My Experience With The BTech GMRS-RPT50 / Overview and Review Of BTech's New 50-Watt GMRS Repeater

[@PANICFPV]

Right off the bat calling your viewers dumb...

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Only the dumb ones.. You can tell which ones those are because they leave dumb comments complaining about being called dumb.

[@ordyy89]

@@TheNotaRubiconlove your channel Randy. You would be an awesome neighbor for a variety of reasons.

[@NomadGringo]

🫵🤪🫏

[@TrevHolland]

I are verie dum!

[@jefflowe2377]

As it should be stated

[@keneng3682]

Federal Amplitude Governance Service LMAO!

[@Sonny_V]

😂👍👍

[@Lancedsanders]

Made me LOL.😂

[@EZippy]

I’m old enough to remember them. They had Spandex uniforms.

[@sal.m2A]

I spit my whiskey on my desk

[@gerfmon1]

I just got it, ok, I'm a little slow. 😂

[@bendeleted9155]

The ending really got me a little choked up. Poor roger beepless, jiggly-knobed little thing never stood a chance in this world I guess.

[@philc6670]

This video sums up my experience with BTECH. Purchased three radios from them so far this year and returned two of them within days due to out-of-box failures. One hardware related, the other a firmware issue. The third radio has not been used much, so I am suspicious of it. But every time I contacted them they responded immediately and provided options, included for simple programming questions. Outstanding customer service. If only they could get their quality straightened out I might go back to them, but have decided to avoid them until I hear about things improving.

[@donalddodson7365]

I wonder if the Chi#n$×es factory is sabotaging the BTECH line, as it cuts in to their main production of Booufang and Oshinwooshun name plates? 🤔

[@641northwestgeorgia]

Same here, except I've only purchased one of their radios to this point. Thanks to Randy's review, I'll probably give the Radioddity DB40-G a chance to replace my now non-functional and not quite three year old BTECH 50X1.

[@tenbitcomb]

BTECH's QA team are their customers. 🤷

[@gregiep]

Honestly a solid review. No punches pulled, no egos stroked, but giving credit where it is due.

[@66ECHO]

Ik it’s an older video, however, I wanted to comment on “B-tech” - being new to radio dork world - I’ve only dipped my toes into radios. B-tech has been one of the best customer service companies I’ve ever had to work with. I’ve been asking many questions about communication needs for our church’s security team and they’ve gone beyond what I’ve expected. Well done B-tech.

[@localsnyc]

I purchased a TYT TH-9800 plus 50 watt radio + repeater booster , turned into a lunchbox repeater for only 500ish dollars. I am very happy. It goes inside a Pelican waterproof case with an optional 12V 100AH LiFePO4 Lithium Battery build in and support multiple antennas based on what I need, covering miles based on my location.

[@grigorirasputin5020]

Sounds about like what I would expect from a B-Tech product. Thank you Randy, for this informative video!

[@Willysaholic]

Thanks for washing my car. Looks great!! 😂

[@mikeingeorgia1]

😂

[@daviddemand6856]

Being a pillar of my community by repeater installation is on my list of to-do’s. I’m not going to wash my wife’s boyfriend’s vehicle to do it though. I’ve got standards.

[@Burkenation]

I know this guy probably doesn’t get into these comments because of the amount he gets… but, I’m glad he has this channel, because I am getting into this hobby now!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

I .. see...alll....

[@justindraper5785]

Just got my repeater back form repair it's been in service for 24hr and is working well so far

[@bhi7165]

This is still my favorite channel. I luv digesting it

[@chuckdavis1323]

Thank you for the BTech review ❗️

[@Freebird_67]

Good thing I came here. I was seriously considering buying this Repeater. I had a Btech 50w mobile that lasted about 4 months and she blew up unexpectedly.

[@jdscoco]

My repeater is a dual KG-1000 Plus with an external duplexer and I was excited to see a real dedicated GMRS only packaged repeater. Sad that it is garbage, but they have nice and responsive garbage disposal team to clean up the mess.

[@pesco7]

How is your setup working 3 months later? I am trying to decide between that setup and this setup. Also, what do you use for an antenna?

[@micheloneill7069]

still working as its states so far so good no issues

[@Bones469]

Great story... and they all lived happily ever after....

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Did anyone notice at 6:19 the strange "private" movies this guys got saved on his computer. This has got to be done on purpose lol.

[@kyle-ne4mf]

"Fat Asian men"

[@Gruuvin1]

I ordered a 50W BTech ham mobile, and it was missing a cable, so I emailed support. In my experience, BTech support is excellent. They sent out my cable immediately. I also like the radio. However this repeater seems like junk. Not worth $1500. Hopefully they will improve it.

