Retevis RT55 Marine Radio Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation of your Retevis RT55 Marine Radio. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure proper functionality and to prevent damage. The Retevis RT55 is a portable VHF marine transceiver designed for maritime communication, featuring IP67 waterproofing, floating capability, and vibration drainage.

Image 1.1: Retevis RT55 Marine Radio demonstrating its floating capability.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer.

• 1 x Retevis RT55 Marine Radio
• 1 x Antenna
• 1 x 1200mAh Lithium-ion Battery
• 1 x Power Adapter
• 1 x Charging Cradle
• 1 x Belt Clip
• 1 x Lanyard
• 4 x Screws
• 1 x User Manual (this document)

Image 2.1: All components included in the Retevis RT55 package.

3. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the radio's components and controls.

3.1. Radio Components

Image 3.1: Front panel of the Retevis RT55 Marine Radio with key controls labeled.

• Antenna: For transmitting and receiving signals.
• LCD Display: Shows channel number, battery status, and other operational indicators.
• CH 16 Button: Quickly switches to Channel 16 (emergency channel).
• CH Button: Used for channel selection.
• TAG/FAV Button: Toggles between tagged/favorite channels.
• MUTE/VOL Button: Adjusts volume or mutes audio.
• MONI/SQL Button: Activates monitor function or adjusts squelch level.
• DUAL/SCAN Button: Activates dual watch or scan function.
• LOCK/H/L Button: Locks the keypad or switches between high/low power output.
• Up/Down Arrows: Navigate menus and change channels.
• PTT (Push-to-Talk) Button: Located on the side, used to transmit.

4. Setup

4.1. Battery Installation

1. Ensure the radio is powered off.
2. Align the battery pack with the battery compartment on the back of the radio.
3. Gently push the battery into place until it clicks securely.

Image 4.1: The 1200mAh Lithium-ion battery pack for the RT55.

4.2. Antenna Attachment

1. Screw the antenna clockwise onto the connector at the top of the radio until it is finger-tight. Do not overtighten.

4.3. Charging the Battery

Before initial use, fully charge the battery. A full charge typically takes several hours.

1. Connect the power adapter to the charging cradle.
2. Plug the power adapter into a standard AC outlet.
3. Place the radio (with battery installed) into the charging cradle. Ensure proper contact between the radio and the cradle's charging terminals.
4. The charging indicator on the cradle will illuminate (e.g., red for charging, green for fully charged).

Image 4.2: The Retevis RT55 radio placed in its charging cradle.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Power On/Off

• To power on, press and hold the POWER button (often integrated with the LOCK/H/L button or a dedicated button) until the display illuminates.
• To power off, press and hold the POWER button again until the display turns off.

5.2. Volume Adjustment

• Press the MUTE/VOL button.
• Use the Up/Down Arrow buttons to increase or decrease the volume level.
• Press MUTE/VOL again to confirm or wait for the setting to auto-save.

5.3. Channel Selection

The RT55 supports 88 international marine channels.

• Press the CH button.
• Use the Up/Down Arrow buttons to select the desired channel.
• Press CH again to confirm or wait for the setting to auto-save.
• To quickly access the emergency channel, press the dedicated CH 16 button.

5.4. Squelch Function

Squelch eliminates background noise when no signal is being received.

• Press the MONI/SQL button.
• Use the Up/Down Arrow buttons to adjust the squelch level (typically 0-9, where 0 is open squelch and 9 is maximum squelch).
• Press MONI/SQL again to confirm.

5.5. Dual Watch / Tri-Watch

This feature allows monitoring multiple channels simultaneously.

• Dual Watch: Monitors the current working channel and Channel 16.
• Tri-Watch: Monitors the current working channel, Channel 16, and a designated call channel (e.g., Channel 9).
• Press the DUAL/SCAN button to activate or cycle through these modes.

Image 5.1: Visual representation of Dual-Watch and Tri-Watch channel monitoring.

5.6. Weather Channels

The RT55 can receive weather alerts on dedicated weather channels.

• Consult your local regulations for available weather channels.
• Access weather channels via the TAG/FAV button or a dedicated menu option.

Image 5.2: The radio displaying weather alert functionality.

5.7. Floating and Vibration Drainage

The RT55 is designed to float if dropped in water and features a vibration drainage function to clear water from the speaker.

• If the radio falls into water, it will float to the surface.
• To activate vibration drainage, typically press and hold a specific button (e.g., MONI/SQL or a dedicated drainage button) for a few seconds. The radio will emit a vibrating sound to expel water.

Image 5.3: The RT55 radio floating in water, highlighting its IP67 waterproof rating.

Image 5.4: The radio demonstrating its vibration drainage feature.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean the radio's exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Storage: Store the radio in a cool, dry place when not in use. Remove the battery if storing for extended periods.
• Battery Care: Avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. Recharge before the battery is completely depleted to prolong its lifespan.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Retevis offers the following warranty and support for the RT55 Marine Radio:

• Warranty Period: 2 years for the radio body, 1 year for accessories.
• Return Policy: 30 days for no-reason returns.
• Post-Warranty Service: Maintenance service is available beyond the warranty period. Buyers are responsible for associated costs.

For further assistance or technical support, please refer to the official Retevis website or contact your local dealer.