Retevis RT97L GMRS Repeater User's Manual

To users:

Welcome to choose Retevis repeater. We will provide you with reliable, clear, and efficient communication service. To help you learn more about the functions, usage, and maintenance of this repeater, please read this manual carefully before use.

• Please keep this manual for future reference.
• To safeguard your legitimate rights and interests, please fill in the warranty card truthfully when purchasing the product and ask for purchase vouchers.
• Retevis reserves the right to change this manual at any time without prior notice due to product upgrades or improvements in software and hardware specifications.
• All specifications mentioned are for reference only.
• Although all content has been carefully checked, errors may still occur. Retevis reserves the right of final explanation.

Safety Information to Users

For your efficient and safe use of this repeater, please read the following information carefully:

• This repeater's input power is DC15V~24V.
• Maintenance of this repeater can only be performed by professional technicians. Unauthorized self-disassembly is not allowed.
• To avoid EMC interference or compliance problems, do not install or use this repeater in areas with signs that read "Please Turn Off the Radio."
• When in a car with airbags, do not install the repeater in the area where airbags may deploy.
• When approaching blasting areas or detonator areas, please turn off the repeater first.
• Operating this repeater in flammable and explosive environments is forbidden.
• Please do not place this repeater in wet, rainy, or excessively dusty areas.
• Please do not expose this repeater to direct sunlight for extended periods or near heating devices.
• When installing the repeater antenna outdoors, install the lightning arrester first, then connect it to the antenna. The chassis must be reliably grounded to prevent lightning damage.

Installing/Removing the Power Adapter

Hold the power adapter connector and rotate it clockwise into the power port on the side of the repeater until securely tightened. To remove the power adapter, rotate it counter-clockwise and detach the connector.

[Diagram of power adapter connection]

Installing/Removing the Antenna or Feedline

Hold the base of the antenna or one end of the feedline, and rotate it clockwise into the antenna port on the side of the repeater until securely tightened. To remove the antenna or feedline, rotate it counter-clockwise and detach it.

[Diagram showing ANT port]

Installation/Dismounting of Stand

If necessary, the 4 mounts can be inserted into the screw holes on the rear panel of the repeater. To remove the mounts, unscrew them.

Get Familiar with the Repeater

[Diagram of the repeater with labels for Handgrip, Display, Menu, Volume/Channel buttons, and Bracket]

ANT

Data COM Port

Power / program frequency

Key Functions

1. "MENU" Menu Button
   Short Press: Acts as the menu button on the standby interface; serves as the confirm button within menus.
   Long Press: Locks or unlocks the channel on the standby interface.
2. "▲" Upward Button
   Short Press: Incrementally cycles through channels on the standby interface.
   Long Press: Cycles upward through options within menus.
3. "▼" Downward Button
   Short Press: Decrementally cycles through channels on the standby interface.
   Long Press: Cycles downward through options within menus.
4. "▲" Upward and "▼" Downward (Pressed Simultaneously)
   Displays the sub-audio frequency of the current channel.

