This document describes the Retevis RA635 walkie-talkie, a user-friendly communication device designed for personal and recreational use.
Function Description
The Retevis RA635 is a PMR446 radio, meaning it operates on the 446 MHz frequency band and is license-free. It supports 16 channels, allowing for communication with other devices on the same channel. The device features a Push-to-Talk (PTT) button for transmitting, and automatically enters 'Reception' mode when not transmitting. When a signal is received, the LCD will display "reception."
Important Technical Specifications
- Frequency: PMR446
- Channels: 16 channels
- Sub-code: CTCSS 38 + DCS61
- Transmission Power: <=500mW ERP
- Range: Up to 2 Km (Open field), though this can be affected by surroundings and obstructions like hills or buildings.
- Battery Type: 4xAAA Alkaline/rechargeable batteries (Not included)
- Modulation Type: FM – F3E
- Channel Spacing: 12.5kHz (Narrow band)
The frequency table for the 16 channels is as follows:
| CH |
Frequency |
CH |
Frequency |
| 1 |
446.00625 |
9 |
446.10625 |
| 2 |
446.01875 |
10 |
446.11875 |
| 3 |
446.03125 |
11 |
446.13125 |
| 4 |
446.04375 |
12 |
446.14375 |
| 5 |
446.05625 |
13 |
446.15625 |
| 6 |
446.06875 |
14 |
446.16875 |
| 7 |
446.08125 |
15 |
446.18125 |
| 8 |
446.09375 |
16 |
446.19375 |
Usage Features
The RA635 offers a range of features to enhance communication and usability:
- Power On/Off: Press and hold the On/Off button for 3 seconds to power the device on or off. A beep sound confirms the action.
- Volume Adjustment: Use the Up and Down buttons to adjust the volume level, which is displayed on the screen.
- Channel Changing: Press the MENU button once, then use the Up/Down buttons to select a channel. Confirm with the PTT button. If no button is pressed for 15 seconds, the device returns to stand-by mode.
- CTCSS+DCS (Sub-channels): To prevent interference from other users on the same channel, the device incorporates 99 sub-channels (CTCSS/DCS codes). Press the MENU button twice, then use the Up/Down buttons to change the code. Confirm with the PTT button. These low-frequency tones (67-250 Hz) are generally not audible.
- VOX (Hands-free function): The Voice Operated eXchange (VOX) feature allows for hands-free transmission. Press the MENU button three times to access VOX settings. Use the Up button to set sensitivity levels (1-3, with 3 being the most sensitive) or the Down button to turn VOX OFF ("OF" will appear). Confirm with the PTT button. In VOX mode, the radio transmits when activated by voice or other sounds. VOX is not recommended in noisy or windy environments. Pressing the PTT button overrides VOX mode.
- Scanning for Active Channels: Press and hold the Up button for 2 seconds to activate the "SCAN" function. The device will continuously scan channels 1-16. When an active channel is found, scanning stops, allowing you to listen. If the transmission on the found channel stops, scanning resumes automatically. Pressing the PTT button while listening to a found channel returns the device to stand-by mode on that channel.
- Monitor Function: Press and hold the Down button for approximately 3 seconds to activate the monitor function, which allows you to listen to weak signals. Release the Down button to return to stand-by mode.
- Call Tone: The device has 10 call tones. Press the MENU button four times, and "CA" will be displayed along with the current call tone. Use the Up/Down buttons to change the call tone and the PTT button to confirm. To send a call tone, quickly press the CALL button once.
- Roger Beep: After releasing the PTT button, the device can send a "roger beep" to confirm that transmission has stopped. Press the MENU button five times ("Ro" will be displayed), then use the Up/Down buttons to enable or disable the roger beep. Confirm with the PTT button.
- Backlit Display: Press any button (except MENU) to activate the LCD backlight for about 5 seconds.
- Built-in Flashlight: The device includes a flashlight for sending light signals or for general lighting needs.
- Headset Connection: The device supports a headset (if included) via a 2.5mm jack located on top. The headset's PTT button functions identically to the device's PTT button. When using the headset's PTT, the headset's microphone must also be used. Connecting other headsets may damage the device.
- Lock/Unlock Device: Press and hold the MENU button for 3 seconds to lock the device. A button lock icon will appear on the LCD. Press and hold the MENU button for 3 seconds again to unlock.
Maintenance Features
- Battery Installation: To install batteries, first pull away the belt clip latch. Slide down the battery compartment cover. Insert 4xAAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity. Replace the battery cover.
- Low Battery Indication: The LCD screen displays a battery icon with squares indicating the charge level (Full, 2/3 charged, 1/3 charged, Empty). When the battery voltage is low, the icon will flash, and a beep will sound, indicating that batteries need to be replaced or recharged.
- Battery Saving Function: To conserve power, the device automatically activates an "economy mode" after 6 seconds of inactivity. This mode does not affect reception, and the device automatically reactivates when a signal is detected.