Programming the Retevis RA25 GMRS Radio with a Computer

In this video, we take a look at how to program the Retevis RA25 GMRS Radio using the Retevis programming software from a computer.
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NOTE: I was sent this radio free of charge from Retevis for test and evaluation purposes which are reflected in this video.
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[@BikingHikingRadio]

I purchased this radio about a month ago and I really like it for GMRS (and ham). This is a known issue about the radio going into TX when you are hooked up to the interface to program the radio. I've found that having the radio turned off when attaching the cable to the radio and computer, then turning the radio on does not put it into transmit mode. And, when I'm done updating my radio, I immediately disconnect it after the restart. I'm enjoying your review of the radio. I like having the best of both worlds with this radio. 73 Scott.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Ah, that’s good info. Thanks Scott 👍

[@BikingHikingRadio]

@@TheSmokinApe let me know if that works for you as well. Really enjoying your series on this. 73.

[@TheSmokinApe]

WIll do, thanks again!

[@HOAHamRadio]

Enjoying the series Ape, and watching you live on the edge, installing non-blessed software

[@TheSmokinApe]

I do it for the people HOA 👍

[@thequarantinecatholic]

You always provide a unique perspective on gear! Thanks for the video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching TQC 👍

[@YeloSub7]

"Squelch Mode" matters when you want to use a RX tone. If "carrier" squelch is chosen the radio will ignore any Rx tone you have programmed. When you have a Rx tone programmed, the "squelch mode" feature will allow you to change from "carrier" to "CTS/DCS". Now your radio will recognize the Rx tone. You can also change this on the radio itself (Menu option #5)

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the info Yelo 👍

[@Shadow750Jax]

What kind of dummy load are you using? Brand? Model? Will it work across the 70 cm amateur bands as well?

[@RandellReeder]

Love your videos Ape, I was not "TRIGGERED" and continued to view these series of videos on this Retevis product. I was looking through your radioddity radio reviews and did not see the "RADIODDITY DB25-D MINI MOBILE RADIO" Me being new to HAM and was looking into the DMR mode. I was wondering your thoughts or suggestions on a radio for newbies going into DMR. KD9VBE [73].

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Randy. For DMR I really like the Btech DMR-6x2 which is a rebranded Anytone HT, I have a few videos on it that are a little older. I will see if I can get my hand on the DB25, I haven't messed with one yet.

[@tvcam32]

I have a question that I hope you can answer. Whatever is programmed into this radio when it is GMRS and Whatever is programmed into it when it is a HAM Radio, will this programmed channels stay programmed into each type of the radio you chose it to be? So if you decide one day to use it as a ham radio snd want to use what you programmed in and then perhaps you want the radio to be a GMRS Radio will the correct freq's stay in each type of radio side if you will?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Everything is erased when you swap modes.

[@tvcam32]

Thanks for responding, much appreciated

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@tvcam32 I try to get them all, but some get missed

[@YayaOrchid]

Do you know phase locked step for GMRS setting? Some mention 25k; 12.5k and 2.5k. Thanks for your informative videos.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I am pretty sure GMRS uses 20k and 12.5K 👍

[@YayaOrchid]

@@TheSmokinApe Thank you for your help. would you know what the phase step for ham radio is?

[@YayaOrchid]

Does the radio do split tones? The radio also does not allow you to add freq. other than the 30.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I didn’t test that, sorry YO 👍

[@YayaOrchid]

Thank you.

[@YeloSub7]

Yes it does split tones. In GMRS mode, it does only permit tx on 30 channels. Using it in "HAM" mode with all frequencies open it allows the use of tx on all 500 channels. Even if you only want to use fpr GMRS, it's a good option. But requires some more tedious programming. FCC part 95 rules apply... so do so "at your own risk" 🤫

[@MikieLAX]

FWIW: This radio is a clone of the Radioddity DB20-G a/k/a Anytone AT-779UV, although I hear that the Retevis flavored software generates code plugs that are not interchangeable with the Radioddity and/or Anytone ones. OTOH: The Radioddity code plugs and Anytone code plugs are interchangeable.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Didn't know that, thanks for the info 👍

[@shortdog1725]

Does this have to be powered to be programmed?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes

[@Trunkmonkey777]

I have a wakesnow programming cable I can't get it to work. Any ideas??

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hopefully is has a non-cloned chip, do you have the correct drivers installed?

[@Trunkmonkey777]

@@TheSmokinApe I don't know. I have the program from the radio website. Or is there something I am missing

[@TheSmokinApe]

When you connect the cable to the computer do you see it in device manager?

[@Trunkmonkey777]

@@TheSmokinApe yeah it shows the wake snow cable. And I have the software. I watched your video. It keeps telling me it's not reading my radio

[@temporarilyoffline]

You've been cursed and Saint Bill is watching you now.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Right. I should start watching him!

[@cornbread-KO5RN]

🐊have a good Holiday… CORNBREAD ON BAYOU

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks you too Cornbread 👍