Let me explain some of these parameters:

APRS Auto TX Intervals (s): This is the interval in seconds between APRS packet transmissions. When set to 180, the DMR-6X2 will transmit a pack every three minutes.

Destination Call Sign: This defines the type of device sending the package. APBT62 is the “to-call” for the DMR-6X2.

SSIDs. These numbers define typical ways that you might be using APRS. For example, “-9” designates that you’re a mobile station. See the APRS SSID Guide for more info.

APRS Symbol Table, APRS Map Icon: The combination of these two characters define the icon that appears on the aprs.fi maps (and, presumably, other sites). For more information on the icons available, see the APRS Symbol Look-Up Table. Since I walk around town frequently, I’ve set my icon to a walking man.

APRS Signal Path: This setting describes the signal path an APRS packet transmitted by your DMR-6X2 will take. A setting of “WIDE1-1WIDE2-1” is suggested for this setting. For more information on APRS signal paths, see APRS: SSIDs, Paths, and Beacons.

Transmission Frequency: 144.390 MHz is the most common APRS frequency in the U.S.

Transmit Delay (ms)m Prewave Time (ms): Set both of these to 600.

Transmit Power: Always set this to Turbo. Make sure that the transmit power in the channel setup is also set to Turbo. If set to another value, the DMR-6X2 will not send APRS packets.

 

Once you’ve set this up, you have to set up an APRS channel. See the setup screen below to see how I have mine set up.

One of the most frequently asked questions that we get here at BTECH is, “How do I program the channel memories in my UV-5X3?” The answer is, “Get CHIRP!” CHIRP is a free, open-source application for programming many different radios from dozens of manufacturers. You can use CHIRP to program 11 different BTECH models, including our amateur radios and our GMRS and MURS radios. In this post, we’ll show you how to program a BTECH UV-5X3 with CHIRP.

CHIRP runs on Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems, but in this post, I’ll be describing how to install and use the Windows version of CHIRP. To install CHIRP, first go to the CHIRP website and click the “get it!” button. On the next page, look for the reccomended version for your operating system (highlighted in green) and click on it to download the installer. Once the installer has downloaded, double-click on its icon and the installer will install CHIRP on your computer.

Next, open the app and download the data from the radio. You do this by clicking Radio→Download. If you’ve just purchased your radio, you’ll see something like this:

You can save this information, so that you can restore the radio to the factory settings later, by clicking on File→Save.

Next, enter the frequencies and repeaters that you want to program into your radio. I live in Ann Arbor, MI, so I’ve entered the 2m simplex frequency (146.52 MHz), and the repeaters that I can hit locally. Remember to also program the tone mode and tone frequency of the repeaters. You won’t be able to access the repeaters if these aren’t set properly. Here are what my channels look like after I edited the repeater information.

Next, connect your UV-5X3 to your computer using the PC03 Programming Cable and turn on your radio.

Finally, you’re ready to program the radio. Click Radio→Upload to Radio, and CHIRP should download the memory channel information to your UV-5X3. Disconnect the cable and check to see that the radio has been programmed correctly.

For more information, check out the following links:

• CHIRP Beginner’s Guide
• Miklor: CHIRP Programming Software
• CHIRP Terms and Column Definitions
• PL and Tone Modes in CHIRP
• CHIRP Wiki

One of the first things that many new radio amateurs do is to purchase a handheld radio, like the BTECH UV-5X3 (right), to talk with their friends on a local repeater. After programming the radio, they’re often able to hear the repeater, but not access it. When this happens, the first question out of their mouths is, “Why can’t I hit the repeater?”

This is such a frequent problem, that there’s even a question (T2B04) on the Technician Class exam that addresses this issue:

Which of the following could be the reason you are unable to access a repeater whose output you can hear? (T2B04)

1. Improper transceiver offset ?
2. The repeater may require a proper CTCSS tone from your transceiver ?
3. The repeater may require a proper DCS tone from your transceiver ?
4. All of these choices are correct

The correct answer is D) All of these choices are correct.

