Retevis RB19P Hand Held GMRS Radio - Review Of The Retevis Slim-Line GMRS HT - RB-19P Walkie Talkie

[@IanGarris]

I had a six-pack of 'em in my Amazon cart when I saw this, too. No programming cable = no repeaters = no sale.

[@sockeatinggolden8316]

I have the FRS set of these. Bought them for my kids who will not stop removing and losing battery covers on cheaper radios. They work very well despite the STUPID preloaded codes.

[@mnb5404]

I love the desk mats! A bit of subtle messaging adds to the humor. Affiliate link below! Best youtube channel!

[@dbarnes3079]

I’m glad I watched this and you crack me up every time I watch your always informative and entertaining videos.

[@wjf213]

I really like these, but man they've got to FIX ALL THOSE ISSUES before I would even consider buying, and if they did fix them, I'd buy 6 or 8 of them for sure. Keep up the great work.

[@donaldoc]

Tell 'Em (Retevis), Sensei... I appreciate you for telling these, or any manufacturer, where they failed on new products, yet thoroughly highlight their qualities. "Thank You", for another great, and surprising, product demonstration. Also to the real star of these videos, Chris/530, for his honest feedback. Donald 565/Detroit, MI

[@GTGallop]

GODDAMNIT! HAAA! As a Ham Operator (N5MKH) I have to say... I love watching your channel. You are spot on about so much and love the humor. Thanks for keeping real - for me, your favorite viewer.

[@marshish83]

I think you must be mistaken. He told me that I'm his favorite viewer 😁

[@W3ASR]

@@marshish83 You're both wrong, I am!

[@toml.8210]

@@marshish83 Are you an "expert" too?

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

While there are many over the top “Karens” in Ham Radio, that’s not all of us. I watch this channel for the sarcasm.

[@tetra4411]

Just ordered a pair. I do care taking for an elderly women. The simplicity , small size and locking out of other transmission is perfect for my situation.

[@frankl1955]

Best GMRS channel on you tube, thanks for the help.

[@Simon_Rix]

No roger beep? Blasphemy!!!!

[@Tekenduis98]

You missed the mostest important part of the review.... does it have an option for Roger Beeps!!! ????

[@hemitj]

Great video as always. Had me laughing! "It does talkings very many fars!"🤣 Thank you!

[@scottlewis2372]

If a standard USB-C cable could be used to program them (to eliminate the codes and switch to wide band) I would declare them a winner for the $. No mention of water/dust resistance so I'm assuming not much. Certainly looks slick. Thanks, Chris and Randy.

[@marshish83]

I was thinking the same thing. I imagine a standard usb c cable that's capable of data transfer should work. I would want to find out before purchasing.

[@AU12]

A standard USB C cable doesn't work. I bought the radios last week and had to splice a USB C cable to a serial TTL adapter to get it to connect to the software. But I was able to remove all preprogrammed tones.

[@coolelectronics1759]

anyone found a button combination hack to delete the priv codes etc without a computer cable?

[@torjones1701]

I don't know why they would not use the USB C cable to program the radio, seems like a perfect way to standardize accessories. It's a cheap radio, cheap readily available cables would be a selling point since they wouldn't even have to include them in the box. Certainly a design flaw as it stands.

[@fitzventure]

HAM Operator since 300 AD here. I've been around since we clacked stone tablets together in Hebrew CW. At the beginning of the video, I was fully convinced that I could sell my daughter on this radio, because it's so aesthetically pleasing and she hates big ugly radios. But, pre-programmed with tones (unknown) and no programming cable. I'll go back to the stone tablets, thanks.

[@charleybratton]

Worse yet, every simplex channel is set with a different tone. All the repeater channels are preset with the “travel tone” 141.3 hz

[@ke8mattj]

Get with the times: we're doing FT8 on chalkboards now.

[@fitzventure]

@@charleybratton That’s just crazy.

[@k1ll8oi62]

Randy just gave us the ASMR of a lifetime.

[@Texas1FlyBoy]

ROFL.... I love these reviews. This on e is a gem! 3:45 You're still gonna have to remove stupid comments. Sorry, my friend. That comes with greatness. With great power comes great responsibility. YES! I vote for NO MORE CTCSS TONES! Retevis... PLEASE listen to Randy!

