Retevis RB29 Two Way Radio

Company Information

Shenzhen Retevis Technology Co., Ltd.
Room 700, 7/F, 13-C, Zhonghaixin Science&Technology Park,
No.12 Ganli 6th Road, Jihua Street, Longgang District,
Shenzhen, China

Web: www.retevis.com
E-mail: kam@retevis.com
Facebook: facebook.com/retevis

Certifications: CE, RoHS

Warning

Please read this manual carefully before using this radio.

• Please do not communicate or charge this radio in flammable, explosive areas or areas where radio communication is prohibited (such as oil stations, gas stations, airports, etc.).
• Please do not operate this radio without a license in government-banned areas.
• Please make sure this radio avoids direct sunshine and is not placed near any heating device.
• Please make sure this radio avoids dusty, humid, and water-splashed places, and also avoids placing it near any heating device.
• If the radio emits smells or smoke, please remove the battery pack immediately and contact your nearest distributor.
• The repair of this radio is the responsibility of professionals and technicians; self-disassembly is prohibited.

For downloading further resources like brochures, software/firmware, and manuals, please contact your direct reseller or visit retevis.com and check the "support" section for each product link.

EU Importer: Germany Retevis Technology GmbH
Address: Uetzenacker 29, 38176 Wendeburg

Using Tips

Unpacking and Checking the Equipment

Carefully unpack the radio. It is recommended to confirm the items in the following table before discarding the packing material. If any item is missing or has been damaged during shipment, please contact your first seller.

Accessories List

Using the Battery

The battery is not completely charged at the factory; please charge it before use. After purchase or extended storage (more than two months), the first charge may not bring the battery to its normal operating capacity. Repeating charge/discharge cycles two or three times will increase the operating capacity to its normal level.

Notice: After fully charging the battery, please remove it from the charger. Overcharging may shorten or damage the battery life.

Installing / Removing the Battery

To install the battery, align it with the battery positioning hole at the bottom of the radio and press the battery firmly until it locks into place. To remove the battery, turn off the radio, push up the battery release button at the top of the radio, and then take off the battery.

[Illustration: Diagram showing how to install the battery]

[Illustration: Diagram showing how to remove the battery]

Installing Earphone / Programming Jack

Uncover the earphone lid and directly insert earphones into the earphone holes (earphones need to be additionally purchased). You can use computer programming software to operate the radio (please consult local dealers for information on programming software).

Note: If your radio has a VOX function, you should turn the radio power on once to activate the VOX function.

Getting Acquainted

Installing the belt clip

If necessary, attach the belt clip to the back of the battery using the supplied screws.

Radio Components

[Illustration: Diagram of the Retevis RB29 radio with labels]

• Antenna: For transmitting and receiving signals.
• LED indicator light: Turns red when transmitting, turns green when receiving.
• Speaker: Outputs audio.
• Microphone: Captures voice for transmission.
• Side-key: Can be customized in the software (e.g., for scan or VOX functions).
• PTT switch: Press to talk.
• Moni switch: Monitors calls or listens to weak signals.
• Channel-selecting knob: Selects channels 1-16.
• Power/Volume knob: Rotate clockwise to power on, counter-clockwise to power off. Rotate to adjust volume.
• Speaker/Microphone Jack: For connecting external accessories.
• Battery Pack: Provides power to the radio.
• Battery release latch: Used to detach the battery pack.

Basic Operations

LED Indicator

The LED indicator lights red when transmitting and green when receiving.

Channel-selecting knob

Rotate the knob to select channels 1 through 16. Clockwise rotation increases the channel number, and counter-clockwise rotation decreases it. An alert tone sounds when an empty channel is selected.

Power/Volume knob

Rotate clockwise to power on the radio. To turn off the radio, rotate counter-clockwise until a click sound is heard. Rotate the knob to adjust the volume (VOL).

PTT switch

Press the PTT switch and speak into the microphone. The indicator light turns red. If the channel does not have a transmitting frequency, a "Du Du" tone sounds, and the indicator light turns red. Release the PTT switch to receive. The light turns green when a signal is present.

