Retekess V115

Retekess V115 Portable AM/FM/SW Radio with MP3 Player User Manual

Model: V115 | Brand: Retekess

1. Introduction

The Retekess V115 is a versatile portable radio offering AM, FM, and Shortwave (SW) reception, along with an integrated MP3 player and recording capabilities. Designed for ease of use and portability, it's an ideal companion for various activities, from daily listening to outdoor adventures. This manual provides detailed instructions to help you get the most out of your V115 radio.

2. Safety Information

  • Always use a 5V external power supply or adapter for charging. Overvoltage can cause overheating and damage to the product.
  • Avoid using high-current adapters (e.g., some Samsung adapters) as they may damage the radio.
  • Do not expose the radio to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or high humidity.
  • Keep the device away from water and other liquids.
  • Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the radio. This will void the warranty and may cause damage.
  • Dispose of batteries according to local regulations.

3. Package Contents

Please check the box for the following items:

  • 1 x Retekess V115 Radio
  • 1 x BL-5C Lithium Battery (1000mAh)
  • 1 x Type-C Charging Cable
  • 1 x Hand Strap with Bracket
  • 1 x User Manual (English)
Image showing the Retekess V115 radio, BL-5C battery, Type-C charging cable, hand strap, and user manual.
Figure 3.1: Included accessories with the Retekess V115 radio.

4. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the various parts and controls of your Retekess V115 radio.

Front view of the Retekess V115 radio with its display, speaker, and control buttons.
Figure 4.1: Front view of the Retekess V115 radio.
Video 4.1: Overview of Retekess V115 features and controls.

4.1 Controls and Ports

Side view of the Retekess V115 radio showing headphone jack, line in, TF card slot, and USB Type-C port.
Figure 4.2: Side view with ports labeled.
  • POWER Button: Turns the radio on or off.
  • MODE Button: Switches between FM, AM, SW, and MP3 player modes.
  • FM/AM/SW Buttons: Direct selection of radio bands.
  • Digital Buttons (0-9): Used for direct frequency input, song selection, or menu navigation.
  • MENU Button: Accesses settings and options.
  • MEMO Button: Used to save radio stations.
  • REC Button: Initiates recording.
  • REC FILE Button: Accesses recorded files.
  • DEL Button: Deletes files.
  • VOLUME Knob: Adjusts the audio volume.
  • Telescopic Antenna: Extends for improved radio reception.
  • Speaker: Built-in speaker for audio output.
  • Headphone Jack (3.5mm): For private listening with headphones.
  • AUX Input (3.5mm): Connect external audio devices to use the radio as a speaker.
  • TF Card Slot: Insert a Micro SD/TF card (up to 32GB, not included) for MP3 playback and recording storage.
  • USB Type-C Port: For charging the internal battery.
  • Battery Door: Located on the back, provides access to the battery compartment.

5. Setup

5.1 Battery Installation

  1. Open the battery compartment door located on the back of the radio.
  2. Insert the provided BL-5C lithium battery, ensuring the correct polarity (+/-).
  3. Close the battery compartment door securely.
Image showing the BL-5C battery and the radio's battery compartment, indicating it's rechargeable and detachable.
Figure 5.1: Battery installation and Type-C charging port.

5.2 Charging the Battery

  1. Connect the supplied Type-C charging cable to the USB Type-C port on the side of the radio.
  2. Connect the other end of the cable to a 5V external power supply (e.g., a USB wall adapter, power bank, or computer USB port).
  3. The charging indicator on the radio will show the charging status.
  4. Once fully charged, disconnect the charging cable.

Important: Only use a 5V power source. Using adapters with higher voltage or excessive current (like some fast chargers) can damage the radio and battery.

5.3 Inserting a TF Card

  1. Locate the TF card slot on the side of the radio.
  2. Gently insert a Micro SD/TF card (up to 32GB, not included) into the slot until it clicks into place.
  3. To remove, push the card gently until it springs out.
Image showing a hand inserting a TF card into the radio's TF card slot, with text 'Support TF Card Maximum support 32GB'.
Figure 5.2: Inserting a TF card.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Power On/Off

Press the POWER button to turn the radio on or off.

6.2 Band Selection (FM/AM/SW)

Press the MODE button or the dedicated FM/AM/SW buttons to switch between frequency bands.

Image showing the radio with FM, AM, and SW bands highlighted, indicating full band support.
Figure 6.1: FM/AM/SW All Full Band reception.

6.3 Tuning Radio Stations

The V115 offers multiple ways to find your desired stations:

  • Automatic Search: In radio mode, access the menu and select "Auto Search" to automatically scan and store available stations.
  • Manual Search: Long-press the fast forward/rewind buttons to automatically jump to the next available station.
  • Direct Frequency Input: Use the digital buttons (0-9) to directly enter a specific frequency.
  • Preset Stations: The radio supports up to 100 radio station presets. Use the MEMO button to save stations and the digital buttons to recall them.
Image illustrating three ways to search radio stations: Auto, Manual, and Input, with a hand interacting with the radio.
Figure 6.2: Three methods for searching radio stations.

6.4 MP3 Player Function

When a TF card with audio files is inserted, the radio can function as an MP3 player.

