Retevis RT618 Two Way Radio User's Manual

Function Introduction

Frequency: PMR446

Channels: Up to 16 Channels

Language: Chinese/English Language

CTCSS/DCS: 50 Groups CTCSS, 105 Groups of standard DCS

Time-out Timer (TOT)

Battery Saving Function

Alarm Function

USB Rapid Charge

Programmable by PC

Basic Information

Parts List

• Radio x2
• Battery x2
• Belt Clip x2
• USB Cable x1
• Hand-Strap x2
• User's Manual x1

Basic Parameter

• Size: 130X52X14mm
• Weight: 80g
• Channels: 16
• Operating Voltage: 3.3-4.2V DC
• Working Temperature: -20℃~+50℃

Diagram Description: The manual shows two diagrams of the Retevis RT618 radio. The left radio is labeled with numbers 1 through 7, indicating: 1 PTT, 2 Light, 3 Mic, 4 Speaker, 5 Antenna, 6 Side key PTT, 7 Channel +. The right radio is labeled with numbers 8 through 14, indicating: 8 Channel -, 9 Power on/off Switch, 10 Volume Switch, 11 Earphone Interface, 12 Microphone Interface, 13 USB Interface, 14 Battery.

Function Operation

Radio Information

1. Indicator: Green light flashes when radio is receiving. Red light flashes when radio is transmitting.
2. Channel Switch: Choose desired channel from 1-16. Pressing the UP button increases the channel number. Pressing the DOWN button decreases the channel number and cycles through them.
3. Power Switch: Press the power button for about 2 seconds to turn the radio on or off.
4. PTT: The radio has two PTT switches (side and front). Press the PTT button and speak into the microphone to communicate. The light flashes red during transmission. Release the PTT button to receive; the light flashes green.
5. Monitor: Long press the channel UP key to activate the monitor function. Press again to turn it off.
6. Squelch Level: Mutes the speaker when no signals are present. Lower squelch levels result in more background noise but longer communication range and weaker anti-interference. The default level is 5, programmable from 0-9 via PC. Level 0 opens the squelch. Higher levels require stronger signals for reception.
7. TOT (Time-out Timer): Prevents users from occupying a channel for too long and limits transmission time, preventing radio damage from prolonged transmission. If TX exceeds the set limit, the radio will stop transmitting and emit a warning sound. Release PTT to stop the warning and return to receiving state.
8. Scan: When the radio reaches channel 16, it automatically enters the scanning function.
9. CTCSS: Check the Hopping option in the program software. CTCSS can be programmed with non-standard TONES to increase voice privacy.
10. Language: Select the desired language via PC program software.
11. Power Saving Function: Activate or deactivate the power save function via PC program software.
12. Battery Voltage Alert: When battery voltage drops below a certain level, a voice prompt says "please charge", and transmitting is prohibited.
13. Busy Channel Lockout (BCLO): If programmed with BCLO, pressing PTT prohibits transmission after receiving a signal.
14. High/Low Power Switch: The default setting is high power. High/low power can be switched via PC programming software.
15. Wide/Narrow Band Selection (25.0KHz/12.5KHz): The default setting is wide band. Wide/narrow band can be selected via PC programming software.
16. VOX: Enable or disable VOX via PC programming software. When VOX is active, speaking into the microphone transmits voice. Stop speaking to receive. When using earphones, adjust VOX level appropriately. Overly sensitive microphones may activate transmission with noise; less sensitive microphones may not transmit voice. Adjust for successful communication.
17. Scrambler: Enable or disable the scrambler via PC programming software. The scrambler function encrypts transmission by altering the spectrum for secure communication.
18. CTCSS/DCS: Set CTCSS/DCS via PC programming software. When channels are set with CTCSS/DCS, squelch can activate upon receiving a signal with the same CTCSS/DCS. If different CTCSS/DCS are used on the same channel, squelch may not activate, and the light will be green.
19. Charging Indicator: The charger uses an Android data line. The indicator light is red during charging.
20. Channel Locking Function: Long press the channel DOWN key to hear two "beeps"; the current channel is locked. Long press the DOWN key again to hear "di" and unlock the channel, allowing normal channel switching.

Troubleshooting

Technical Specifications

Note: The specifications/technical instructions are for reference only due to continuous technology improvement. Please refer to the physical object.

