Radtel RT-490 Two-Way Radio
User Manual - Version 1.0
Overview
The Radtel RT-490 is a versatile two-way radio operating across multiple frequency bands, designed for reliable communication. This manual provides detailed information on its features, functions, and operation.
Key Features:
- Frequency Bands: 6 Bands including 136-180MHz (TX/RX), 200-260MHz (TX/RX), 350-400MHz (TX/RX), 400-520MHz (TX/RX), 108-136MHz (AM RX), 66-108MHz (FM RX).
- Bluetooth: 2.4G ISM band for connectivity.
- Display: Large color LCD screen with dual band display.
- Durability: Robust design for various environments.
Product Identification
Model: RT-490
Brand: Radtel
Manufacturer: Xiamen Radtel Electronics Co.,Ltd
Main Functions
The RT-490 offers a comprehensive set of features:
- Frequency Bands:
- FM 65-108MHz (Reception)
- VHF 108-136MHz (AM Reception)
- VHF 136-174 MHz (RX&TX)
- UHF 220-260MHz (RX&TX)
- UHF 350-390MHz (RX&TX)
- UHF 400-520MHz (RX &TX)
- Bluetooth 2.4 GHz ISM
- Operating Modes: Frequency mode (VFO) / Channel mode.
- FM Radio: Commercial FM broadcast band reception.
- Dual Watch: Monitor two channels simultaneously.
- CTCSS/DCS Tones: 50 CTCSS tones / 105 DCS codes.
- RX/TX CTCSS/DCS: Individually configurable.
- TOT (Time-Out Timer): Adjustable transmission time limit.
- Voice Encryption: Optional voice scrambling.
- Frequency Step: Configurable steps (2.5K, 5K, 6.25K, 10K, 12.5K, 20K, 25K, 50K).
- Battery Saver: Power saving modes.
- Reverse Mode / Talk Around: Simplex operation on the output frequency.
- VOX: Voice-activated transmission.
- Busy Channel Lockout (BCL): Prevents transmission on an occupied channel.
- Battery Alert: Low battery warning and voltage display.
- Automatic Backlight: Screen illumination.
- Channel Display: Channel name or number.
- Scan Modes: Timed, manual, or resume scanning.
- Frequency Offset: Programmable offset for repeater use (0-99.99951 MHz).
- Memory Channels: 256 memory channels.
- Emergency Function: SOS button for distress calls.
- Frequency Sweep: Scan across a range of frequencies.
- DTMF Tones: Support for DTMF signaling.
- GPS: Optional GPS positioning.
Keypad Functions
The RT-490 features dedicated keys for various operations:
- P1 Button: Short press switches between VFO A/B. Long press switches to memory display mode.
- P2 Button: Short press switches between VFO/Channel mode. Long press activates/deactivates the 'ANI' (Automatic Number Identification) display.
- Numeric Keypad: Used for entering information, DTMF tones, and navigation.
- SOS Button: Orange button near the antenna for emergency calls.
- Volume/Power Knob: Rotate to turn on/off and adjust volume.
Status Indicators
- LED Status: Red LED indicates TX (Transmission), Green LED indicates RX (Reception).
Screen Display
The LCD screen displays key information:
- Dual band display (e.g., MAIN and SUB bands).
- Frequency, channel number, and name.
- Signal strength indicators.
- Status icons for various functions (e.g., GPS, Bluetooth, Battery Level).
Menu Navigation and Options
Access the menu by pressing the Menu button. Use navigation keys to select options and the OK button to confirm.
| Menu # | Item | Options | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | SQL | 0... 9 | Squelch level adjustment for reception sensitivity. |
| 1 | STEP | 2.50K, 5.00K, 6.25K, 10.00K, 12.50K, 20.00K, 25.00K, 50.00K | Select frequency step for VFO mode. |
| 2 | MEMCH | 000... 256 | Store channel information. 'CH' prefix indicates an occupied channel. |
| 3 | DELCH | 000... 256 | Delete specified memory channel parameters. |
| 4 | R-CTCSS | OFF, 67.0 Hz... 254.1 Hz | Configure standard or custom CTCSS tones for reception. |
| 5 | R-DCS | OFF, DO23N, D74, 3I,D7541 | Configure standard or custom DCS codes for reception. |
| 6 | T-CTCSS | OFF, 67.0 Hz... 254.1 Hz | Transmit CTCSS tones to unlock remote receiver squelch. |
| 7 | T-DCS | OFF, DO23N, D74, 3I,D7541 | Transmit DCS codes to unlock remote receiver squelch. |
| 8 | VOICEPRI | OFF, Encry (1,2,3,4) | Select voice encryption or disable it. 4 encryption keys available. |
| 9 | CH-NAME | Example: Flotte 5 | Assign names to memory channels using common names or PC software. |
| 10 | TXP | HIGH, LOW | Set transmission power level (High or Low). |
| 11 | SAVE | OFF, NORMAL, SUPER, DEEP | Configure battery saving modes. |
| 12 | ROGER | OFF, ON | Enable/disable Roger beep. |
| 13 | TOT | OFF, 30, 60, ... | Set Time-Out Timer to limit transmission duration. |
| 14 | VOX | OFF, 1, 2, ... 9 | Enable Voice-Activated Transmission (VOX) with adjustable sensitivity. |
| 15 | W/N | WIDE, NARR | Select wide or narrow bandwidth. |
| 16 | VOICE | OFF or ON | Enable/disable voice prompts. |
| 17 | BEEP | OFF, ON | Enable/disable operational beeps. |
| 18 | LANGUAGE | ANGLAIS, CHINOIS | Select display language (English, Chinese). |
| 19 | BCL | OFF, ON | Enable/disable Busy Channel Lockout. |
| 20 | SC-REV | TO, CO, SE | Configure scan behavior: TO (Time-Out), CO (Carrier Operated), SE (Search). |
