Review BTech DMR-6X2PRO

DMR-6X2 PRO - Basic Description

The heart of the 6X2 PRO is the proven Anytone D878UVII+ series. Under contract with Anytone, BTech had several additional features exclusively added as described below.
▬ Expanded Features

In the Box

- DMR-6X2 PRO DMR Handheld (Bluetooth)
- 3100mAh Li-Ion Battery
- Belt clip
- Wrist Strap
- Charger base & AC adapter
- U/V Antenna – 6.25" (16cm)
- Earphone / Microphone
- Bluetooth Capable
- Programming Cable
- User Guide – English

Features, Details, User Manual, Software & Firmware

Feature Summary

> DMR + Analog
>   7W Output
>   Bluetooth
> GPS
>   APRS TX/RX (Analog/Digital)
>   Audio Recording
> AES256 Encryption
>   Audio Relay (Store and Forward Repeater)
>   IP54 Weatherproof
> Repeater Roaming
>   Talker Alias
>   Customizable Display
> Adhoc Calling
>   Digital Monitor (Promiscuous Monitoring)
>   500,000 Digital Contacts, 10,000 Talk Groups, 4,000 Channels, 250 Zones

   VHF / UHF Dual Band
   Size: 5.1 x 2.4 x 1.5"   (129 x 61 x 39mm)
   Weight:   10.8oz (306g) w/ant & 3100 mAh battery
   136-174   400-480 MHz

*** Some of the additional features exclusive to the 6X2 PRO include:
- Multiple Scan Groups
- Priority Scan
- Change TG via Keypad (Adhoc) with Unlimited Hold Timer
- Display Color Options
- Analog Squelch Level Adjustment
- Digital Simplex Repeater
- Start Up Code Plug Compatibility
- Display Hold

▬   Multiple Scan Groups in Same Channel

The 6X2 PRO allows multiple scan lists to be entered per channel. You are no longer limited to one scan group entry per channel. The scan groups can include and mix of DMR or analog channels.

▬   Priority Scan

When developing a scan list, up to 2 channels can be assigned as priority. This allows the priority channels to be interwoven in the scan list. As an example:

- Channel 1
- Priority Channel 1
- Channel 2
- Priority Channel 1
- Channel 3
- Priority Channel 1

▬   Change Group via Keypad ("Unlimited" hold timer)

This is specially nice when using a hot spot. By setting a key function to "Dial" or "Long Press 0", and the Group Call Hold time to "Unlimited", you can enter a Talk Group using the number pad and it will remain permanently or until the channel is changed. There is no timeout limitation.

▬   Display Color Options

There are multiple display color options available. While the background options are Black and Powder Blue, a pallet of orange, red, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, white and black is available. These color options can be selected using either the software or keypad.

▬   Analog Squelch Level Adjust

The analog squelch level can now be adjusted using one of the programmable keys.

▬   Start up Code Plug

To assist with start up, the software was written to initially accept an Anytone D868 code plug. I've had a 868 since they first came out, and this was a huge time saver. Everything transferred and I was ready to play radio in minutes.
Due to the extra features in the code plug, a 6X2 CP cannot be transferred back to prior models.

▬   Digital Simplex Repeater

Not to be confused with a standard repeater, this feature allows the DMR-6X2 PRO to function as a Store and Forward Simplex Repeater. The 6X2 PRO records a transmission and stores it in memory. Immediately after the incoming signal is dropped, the transmitter keys and retransmits the recorded audio. The retransmission can be either on the same or different frequency (not necessarily on the same band).

This feature allows the 6X2 PRO to be used as a relay point during events such as marathons, races, etc. where a central relay method is needed and there is no local repeater.

▬   Display Hold

When a signal is received, the data image (name, call, location, etc) remains on the screen until the next signal is received rather than drop back to a standby screen. There is a Call End indicator at the bottom, but the data remains.

Transmitter

The frequency range of the DMR-6X2 PRO is both VHF 136-174 and UHF 400-480 MHz. Along with DMR, the radio also supports analog FM (Wideband and Narrowband)

The power levels hold pretty close to the specifications. There are four power levels with a high of 5.0W and a Turbo mode of 6.6W. I personally run mine in 5W mode. Turbo isn't going to Make or Break the signal, but it helps the battery.

What I do like is the low power mode is less than 1W. I run a hotspot here and the power level at 200mW is perfect.

My audio reports have been excellent both through a DMR hotspot and the local repeaters. There is a five level microphone gain parameter that allows you to select the microphone gain level that best suited for your voice. I use level 3 (mid-level) for a full smooth audio response. I tried level 5 and found the audio was way too hot.

Power levels are listed below and were taken using a calibrated Bird Termaline wattmeter.

Receiver and Audio

The receiver sensitivity is excellent on both digital and analog. I found the receive audio is amazing with wide and smooth frequency range.

The volume control range is adjustable with the software. Level 1 sets the full range of the volume control to a soft level, even at full volume. Level 8 sets the volume range to very loud at the top end. My preference is level 3 to 5 which is plenty loud, even for mobile operation.

Bluetooth Capable

The 6X2 PRO is fully Bluetooth capable for connecting hands free to connect to you vehicles audio system. There is also an included remote PTT button for convenience when driving.

GPS Capability

The 6X2 PRO also includes GPS capability as shown below.