  • Supported Formats: MP3, WMA.
  • Playback: Use the navigation buttons to select and play tracks.
  • Loop Modes: Supports single, all, or random loop modes within folders.
  • Equalizer: Long-press the play/pause button to access equalizer settings.
Image depicting the radio as an MP3 player with sound waves emanating from the speaker.
Figure 6.3: MP3 Player functionality.

6.5 Recording Function

The V115 allows recording from the built-in microphone, AUX input, or radio broadcasts directly to the TF card.

  • Initiate Recording: Press the REC button to start recording.
  • Access Recordings: Press the REC FILE button to browse and play recorded audio.
  • Delete Recordings: Use the DEL button to remove unwanted files.
Image showing a hand pressing the 'REC' button on the radio, indicating its recording function.
Figure 6.4: Recording function in action.

6.6 Language Selection

The V115 supports multiple display languages.

  1. Press the MENU button.
  2. Navigate to the "Language" option using the navigation buttons.
  3. Select your desired language (English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese).
Image showing the radio display with language options like English, Español, and Русский, indicating multiple language support.
Figure 6.5: Language selection menu.

6.7 Sleep Timer

Set a sleep timer for the radio to automatically turn off after a specified duration (0-90 minutes).

  1. Access the menu.
  2. Navigate to the "Sleep Timer" setting.
  3. Adjust the desired time in minutes.
Image showing a person sleeping with the radio on a nightstand, and an arrow indicating a sleep timer function from 0 to 90 minutes.
Figure 6.6: Sleep Timer function.

6.8 Volume Control

Rotate the VOLUME knob on the side of the radio to increase or decrease the audio level.

6.9 Headphone and AUX Use

  • Headphone Jack: Plug 3.5mm headphones into the headphone jack for private listening. The radio provides stereo sound through headphones.
  • AUX Input: Connect an external audio source (e.g., smartphone, MP3 player) to the 3.5mm AUX input to use the V115's speaker for playback.

7. Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the radio's exterior. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
  • Battery Care: If the radio will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage. Recharge the battery regularly to maintain its lifespan.
  • Storage: Store the radio in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

8. Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Radio does not turn on.Battery is low or not installed correctly.Charge the battery or ensure it is properly inserted.
Poor radio reception.Antenna not extended, weak signal, or interference.Fully extend the telescopic antenna. Try moving to a different location.
MP3 files not playing.Unsupported audio format, TF card not inserted, or corrupted files.Ensure files are MP3/WMA. Check TF card insertion. Reformat TF card if necessary.
Radio makes noise while charging.Electrical interference from the charging source.This is normal for some devices. Try a different charging adapter or use the radio unplugged.
Cannot unmute while scanning.This is a design characteristic.The radio will only produce sound when it locks onto a signal during scanning.
Audiobook chapters play out of order.Random playback mode is active.Disable RANDOM mode in the MP3 player settings. Ensure files are named sequentially.

9. Specifications

FeatureSpecification
FM FrequencyFM1: 64-108MHz, FM2: 87-108MHz (optional)
AM Frequency522-1710KHz (9K), 520-1710KHz (10K) (optional)
SW Frequency4.75-21.85MHz
Memory Card SupportMicro SD/TF card, Max 32GB (not included)
Audio FormatMP3, WMA
Output Power2W
Power Supply1000mAh BL-5C Lithium Battery (included)
Charge MethodDC 5V---500mA, Type-C
Dimensions (WxHxD)120 x 80 x 20mm / 4.7 x 3.1 x 0.8 inch
Weight160g / 0.35lb
Body MaterialPlastic
ScreenYes
FunctionBuilt-In Speaker
Recording ModeMIC recording / Line in recording / Radio recording
Radio Station Presets100
MP3 Player ModeAll / One / Folder
Search and Store StationAutomatic/Manual
Select Station/Song QuicklyInput radio frequency/song number directly
Sleep Timer90 minutes (adjustable)
LCD BacklightAdjustable
CertificationCE, FCC
Detailed specifications table for the Retekess V115 radio.
Figure 9.1: Retekess V115 Specifications.

10. User Tips

  • Charging Best Practices: Always use a standard 5V USB charger. Avoid high-current fast chargers, as they can damage the device. The radio can be used while charging, but some minor interference might occur.
  • Battery Life: The 1000mAh BL-5C battery typically provides 5-6 hours of working time at medium volume. Actual battery life may vary based on usage.
  • Reception Improvement: For optimal radio reception, especially on FM and SW bands, fully extend the telescopic antenna and try adjusting its angle or your location.
  • MP3 Playback Order: If playing audiobooks or sequential tracks, ensure the "RANDOM" playback mode is off in the MP3 player settings to maintain the correct order. Organize your files in clearly named folders on the TF card for easier navigation.
  • Headphone Experience: For a stereo audio experience, use headphones with the 3.5mm jack. The built-in speaker provides mono sound.
  • Power without Battery: The radio can operate directly from a 5V power adapter without the battery installed, but it's generally recommended to keep the battery in place.
  • No Alarm/Clock/Bluetooth/RDS: Please note that this model does not include an alarm clock, Bluetooth connectivity, or RDS (Radio Data System) functionality.

11. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or any questions not covered in this manual, please contact Retekess customer service or visit the official Retekess website. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.

An electronic manual in Spanish, German, French, Italian, or Russian may be available upon request from customer support.


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