Radtel RT518 License-free FRS Radio Instruction Manual

Safety and Warnings

⚠️ ATTENTION!

Before using this two-way radio, please read the manual which contains important operating instructions for safe usage, RF Energy Awareness, control information and operational instructions for compliance with RF Energy Exposure limits in applicable national and international standards, and also read the operational instructions for safe use.

WARNING

This two-way radio uses electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to provide communications between two or more users over a distance. It uses radio frequency (RF) energy or radio waves to send and receive calls. RF energy is one form of electromagnetic energy. Other forms include, but are not limited to, sunlight and x-rays. RF energy, however, should not be confused with these other forms of electromagnetic energy, which when used improperly, can cause biological damage. Very high levels of x-rays, for example, can damage tissues and genetic material.

Experts in science, engineering, medicine, health, and industry work with organizations to develop standards for safe exposure to RF energy. These standards provide recommended levels of RF exposure for both workers and the general public. These recommended RF exposure levels include substantial margins of protection.

All RADTEL two-way radios are designed, manufactured, and tested to ensure they meet government-established RF exposure levels. In addition, manufacturers also recommend specific operating instructions to users of two-way radios. These instructions are important because they 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 what RF energy exposure is and how to control your exposure to assure compliance with established RF exposure limits:

FCC RF Safety

OSHA RF Radiation

Local Government Regulations: When two-way radios are used as a consequence of 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 the use of a product label directing users to specific user awareness information. Your Radtel two way radio has a RF Exposure Product Label. Also, your Radtel user manual, or separate safety booklet includes information and operating instructions required to control your RF exposure and to satisfy compliance requirements.

Radio License: Governments keep radios in classification; most classified walkie-talkies need a local government license. For the following specified classifications, an individual license is not required: USA/CA FRS, Australian CB, EU PMR446.

CE Marking: Xiamen Radtel Electronics Co., Ltd declares that the radio equipment type is in compliance with 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 in this manual or at www.radtels.com.

General Safety Information:

• Articles displaying the disposal symbol ♻️ must not be thrown away into normal disposal bins but brought to specialized waste disposal centers for recycling.
• This equipment does not have user-repairable components. Always consult authorized technical service for any repair.
• Do not put into operation or turn off the equipment by installing/removing the battery pack. Always use the ON/OFF control.
• Install the battery pack and accessories correctly.
• Never transmit with the transceiver if the antenna is damaged.
• Do not transmit for extended periods.
• Do not touch the antenna with hand or body while transmitting.
• In case of malfunction (burnt smell, smoke, etc.), turn off immediately or disconnect power and consult technical service.
• Do not insert objects into speaker holes or connectors. If using external headset, reduce volume to avoid high audio levels.
• Do not expose equipment or charger to water, direct sunlight, heat sources, dust, fire, or explosive conditions. Do not store in a parked vehicle in sunlight.
• Avoid humidity condensation. If condensation occurs, dry with a cloth and wait for it to dry before powering on.
• Do not place objects on the transceiver that can spill.
• If the transceiver causes interference with other electronic equipment (VCR, DVD, radio, TV, medical equipment), move it away.
• Do not use in restricted or prohibited areas (e.g., coal gas areas, explosion atmosphere, areas that can interfere with other equipment, on board airships, airports).
• Do not operate while driving; use VOX function and respect traffic laws.
• Clean with an antistatic or slightly damp cloth when OFF. Do not use household cleaners, detergents, alcohol, or solvents.
• Do not use a dry cloth for cleaning, it can cause static.
• Incompatible accessories may limit operation or invalidate the guarantee.
• Explosion risk if battery pack is replaced with an incompatible one.

Main Controls and Parts

The radio features the following main controls and parts:

• 1. Power on/off button / Volume control: Turn clockwise to power on and adjust volume; counter-clockwise to power off.
• 2. Channel Adjust (CH+): Press to select the desired channel or monitor function.
• 3. Channel Adjust (CH-): Press to select the desired channel or scan function.
• 4. PTT (Push-to-Talk): Press this button to transmit, release it to receive.
• 5. LED Indicator: RED = Transmitting (TX); GREEN = Receiving (RX).
• 6. Microphone: For voice input.
• 7. Speaker: For audio output.
• 8. Earphone/Microphone or Programming Port: For external accessories or programming.
• 9. Type C Charger Port: For charging the battery.

Main Characteristics

• PMR446 radio
• Voice annunciation
• Output power: ≤ 0.5W
• Scan function
• TOT (Time-out Timer)
• Busy channel lockout
• Battery save mode
• Monitor function
• Squelch
• VOX function (Voice Operated Exchange)
• Low battery warning
• CTCSS/DCS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System / Digital-Coded Squelch)

Operation

Power On/Off

1. Power On: Turn the knob clockwise to turn on the radio. Rotate the knob to adjust the volume level.
2. Power Off: Turn the knob counter-clockwise to turn off the radio.

Key Functions

• PTT Key: Press to transmit (Red LED). Release to receive (Green LED).
• Channel+/MONI:
  • Short press: Channel UP.
  • Long press: Monitor function.
• Channel-/Scan:
  • Short press: Channel Down.
  • Long press: Scan function (LED flashes green).

Low Battery Alert

A voice prompt "Change battery" will sound every 15 seconds to alert you to charge or replace the battery.

Language Switching (English/Chinese)

To switch languages: Go to Channel 1, power off the radio. Then, long press KEY 3 (Channel-/Scan) + POWER ON until a voice prompt confirms the language change.

VOX (Voice Operated Exchange) ON/OFF

To enable VOX: Go to Channel 2, power off the radio. Then, long press KEY 3 (Channel-/Scan) + POWER ON until the VOX function is activated. VOX allows hands-free operation; you transmit by speaking without pressing the PTT button.

Time-out Timer (TOT)

This feature prevents a user from occupying a channel for too long. If you transmit continuously beyond the preset time, the radio will stop transmitting. Release the PTT button and press it again to resume transmission.

High/Low Power Switch

To switch power levels: Long press KEY 2 (Channel + MONI) + POWER ON until you hear a beep tone.

• One beep: High power.
• Two beeps: Low power (orange indicator light when transmitting).

Scan Function

To activate Scan: Long press KEY 3 (Channel -/Scan) until the green LED flashes continuously. To exit Scan, long press KEY 3 or the PTT key.

EU Declaration of Conformity

Issuer: Xiamen Radtel Electronics Co., Ltd

Product(s):

• Name: Two-way radio
• Model No.: RT518
• ASIN: B09KLGM25Z

This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer.

Xiamen Radtel Electronics Co., Ltd declares that the radio equipment type is in compliance with the relevant Union harmonization legislation:

• RED directive 2014/53/EU

Technical standards/specifications:

• EN 303 405 V1.1.1 (2017-05)
• EN 301 489-1 V2.2.3 (2019-11)
• EN 301 489-5 V2.2.1 (2019-04)
• EN 62368-1: 2014+A11: 2017
• EN 50566:2017

Signed for and on behalf of: Xiamen City, 2021-4-6

Manager Kevin

Country Usage Information

This transceiver is intended for free use in the following EU countries, without requiring administrative authorization or licenses:

Notes:

• Transceiver operation may be prohibited in certain places or enclosures; follow use restrictions.
• Follow country legislation for transceiver radiocommunications.