[@dereknoll]

Great review. I been waiting on someone to review this repeater. It sucks it was a dud out of the box. Quality is demanded in a repeater. It was nice to hear that even after the duplexer power output was supposed to be 45-50 watts and not reduced to 50% like most repeater duplexers. For $1,000 I don't know if I would want to trust a BTECH repeater.

[@london19657]

You are very entertaining. Also funny. Thanks for making videos. Love you man.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Love YOU man! 😭

[@oliverw.douglas285]

Sounds like the Quality & Support Folks at Btech, while responsive, need to step-up their game on 'proofing their product', before it ships. Just the same, it's nice to see more product like this specifically geared for GMRS. Nice review Randy.

[@Rusty-Williams]

Have to scratch that one off my wish list. Good job Randy!

[@micheloneill7069]

i got one so far after firmware update been running fine one week into it

[@TheNotaRubicon]

How do your knobs feel?

[@micheloneill7069]

same not the best ​@TheNotaRubicon

[@hatesbots2731]

Thank you! Always great to hear a real review.

[@dantucker7390]

Love the shirt. The answer to 1984 is....

[@donalddodson7365]

Thank you! Happy to help get you some new pencils ... 😅 ... Good job introducing this repeater.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thank YOU!

[@phantomscaler]

Great vid as always Randy, A few of us gmrs users here in our town want to set up a repeater system, this helps us with more info on what not to just rush out and get, but like most electronics, first versions sold, like say game consoles, radios etc, are usually and unfortunately plagued with some type of problem. like a software / firmware glitch, overheating and causing a hardware failure, cold solder joints ( seen way to many brand new cb radios over the years where a factory solder joint was the issue ) .or just something that was not clearly checked with qc dept, before being released for sale, and needs either a firmware update, or sent back to fix said hardware failure, like in your case the duplexer failed. my guess and just a guess. is the duplexer transistors got overheated and failed due lack of a proper cooling design in the unit. since the repeater is alway on either in standby listening for a signal to relay, and or transmitting said signal out

[@deonoosthuizen42]

Bad experience, but excellent support. Nice to see them standing behind their product.

[@Bob5mith]

I still want one. Maybe the price will drop a little as they get the kinks worked out.

[@nickkatchmar5408]

Awesome review. Can’t wait for a follow up review and field test.

[@DanHORVATH-yi6cu]

Glad you got your money back, instead of waiting for repairs. I'd imagine, it would have been successive problems after that. Maybe in a couple of years they will get the bugs out of it and be reliable.

[@Andyswolftraxx]

‘Nough said. It’s so saddening to get a new device and have it fail so soon. But, good customer support makes me feel so much better.

[@goodfriend6428]

Another great review. You really had to labor through this one! A lot of time, too. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@flocksbyknight]

Excellent video Thank you for your realness

[@Big_d_garage]

So basically what you’re saying is that BTECH sells rebranded Chinese radios but has better customer service than most retail giants. Luckily I’ve had 0 issues with my BTECH radio but I’m glad they will stand behind their products.

[@92mtbkr14]

..."THE END" hahahahaha that was the best ending I've ever seen on a youtube video🤣🤣🤣🤣 Not sure why, it just made me laugh so hard. That's great🤣

[@dunerinaz]

6:20 Nobody talking about the video files on Randy's computer 🤣🤣

[@RustyOpel]

I've seen an obscure porn site (that I use) on his screen before! He does usually have some "interesting" things on his screen or other open tabs. 😉

[@pesco7]

Went back and had me literally LOL'ing, I can't say that often.

[@pesco7]

...or the browser tabs at 6:23!

[@jamesreid3336]

I had a feeling the internal duplexer would be an issue. I wish you could have had them just fix the TX amplifier and return it so you could test it using an external duplexer

[@Will-W]

Oh lord, I'm still working on getting my caffine levels up to normal and it took a minute to parse Federal Amplitude Governance Service. I'm not proud of the noises my mouth hole just made as they were more along that of a donkey's bray than a laugh of an adult male human. Never let your online persona go Randy. It's simply fabulous to behold for those of us with a bit of dry and dark humor in our souls.

[@icebrakernh]

This is great news now if it actually squirts out 50 watt rf laxer beams for max fars is yet to be revealed by Randy. Crossing fingers

[@smitty3624]

Good to know, for sure. Least they were helpful about it. What sort of recommendations do you have for putting together a repeater rig in this power range?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

I'm still happy with my VXR-7000 that I got used for $500.

[@MrHandyDad]

Little guy is on it today. Get us ready for the weekend....

