Retevis RT22 Tour and Programming Guide

I couldn't find a ton of videos about the RT22, so I decided to throw something together to show some of the things that aren't explained well in the manual.
Here are some other videos about the RT22 that I recommend:
• Compact & Slim 2W Walk...
• BEST Two Way Radio Rec...
Edit 2/18/2021:
It seems that some people have had trouble getting the programming software to work. This is an archive of two different versions of the programming software, plus the stock configuration and FRS configuration with no CTCSS or DCS codes applied: mega.nz/folder/TId2zBLT#XG7gw...

[@josegregoriotillero9305]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it helped me a lot and I learned to handle my radios better 🙂

[@1billiedale]

Excellent explanation and demo. Just received a pair in camo. Nice looking.

[@themeepitleader]

This is very helpful, thank you! C: trying to figure out how to program mine to communicate with other radios by another company. Thanks for your video

[@LK-bz9sk]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks so much. Just subbed

[@Bianchi77]

Nice info, thanks for sharing it:)

[@raymoooon]

Did the website just change or something.

[@GizFab]

I bought a set of these for our Race Team, 6 Radios, 2 For Drivers, 4 for the Pit Crew. I used this this weekend for the first time and had a terrible experience with them. To start with it seems a handful of other teams were using Channel 1, But Comms to the pits seemed fine. We changed to Channel 14 on all the radios for the remainder of the day, and unless i was in direct sight of the other radios (within 0.5m) i was unable to get radio contact. Is this because Channel 14 is 0.5w as in the video? Changing to a 2w channel will allow the radio to work for a further distance?

[@JacobExplains]

Yes, channels 8-14 are only 0.5W of output power. I recommend using channels 1-7 or 15-22 for something like a race track. Since these radios only go up to channel 16, that limits your options a bit, but you should be able to find a mostly clear channel. You could also program in some privacy codes to at least filter out the other people on the channel.

[@pmisra]

This is super-helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enabling people like me. Question - can you create a video showing how to program RT22 with privacy codes? You mention that in the video, but I couldn’t find any videos with that information.

[@JacobExplains]

Thank you! I’ll see if I can put together a video about setting privacy codes.

[@ncadvr]

very good video

[@MiLaNoSaR]

Great video Jacob! Thank you very much! Quick question, to change the language, does it have to be done as well through the software?

[@JacobExplains]

It's been a while since I looked at the software, but I believe there is a setting for language. If you are going to program a bunch of radios, you'll want to set the language there first so you don't have to manually set the languge on each one after programming. That being said, they should come from the factory set to English, so you shouldn't have to worry about that setting unless it gets changed accidentally.

[@howardkim3542]

Thanks for your video - very informative. I noticed you didn't talk about the Channel Spacing. What's the difference between Wide and Narrow? And which ones is more beneficial for communicating on ski slopes?

[@JacobExplains]

Wide is 25kHz, and Narrow is 12.5kHz. I made a mistake in the video and left the channel spacing on Wide. For FRS frequencies, this should be set to Narrow. The setting doesn't affect the communication range, but both radios need to be on the same setting. If a radio is set to Wide, and it receives a signal from a radio set to Narrow, the audio will sound quiet. If a radio is set to Narrow and it receives a signal from a radio set to Wide, the audio will sound loud and distorted.

[@zachludewig7115]

thank you so much!!!

[@jonwiersig5800]

Wonderful video, Jacob. My organization is going to try using RT22s with a mix of Motorola, Cobra, and DeWalt radios. Thanks to you, I hope to be able to reprogram the RT22s when the cable arrives Monday from Amazon. QUESTION: The FCC site you referenced in the video shows 12.5 KHz bandwidth. The RT22 default bandwidth is "wide" which another youtube video says is 25 KHz. Is changing the bandwidth to "narron" (which other youtuber says is 12.5KHz) advisable? Thanks!!!

[@JacobExplains]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Yes, I would recommend switching the bandwidth to "narrow".

[@jonwiersig5800]

@@JacobExplains Thanks SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!