If you can hear a repeater, but your signal is not accessing the repeater, the first thing to check is to make sure that your offset is set properly. The offset is the difference between the repeater’s receive frequency and the transmit frequency. On the 2-meter band, the standard offset is 600 kHz. On the 70-cm band, the standard offset is 5 MHz. In addition to getting the offset correct, keep in mind that the transmit frequency may be higher or lower than the receive frequency.

In some situations, the 5W output of a handheld transceiver just doesn’t cut it. You may be too far away from a repeater to hit it consistently, or you may want more range for simplex operation.

One solution to this problem is to get a mobile radio with more output power. Mobile radios, such as the BTECH UV-50X2, have an output power of up to 50 W. Some mobile radios are even higher-powered. A 50 W radio, especially when used with an external antenna, will extend your range quite a bit. The downside, of course, is that purchasing a second radio is an extra expense, one which may not be in your budget.

 

Another approach is to purchase an amplifier to boost the signal of your HT. In the 1970s and 1980s, Heathkit sold several different types of 2m amplifiers that were designed to boost the signals of low-power “walkie-talkies.” The Heathkit HA-201, for example, output 8 W with a 1 W input signal, and 10 W with a 1.5 W input.

Today’s HTs provide more output power than the walkie-talkies being sold back in the day, but amplifiers are still a good solution for extending their range. If your HT needs a boost, consider one of the BTECH AMP amplifiers. They’re an economical choice at less than $90 each, and provide up to 40 W output.

The AMP series is easy to use, too. Connecting an HT to one of the AMP series amplifiers is very straightforward. There are three ways to do this. The first way is to connect the antenna output of the HT to the RF-IN connector. In this configuration, the amplifier automatically switches between transmit and receive when it senses an RF signal at its input.

The second way is to connect a speaker microphone, headset, or compatible accessory to the radio and then connect  the antenna output of the HT to the RF-IN connector on the rear panel of the amplifier. This operation is similar to the first method, but allows you to use an external microphone and speaker.

The third way is to use the amplifier’s speaker microphone. First, connect the speaker microphone to the MIC jack on the front panel of the amplifier. Then, connect to the antenna output of the handheld transceiver to the RF IN connector on the rear panel of the amplifier. Finally, connect the accessory port of your radio to the CONTROL jack on the front panel of the amplifier using the Amplifier Control Cable. This cable keys the HT via the PTT line and provides audio both to and from the HT. This is the configuration that you would probably use in a more permanent mobile installation.

In addition to providing a higher power output signal, harmonic filters on the input allow the amplifier to transmit a cleaner output signal. The amplifier is so well engineered that in most circumstances it transmits a cleaner, purer signal then it receives from your handheld radio.

There are five different models in the AMP series, and to select the correct amplifier for your application, you’ll need to know which band and which mode you’ll be operating. For example, if you’ll be using the amplifier for 2m analog FM operation, you’ll want the BTECH AMP-V25. On the other hand, if you’ll be operating a DMR radio on the 70 cm band, you want the BTECH AMP-U25D. If you need help choosing the right amp, don’t hesitate to contact us.

According to the FCC, the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is “a licensed radio service that uses channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems. In 2017, the FCC expanded GMRS to also allow short data messaging applications including text messaging and GPS location information.”

GMRS licenses are available to individuals for short-distance, two-way communications that facilitate the activities of licensees and their immediate family members. No exam is required, and a license is issued for a 10-year term. The fee is $70 for most applicants. Before you can apply for a GMRS license, you will have to obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN). Obtaining an FRN is free, and you can do this online by going to https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/getting-fcc-registration-number-frn and following the instructions there.

 

A single license covers allows an entire family to operate GMRS radios. This includes the licensee’s spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. GMRS radios may be used for business purposes, but a licensee’s employees may not operate licensed to an employer. New GMRS licenses are currently being issued only to individuals, but prior to July 31, 1987, the FCC issued GMRS licenses to non-individuals (corporations, partnerships, government entities, etc.). Some of these licensees may still be on the air, but they are becoming increasingly rare.

