Retevis RT617/RT17 Two-Way Radio User Manual

To Customers

Thank you very much for choosing our Retevis two-way radio. This radio features a modern design, reasonable structure, and stable functions. It is engineered to meet diverse customer needs, offering high quality, easy operation, and excellent capability. We are confident you will be pleased with its design and performance.

This manual is applicable for both RT17 and RT617 models.

Important Safety Information and Usage Tips

Please read the following brief instructions carefully. Non-compliance with these rules may cause danger or violate the law.

• Always obey local government regulations regarding radio usage. Improper use may violate the law and result in penalties.
• Turn off the radio before entering flammable or explosive areas.
• Do not charge or change the battery in flammable or explosive areas.
• Turn off the radio before approaching blasting zones or detonator areas.
• Do not use a radio with a damaged antenna, as touching it can cause heat injury.
• Do not attempt to open the radio. Maintenance should only be performed by a qualified technical expert.
• To avoid electromagnetic interference or compatibility issues, turn off the radio in areas where wireless equipment is prohibited, such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
• If the radio is used in a car with an airbag, do not place it within the airbag deployment area.
• Avoid storing the radio under direct sunlight or in hot areas.
• When transmitting, keep the antenna at least 5cm away from your body.
• If the radio emits a strange smell or smoke, immediately shut off its power and contact your local dealer.
• Avoid transmitting for extended periods, as the radio may heat up and potentially harm the user.

Unpacking and Checking Equipment

Welcome to your new two-way radio. Carefully unpack the radio and check the items listed below before discarding the packaging. If any item is missing, please contact your local dealer immediately.

Supplied Accessories

• Transceiver (Radio Unit)
• Li-ion Battery
• Charger (USB Charger)
• Belt Clip
• Handstrap
• User's Manual

Note: The antenna frequency range is indicated on the annular label at the bottom of the antenna.

Getting Familiar with Your Radio

Familiarize yourself with the various parts and controls of your Retevis two-way radio.

• Antenna: For transmitting and receiving signals.
• Channel Knob: Rotate to select channels 1 to 16. Clockwise increases the channel number, counter-clockwise decreases it.
• Power/Volume Knob: Rotate clockwise to turn on the radio and increase volume. Rotate counter-clockwise to decrease volume and turn off the radio.
• Status Indicator Light: Red when transmitting, green when receiving. Blinks red when battery capacity is low.
• Speaker: Sound output.
• Microphone: Sound input.
• PTT (Push-to-Talk) Switch: Press to transmit, release to receive.
• SP/MIC Jack / Programming Port: Used to connect a headset or external programming cable for PC programming.
• Battery Release Buckle: Releases the battery pack.
• Li-ion Battery: Provides power to the radio.

Basic Operation

1. Power On/Off and Volume Adjustment

Rotate the Power/Volume Knob clockwise to turn on the radio. Continue rotating clockwise to increase the volume. Rotate counter-clockwise to decrease the volume and turn off the radio.

2. Channel Selection

Rotate the Channel Knob to select your desired channel from 1 to 16.

3. Transmitting and Receiving

• To Transmit: Press and hold the PTT switch, then speak into the microphone. The indicator light will turn red. If the channel does not have a transmitting frequency, a “DU DU” tone will sound.
• To Receive: Release the PTT switch. The indicator light will turn green when a signal is received.

4. Squelch Level

The squelch level determines the signal strength required to open the radio's speaker. A lower squelch level allows for weaker signals to be heard, increasing communication range but also increasing background noise and reducing interference capacity. The default squelch level is 5. It can be adjusted from 0 to 9 (0 being the lowest) via the programming software under the “Optional Features” menu.

Advanced Features

1. Time-Out Timer (TOT)

TOT prevents any radio from transmitting on a channel for an excessively long time, which can damage the transceiver. If the transmission time exceeds the pre-set TOT, the radio will emit a “DU DU” tone and stop transmitting. Release the PTT key to return to receive status.

2. Scan Function

When the current channel is set to channel 16, the radio will automatically scan all 16 defined channels. When a channel with a signal is detected, the radio will stop on that channel for communication.

• If fewer than 2 channels are set as scannable, the radio cannot perform scanning.
• If the radio stops on a channel with a signal, it will scan the next channel 10 seconds after the signal disappears.
• To disable scanning for a specific channel, set “Scan Add” to “No” for that channel in the programming software.

