I Got A GMRS Radio And This Happened!! Retevis RA25 GMRS

This Radio Has A Secret! Brand New Retevis RA25 20 Watt Mobile GMRS Radio.
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#hamradio #k8mrd #RA25 #retevis #gmrs

[@Dusty_Ham]

Suddenly the radio got a lot more interesting! Great video Mike!

[@hamradiotube]

didn't it?!

[@charleshamilton635]

This is such a great radio for around $100. I too was surprised at how good that little speaker sounds, and I have it setting speaker down on the dash. It also always gets good modulation reports. It scans pretty fast too. It can be easily stored in any center console.

[@hamradiotube]

I'm really happy with it. It's now a permanent resident at my operating station. My old VHF/UHF radio died so this just replaced it.

[@jaket.9193]

i bought 2 on amazon black friday special for $92. 1 for my truck and the other for my travel trailer/ portable box. I really like the expandability available with a simple reprogramming for ham frequencies.

[@walteredwards544]

They're getting closer to what I would like to see in a GMRS radio. GPS and APRS integrated into the radio. Perfect for search and rescue and for just keeping track of those in your party that may have become separated or that you're trying to link up with. It's coming,I can feel it. Thanks for this video. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Sir

[@Levy3o8]

It would be interesting if the FCC would allow for GMRS to utilize 144.390MHz and full functions of APRS such as SMSGTE and all the other stuff I'm sure I don't know about. I was surprised that (GMRS radio model I forget) had data transmission, as I thought data transmission wasn't on GMRS. It would be super cool if GMRS developed an APRS. fi equivalent website.

[@RKingis]

​@@Levy3o8It will never happen. Most GMRS users aren't gonna learn the rules for transmitting in Amateur frequencies.

[@RKingis]

The FCC as of now I believe, has a petition to allow mobile units to transmit messages & location data. I'm not sure if they would allow it, since they have strict rules for handhelds.

[@rickyrobinson4995]

The Retevis RA25 and the Radioddity DB20-G (includes programming cable) are both based on the AnyTone AT-779UV. Also, § 95.1763 GMRS states: (d) 467 MHz interstitial channels. Only hand-held portable units may transmit on these 7 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 467.5675, 467.5875, 467.6125, 467.6375, 467.6625, 467.6875, and 467.7125 MHz.

[@hamradiotube]

Ahh, hand held, that explains it.

[@RKingis]

IDK why they at least included them for monitoring.

[@TomSP9TL]

I have RA25 but a 2m/70cm one. Use it in a car. Pretty small. Fits nicely in the compartment in front of the gear stick.

[@tvcam32]

I just watched your video Mike of the Retevis RA25 and while I have seen other Ham Radio/GMRS KZbinrs show that it can be either GMRS or Amateur Radio's you're the first to say that if on the Ham radio version, you can get all the frequencies and transmit in Amateur and GMRS without having to switch it back to the GMRS version. If one has a license for both, why would it not be legal "officially" to program the radio for both of those services and transmit within both of them?

[@K1RKK]

Love the fire crackle opening! Keep on keeping on :-)

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks! Will do!

[@billhastings1006]

Hopefully one of these manufacturers will combine a unit with all funtion on a 10, 11, 12, ssb, gmrs, so people can have a base setup, instead of multiple radios.

[@bmoorear]

Thanks for this video. I have the DB-20g coming. I was planning on unlocking it and eventually using it on ham repeaters. Is there a menu to put in the repeater offset and direction? Thanks.

[@sustainlight1]

Thank you for your video What type of antena do you recommend me for that radio. I just bought the Retevis RA25 Dual Band Mobile Radio. Thanks

[@M9A1MAN]

I have this radio. Love it for the price

[@jasontamayo7522]

The hidden mode setting at the end is exactly what I was looking for. I bought two of these to use as GMRS and I've gotten used to the way they operate. They're nice radios for the price point. After getting my amateur technician license, I was looking for a way to convert these to dual band HAM VHF/UHF. This is great information.

[@jola689]

Once you have it set like you mentioned at the end, can you scan say the GMRS channels and a few amateur freq's all in the same scan group? Can you do a video on that?

[@kyroha]

I only use GMRS when camping. I have absolutely no need for a GMRS base station. But this radio, especially that little trick at the end, makes me want to set one up anyway.

[@hamradiotube]

Don't look at it as something you "need". The only things you "need" are water, food, and shelter. Everything else is a want. And there's no shame in that.

