Retevis RB48 User's Manual

Warning

Please read this manual carefully before using this radio. Do not charge the radio in flammable, explosive, or areas where radio communication is prohibited (such as oil stations, gas stations, airports, etc.). Do not operate this radio in government-law-banned areas. Avoid exposing the radio to direct sunlight or placing it near any heating device. If the radio emits a smell or smoke, remove the battery pack immediately and contact your nearest distributor. Repair of this radio should only be performed by qualified professionals; self-disassembly is prohibited.

Notes of Charging

Use the provided charging base or Type-C charging cable. Ensure the radio is turned off before charging. For optimal battery performance, charge for at least 5 hours for the first time. Avoid prolonged charging, as it can shorten the battery's service life. Stop charging when the battery is fully charged. The charger is designed exclusively for this radio's battery; do not use it for other batteries. After charging, place the battery in a cool, dry place, away from fire or direct sunlight. It is not recommended to transmit while the radio is charging. The battery may become slightly warm during charging, which is normal.

Radio Introduction

The Retevis RB48 is a two-way radio with the following components:

• 1. Antenna
• 2. Call tone button (short press for call tone selection, long press for NOAA for US version)
• 3. PTT (Push-to-Talk) button
• 4. Menu button (short press to enter menu, long press to lock/unlock keys for US version)
• 5. Up button
• 6. Down button
• 7. Earpiece Jack
• 8. Volume/Power Switch
• 9. LED display
• 10. Scan button (short press to switch scan function, long press to switch monitor)
• 11. Alarm button
• 12. PTT button
• 13. Type-C port

LCD Display Icons:

• 1. NOAA Weather
• 2. Battery power indicator
• 3. VOX (Voice Activated Transmission)
• 4. Scan indicator
• 5. High Power indicator
• 6. Lock indicator

Function Operation

1. Turn On/Off: Turn the power switch clockwise to turn on. A power-on prompt will sound, and all icons will appear on the full screen. The default mode is direct call. Turn the power switch counterclockwise until it clicks to turn off.
2. Volume Adjustment: Turn the Volume/Power switch clockwise to increase volume and counterclockwise to decrease. Volume is adjustable in 9 levels. Note: Avoid placing the speaker too close to your ear to prevent hearing damage.
3. Transmit/Receive: Press and hold the [PTT] button to transmit. The transmit icon will appear. Release the [PTT] button to receive. The receive icon will appear when receiving a signal. Maintain a distance of 3-5 cm from the microphone when transmitting. Avoid frequent power on/off cycles. Ensure the transmitter and receiver frequencies and CTC/DCS settings are the same for communication.
4. Set Channel: In standby mode, press [MENU] once. The current channel will flash. Use [▲] or [▼] to select the desired channel. Press [PTT] to save and exit, or [MENU] to proceed to the next setting.
5. CTC/DCS Selection: Press [MENU] twice in standby mode. The current CTC/DCS setting will flash. Use [▲] or [▼] to select the desired CTC/DCS. Press [PTT] to save and exit, or [MENU] to proceed.
6. High/Low Power Setting: Press [MENU] 5 times in standby mode. "Pr" will be displayed. Use [▲] or [▼] to select LO (low power) or HI (high power). Press [PTT] to save and exit.
7. TOT Function: If you hold the [PTT] button for more than 15-600 seconds, a warning tone will sound, and transmission will stop automatically.
8. Set Call Tone: Press [MENU] 3 times in standby mode. "CA" will flash. Use [▲] or [▼] to select the desired call tone. Press [PTT] to save and exit, or [MENU] to proceed. If set to 0, the call function is invalid when pressing [CALL].
9. Roger Beep: This function sends a sound to indicate the end of transmission. Press [MENU] 7 times in standby mode. "rb" will be displayed. Use [▲] or [▼] to select ON or OFF. Press [PTT] to save and exit.
10. Button Functions:
    • [SOS] key: Long press to activate alarm; press [PTT] to stop.
    • [CALL] key: Long press to switch between direct call and NOAA weather mode; short press to transmit call tone.
    • [SCAN] key: Long press to start listening; short press to start scanning.
    • [MENU] key: Long press to lock/unlock keys; short press to enter/exit menu.
    • [▲]/[▼] keys: Short press to navigate.
    • [PTT] key: Transmit or save settings.
11. Key Lock Function: Press and hold [MENU] until the lock icon appears to enter lock state. Press and hold [MENU] again until the lock icon disappears to exit. When locked, only the [PTT] key functions.
12. Channel Scan: Press [MENU] 6 times in standby mode. "SC" will be displayed. Use [▲] or [▼] to select ON or OFF. Press [PTT] to save and exit. The radio scans channels with valid signals.
13. Start Scan: In standby mode, press [SCAN] to enter scan mode. The channel number increments, and the [SCAN] icon is displayed. The radio pauses on an active channel until the signal disappears for 5 seconds, then continues scanning. Press [PTT] to stop scanning and transmit on the current channel. Press [SCAN] again to exit scan mode.
14. VOX Function: Allows transmission without pressing [PTT]. Press [MENU] 4 times in standby mode. "VOX" will be displayed. Use [▲] or [▼] to select sensitivity level (1-9). Set to 0 to turn off. Talk directly into the microphone; transmission is automatic with a slight delay. The radio enters receiving state when you stop speaking.
15. Battery Power Display and Low Battery Warning: The battery icon indicates power level. When the level is 0, a low battery reminder sounds every 30 seconds. The radio will turn off when the battery is critically low.
16. Caller Vibration: Press [MENU] 8 times in standby mode. "U1" will be displayed. Use [▲] or [▼] to select ON or OFF. Press [PTT] to save and exit. The first incoming call in standby mode will vibrate.
17. Power Saving Function: The radio automatically enters power saving mode if no call or voice is received for 10 seconds, while still able to receive.
18. NOAA Weather: Available in the U.S. and Canada. Listen to NOAA Weather Channels for forecasts and information. To enter NOAA weather mode, press and hold [CALL] for 1 second. Use [MENU] to select the channel and [▲]/[▼] to adjust reception. Long press [CALL] to exit.
19. Set NOAA Weather Alerts: In NOAA weather mode, press [MENU] twice. The weather forecast icon will be displayed. Use [▲]/[▼] to select ON/OFF. Press [MENU] to exit. Returning to direct call mode with alerts enabled will display the weather forecast icon.
20. Headset Function: Connect the headset to the radio. Press the [PTT] button on the headset to transmit to the other radio.

