Product Review
BTECH UV-PRO
7W Handheld
Dual Band w/ APRS
Commercial & Ham
IP67 Waterproof
FCC Part 90
by: John 'Miklor'
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General Description / Summary
The BTech UV-PRO represents the Next Generation of Ham/Commercial radios featuring Bluetooth, GPS, Compass and Speedometer, also capable of sending text/data between radios. Programming is performed using an Android or iOS apps. There is no computer required. Its capabilities also include 7W transmit, NOAA, FM Radio, Compass, GPS and Built-in APRS, In the Box Included with the radio are the following: - UV-PRO Handheld (IP67) - 2600 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery - Belt Clip - Type-C USB Charging Cable - Screwdriver for attaching belt clip - Full 40 page English User Manual (.pdf link) FCC Part 90 certified - 2AGND-UV-PRO Frequency Range 136-174 MHz (Tx / Rx) 400-520 MHz (Tx / Rx) 87-108 MHz - Commercial Broadcast (FM) 108-136 MHz - Air Band Receive (AM) US NOAA Channels 180 - Programmable channels (6 banks of 30 channels) Enclosure The UV- PRO measures 2.4 x 5.1 x 1.6" (60 x 40 x 160mm) and weighs in at only 11oz (312kg). The top of the radio shows the standard antenna connection on the left, on/off volume control on the right with the GPS antenna in the center. The left side has the PTT along with the other 2 programmable buttons. Each of these buttons has a long and short press option for a total of 4 user selectable functions from a list of 20 options.
IP 67 - Waterproof The IP67 rating by definition states "IP67 can withstand temporary immersion in water of up to 1 meter for about 30 minutes". This makes it desirable for use in any outdoor environment. Programming Apps Unlike other handhelds, programming the UV-PRO is done using Android and iOS apps. This includes all functions including firmware updates. There is no computer required. Click on icon below to view screen images.
Bluetooth Programming of the UV-PRO is done by pairing Bluetooth to your iOS or Android device. The Bluetooth can also be used to connect your Bluetooth AirPods and similar devices for private listening. Channel Sharing Between Radios The UV-PRO can share channels between radios. Again, no need for a PC to program. Transmitter Using a calibrated Bird Termaline watt meter, the high power position showed a solid 6.0W on high power with low power around 1.5W.
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) No External Dongles or App Required. The UV-PRO has direct APRS location reporting capability built in with no external adapters required. There is also the option to connect via the internet if desired. The basic data required for APRS is GPS On, Callsign and Path. Shown below are the complete APRS options available through the app. Note: An Amateur Radio license is required to use this function.
Microphone / General Settings My on the air audio reports were excellent. One of the nice features is the microphone gain control. There are 3 levels (low, med, high) allowing you to back off the microphone a bit in a quiet location, or tighten it if you're in a noisy environment. Receiver / On Screen Scanning The UV-PRO has 180 channel capability, configured as 6 banks of 30 channels each. The frequency range for both transmit and receive is 136-174 and 400-520 MHz. Receive only capability includes FM Broadcast 87-108 and Air Band 108-136. This also includes 8.33kHz channel steps used for the aviation band. The scan option allows you to scan any frequency range. Tone Scanning Most all repeaters send and receive CTCSS/DCS tones to limit interference. There is a scanning option that allows you to set the UV-PRO to a specified frequency. When a signal is detected, it will display the tone for that repeater. You will now have the information necessary to update that channel. Rapid Scan Similar to Tone Scanning above, the PRO has the ability to recognize and display the frequency and tones of a nearby transmitter. This frequency can then be entered into the PRO. Accessory Jack Behind the waterproof cover is an M1 accessory jack. There is also an M1/K1 adapter available which allows the use of all current K1 type accessories used in current BTech models. (Spkr/Micr, etc.) K1/M1 Adapter
USB Charging The UV-PRO includes USB-C charging capability. No external charger is required. While charging, the indicator display is red and changes to green when fully charged.
Display / Display Syncing The multicolor display can be set to channel Name or Frequency mode. The LCD supports up 8 character channel names. Shown here is dual channel display in Freq Mode used with the Dual Watch/Dual Display option. Also shown on the LCD is the GPS information including compass direction, speed and elevation.
GPS Function This feature is a great addition when traveling, camping, hunting, etc. By pressing the right arrow key once, the radio will display a compass, your current speed and elevation. When synced with another radio in your party it will display their direction away from you, their speed, elevation and distance from you. The UV-PRO will store the last 30 inquiries.
In Summary The UV-PRO is the Next Generation of Ham/Commercial handheld. - Bluetooth Programmable using Android / iOS apps - FCC Part 90 certified for both Ham and Commercial use - Scans all channel banks in 1.5 seconds - Multiple Bluetooth connection methods - GPS positioning system - Partner location and direction reporting system - Multiple emergency functions - High-Capacity Lithium-Ion battery (2600mAh) - Broadcast FM receiver 87-108 Mhz. - (6) 30 channel groups - NOAA Alert - Dual watch / Dual reception - IP67 rating for dust and water resistance - USB-C direct charging
Note: This radio is Not a Baofeng. It was designed to BTech specifications. This equipment was received for the purpose of a fair and unbiased review. All findings are factual based on the equipment I received. Any issues if found have been reported both here and back to the seller or manufacturer. |