[@fb2309]

Randy, you are absolutely correct, love some of Retevis radios but this is a sale that will never happen until this is fixed. No codes out of the box.

[@hfvhf987]

"How many far does it talkings" 🤣 love it haha

[@angeloritz2483]

I bought the RB19 frs by mistake, so i got into chirp and accidently opened the RB619 and to my surprise I managed to change the frequencies and repeater tones and it worked

[@ffmedic3349]

Ive watched a lot of your videos and I dig your humor lol

[@markniceley]

Thanks Randy Smiling with that sexy radio my wife almost left me. Great job, stop looking good with radios or I will haveto watch these out of my wife's sight. 73's

[@ZNotFound]

Please teach us what the bell means. We need to know.

[@wendiig0]

Thank you for this informative review of this sleek little radio The screen reminds me of a Lite-Brite, so I'd avoid using it in Boston. Thanks again to Chris530, even if he made my wife a little sad by not saying hi to the ladies as well as the gentlemen. Glad you esteemed radio dorks are doing well out on the left coast.

[@MaxFuryan]

I was ready to look stylish for the chicks until I watched the video. Get it together Retevis. You’re leaving us feeling woefully inadequate. We need the radios. We need the chicks.

[@ke8mattj]

This. It'll really get them going if they also added a flashlight and removeable antenna.

[@fishnetmagnet]

And an alarm!

[@DARTHDANSAN]

This is gonna be my first gmrs radio so excited

[@brettgilsinger2031]

Not sure if this has been posted already, so forgive me if I am repeating common knowledge. As long as you have a cable for another radio that uses a USB connector to connect to the radio, you can use an adapter to make it work with the RB19P. I used my programming cable for my TYT TH-9800 radio, which connects to the radio with a mini-USB. I ordered a mini-USB to USB-C adapter, and it was able to program the RB19P without issue. Much cheaper and faster than getting the cable shipped from China. I got a pair of these radios to play around with, and they aren't too bad once you clear off all the stupid codes. It does only holds 30 channels in memory and does not allow you to add additional channels with the software, but for what it is... not bad.

[@ke8mattj]

Non-removable antenna and no flashlight? Lame. I think some people like Roberto and Rambones would like a HT without the ability to remove the antenna and without a flashlight. Thank you for being a pillar of the community, Randy! Same with Chris and Dave as well!

[@squallywally]

I think I might get a pair and expertly use them as frs radios

[@johngordon2929]

Luv your videos cured my insomnia

[@rftech1608]

Hi Randy! thank you for the video. Hi Chris

[@EmJayArr]

If these could be charged AND programmed using a standard USB-C cable that would be a great feature for these sleek radios. Programming with a proprietary cable that's not even available yet is a deal breaker.

[@muddy32456]

my cherokee 465 has a removable antenna. its an frs radio.

[@ectoneato]

I like the touch of ASMR with the screen protector 😆

[@coctailer]

Wish they didn't have the tones and narrow band. I would have bought a set for sure. Thanks for saving me money on the very stylish paperweights! :-)

[@Thomas-ZET]

Was about to order a set until you said preprogrammed and no cable yet

[@jeffcooke9026]

Randy - Programming cables are apparently available from Retevis. This was my email response from Retevis - Thanks for your contact, Q: Will Retevis SKU: J9138PX1, USB Programming Cable for RT20, RT65, and RB19 will also work on the RB19P radio? A: yes, Their programming cables are the same Thanks and Best Regards, Laura

[@TheNotaRubicon]

My Retevis contact told me the cable was available only by special order by contacting them directly - not available on amazon or on the Retevis website.. My contact should talk to Laura.

[@jeffcooke9026]

@@TheNotaRubicon And... the price is $7.99...

[@john3kbs]

Once the cable is available, I will add these to my collection. Which looks much like the assortment behind you... This may be linked to a deeper issue...

[@jasonbaker541]

Most importantly, does it roger beep?

[@Lrnd]

I'm from Russia. Here we usualy use this kind of radios (RB619) on PMR frequancies without licence. It is cool if you free to program its 16 or 22 channels with FRS or LPD or PMR or any freq in UHF 400-480Mhz, change N/W type of modulation or power 0.5 or 2W. And whatever you program it, it officialy stays unlicence-capeble becouse lable (wich you can show to any cop) on it claimes it 0.5W PMR with fixed short anthenna. It is not a problem at all to purchace right programming cable on Aliexpress and do with this radios whatever you whant. It looks like a toy, so very low probability that it attracts unwanted attention. And if you use headset you'll look like a talking smartphone.

