Good radio, dual watch VFO works well. First one was used.
The first (original) radio shipped to me appeared to have been a used return. It had holes in both the Push to Talk (PTT) buttons. Is it wasn't for those holes, I would have never guessed it was used. It was packaged fine and had no other wear marks and worked great. But, I paid for a new radio, so I requested a replacement. The replacement looks just fine, no strange holes in the buttons.
Overall the radio seems great, good audio, and better range then a typical blister pack radio. Programs just fine with CHIRP and a typical baofeng style programming cable.
I specifically wanted this model for the dual watch VFO and dual PTT buttons. This allows me to monitor two different frequencies simultaneously, and easily transmit back to both of those without needing to switch between A/B VFO or memories. If you're looking for this feature (dual watch) it does need to be enabled in the settings. You can do so in CHIRP or via the keypad menu.
Logan
★★★★★
Best Gmrs radio for the price
I’ve had this for about a week now and it just flew over to Hawaii and on the way over I was wondering if I could catch the noaa weather service and I did we were about 125 miles out and 30,000 feet and was able to get a signal
C
customer
★★★★★
Awesome GMRS radio!
This is very well built GMRS radio for the money. It works out of the box and even better paired with a NA-771G antenna! I'm also able to tune into the NOAA channels with full signal strength even though the NA-771G isn't technically tuned for those lower frequencies. Very happy with my purchase through Btech. Glad I went with this instead of the Midland radios I was looking at. Btech seems like a great company and I'll be buying a GMRS-20V2 next for my truck.
M
matt
★★★★★
Super fun radio!
I love hiking and wanted a radio that could take advantage of the peaks I climb. I could hear a 50w repeater 210 miles away at a 5k peak (3k higher than the line of sight terrain) with the 771g antenna. Had clear simplex with at 60 miles. Couldn't be happier!
B
Brian
★★★★★
Awesome GMRS handheld transceiver.
I like EVERYTHING about this affordable GMRS handheld radio. Easy to program with Chirp using the BTECH PC03 FTDI USB programing cable. The stand chargers feel to light, but the radios sit and charge without falling over. Great product for a great value.
D
Daniel M.
★★★★★
Btech v2
IM GONNA BE HOEST FOR FREQUENCIES IT SURE WORKS FOR SURE AS FAR AS REPEATER FROM 5 TO 100 MILES IT DOSE NOT WORK ME AND THE REPEATER OWNER TRIED FROM MY HOUES TO HIS AND HE IS 5 TO 10 MILES FROM ME NOTHING BUT CRICKETS WOULD RECOMMEND FOR CLOSE RANGE BUT NOT FAR also update to post 5/8-25 radio died a week later speaker went out permanently dont wast your money the ha1g is way better
Dan
★★★★★
Not usable out of the box
True to watt,
Easily understandable directions
Easy to use
HORRIBLE SWR ON INCLUDED ANTENNA
Must get a better antenna before use.
Steve J
★★★★★
Great GMRS walkie Talkie for the whole family!
Great quality, good sensitive receiver, easy to program using the "CHIRP" program, well built and solid, easy to use, and great sounding transmitter in it. It transmits 5 watts on high as specified. It does require a $35 dollar GMRS FCC license if being used in the United States. The settings programming menu is easy to use if you are familiar with the standard Boufeng abbreviations. My 7yr. old uses ît to communicate to me on the ranch.
SoCal Law Enforcement
★★★★★
Good Radio! Getting another one!
Assembly: I attached the antenna, battery, and belt clip. I charged the radio for about 4 hours and programmed it to our GMRS repeater without issue.
Design: I found the design very interesting. On the push-to-talk (PTT) button there is one for the upper and lower channels. It took a little time to get used to this to make sure I am keying the right channel. At times I would accidently hit both PTT buttons or accidently hit the wrong button and transmit on the wrong channel. After a while, it got easier to use. It was extremely convenient when working an event and I am talking to multiple people at the same time. I don’t have to change the channel or press an up/down button on the keypad for the right frequency,
I do like the Kenwood external mic and programming plug on the side of the radio which allowed me to use the external mics and programming cables I have already on hand.
The radio is also slimmer and smaller: about 5” tall (not including the antenna) and 2.5 inches wide. It is light but feels very durable.
Ease of Use: I’ve been a HAM for years and recently got my GMRS license and I found the radio very familiar to work with.
The radio puts out approximately 4W (High Power)with a dummy load. 3.98W to be exact. Pretty impressive. 3W or above I am happy.
The sound quality is good. I can turn up the volume without distortion.
Changing channels is done on the keypad and not on the knob on top.
Conclusion: Overall I am impressed with this radio. It’s ease of use and small size makes it a pleasant to carry around. I highly recommend this radio.