[@autonomous_collective]

Randy, Have a 30 day update? Really interested in this repeater.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

30 Day Update: As explained in the video, it was returned 30 days ago and my credit-card has been credited.

[@LuckyClovers]

This channel is lit!

[@angeloritz2483]

Willing to pay the money as soon as all glitches fixed

[@jeremiahnewell]

The best story!

[@hhawg1]

Love the shirt...

[@HOTRODMONZA]

DADDY IS ON THE SCREEN

[@rongibbs1778]

Why did you change from the woxcun repeaters to the vertex 7000

[@Kimzag]

The repeater that I received was only transmitting at 10-15 watts. I emailed BTech, and they responded that some of them had bad duplexers, and that I could send it back so that their techs could replace the duplexer, or that they could ship me a new duplexer and I could replace it myself. I had them send the duplexer. I did have a problem with one of the screws, but there were the 4 screws that held the top of the case on. Once I took the top off, there were 4 screws that held the duplexer in place, and three cables with N connectors that connected to the duplexer. It took maybe 5 to 10 minutes to get the duplexer replaced, and up and running. Afterwards, I was showing 45 watts output. I did notice that even though I had entered my call sign in the software, it didn't show up in the menu on the repeater. And, the timer setting for the ID on the menu didn't show 15 minutes as an option, but it did in the software. In the timer setting for the ID, the header showed as "Hang Time". They did do a firmware upgrade that corrected the 15 minutes, allowed CTCSS/DTS for the ID, and added the confirmation tone.

[@chadd772]

Love this guy

[@jhill4874]

Having been involved with setting up ham repeaters, that price is actually quite reasonable. And being a single unit, set up is probably quite reasonable as well.

[@shockburn]

Here for the knowledge. Stay for the video file lists on the PC 😂

[@jkg6211]

🤣

[@davidquackenbush3957]

Thank you!

[@AcmePhoto]

If there's ever a next time, try some heat applied to the screws. (via a soldering iron or gun) If they used (Chinese) loctite, a little heat might help break the screws free.

[@johnpush4585]

You keep talking about haters. I'm not seein it! Great video!

[@BroAnarchy]

That ending was both anticlimactic and beautiful at the same time 😂

[@JohnLeger]

Thanks!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thank YOU!

[@MattCoversTech]

Welp, so that's that for now. Hopefully they get the issues worked out on it and it turns into a solid device. Glad to know their support is excellent though.

[@richardcorwin1828]

Thank you!!

[@patriciastauffer3278]

Since there is no roger beep on this repeater, then that means I have to trust the roger beep on my UV-5R or do I have to beep twice. I ask merely for information.

[@gunsofmasseffect4321]

I had high hopes for this unit, especially costing this much, but it seems with time, they'll work out all the bugs, and it will live up to its calling.

[@jeffcooke9026]

Randy, I also was an anxious purchaser of this repeater. turns out much difficulty with software and high power ended up being a whopping 14.5 watts! Thank goodness for Paypal refund safety net!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

That sounds like a bad duplexer like mine. Did you contact support?

[@jeffcooke9026]

@@TheNotaRubicon (See above narrative) Thanks for your wisdom and input!

[@jeffcooke9026]

Yep, when they asked for videos of my issues, I dropped all of my hopes and dreams and went back to Paypal...

[@rongibbs1778]

Thanks to you i have it

[@london19657]

Hey, I was born in 1962,.. scary shit, Randy

[@london19657]

Just liked myself, to save time.

[@BurninWires]

@@london19657 hahahahahaha

[@TheRealRenn]

Kids…

[@ordyy89]

LOVE your shirt. I shall get one👍

[@SteveSeelbinder]

Looks promising, but several missing future functions and issues you identified and encountered. Hope to see a more refined Version 2.

[@K1NGA-EM74]

“Full GMRS repeaters have been around for years” I’m just here for the snarky replies 🤣❤️👍🏽

[@RisingTidesAC]

To those guys on "THAT" GMRS channel that were so very excited about this repeater, all I can say is....I TOLD YOU SO!

[@tmastersat]

The question i cant get answered is can i connect it to a node. Does it have a cos connection

[@robertfeliciano2043]

When will you evaluate Baofeng GM21 ? I bet it will be your new new new favorite

[@halledwardb]

Time for Wouxan to step up to the plate.

[@KG-xf9ew]

interesting device. I guess if you have some kind of club or enough friends who want to use the repeater it would be worth hosting. What do you get out of it for hosting the repeater? Just being nice?