Side-key

The side-key can be configured in the software for functions such as null, VOX, emergency alarm, scan, or busy lock. The default setting is a short press for scan and a long press for VOX.

Moni switch

Press this button to monitor calls with different mute tones at the same frequency. It also allows listening when the signal strength does not reach the opening threshold.

Squelch Level

The squelch level determines the signal strength required to open the radio's speaker. A lower squelch level results in higher background noise but a further communication range, though with weaker anti-interference ability. The default setting is level 3. You can adjust it via the "Squelch level" menu in the "Optional features" section of the software, with levels ranging from 0 (lowest) to 9.

Time Out Timer (TOT)

The TOT prevents any radio from transmitting on a channel for too long and protects the radio from damage due to continuous transmission. If the transmission time exceeds the preset TOT, the radio will stop transmitting and emit an alert tone. Releasing the PTT switch stops the alert tone, and the radio resumes receiving mode.

Scan On/Off

If the radio is configured for scanning via software, rotating the channel-selecting knob to channel 16 will initiate scanning. The radio will scan all scannable channels from 1 to 16. You can define which channels are included or excluded in the software. When a signal is detected on a scannable channel, the radio will stop on that channel for communication.

Notes:

• The radio will stay on a channel with a signal for 15 seconds after the signal disappears, then it will continue scanning.
• Scanning is not possible if there are fewer than 2 scannable channels.

VOX

Speak into the microphone in a normal voice to transmit directly without pressing the PTT switch. The side-key can be set as a VOX switch in the software.

1. When VOX is on for your working channel: Speak into the microphone directly, and the radio will transmit automatically. Transmission stops when there is no voice, and the radio waits for receiving.
2. When using a headset with a microphone: With VOX enabled, you may need to increase the VOX gain to properly identify voice volume. If the microphone is too sensitive, ambient noise may cause transmission. If it is not sensitive enough, your voice may not be picked up.

Please adjust the VOX level carefully to ensure smooth communication. Note: When VOX is on with high sensitivity, connecting a microphone/speaker may cause the radio to transmit unintentionally. In such cases, pressing the PTT button or VOX will be invalid, and a "please change battery" voice prompt and a loud "Di" sound will occur until the PTT is released or VOX ends.

Busy Channel Lockout (BCLO)

If busy channel lockout is enabled, pressing the PTT after receiving a signal on a prohibited channel will result in a "Di" sound until the PTT is released.

QT/DQT

You can select QT/DQT (Quiet Tone/Digital Quiet Tone) via the program software. When a channel has QT/DQT enabled, the speaker will only turn on when it receives a signal with the same QT/DQT. If a transmitted signal with a different QT/DQT is received on the same channel, the speaker will not open, and the indicator light will turn green.

One-Key Frequency Copy

To copy frequencies, press the PTT button and the Moni switch simultaneously on the receiving radio while turning it on to channel 1. The receiving radio will play "Turn on the Radio-One," and the green light will flash slowly. Set the receiving and transmitting radios to the desired channel. Press PTT on the transmitting radio to transmit. The receiving radio's green light will flash quickly, then slowly after the transmission stops, followed by a beep. After copying, turn the radio off and restart.

[Note: Supports copying different brands of walkie-talkies.]

Frequency Copy (All Channels)

Press the PTT key and the Moni switch simultaneously on both the transmitter and receiver radios while on channel 2. The indicator lights on both will flash green slowly. The transmitter presses PTT for 3 seconds, then releases. The transmitter's indicator light changes from red to slow flashing green. Simultaneously, the receiver's indicator light changes from fast flashing green to slow flashing green. Copying is complete; you can then turn off and reboot the computer.

[Note: Only supports walkie-talkies with the same solutions.]

Troubleshooting Guide

Specifications

Note: Specifications will be revised without notice due to technical improvement. Thank you.

Channel and Frequencies

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

ATTENTION!

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, which when used improperly, can cause biological damage.

All Retevis two-way radios are designed, manufactured, and tested to ensure they meet government-established RF exposure levels. Manufacturers also recommend specific operating instructions for users. These instructions inform users about RF energy exposure and provide simple procedures on how to control it.