Indicator Symbols

Radio Settings

Basic Operation

1. Channel lock
   Manual: Lock the channel by pressing and holding the MENU button for over 2 seconds; unlock by repeating the action.
   Auto: Automatically locks the channel after 10 seconds of inactivity; unlock by pressing and holding the MENU button for over 2 seconds.
2. Scan Channel
   On: Enables scanning of programmed channels; exits scan upon receiving a signal and returns to scan mode after the transmission ends.
   Off: Disables scanning.
3. Backled
   On: Backlight stays on.
   Off: Backlight stays off.
   Auto: Backlight turns on with keypad operation or signal reception; turns off automatically after 10 seconds of inactivity.
4. Low Temperature Mode
   Off: Disables operation in low temperatures.
   On: Enables operation in temperatures down to -30°C.
5. Volume Set
   Adjustable audio output levels range from 0 to 9. When the device receives a signal, it outputs a corresponding audio amplitude via the DB9 interface.
   Level 0 disables audio output.
   Level 9 outputs approximately 150mV audio.
6. Modem Set
   Adjustable from -3 to +3. Adjusting this setting changes the volume of the audio relayed by the repeater, and consequently, the sound received by the radio will also vary accordingly.
   -3: Minimum Volume Level
   0: Medium Volume Level
   +3: Maximum Volume Level
7. Init Option
   Resets menu settings to default; does not affect frequency settings.
8. Software Version
   Displays the current software version of the radio.
9. Repeater Switch
   On: Activates the relay mode.
   Off: Deactivates the relay mode.
10. Repeater Delay
    Adjustable Levels 1-9.
    Off: Turns off the delay feature entirely.
    Adjust the delay level according to your needs. When the radio receives a reply signal from the repeater, it indicates that the radio is within the repeater's signal coverage area.
11. Squelch Level
    Adjustable from 0 to 9 levels.
    0: Squelch Always On.
    At lower squelch levels, the squelch threshold is shallower, resulting in a longer reception distance but weaker interference rejection.
    At higher squelch levels, the squelch threshold is deeper, limiting the reception distance but enhancing the interference rejection capability.
12. Roger beep Elimination (STE)
    Off: After transmission, the speaker of the radio will produce a brief "click" sound.
    On: After transmission, the speaker of the radio will be muted.
    Elimination Modes: Frequency, 120℃, 180℃, 240℃.
13. Channel Mode
    Channel Mode: Channels are displayed by their channel numbers.
    Channel & Frequency Mode: Channels are displayed by both their channel numbers and frequencies.

Frequency List

CTCSS/DCS List

CTCSS CHART (Hz)

DCS CODELIST

Features

• Small and compact, solid, and dust-proof.
• Simple and convenient installation, flexible operation, can be operated as fixed or mobile.
• Multi-working power selection: works with the matching power adapter, and can also work under DC15V~24V power or car power.
• The antenna selection can be made according to actual demand.

Technical Parameters

Note: Power will further attenuate after passing through the feeder. The degree of attenuation depends on the diameter, length, and material of the feeder. Please select an appropriate feeder according to your specific situation.

Troubleshooting Guide

Important Information

User Instructions

EN: User's instructions should accompany the device when transferred to other users. When transferring the equipment to another user, CN shall include the user instructions.

Unauthorized Modification and Adjustment

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user's authority granted by the local government radio management departments to operate this radio and should not be made. To comply with the corresponding requirements, transmitter adjustments should be made only by or under the supervision of a person certified as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance and repairs in the private land mobile and fixed services as certified by an organization representative of the user of those services. Replacement of any transmitter component (crystal, semiconductor, etc.) not authorized by the local government radio management departments equipment authorization for this radio could violate the rules.

Radio License

For the detailed classification and use of your two-way radios, please contact the 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.

This two-way radio is a GMRS station. A valid individual license is required to operate a GMRS station. To obtain an individual license, an applicant must be eligible and follow the applicable rules and procedures established by FCC. The applicant must pay the required application and regulatory fees. Each individual license in the GMRS will normally have a term of ten years from the date of grant or renewal, and may be renewed pursuant to the procedures of FCC. To obtain a GMRS operator license, you need FCC Form 605 & 159. We suggest visiting the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/fcc-form-605, which includes necessary instructions. For more questions about the license application, please contact the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 or go to the FCC's website: http://www.fcc.gov.

FCC Compliance

EN: 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 are applicable);
CN: This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this equipment is subject to the condition that it does not cause harmful interference.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (Other devices are applicable)
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Disposal

Note: Applicable to electronic products.

The crossed-out wheeled-bin symbol on your product, literature, or packaging reminds you that all electrical and electronic products, batteries, or 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 the laws and rules in your area.