[@numbersix7193]

I have used Icom, Yeasu, and Btech customer service. Btech has been the best, most responsive service in the amateur radio industry. Sorry you were not able to get a working unit.

[@jonathanfrench7697]

Oof that’s rough. Thanks for the video as always.

[@bendeleted9155]

If it was Mil Spec, it would have a 101% duty cycle for leap year.

[@nandrews8412]

Naw, Mil Spec only means the cheapest bidder for the Government contract.

[@chuckrisko4993]

off topic ...can you recommend a portable gmrs radio that has a built-in PA system...

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Boy, you are right, that is off topic!

[@chuckrisko4993]

@@TheNotaRubicon I guess you really don't know sorry to waste your time

[@Z_question]

Will it Work on SP or EP with my Betamax? SP in conjunction with EP make for a long night.

[@TheMaddogronh]

Just a quick question,, does GMRS have to go through the frequency coordinator and they tell you what channels you can use on your repeaters ?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

No. Its every-man for himself and the biggest repeater wins.

[@je3653]

Give the Yaesu fusion DXR2 a shot. I think you'll like it.

[@nobodytoyou4887]

Shame it looks like this one isn't ready for prime time yet, but hopefully given a few months they can work out the kinks and and it will be ready for round 2, kinda sad to hear the WiFi and IP ports are basically for show though , would have been awesome if those could have been used for a web GUI configuration or even better being able to link multiple of these in an area so they all function as one to blanket an area (or connect to different states/cites).

[@reese9276]

You, Sir, are hilarious !!!

[@sg6970-lg9td]

Hi Randy, this is Shane from Michigan. I have Far's questions for you today. Not sure how to word this though. Does a 50watt GMRS radio have a maximum distance limit of how far the signal can be thrown to its first repeater tower? or is this question more about the line of sight and or how tall a GMRS radio tower is no matter the distance apart? Used in an example: A Base station 50watt radio with an 80-foot antenna and the closest repeater tower is 100 miles away or 250 miles away? Both are in line of sight of each other. Or maybe my question should be how far can repeater towers be away from each before they won't communicate to each other? Probably a stupid questions, eh? but one I'm not privy to. I'm working on getting my own base station going and I want to set up this free emergency repeater for all to use. I've heard vague discussion with some groups on setting up emergency communications at great distances between repeaters and we are quite lacking that here in Michigan. Thanks for your help. Shane

[@GadgetReviewVideos]

Dang, sounds like they have to bugs to work out. Now in searching for a repeater I have to figure out if the FCC’s would be against me running a HAM repeater at GMRS power limits if the HAM’s hardware has licensing approval for and from the FCC’s for those “Channels”.

[@marcspaz]

While disappointing, not unexpected. I think they are experiencing growing pains, but hopefully will sort it out soon.

[@k6usy]

Cool story bro.

[@sbecker32]

So what is the status of this repeater return / repair ?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

As i said in the video: i sent it back and got my money back.

[@4x4le]

So bummed. I have been searching youtube since this video came out hoping anyone else can show a working unit. I have received bad radios and it is very frustrating. A tdh3 was the most recent, but my replacement has been good as well as 2 other tdh3s owned by other people. This repeater is exactly what i need (on paper) but i really want to see a working unit work before i pull the trigger.

[@bobb3149]

Was the new BTech repeater working with Zello? I have no idea how any of this stuff works but I enjoy monitoring your repeater from the other side of the country.

[@LuizPizzamiglio]

Wasn’t the Zello access channel disabled?

[@DeathValleyDays]

Heck yeah. GET YO MONEY BACK, JACK!🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑

[@mikesimpson6757]

What are you using for the squelch setting for your Vertex standard. I have one as well and am using the commercial settings which is killing weak or distant transmissions. Not the manual settings.. Just trying to get this thing working as it should.

[@jamesbonnell4597]

Are you certain that it wasn’t the ‘Commission for Radio Aerial Propagation’?

[@oldgringo66]

This was like watching Geraldo Rivera opening Al Capone’s vault. Where the hell is the climax? That’s a phrase I learned from my wife. Oh well, at least Donald looks interested.

[@jeffmccleskey]

Can't go wrong with the Don in the background

[@smoothoscillator1]

F don

[@jonathanfrench7697]

Finally

[@rongibbs1778]

If i put one of these in, is there anything i have to do with the fcc

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Nothing, other than having your own GMRS license.

[@rongibbs1778]

Thanks to you I have it

[@Alchemist39]

Wow 😲 and then bummer 😕

[@parkerd619]

I had a feeling that this repeater would not perform well. It's a new product so it's expected to have bugs and problems upon initial release. So we'll see how they manage problems.