[@steverhodey2718]

Jacob, will these radios work right out of the box? I purchased a 20 pack for our small plant, I assume they will be just fine turn key but if they must be programmed I'll have to buy the cable also. Thanks!

[@JacobExplains]

Yes, they will work right out of the box for talking with other RT22 radios (assuming they're all programmed the same way from the factory). If you want to use other brands of FRS radios in your plant, you'll want to reprogram the RT22 radios to remove the "privacy code" setting from each channel.

[@fabiovelotti4730]

hi, I purchased 4 RT622Ps, could you help me, I would like to use one of the 4 radios as master, that is, channel one can receive from the other three without selecting the channel, but to transmit with the others you must select their single channel, I hope it's clear!

[@jazzyla9]

How do you get the beep beep out of my RT1 Retevis radio usuing the software?

[@fabiovelotti4730]

ciao sai come posso programmare in modo da utilizzare una di quattro come master ? cioè 3 radio possono comunicare con un canale

[@briankendall1978]

I am trying to decipher the DCS tones labels in the programming software. Do you have any idea what those codes for the DCS tones represent? Thanks :o)

[@JacobExplains]

Ii'm not sure, but maybe the DCS code is the number between the "D" and the "EE"? Do you have another radio you're trying to match the DCS code with?

[@briankendall1978]

@@JacobExplains I borrowed an rt22 and found the code on Ch 14 of the retevis was 62 on my Motorola frs radio. I have not had time to find the rest of them. The dcs tones are from 39 up to 121. It is a bit of a pain to step through all of them. Thanks for replying btw. : )

[@assocpress]

I don’t know much about radios but I see that these are FRS not GMRS. Is that a big difference? Wanting radios for camping/hunting etc. I’m wanting to get like 4-6 radios. Thanks much.

[@JacobExplains]

FRS and GMRS have some overlap in channels, and can talk between each other. However, while FRS is free for anyone to use, GMRS requires you to purchase a 10-year license for $70. This license covers your immediate family, and allows you to use the extra channels and higher power outputs allowed with GMRS. You can read more about it here: www.buytwowayradios.com/gmrs-fcc-licensing

[@deadlysynftw]

Very informative video, What happens if you go into the device manager and it's not classified as a COM3?

[@JacobExplains]

It could show up as any COM number. It depends on what else you have connected to your computer. Just select the option in the Retevis software that matches the COM number you found in Device Manager. For example, if the "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port" device shows up as COM7 in Device Manager, you should select the COM7 option in the Retevis software.

[@martindoyle5419]

im new is there a way to program this specific radio to make a tone when pressing and depresing the talk button? step by step would be nice

[@JacobExplains]

I don't see an option for that in the manual or in the software, sorry.

[@peterliljequist160]

I purchased two of these in May 2020. None of the 467 MHz low power channels are programmed. Only the 462 MHz 2 watt channels. Looks like they changed the frequencies to remove the 0.5 watt channels.

[@kenthompson7985]

Great video. I find the channel lock resets on power cycles. I would like them to stay locked from day to day to make it easier for all users. Any suggestions?

[@JacobExplains]

I didn't realize that, since I just use these for fun. I don't think there's any way around it other than training the users to make sure the radio is on the right channel each time they turn it on.

[@kenthompson7985]

@@JacobExplains probably isn't. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@richardsaldivar7809]

How do I sync an RT22 with an RB26?? I have 6 RT22s and just got 2 RB26s. Need them all to work together! Any help is greatly appreciated!

[@JacobExplains]

You will probably have to sync them manually. Use the software for the RT22 to download the programming to your computer so you can see what the frequency and channel numbers are set to, then use the software for the RB26 to program the RB26s with the same frequency and channel numbers. It will take a few minutes to do, but after that you will be able to program new RB26s using the same settings.

[@thecover9999]

Would you be able to link the USB driver download or somehow send it? Im trying to look for it on retevis but I can't find it i believe maybe they removed it or something, nice video!

[@JacobExplains]

Windows automatically found and installed the correct driver for me, so I don't have one to link you to, sorry.

