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FAQs - BC Link Radios

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BC Link Radios 1.0 & 2.0 Operations (Videos)

How do you program the BC Link 2.0 radio?

Watch the video below to learn how to program preset channels and use the detailed features of the BC Link 2.0 and BC Link 1.0 radios to improve communication and safety when traveling in the backcountry.

How do the BC Link 2.0 Radios work?

Watch this video to learn how to operate your BC Link Radios.

How do you perform a factory reset on a BC Link 2.0 radio?

If you want to go back to all the factory settings, with all the beeping and the preset channels, just hit the “menu” button and the up arrow at the same time and it will count down to one, and then go back to all the factory settings. This factory reset option is only available on our newer units. You can tell those between our older units because our newer ones have more of a flush earphone jack cover, and the older units have more of a raised earphone jack cover.

See image below which shows an older model earphone jack at the left and a newer model raised earphone jack at the right. Newer models have a serial number that starts with “2106.”

How do the BC Link 1.0 Radios work?

Watch this video to learn how to operate your BC Link Radios.

Why is the factory reset not working?

The factory reset function was a software change that was implemented in May ’19. To check to see if your BCA Link 2.0 has this setting, please look at the serial number underneath the belt clip on the base unit. If the unit's first 4 numbers are less than 1905, then you will not have the factory reset function. If the serial numbers include or are higher than 1905, then your radio has this function. Units that do not have this function cannot be reprogrammed to include this feature.

What is the BC Link Radio range?

Given an optimal line of sight, peak to peak, all BC Link radio models can transmit at a range of up to 6 miles. Transmit range is often dependent on the terrain you are in as interference with the line of sight will reduce the range. A really thick batch of trees, rock bands, walls, or other obstructions will reduce the transmit range. The BC Link radio transmits at a max power of 1 watt (BC Link 1.0) and 2 watts (BC Link 2.0) whereas UHF/VHF radios can transmit up to 5 watts so the range of the BC Link and those of UHF/VHF radios greatly differ. However, BC Link radios do get an overall better range than comparable FRS radios like those made by Motorola, Cobra, etc. From BCA Staff experience, we have never experienced any issues with range during normal ski tour outings. Mechanized travel can run into range issues but as long as you test your radios and realize how the terrain you are in can affect the transmit range then it is not an issue to stay connected and avoid range issues while in the field.

Do BC Link radios work with other recreational two-way radios?

Yes. BC Link radios are FRS radios meaning they transmit on the same family band frequencies that are consistent with other two-way radio manufacturers like Cobra, Motorola, etc.

On which frequencies do BC Link two-way radios work?

BC Link radio channels 1 through 22 are FRS channels in North America. Channels 8-14 transmit at 0.5 watts, while all other channels transmit at 1 watt (BC Link 1.0 radios) and 2 watts (BC Link 2.0 radios). While the battery life is longer when using channels 8-14, the range of transmission is shorter.BC Link radio channels 1 through 22 are PMR channels in Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia on the BC Link 2.0 EU Edition.

Where can I find BC Link manuals and documentation?


Is it possible to program the BC Link Radios to work with VHF/UHF high-frequency radios?

VHF radio frequency range does not include that of the frequencies programmed on the BC Link. Meaning that it is not possible to communicate from VHF radios to the BC Link and vice versa. While you cannot program the BC Link to frequencies outside the provided family band FRS frequencies to those available on a UHF radio, you can program a UHF radio to the FRS frequencies utilized by the BC link to communicate. See the above frequencies (MHz) and corresponding channels on the BC Link.

Can I use my BC Link Radios outside North America?

Yes, with specific exceptions.

  • Europe: The BC Link EU Edition is optimized for use on frequencies in Europe.
  • Outside North America: The BC Link utilizes the family ban radio frequencies of North America meaning that if you use your BC Link outside of North America (with the exception of the EU BC Link which is optimized for usage in Europe) there is a possibility you will be transmitting on an unapproved frequency for that country and this action can be deemed illegal. BCA recommends checking the laws regarding radio usage for the country where you plan to use your BC Link radios and taking precautions to avoid any illegal usage on non-approved frequencies.

Are BC Link Radios waterproof?

BC Link radios are water-resistant, but not waterproof. The BC Link radio is IP56 watertight. During heavy snow or rain, we suggest covering your radio Smart Microphone (Smart Mic) from exposure to the elements when possible to prevent water from freezing to the Smart Mic, which may cause communication issues as well as excess water saturation when drying out. Storing your radios in a warm dry place is recommended to keep saturation from entering the radio and potentially hindering its performance.

How do you install a BC Link Radio in a Float avalanche airbag pack?

Watch this video to learn how to properly install the BC Link radio and mic into the pack so that they do not interfere with airbag deployment.

Tip: If you’re confused about how to route the mic cable through the airbag compartment, look at how the trigger cable is routed through that area and try to copy it with the Smart Mic cable to ensure you will not cause any obstruction to the airbag if deployed. Contact BCA via phone or email with questions.

Can I connect my BC Link Radio to the earphone jack in my helmet?

Yes, an earphone jack is located next to the cable on the Smart Mic. It will accommodate any standard 3.5mm TS or TRS earphone plug.

Can I connect to local weather channels with my BC Link radio?