Technical Specifications

Default Frequency [FRS]22CH

NOAA Weather channel and frequency

RF ENERGY EXPOSURE AND PRODUCT SAFETY GUIDE FOR TWO-WAY RADIOS

ATTENTION! Read this guide for important operating instructions for safe usage and RF energy awareness and control to comply with applicable standards and regulations.

• User instructions should accompany the device when transferred to other users.
• Do not use this device if the operational requirements described herein are not met.

This two-way radio uses electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum for communication. Improper use of RF energy can cause biological damage.

All Retevis two-way radios are designed, manufactured, and tested to meet government-established RF exposure levels. Follow these instructions for safe usage:

• Refer to http://www.who.int/en/ for more information on RF energy exposure.
• When operating as a work device, be aware of and control your exposure to meet occupational requirements.
• Your Retevis radio has a RF Exposure Product Label. Consult your user manual or separate safety booklet for RF exposure control information.

Radio License (only applicable to licensed radio)

Business two-way radios operate on regulated frequencies. A license issued by local radio management departments (FCC, ISED, OFCOM, ANFR, BFTK, Bundesnetzagentur, etc.) is required to transmit on these frequencies. Contact your local government radio management department for details on classification and usage.

Use of this radio outside the country of intended distribution is subject to government regulations and may be prohibited.

Unauthorized Modification and Adjustment

Modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user's authority to operate the radio. Transmitter adjustments should only be made by or under the supervision of a certified technician. Unauthorized replacement of transmitter components may violate rules.

FCC Requirements:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

(Only Applicable to GMRS radio station):

A valid individual license is required to operate a GMRS station. Apply through the FCC website (https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/fcc-form-605). Immediate family members may operate the GMRS station with the licensee's license.

CE Requirements:

Shenzhen Retevis Technology Co., Ltd. declares that this radio equipment complies with RED Directive 2014/53/EU, ROHS Directive 2011/65/EU, and WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU. The EU declaration of conformity is available at www.retevis.com.

Restriction Information: This product can be used in EU countries and regions listed in the manual. Refer to the package for frequency restriction warnings.

Disposal: Dispose of electrical and electronic products, batteries, and accumulators at designated collection locations according to local laws. Do not dispose of as unsorted municipal waste.

IC Requirements:

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference. (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

RF Exposure Compliance and Control Guidelines and Operating Instructions

• Occupational/Controlled Use: For use during employment by individuals aware of hazards and minimization techniques.
• General Population/Uncontrolled Use: For general use.
• To control exposure, always use approved clips, holders, holsters, cases, or body harnesses. Using non-approved accessories may exceed RF exposure limits.
• Transmit no more than 50% of the time. Transmit by pressing the [PTT] button. Release to receive.
• DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna.
• DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time.
• Turn off the radio in areas sensitive to electromagnetic radiation (hospitals, aircraft, blasting sites).
• Portable Device: Maintain a separation distance of at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) between the head and the device or its antenna for body-worn configurations.
• Mobile Device: Ensure sufficient distance from an externally mounted antenna according to installation instructions.
• Hand-held Mode: Hold the radio vertically, keeping the microphone and antenna at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from the nose or lips. Keep the antenna away from the eyes.
• Phone Mode: Hold and speak into the microphone as you would a wireless telephone. Do not use while driving.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

Nearly every electronic device is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) if not adequately shielded or designed.

Avoid Choking Hazard

Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Turn off your radio power in the following conditions:

• Before removing/installing a battery or accessory, or when charging.
• In potentially hazardous environments (near blasting caps, blasting areas, explosive atmospheres).
• While refueling or parked at gasoline service stations.
• In any facility with posted notices instructing you to do so (e.g., hospitals).
• On board an aircraft (use must comply with airline regulations).

Protect your hearing:

• Use the lowest volume necessary.
• Turn up volume only in noisy surroundings.
• Turn down volume before adding headset or earpiece.
• Limit time using headsets/earpieces at high volume.
• Do not place the radio's speaker directly against your ear without a headset.
• Be cautious with earphones, as excessive sound pressure can cause hearing loss. Loud noises, even if undetectable at first, can cause cumulative hearing damage.

Avoid Burns

• Do not use a damaged antenna. Contact with skin may cause minor burns.
• Batteries: Keep out of reach of children. Store spare batteries securely. Ensure the battery compartment closes securely. Seek immediate medical attention if batteries are swallowed or placed inside the body. Dispose of used batteries safely.
• Long transmission: The radiator and chassis can become hot during long transmissions.

Safety Operation

• Forbid: Do not use the charger outdoors or in moist environments. Do not disassemble the charger. Do not operate a damaged charger. Do not place the radio in an air bag deployment area.
• To reduce risk: Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting the charger. Unplug the charger before cleaning. Contact Retevis for repairs. Install the adapter near the equipment and ensure it is accessible.

Approved Accessories

This radio meets RF exposure guidelines when used with Retevis supplied or designated accessories. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance and may violate regulations.