1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your Radtel RT-470X Plus Bluetooth Ham Walkie-Talkie. This multi-band radio features Bluetooth app programming, air band reception, NOAA weather alerts, and a wide range of communication capabilities. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your device.
2. Safety Information
To ensure safe operation and prevent damage to your device or injury, please observe the following precautions:
- Do not disassemble the radio. Unauthorized modifications can lead to malfunction or injury.
- Do not dispose of the battery in fire.
- Do not short-circuit the battery terminals.
- Do not charge or change the battery in hazardous locations.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high volume levels to prevent hearing damage.
- Ensure the antenna is properly installed before transmitting.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- Radtel RT-470X Plus Two-Way Radio
- Rechargeable Battery
- Antenna
- Back Clip
- USB Charger (Type-C)
- User Manual
4. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components and controls of your RT-470X Plus radio.
- Antenna: For transmitting and receiving signals.
- Strong LED Flashlight: For illumination.
- Alarm Button: Activates emergency SOS alarm.
- PTT Launch Key: Push-to-Talk button for transmission.
- Side Keys (PF1, PF2): Programmable function keys.
- Up/Down Keys: Navigation and frequency/channel adjustment.
- Keyboard Lock: Locks the keypad to prevent accidental input.
- Return/Exit Key: Navigates back or exits menus.
- Keypad: For manual frequency input and menu navigation.
- Type-C Port: For charging and data connection.
- Volume/Power Knob: Controls power on/off and volume level.
- Headphone Jack: For connecting external audio accessories.
- Liquid Crystal Display Screen: Shows operational information.
- Microphone: For voice input.
- Speaker: For audio output.
5. Setup
5.1. Install Antenna
Carefully screw the antenna into the connector on the top of the radio until it is finger-tight. Do not overtighten.
Video 5.1: Demonstration of antenna installation.
5.2. Install Battery
Align the battery pack with the grooves on the back of the radio and slide it upwards until it clicks into place. Ensure it is securely fastened.
Video 5.2: Demonstration of battery installation.
5.3. Charging
Connect the provided USB Type-C charger to the Type-C port on the bottom of the radio. The charging indicator will show the charging status. A full charge typically takes several hours.
5.4. Bluetooth App Programming
The RT-470X Plus is a Bluetooth App programming version, supporting programming via a dedicated mobile application for both iOS and Android devices. This allows for easy channel management and feature configuration.
For iOS Devices:
Search for "Radio Frequency Programmer" in the Apple App Store or scan the QR code below to download the application.
For Android Devices:
Download the Android version of the app from the following link: https://radio-software.s3.amazonaws.com/470x-v1.4.0-2024-06-22.apk or scan the QR code below.
Once installed, open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your RT-470X Plus via Bluetooth for programming.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Power On/Off
Rotate the Volume/Power knob clockwise to turn the radio on. Rotate it counter-clockwise until it clicks to turn the radio off.
Video 6.1: Demonstration of powering on the radio.
6.2. Basic Communication
- Frequency/Channel Selection: Use the Up/Down keys or the keypad to select your desired frequency or channel.
- Transmit (PTT): Press and hold the PTT button on the side of the radio to transmit. Release to receive.
- Dual PTT: The PF2 and PF3 buttons can be programmed as additional PTT buttons via software.
6.3. Special Features
- NOAA Weather Alerts: The radio can receive U.S. NOAA Weather channel alerts, providing timely severe weather forecasts.
- Air Band Reception: Receive AM air frequency signals (108-136MHz). Note that transmission on this band is not supported.
- FM Radio: Enjoy FM broadcast reception on frequencies 66-108MHz.
- Voice Scrambler: When activated, this function encrypts your voice, preventing unauthorized listening on the same frequency.
- VOX (Voice Operated Transmit): Enables hands-free transmission by detecting your voice, eliminating the need to press the PTT button.
- Frequency Measurement/Copy: Quickly scan and copy frequencies and CTCSS/DCS tones from other radios.
- Flashlight: The built-in LED flashlight provides illumination in dark conditions.
- Roger Beep (Frog Sound): An audible "frog sound" signal indicates the end of a transmission.
- Emergency SOS Alarm: In an emergency, press the dedicated alarm button to send out an SOS signal.
- Multi Scan Mode: Supports Time Operation (TO), Carrier Operation (CO), and Search Operation (SE) modes for scanning.
Video 6.3.1: Demonstration of frequency measurement and channel storage.
Video 6.3.2: Demonstration of flashlight function.