[@dougdaniels]

Midland also omits channels 8-14 on their mobile rigs. Randy theorizes that some people might think the radio is broken if those channels are limited to low power.

[@hamradiotube]

someone else said those channels are limited to HT's per the FCC part whatever...so that makes sense.

[@osculant]

Not quite, it’s just limited to 0.5w and a narrower bandwidth of 12.5khz instead of 20khz. If using those channels for FRS then you have to have a built in antenna, which relegates it to HT only de facto. I’m guessing it’s just because that way it only needs to support one bandwidth.

[@MikieLAX]

@@osculant Quite! Scroll up; there is a quote of the actual Part 95 subsection that requires on HTs to transmit on those channels.

[@seanwood8043]

The RA 20G has the same affliction, serendipitous perhaps:) ?

[@tangle70]

Since it has VOX, could set up two of them as a repeater?

[@FF4408]

Channels 8-14 are limited to 0.5 watts of effective radiated power by Part 95 rules. Channels 1-7 and 15-22 are only limited on transmitter power. They would have to permanently attach an antenna to it to guarantee that ERP for it to be acceptable on 8-14. Whole lot easier to just not have them in there 😅

[@tomperone9338]

Ah...EPR versus output power. That makes a whole lot more sense now, as I couldn't see why mobile radios simply didn't knock the power back to 0.5W on those channels.

[@RKingis]

It's written in Part 85 that 8-14 is handheld only.

[@jeffwilcox9987]

That is true about the ERP but GMRS handheld radios can transmit on those channels and they typically have higher gain antennas so the ERP is higher.

[@terryshackelford712]

Thank much my brand new Ra25 now sends & recieved In GMRS mode! 1:55

[@davidsradioroom9678]

What a radio!

[@hamradiotube]

It's pretty sweet, I'm not gonna lie.

[@wdsracer]

Cool. It is nice to know you can transmit on the ham frequencies in the event of a life or death emergency wink wink. I will be placing an order today.

[@hamradiotube]

Lol! I'm using this in the shack now. My other VHF radio died so this took it's place. Been working great for me.

[@K5QBF]

Ooo very sneaky! Good to know.

[@hamradiotube]

Right?!

[@WG5Xradio]

Hmm..this just occurred to me. I wonder, with a little of that "accidental" button pushing at the end, if two of these would make a decent poor man's satellite rig. Whole lot cheaper than two 817/818's.

[@dantheradioman]

Yes good idea. I would think Yaesu would be better on receive at least and you can do SSB compared to FM only on this guy.

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

When you get the programming cable see if you can program the ham freqs with the software. This is nice radio.

[@hamradiotube]

I'm pretty sure you can, but we're going to see what it'll do soon.

[@MikieLAX]

This radio, like its siblings the Radioddity DB20-G and Anytone AT-779UV, support different "Modes" for GMRS or ham radio, which require different code plugs to save the allocated channels.

[@jimkunkle2669]

AnyTone sells this exact same radio in 15W. It does "the thing" too.

[@michaelcotellessa6509]

What GMRS radio HT do you thing is the best because I want to start using since my licence and talk to people on my area NJ any help would be appreciate.

[@dantheradioman]

I picked up the Radioddity GM30 for under $40 on Amazon.

[@oldmanandguitar]

The CRT electro can be a ham or GMRS,

[@johnkaelberer237]

Looks like a decent basic radio. It should work well for someone wanting a small radio on the desk or in their vehicle. Not to sure I like that it can transmit on Ham frequencies. This is not exactly a radio that will be purchased by Ham Radio operators....Just sayin...But Mike, your so very excited about this radio....Stop the Cap....lol Wishing your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

[@hamradiotube]

It's permanently installed in the shack now. My other VHF radio died so I replaced it with this. I really like it. Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

[@johnkaelberer237]

@@hamradiotube What are you going to get to replace the one that died ? I figure you'll want more than 16 watts at some point. But maybe not. Enjoy the Turkey !

[@hamradiotube]

@@johnkaelberer237 You know, honestly there’s only 2 repeaters I can hit regardless and I can hit both with this radio. Not really a reason to change it.