JonathanB
★★★★★
Overall a good radio
Their are a couple minor annoyances. Fixable though. Channels 1-7 is set to Narrowband by default. That should be on Wideband. A reset will not fix that issue. The only way to fix that is by using Chirp computer software.(Set Channels 1-7 to FM(Wideband) and to high-power.) Or you can manually fix it using the radio keypad. You will have to manually delete Channels 1-7 and reprogram them in with Wideband set to on. Every single channel is set to low power. Again that's easily fixed using Chirp or keypad.
When you scan your channels. It will land on The NOAA channels everytime. Easy to skip them using the keypad. Menu option 41. SC-ADD select to off. You will have to set that for each channel you wish to skip. Of course you can use Chirp for skipping(S) channels and can make that task faster.
I get around 3.5 watts on high-power and around 1.2 watts on low power. Channels 8-14, around .47 watts. I'm easily able to hit my local repeater in my area. The radio has a nice feel to it. It doesn't feel cheap in the hands. The FM radio works great and the speaker is nice and loud.
The B-Tech GMRS V-2 supports split tones and CTCSS tone scanning! Supports 3rd party antennas.(SMA-F for antennas.) The radio comes with a plastic clip and not metal.
E
enoutside
★★★★★
Good value for a hand held radio
This is a nice handheld that works great out of the box. I have not tested max range but so far it has performed as well as other GMRS hand helds, getting at least a mile down the beach without issue. It's a little bigger than some of the other brands, but it's build quality is comparable (see pic). I like that it included a headphone/mic combo in the box and that I can change the antennae.
J
James Evans
★★★★★
Solidly built GMRS radio that can also listen to railroad frequencies
I'm new to the world of GMRS radios, but I am really impressed with this little device.
It a solidly built device and it comes with a nice charging base to plug the radio into. I had to slide the battery onto the radio, and then the radio just slides into the charging base to charge. The manual is detailed and easy to read, and seems to actually have been written by a native english speaker, unlike many of the manuals that usually accompany electronic devices.
I don't have my FCC license yet, so I haven't tried any of the transmit functions, but I did go ahead and purchase the PC03 programming cable for this device. I was going to cheap out with a compatible cable, but I wanted to ensure compatibility across different OSes. I installed the free CHIRP software only my Linux computer and was able to successfully communicate with this BTECH radio.
As a railfan, I like having the AAR railroad channels plugged into a scanner, to be able to listed to when trains are coming. This radio successfully lets you listen to these frequencies. I create a list of frequencies that I wanted to program into the device, and crafted up a csv file that I was able to import into the radio via CHIRP. So, I can now listen to railroad activity with this radio. The scanning rate is quite slow as compared to a real radio scanner, but most of the time I listed to a single channel anyways, so this should be fine.
I like that the radio comes pre-programmed with the NOAA weather radio channels, and the ability to listen to FM radio is also nice. The display has multi-colored backlighting and there are a ton of features that I have yet to learn about. The keypad operation isn't very straight forward, but I'll get the hang of it.
All in all, I think this is a really good radio, and after I apply for my FCC license I intend to learn more about the GMRS features, as there are a lot of options available on this radio!
J
John y
★★★★★
Nice GRMS handheld
I’ve been playing with FRS, but this is my first venture into GRMS.
And yes - to broadcast - you do need a GRMS license.
If you are new to this, FRS and GRMS share the same frequencies. So you can hand off your FRS radios and still talk to your non-licensed friends. When you get above 2 watts of power (FRS) you need to be licensed by the FCC - the cost is $35 vs what used to be $70, but it’s good for 10-years and the whole family. It’s also a no-test license.
The radio construction seems to be solid - fairly solid plastic case, but metal internals. 1800 mah battery,, headset, lanyard and charging base. I would have liked a usb-charge option vs the charge base if I had the choice. The base doesn’t give you the positive confirmation when charging like a lot of my other electronic devices.
Hand feel is good and has a solid feel to it -feels like a decent quality build.
I’m overall impressed with the features - the ability to monitor 2 channels, and scan a lot more.
The documentation, given that this a US based company is very well written. It is not built in the US though. The manufacturer is Baofeng, so a lot of their accessories work with this radio as well.
It comes pre-programmed with GRMS and NOAA channels. There were some issue on the initial shipment, but that appears to have been resolved. And it is easy to reset if it is in that state.
Doesn’t come with a K1 (kenwood) type programming cable, but that easy to get and CHIRP programmable. (free programming software available on PC and Mac)
Pretty nice overall - i’ll probably still step up to a 50W mobile version at some point.