6.4. Menu Functions
The RT-470X Plus features a comprehensive menu system for configuring various settings. Use the Up/Down keys to navigate and the OK button to select.
| Menu | Second Menu | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| SQL | OFF/0...9 | The squelch to off will open the squelch entirely. Squelch is silence. The higher the level, the higher the squelch. |
| STEP | 2.5K, 5K, 6.25K, 10K, 12.5K, 20K, 25K, 50K | In frequency mode, press the up and down keys to change the step of the frequency. Selects the amount of frequency change in VFO/frequency mode when scan or press up/down keys. |
| MEMCH | 000...256 | Used to create new channel(s) through 256) so that it can be selected from MR/Channel mode, when the channel is displayed, the channel already stored. |
| TXP | High, Middle, Low | Transmit at High power, Transmit at Middle power, Transmit at Low power. |
| SAVE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | Power saving mode. The ratio of deep cycles to awake cycles (1:2, 1:3, 1:4). The higher the level, the longer the sleep lasts. The higher number increase the battery life. It will save the first few syllables before the radio cuts. |
| ROGER | OFF, BEEP, FROG, MTDC-1200 | Disable, Enable, sends an end-of-transmission tone to indicate to other stations that the transmission have finished. Send the frog sound. |
| TOT | 30, 60...480S | Time out timer for transmit. This is a safety feature that limits transmission time to a programmed value. This will prevent battery consumption by not allowing you to make excessively long transmissions, and in the event of a stuck PTT button, it will prevent interference to other users as well as battery depletion. |
| Menu | Second Menu | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| DELCH | 000...256 | Delete a stored channel. If there is no CH in the frequency, then all parameters and the operation is invalid. |
| R-DCS | OFF, 67.0HZ...254.1HZ | Disable R-DCS. Select standard tone or input non-standard tone via keypad. |
| T-DCS | OFF, 67.0HZ...254.1HZ | Disable T-DCS. Select standard tone or input non-standard tone via keypad. |
| VOICEPRI | OFF, Encryption 1, Encryption 2, Encryption 3 | Disable Voice Priority. |
| CH-NAME | NO NAME, NAME-30 | Show the name replace of channel number. |
| BCL | OFF, ON | Busy channel lockout. OFF: Disable, ON: Enable. Prevents transmission on a channel that is already in use. |
| TO | Time operation mode | When the radio detects a signal, it pauses scanning for a programmed time (about 5 seconds). Even if the signal is still present, the radio will continue scanning. |
| SC-REV | CO, SE | Carrier operation mode, Search operation mode. When scanning, if it detects a signal, the radio stops scanning and remains at the scanned frequency. It will scan when the signal disappears. |
| Menu | Second Menu | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| SC-REV | SE | Search scanning. When the walkie talkie detects a signal, it exits the scan and remains at this frequency. |
| PF2 | OFF/RADIO/NOAA/LIGHT/SCAN/TXPOWER/MONI | Allows you to assign the function you want as a shortcut to the two PF2 keys. This corresponds to short press. |
| PF2 LONG PRESS | OFF/RADIO/NOAA/LIGHT/SCAN/TXPOWER/MONI | Allows you to assign the function you want as a shortcut to the two PF2 keys. This corresponds to long press. |
| PF3 | OFF/RADIO/NOAA/LIGHT/SCAN/TXPOWER/MONI | Allows you to assign the function you want as a shortcut to the two PF3 keys. This corresponds to short press. |
| PF3 LONG PRESS | OFF/RADIO/NOAA/LIGHT/SCAN/TXPOWER/MONI | Allows you to assign the function you want as a shortcut to the two PF3 keys. This corresponds to long press. |
| TOP KEY | OFF/RADIO/NOAA/LIGHT/SCAN/TXPOWER/MONI | Allows you to assign the function you want as a shortcut to the two TOP KEY. |
| ABR (Option) | ON, OFF | Backlight auto switch off. |
| OFFSET | 00...999 | Repeater offset, it is the frequency difference between transmission and reception. |
| Menu | Second Menu | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| SPD-D | OFF | Enable access of repeater mode. OFF: None repeater shift. |
| + | TX will be shifted higher in frequency. | |
| - | TX will be shifted lower in frequency than RX. | |
| SCANTC2S | Scan CTCSS tone. | |
| SCANDCS | Scan DCS tone. | |
| CDCSSAVE | ALL, CTCSS SAVED | ALL CTCSS SAVED. |
| MODE | RX, TX, CTCSS | None CTCSS. |
| POWER | LOGO, LOGO | Power on show LOGO. |
| ON MSG | AN1 NAME, NUM1...NUM66 | Show voltage. Radio ID code. |
| S-CODE | 1S, 1D | DTMF Signal codes. |
| DTMF PTT | OFF, BOT, BOTH | Disable. Transmit DTMF code when press PTT. Transmit DTMF code when press PTT and release PTT. |
| DTMPST | OFF | When transmitting press PTT. Type DTMF code, radio will not emit the sound code. |
| DT-ST | DTMF code, radio will emit the sound code. |
