The RT619 software looks almost identical to the RT668 software. What I did was browse to the install location of the software and there is an ini file in the folder, open that ini file in notepad++ and change the settings in the file which will "unlock" the frequency and power dropdown menus in the software. Job done, you can now edit frequency and power in the software.
@@tdcattech Just to add some context, the ini file is called setting.ini and the values to edit are powerenable and freqenable. They will be set to =1 so just change to =0 and save. The file is quite self explanatory. It would be interesting to know if most Retevis software is like this. The frequency limits are in the file too but I've not played around with those.
@@14rky It's got me wondering about the software for my RT667. I've not yet tried changing power or frequency, but plan to do a power test when I have a suitable meter on 70cm simplex.
The rx is excellent on Amateur frequencies. I can hear our local repeater inside a vehicle up to 30 miles away. We have a backyard gmrs repeater, and we can get into it just fine in town within a 5 mile radius. Repeater antenna is at 50 feet. I personally prefer larger handi-talkies, but when you need to be stealthy and not attract fashion attention, this radio is perfect because it's easy to carry and conceal while monitoring. I'm glad I bought them. It's the same footprint as an old 90's pager.
This is very very helpful. Sometime you just can't the info, numbers and App that you need in the window of time. This gave me all of the info and tools that I needed! Bravo ... It is a mix of you skill and research and my getting lucky and finding your content. Peace and Grace to you and yours!
Great video as usual Torsten. I have the RB618s - and I love them. Bought them after watching your review. Channel number read out, scan function, tiny size. They have the volume knob too!
It would be interesting if they do frequency hopping. In the radio control world this has been used for a number of years to allow many models to be operated on the same band without causing any interference with one another. The receiver is bound to a transmiter such that the receiver only sees that transmiter and no other even though many transmiters may be switched on. If these walkie talkies do frequency hopping or spread spektrum then in theory a paired set would only talk to each other and could not be interfered with by any other transmiter. I have searched the Web for these wzlkie talkie but can find little information even on the Retevis site or instruction manual as the how this works. Regards and thanks for the video.
Just got these (RT19) for Christmas for my kids. I liked the limited buttons that they would be harder for them to accidentally change the channels. I found the volume was pretty loud - I wonder if you have defective units? Thanks for making this review
I’ve just ordered a pair of these can you play do a more simple video of how to make them set to high power and how to do it ? I’m not very good at that kinda thing. Any help or instructions would be greatly appreciated
I get the impression that Retevis just pick a massive portfolio of mass manufactured products, chuck them all out there and hope that something sticks. Some models are extremely similar except for minor design tweaks. There would be no radio performance difference between these two.
Judging by other tech and radio specialist channels. It will be tinny if you are talking directly into it. With the rt619 you talk across the speaker and not directly at it. Someone already showed this on this specific radio and if you talk into it in front of your mouth it sounds awful like you demonstrated it as but hold it sideways and talk across the speaker then the audio is a lot clearer and no tininess at all.
Yes. They’re all the same standard but without nice coloured cases. Just be conscious that although the range seems small, people can hear them from miles away and they are also not encrypted in any way. Basically, avoid any personal information. 👍🏻
I bought these because they look robust the younger one likes taking things to bits a bit like his uncle (me). Another quick question about scanners for listening to emergency services are they legal? I'm disabled and like gadgets and remember having something we used to listen to at my cousins when we were kids. I have a degree in computing science but I'm actually a carpenter/joiner to trade. Love gadgets. Thanks for your ear!!
Scanners are legal, yes. You can't listen to the emergency services on them, however. That was only possible decades ago before EMS moved to TETRA. If you can get a radio or scanner to tune into that, I'm pretty sure it would be illegal for many reasons. The most you'll manage with a regular scanner is businesses, security companies on DMR (digital) or air traffic.
The RT619 software looks almost identical to the RT668 software. What I did was browse to the install location of the software and there is an ini file in the folder, open that ini file in notepad++ and change the settings in the file which will "unlock" the frequency and power dropdown menus in the software. Job done, you can now edit frequency and power in the software.
Nice. If that works, that's a much neater solution! Much appreciated.
@@tdcattech Just to add some context, the ini file is called setting.ini and the values to edit are powerenable and freqenable. They will be set to =1 so just change to =0 and save. The file is quite self explanatory. It would be interesting to know if most Retevis software is like this. The frequency limits are in the file too but I've not played around with those.
@@14rky It's got me wondering about the software for my RT667. I've not yet tried changing power or frequency, but plan to do a power test when I have a suitable meter on 70cm simplex.
@@tdcattech do you have any idea how to change the VOX on RT19? I see nothing that says VOX
The rx is excellent on Amateur frequencies. I can hear our local repeater inside a vehicle up to 30 miles away. We have a backyard gmrs repeater, and we can get into it just fine in town within a 5 mile radius. Repeater antenna is at 50 feet. I personally prefer larger handi-talkies, but when you need to be stealthy and not attract fashion attention, this radio is perfect because it's easy to carry and conceal while monitoring. I'm glad I bought them. It's the same footprint as an old 90's pager.