Warnings and Safety

RF Energy Exposure and Product Safety Guide for Portable Two-Way Radios

[Attention Symbol] Before using this radio, read this guide which contains important operating instructions for safe usage and RF energy awareness and control for compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

This two-way radio uses electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to provide communications between two or more users over a distance. RF energy, if used improperly, can cause biological damage. All Retevis two-way radios are designed, manufactured, and tested to meet government-established RF exposure levels. Manufacturers also recommend specific operating instructions for users. These instructions are important as they inform users about RF energy exposure and provide simple procedures to control it. For more information on RF energy exposure and how to control your exposure to ensure compliance with established RF exposure limits, please refer to: http://www.who.int/en/

Local Government Regulations

When two-way radios are used for employment, local government regulations require users to be fully aware of and able to control their exposure to meet occupational requirements. Exposure awareness can be facilitated by product labels directing users to specific awareness information. Your Retevis two-way radio has an RF Exposure Product Label. Your Retevis user manual or separate safety booklet includes information and operating instructions required to control RF exposure and satisfy compliance requirements.

Radio License

Governments classify radios. Business two-way radios operate on frequencies regulated by local radio management departments (FCC, ISED, OFCOM, ANFR, BFTK, Bundesnetzagentur...). To transmit on these frequencies, a license issued by them is required. For detailed classification and usage, contact local government radio management departments. Use of this radio outside the country of distribution is subject to government regulations and may be prohibited.

Unauthorized Modification and Adjustment

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user's authority granted by local government radio management departments to operate this radio and should not be made. Transmitter adjustments should only be made by or under the supervision of a person certified as technically qualified for transmitter maintenance and repairs in private land mobile and fixed services. Replacement of any transmitter component (crystal, semiconductor, etc.) not authorized by local government radio management departments could violate the 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 (licensed radios apply). This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions (other devices apply): (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation in a residential area may cause harmful interference, requiring the user to correct it at their own expense.

CE Requirements:

(Simple EU declaration of conformity) Shenzhen Retevis Technology Co., Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type complies with essential requirements and other relevant provisions of RED Directive 2014/53/EU, ROHS Directive 2011/65/EU, and WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at: www.retevis.com.

Restriction Information: This product can be used in EU countries and regions, including: Belgium (BE), Bulgaria (BG), Czech Republic (CZ), Denmark (DK), Germany (DE), Estonia (EE), Ireland (IE), Greece (EL), Spain (ES), France (FR), Croatia (HR), Italy (IT), Cyprus (CY), Latvia (LV), Lithuania (LT), Luxembourg (LU), Hungary (HU), Malta (MT), Netherlands (NL), Austria (AT), Poland (PL), Portugal (PT), Romania (RO), Slovenia (SI), Slovakia (SK), Finland (FI), Sweden (SE), and United Kingdom (UK). For frequency restriction warnings, refer to the package or manual.

Disposal: The crossed-out wheeled-bin symbol on your product, literature, or packaging indicates that in the European Union, all electrical and electronic products, batteries, and accumulators must be taken to designated collection locations at the end of their working life. Do not dispose of these products as unsorted municipal waste. Dispose of them according to local laws.

IC Requirements:

Licence-exempt radio apparatus: 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 Information

• DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this may damage the radio and cause you to exceed RF exposure limits. Use the manufacturer-supplied or authorized antenna with specified gain.
• DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time, as this can exceed RF exposure compliance requirements.
• During transmissions, your radio generates RF energy that may cause interference with other devices or systems. Turn off the radio in areas with posted signs to avoid interference.
• DO NOT operate the transmitter in areas sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, such as hospitals, aircraft, and blasting sites.
• Portable Device: This transmitter may operate with documented antennas in Push-to-Talk and body-worn configurations. RF exposure compliance is limited to specific belt-clip and accessory configurations documented in this filing. Separation distance between user and device/antenna must be at least 2.5 cm.
• Mobile Device: Separation distance between user and antenna is subject to regulations, ensuring sufficient distance from a properly installed external antenna for RF exposure compliance.
• Occupational/Controlled Radio: Designed and classified for "Occupational/Controlled Use Only". Must be used only during employment by individuals aware of hazards and minimization methods; NOT for general population/uncontrolled environments.
• General population/uncontrolled Radio: Designed and classified for "General population/uncontrolled Use".

RF Exposure Compliance and Control Guidelines and Operating Instructions

To control your exposure and ensure compliance with occupational/controlled environment exposure limits, always adhere to the following procedures.