[@ynot6473]

good review. i hope retevis take note. they would certainly have a place (maybe niche), if the "errors" were corrected.

[@archangel9114]

Great review as always 👏 Have you reviewed the quansheng UV-K5 yet? If so, where's the video I like to see it.

[@FrJohnBrownSJ]

Does it drain the battery quickly compared to other similar radios? Does it have a battery life indicator? How rugged does it seem? I'm attracted to the simplicity, but worried about battery life and dust/moisture. (And thanks for the videos. Always helpful)

[@jmr]

I can't find an IP rating (Ingress Protection) but it does have protective flaps over the plugs.

[@begooglybegrudged8070]

Thanks Randy. I appreciate a job well done.

[@themotofixery]

Im gonna buy that and push the button... Nevermind, it has tones!

[@SteveBluescatWeinberg]

I bought one of these in July, knowing what I was up against, after watching your um, cautionary, review. I ordered it directly from Retevis, and made sure to also get the programming cable. Of course, getting their #$&! software to work wasn't pretty, but I was able to remove all of the CTCSS and DCS codes, and make the few other allowed changes. However, this radio is nearly unusable because the volume is loud enough to cause hearing damage when powered on, and the "lowest" volume setting ought to be the highest. I wrote to Retevis, asking them to issue a firmware update to lower the volume (if possible), and got the polite response thanking me for my feedback, and that she would pass along my comments to the "production team". I am hoping enough pressure and public shaming can get them to fix this otherwise useful radio.

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

I contacted Retevis as well. I won’t use it because, being so loud, it sounds like one of those dickheads on Nextel back in 2002.

[@rueda82nd]

Yup everyone loves Chris he’s the real star ⭐️, chick want him 😂 men want to know what radios he has

[@craiggroft9600]

Cool radio, just don't key up without an antenna attached..........

[@akblair3862]

You should know better than to admonish Randy about operating without an antenna. :)

[@billruttan117]

THAT must be why Retevis glued the antenna on.

[@fishnetmagnet]

Trying to get the pin?

[@coolelectronics1759]

@@akblair3862 does usb C antenna work?

[@RogerWilco73]

Great review! Considering the pre programmed CTCSS tones and the narrow band thing AND no programming cable... Why even bother with GMRS? Just stick to FRS channels, and call it a day. WHY RETEVIS!?

[@jamesg.1233]

Good job, Thank for the updates

[@mikesenchy6055]

Cool good job Chris 🎩😎

[@santinisoriano6628]

I just bought retevis b3h for camping and hiking. How is this rb19p compared to b3h? Both are slim and sexy.

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

Hi Randy. As your favorite viewer, I wanted to say thanks for putting this video up for me. As for the Retevis RB-19P Walkie Talkies, I'm very frustrated. After viewing the vidieo, I contacted Retevis customer support and inquired as to if one of the cables on their site, listed for a Retevis RB-19 was compatible with the RB-19P. Crickets.............................. I also asked where I could download the CPS software for this radio. Again, crickets...................... My question to you is: Did Retevis ever respond to your constructive criticism of this radio: Ie., the pre-programmed tones; the narrow band settings; the lack of availability of a cable; and no apparent ability to link to a computer for changing settings. If their customer support is so weak that it can't respond to questions from would be customers and they don't respond to excellent reviews such as this one, I would want nothing to do with them. Thanks for all that you do Randy and thanks to Chris, the real star of the show. We all appreciate you guys puttiing in your time to help "further the fun". Gil - 918 West Central Florida.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

My sales contact did respond and told me she was passing my comments up the chain. But they've also said the same thing about previous radios with the same/similar issues.

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks for the prompt reply Randy. Appreciate it. Gil 918 West Central Florida

[@bullittfanatic]

Hello Nota Rubicon Productions, What's the point of removing the protective plastic film membrane covering the display? In my case when they get worn on my RT 45's or my cellular phone, I replace them with another screen protector. By the way, do you know when the Heavy Duty RB 48 will be available on Ama...? They are available on the Retevis site, but quite pricey with the shipping costs. Those preloaded tones should be thrown int the waste basket. Very informative video. CYUL

[@One-Eyed-Willly]

Great video but too many issues. I wouldn’t mind programming it but the volume issue is the kicker.