Jeff
★★★★★
The BTECH GMRS-V2 2nd generation 2 way radio is a good addition to your radio collection
What I liked about the BTECH GMRS-V2 2 way radio is the sound quality and the stylish and sturdy design the material used to design the product is great and the battery life is fantastic it’s a good value for your money and it makes a great gift for all ages and occasions it’s a good addition to your 2 way radio collection
Meadow C
★★★★★
Nice
Nice quality radio. Sound quality is good. The range on these are pretty good too. Better than others I’ve tried. You do need a certain license to use these. Good value
David E
★★★★★
Concerning legal requirements…
First off, this radio is built very well. The quality is definitely there, and unlike some of the other reviews I’ve seen; my unit works exactly as it should. However, because this is a GMRS radio, it is regulated because of the higher output. This means that it is illegal to “use” the radio without proper license. “Use” is the sticky wording. As far as I understand from looking into this, it is legal to turn the radio on and listen to any radio frequency you want without being licensed. If you are going to push the “talk” button and broadcast onto a GMRS frequency though - a license is required. Getting a license isn’t expensive, there is no test, and you are given a call sign which you must use to identify yourself when using these frequencies – it covers your household as well. For myself, however, I picked this up for emergency usage only. Essentially, if cell phone and internet service is interrupted, I would still have this radio in case of emergency. Also, in the case of genuine personal or widespread emergency, license requirements are generally waved. Please don’t take this as infallible legal advice though. I believe my understanding is accurate and is how I will be using this radio personally, but I would recommend looking into the specific legal requirements for yourself – better to be on the safe side.
D
DWC
★★★★★
Good build quality, good audio, Part 15 FCC compliant, CHIRP supports it, no programming cable
GMRS radios are good for folks that want more transmit power than a standard "blister pack" FRS walkie talkie. FRS walkie talkie radios are limited to 0.5W on transmit whereas GMRS radios can transmit up to 20W, depending on their capabilities. This BTECH radio has a maximum transmit power of 5W which is plenty for a handheld radio.
GMRS radios require an FCC license if you plan on transmitting. The good news is that you don't have to study and pass a test to get the license like you do for a HAM radio license. You just need to apply for it and send in the fee which I believe has recently been reduced to $35.
I have both a GMRS license and a HAM Extra license.
I used CHIRP to program it with a Baofeng programming cable I already own. It was fairly straightforward but some of the functions of the radio aren't supported in this version of CHIRP. BTECH has a downloadable CPS for free that may be more comprehensive.
What I Like
o Good build quality. Solid case. Buttons and switches work well.
o Good volume and pleasing audio for its size.
o Easy to navigate menus.
o Most settings (but not all) can be done from the keypad.
o Drop in charger, belt clip and headset are included.
o Operator manual is well written and easy to understand. Printed in multi-color.
o Ability to program frequencies for receive-only that are outside the GMRS frequencies.
o Ability to receive FM broadcast frequencies.
o Dual PTT buttons. No need to press A/B button first before you transmit.
o Downloadable programming software for free.
o CHIRP programming software supports it.
o Complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
What I Don't Like
o Coarse resolution of screen characters.
o Programming cable is not included. This can add $20 plus dollars to your investment.
o Drop in charger contacts are flimsy.
o You need to turn the radio off and back on to switch from Memory to VFO displays.
Summary Comments
This is a good GMRS radio. It's a shame it doesn't come with a programing cable. However, if you are looking for more transmit power than an FRS walkie talkie is capable of and don't mind spending $35 for an FCC license, this radio is a good choice.
R
Rich in WY
★★★★★
Great Start for GMRS Operations
This is a great budget GMRS radio for those interested in the hobby or for backcountry or highway communications.
Everything you need to use the radio is included in the package with the exception of a federal FCC GMRS license. Obtaining an FCC license for GMRS is quite easy and done online with no test required. The license is good for 10 years and includes your immediate family.
You can use several frequencies on this radio without a license but will need one for the others. It is just safe, easy and legally compliant to obtain the GMRS license before using.
I have a GMRS license, and an Amateur Extra amateur radio license and the GMRS license was just too easy to pass up.
At $70, this is a bit expensive for a budget radio, but an included $20 coupon makes it a modest deal.
Suggestion: Don’t bother programming using the keypad, download the CHIRP software and you will easily be able to program this unit.
Bottom Line: Get your GMRS license BEFORE using this radio and stay safe.
S
Shawn
★★★★★
Really Nice GMRS Radio.
Say what you will about Baofeng, but they have definitely made their mark on the personal radio industry in providing affordable, yet generally good quality radios. They continue to do so with this one. Baofeng didn’t invent anything new on this radio, but this radio checks some FCC boxes in a pleasing way.
(Proofreading this so far, I sound like an ad, but I like these radios).
This is essentially a UV-82 that’s been limited to GMRS channel transmission, and 5 watts. Is that a bad thing? …Absolutely not. I really like the UV-82s; I have two of them.
What you should know about this one:
- Points 1-5…summed up above.