[@thecover9999]

@@JacobExplains aww man. Thanks for the reply!

[@raymoooon]

I just bought a set of these, but the websites changed so I downloaded the RT22S software from the support tab in their product details, but my PC still won't recognize it.

[@JacobExplains]

I recommend trying the 20161008 version of the software from here: mega.nz/folder/TId2zBLT#XG7gwTVTMY-qaQuCT0Bskw I also recommend trying out the open source CHIRP software: chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home

[@kc_pinfishing5105]

hello there, I watch this video over and over. I have 10 units to program to communicate with the old ones, for some reason the com1 communication port is stuck. I also couldn't edit the rx/tx frequencies. the cable is good, but it won't read/write the radios. do you think its a software issues? please help.

[@JacobExplains]

When you say "the com1 communication port is stuck", do you mean that it won't let you select a different com port? Or do you mean that it won't let you select "com1"? Either way, verify the com port that your programming cable is using, and select whatever one Device Manager says. As for the rx/tx frequencies, I've heard that some of the newer versions of this radio are more "locked down", and they won't let you change the frequencies. I don't have any of the newer versions, though, so I can't confirm that.

[@kc_pinfishing5105]

@@JacobExplains thank you for the reply, the com1 is grayed out and so ALL the frequencies. I can see my com port match with the device manager but soon as I click, its not saving and com1 grayed out still selected. wouldn't care so much with frequencies, just want them communicate with the old radios with same channel, as we used this to communicate at a memory care facility.

[@JacobExplains]

@@kc_pinfishing5105 If COM1 is greyed out in the software, that means it doesn't think there's anything connected to it. Have you tried restarting your computer? As for the frequencies, did you update the software recently? Some people are saying that the newer software doesn't allow you to change as many things. Check the link at the bottom of the video description, and try the 20161008 version. You may also want to try using CHIRP to see if that works better: chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home

[@kc_pinfishing5105]

@@JacobExplains thank you Jacob. I ended up using CHIRP. all good now.

[@chairsmissing2621]

Are there compatibility issues with the latest Retevis software and Win 10? I can see the radio on com 3 or 4 in device manager but the software refuses to select it in the software. It always stays on com 1. Very helpful video BTW.

[@JacobExplains]

I haven't had that particular issue with v1.05 of the Retevis software on Windows 10, but I recommend using the older version of the software anyway. Try the 20161008 version of the software here: mega.nz/folder/TId2zBLT#XG7gwTVTMY-qaQuCT0Bskw

[@chairsmissing2621]

@@JacobExplains yeah, I grabbed the older version and did some reprogramming this morning. lots of interference in downtown TO with the stock setup. your video helped a bunch!

[@chairsmissing2621]

@@JacobExplains Ended up just getting Chirp which I think is a much better option. Moved my set of radios off the stock frequencies and privacy codes and I'm no longer getting any interference in downtown Toronto.

[@JacobExplains]

@@chairsmissing2621 Awesome! I'm glad you were able to get Chirp working. I wasn't able to get it to work with my RT22s when I first released this video, but I'm sure they've put a lot of work into the tool since then. I'll have to try again!

[@systemone4551]

My Program just gives me an error & COM3 wont stay selected

[@El_Plazo]

Hey, i have a little problem with that same model, i gave the wt to some guy to talk at work, but when he returned it back to me, it was in japanese language, and he doesn’t know what happened. So I wonder if you know how to change the language back to English. He never used a program cable, so there must be a combination of buttons to change language. Thanks!

[@JacobExplains]

I figured out how to change the language without using the programming software, and it seems like something that could happen accidentally. I made a video showing how to do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6upn2iCrM-Xas0 (written instructions in the description)

[@El_Plazo]

@@JacobExplains Thank you bro

[@ned8625]

Oh that's why his voice is so funny

[@cheezycheddar211]

Can I program with just the mini usb cable? I don't think I have the programming cable.

[@JacobExplains]

Unfortunately, no. The mini USB port is only for charging the battery.

