The BTECH UV-PRO is a dual-band VHF/UHF handheld that becomes an RF bridge into TAK when paired with the Radio Relay ATAK Plugin. This article covers what arrives in the box, how to get it on the air and onto the map, and what to do when it misbehaves.
What's in the box
- BTECH UV-PRO dual-band radio (Black or Tan)
- Rechargeable battery
- USB-C charging cable
- Standard antenna
- Belt clip and lanyard
- Quick start documentation
The Tri-Band Stubby is sold separately, as is the Dual-Band Maximus — see Choosing the right antenna before you order either, and note that BTECH handhelds are SMA, so you will want the SMA adapter option.
Specifications at a glance
| Bands | Dual-band VHF / UHF |
| Transmit power | Up to 5 W |
| GPS | Integrated |
| Bluetooth | Yes — this is how it pairs to your EUD |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Display | Colour |
For more range than a 5-watt handheld gives you, the 50-watt UV-50PRO or the UVPRO-MANPACK cross-band repeater kit is the answer — not a different antenna alone.
Getting on the map: the three steps
Bringing a UV-PRO into TAK is always the same sequence, and problems almost always trace to skipping one.
- Set the radio to digital mode. Full procedure with screenshots: Radio Relay ATAK Plugin 2.0 Radio Settings.
- Pair the radio to the EUD over Bluetooth. Full procedure: Radio Relay ATAK Plugin 2.0 Quick Start Guide.
- Connect from inside the plugin. Pairing in Android settings is not enough — you must also tap Connect in the Radio Relay plugin and select the radio.
Once connected, the plugin displays the radio's MAC address, battery, channel, and encryption status. If it still reads "Not connected — tap Connect to start", work back through step 3 then step 2.
Position reporting: don't turn on both
The radio has a BSS location-share feature and the plugin does ATAK PLI natively. Running both duplicates your position on the net.
- Radio paired to an EUD → leave BSS location share OFF.
- Radio with no EUD attached → turn BSS location share ON, or that radio will not appear on the map at all.
Channels and repeaters, including outside the US
You do not need to hand-program a codeplug to use the radio abroad. The Radio Relay ATAK plugin includes a channel programmer, and it will pick up your local repeaters — the radio works worldwide on that basis, not just in the United States.
Seeing those repeaters plotted on the map is a different job, handled by a separate product — the Repeaters ATAK Plugin, which draws them from RepeaterBook but does not program the radio.
Licensing note: transmitting on amateur bands requires the appropriate licence for your country. That is on the operator, not the radio.
Troubleshooting
The plugin won't find the radio. Go back to the radio's own Bluetooth settings, confirm Bluetooth is enabled and the radio is in pairing mode, then scan again from the EUD. The radio must appear under Paired devices in Android before the plugin can select it.
Paired in Android, but the plugin shows "Not connected". Android pairing and plugin connection are two separate steps. Open Radio Relay, tap Connect, and pick the radio from Select Paired Radio.
Position isn't reaching the team. Check the BSS location-share rule above — the most common cause is having it on while paired to an EUD, or off on a radio with no EUD.
Video or a data package won't send over the radio. It will not. UHF cannot carry either. See What Radio Relay sends over RF — and what it doesn't.
The radio is dead — blank screen, or it will not boot. This is a hardware fault, not a configuration problem. Do not attempt an unguided firmware recovery. Email sales@getgotak.com with your order number and a description of what the radio does when you power it on, and the orders team will pick it up from there.
The battery no longer holds a charge. Replacement batteries are available in Black and Tan.
Accessories
| Accessory | Notes |
|---|---|
| BTECH UV-PRO Radio Pouch | Made in USA, OD Green |
| Lester River Bushcraft Radio Pouch | Alternative carry option |
| BTECH Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Mic | Black or Tan |
| Replacement battery | Black or Tan |
Still need help?
- Civilian and commercial users — the GoTAK Discord is the fastest route to an answer.
- Hardware faults, orders, and keys — sales@getgotak.com or (757) 910-0259, Monday–Friday, 9–5 ET.
- Agency, defence, and procurement — book a call.
