Btech 50X1

[Skookum]

I’m a pretty green GMRS guy and was hoping someone could explain the programming deficiencies with this model. It comes with a programming cable and I’m assuming can be programmed via chirp?

[wayoverthere]

the biggest issue is you can only transmit on the preloaded non-frs channels (1-7, 15-22). Everything else is RECEIVE only...you can program repeaters and everything, but no transmit, even on frequencies in-bounds for gmrs. 

 

realistically, unless you want to add some listen only channels, the cable (and using chirp to program) isn't really necessary, since you can change tones pretty easily via the menu.

[Skookum]

the biggest issue is you can only transmit on the preloaded non-frs channels (1-7, 15-22). Everything else is RECEIVE only...you can program repeaters and everything, but no transmit, even on frequencies in-bounds for gmrs. 

 

realistically, unless you want to add some listen only channels, the cable (and using chirp to program) isn't really necessary, since you can change tones pretty easily via the menu.

Ok, here is an equally noobish follow up question. I am guessing it's pretty much locked down unlike a Baofeng handheld or many of the other brands that are actually HAM type radios. Isn't this part of what makes it FCC compliant? One would think you would also get the FRS accessibility but I'm guess the non adjustable power output disqualifies it for FRS. I'm making assumptions here,,,stop me or please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm here to learn and not be a pest. Or at least try lol.

[mbrun]

Ok, here is an equally noobish follow up question. I am guessing it's pretty much locked down unlike a Baofeng handheld or many of the other brands that are actually HAM type radios. Isn't this part of what makes it FCC compliant? One would think you would also get the FRS accessibility but I'm guess the non adjustable power output disqualifies it for FRS. I'm making assumptions here,,,stop me or please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm here to learn and not be a pest. Or at least try lol.

The deficiency is the inability to create and use all available memories in the radio (aka ‘Channels’) to store your choice of valid, legal, combinations of frequencies and tones. In contrast, the Wouxun radios allow you to assemble and store as many legal combinations as you want, up to the limit of total memories available. The BTECH further limits you to storage of valid Rx/Tx combinations in only certain memory slots. This is the same issue that Midland owners face.

 

So the problem comes into play when you live in an area or travel into areas that have many repeaters on the same frequency and need different tones to access them. With the BTECH you cannot preload your radio with all combinations you know you will need. Instead must stop and reconfigure your radio in the field rather than just select a new pre-made memory. An inconvenience at best.

 

Hope that helps.

 

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

[Skookum]

The deficiency is the inability to create and use all available memories in the radio (aka ‘Channels’) to store your choice of valid, legal, combinations of frequencies and tones. In contrast, the Wouxun radios allow you to assemble and store as many legal combinations as you want, up to the limit of total memories available. The BTECH further limits you to storage of valid Rx/Tx combinations in only certain memory slots. This is the same issue that Midland owners face.

 

So the problem comes into play when you live in an area or travel into areas that have many repeaters on the same frequency and need different tones to access them. With the BTECH you cannot preload your radio with all combinations you know you will need. Instead must stop and reconfigure your radio in the field rather than just select a new pre-made memory. An inconvenience at best.

 

Hope that helps.

 

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

It helps immensely. I thank you and Mr. Wayoverthere for your input. There are very limited GMRS repeaters in my area. I was granted access to a few privately owned but "open" ones which will help. Luckily they are using different freqs so for the most part, multiple repeaters with same freq and different tones won't be an issue for now. I very much appreciate the help I get here.

[MozartMan]

The BTECH further limits you to storage of valid Rx/Tx combinations in only certain memory slots. This is the same issue that Midland owners face.

 

With the BTECH you cannot preload your radio with all combinations you know you will need. Instead must stop and reconfigure your radio in the field rather than just select a new pre-made memory. An inconvenience at best.

 

Hope that helps.

 

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

Michael,

 

Thank you for valuable information. I guess my next HT will not be BTECH (or Midland) because I was pulling my hair wondering why I couldn't transmit after I saved settings in blank channels in my GMRS-V1 using CHIRP.

[wayoverthere]

mbrun covered it well.  it's clearly not a strict requirement, as wouxun seems to have no problem offering tx in all memory slots as long as they're in-bounds for gmrs; i suspect Btech just took the easy way out.