[@pavloholovatiuk7787]

Good day Jacob. I have the same issue with downloading programming soft for rt-22. Please share the direct link for rt-22 programming soft if you have. I would be thankful a lot. Thanks )

[@JacobExplains]

You can find the software by going to the RT-22 page on the Retevis website www.retevis.com/RT22-small-pocketable-License-free-radio/, then clicking on "Support", then "Firmware/Software". Here's a direct link to the software, although I don't know if this link will work forever: www.retevis.com/resources_center/software/RT22-programming-software.zip

[@pavloholovatiuk7787]

@@JacobExplains Thanks Jacob. Looks like they remade a website a bit.

[@brentbooth7953]

Is there a way to turn off the voice that says on and off and the numbers? I just want to turn it on and have it say nothing.

[@JacobExplains]

Not that I know of, sorry!

[@bobdobbs1051]

just purchased a pair of 6 rt22. Can read and write from the software but wont let me change frequencies (frequency range is greyed out) I'm worried them being license free I cannot change the frequencies. Any Ideas?

[@JacobExplains]

I haven't had that issue. Can you change the DCS or CTCSS codes? Are the frequencies correct FRS channels? If so, I wonder if they had to make a revision to the hardware or software that prevents changing the frequencies to go out of the FRS/GMRS range. I'm not sure what else it could be.

[@Atic]

@@JacobExplains I think they have changed the sotware yes, although I found a way of changing at least some on the channels. Any chance you kept the old instalation file? [e-mail]

[@Atic]

@@JacobExplains or sending me the RT22 original file to try and edit on CHIRP before I buy a set of these

[@JacobExplains]

@@Atic I've added a link to the video description of an archive of older versions of the software and a couple of different configurations.

[@Atic]

@@JacobExplains thanks man! I will have a look!

[@Jakelol1980]

Is the RT22 the same as the RT622 or whats the differens?

[@JacobExplains]

I think the only difference is that the RT622 is set up for PMR446 frequencies, and the RT22 is set up for FRS frequencies.

[@RatQueen]

Hi I really need help programming my new RT22s to my work's older versions of the RT22s. Theirs were purchased on amazon but I got mine directly from Retevis which means they're coming from overseas. I'm having a hard time figuring out how to just get them to talk to each other, I don't need to do anything fancy. Please help!

[@JacobExplains]

I suggest programming all of the RT22s (the older ones and the overseas ones you bought) with the same settings. Use the settings I show at 18:46 on all RT22s, and you will be able to talk between all of them.

[@RatQueen]

@@JacobExplains There are about 30 of them and they belong to my workplace... LOL. Any way to fix the new ones?

[@JacobExplains]

@@RatQueen If you can bring one of the old ones home, you can use the Retevis software to download the programming of the old radio. Then you can unplug the old radio, plug in the new radio, and upload the programming to the new radio. Make sure you save the programming to your computer so you can program new radios later.

[@mrphotomanTIM]

my com 2 is set in the software, when i chage the com to com 3 it will not save even though the cable is set to com 3. please help

[@JacobExplains]

Try using the older version (20161008) of the software here: mega.nz/folder/TId2zBLT#XG7gwTVTMY-qaQuCT0Bskw

[@Humble-Bee]

I tried programming them with chirp but can't make them to enter programming mode? Intent to use with a repeater and codes, the baofend 888s works perfect but don't like their appearance, this are perfect size and looks firm and professional

[@JacobExplains]

I haven't been able to get the RT22 to work with CHIRP, either. I always use the older 20161008 version of the RT22 software here: mega.nz/folder/TId2zBLT#XG7gwTVTMY-qaQuCT0Bskw

[@epexlinux]

I have a pair of Baofeng bf-r5's pretty much the same as this radio

[@TheSilveradoboy10]

About to order 4pack from amazon. Question is if they work right off the box? Don’t want nothing fancy. Just a way to communicate between radios in box. Don’t have computer near by that’s why.

[@JacobExplains]

It depends. I've heard that radios made more recently are programmed correctly, but I haven't bought any recently.