3. English Voice Prompt

The radio can provide voice prompts in English. This feature can be enabled or disabled (selected as “English/None”) via the programming software.

4. Battery Save Function

This function can be enabled via the programming software to extend the radio's standby time.

5. Low Battery Alert

The radio will alert you when the battery capacity reaches its minimum operating voltage.

6. Busy Channel Lock (BCL)

This function prevents transmission on a channel that is already in use. It can be turned on or off via the programming software.

• If the current channel does not have CTCSS/DCS, and there is a signal, transmitting is prohibited when you press PTT.
• If the current channel has CTCSS/DCS, and there is a signal with matching CTCSS/DCS, the radio will transmit when you press PTT.

7. Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Select

The default bandwidth is wide band. You can select either wide or narrow band through the programming software.

8. VOX (Voice Operated Exchange)

VOX allows you to transmit by speaking into the microphone without pressing the PTT key. This function can be turned on/off and adjusted via the programming software.

• When VOX is active on your working channel, speaking into the microphone will automatically initiate transmission. The radio will stop transmitting when no voice is detected.
• If using a headset with a microphone, adjust the VOX gain to ensure the radio accurately identifies your voice volume. If the microphone is too sensitive, background noise may trigger transmission. If it's not sensitive enough, your voice may not be picked up.

9. Scrambler Function

When the scrambler function is enabled, your transmitted voice will be scrambled, ensuring communication confidentiality and helping to prevent eavesdropping. Other radios must also have their scrambler function enabled to receive the scrambled signal clearly.

10. CTCSS/DCS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System / Digital Coded Squelch)

CTCSS and DCS are sub-audio signaling methods that help prevent your radio from receiving unwanted signals on the same channel. When CTCSS/DCS is set, you will only receive signals from other radios on the same channel with the same CTCSS/DCS settings. If CTCSS/DCS is not set, you will receive all signals on that channel. You can set CTCSS/DCS through the “ENC” or “DEC” menu in the “Channel Setting” of the programming software.

11. Programming Protect

You can add a programming password in the programming software. Once set, you will need to enter the password before programming the radio.

12. Non-Magnetic Speaker

The radio features a non-magnetic speaker designed for good sound quality without distortion, making communication feel more direct.

13. USB Charging Feature

The USB charger supports multiple charging methods, allowing you to charge your radio conveniently anytime, anywhere.

Specifications

The following table details the general and technical specifications of the Retevis RT617/RT17 two-way radio.

RF Energy Exposure and Product Safety Guide for Portable Two-way Radios

ATTENTION! Before using this radio, read this guide which contains important operating instructions for safe usage and RF energy awareness and control for compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

This two-way radio uses electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to provide communications between two or more users over a distance. RF energy, when used improperly, can cause biological damage.

All Retevis two-way radios are designed, manufactured, and tested to ensure they meet government-established RF exposure levels. In addition, manufacturers also recommend specific operating instructions to users of two-way radios. These instructions are important because they inform users about RF energy exposure and provide simple procedures on how to control it.

Please refer to the following websites for more information on what RF energy exposure is and how to control your exposure to assure compliance with established RF exposure limits: http://www.who.int/en/

Local Government Regulations

When two-way radios are used as a consequence of employment, the Local Government Regulations require users to be fully aware of and able to control their exposure to meet occupational requirements. Exposure awareness can be facilitated by the use of a product label directing users to specific user awareness information. Your Retevis two-way radio has an RF Exposure Product Label. Also, your Retevis user manual, or separate safety booklet includes information and operating instructions required to control your RF exposure and to satisfy compliance requirements.

Radio License

Governments classify radios, and business two-way radios operate on radio frequencies regulated by local radio management departments (e.g., FCC, ISED, OFCOM, ANFR, BFTK, Bundesnetzagentur). To transmit on these frequencies, you are required to have a license issued by them. For detailed classification and use of your two radios, please contact the local government radio management departments. Use of this radio outside the country where it was intended to be distributed is subject to government regulations and may be prohibited.

Unauthorized Modification and Adjustment

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user's authority granted by the local government radio management departments to operate this radio and should not be made. To comply with the corresponding requirements, transmitter adjustments should be made only by or under the supervision of a person certified as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance and repairs in the private land mobile and fixed services as certified by an organization representative of the user of those services. Replacement of any transmitter component (crystal, semiconductor, etc.) not authorized by the local government radio management departments equipment authorization for this radio could violate the rules.

