BTECH GMRS-20V2 20W IP67 GMRS Mobile Radio-Can I listen to HAM traffic?

[WSEE675]

Hello. New GMRS user here. I have been using a portable GMRS radio but want a mobile radio for my truck to use as well for better range. With the BTECH 20V2, would I be able to program ham (VHF) channels to use listen only? I like to be able to listen to ham traffic, especially during disasters or storms. Thanks in advance. 

[OffRoaderX]

According to the BTech website page for this radio, yes: 

Scanning Receiver (136-174.99MHz (VHF) 400-520.99MHz (UHF))

[Socalgmrs]

52 minutes ago, WSEE675 said:

Hello. New GMRS user here. I have been using a portable GMRS radio but want a mobile radio for my truck to use as well for better range. With the BTECH 20V2, would I be able to program ham (VHF) channels to use listen only? I like to be able to listen to ham traffic, especially during disasters or storms. Thanks in advance. 

If you’re gonna be purchasing radios or anything in life, it’s a good idea to learn how to do your own research into things.  I quick internet search would have answered the question and you would have felt good doing something for your self.  Instead you had to be spoon fed by mother goose.  In the time it took to post your post you could have had the answer all my your self.  

[WRHS218]

5 hours ago, Socalgmrs said:

In the time it took to post your post you could have had the answer all my your self.  

This is true. It is also true you have the on-line personality of soiled bedpan.

[RoadApple]

On 5/16/2025 at 7:27 AM, WSEE675 said:

Hello. New GMRS user here. I have been using a portable GMRS radio but want a mobile radio for my truck to use as well for better range. With the BTECH 20V2, would I be able to program ham (VHF) channels to use listen only? I like to be able to listen to ham traffic, especially during disasters or storms. Thanks in advance. 

I'm a little late to this thread and it appears that you have already received an answer to your question but thought I might chime in anyway.  I have a BTech 20v2 and use it to receive many VHF/UHF frequencies outside of the GMRS frequency range.  It works great.  IMHO, the receiver selectivity is not the best, but it is a good little radio for the price.   I really love the form factor and that all the controls are on the mic and that I can stash the radio in an out of the way location. 

I wish I could find a small unlocked dual band ham radio (like the Btech UV-25X2) with a small display and all the controls on the mic!  That too would be handy!   

Anyway, YES, you can receive ham and various public safety traffic via the radio and use the scan feature to scan thru all of it.  I do it all the time.  That Btech 20V2 is a compact little unit and will give you the capability you are seeking.   

[WRTC928]

5 hours ago, RoadApple said:

I wish I could find a small unlocked dual band ham radio (like the Btech UV-25X2) with a small display and all the controls on the mic!  That too would be handy! 

The Anysecu WP-9900 (aka KT-9900) is such a radio. I have one, and I like it for what it is. It is an inexpensive Chinese radio, but it will do what it claims. Mine does a legit 25 watts on VHF and 20 watts on UHF/GMRS. The receive sensitivity is good and I've never had any complaints about the transmit audio. The audio of the speaker mic is so-so and adjusting the volume on the fly is a major PITA. Mine doesn't like a standard CB-type remote speaker; for some reason, the radio turns off when the speaker comes on, but even if it worked, you still have the issue of adjusting the volume. I added a pair of small USB-powered speakers with a volume knob, and it works great. One thing I learned the hard way is that you have to carefully check the SWR of your antenna. If you key up on an antenna with an SWR higher than about 3.5:1, you'll burn out the finals in a matter of seconds. 

Is it what I'd call a great radio? No. But it's good enough that when I burned one out, I bought another one. As far as I can determine, it's the only ham radio with that form factor, so for the price, I like it okay. I'd rather have one with the same form factor made by one of the Japanese manufacturers or at least by AnyTone or TYT, but there aren't any. There are a couple of options in that form factor for CB and GMRS radios, but the major manufacturers of ham radios seem completely uninterested. Given the space constraints of modern vehicles, I think they'd sell like hotcakes, but maybe I'm wrong. It does seem to me that a lot of (most?) hams like the aesthetic of a whole bunch of radios visible in the vehicle, so maybe it wouldn't be as popular as I think. 

[RoadApple]

7 hours ago, WRTC928 said:

The Anysecu WP-9900 (aka KT-9900) is such a radio. I have one, and I like it for what it is. It is an inexpensive Chinese radio, but it will do what it claims. Mine does a legit 25 watts on VHF and 20 watts on UHF/GMRS. The receive sensitivity is good and I've never had any complaints about the transmit audio. The audio of the speaker mic is so-so and adjusting the volume on the fly is a major PITA. Mine doesn't like a standard CB-type remote speaker; for some reason, the radio turns off when the speaker comes on, but even if it worked, you still have the issue of adjusting the volume. I added a pair of small USB-powered speakers with a volume knob, and it works great. One thing I learned the hard way is that you have to carefully check the SWR of your antenna. If you key up on an antenna with an SWR higher than about 3.5:1, you'll burn out the finals in a matter of seconds. 

