Retevis RA26 Portable VHF Marine Radio Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this marine radio. You will find the professional and humanized design of the radio during use. Please read all instructions carefully and completely before using the radio.

The Retevis RA26 is a well-designed, multi-functional marine radio that complies with the regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). By adopting advanced waterproof technology, the radio offers excellent waterproof performance, can float, and automatically activates an alarm when dropped into water.

1.1. Precautions

• The power source for this radio is DC 3.7V. Use the configured lithium-ion battery.
• The radio must be charged with the configured adapter.
• Do not expose the radio to direct sunlight for a long time. Do not place it in an environment or near heating devices below -20°C or above +55°C.
• Stop using and contact the local distributor if the radio emits a strange odor or smoke.
• Do not transmit without the antenna installed, or the devices will be damaged.
• Turn off the radio in flammable and explosive environments.
• Keep the radio at least 1 meter away from the magnetic navigation compass of your vessel.
• The radio meets IPX7 waterproofing requirements. However, once the radio has been dropped, waterproof protection cannot be guaranteed due to possible damage to the sealed structure.
• Ensure the radio antenna, headphone jack cover, and battery cover are dry before installation. Otherwise, the internal components of the radio may be damaged.

1.2. Features

• Buoyant, Stylish, Easy to Use, Slim, Lightweight, High Performance
• USB charging (Micro-B USB type)
• IPX7 Waterproof Construction (1m depth of water for 30 minutes)
• Floats and Flashes Alarm
• Vibration Draining Function
• 11 Hours of Battery Life, 4-step Battery Life Indicator
• Dual/Tri-watch Functions
• Monitor Function Opens Noise Squelch
• Auto Scan Function
• LCD Auto Backlighting
• Emergency switch 16/9 channel
• Fast charging
• High/low power switching
• Weather Alert

2. Package Contents

Carefully unpack the radio. We recommend identifying the items listed below before discarding packaging materials. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your distributor immediately.

3. Product Overview

3.1. Radio Structure

• Earphone Jack (SP/MIC): External connector for headset/microphone. Rotate counter-clockwise to open, clockwise to close. Can connect to a computer for data communication via a programming cable. Ensure the cover is tightly closed to prevent water ingress.
• Antenna Connector: Connect the supplied fixable antenna. Rotate clockwise until tight. Rotate counter-clockwise to remove.
• [PTT] Key: Press and hold to transmit, release to receive.
• Power Key (Power ON/OFF): Press and hold for 1 second to turn the radio on/off.
• [FAV]/[TAG]: Press to sequentially select favorite (TAG) channels. Press and hold for 1 second to set/clear a TAG channel. Press and hold while powering on to clear/set all TAG channels.
• [CH/WX]/[U/I/C]: Press to select normal or weather channel. Press and hold for 1 second to select USA, International, or Canadian channel group.
• [Hi/Lo]/[LOCK]: Press to select high or low output power. Press and hold for 1 second to activate/deactivate the key lock function.
• [VOL/SQL]/[MONI]: Press to enter volume adjustment mode. Press again to enter squelch adjustment mode. Press and hold for 1 second to activate monitor function. Press and hold while powering off, then press [0] to enter setting mode.
• [SCAN]/[DUAL]: Press to start/stop scan mode. Press and hold for 1 second to enter Dual or Tri-watch mode. Press to exit watch mode.
• [C/16]: Press to select Channel 16. Press and hold for 1 second to select the call channel. Press and hold for 3 seconds to enter call channel programming mode.
• LCD Display: Shows channel, battery status, volume, weather alarm, and other icons.
• Microphone: For voice input during transmission.
• Loudspeaker: For audio output.
• Charging Port: Micro-B USB type for charging.

3.2. LCD Display Icons

The LCD displays various symbols, each representing a specific meaning. Understanding these helps in operating the radio.

4. Setup

4.1. Battery Charging

1. Connect the AC adapter to a power outlet.
2. Open the radio's charging port cover. Connect the adapter to the radio's USB charging port to begin charging. The LCD will display a charging icon.
3. If the battery is fully charged, the LCD will display "FL". Remove the adapter.
4. If the battery is not inserted during charging, the LCD will display "Er".

