Up Front: If you plan to purchase a BTECH UV-PRO, don’t forget to use the coupon code ‘AmRRON’ for 10% off your purchase.
AmRRON is happy to announce a negotiated partnership with BTECH USA, the official U.S.A. importer of 
.
The project has been under way for many weeks and we’re at the point we felt it was appropriate to make a formal announcement.
Since the Hurricane Helene deployment last Fall (2024), there have been many discussions about what type of local communications capabilities would have better helped the teams on the ground, and how we might overcome some of the obstacles encountered. There are both, TTPs which can be implemented, and then there are equipment solutions that can be pursued. Thanks to Tango Bravo-14, the AmRRON project manager for this endeavor, we’ve identified a radio at an affordable price point that will meet many of the minimum requirements for local, VHF/UHF comms in future deployments and disaster response.
Additionally, we have access to the firmware developers for adding features that we identify as necessary improved capabilities.
BTECH has been so amazing to work with. They supplied AmRRON with a batch of UV-PRO and GMRS-PRO HT (handytalkie) portable radios for testing. We have AmRRON Corps testing teams in WA, OR, ID, AR, and AL running the radios through their paces, exploring all of the features, and exchanging notes. We will have our preliminary findings in a report that is being prepared, and released in two to three weeks. It looks like we may have found our “official AmRRON recommended” HT for supporting local emergency communications during deployments and disaster response.
This is not intended to be a performance report of the radios, but just to give an overview for those of you who are unaware:
What we wanted: A *IP-67 rated (dust proof, immersion proof, and shock resistant) UHF/VHF dual band portable radio which has built-in GPS; text messaging; location tracking features which can be customized or turned off depending on the mission needs; packet capable; built-in APRS; bluetooth capable for accessing smart device apps, eliminating the need for a portable computer; and repeater and digipeater capable.
What we found: The BTECH UV-PRO, which also has an app controls the programming and operation functions of the radio with the tap of the screen on a tablet or smart phone. Connects over bluetooth, so no cables. BTECH has their own app, free for download. However, the radio also connects to APRSdroid and WoaD (Winlink over Android), and others, which we have yet to adequately test. The built-in KISS TNC allows the radio to act as the TNC for these data mode programs, eliminating the need for an additional external sound card.
The UV-PRO also comes with Air Band reception, FM Radio receiver, and NOAA monitoring and alerts.
While the radio and it’s BTECH app leave a lot to be desired for APRS functionality, their firmware team is making improvements and updates about as fast as the recommendations are sent to them. They can’t fulfill every item on everyone’s wish list, but I’m not aware of a company more responsive than the U.S. BTECH technical team. In the meantime, the APRSdroid app is performing very well.
Team programming via wireless sharing session: One impressive feature is the ability to wirelessly program other radios. So if a team is already on the ground working, with all radios programmed with tactical channels and area repeaters, newly deployed operators arriving to the area can get their radios programmed in just seconds, and they’re matched up with the rest of the team.
The UV-PRO features can be accessed and used on the radio directly, or from the app. So if the smart device battery dies, ops can continue. While it does not have cross-band repeater capabilities (it’s on our wish list), it does have an audio relay feature, so a radio can be hoisted up into a tree on a ridge to support simplex repeat operations, connecting two stations with obstacles or mountains between them.
The APRS function allows teams to track each others’ locations and send text messages between themselves. This feature can be turned off or a user can set the “location ambiguity” between precisely accurate, out to within several miles of accuracy. This would have been an extremely valuable tool during Hurricane Helene when several disaster relief teams or search and rescue teams were spread out across the region without having full knowledge of each others’ locations.
Digipeating. A UV-PRO can also be set as a digipeater. This would allow for sending and receiving messages and location data even in mountainous terrain or where no other APRS infrastructure is reachable.
There’s so much more to these radios, and we’ll be producing instructional guidance and videos to help operators get set up and functional in the coming weeks.
Planning to purchase one? During the testing phase, several other AmRRON members have caught wind of the project and ran out to purchase their own UV-PRO radios. If you do, be sure to take advantage of the discount BTECH is offering by using the discount coupon code ‘AmRRON’ during checkout. This is a significant savings. If you buy more than one, that savings can add up significantly.
Available in Black or Tan!
If you’re interested in the GMRS version, learn more at: https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-pro/ref/johnjacob/
Interested in being an evaluator? If you already have a UV-PRO or GMRS-PRO and are “techy” and able to contribute to the testing, evaluation, and discussion, contact me at johnjacob@amrron.com and we’ll get you plugged in.
Much more to follow. Stay tuned!
https://baofengtech.com/ref/johnjacob/
*An IP67 rating indicates that a device is completely dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This rating ensures high protection against both solid particles and water ingress, making it suitable for use in challenging environments.
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