[@TheSilveradoboy10]

@@JacobExplains they are good. Just tested. Thanks

[@JacobExplains]

@@TheSilveradoboy10 Awesome! Thanks for confirming.

[@sheldenrocks]

Does anyone know when their site will get those programs to download again cause their whole recourses page is down, i just got 4 rt19 and i cant seem to get the head phones to work with the walkie talkies.?

[@JacobExplains]

It looks like they have resources listed alongside the products now. Click on "Servicesupport" in the top right of this page: www.retevis.com/rt19-license-free-two-way-radio/ Or here's the direct link to the RT19 programming software: www.retevis.com/resources_center/software/RT19_FRS_SETUPV2.1.zip

[@nachobusiness4355]

Jacob Explains do you know where the usb universal driver is? I am trying to program some RT22s but it’s not letting me read. I believe it to be because the driver is not installed. Also I noticed that the comm port isn’t named prolific USB-to-Serial comm port but instead USB Serial Port (COM3)

[@JacobExplains]

@@nachobusiness4355 I'm not sure. Windows automatically installed the driver when using the included Kenwood-style programming cable.

[@nachobusiness4355]

Jacob Explains thank you for responding but I found the issue. The programming cable wasn’t going into the radio fully.

[@jeremyschorzman636]

Hey there, I'm trying to get my Motorola vl50 to work with the rt22s. I can transmit from the retevis but my retevis does not pick up sound from my motorola. it will blink green showing that it is receiving a transmission but no sound comes out, any chance you could help?

[@JacobExplains]

Your RT22s are probably programmed with privacy codes on each channel. The flashing green light shows that they're receiving the signal, but they're not opening the squelch so you can hear it because it's not using the privacy code the RT22 is listening for. If you have a programming cable and a Windows machine, you can use CHIRP to read the default settings, remove all the privacy codes, and write the new settings to the radios.

[@jeremyschorzman636]

@@JacobExplains Do you by chance have the link for the program I need I tried to find it but couldn't

[@jeremyschorzman636]

@@JacobExplains Also am I able to do it on a mac?

[@JacobExplains]

@@jeremyschorzman636 Here's the direct link to download Chirp. Choose the "Mac OS Application" Option: trac.chirp.danplanet.com/chirp_next/next-20230515/

[@jeremyschorzman636]

@@JacobExplains I couldn't get that to work it wouldn't recognize the port, do you have the link for the windows software for rt22s? I can't find it.

[@kraziegtv]

Can this radio program to talk through the microphone on the earpiece and everyone in the channel hear you , something like an open mic

[@JacobExplains]

Yes! You can do that by pressing the push to talk button first, or using the VOX (voice-activated) setting.

[@kraziegtv]

@@JacobExplains how can I activate the VOX settings

[@JacobExplains]

@@kraziegtv You need to turn on VOX in the programming software.

[@kraziegtv]

@@JacobExplains oh I see , guess I need to get the software and also the cable , how can I lock it on one channel

[@Grizuo]

does anyone know the default privacy code for channel 16 on the retevis r22?

[@jocelynzhang355]

It's D462I

[@emmanuelfloresrodriguez1968]

que problema tiene estática y a la misma vez prende foco verde

[@Tazzmann1990]

I can’t get mine to download drivers I downloaded prog but won’t let me add anything

[@JacobExplains]

Have you tried a different USB port? Maybe try restarting the computer with the cable plugged in?

[@kiritokirigaya1151]

How do you know if it's fully charged?

[@JacobExplains]

When the radio is off, and you plug it in to charge, the light will turn red to indicate that the radio is charging. When it is fully charged, the light will turn green.

[@godfree2canada]

similar to bf-r5 which is more modern

[@thoughtsfromaidiot5928]

These look a lot like the baofeng GT 22 so I'm kind of wondering if it's the same thing.

[@JacobExplains]

I see what you mean. It's entirely possible that they're the same hardware but with different firmware.

[@brianwalter7907]

I have some of these Baofengs. They are nearly, but not quite, identical. The Baofeng GT-22's seem be be missing the scan and channel lock features. And you open the squelch with the "-" button instead of the "+". And the default channel configuration is different.