RF Safety

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. 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: http://www.who.int/en/

Transmit no more than the rated duty factor 50% of the time. Transmitting necessary information or less is important because the radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting in terms of measuring for standards compliance. For users who wish to further reduce their exposure, some effective measures to reduce RF exposure include:

• Reduce the amount of time spent using your wireless device.
• Use a speakerphone, earpiece, headset, or other hands-free accessory to reduce proximity to the head (and thus head exposure). While wired earpieces may conduct some energy to the head and wireless earpieces also emit a small amount of RF energy, both wired and wireless earpieces remove the greatest source of RF energy (handheld device) from proximity to the head and thus can greatly reduce total exposure to the head.
• Increase the distance between wireless devices and your body.

This radio is designed for and classified as "Occupational/Controlled Use Only". Occupational/Controlled environments are defined as locations where there is exposure that may be incurred by people who are aware of the potential of exposure, for example, as a result of employment or occupation. It means a radio must be used only by individuals aware of the hazards, and the ways to minimize such hazards; Not intended for use in a General population/uncontrolled environment.

RF Safety distance

Keeping the radio at a proper distance is important as RF exposure decreases with increasing distance from the proper antenna. A proper antenna is an antenna supplied with this radio by the manufacturer or specifically authorized by the local authority for use with this radio. This radio can only be operated by use of an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter under regulations and rules.

During operation, the separation distance (1.2m, Safety Distance in Meters) between the user and the antenna subject to actual regulations. This separation distance will ensure that there is sufficient distance from a properly installed externally-mounted antenna to satisfy the RF exposure requirements. Transmit only when people are the recommended minimum lateral distance away from a properly installed externally mounted antenna according to installation instructions.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

Nearly every electronic device is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) if inadequately shielded, designed, or otherwise configured for electromagnetic compatibility. During transmissions, your radio generates RF energy that can possibly cause interference with other devices or systems. To avoid such interference, turn off the radio in areas where signs are posted to do so, such as hospitals or healthcare facilities.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Turn off your radio in the following conditions:

• Note: Avoid mixing ordinary walkie-talkies with explosion-proof devices.
• Turn off your radio prior to entering any area with a potentially hazardous or explosive atmosphere. Only radio types that are especially qualified should be used in such areas as "Intrinsically Safe".
• Note: The areas with potentially explosive atmosphere referred to above include blasting caps, blasting areas, inflammable gas, dust particles, metallic powders, grain powders, fueling areas such as below decks on boats, fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities, areas where the air contains chemicals or particles (such as grain, dust or metal powders) and any other area where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine. Areas with potentially explosive atmospheres are often - but not always posted.
• Turn off your Radiocommunication device when taking on fuel or parked at gasoline service stations.
• 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.
• Do not use any radio that has a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna comes into contact with the skin when the radio is in use, a burn can result.
• Turn off your radio before removing or installing accessories.
• When the transceiver is used for long transmissions, the radiator and chassis will become hot.

Use of Communication Devices While Driving

• Note: Applicable to handheld or mobile stations.
• Always check the laws and regulations on the use of radios in the areas where you drive. Use of Communication Devices, for example, mobile radio, may not be allowed.
• Give full attention to driving and to the road.
• Use hands-free operation, if available.
• Pull off the road and park before making or answering a call, if driving conditions or regulations so require.
• Do not place a portable device in the area over an air bag or in the airbag deployment area. The device may be propelled with great force and cause serious injury to occupants of the vehicle when the airbag inflates.

Dedicated for Children's Devices

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD-Small Parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years old. [0-3 symbol]

Adapter

The plug of the adapter is considered a disconnect device. The socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

Authorized Accessories List

• Antennas: C9082B
• Contact Retevis for assistance regarding repairs and service.
• For a list of Retevis-approved accessories for your radio model, visit the website: http://www.Retevis.com

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 buy.
   - 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.

[Recycling symbol]

[French text regarding recycling and collection points]

[CE, FCC, UKCA, RoHS logos]

Shenzhen Retevis Technology Co., Ltd.
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:info@retevis.com
Facebook:@retevis.fans

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