Retevis RT55 Handheld Marine Radio User Manual

Introduction

This user manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe and effective operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Retevis RT55 Handheld Marine Radio. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure optimal performance and safety.

What's in the Box

• 1 x RT55 marine radio handheld
• Antenna
• 1 x Power Adapter and 1 x Charger
• 1 x 1200 mAh li-ion battery
• 1 x Belt Clip & 1 x Sling & 4 x Screw

Key Features

• IP67 Waterproof Protection: Certified IP67 waterproof, the RT55 marine radio can survive submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, ensuring reliable performance in harsh marine conditions.
• Floating Design: Handheld marine radio automatically floats if dropped into water, easy to spot and retrieve, preventing accidental loss during boating, kayaking, or fishing trips.
• 1200mAh Battery: Equipped with a 1200mAh rechargeable battery, supports USB charging for flexible power supply on boats or shore, providing long-lasting standby and reliable communication for marine activities.
• Backlit LCD Display: Features a clear LCD screen with automatic brightness adjustment, ensuring easy reading in sunlight or darkness, providing reliable visibility for safe operation at sea.
• NOAA Weather Alert: Built-in NOAA channels automatically scan for severe weather updates, provides real-time alerts so you can avoid dangerous conditions and sail with confidence.
• Dual & Tri-Watch Function: Supports monitoring of Channel 16 and two additional channels at once, lets you stay connected with emergency signals, coast guard calls, and routine marine communication.
• Marine Channel Coverage: Covers all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, ensuring smooth marine communication, keeping you updated with the latest marine activities and channel information.
• Vibration Draining System: Unique vibration drainage expels water from the speaker grill, keeps audio clear even in stormy weather or after being submerged, ensuring you never miss critical communication.

Safety Information

Please note: The product is certified by FCC rules part 80; the FCC ID is 2A3OORT55. Always adhere to local regulations and guidelines for marine radio operation.

Setup

1. Battery Installation and Charging

The RT55 comes with a 1200mAh Lithium Ion battery. Ensure the battery is fully charged before first use.

• Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the radio.
• Insert the 1200mAh Li-ion battery, ensuring proper alignment of the contacts.
• Close the battery compartment cover securely.
• Connect the charger to a power source and then connect the radio to the charger via the USB port. The charging indicator will show the charging status.
• Once fully charged, disconnect the radio from the charger.

Figure 1: Rear view of the RT55 radio, illustrating the battery compartment area.

2. Antenna Attachment

Carefully screw the provided antenna onto the antenna connector at the top of the radio until it is finger-tight. Do not overtighten.

Operating Instructions

1. Power On/Off

• To power on, rotate the Power/Volume knob clockwise until you hear a click.
• To power off, rotate the Power/Volume knob counter-clockwise until you hear a click.

2. Channel Selection

The RT55 supports USA, International, and Canadian marine channels (88 channels total). Use the CH button and Up/Down arrow keys to navigate and select channels.

Figure 2: The RT55 offers 88 channels across USA, International, and Canadian marine channel groups.

3. Scan Functions

The radio features two types of scan: Normal Scan and Priority Scan. These functions allow for efficient monitoring of active channels.

• Normal Scan: Searches through all tagged channels in sequence. Channel 16 is not checked unless it is set as a tagged channel.
• Priority Scan: Sequentially searches through all tagged channels while continuously monitoring Channel 16 (the emergency channel). If a signal is detected on Channel 16, the scan pauses until the signal disappears. If a signal is detected on another channel, the radio switches to Dual Watch until the signal disappears.
• NOAA weather channels and user-defined tag channels will also be scanned when activated.

4. Dual & Tri-Watch Functions

These functions allow for simultaneous monitoring of multiple channels.

• Dual Watch: Monitors the channel you are currently on and the emergency Channel 16.
• Tri Watch: Monitors the channel you are currently on, the emergency Channel 16, and your desired calling channel. This is useful for monitoring three frequencies simultaneously.

Figure 3: Visual explanation of Dual Watch and Tri Watch modes, showing how the radio monitors different channels.

5. NOAA Weather Alert

The built-in NOAA channels automatically scan for severe weather updates, providing real-time alerts to help you avoid dangerous conditions.

Figure 4: The RT55 radio displaying the NOAA weather alert feature.

6. Vibration Draining System

This unique feature expels water from the speaker grill using vibrations, ensuring clear audio even after the radio has been submerged or exposed to heavy spray.

Figure 5: The RT55's vibration draining system in action, clearing water from the speaker.

7. Backlit LCD Display

The radio features an automatic backlit LCD display for easy reading in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to darkness.

8. VOX (Voice Operated Exchange)

The VOX function allows for hands-free operation by voice activation. Refer to the detailed parameters image for button locations.

Figure 6: Detailed parameters and button layout of the Retevis RT55 marine radio.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean the radio surface with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Water Drainage: Regularly use the vibration draining system after exposure to water to ensure the speaker remains clear.
• Battery Care: Store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use for extended periods. Avoid extreme temperatures.
• Antenna Inspection: Periodically check the antenna for any damage or loose connections.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Model Number: FA9153A
• Item Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 2.95 x 9.69 x 9.72 inches
• Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included)
• Display Type: LCD
• Color: Black
• Number of Channels: 88
• Frequency Range: 156.025-157.425MHz
• Tuner Technology: VHF
• Voltage: 7.4 Volts
• Water Resistance Level: Waterproof (IP67)

Figure 7: Physical dimensions of the Retevis RT55 radio.

Warranty and Support

Retevis provides 2-year support for the radio body and 1-year support for accessories. A 30-day no-reason return policy is also offered. Beyond the support period, maintenance services are available, with buyers responsible for corresponding costs.

For further assistance, please visit the official Retevis website or contact their customer support.