[@usernamemykel]

What's the indication when the radio has fully charged up?

[@JacobExplains]

While it's charging, the light on the top is red. When it's done charging, the light turns green. I don't think there's a way to check the battery charge level while using it, though.

[@usernamemykel]

During scanning, the NOAA guy yaps on and on, EXIT doesn't move on from him - what to do?

[@broadfall1]

didn’t this change in 2017...... Starting in 2017, the FCC separated FRS and GMRS. They now allow a maximum of 2 watts on FRS radios

[@JacobExplains]

A maximum of 2 watts is allowed on FRS channels 1-7 and 15-22. A maximum of 0.5 watts is allowed on FRS channels 8-14. More info: wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FRS/GMRS_combined_channel_chart All FRS channels are also GMRS channels, but there are a few channels exclusive to GMRS. The separation of FRS and GMRS refers to the radios. Before 2017, many FRS radios were advertised as FRS and GMRS, and allowed users to transmit on GMRS channels without making it clear that they needed a license to transmit on those channels. Products must now be advertised as either FRS or GMRS, not both. They also increased the power limit for FRS (as you said), and added FRS channels 15-22.

[@godfree2canada]

i use dial 8-15 for frs 15-22. avoid 8-14ch

[@4kvideo545]

Would work in whole Resort?

[@JacobExplains]

It depends on how big the resort is and how many buildings are between you and the person you're talking to. You could buy a pair of them to test out how well they work before buying a lot for your resort.

[@4kvideo545]

@@JacobExplains oh ok buddy thanks

[@bobriemersma]

FRS radios that accept an external programming cable are a nuisance. Not only are they often set up wrong out of the box, many options you can change are things you should be able to get to from the radio controls themselves (squelch and VOX levels, CTCSS/DCS options for each channel). Just choose a better product.

[@JacobExplains]

For an FRS radio that the average person uses to communicate with their family or friends, I agree completely. These particular radios seem to be popular with companies and communities, where it can be beneficial to prevent inexperienced or non-technical users from changing a setting that might prevent them from communicating with the rest of the group.

[@2700Kenny]

Yeah…then hand those expensive radios to your kids and their friends. Some of us don’t consider it a nuisance to program these cheap little radios, we enjoy it because of the flexibility and price.

[@Ian..]

I use them for business, where the users would be confused by anything more than on/off and volume. They are perfect and cheap enough to get broken or lost.

[@horaciosalinas8145]

how u set a main channel

[@JacobExplains]

There is no main channel. It remembers the channel when you turn it off, and it will still be on that channel when you turn it on again.

[@biranit50]

chirp can program this

[@obvy7291]

I have a desktop with Bluetooth

[@YH7R]

Good video however the programming setup isn't appealing

[@godfree2canada]

wideband is 16khz narrow is 11khz

[@JacobExplains]

I can't actually find any information on what the "wide" and "narrow" bandwidth settings are, but the FCC test report and the user manual both say that the bandwidth is 12.5khz

[@godfree2canada]

@@JacobExplains I wonder how the BW was measured. at what dB down

[@godfree2canada]

@@JacobExplains I'd guess its 16khz at -60dB and 25khz at -90dB for wideband. could be tested with an SDR receiver. I've teste UV5R and it falls in that range

[@falloutforever88]

I bought these so my foreman will stop spying on me he's not gonna scan ctcs tones or use anything but his business band kenwood. Might put brown for on a few channels though

[@JacobExplains]

If your foreman scans the FRS frequencies, he'll hear your conversations regardless of what CTCSS or DCS code you have set.

[@falloutforever88]

He's not going to buy an frs radio to spy on me like I said he just has the same issued radio i do. Really rare to have our commo programmed or adjusted to anything outside of factory settings besides cloning one that's acting up. Only specialty radios in my line of work are for crane operators or aviation bands for helicopter picks two things I have zero interest in disrupting.

[@pitotopuk]

roba vecchia è cambiato tutto e non funziona

[@ned8625]

Why is your voice so weird 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🙉