1]

My Tidradio 2nd Gen H8 GMRS is better, just my noob opinion. No fancy sms and gps or compass, but receives and transmits better by far. Even my BF 5rm does better

[@tuckernance]

Wow... look at you!

[@davidburns6000]

You're going through stuff that you already know and are not really explaining shit. We know that you've done this stuff a to demonstrate and we're impressed, OK? But you're going way too fast to demonstrate anything.

[@offgrid.technology]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@unzipped4883]

I agree

[@bulldogbrower6732]

How rude. They act as if your being paid. Thanks for a good review of the radio. There are more reviews of this radio on KZbin.