Please refer to the following websites for more information on RF energy exposure and how to control it to assure compliance with established RF exposure limits: 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 user awareness information. Your Retevis two-way radio has an RF Exposure Product Label. User manuals or safety booklets include 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 where it was intended to be distributed 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. To comply with requirements, transmitter adjustments should only be made by or under the supervision of a person certified as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance and repairs.

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 the operational requirements described herein are not met.

Operating Instructions

• Transmit no more than the rated duty factor of 50% of the time. To transmit (talk), push the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button. To receive calls (listen), release the PTT button. Transmitting 50% of the time or less is important because the radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting.
• Transmit only when people outside the vehicle are at least the recommended minimum lateral distance away from a properly installed, externally mounted antenna.
• When operating the radio on your body, always place the radio in a Retevis-approved clip, holder, holster, case, or body harness. Using approved body-worn accessories is important because the use of non-Retevis approved accessories may result in exposure levels that exceed RF exposure limits.

Hand-held Mode

Hold the radio in a vertical position with the microphone (and other parts of the radio including the antenna) at least 2.5 cm (one inch) away from your nose or lips. Keep the antenna away from your eyes. Keeping the radio at a proper distance is important as RF exposure decreases with increasing distance from the antenna.

Phone Mode

When placing or receiving a phone call, hold your radio product as you would a wireless telephone. Speak directly into the microphone.

Protect Your Hearing

• Use the lowest volume necessary to perform your job.
• Turn up the volume only if you are in noisy surroundings.
• Turn down the volume before adding a headset or earpiece.
• Limit the amount of time you use headsets or earpieces at high volume.
• When using the radio without a headset or earpiece, do not place the radio's speaker directly against your ear.
• Use caution with earphones, as 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 your hearing. The louder the radio's volume, the less time is required before your hearing could be affected. Hearing damage from loud noise is sometimes undetectable at first and can have a cumulative effect.

Avoid Burns

• Damaged Antenna: Do not use any portable radio that has a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna comes into contact with the skin when the radio is in use, a minor burn can result.
• Batteries: When conductive material such as jewelry, keys, or chains touch exposed terminals of the batteries, it may complete an electrical circuit (short circuit the battery) and become hot, causing bodily injury such as burns. Exercise care when handling any battery, particularly when placing it inside a pocket, purse, or other container with metal objects.
• Long Transmission: When the transceiver is used for long transmissions, the radiator and chassis will become hot.

Safety Operation

WARNING

Forbid:

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

To reduce risk:

• Pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
• Unplug the charger from the AC outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
• Contact Retevis for assistance regarding repairs and service.
• The adapter shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

Approved Accessories

[Warning Symbol ⚠️]

• This radio meets the RF exposure guidelines when used with Retevis accessories supplied or designated for the product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with RF exposure guidelines and may violate regulations.
• For a list of Retevis-approved accessories for your radio model, visit: http://www.retevis.com

Avoid Choking Hazard

[Choking Hazard Symbol ⚠️] Kleine Teile. Nicht für Kinder unter 3 Jahren. (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 when you are 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 taking on fuel or while 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, such as hospitals or health care facilities (where pacemakers, hearing aids, and other medical devices may be using equipment sensitive to external RF energy).
• Turn off your radio when on board an aircraft. Any use of a radio must be in accordance with applicable regulations per airline crew instructions.

Guarantee

Model Number: _________________________
Serial Number: _________________________
Purchasing Date: _________________________
Dealer: _________________________ Telephone: _________________________
User's Name: _________________________ Telephone: _________________________
Country: _________________________ Address: _________________________
Post Code: _________________________ Email: _________________________

Remarks:

1. This guarantee card should be kept by the user; no replacement if lost.
2. Most new products carry a two-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase. Further details, please read http://www.retevis.com/after-sale/
3. The user can get warranty and after-sales service as below:
   
   • Contact the seller where you bought the product.
   • Products Repaired by Our Local Repair Center
4. For warranty service, you will need to provide a receipt or proof of purchase from the actual seller for verification.

Exclusions from Warranty Coverage:

1. To any product damaged by accident.
2. In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs.
3. If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed.