BTECH UV-50X2 (Second Gen.) Mobile 50 Watt Dual Band Base, Mobile Radio: VHF, UHF Amateur (Ham)

This is a very good radio, coming from only using handheld radio’s to this was a game changer. There was a big difference in microphone sound clarity compared to the basic uv5r handheld. So your voice comes out very clear over the radio. The other thing I appreciated with this radio was the power output, I have very good range with this system it’s kinda like If you can see it, you can talk to it. The speaker built into the radio can be turned up pretty loud, but it may not be quite enough for some off-road uses. The only real thing I worry about with this radio is the microphone connector, it’s a little In the way of the volume knob and I can see it getting damaged if the cord gets pulled on. But it Hasn’t happened yet. Anyhow, I’d definitely recommend this unit for anyone who wants a decent mobile unit for there cars, trucks and off roaders. Just be careful with water/ moisture as I don’t think it’s waterproof.

I purchased this radio for use as a base station. I received the radio in a timely manner, packaged well. Other than the 'learning curve' (took a couple of tries) to program manually, it set up 25 or so channels fairly quickly. Not sure about CHIRP, but I have a buddy that said he'd try to program via computer in the near future. My local radio group has a weekly check-in and TX was 'loud & clear'. I am studying for my Tech license, which is the reason I purchased this radio in the first place. RX of ham was good, can't wait to check those stations. Actually had a couple of them ask for the make & model so they could research on their own. Pros:/Cons: I really like the option to customize the screen colors, love the look & compact size, and other than that, the mic/controller seems a little 'flimsy'. Only time will tell. Will update when I get my HAM license or a problem arises.

I’ve owned 2 of these radios. These are great radios for just a little while. Hooked it up to a power meter and was actually putting out 60W. I really think the reason these radios blow out and smoke is because the parts used internally are cheap or the internal design is just crap. I think if I used either of my 2 previous radios indoor ONLY and not subject them to outdoor temperatures, they would still be working. I live in the Midwest where the mornings can be chilly, these radios were installed in my Jeep. In both instances where the radios smoked, I got into the Jeep in the very early morning. The overnight temps were about 29 degrees. The internal temp of the car was below freezing when driving to work. Each time, while driving to work, I tried to key up on my local repeater. I think the final amplifier heated up so quickly, it burned out the radio. The first time my radio burned out, it burned out my final UHF amplifier, leaving me with only the pre-amp working. I went from pushing 60W to putting out only 5 watts. My receiver worked ok. The second radio I had, it was the same conditions, and this time the whole radio smoked and filled my jeep with smoke. I guess, if you took your radio in the house with you every night and kept it temp controlled, it would work. My vswr was also very good. I was getting 1.2:1 which is outstanding. The radios checked I got, people said I was 5:9.

This will make a good radio for the side-by-sides that I am going to put them in. They cover all the frequencies I want to use. And having a full 50 watt radio in my side by side will be very nice. With the programming cable, it is very easy to program up the channels you want. And there are a ton of options, so read the manual to get it set up exactly like you want it. I do wish there was a way to turn the screen down to only a single channel at a time. Or, I wish it was easier to monitor all the channels that are displayed. The screen clarity is great, and you can change the colors to make it visible in whatever light conditions you are working in. Over all, I am very happy with this radio and we will see if they will last long term in a side by side. The price of the radio is such that if they do not hold up and am not out a lot of money.

Good radio-only acted up once, but then nothing unusual happened. Good power and transmitter quality-I don't understand why every review said the transmitter was smoking. I liked how you could customize your radio and also the extended frequency range. The instruction-not so much but still helpful.