| Menu | Second Menu | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| DTMPST | AN1-ST | When transmitting press PTT, DTMF auto sending code, radio will emit the sound code. |
| DT+AN1 | When transmitting (press PTT), DTMF auto sending code, radio will emit the via keypad, radio will emit the sound code. | |
| AUTOLK | OFF | Keypad lock turn off. |
| SCAN ADD | Add or delete the channels into scanning. | |
| TONE | 1000,1450,1750,2100Hz | To send out a burst tone, you simultaneously press PF2 key while holding down the PTT. |
| PTT-LT | 0,100,...1000 | Delay time before automatic DTMF transmitting. |
| MENU EXIT TIME | 5,10,...60S | During the menu operation, the delay time for exiting due to no operation. |
| VOX DELAY | 0.5SEC,...2.0SEC | VOX delay time. |
| RP_STE | OFF, 1,2,3,4,5 | This function is used eliminate squelch tail noise. |
| RPT-RL | OFF, 1,2,3,4,5 | Delay the tail tone of repeater(1-10s). |
| MDF-A | CH, NAME, FREQ | A BAND show frequency. A BAND show channel name. A BAND show channel number. |
| MDF-B | CH, NAME, FREQ | B BAND show frequency. B BAND show channel name. B BAND show channel number. |
| TDR | OFF, ON | Disable dual band receive. Enable dual band receive. |
| A-B | In dual standby mode, press PTT to transmit in A Band. | |
| B | In dual standby mode, press PTT to transmit in B Band. | |
| STE | OFF, ON | Squelch tail noise eliminate set off. Squelch tail noise eliminate set on. |
| AL-MOD | SITE, TONE, CODE | Send alarm sound. Send alarm tone. Send alarm code. |
| RX TAIL Freq | ON | RX Tail tone frequency. |
| SCRAMBLER | OFF, Scram1, Scram2 | Voice scrambler function. Provide two scrambler modes. |
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the radio's exterior. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents.
- Battery Care: To prolong battery life, avoid overcharging and fully discharging the battery. Store the radio and battery in a cool, dry place when not in use for extended periods.
- Antenna: Regularly check the antenna for any damage. A damaged antenna can affect performance.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Radio does not power on. | Battery is low or not installed correctly. | Charge the battery or re-install it securely. |
| Cannot transmit or receive. | Incorrect frequency/channel, antenna not connected, or battery low. | Verify frequency/channel settings. Ensure antenna is connected. Charge battery. |
| Poor audio quality. | Weak signal, high interference, or incorrect squelch setting. | Move to an area with better signal. Adjust squelch level. |
| Bluetooth app not connecting. | Bluetooth not enabled on radio or phone, app not updated, or radio too far. | Ensure Bluetooth is active on both devices. Update the app. Keep devices close. |
9. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Name | RT-470X Plus |
| Brand | Radtel |
| Output Power (W) | 3W-5W |
| Battery Capacity (mAh) | 2600mAh |
| Waterproof / Water-Resistant | No |
| Storage Channel | 256 |
| Frequency Range | 136-629MHz TX/RX, 18-76MHz VHF RX, 108-136MHz AM RX, 66-108MHz FM RX |
| Dimensions | 120*58*35mm |
| Walkie Talkie Type | Portable |
| Display | Yes (1.77 inch LCD) |
| Maximum Range | 1-10km (terrain dependent) |
| Air Band | Yes, 108-136/137MHz (Receive Only) |
| Voice Scrambler | Yes |
| Roger Tone | Frog Sound |
| Bluetooth | App Programming |
| Charging Mode | USB-C Charging |
| Battery Standby | 3-5 days |
| Coverage (City) | 1-3KM |
| Coverage (Mountains) | 1-5KM |
| Coverage (Plain) | 2-6KM |
| Coverage (Sea) | 3-10KM |
10. User Tips
- Group Communication: For users with multiple devices, ensure all radios are programmed to the same frequencies and CTCSS/DCS tones for seamless group communication. The Bluetooth app simplifies this process.
- Range Optimization: For maximum range, especially in open areas or over water, ensure your antenna is fully extended and there are no major obstructions.
- Battery Life: Utilize the "Battery Save Mode" in the menu settings (Normal/Super/Deep) to extend the operational time of your radio.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I program the radio without the Bluetooth app?
- A: The Bluetooth version of the RT-470X Plus is designed for app-based programming. While some basic functions can be adjusted via the radio's menu, full channel management and advanced features are best configured using the dedicated mobile application.
- Q: Is the RT-470X Plus waterproof?
- A: No, the RT-470X Plus is not waterproof or water-resistant. Please protect it from moisture and liquids.
- Q: What is the effective communication range?
- A: The effective range varies significantly based on terrain and environmental conditions. It can range from 1-3 KM in urban areas to 3-10 KM over open water or plains. Obstructions like buildings and mountains will reduce the range.
12. Warranty & Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your retailer or the manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