Enclosure

The DMR-6X2 PRO case has a good solid feel and weight, and fits the hand well. It weighs in at 10.8oz (306g) with the high capacity battery attached. Battery removal requires a simple push of the release slide located at the top of the battery. No battery sliding or pushing is required.

The keypad buttons a bit larger than most with a lighted keypad layout of three across and four down. This puts the zero (0) at the bottom of the keypad where I believe it belongs. The PTT button requires only a light pressure that doesn't tire the finger to press.

Antenna

The included dual band antenna is 6.25" which is a fairly common size for a handheld. I found that there was a slight improvement of about 2db by using an NA-771. The 771 is 10" longer, so a difference would be expected, but I'll probably stay with the stock antenna for now.

Display

The 1.1" x 1.4" LCD display options are selectable using either software or via the keypad. The resolution is excellent and the display format and colors are user controlled.

You can select a simple single channel display or dual display at the push of a button. Switching from upper to lower is just as simple. As mentioned above, the color combinations are your choice, from multicolor to a basic white on black.

click to enlarge

The 6X2 PRO supports storing the information of up to 500K DMR users. This format of this data can also be adjusted to your liking.

click to enlarge

There are multiple sites where the current DMR User Database can be downloaded, with various formats allowing you to view name, call, location, user ID, license class, etc. A link to these sites can be found HERE.

Software

     Single Channel Insertion - The 6X2 software allows you to 'insert' a channel anywhere in your list, rather than add it to the bottom. This makes sequencing you data a breeze.

     Import/Export - Along with entering channel data in the conventional manner, the software allows you to import and export data to CSV files. Loading in a contact (TG) list, channel list, database, etc. is relatively simple.

Exporting to a CSV file has several advantages. Adding a new repeater channel can be done in minutes. I just cut and paste a copy of an existing repeater, change the frequencies, and load it back.

Note: CSV transfer Caution - Whenever adding large amounts of data, updating and re-sequencing via CSV files, always proceed with Caution. For instance, Talk Group data must always be loaded prior to or at the same time as the Channel data. If not, proper data attachment may not occur.
Always backup your current code plug before modification.

     CPS 'Hints' now appear across the entire CPS. Software field definitions now how good explanation on their use.

Code Plug Compatibility

I found that if you have an existing code plug from a similar AnyTone DMR handheld, the 6X2 PRO software will accept it as a starter CP. If someone in your radio club has an AnyTone code plug, simply change the DMR ID and you are off and running.

Firmware

As additional features and future enhancements are developed for this model, the radio can be updated to latest version. Firmware upgrades can be performed with a Windows computer in about 5 minutes.

Note: The DMR-6X2 PRO firmware is specific to this radio. It cannot be uploaded to a different model in hopes of adding new features.

Programming Cable

The DMR-6X2 PRO comes with the necessary programming cable. The UART chip is inside the radio, so the cable itself is straight through. There is no circuitry inside the cable itself. The driver will load automatically when the cable is attached.

For reference, although the cable appears to be the same as some that have the chip in the cable, those cables are not compatible.

The standard K1 style jack allows for all previous accessories such as the QHM22 Spkr/Micr.

Battery and Charger

Included with the 6X2 PRO is a high capacity 3100mAh. With battery save on, I can get 2 to 3 days out of a single charge.

The charger base requires a standard 12vdc wall wart (included). The LED on the front of the charger base is Red when charging, and Green when either fully charged or no radio in the cradle. The battery easily charges to full capacity with an overnight charge.

There is also a USB charging cable available with output of 12V that can also be used in place of the included Wall Wart.

DMR-6X2 PRO vs. DMR-6X2 (Expanded Features)

- Bluetooth
- Analog APRS (TX/RX)
- Receives APRS Packets
- Downloads APRS packets to a computer (including messages)
- GPS Roaming
- CPS Hints throughout the software
- Expanded User DB Memory (Holds 500K vs. 200K)
- Both are FCC Part 90 certified
- True Adhoc mode with no timeout

Both 6X2 models have: (not found in similar models)

- Store and Forward Repeater mode
       Simplex Repeater function
- Selectable black or blue display background
       LCD background can be set to either color, not just black
- Linking of scanning banks
       Multiple scanning banks can be assigned to a single channel

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Conclusion

Although the DMR-6X2 PRO very closely resembles the D878UV series, it is definitely not a rebadged Anytone. There are features and enhancements that set these two radios apart. BTech was wise to wait for the bugs to be ironed out before introducing the 6X2 PRO to the market.

If you're waiting for this radio to drop in price, don't hold your breath. This is a High End handheld with features and performance make it well worth the price.

The obvious pros are the following:

- True Tier II DMR
- Same Band and Cross Band digital simplex repeater
- Dual Band VHF/UHF operation
- Multiple Scan Groups per Channel
- Priority Scan
- On the Fly Talk Group Entry
- Built-in Voice Recorder
- 2TONE and 5TONE decoding
- 500K user database capacity
- FCC Part 90 certified for commercial use
- DMR Roaming capability
- APRS (digital and analog)
- Talker Alias

There are plenty of options geared more for hams than commercial use. It performs well and makes a nice addition to the ham shack.

Option additions/updates included in FW release DMR-6X2 PRO V1.01J