Charging with other power sources:

• The RA26 can be charged via a Micro-B USB port using a power bank, AC adapter, or car charger.
• NOTE: The output of the power source must be 5V / 1A.

4.2. Antenna Installation/Removal

1. Connect the supplied fixable antenna to the antenna connector. Rotate it clockwise until it is tight.
2. To remove, rotate it counter-clockwise.

4.3. Belt Clip Installation

1. Place the belt clip on the back cover of the radio. Ensure the screw holes are aligned.
2. Securely fasten with a Phillips screwdriver.

5. Basic Operation

5.1. Power On/Off

• Press and hold the Power key for 2 seconds to turn on the radio.
• Press and hold the Power key again for 1 second to turn off the radio.

5.2. Adjusting Volume Level

• Press [VOL/SQL] then [▲] or [▼] to adjust the volume level.
• The "VOL" icon will flash.
• There are 31 volume levels. "OF" means volume is off.
• If no operation is performed for 5 seconds, the radio returns to normal mode.
• Press [VOL/SQL] again to exit volume adjustment mode.

5.3. Adjusting Squelch Level

• Press [VOL/SQL] twice, then [▲] or [▼] to adjust the squelch level.
• The "SQL" icon will flash.
• The radio has 11 squelch levels (0-10), where 0 is completely open and 10 is maximum squelch.
• If no operation is performed for 5 seconds, the radio returns to normal mode.
• Press [VOL/SQL] again to exit squelch adjustment mode.

5.4. Transmit and Receive

Transmit:

1. Press [Hi/Lo] to select the transmission power (High or Low). "LOW" appears when low power is selected.
2. Press and hold [PTT] to transmit. Speak into the microphone. "TX" appears.
3. Release [PTT] to receive.

Receive:

• When a signal is received, "BUSY" appears and audio comes from the speaker.
• The radio has a power-saving function that activates automatically if no signal is received for 5 seconds.

5.5. Channel Selection

The radio contains USA, International, and Canadian channel groups. Choose the appropriate channel group for your operating area.

1. Press [CH/WX] to select a regular channel group. Press again if the radio indicates a weather channel.
2. Press and hold [CH/WX] to change the channel group (USA, International, Canadian).
3. Press [▲] or [▼] to select a channel. "DUP" appears for duplex channels, "A" for simplex channels.

5.5.1. Channel 16

Channel 16 is the distress and safety channel. It is used for initial contact and emergency communications. Channel 16 is monitored during both dual and tri-watch.

• Press [C/16] to select Channel 16.
• Press [CH/WX] to return to the previously used channel.

5.5.2. Call Channel

Each channel group has a call channel, monitored during tri-watch. The factory default call channel is 9.

• Press and hold [C/16] for 1.5 seconds to select the current group's call channel. "CALL" and the channel number appear.
• To program the call channel: Press and hold [C/16] for 3 seconds until a long beep and two short beeps are heard, and the channel number flashes. Use [▲] or [▼] to select the desired call channel, then press [C/16] to confirm.

5.5.3. Weather Channel

The radio has 10 weather channels. It can automatically detect a weather alert sound on the selected weather channel.

• Press [CH/WX] to select the weather channel. "WX" appears.
• Press [▲] or [▼] to select a weather channel.

5.6. Monitor Function

The monitor function opens the squelch to listen for weak signals. Press and hold [MONI] for 2 seconds to activate. "BUSY" flashes and a sound is heard when activated.

5.7. Maximum Volume Function

Temporarily maximizes volume. Not valid if volume is already at 31.

• Press and hold [VOL/SQL] and press [▲] to activate. Volume will be maximum.
• Press and hold [VOL/SQL] and press [▼] to deactivate.

5.8. Volume Mute Function

Temporarily mutes volume. Not valid if volume is already "OF".

• Press and hold [VOL/SQL] and press [▼] to activate. Volume is muted.

5.9. Automatic Backlight

The automatic backlight function is convenient for night operation. It can be enabled/disabled in setting mode.

