1. Introduction and Overview
The Retevis RB645 is a compact, portable, and rechargeable two-way radio designed for reliable communication in various environments, including retail stores, hospitality, and personal use. Operating on the PMR446 frequency band, it offers license-free operation, making it ready for immediate use. Key features include a dual PTT design for flexible operation, VOX hands-free functionality, and clear sound quality with adjustable squelch.
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Retevis RB645 radios to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Product Features
- Dual PTT Design: Equipped with both a front PTT button and a side PTT button, offering convenience for right-handed or left-handed users.
- VOX Function: Enables hands-free communication, allowing you to transmit by voice without pressing the PTT button. Ideal for situations where your hands are occupied.
- Clear Sound Quality with Squelch: High-quality speaker and adjustable squelch function (levels 0-9) ensure clear transmission and reception, even in noisy environments.
- Emergency Alarm: A dedicated function to call for immediate assistance in emergencies. Long press side key 2 to activate local and remote alarm.
- Rechargeable Battery: Features an 1100mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port for convenient multi-way recharging.
- Compact and Portable: With dimensions of 106x53x18mm (antenna not included) and a net weight of 90g, it is highly portable. Includes a belt clip and hand strap for easy carrying.
- Ready-to-Use & License-Free: Operates on PMR446 frequencies, requiring no license or fees for use.

Dual PTT Key: The radio features both a front and a side Push-to-Talk button for versatile use.

Lightweight & Portable: Compact design with dimensions of 106x53x18mm (antenna not included) and a weight of 103g.

VOX Hands-free: The VOX function allows for voice-activated transmission, enabling hands-free operation.

Clear Sound Quality: Equipped with a high-quality speaker and squelch function for clear communication.

Channel Lock: Prevents accidental channel changes during operation, ensuring stable communication.

1100mAh Rechargeable Battery: Provides approximately 10 hours of working time and 30 hours of standby time on a 3-hour charge via USB-C.
3. Package Contents
Upon opening your Retevis RB645 package, please verify that all the following items are included:
- Retevis RB645 Two-Way Radio (6 units)
- Belt Clip (6 units)
- Charging Cable (2-in-1) (3 units)
- Li-ion Battery (6 units)
- Hand Strap (6 units)

Included Accessories: The package contains the radios, belt clips, charging cables, batteries, and hand straps.
4. Setup Guide
4.1 Battery Installation
- Ensure the radio is powered off.
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the radio.
- Slide the battery cover latch to unlock and remove the cover.
- Insert the Li-ion battery into the compartment, ensuring the contacts align correctly.
- Replace the battery cover and slide the latch to lock it securely.
4.2 Charging the Battery
The RB645 radios feature a convenient USB-C charging port.
- Connect the provided USB-C charging cable to the charging port on the side of the radio.
- Connect the other end of the USB cable to a compatible USB power source (e.g., wall adapter, computer USB port, power bank).
- The charging indicator light on the radio will illuminate (typically red) during charging.
- Once fully charged (approximately 3 hours), the indicator light will change color (typically green) or turn off.
- Disconnect the charging cable.
4.3 Attaching Accessories
- Belt Clip: Align the belt clip with the grooves on the back of the radio and slide it downwards until it clicks into place. To remove, lift the tab and slide the clip upwards.
- Hand Strap: Thread the thin loop of the hand strap through the small hole located at the top side of the radio. Secure the strap by passing the larger end through the looped end.

Independent Belt Clip: The radio comes with a detachable belt clip for convenient carrying.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Power On/Off
To power on the radio, press and hold the power button (usually located in the center, below the PTT button) until you hear a tone. To power off, press and hold the same button until the radio shuts down.
5.2 Channel Selection
The RB645 has 16 channels. Use the 'CH+' and 'CH-' buttons located below the power button to cycle through the available channels. Ensure all radios in your group are set to the same channel for communication.
5.3 Transmitting and Receiving (PTT)
- To transmit, press and hold either the front PTT button or the side PTT button. Speak clearly into the microphone (located below the PTT button).
- Release the PTT button to stop transmitting and return to receive mode.
- When receiving a transmission, the radio will automatically output the audio.
5.4 VOX Function (Voice Operated Exchange)
The VOX function allows you to transmit without manually pressing the PTT button. When VOX is active, the radio will automatically transmit when it detects your voice.
- Refer to the radio's programming software (if applicable) or specific button combinations for activating and adjusting VOX sensitivity. Higher sensitivity means the radio will transmit with softer voice input.
5.5 Squelch Function
Squelch suppresses weak signals and background noise when no transmission is being received, ensuring clearer audio. The RB645 typically has adjustable squelch levels (0-9).
- A lower squelch level (e.g., 0 or 1) will open the receiver to weaker signals but may pick up more background noise.
- A higher squelch level (e.g., 8 or 9) will only open the receiver for strong signals, reducing noise but potentially missing very weak transmissions.
- Adjust the squelch level to find a balance between clear reception and noise suppression for your environment.
5.6 Emergency Alarm
In an emergency, you can activate the alarm function:
- Long press the side key 2 (programmable button) to activate the local and remote alarm function. This will emit a loud alarm sound from your radio and transmit an alarm signal to other radios on the same channel.
5.7 Channel Lock
To prevent accidental channel changes, the radio may have a channel lock feature. Consult your radio's specific programming or button combinations to activate/deactivate this function.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Battery Care
- Fully charge the battery before first use.
- Avoid overcharging or completely draining the battery, as this can reduce its lifespan.
- If storing the radio for an extended period, charge the battery to about 50% and remove it from the radio. Recharge every 3-6 months.
- Use only original or certified compatible charging cables and power sources.
6.2 Cleaning
- Wipe the radio's surface with a soft, damp cloth.
- Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.
- Ensure the charging port cover is securely closed to prevent dust and moisture ingress.
6.3 Storage
- Store the radio in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Keep out of reach of children.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Radio does not power on. | Battery is low or not installed correctly. | Charge the battery. Reinstall the battery, ensuring proper contact. |
| No sound or weak sound. | Volume too low; Squelch level too high; Radios on different channels. | Increase volume. Adjust squelch to a lower level. Ensure all radios are on the same channel. |
| Cannot transmit or receive. | Battery low; Out of range; Obstructions; Channel busy. | Charge battery. Move closer to other radios. Avoid large obstructions. Wait for channel to clear. |
| Excessive static or noise. | Squelch level too low; Interference. | Increase squelch level. Move away from sources of electrical interference. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Retevis |
| Model Number | RB645 |
| Color | Black |
| Special Features | Dual PTT, Lightweight |
| Compatible Devices | Two-way radios using PMR446 and compatible channels |
| Battery Composition | Lithium-ion |
| Rechargeable Battery | Yes (1100mAh) |
| Number of Channels | 16 |
| Frequency Range | 446.00625-446.105 MHz (PMR446) |
| Maximum Range | 2 Kilometers (environment dependent) |
| Voltage | 3.7 Volts |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 10.6 x 5.3 x 1.8 cm (antenna not included) |
| Net Weight | 90g (approx.) |
9. Warranty and Support
9.1 Manufacturer's Warranty
Retevis offers a 2-year warranty for the radio body and a 1-year warranty for accessories. Additionally, a 30-day no-reason return policy is provided.
9.2 After-Sales Service
Beyond the warranty period, maintenance services are still available, with buyers responsible for associated costs. For any inquiries or support, please contact Retevis directly on Amazon. Responses are typically provided within 12 hours.
For further assistance or to purchase replacement parts, please visit the official Retevis store on Amazon or their website.