Is it what I'd call a great radio? No. But it's good enough that when I burned one out, I bought another one. As far as I can determine, it's the only ham radio with that form factor, so for the price, I like it okay. I'd rather have one with the same form factor made by one of the Japanese manufacturers or at least by AnyTone or TYT, but there aren't any. There are a couple of options in that form factor for CB and GMRS radios, but the major manufacturers of ham radios seem completely uninterested. Given the space constraints of modern vehicles, I think they'd sell like hotcakes, but maybe I'm wrong. It does seem to me that a lot of (most?) hams like the aesthetic of a whole bunch of radios visible in the vehicle, so maybe it wouldn't be as popular as I think. 

Thanks for that info!!!  I will definitely take a closer look at the WP-9900 product.  And for the modest $115 price tag it is probably worth getting one to test out in person!  It really looks like the Btech 20V2.  Maybe, it is made by same company with different branding. 

The Btech 20V2, which I like a lot, is also a "cheap chinese radio" so that really doesn't bother me.   I think a lot of folks (read: "Radio Dorks") get totally wrapped around the axel on that stuff or see the brand name of their radio as some kind of freak'in status symbol, as if anyone in the real world gives a rat's ass.  I will concede that the specs, when measured with test equipment can differ, and some radios may even be noticeably better than others, but the average dude, like me, using a radio just doesn't care.  As long as I can communicate with others around me with reasonable clarity and reliability that's all that matters.   When I hear someone else talking, I don't know, and I don't care, what kind of radio they are using.  It's a moot point!  

It is interesting that you speak of the volume control being a PITA because that is for me the biggest negative in the basic operation of the Btech 20V2.  The orange button on top of the mic that you use to turn the radio on/off is also used to open the squelch to put the radio in monitor mode.  Long press vs short press and I always manage to hold the button for the wrong amount of time for what I'm wanting to do.    Then while in monitor mode, you use the up and down arrow keys to adjust the volume.  To me, this is a little clumsy, but it works, and I really don't have to adjust the volume that often, so it is a quirk I can easily live with.   

It is also funny that you mention how some hams might like the aesthetics of visible radios.  HA!!!  I think what you say is true.  They like having all the knobs and meters etc. on display.  Besides, if you can't see the physical radio box mounted proudly and prominently in front of you, how would you possibly be able to admire the expensive brand name?       I recently went to a local ham radio club meeting for the first time.  I was the new guy, and they knew nothing about me.  Surprisingly, the very first question I was asked by one of the members; "What kind of equipment do you have?".  My answer; "Oh, just cheap Chinese junk..."          

I understand the value of technical quality, but form factor and aesthetics is important for different reasons.  I like being able to keep things clean, low profile, somewhat unnoticeable whenever I can.   It is a matter of personal preference and for me these small form factor radios with controls on the mic seem to work pretty well in that regard.

Anyway, thanks again for the lead on the WP-9900, I'll check it out....    

[Majik]

17 hours ago, RoadApple said:

I'm a little late to this thread and it appears that you have already received an answer to your question but thought I might chime in anyway.  I have a BTech 20v2 and use it to receive many VHF/UHF frequencies outside of the GMRS frequency range.  It works great.  IMHO, the receiver selectivity is not the best, but it is a good little radio for the price.   I really love the form factor and that all the controls are on the mic and that I can stash the radio in an out of the way location. 

I wish I could find a small unlocked dual band ham radio (like the Btech UV-25X2) with a small display and all the controls on the mic!  That too would be handy!   

Anyway, YES, you can receive ham and various public safety traffic via the radio and use the scan feature to scan thru all of it.  I do it all the time.  That Btech 20V2 is a compact little unit and will give you the capability you are seeking.   

I, too, shopped forever to find a small ~25W mobile radio with a fully integrated mic or a remote/detachable head. The 20V2 is about the only thing there is in that category, but I was off-put by the reviews and the 20W limit.

I ended up with an AnyTone 778UVII 25W mobile radio. This thing is great! And I also recently discovered there are folks out there that have successfully detached the faceplate and ran a cable from it back to the radio unit. There’s an Aussie selling a kit for that on eBay. Might do that later, but for now I’m pretty happy with this thing. 

[Bogieboy01]

1 hour ago, Majik said:

I, too, shopped forever to find a small ~25W mobile radio with a fully integrated mic or a remote/detachable head. The 20V2 is about the only thing there is in that category, but I was off-put by the reviews and the 20W limit.

I ended up with an AnyTone 778UVII 25W mobile radio. This thing is great! And I also recently discovered there are folks out there that have successfully detached the faceplate and ran a cable from it back to the radio unit. There’s an Aussie selling a kit for that on eBay. Might do that later, but for now I’m pretty happy with this thing. 

I am going to second the 778uv... got one to use as a mobile rig, and a week later grabbed a second for the base rig as well.... absolutely great radio for the money for sure....

[WRXB215]

Another vote for the 778UVII. Been enjoying my for a while now.

