Review BTech GMRS-20V2 Mobile

General Description

The GMRS-20V2 mobile is full featured Part 95E and 15B certified for GMRS use in the US. It comes pre-programmed with all GMRS repeater and simplex channels along with the capability of storing and scanning 200 VHF and UHF receive only channels.


In the Box

Included with the radio are the following:
- Microphone with 16 button illuminated keypad
- Metal mounting bracket with screws
- Metal microphone hanger
- Lighter Socket DC Power Cable (Fused)
- Full 61 page English User Manual (.pdf link)

20V2 Weighs in at only 14.9oz (.42 kg)
Chassis Size is 4.0" (W) x 2.0" (H) x 4.0 (D)" (102 x 51 x 102 mm)
     (with mounting bracket)

FCC Part 95E certified - 2AGND20V2G

Frequency Range
65-108 MHz   (Rx)
136-174 MHz (Rx)
400-520 MHz (Rx)

GMRS Channels (Rx / Tx) (Channels 01-07, 15-30)
GMRS Channels (Rx Only) (Channels 08-14)
200 - Programmable channels

Specifications

The GMRS-20V2 is a 20W GMRS transceiver that supports options such as display synchronization, microphone gain control and the ability to alter channels on the fly without the need for software. A full specifications can be found in the 20V2 User Manual..

Enclosure and Mount

The main chassis weighs in at a 15oz and measures 4x2x4" with mounting bracket attached. The radio is terminated with a standard SO-239 connector. The front of the radio has three jacks. One for the microphone, one for speaker and one for the programming cable.

Note: The speaker port requires a TRRS connector (Gnd/Spk/Mic/PTT).

click to enlarge

IP 67 - Waterproof

You may be wondering why a mobile radio would need an IP67 waterproof rating. No, it's not so you can leave your car windows open during a storm.

By definition, an IP67 rating states "IP67 can withstand temporary immersion in water of up to 1 meter for about 30 minutes". This allows for mounting on motorcycles, ATVs, watercraft, etc. in any outdoor environment.

Transmitter

I used my 13.8VDC power supply to emulate a standard auto battery. The high power rating is projected to be 20W on high power. Using a calibrated Bird Wattmeter showed a solid 19.7W.

High
19.7

Low
4.9

Microphone & DTMF Gain Controlling

Audio reports are excellent. One of the nice features is the microphone gain control. It allows you to advance the gain for operation at home so I can back off the microphone a bit, and reduce the gain when mobile to avoid picking up road and background noise.

Be careful when setting the level. Only move the level up a few points at a time. Although the range is 0-127, reports show that level 10-15 is ideal. Anything higher than that is way too hot.

Along with the microphone gain, there is also an option to vary the DTMF gain for control operation.

Remote Mounting

Optional Spkr/Micr are currently in development. The WP01 (25') and WP02 (15') extended microphones are currently in development which will allow mounting the radio chassis somewhere in the vehicle other than up front.

Receiver / On Screen Scanning

The 20V2 has both a Wide and Narrow receiver, depending on the mode selected with a 2W audio section that provides plenty of volume.

Channels 1-30 are preprogrammed for GMRS operation and are programmable via keypad or software. Channels 31-199 can be programmed to receive any frequency between 136-174 and 400-520 MHz. This includes NOAA, ham, marine, etc.

Tri-Watch - There is a TMR option (Transceiver Multi-Receive) which allows up to 3 channels to be displayed and selected for 'on screen' scanning. If a selected channel becomes active, the display will lock onto that channel and remain there for a predetermined amount of time before resuming the scan.

This is a great option when traveling to a new area and not knowing which repeaters are the most active. The scan rate is 3 to 4 channels per second. Fast enough to go through the three channels and not miss a call.

Tone Scanning

Not all repeaters use the 'Travel Tone' of (CTCSS 141.3Hz). To assist with determining the access tone, there is an option to scan a repeater's output.

A repeaters Tx and Rx tone are normally the same, however there may be exceptions. If this occurs, you would need to scan the output of a nearby repeater user.

Channel Scanning

Normal channel scanning is still available with a little added bonus. I can now add or delete a channel from the scan group on the fly. This eliminates my need to reprogram using software to make minor change.

Another option I found was the ability to set the scan mode to start or resume immediately upon power up. This saves a few steps if you like to keep your radio in the scan mode.

GMRS Frequency Chart

Per FCC GMRS Guidelines; Channels 1-7 limited to low power (5W), 8-14 are Rx only.

click to enlarge

Display / Display Syncing

The multicolor display on the microphone face includes nine color choices per line and supports 7 character channel names. The available foreground colors are White, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Indigo, Purple, and Gray.
I found the resolution of the display excellent. Regardless of the color, the display is bright and extremely clear. No more squinting.

Below shows a few single channel display color options as well as a multi channel.

click to enlarge

The 20V2 includes an option for display synchronization (shown above). When changing channel, the selected display lines track together, displaying both the repeater name, channel and frequency. That gives me the best of both readouts.

Programming

The GMRS 20V2 allows you to change every parameter and function via the keypad. This includes CTCSS tones, power levels, channel names, display colors and microphone gain. The 20V2 can also be programmed via computer using a PC04 programming cable.

The programming software for this radio is CHIRP. Guides and examples available HERE.

Mobile Power Cable

My GMRS 20V2 at full power draws approx 5 amps. This is well within the range of the average cars accessory socket which is normally fused at 10A.

In Summary

The GMRS 20V2 is a full featured GMRS mobile including:

- Memory / Tone modifications on the fly
- LCD Display synchronization
- LCD programmable color options
- Adjustable microphone gain
- Adjustable DTMF gain
- Multi-option scanning
- Tri Watch display
- Tone Scanning
- 2Tone/5Tone Receive