| 21 | PF2/SK2 (Short Press) | Programmable function | Assign functions like FM Radio, PTT B, Moni, Scan, TX Power. |
| 22 | PF2/SK2 (Long Press) | Programmable function | Assign functions like FM Radio, Moni, Scan, TX Power. |
| 23 | PF3/SK3 (Short/Long Press) | Programmable function | Assign functions like Radio, Moni, Numeric, TX Power. |
| 24 | Abr | ON | Enable permanent backlight. |
| 25 | OFFSET | 000... 99.995 | Set frequency offset for VFO mode. |
| 26 | SFT-D | OFF, +, - | Enable/disable frequency difference (TX/RX offset) in frequency mode. |
| 27 | SCAN CTCSS | OFF, ON | Enable/disable CTCSS scanning. |
| 28 | Scan DCS | OFF, ON | Enable/disable DCS scanning. |
| 29 | CDCSSAVE MODE | ALL, Rx, Tx | Save received or transmitted CTCSS codes. |
| 30 | POWER ON LOGO | Picture 1 | Set the power-on display logo. |
| 31 | ANI NAME | NUM1... NUMÉR | Set custom radio name for ANI display. |
| 32 | S-CODE | 1,2... 15 | Configure DTMF codes. |
| 33 | DTMF CODE | OFF, BOT, EOT, BOTH | Set DTMF transmission mode (Begin/End/Both of transmission). |
| 34 | DTMFST | OFF, DT-ST, ANI-ST, DT + ANI | Configure automatic DTMF transmission behavior. |
| 35 | AUTOLOCK | OFF, 5s, 10s, 15s | Set automatic keypad lock delay. |
| 36 | SCAN ADD | SCAN ADD | Enable automatic addition of scanned channels. |
| 37 | TON | 1000Hz, 1450Hz, 1750Hz, 2100Hz | Set 1750Hz tone transmission. |
| 38 | PTT-LT | Ms: ,100,200, 400, 600, 800 or 1000 | Set delay for automatic DTMF transmission. |
| 39 | MENU EXIT TIME | 5,10... Years, 60 | Set delay before exiting the menu. |
| 40 | VOX DELAY | 0.5s... 2.0s | Set VOX reaction delay. |
| 41 | RP_STE | OFF, 1s,2s,3s ... 10sec | Adjust squelch tail elimination for repeater operation. |
| 42 | RPT_RL | OFF, 1s,2s,3s ... 10sec | Adjust the duration of squelch tail appearance. |
| 43 | Function ANI | OFF or ON | Enable/disable the DTMF identification function. |
| 44 | MDF-A | FREQ, Ch, NAME | Configure display for Band A (upper display). |
| 45 | MDF-B | FREQ, Ch, NAME | Configure display for Band B (lower display). |
| 46 | TDR | OFF or ON | Enable/disable Dual Watch mode (simultaneous monitoring of two bands). |
| 47 | TX-A/B | A, B | Select which band (A or B) to transmit on when TDR is active. |
| 48 | Ste | OFF or ON | Enable/disable squelch tail noise suppression after PTT release. |
| 49 | AL-MOD | ON PLACE, SOUND, CODE | Configure alarm modes (Site alarm, sound alarm, code alarm). |
| 50 | GPS | OFF or ON | Enable/disable the GPS function. |
| 51 | BLUETOOTH | OFF or ON | Enable/disable Bluetooth for smartphone connectivity and programming. |
| 52 | DISPLAY RX TIME | OFF or ON | Enable/disable the display of reception time. |
| 53 | RESET | VFO, ALL | VFO: Erase memory channels. ALL: Reset radio to factory defaults. |
Specific Functions
FM Radio Function
Activate the FM function to receive broadcast radio. Frequencies range from 65MHz to 108MHz. Use the Up/Down keys to change frequency or scan. Volume is adjusted via the power knob. This function may require assignment to a side key (PF2 or PF3).
Frequency Sweep
Scan CTCSS/DCS and frequencies of other radios to establish contact. This function can be initiated via a programmed side key. The radio analyzes signals and can save found channels. Scanning can also be restarted using the Up/Down keys.
ANI Name Display
Customize the display to show selected group names. 50 default names ('Radio 1' to 'Radio 50') are available, with 10 names customizable via PC software.
DTMF Coding
Quick DTMF Coding: Press PTT and numeric keys (*, #, A-D) to transmit DTMF codes. Press a key to continuously encode, or 'exit/home' to terminate.
DTMF Encoding Transmission: Access the DTMF edit menu via the '#' key. Enter codes (0-9, A-D, *, #). Press '#' to finish if less than 6 digits. Press PTT to transmit. Use 'exit/home' to delete or quit.
GPS Function
Access the GPS interface via the Right Arrow key. The GPS provides real-time direction and distance to your current position, aiding navigation. It can also store starting points. To activate, select menu item 50 and set to ON.
Wireless Programming via Smartphone / Bluetooth
Download the 'Super Walkie-Talkie' app from the Android Play Store or Radtel's website (https://www.radtels.com/pages/software-download). Install the app, enable Bluetooth on the radio (Menu #51), and pair your smartphone. Launch the app and connect to the radio.
Translator's Note: Compatibility may vary with older Android versions. Differences in menus may exist due to different hardware versions.
PC Programming Software (CPS)
Download the free RT-490 programming software from Radtel's website (https://www.radtels.com/pages/software-download). The software is provided in a ZIP file ('Radtel_RT-490.zip') containing an installer ('mysetup.exe') for the 'Multiband' CPS application.
The software allows detailed configuration of channels, settings, and features.