FCC Requirements:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. (Licensed radios are applicable);

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (Other devices are applicable)

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

CE Requirements:

Shenzhen Retevis Technology Co., Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of RED Directive 2014/53/EU and the ROHS Directive 2011/65/EU and the WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU; the full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: www.retevis.com.

Restriction Information

This product can be used in EU countries and regions, including: Belgium (BE), Bulgaria (BG), Czech Republic (CZ), Denmark (DK), Germany (DE), Estonia (EE), Ireland (IE), Greece (EL), Spain (ES), France (FR), Croatia (HR), Italy (IT), Cyprus (CY), Latvia (LV), Lithuania (LT), Luxembourg (LU), Hungary (HU), Malta (MT), Netherlands (NL), Austria (AT), Poland (PL), Portugal (PT), Romania (RO), Slovenia (SI), Slovakia (SK), Finland (FI), Sweden (SE) and United Kingdom (UK).

For the warning information of the frequency restriction, please refer to the package or manual section.

Disposal

The crossed-out wheeled-bin symbol on your product, literature, or packaging reminds you that in the European Union, all electrical and electronic products, batteries, and accumulators (rechargeable batteries) must be taken to designated collection locations at the end of their working life. Do not dispose of these products as unsorted municipal waste. Dispose of them according to the laws in your area.

IC Requirements: Licence-exempt radio apparatus

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:

1. l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
2. l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

RF Exposure Information

• DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this may damage the radio and may also cause you to exceed RF exposure limits. A proper antenna is the antenna supplied with this radio by the manufacturer or an antenna specifically authorized by the manufacturer for use with this radio, and the antenna gain shall not exceed the specified gain by the manufacturer declared.
• DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time, more than 50% of the time can cause RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded.
• During transmissions, your radio generates RF energy that can possibly cause interference with other devices or systems. To avoid such interference, turn off the radio in areas where signs are posted to do so.
• DO NOT operate the transmitter in areas that are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation such as hospitals, aircraft, and blasting sites.
• Portable Device, this transmitter may operate with the antenna(s) documented in this filing in Push-to-Talk and body-worn configurations. RF exposure compliance is limited to the specific belt-clip and accessory configurations as documented in this filing and the separation distance between user and the device or its antenna shall be at least 2.5 cm.
• Mobile Device, during operation, the separation distance between user and the antenna subjects to actual regulations, this separation distance will ensure that there is sufficient distance from a properly installed externally-mounted antenna to satisfy the RF exposure requirements.
• Occupational/Controlled Radio, this radio is designed for and classified as "Occupational/Controlled Use Only", meaning it must be used only during the course of employment by individuals aware of the hazards, and the ways to minimize such hazards; NOT intended for use in a General population/uncontrolled environment.
• General population/uncontrolled Radio, this radio is designed for and classified as "General population/uncontrolled Use".

RF Exposure Compliance and Control Guidelines and Operating Instructions

To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the occupational/controlled environment exposure limits, always adhere to the following procedures.

Guidelines:

• User awareness instructions should accompany the device when transferred to other users.
• Do not use this device if the operational requirements described herein are not met.

Operating Instructions:

• Transmit no more than the rated duty factor of 50% of the time. To Transmit (Talk), push the Push to Talk (PTT) button. To receive calls (listen), release the PTT button. Transmitting 50% of the time, or less, is important because the radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting in terms of measuring for standards compliance.
• Transmit only when people outside the vehicle are at least the recommended minimum lateral distance away from a properly installed according to installation instructions, externally mounted antenna.
• When operating in front of the face, worn on the body, always place the radio in a Retevis approved clip, holder, holster, case, or body harness for this product. Using approved body-worn accessories is important because the use of Non-Retevis approved accessories may result in exposure levels, which exceed the IEEE/ICNIRP RF exposure limits.

Hand-held Mode

Hold the radio in a vertical position with the microphone (and other parts of the radio including the antenna) at least 2.5 cm (one inch) away from the nose or lips. The antenna should be kept away from the eyes. Keeping the radio at a proper distance is important as RF exposure decreases with increasing distance from the antenna.

Phone Mode

When placing or receiving a phone call, hold your radio product as you would a wireless telephone. Speak directly into the microphone.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

NOTE: Nearly every electronic device is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) if inadequately shielded, designed, or otherwise configured for electromagnetic compatibility.

Avoid Choking Hazard

Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Turn off your radio power in the following conditions:

• Turn off your radio before removing (installing) a battery or accessory or when charging battery.
• Turn off your radio when in a potentially hazardous environment: Near electrical blasting caps, in a blasting area, in explosive atmospheres (inflammable gas, dust particles, metallic powders, grain powders, etc.).
• Turn off your radio while taking on fuel or while parked at gasoline service stations.

Protect your hearing:

• Use the lowest volume necessary to do your job.
• Turn up the volume only if you are in noisy surroundings.
• Turn down the volume before adding headset or earpiece.
• Limit the amount of time you use headsets or earpieces at high volume.
• When using the radio without a headset or earpiece, do not place the radio's speaker directly against your ear.
• Use careful with the earphone maybe possible excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.

Note: Exposure to loud noises from any source for extended periods of time may temporarily or permanently affect your hearing. The louder the radio's volume, the less time is required before your hearing could be affected. Hearing damage from loud noise is sometimes undetectable at first and can have a cumulative effect.

Avoid Burns

Antennas

Do not use any portable radio that has a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna comes into contact with the skin when the radio is in use, a minor burn can result.

Batteries (If appropriate)

When conductive material such as jewelry, keys or chains touch exposed terminals of the batteries, it may complete an electrical circuit (short circuit the battery) and become hot to cause bodily injury such as burns. Exercise care in handling any battery, particularly when placing it inside a pocket, purse or other container with metal objects.

Long transmission

When the transceiver is used for long transmissions, the radiator and chassis will become hot.

Safety Operation

Forbid

• Do not use charger outdoors or in moist environments; use only in dry locations/conditions.
• Do not disassemble the charger, that may result in risk of electrical shock or fire.
• Do not operate the charger if it has been broken or damaged in any way.
• Do not place a portable radio in the area over an air bag or in the air bag deployment area. The radio may be propelled with great force and cause serious injury to occupants of the vehicle when the air bag inflates.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your Retevis RT617/RT17 radio that are not covered in this manual, please refer to the official user manual PDF for more detailed troubleshooting steps or contact Retevis customer support for assistance.

For the official user manual PDF, please refer to: Retevis RT17 User Manual (PDF)

User Tips

Based on common user inquiries and feedback:

• Antenna: The RT617/RT17 models feature a fixed antenna connector. While some radios allow antenna removal, these models are designed with a fixed antenna.
• Charging: Utilize the versatile USB charging options (car, computer, power bank, wall adapter) for convenience, especially when on the go.
• VOX Function: Experiment with the VOX gain settings in the programming software to find the optimal level for your environment, ensuring clear hands-free communication without accidental transmissions or missed voice inputs.

Warranty and Support

Thank you for purchasing Retevis two-way radios. We are committed to providing stable, clear, and efficient wireless communication services. To ensure you receive the best warranty service, please note the following information:

Warranty Period

The product warranty period begins from the purchasing date. If a product failure occurs under normal use within the warranty period, service will be provided according to the terms of this warranty.

• Radio Unit: 12 months
• Accessories: 6 months

To claim warranty service, please present the original warranty card and purchase invoice to a Retevis designated authorized warranty repair station.

Paid Service Conditions

The following situations will result in paid service, even within the warranty period:

• Failure to produce the warranty card.
• Warranty card shows altered traces or inconsistencies with the product.
• Defect or damage caused by abnormal or non-normal use.
• Defect or damage caused by misuse, accident, water damage, or negligence.
• Defect or damage caused by improper testing, operation, maintenance, installation, disassembly, or adjustment.
• Defect or damage caused by unauthorized repair or disassembly.
• Defect or damage caused by force majeure (e.g., natural disasters).
• Wear and tear under normal use.

Repair Process

When repair is needed, please send the radio, warranty card, and purchase invoice together by post or take them directly to a Retevis designated authorized service station. Shipping costs for repairs are borne by the user.

Contact Information

Shenzhen Retevis Technology Co., Ltd
Web: www.retevis.com
E-mail: kam@retevis.com
Facebook: facebook.com/retevis
Address: 7/F, 13-C, Zhonghaixin Science&Technology Park, No.12 Ganli 6th Road, Jihua Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen, China