Yes, you can find the corresponding frequency of the closest weather station here: https://www.weather.gov/nwr/station_listing. Please review your BC Link manual to learn more.

Is it possible to turn off BC Link radio sounds for activities like hunting?

Yes, you can turn off the BC Link radio sounds.

Button Sound: When the Button Sounds are activated, the BC Link beeps when any button is pressed or when the user turns on the Smart Mic. Press the Menu button three times until the BC Link Radio Sound Icon Sound Icon, “ON” or “OFF” are displayed for activation. Turn the Button Sounds on or off using the up or down buttons. Accept by waiting five seconds or pressing OK.

Roger Beep: The Roger Beep is a tone that sounds at the end of each transmission when the PTT button is released. The Roger beep is activated or deactivated by pressing the Menu button four times until the “ON” or “OFF” are displayed. Turn the Roger Beep on or off using the up or down buttons. Accept by waiting five seconds or pressing OK.

Why does my radio beep at me if it is not low battery?

Our radios will start beeping at you if you haven't pressed the push-to-talk button in two hours. Just press the PTT button once and the timer will reset. The radios are programmed to do this in order to preserve battery power.

Why is my radio scrolling for weather stations?

If you program a preset to a weather channel it will always scroll unless it is picking up a channel. We recommend that you change the preset. To get the radio to stop scrolling, press MENU twice. You should see the "on" blinking on the left. Then hit the UP arrow to switch it off, then hit OK.

Why is my radio not charging?

It is likely that your radio is charging, however, our radios do not illuminate or let you know when they are finished charging or when they are plugged in. To check the battery level, you have to use the SmartMic to turn the radio on and then press the UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously to see the battery level percentage.

BC Link Radio Batteries

How long does the BC Link Radio Battery last?

BC Link battery life depends on the transmit power you're using and generally how often you transmit (speak) when using the radio. From personal BCA Staff experience, we have seen the BC links work for up to 5 days (without re-charging) using the 1watt (BC Links) and 2watts (BC Link 2.0) GMRS channels under normal usage rates in winter-like temperatures and conditions. With the battery located on the base unit, which is stored inside a pack or pocket away from direct contact with the cold and elements, the battery life does not fluctuate much based on temperature or weather. Tips to get max battery life are to utilize the FRS .5 watt channels when conditions allow, storing the radios inside a warm room when they are not in use, and remembering to turn the units off when they’re not needed whether it be at the end of the day or during times when your group is within an easy verbal communication range. Battery life is the same on the 1.0 and 2.0 BC Link radios.

For operating information, please download and read the BC Link Radio 1.0 Manual. The lithium rechargeable BC Link battery is charged by USB connection. You can charge the battery on the BC Link 1.0 radios when detached or attached to the base unit. The Smart Mic does not need to be attached to the base unit for charging allowing users to keep their Smart Mic routed in their pack and just remove the base unit or the battery itself for charging. For those who might be spending an extended time in the backcountry without access to a charging source, BCA sells BC Link radio batteries separately so you can have an extra in case your battery power gets low and you do not have access to re-charge.

For operating information, please download and read the BC Link Radio 2.0 Manual. To charge the integrated battery on BC Link 2.0 radios, attach the micro-USB cable to the micro-USB port in the battery. (You can use any powered USB port to recharge, but the use of the recharger provided with the package is recommended.)

TO VIEW THE BATTERY PERCENTAGE LEVEL, press the up and down arrows on your radio simultaneously. The battery charge level will be shown in percentage in the lower right corner of the radio display window. You may also view the battery power icon in the upper left of your radio.

BC Link Radio Troubleshooting

I cannot seem to find any weather channels, what am I doing wrong?

First, make sure you are on a weather channel, indicated by the Weather Icon. You will find these weather channels after going past Channel 22. To choose your local weather channel, find the corresponding frequency of the closest weather station from the NOAA Local Weather Channel Frequency Locator here. Find the frequency of the weather channel you are trying to use and match it up with the correct weather channel. You can see the frequency of each weather channel in the BC Link Manual.

Tip: If the transmission of the weather channels is weak in your area, keep the base unit up and manually rotate through channels to see if you can find a clear broadcast.

My BC Link Radio won’t transmit but I can hear others talk…

During really low battery conditions, the BC Link can often receive but not transmit. Re-charging your battery will fix this issue. If your unit seems to be transmitting but your party cannot hear you then there is either an obstruction to the Smart Mic (iced up or covered by clothing) or interference causing a range issue. If you hear your Smart Mic crackle or not transmit while in usable range and battery power, then there may be an issue warranting the replacement of your Smart Mic or the entire unit. Contact BCA for any suspected warranty issues.

I cannot hear anyone nor can they hear me…

There are a couple of situations that could cause this issue. Your radio could be out of power; although the most frequent is that the pre-set channel has accidentally been changed causing you to now be on a different channel than the other radios in your group. If you see this issue occurring frequently, a good fix can be to pre-set a group of the pre-set channels all to the same channel so when the dial is accidentally switched then you will still be on the same channel as your group

Lastly, the range could be the culprit causing your group to lose communication. Testing the range in different terrain environments will get you and your group familiar with conditions that might cause an issue with range.

Need More Information?

If you need more information or have other questions that were not addressed here, contact BCA.