Guidelines:

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

Operating Instructions:

• Transmit no more than 50% of the time. Press PTT to transmit (talk); release PTT to receive (listen). Transmitting 50% or less is important as RF energy exposure is measurable only during transmission.
• Transmit only when people outside the vehicle are at least the recommended minimum lateral distance from a properly installed external antenna.
• When operating the radio worn on the body, always place it in a Retevis approved clip, holder, holster, case, or body harness. Using approved accessories is important as non-approved ones may exceed IEEE/ICNIRP RF exposure limits.

Hand-held Mode

Hold the radio vertically with the microphone (and other parts, including the antenna) at least 2.5 cm (one inch) from the nose or lips. Keep the antenna away from the eyes. Maintaining proper distance is important as RF exposure decreases with distance from the antenna.

Phone Mode

When making or receiving a call, hold your radio like a wireless telephone. Speak directly into the microphone.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

NOTE: Nearly all electronic devices are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) if inadequately shielded, designed, or configured for electromagnetic compatibility.

Safety Precautions

Avoid Choking Hazard

[Age Restriction: 0-3 Years] Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Turn off your radio power in the following conditions:

• Turn off your radio before removing (installing) a battery or accessory, or when charging the battery.
• Turn off your radio in potentially hazardous environments: Near electrical blasting caps, in a blasting area, in explosive atmospheres (inflammable gas, dust particles, metallic powders, grain powders, etc.).
• Turn off your radio while refueling or parked at gasoline service stations.

To avoid electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility conflicts:

• Turn off your radio in any facility where posted notices instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities (pacemakers, hearing aids, other medical devices) may use equipment sensitive to external RF energy.
• Turn off your radio when on board an aircraft. Any radio use must comply with applicable regulations and airline crew instructions.

Protect your hearing:

• Use the lowest volume necessary for your job.
• Increase volume only if in noisy surroundings.
• Lower volume before adding a headset or earpiece.
• Limit time using headsets or earpieces at high volume.
• When using the radio without a headset or earpiece, do not place the speaker directly against your ear.
• Use earphones carefully; excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.

Note: Exposure to loud noises from any source for extended periods may temporarily or permanently affect hearing. Higher radio volume requires less time for hearing to be affected. Hearing damage from loud noise can be undetectable initially and cumulative.

Avoid Burns

• Antennas: Do not use a portable radio with a damaged antenna. Contact with damaged antenna to skin during use may cause a minor burn.
• Batteries (if applicable): Conductive materials like jewelry, keys, or chains touching exposed battery terminals can complete an electrical circuit (short circuit the battery), become hot, and cause burns. Handle batteries with care, especially when placing them in pockets, purses, or containers with metal objects.
• Long Transmission: The radiator and chassis can become hot when the transceiver is used for long transmissions.

Safety Operation

Prohibit

• Do not use the charger outdoors or in moist environments; use only in dry locations/conditions.
• Do not disassemble the charger, as this may cause electrical shock or fire.
• Do not operate the charger if it is broken or damaged.
• Do not place a portable radio over an airbag or in an airbag deployment area. The radio may be propelled with great force, causing serious injury to vehicle occupants when the airbag inflates.

To reduce risk:

• Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting the charger.
• Unplug the charger from the AC outlet before maintenance or cleaning.
• Contact Retevis for assistance with repairs and service.
• The adapter must be installed near the equipment and be easily accessible.

Approved Accessories

[Warning Symbol] This radio complies with RF exposure guidelines when used with Retevis supplied or designated accessories. Using other accessories may not ensure RF exposure compliance and may violate regulations.

For a list of Retevis-approved accessories for your radio model, visit: http://www.Retevis.com

Warranty Card

Warranty Card Details:

• Product model: [Field for Product Model]
• Serial Number: [Field for Serial Number]
• Seller: [Field for Seller Name], [Field for Seller Contact Number]
• Username: [Field for Username], [Field for Username Contact Number]
• Address: [Field for Address], [Field for Zip Code]
• Date of purchase: [Field for Date]

Warranty description:

1. The warranty card serves as the warranty certificate; loss is not compensated.
2. The card must be stamped and dated for sale to take effect.
3. The card must not be altered. Confirm the warranty card serial number matches the purchase machine number; otherwise, it will be invalid.
4. The warranty period is one year. Chargers, batteries, headphones, antennas, and feeders are consumables and not covered by warranty.
5. Users can choose the following ways to get repair service: a. At the original purchase office. b. At the company's local special maintenance point.

EU-Importer:

Name: Germany RETEVIS Technology GmbH

Address: Uetzenacker 29, 38176 Wendeburg