 

Ok, here is an equally noobish follow up question. I am guessing it's pretty much locked down unlike a Baofeng handheld or many of the other brands that are actually HAM type radios. Isn't this part of what makes it FCC compliant? One would think you would also get the FRS accessibility but I'm guess the non adjustable power output disqualifies it for FRS. I'm making assumptions here,,,stop me or please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm here to learn and not be a pest. Or at least try lol.

 

not so much non adjustable, as it doesn't adjust low enough for FRS.  i believe removable antenna is a no-no for frs as well.

 

 

Michael,

 

Thank you for valuable information. I guess my next HT will not be BTECH (or Midland) because I was pulling my hair wondering why I couldn't transmit after I saved settings in blank channels in my GMRS-V1 using CHIRP.

i ran into the same issue with my 50x1 as well...had a couple local repeaters programmed, but couldn't figure out why i couldn't TX, till i started digging and discovered everything above slot 30 is rx only.  i'll still put the btech to use, but it's been bumped from the base spot, and will probably replace the midland in the truck in the near future.

[kirk5056]

This is not JUST a repeater issue.  Where I live we use GMRS/FRS channel 7 with a PL code for comms from cottage-cottage or golfcart-golfcart.  At my hunting property we also use channel 7 BUT with a different PL code.  So with my Midland 275 I have to stop and change PLs when en route from one place to the other.  All of this is on simplex.

[mbrun]

For simplex, changing codes would not be so bad if there was a default way to change both Tx and Rx PL at the same time in much the same way that the FRS radios current Midlands do, but do it in a way that still allows support of mixed squelch codes. Doing so would would make the radios more user friendly. Product developers do not think ahead adequately when adding features to a product that consumer wants. They figure it is good enough that the product has that feature. In reality they should be thinking how they make this more complicated piece of equipment easy to use.

 

I have been toying with the idea of authoring a product description of what I consider to be the ideal GMRS HT and Mobile radio feature set and methods of operation for different classes of radios. Who knows, maybe the manufacturer’s would read it and takeaway the good and use it incorporate into a some newly designed GMRS radio product. They would however have to approach it with an open mind.

 

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

[wayoverthere]

This is not JUST a repeater issue. Where I live we use GMRS/FRS channel 7 with a PL code for comms from cottage-cottage or golfcart-golfcart. At my hunting property we also use channel 7 BUT with a different PL code. So with my Midland 275 I have to stop and change PLs when en route from one place to the other. All of this is on simplex.

Good point, Kirk. While repeaters are the big one it comes into play, it really applies to any time you'd want to use 2 different tones on the same frequency, for different recipients.

[kirk5056]

oops, multi post

[kirk5056]

My next radio will allow me to have multiple Channel 7 memory locations, each with its own PL.  That radio finally exists, so all I will need to do is a channel change (which I can do while driving).  Would am not seeking, nor would I use, a radio that allowed more than one PL on a frequency at the same time.

[ABTOCMEPTb]

Its an old "the right tool for the right job"

 

For my use I don't need changing tones or connecting to multiple repeaters. I only use one. My own. So I got two 50x1 for $400 instead of two woxouns for $700.

 

Totally happy with 50x1. Can monitor 4 different frequencies at once!

[MozartMan]

Its an old "the right tool for the right job"

 

For my use I don't need changing tones or connecting to multiple repeaters. I only use one. My own. So I got two 50x1 for $400 instead of two woxouns for $700.

 

Totally happy with 50x1. Can monitor 4 different frequencies at once!

 

АВТОСМЕРТЬ,

 

Description on Amazon product page says: "Quad-watch - monitor 4 frequencies". So, with your two units you should be able to monitor 8 frequencies. Correct? 

 

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61AwK09-OCL._AC_SL1489_.jpg

[axorlov]

For $75 + $8 + <some elbow grease> you can have all of that and monitor 250 frequencies:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/KENWOOD-UHF-FM-TRANSCEIVER-RADIO-TK880H-1/114641908198?epid=1708025024&hash=item1ab130b1e6:g:SOAAAOSwlstgCRtB

[ABTOCMEPTb]

АВТОСМЕРТЬ,

 

Description on Amazon product page says: "Quad-watch - monitor 4 frequencies". So, with your two units you should be able to monitor 8 frequencies. Correct? 