[WRTC928]

7 hours ago, RoadApple said:

Thanks for that info!!!  I will definitely take a closer look at the WP-9900 product.  And for the modest $115 price tag it is probably worth getting one to test out in person!  It really looks like the Btech 20V2.  Maybe, it is made by same company with different branding. 

The Btech 20V2, which I like a lot, is also a "cheap chinese radio" so that really doesn't bother me.   I think a lot of folks (read: "Radio Dorks") get totally wrapped around the axel on that stuff or see the brand name of their radio as some kind of freak'in status symbol, as if anyone in the real world gives a rat's ass.  I will concede that the specs, when measured with test equipment can differ, and some radios may even be noticeably better than others, but the average dude, like me, using a radio just doesn't care.  As long as I can communicate with others around me with reasonable clarity and reliability that's all that matters.   When I hear someone else talking, I don't know, and I don't care, what kind of radio they are using.  It's a moot point!  

It is interesting that you speak of the volume control being a PITA because that is for me the biggest negative in the basic operation of the Btech 20V2.  The orange button on top of the mic that you use to turn the radio on/off is also used to open the squelch to put the radio in monitor mode.  Long press vs short press and I always manage to hold the button for the wrong amount of time for what I'm wanting to do.    Then while in monitor mode, you use the up and down arrow keys to adjust the volume.  To me, this is a little clumsy, but it works, and I really don't have to adjust the volume that often, so it is a quirk I can easily live with.   

It is also funny that you mention how some hams might like the aesthetics of visible radios.  HA!!!  I think what you say is true.  They like having all the knobs and meters etc. on display.  Besides, if you can't see the physical radio box mounted proudly and prominently in front of you, how would you possibly be able to admire the expensive brand name?       I recently went to a local ham radio club meeting for the first time.  I was the new guy, and they knew nothing about me.  Surprisingly, the very first question I was asked by one of the members; "What kind of equipment do you have?".  My answer; "Oh, just cheap Chinese junk..."          

I understand the value of technical quality, but form factor and aesthetics is important for different reasons.  I like being able to keep things clean, low profile, somewhat unnoticeable whenever I can.   It is a matter of personal preference and for me these small form factor radios with controls on the mic seem to work pretty well in that regard.

Anyway, thanks again for the lead on the WP-9900, I'll check it out....    

I'm pretty sure the Anysecu WP9900 and QYT KT-9900 are the same radio, and the BTech 20V2 is the GMRS version of it. I consider it a decent-but-not-amazing radio for the price. TBH, 25 watts is plenty for almost all of my needs. I have a TYT TH-9800D in the car, and I almost always run it on 12 watts. I've hardly ever bumped it up to 35 or 50, and even then, it usually didn't make a difference. Yes, I do understand the quality difference between CCRs and some of the "big name" products, but I'm just a hobbyist. Nobody is going to die or even lose any money if my radio doesn't work. I'm willing to take a hit on the quality to get the form factor I want. In December, I ran a WP9900 on a trip from central Oklahoma to Branson, Missouri and hit 2 meter and 70 centimeter repeaters all along the way without difficulty, which is really all I use a mobile radio for. 

In the house where I have plenty of room, I run an AnyTone AT5888UV III tri-band unit and I'll probably end up changing out the TYT in the car for one as well. On the roof of the car, I have enough ground plane to run a tri-band antenna. If I decide to install a CB, that will require another antenna, but I'll deal with that if I decide to do it. My problem in the truck is that I have crap for ground plane and I can't get a tri-band antenna to work well on 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, and GMRS, so I've resorted to three antennas and three radios. I have a AnyTone Graces CB with all the controls in the handset feeding a dedicated CB antenna, A QYT 7900D tri-band radio running as a dedicated 1.25 meter unit with a dedicated 220 band antenna, and a TYT TH-9800D for GMRS, 2m, and 70cm on a Diamond "Super Gainer" antenna. I'm planning to remove the TYT and mount the QYT on the seat bolt pedestal mount, then put the WP9900 back in for GMRS, 70cm, and 2m. I can't find a 1.25 meter radio with all controls in the handset or a removable faceplate, but the QYT is really tiny and should be minimally intrusive on the Lido mount. I suppose I could use a tri-band radio and a diplexer to a 220 and a 140/440 antenna, but TBH, that requires as many pieces of equipment as I have now and my current solution is inexpensive and modular. 

I agree with the clean, low profile aesthetic. I also have to take into account that I have a single-cab truck and I don't need a whole bunch of bulky stuff taking up what space I have and being climbed all over by a 65 lb dog. I'm convinced there is some degree of "snob factor" in ham radio equipment, but it's also true that a lot of hams are trying to get more out of their equipment than I am. Perhaps someday I will be too, and perhaps then I'll "move up" to a more expensive radio. And there's certainly something to be said for a radio that doesn't blow out the finals if you key up on a too-high SWR. So, yeah, prestige plays a role, but there's more to it than that, at least for some hams. But I really do believe many hams like the look of a whole bunch of radios crowding the passenger compartment.