[@charleybratton]

Randy, did you test the NOAA reception? I ordered one and the empty wx channels are just presenting loud static. The active wx channel is squelched/muted. Perhaps NOAA isn’t transmitting the correct CTCSS tone?

[@charleybratton]

As a PS - I contacted Retevis and asked. First positive point, they responded overnight! I was pleasantly surprised. They had me send a video and run a couple tests for their techs. I might get some refreshed firmware to load and test. No complaints about their support

[@charleybratton]

yet another PS - I've finally received the programing cable, but the programming software downloaded from Retevis doesn't appear to allow direct modification of the radio's configuration. Rather, it only appears to allow for the upload of a pre-configured 'codeplug' (a .dat file). Does anyone know how to read, edit or create a cqodeplug for the RB19P?

[@charleybratton]

success - downloaded the config software here: :www.retevissolutions.com/rb19p-gmrs-radio#A9193D-C9034A (click on the download tab) removing the RX ctcss settings from all 30 channels also fixed the weather receive issue.

[@reallynot.]

This would be very good when wearing a radio concealed with an earpiece

[@GEAE_Denny_L]

I read on the optional programming cable not applicable on Windows 10 or Mac. Only for Windows 7 or 8. I don’t understand that.

[@bradfordsimpkins1014]

How did he get responses from everyone and every repeater without the programing cable to remove/modify the the CTSS codes??? wtf?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

I didnt say that I dont have a programming cable.. I said it's not available yet in the U.S. or easy to get.. You can't order the cable online but you CAN get one by contacting Retevis directly .

[@bradfordsimpkins1014]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks Randy. I was able to contact Retevis and purchased the programing cable... all good now.

[@RobSchofield]

Damn. I was just thinking: "How stylish does HE look??"

[@YU5CF-sv2cq]

and I like it I wanted to take it. But it may look the best of all but when there is no programming cable and the software means nothing to me.

[@josecanedo007]

Nice review 👍

[@michaelt.3805]

Hey, Randy, thanks for another honest review. Thanks for your time.

[@toml.8210]

Don't worry about the battery 200maH- thing. Us Geniuses make little mistakes too. Some of the cheaper radios have combination GMRS/FRS channels. Do you need the license to use that kind of radio, or just to use the GMRS channels (15 and up)?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

If it is a Part 95e Compliant "GMRS Radio", then the FCC says thout shall haveth yall's GMRS license to transmit.

[@toml.8210]

@@TheNotaRubicon The instruction booklets all seem to say you need the license "to transmit on GMRS channels" so I would say that refers to the GMRS-only channels, not the shared channels. I'll try it and see if I get a response? I'll get said license when they fix the price to $30.

[@Easan302]

Is there an ETA on when programming cable’s will be available?

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

They could at LEAST make the tones 141.3, so they’d work with some repeaters. “Some repeaters.”

[@straingergrappling]

Your favorite viewer!

[@tetra4411]

I bought a pair. Today drove around with one on channel 7. It picked up two different restaurant transmissions . Wonder if they use these same brands. Also if so , if you bought two pair would all 4 be able to talk to each other. ?

[@grigorirasputin5020]

They would.

[@nektar21rag]

Hi, I have for a long time now one baofeng uv-5r. I wanted to ask you, what you would suggest I get in the amount of 100 €

[@TheDalo]

Thanks for this review, I got one for Christmas and it was a pain. I like the look but the nav and the constant instant loud volume is a turn off for me. Also I got the programming cable and turned my codes off so all channels are fixed. But I cannot get the voice or language to change its like they are locked in this mode. Is there away you could do a programming video if you get the cable please?

[@charleybratton]

what did you use to turn off all the PL tones? I finally received the proper USB-C programing cable, but the downloaded programming code isn't helpful (RB19P CPS V1.0-210726)

[@TheOriginalStevenH]

Did they fix this yet or have the cable and software updated yet?

[@JavierOropeza08]

I have these and I have heard other people in the same channel

[@reimmerrill3535]

how do you live in cal ? i want too do one of your 4 wheel tour....you belong too the east cost/ i love your videos .

[@markmiller2131]

What's the trick to get the software to work? It won't run at all on my Windows 10 workstation.