 

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61AwK09-OCL._AC_SL1489_.jpg

Well I got one radio per car

[MozartMan]

Well I got one radio per car

Now it makes sense.

[ABTOCMEPTb]

For $75 + $8 + <some elbow grease> you can have all of that and monitor 250 frequencies:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/KENWOOD-UHF-FM-TRANSCEIVER-RADIO-TK880H-1/114641908198?epid=1708025024&hash=item1ab130b1e6:g:SOAAAOSwlstgCRtB

Dude, I can't install that dirty ugly duck in a brand new 2021 4runner. Or even in 2018 ram1500.

[axorlov]

Clean it, then. Ugly or not, it's subjective, though. I found BTech's look tacky. Besides, are you in for the checkers or for the ride?

[wayoverthere]

If you're lucky, sometimes NOS stuff comes up on eBay. There is currently a couple of vertex vx handhelds that will cover gmrs frequencies, and not too long ago I snagged a mobile (vx4207) for about the same as I paid for the btech...I paid a premium over the used stuff, but I'm okay with that. Half tempted to grab another of the used ones, honestly.

[ABTOCMEPTb]

Clean it, then. Ugly or not, it's subjective, though. I found BTech's look tacky. Besides, are you in for the checkers or for the ride?

 

 I hope you don't buy your plates or pillow cases on flea market.

[rppricer]

why would you buy something that you have to work on,the picture I seen had cut wire's you would have to take it apart and put new ones in, plus they are saying as is so they can not test this radio to see if it even come on. I would spend the money on a new one or one that someone has that works for what your needs are. old radio like that will not keep you on the air for long if they are not tested.

[Lscott]

For $75 + $8 + <some elbow grease> you can have all of that and monitor 250 frequencies:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/KENWOOD-UHF-FM-TRANSCEIVER-RADIO-TK880H-1/114641908198?epid=1708025024&hash=item1ab130b1e6:g:SOAAAOSwlstgCRtB

Yup, used commercial gear has a lot going for them.

 

I just helped another gentleman on the forum the other day by PM with some sample code plugs for several Kenwood TK-370G-1's, certified for Part 95, he purchased for a group wanting to do search and rescue work using GMRS. Some of those people are licensed Hams and the radio will work on the Ham 70cm band too after ignoring the warning message about entering out of range frequencies each time. And yes the radio will work on simplex and repeaters this way.

 

https://mra-raycom.com/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Specifications/portables/TK-270G-370G-Product-Brochure.pdf

 

A number of people like the newer versions, TK-3170/3173's.

 

http://www.swscomm.com/kenwood/TK-2170_3170.pdf

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2329/Kenwood-Tk-3173.html

 

If you can find any of the TK-3140's they are worth a look too.

 

https://www.ameradio.com/doc/Kenwood_TK2140_3140.pdf

[axorlov]

why would you buy something that you have to work on,the picture I seen had cut wire's you would have to take it apart and put new ones in, plus they are saying as is so they can not test this radio to see if it even come on. I would spend the money on a new one or one that someone has that works for what your needs are. old radio like that will not keep you on the air for long if they are not tested.

But you still have to work on your Midland or BTech. You need to come up with antenna mount, hook up and route power wires and fuses, place mounting bracket. In the big picture, putting an antenna connector and power connector are small things, comparing to other things. Also, there are plenty of radios with connectors intact. Complexity of used commercial radios does not come from missing connectors - these are easy. Complexity comes from finding programming software and learning to program your radio. This is why I'm sticking to Kenwood - in general they are easier to deal with than Motorolas. And used commercial gear will keep you on air for much longer than BTech (LOL!), It kept some sheriff department or transit bus company on air for 15 years or so, it certainly will hold to GMRS use. And the price should not be ignored, right? Below $100 vs $250 for MTX400. And you are getting superior radio in every aspect.

[Miklor]

Review
https://www.miklor.com/COM/Review_GMRS-50X1.php

Technical
https://www.miklor.com/GMRS50/index.php