[@johnkaelberer237]

@@hamradiotube Sounds like the radio will work perfectly for your needs, so why not !. My name is John, I'm a radio snob. It's been two weeks since I've purchased a radio (Yaesu FT-891 for portable). I'm just one of those idiots who only buys Yaesu's and Icom's. I have a couple Kenwood UHF commercial radios I use for GMRS. I can't help myself. If I had the $$$, I'd also have Flex and Elecraft radios. I have slummed a couple of times and own a G-90 and a whole bunch of Baofeng's to hand out to people I hate when the SHTF....lol. Nothing wrong with a lower priced radio when it meets your needs and performs in the way you desire. It is an interesting radio for sure. Love your channel and the content. You're having too much fun.... Don't change.

[@BrickoMode]

Why do we want CTS off?

[@perryphillips6182]

Hi Mike. First I want to say I love your videos and hope to make contact with you someday on HF. Appreciate you doing what you do, I feel like I have learned a lot from you. I have one quick question about the Retevis RA25. I've seriously been looking at the Radioddity DB20G but after seeing your video about the Retevis RA 25 and it and a couple of others supposed to be the same radio, I followed a link someone listed here, I can order the Retevis and get it quicker and a little bit cheaper. But in the description it shows the Retevis to only have 30 memory channels. Have you found that to be true or is it a misprint ? Thank you again for doing everything you do for us. Take care and 73 k4plp

[@MikieLAX]

I find more recent firmware from Radioddity on their DB20-G, which supports 9 more DIY Repeater channels: Channel 31-40.

[@Gta2O13]

Qyt 8900D also dose the same.

[@joebeasley3rd]

The Anytone 779UV is also the Radioddity DB20G, and Retevis RA25. The hardware is all the same.

[@hamradiotube]

Hmm. Good to know. I'm not familiar with either of those radios.

[@CycleRayinOK]

Does the Anytone 779UV have the switchable mode, so that you could set it to GMRS / USA only? I want GMRS Mobile for my vehicles, so that family members can talk, but then being able to select dual band HAM when I am in the vehicle would be fantastic.

[@MikieLAX]

@@CycleRayinOK Yes

[@MikieLAX]

Seems like Radioddity and Anytone have better updated firmware, with features like to allow 9 more DIY GMRS Repeater channels 31-40.

[@ronfazer2423]

Since this radio only advertises 30 channels, can you save channels from the Unlocked portion? The other radio Anytone AT-779UV advertises 500 channels?

[@RKingis]

It deleted all channels when you switch it.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It's the Retivis brand Retivis-Retivis

[@pieterdutoit9642]

a real sneecy little toy just what Mike needed !!

[@hamradiotube]

Exactly!

[@michaelchambers7691]

I got this radio and cable, I'm going to try Chirp with it.

[@EdwardGriffin]

FCC Part 911 Type Acceptance 😉

[@bigchew3149]

i bought mine 2-3 months ago and I Got the Programing Cable with mine..& these are fun little radios i have mine set up with a combo..lol. 2m 70cm as well as the GMRS & MURS freq's + a fuw local ems type stuff ..It Did Take Some doing as their soft ware was just so klunky/Cluttered well( just CRAP IMHO) & I Really Didn't Like it n still is not my favorite software But I Made my self learn it an Other than halving to manually punch every single freq in by hand 1 at a time its ok The Radio seams to be a Little Champ i think mine is doing 18-23w on a Diamond X30 But soon to be Comet X9 With Messi & Palonoi Hyperflex10 Shara & EVO Connectors & then i am going to recheck every thing & Hope my swr is 1.0 ish..because i have a plan..SHHH haha !

[@kc6nfv746]

you do know you key the mic with out a dummy load or antenna that a good way to blow up the rocks in the radio then it wont transmit until you put in a new part

[@hamradiotube]

Yes I do.

[@kb9liq]

Where is the cheapest place to order here in the US and get it in under a week or so? One says 20-30 days on shipping

[@hamradiotube]

Retevis has links in the description to their Amazon store. I just looked and it said I would have it Tuesday. RA25: www.amazon.com/dp/B08NWMDMST

[@kb9liq]

@@hamradiotube Wonder why the GMRS version cost more than the dual band version. Then need to find the programming cable

[@RKingis]

@@kb9liq They probably still a ton for ham world wide, but GMRS is only in the US, and limited numbers will sell.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"And This Happened!" I turned it on.

[@djsoundzentertainment42]

Only handheld GMRS radios can have channels 8-14. Mobile GMRS radio are not allowed to have them.

[@hamradiotube]

But I was clearly holding this radio in my hand!

[@This_Month_In_History]

Is the trick still functional or did they remove it?

[@freighter1097]

I purchased two of them and got them a few days ago. Yes, it still works.

[@MikieLAX]

It's a feature; not a bug!

[@davef5595]

Can it receive the NOAA channels?

[@yungsmile7546]

Yes, once you unlock it for the dual band

[@MikieLAX]

The updated firmware in the Radioddity DB20-G includes NOAA channels in GMRS Mode without having to unlock it.

[@kevinsterling8942]

Love your content. I recommend that you lose the background music!

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. I find videos very boring and monotonous without background music. It's in almost any production you watch.

[@kevinsterling8942]

@@hamradiotube perhaps the music was just not far enough into the background. It’s not my intention to rage on you. I appreciate your content.

[@hamradiotube]

@@kevinsterling8942 No worries, I didn't take it that way. But being a musician and music lover, I don't see myself not adding music to my videos.

[@kc6nfv746]

tell the company if they want to sell lot of those radio send 3 radio to matts of road recovery with antenna pre tune the antenna for them they use the radio their viewer will buy it matt is on you tube he has cheap quality made radio walkie talkie he needs mobile radio tell them program those radio with simplex frq donate those radio to them for free their fans will buy those radio

[@Wayde-VA3NCA]

Upvote the posts that don't like the radio, let's win them a radio :-D

[@hamradiotube]

hahaha

[@hazratmuhazmat8831]

I want a mobile GMRS that allows multiple channels with different codes that you can name for the different repeaters.

[@hamradiotube]

This would do all of those things.

[@45auto]

Just to kick the hornet's nest, if you have a ham license and a GMRS license why should it be illegal to have a radio that does both? If you don't have a license you can listen to a ham radio and the same with a GMRS radio, yes?

[@K6ARK]

Completely valid question. I would argue the same applies to Part 90. Why do you need a locked-down radio if you're a trained, licensed user that is taught to prevent interference with others?

[@hamradiotube]

Because we're dealing with the government. The GMRS people don't talk to the Ham people. They have no idea what's going on.

[@spaceflight1019]

Probably for the same reason that scanners are still sold as "cellular blocked" even though the analog bands have been abandoned years ago.

[@palehorse7377]

By far the saddest of sad hams I have ever encountered are GMRS dweebs. IDK who is trolling this 575 repeater but every morning someone presses DTMF codes and sends them all into epic fits of pure impotent rage. 🤣

[@monte4891]

Radio is straight up junk. I bought the Radioddity brand of this radio and its no good I sent it back the next day. The Rx sensitivity of it is garbage and big loss of power when TX. Don't wast your money on this radio you get what you pay for. Pay a little more for a much better radio.

[@hamradiotube]

Really? I'm actually enjoying this radio. My other VHF radio died so this has replaced it in the shack. I've got no complaints.

[@spaceflight1019]

I had a Radioddity QB25 that lasted exactly two weeks past its warranty. No help for me. No repeat customer.

[@MikieLAX]

My Anytone AT-779UV works better on 2 Meters and 70 cm than does my Yaesu FT-857. This is my radio of choice now both in the shack and in the mobile (which is the Radioddity DB-20G). Connect to my rooftop Comet Tri-bander I get great simplex range and hit repeaters 80+ miles from my location.

[@goodoz9942]

Seems like a cheap radio. Complicated with button functions...not intuitive at all. Also, you bring up "compander" then blow it off with no significance? Compander means something...you should learn about it if you mention it. It requires a 2nd radio with same capabilities.

[@RKingis]

Actually any radio that is capable of receiving can listen to a radio transmitting with the compounder on.

[@coolman1987us]

Its illegal. cant have both services on the same radio. period

[@hamradiotube]

You are not wrong.

[@K6ARK]

For those looking for the source, "§ 95.337 Operation of impermissibly modified equipment prohibited" is the section that covers this. Doesn't make it illegal to use on ham bands, just on GMRS frequencies.

[@Littrell1966]

Illegal to drive above the speed limit too!!!

[@M9A1MAN]

Sad ham?

[@K6ARK]

@@Littrell1966 there's value to knowing the rule, and IMO the reasons for it, before you make a decision whether or not to violate it.

[@charleszimmermann7784]

Don't waist your money on this Radio purchased it and it is a complete P.O.S. terrible filtering ( receive Ham frequencies while on GMRS, which locks you out of transmission on GMRS, nightmare manually programing, not too bad with computer, however when you turn the radio off it looses saved memories or part of ( not all the time but enough to be really irritating) DO NOT WAIST YOUR MONEY ! On this radio even if you are on a fixed budget wait and buy a real radio.