Review BTech GMRS-50PRO Mobile

General Description

The GMRS-50PRO takes GMRS mobile technology to the next level. The radio can be fully programmed using Bluetooth connectivity to an Android or iOS device. This eliminates the need for a PC or laptop. You no longer need to remove the radio from the vehicle to program or upgrade the firmware.

The radio is Part 95E and 15B certified for GMRS use in the US and comes pre-configured with the GMRS repeater and simplex channels.


In the Box

GMRS-50PRO Radio Body
GMRS-50PRO Speaker Microphone
Mobile Bracket
DC (12V) Power Cord
Mounting Hardware w/ Microphone Holder
User Guide (62 Page) .pdf

The GMRS-50PRO weighs in at 1.8lbs (.82kg)
Chassis Size is 6.25" (W) x 1.5" (H) x 5.5 (D)" (159 x 38 x 140 mm)

FCC Part 95E certified - 2AGND-GMRS-50PRO

Frequency Range

GMRS Channels   1-7 (5W)
GMRS Channels 8-14   (RX Only)
GMRS Channels 15-22 (5 / 25 / 50W)

87 -108MHz (FM Broadcast)
136-174MHz (RX Only)
400-520MHz (RX Only)

(7) US NOAA Weather Channels (RX)
* If a weather Warning Message is sent, an alarm can be set and the message will be received. This option can be switched On/Off.

Specifications

- The GMRS-50PRO is a full 50W GMRS mobile transceiver supporting the latest Bluetooth technology. This includes programming via Android and iOS apps as well as manual programming via the microphone. The mobile also supports an optional Bluetooth remote Spkr/Micr.
- My radio produces a solid 48.1W on GMRS repeater channels and 4.7W on the shared channels.

Features Include

- GMRS Transceiver and UHF&VHF Scanner
- IP54 Waterproof
- APP Programming (Cable Free)
- Multiple Bluetooth connection methods
- Radio short message function
- GPS positioning system
- Partner location and direction reporting system
- Multiple emergency functions
- Broadcast FM receiver 87-108 MHz
- 30 x 6 channel groups
- NOAA Weather Alert
- Dual watch / Dual reception
- USB direct charging, convenient and fast
- Wideband Scanning

Enclosure and Mount

The main chassis weighs just in at a solid 1.8lb. The front panel has three indicator lamps (PWR / TX / RX), an 8 pin DIN connector for the microphone, and a USB charge port.
The rear panel has the SO-239 antenna connector. with a hefty finned heat sink and cooling fan in the rear and an external speaker jack.

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Transmitter

I used my 13.8VDC power supply to emulate a standard auto battery. The high power rating is projected to be 50W on high power. Running the radio into a calibrated Bird Wattmeter showed a solid 48W.

Low
4.7

High
48.1

Microphone / Gain

Audio reports are excellent. The microphone gain control allows me to advance the gain so I can back off the microphone a bit, or reduce the gain when mobile to avoid picking up road and background noise.

All functions and switched are part of the microphone, allowing the radio to be mounted in any convenient location in the vehicle. The diagram below shows the location of the function switches.

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Receiver (Aviation (AM) / NOAA)

Along with GMRS, the GMRS-50PRO also includes a FM radio for music and news as well as NOAA weather alerts.

Display

There is a 1.5" LCD display in the face of the microphone. Shown below are sample screen images.

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Programming

Programming the GMRS-50PRO is done via an Android / iOS app using a Bluetooth connection to the radio. It can also be manually programmed via the microphone LCD.

The 50PRO has 6 selectable channel banks of 30 channels each. (see below)

Further Android / iOS images can be found in the GMRS-50PRO Manual.

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Remote Bluetooth Microphone BT-22

The GMRS-50PRO Bluetooth also allows for the connection to the BT-22 remote Spkr/Micr. It is the same size an format as the wired microphone without the display. The range is approximately 25' from the transceiver.

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Power Supply

All testing was done using an RPS30PRO 30A power supply. On full power transmit, the radio draws 9.1 amps. This is normal for a transmitter running this power. To avoid saturating your power supply, I recommend a minimum of a 15A base station supply.

When using the GMRS 50PRO mobile, you will need to connect the radio directly to a main power source, not the accessory jack located in some vehicles. This jack is only fused for a maximum of 10 amps and will not handle the load..

Base Station Operation

When choosing a power supply for base station operation, a 50W (11-12A) requires a power source capable of 15-20A Continuous (not just surge) for proper operation. A 25W (5-6A) will require a power source of at least 8-10A Continuous. An insufficient power supply put strain on both the supply and radio resulting in damage or equipment failure. Here are a few power supply Examples that may assist.

In Summary

The GMRS-50PRO mobile is the next generation of GMRS mobile, allowing for remote mounting as well as Bluetooth programming (no PC required). A wireless Bluetooth Spkr/Micr (BT22) is available as an option.