[@thomasrogen3739]

Good Review Randy it would be nice if it was 5 watts but it is what it is thank you .

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You would never notice any difference in FARS between 3W and 5W, but you would notice the difference in battery life, and you would complain about it.

[@thomasrogen3739]

@@TheNotaRubicon about out on the fars thank you Rundy

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

I set all my radios at the lowest power setting, and increase if necessary.

[@johnsampson7466]

Randy, after watching your entertaining video extolling the deficiencies of this radio, I have to ask this. Have you considered doing a review on the Baofeng G11S GMRS radio? From what I've read, and seen on other videos, it seems this radio is a good entry level GMRS radio. Thoughts?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Watch my video on the Retevis RB27.. Its the same thing

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

Dang it, this radio is so damned hamsexy, I had to buy one. I hacked up a Baofeng cable for it and programmed it with the 141.3 tx only tone. I tried to turn off the LOUD voice prompts, but it doesn’t turn off. It wouldn’t be so bad if the radio didn’t always come on at full volume.

[@togeika]

You can hit repeaters and hear the "Kurchunk" in spite of the codes?

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

Most repeaters need the correct tone.

[@v0n1b0]

I was wondering the same thing 🤔

[@frankl1955]

I just got them and it has fair performance, but it does come chastised. Unless you just want to give them to the kids to play with, they are more trouble than they are worth. I had to buy a programming cable and waste time and money making it a true GMRS radio. I understand they did it to “Save the Children” but I think they just wanted to sell a programming cable. I think it was a mistake that is going to really hurt their sales and have to wonder how many of them will returned once someone found out that they will not work with other GMRS radios out of the box and no easy way to change it. They sent me a link to the software but my PC said it is an unsafe link so go figure. I have a lot of GMRS radios and my license, but this is my first retevis, and I suspect it will be my last.

[@skipf4786]

So....I'm guessing that Randy was able to get a programming cable, and remove the pre-programmed tones, and add his own repeater tones? Else how would Chris (the REAL star) be able to talk to Randy, or how could Randy kerchunk the repeater? Maybe he'll share his cable with us?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

I do have the cable - you _CAN_ get the cable, but you have to contact Retevis directly - you cant get it on amazon, you cant get it on their website. Then it ships from China.

[@skipf4786]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks, Randy, for your reply to me, your Favorite Viewer! So, I can get the radio tomorrow, and wait 6 months for the supply chain to cough up the cable...what a deal! Amazon may mislead the mis-informed, who don't watch your channel...Amazon suggests buying a cable and speaker-mike, neither will work, have Kenwwod connectors...Thanks, Skip

[@tfastlane]

I'm trying to impress my lady and she's very classy. She almost never drinks wine from the bottle. My problem is I don't have a GMRS license. Is a President Randy Handheld CB radio stylish enough to impress a very classy lady?

[@psychotic_hero]

Do standard usd-c cables work?

[@toml.8210]

He said that in the video.

[@charleybratton]

Yes, for charging only

[@youzrnaim]

HAHAHAHAH That USB-C cable. ROFL

[@eminence_front6043]

Love your videos and the information. Thanks.

[@richardwallace2590]

As your favorite viewer, a comment expert and some person I need to point out that a sexy GMRS radio is an oxymoron.

[@KC9RXP]

Style 😂😂 an important parameter for sure

[@tomperone9338]

Kind of cool in a weird sort of way, but a definite no-go as it currently sits.

[@MarkAtwood]

Supported by Chirp?

[@VtuberLife]

comme whit a usb a to c me nice 1 cable do it all cant be use to program it WHY

[@benjamart]

Zenu has one...

[@seanjohnfits]

Does anyone make such a slim and sleek Ham radio?

[@iyot1020]

Was that the Santiago repeater you hit? Lol

[@straingergrappling]

Savor the peelies 6:45

[@mehchocolate1257]

Did you get that from Amazon

[@toml.8210]

Did you watch the video?

[@goldservo]

6:56 asmr channel when?

[@EA3ISH]

very good 👍

[@pillypickleson5356]

Btw nice audio

[@christophersmith1155]

Im not going to buy a radio that I have to remove ctcss/dcs codes, it needs to work with others.

[@apar1560]

👍👍 ...Alan in 🇨🇱