Review BTech FRS-A1

General Description

If you are looking for a 2-Way radio for business, camping, hunting, hiking or for the kids around the neighborhood, the FRS-A1 is definitely a radio to consider. There is no license fee or exam testing required, thus the designation FRS (Family Radio System).

The range will vary by its surrounding. The FRS-A1 runs the maximum amount of power permitted on the FRS band. Here is a list of the features included with this radio.

In the Box (a package of 2)

Included with the radio are:
- (2) BTech FRS-A1 transceivers
- (1) Wall Adapters
- (1) Dual USB Type-C charge cable
- (2) Li-Ion Battery Packs (1500mAh 3.7V)
- (2) Belt Clips
- (2) Wrist Straps
- (2) Earpiece / Microphones
- (1) User Manual (41 page English)

FCC Part 95B certified - 2AGND-FRSA1

Frequency Range

462 / 467 MHz	Designated FRS Channels (simplex)
162 MHz	NOAA Weather Channels (Rx only)
87-108 MHz	FM Broadcast Radio (RX only)

Specifications

The FRS-A1 is a 22 channel FRS transceiver offering features such as Scanning, NOAA Weather channels and FM broadcast radio. A full list of technical specifications can be found HERE.

Enclosure

The FRS-A1 weighs in at only 4.6oz (130g) with a case dimensions of 2.1" (W) x 5.0" (H) x 1.0" (D)" (53 x 127 x 25mm). The case is available in any of 4 color combinations, Black, Silver, Orange and Camo.

Display

The FRS-A1 has a bright and clear 1.25" display. The 6 character LCD can display either the channel number or any 6 character name you wish to assign.

The upper and lower display can be set to two different channels. A long press of the Up/Down keys can be used to easily switch between channels.

Note: The 6 character channel names can be changed directly from the keypad. No computer needed. The default channel names are FRS 01 to FRS 22, but can be changed to any name combination using 0-1 A-Z.

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Keypad and Features

Menu allows access to 17 internal functions including setting CTCSS tones, squelch settings, VOX, etc. WX gives immediate access to the 7 NOAA weather channels while FM connects to the 87 to 108MHz music frequencies.

Lock - The button in the lower left serves a Dual Purpose. If I give the key a Long Press, it will prevent accidentally entering the Menu mode (Lock).
Call - A Short press (if activated) will transmit a preselected 1.5 second ring to alert others a call is coming and who it's from.

Below the PTT button on are two additional function buttons. One is for Monitor which opens the squelch for listening to assure the channel is clear if using CTCSS receive tines. The other is Scan, used for rapid scanning of WX, FM and FRS channels.

Other Features

Along with the built in Weather channels and FM radio, a few of the extra features include:

- TDR - If the TDR (dual receive) option is set, the receiver will automatically switch to the opposing channel. It will remain there for 3 seconds after the transmission is completed.
- VOX - Voice activated Transmit
- BCL - Busy Channel Lockout. The transmitter is temporarily locked out if the frequency is busy.
- Display Type - You have the option of displaying either the Channel number, Frequency, or Name.
- Tail Clear - An option to eliminate the loud popping sound at the end of a received transmission.

Transmitter

The transmitter is narrowband with a power level preset to the maximum power allowed for an FRS handheld. Using another FRS handheld as the receiver, the transmit audio is very good. The radio power levels are specified to be 2W/.5W (ch 1-7 & 15-22) and 0.5W (ch 8-14).

Channel List

The 22 channel frequency list for the FRS-A1 can be found HERE.

Receiver

The FRS-A1 is narrowband with a .5W audio section that provides plenty of volume.

The scan feature is a great option when traveling to a new area and not knowing which channels are the most active. The scan rate is 3 to 4 channels per second.

Programming

The programming cable uses a standard K1 style connector and the software for this radio is CHIRP. Guides and examples are available HERE.

The charging cable for the A1 is a standard USB to USB-C cable. No charger base is necessary, only 5V USB source.

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In Summary

The FRS-A1 is a step above many of the FRS handhelds out there with several options making it perfect for general family use as well as business. Perfect for camping or the beach with the built in weather (NOAA) and FM broadcast radio. Charging with a standard USB-C cable is a nice plus. One less thing to pack when traveling.

FRS-A1 VIDEO