This is very very helpful. Sometime you just can't the info, numbers and App that you need in the window of time. This gave me all of the info and tools that I needed! Bravo ... It is a mix of you skill and research and my getting lucky and finding your content. Peace and Grace to you and yours!
Good review. Exactly what I needed to know.
Great video as usual Torsten. I have the RB618s - and I love them. Bought them after watching your review. Channel number read out, scan function, tiny size. They have the volume knob too!
Frequency hopping does just that, it just shifts up or down the spectrum on the fly to avoid interference. It does it all seamlessly.
It would be interesting if they do frequency hopping. In the radio control world this has been used for a number of years to allow many models to be operated on the same band without causing any interference with one another. The receiver is bound to a transmiter such that the receiver only sees that transmiter and no other even though many transmiters may be switched on. If these walkie talkies do frequency hopping or spread spektrum then in theory a paired set would only talk to each other and could not be interfered with by any other transmiter. I have searched the Web for these wzlkie talkie but can find little information even on the Retevis site or instruction manual as the how this works. Regards and thanks for the video.
Just got these (RT19) for Christmas for my kids. I liked the limited buttons that they would be harder for them to accidentally change the channels. I found the volume was pretty loud - I wonder if you have defective units? Thanks for making this review
Good review. I only have a Mac. Is there a way to use these to talk to my Motorola walkie talkies which have ctss codes etc turned off?
what about if you have the earpiece in?
is there anyway you can get them to bleep once finished transmitting ?
I’ve just ordered a pair of these can you play do a more simple video of how to make them set to high power and how to do it ? I’m not very good at that kinda thing. Any help or instructions would be greatly appreciated
06:02 500mA??
What type of programming cable does this radio use?
The tinny sound is from being too close to the other unit, as you speak into the mic the feedback from the mic and speaker.
Thank you Sr.! Now I'm totally sure, i go buy it right now! XD
why are better between these and the rt22 , the 22 seems to have the older usb style yet they seem the newer unit ?
I prefer the RT22 simply because of the volume control. They're pretty similar other than that.
I like how small and thin it is, and how the battery goes in.
Any sense of how the rt15 differs from rt19/rt619?
I get the impression that Retevis just pick a massive portfolio of mass manufactured products, chuck them all out there and hope that something sticks. Some models are extremely similar except for minor design tweaks. There would be no radio performance difference between these two.
Did you use the usb or a programming cable with the software?
Programming cable with the software.
Got these pretty good radios .The retevis rb617 is an excellent radio one of the best I've had of the retevis range solid can't fault it .
I'm not a big fan of the RT619 but the RB617 seems to address a few of my pet peeves with Retevis. I'll have to get one in to take a look.
@@tdcattech I've put a pic on you're messenger.
I cant seem to get my pc to write the channels it keeps saying abnormal reading , please help
So it can read the data in but not write it back out?
@@tdcattech where do I get the software? Do I just plug in the unit and it pops up? I bought it, it's in the mail. just doing research. thanks
Judging by other tech and radio specialist channels. It will be tinny if you are talking directly into it. With the rt619 you talk across the speaker and not directly at it. Someone already showed this on this specific radio and if you talk into it in front of your mouth it sounds awful like you demonstrated it as but hold it sideways and talk across the speaker then the audio is a lot clearer and no tininess at all.
That's good info. I haven't seen that before. They really need to consider a redesign.
Looks as if Retevis radios are rebranded TYT radios. I have a couple TYT Ham radios and I'm really happy with them for how much I paid
Are they okay for kids to play at home with I just bought them for nephew and niece?
Yes. They’re all the same standard but without nice coloured cases. Just be conscious that although the range seems small, people can hear them from miles away and they are also not encrypted in any way. Basically, avoid any personal information. 👍🏻
@@tdcattech
Thanks for the response its for two kids 5 and 7 basically to play with indoors in our wet Scottish winters.
I bought these because they look robust the younger one likes taking things to bits a bit like his uncle (me). Another quick question about scanners for listening to emergency services are they legal? I'm disabled and like gadgets and remember having something we used to listen to at my cousins when we were kids. I have a degree in computing science but I'm actually a carpenter/joiner to trade. Love gadgets. Thanks for your ear!!
Scanners are legal, yes. You can't listen to the emergency services on them, however. That was only possible decades ago before EMS moved to TETRA. If you can get a radio or scanner to tune into that, I'm pretty sure it would be illegal for many reasons. The most you'll manage with a regular scanner is businesses, security companies on DMR (digital) or air traffic.
@@tdcattech I thought they might be we used to have fun listening to my cousins one but that was decades ago. Thanks for the response.