- This radio comes with only an 1800 mAh battery. I mean "only" twice; 1800mAH is plenty adequate but…my UV-82s came with 1. a 2800mAh battery, and 2. another 2800mAh battery (and an enhanced antenna…but I suppose that was all pre-2020).
- Like the UV-82 it’s “small yet handy”, and generally feels good to hold.
- This radio can monitor the same frequency ranges as the UV-82, including NOAA and FM radio….the latter of which folks seem to underestimate in an emergency (Sure you can listen to your favorite station in good times, but what radio frequency band do you think is most useful for broadcast in an emergency? )
- This radio will only transmit a GMRS frequency (including repeaters), and I can’t (readily) find a mod to expand this (i.e. essentially mod it to a UV-82). Not a knock…It's not meant to be a HAM radio...GMRS is the primary purpose of this radio...different licenses...so for normal FCC/legal use, it fits the bill and then some.
- I don’t have to buy extra accessories, as it’s completely compatible with the UV-82.
Bottom Line:
While Baofeng (BTECH) is generally known for budget radios, this is a better GMRS handheld radio than most.
Matt & Tracey
★★★★★
Awesome emergency radio
I was very impressed with this two way radio, this is the second generation which has all the advancements included. The build quality on this radio is very strong and they have fixed all the issues from the previous model.
You can fully customize your channel layout with over 200 channels. You can delete unused GMRS so you don't have to fool with them, or you can also add GMRS NOAH channels that you would like included in your personal mix. The radio is IP54 weather resistant, it has a removable antenna, and a very high powered LED flashlight for emergencies. It is compatible with all UV-82 accessories, which is a huge deal, but better than that it was designed and engineered in the USA accompanied by a USA warranty so if a problem does arise you are not calling over seas!
The tuner technology is UHF, VHF. The chipset in this unit has the latest technology and now you can arrange and modify so much of what you couldn't before. You have 5 watts of maximum power and an inner changeable antenna. The GMRS-V2 has one built in receiver that can simultaneously monitor two channels, it has 2 push-to-talk buttons vs 1, and a high capacity lithium ion battery of 1,800 mAh.
It comes with a dual PTT ear piece, a charging adapter, belt clip, and wrist strap. Everything you need for an emergency is here all in one kit. This unit has an SOS alarm and flashlight incase you are in trouble. You have a built in FM radio and you can listen to it while you are monitoring the GMRS channels! You have VOX handsfree operation in circumstances like when you are climbing and want both to use both hands., and a factory warranty that is better than most.
This, in my opinion, is one of the finest two way radios out on the market today. I highly recommend it.
G
Greg S
★★★★★
BTech did a great job on this GMRS radio!
Everything is included in this radio kit to get up and running in the GMRS band. Very sturdy radio and has a very clear sound! NOAA weather channels are programmed in and can scan while using the radio for general communication.
B
Brian Skiff
★★★★★
Good For GMRS, Deaf on NOAA, Blemishes on Screen
I will preface this review by saying that I have several models of Baofeng, BTech and other Chinese manufactured radios. Of them all, this GMRS-V2 feels the highest quality. The buttons are firm and the power/volume knob has a good amount of resistance. This is the first radio I've used of the "UV82" form-factor.
On GMRS it works well. Can hit my local repeater 9 miles away from inside. The radio comes pre-programmed with channels 1-22 and the repeater channels. You of course can add duplicates of these channels, with any combination of tones. The preprogramed channels will automagically switch to low power and narrow band based on the channel. This makes it easy for a first time GMRS user.
This radio is marketed as outputting a maximum of 5 watts. On my meter the radio put out:
Channel 9 Low Power: 0.19 watts
Channel 22 Low Power: 0.90 watts
Channel 22 High Power: 4.60 watts
The ability to switch to low power for close range communications is nice and will save battery. 4.6 watts on high power is close enough to 5 watts for me.
The radio is marketed as receiving NOAA channels. My particular radio is totally deaf to the NOAA frequencies, meaning all I get is static (SQL 0). I have experienced a similar issue with my UV-9G radio which also does not receive the NOAA stations well. Your mileage may very but I have several other radios which when placed next to the GMRS-V2 pick up my two local NOAA transmissions perfectly fine. I have tried with a number of other antennas with no luck. This transceiver just seems deaf to the lower VHF.
Lastly, my particular radio has some defects in the screen (see pictures). They are below the surface and are not scratches to the screen. They almost appear to be dust or debris below the front plastic. The blemish in the middle of the screen is most distracting.
All in all this is a good radio if you are looking to get into GMRS. Functionally it will do everything you need it to. I removed 1 star for my radio being deaf to NOAA, and another star for the blemishes in the screen. With that said, I am a fan of BTech products and would not hesitate to buy another.