Licensees can set up a system that may include a combination of portable, mobile, fixed and repeater stations. 30 channels are available to GMRS licensees on frequencies that range from 462.550 MHz to 467.725 MHz. Many of these frequencies are shared with the Family Radio Service, but GMRS users can operate radios that have a higher output power (up to 50 W on some frequencies) and can set up repeaters that extend the range of a GMRS system even further.

Because GMRS radios use UHF frequencies, their range is limited to line-of-sight. For hand-held radios, with a maximum output power of around 5 W, the range will be about one to two miles. Fixed stations that have higher output power and higher antennas will have greater range, perhaps up to five miles. A GMRS repeater with an antenna that is high above the surrounding terrain can extend the usable range up to 20 miles or more.

BTECH sells both handheld and mobile GMRS radios. The The GMRS-V1 is a handheld radio compatible with all brands of FRS and GMRS radios and GMRS repeaters. Channels are wideband and narrowband compatible. The GMRS-V1 is also a VHF and UHF scanning receiver. Although it will only transmit on UHF frequencies, it is capable of receiving VHF stations, such as NOAA weather FM broadcast stations, and while talking on GMRS channels, you can monitor both VHF or UHF frequencies. Other features include privacy tones (both CTCSS and DCS) and dual monitor with a synchronized display. This feature allows you to watch two channels simultaneously.

For mobile operation, BTECH offers the GMRS-50X1. It offers all of the features of the GMRS-V1, including FRS and GMRS compatibility, scanning receiver, and privacy tones, but has a maximum output power of 50 W. This makes it ideal for users that need the maximum range from a base/home/or mobile environment. Another difference is the quad-watch receiver that lets you monitor up to four channels simultaneously. You can program both radios using the popular CHIRP programming software. With CHIRP, you can quickly import and rename channels using your personal computer.

If you have any questions about GMRS or our GMRS radios, please contact us. You can send us a message via our website or email us directly at sales@baofengtech.com.

Whenever you transmit on a digital channel, the BTECH DMR-6X2 sends not only what you said, but also your Radio ID (also sometimes called your DMR ID). This allows stations who are receiving your transmission to know who’s transmitting. Likewise, when you receive a transmission, you’re also receiving the Radio ID of the station transmitting. That ID is shown on the radio’s display, along with the talk group.

In addition, the BTECH DMR-6X2 can also display the name and callsign of the amateur who made the transmission. It does this by looking up the Radio ID in the Digital Contacts List. The BTECH DMR-6X2 can store up to 160,000 listings. Each listing includes the callsign, name, and location for each radio ID.

To use this feature, you will have to first obtain this information in .csv format, import the .csv file into the DMR-6X2 programming software, and download it to the radio. One place to get the .csv file using the Digital Contacts Wizard. This site, run by Marshall Dias, W0OTM, has an excellent online DMR database generator. BTECH customers can get a properly formatted .csv file for their DMR-6X2s. This is found at the BTECH DMR Firmware and Software Update page and clicking on the link “AmateurRadio.Digital DMR-6X2 Digital Contacts Wizard (FREE).” 

 

Once the generator is open, then do the following:

1. Click on the Step 2 tab. On this screen, you can set various options for which records you want to download and how you want the data formatted. I just used the default values. Note:There are currently 131,070 registered DMR IDs, so at this point the BTECH DMR-6X2 can accommodate all of them, but at some point in the future, the number of records will almost certainly exceed 160.000. At that point, you will have to make some decisions about which IDs to exclude. Note:If you decide to alter the information in the database, do not change the column headings or delete any of the columns.
2. Click on the Step 3 tab and then on the Download button to download the .csv file. Save this .csv file and prepare to import the database to the software.

To make this data part of your code plug, do the following:

1. On the main menu, click Tool → Import to load the .csv file.
2. Click on Digital Contact List and select the location of the downloaded DB file.
3. Select Import at the bottom of the screen. At this point, the programming software will begin to import the data in the .csv file. Note that because of the size of the database, it may take upwards of 5 minutes to load the data.

Once loaded, you can view the data by selecting Digital Contact List from the menu on the left.