• Press any key except [PTT] to turn on the LCD and keypad backlight.
• The backlight automatically turns off after 5 seconds of no operation.

5.10. Key Lock

The key lock function locks all keys except [U], [PTT], [VOL/SQL], and [LOCK] to prevent accidental operation.

• Press and hold [LOCK] for 1 second to activate/deactivate this function.

5.11. Vibration Water Draining Function

This function helps drain water from the speaker casing, preventing water ingress from affecting voice quality. The radio emits a vibrating sound when activated.

• Press and hold [SCAN] and [Hi/Lo] simultaneously to activate.
• A deep sound is emitted for 10 seconds to drain water.
• Any key operation is invalid while water draining is active.

5.12. Dual/Tri Watch Function

This radio features Dual Watch and Tri Watch modes, selectable in the setting mode.

• Dual Watch: Monitors between the current channel and Channel 16.
• Tri Watch: Monitors between the current channel, Channel 16, and the CALL Channel.

Operation:

1. Press and hold [SCAN/DUAL] for 1 second to start dual/tri watch. "DW" flashes for dual watch, "TW" flashes for tri watch.
2. A beep sounds when a signal is received on Channel 16.
3. Tri watch switches to dual watch when a signal is received on the CALL channel.
4. Press [SCAN/DUAL] to cancel dual/tri watch.

6. Scanning Operation

Scan types (Normal and Priority) can be selected in the setting mode. Configure TAG channels before scanning. Weather channels will also be scanned if the weather alert function is active.

6.1. Setting TAG Channels

TAG channels are channels marked for scanning. Untagged channels are skipped during scanning.

Set/Clear Single TAG Channel:

1. Press [U/I/C] to select the channel group.
2. Press [▲] or [▼] to select the desired channel.
3. Press and hold [FAV/TAG] for 1 second to set the current channel as a TAG channel. A "★" appears on the LCD.
4. Press and hold [FAV/TAG] again for 1 second to clear the TAG channel. The "★" disappears.

Set/Clear All TAG Channels:

1. Turn off the radio. Press and hold [FAV/TAG] and press the Power key to turn on. All TAG channels in the selected channel group will be cleared.
2. Repeat the above operation to set all channels as TAG channels.

6.2. Scan Operation

Configure the scan resume timer in the setting mode.

1. Press [SCAN] to start a normal or priority scan. "SCAN" flashes on the LCD.
2. During priority scan, "16" appears in the sub-channel display.
3. Scanning stops when a signal is received (resume time can be configured).
4. Channel 16 is monitored during priority scan.
5. Press [▲] or [▼] to change the scan direction.
6. Press [SCAN] to stop scanning. Alternatively, press [PTT], [C/16], [CH/WX], or [U/I/C] to stop.

7. Adjustment Mode (Settings)

The setting mode allows you to change various radio function configurations, including Beep Tone, Weather Alert, Priority Scan, Scan Resume Timer, Auto Scan, Dual/Tri Watch, Monitor Key Function, Auto Backlight, LCD Contrast, Power Save, Float Alarm, and Vibration Water Draining.

To enter/exit Adjustment Mode:

1. Turn off the radio.
2. Press and hold [VOL/SQL] while turning on the radio to enter adjustment mode.
3. Release [VOL/SQL]. The LCD displays "bEEP".
4. Press [VOL/SQL] to select desired setting items.
5. Press [▲] or [▼] to select the desired setting parameter.
6. Press [C/16] to exit adjustment mode.

7.1. Setting Items

8. Specifications

9. Troubleshooting

10. User Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Always clean the radio thoroughly with fresh water after exposure to saltwater to prevent corrosion and ensure longevity. Dry it completely before use.
• Secure Connections: Double-check that the antenna and headset/charging port covers are securely closed to maintain the IPX7 waterproof rating, especially before going near water.
• Battery Management: For optimal battery life, avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. Charge it regularly and ensure it's within the recommended temperature range during charging.
• Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with Channel 16 and the CALL channel for emergency situations. Practice using the float alarm and vibration draining functions.

11. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your local authorized Retevis dealer or visit the official Retevis website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

Manufacturer Information: