Retevis RA86 GMRS Radio Power Test

In this video, we perform a power output test on the Retevis RA86 GMRS Mobile Radio.
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NOTE: I was sent this radio from Retevis free of charge in exchange for this video review.
Links to products in the video:
👉Retevis RA86 GMRS Radio: amzn.to/3IAK7fC
👉Nissei SWR and Watt Meter RS-40: amz.run/5gpV
👉Nissei Digital SWR and Watt Meter: amzn.to/3LQCHHi
👉MFJ Dry Dummy Load: amz.run/5h4B
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[@Siskiyous6]

In the real world that 3W, or the 13W will still get you heard, in particular if you make a good choice of antennas, and install them well. Glad you got this out, after our chat last night I was wondering if you would. Mobile GMRS is a great addition to outdoor activities.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Agreed, thanks for watching LC 👍

[@HOAHamRadio]

TheSmokinApe gets all the cool toys!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Lol, thanks Bob 👍

[@KS0JD]

Man I can't image a GMRS user spending the money for LMR400, but that is what you need at GMRS Freq. Great video! 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Jeff, I tend to agree. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jav_eee]

I put LMR400 on my personal repeater on the ranch. Just a hobbyist!

[@ronfazer2423]

I like your short informative reviews! If I was a big GMRS user I would consider this unit. Meow, Meow...

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Ron 👍

[@Thump2030]

good power review, GMRS the new CB?????

[@TheSmokinApe]

It sure seems that way Thump 👍

[@45auto]

With the lossy coax removed it was close enough to the suggested power output. In a real world application, people are likely to use small, lossy coax when they mount this radio (or any other mobile radio) in their vehicle. This should let them know the consequences of doing that.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey 45, totally agree 👍

[@temporarilyoffline]

Power Right Meow!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Right

[@SgtRudySmith31bRet]

Great short video! How would you compare it to the midland mxt275?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry man, I do not have the midland 👍

[@AvoidingChores]

I was looking for a simple mobile GMSR to put in the buggy this might fit the bill. Now to find a way to get it shipped up here.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Jim, hope you are doing well 👍

[@DD-gd3fr]

Good test thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching DD 👍

[@TheGmr140]

nice little radio

[@TheSmokinApe]

It is pretty cool, thanks for watching 👍

[@M511Tactical]

Manufacturer provides software and claims there are channels Ian reserve. Are you able to save multiple repeater channels (same channel different tones for diff locations)

[@TheSmokinApe]

I am pretty sure you can with the software.

[@cornbread-KO5RN]

MEOW

[@TheSmokinApe]

Howdy Cornbread

[@cornbread-KO5RN]

Like that me ter

[@TheSmokinApe]

Me too!

[@2148aa]

Why not test the 467 MHZ repeater channel transmit power????

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Bryan, the max out on this radio is 20w 👍

[@2148aa]

@@TheSmokinApe Jail broken Retevis RA25 151 MHz Business band 23.5 watts 156 MHz marine 22 watts 159 MHz Trucking/Railroad 21 watts 462 MHz GMRS ch15-22 18.5 watts 467 MHz repeater uptake 17 watts Radioditty GM30 462 MHz ch15-22 4.5 watts 467 MHz ch 15-22 repeater uptake 3 watts I run mostly open squelch and live in the middle of nowhere. With the line of site of UHF and a neutered Jpole on the house. I hear local with less noise from far away. I prefer a 1/4 wave antenna on a vehicle over 5/8 wave which is hit and miss. 1/4 wave is short. If I hear it//it is a solid signal and likely I can talk to it. UHF is not a good format for DXing.

[@johnegan4826]

have this radio cannot hit a repeater help thank you from john

[@TheSmokinApe]

Does the repeater have PL tones?

[@johnegan4826]

yes it does

[@blugoose86]

where are the cat reviews Ape?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m working on a tabby video 🐈

[@junkman2758]

Remember every watt counts if you don’t believe me ask the CB’r

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fair point JM 👍

[@DonzLockz]

I'm offended cause that GRMS stuff ain't no good for me downunder son!😂🐈🐈🐈🐈 I however do get triggered with forced political crap or 2A pushing swill in HAM video's. Also bullies in HAM radio including some of my local club members mean I don't associate with them anymore. I'm too old the deal with bully OM's putting new HAM's down just because they've been HAM'S for 50yrs.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I never understand that ham bullies 👍