I really wanted to love this radio, and there are aspects of it that warrant that love. On the other hand, it leaves much to be desired. The selling point of this radio is that it is essentially an APRS station in a single unit, including both the standard radio functionality plus a built in KISS modem. The problem for me is that I want my HTs to be more than that; they also need to function as one would expect from any HT: multiple channels, easy programming, scanning, sturdy, solid feel, good display, adjustable power output, decent battery life, etc., and to some extent these can be found in the UV-Pro. Well, some of them can be found. The radio is definitely sturdy with a solid feel (and an IP67 rating!) and has a nice color display. Adjustable power is a given these days, so no complaints there. The battery life is on par, too, and when it is time to recharge, just use a USB-C cable. (There is no way to use a charging cradle, possibly as a result of the design of the battery to assist with the radio's IP67 rating.) Scanning is also there, but there is no method of specifying when to resume after a signal is received; the scan just stops. While I do like the hardware, I'm not a fan of how the memory channels are structured (6 banks of 30 channels each) and the programming software, which must be downloaded from the App Store appropriate for your device type, leaves much to be desired. It is simply confusing, to put it politely, and many functions of the radio require the application as it is not possible to set them from the built-in menu system, such as setting the four functions for each of the two programmable buttons on the side of the radio. The manual that comes with the radio only touches on some of the radio's functions, there are multiple paths within the application to arrive at some of the necessary screens, and some of the screens have no explanations given. Please note that the application serves both as a means to program the radio and also as an APRS utility similar to, for example, APRSdroid. I believe it for this reason that it is not supported by CHIRP or commercial programming software, although it may also be that the radio won't support a cable to attach to the desktop or laptop running that software; the application runs on a device (phone or tablet) connected via Bluetooth. Note that the ports on the radio need a special adapter cable to use standard K1 accessories like speakers of speaker/mikes and that cables description mentions nothing about using programming cables, but this would make sense if no programs exist that would make use of that K1 style connection. Finally, the flow of information between the radio and the application can be problematic if one uses the wrong selections within the application. I spent two hours manually entering channel information using the radio menu system only to see it all disappear when I attempted to download it to the app. To say I was disappointed and frustrated is as understatement. That said, the window for returning the radio has passed so at least I have something to occupy my time should I get bored. In the mean time, I'll just use one of my other HTs for chatting while away from my car or shack and will set aside any efforts at HT based APRS operation. With all of that said, why three stars? I give the radio almost five stars for the hardware but knock of two stars for the use of the 30 channel memory banks and the frustrating application. If anything happens to change my mind, I'll post an update.

Don't the get other brand get this one... there's nothing wrong with just like any radio is tricky to use but has the functionality to go much further than what people are even going for. So far it has performed very well. I have even hit repeaters over a 100 miles away from a mountain top! The battery lasts up to a day while using the GPS/ARPS system. The GPS connects right away with the bluetooth app, or takes a minute to lock on. Its not a satellite phone, but it is a HAM radio. I went and got my license for this instrument. Totally worth it. Does what most other HAM HTs do not. Every single piece of functionality described by seller is real and works if you can figure it out. Works better with Nagoya antennas. This radio totally makes up for the dead spots in our area when using a base station. NOTE: APRS relies on ASFK, or otherwise KISS TNC connections. In my case I have experimented with both and have found that the ASFK is much easier to use, as the KISS BT connection is hard to make on a PC. The BTECH app also can become an APRS station. This causes some people to think that their radio works anywhere. The radio works, but you still have to go up high to hit things like any other radio with 8W.

This radio does what it says. It is not extremely polished, but does everything it claims. The software is clunky and inconsistent, but I'm sure it will improve over time. There are also people working on open source alternatives.

Great support team for the UV-PRO. I needed some part assistance and the BTech staff stepped right up!The UV-PRO itself is a great little radio; little only in the aspect of size. It feels sturdy in the hand, with intuitive controls and a bright, well organized menu system. I very much like the way it integrates with my cell phone via Bluetooth – making programming a snap.My next acquisition for the UV-PRO will be the BTECH BS-22 Wireless Speaker Mic which should extend the -PRO’s capability away from the unit itself, freeing me from cables and/or the close-by antenna.73

Love the ease of operations and flex. Being able to monitor Air, NOAA, and FM radio are a big plus at this price point and makes this a great emergency radio (wish it had AM radio too!). Good battery time. Love it.

For what you pay for this radio, you get a ton of great features. Bluetooth, GPS, iphone/android app, aprs, and (with beta firmware) bluetooth KISS TNC. My only complaint would be that the iPhone app is lacking in features that android has, but hopefully they will be ported over eventually.

I don't know anything about APRS or the other digital features of this radio yet, but as a dual band radio it's awesome. The transmit and recieve are waaay better than the 10 other "cheap" ht radios I own. Slapped a signal stick antenna on it and it is an awesome combo! Look forward to learning more about the other features of this radio. Just ordered the wireless speaker mic, and will probably get the PTT button also for when I'm off road biking. Pairs with my Samsung Buds Pro via the app and work great. Have also paired it to my Soundcore bluetooth speaker with no issues. Its a beefy feeling radio, good build quality. So far I'm happy!