Retevis RT27V - the BEST MURS Radio - Review!

[@Ham4All]

QUICK LINKS - Retevis RT27V: amzn.to/2T0YSNQ - Baofeng MURS Radio: amzn.to/2YCGvQh - Dakota Alert MURS: amzn.to/31i9Hhn

[@do0fuss]

Thank you for the reviews. This model shows

[@bulldogbrower6732]

What, the antenna is not removable. They need a model upgrade.

[@georgespeck8761]

I just a two pack of them on line, they will be in a few days Can't wait to try them.

[@Ham4All]

We still have ours and never had any problems with any of our units.

[@davidbrock4104]

Thanks for the videos. I'm using a Baofeng programmed for FRS, GMRS and MURS at legal (mostly) limits. Works great. I'm really interested in these though.

[@Ham4All]

We (hams) also have those programmed in for emergency situations, but we also respect the law and prefer to use service-accepted radios for their own bands. We like these new models that make it easy and really affordable to use the MURS service completely legally, which wasn't the case before.

[@jdel932]

I bought one to work with Dakota Alert radios but I can only receive not transmit. I have no software to program anything. They sent a zip file and where to get a cable.... Wouldn't know what to do with it

[@Ham4All]

Check if you set privacy codes (interference eliminator codes) on your Dakota Alert? If not, then maybe the Retevis has pre-set privacy codes. Just remove them (set to zero) and that's it.

[@jasonmcgee2866]

Why do some of the RT27s (like the ones on Amazon) say FRS 22 Channels in their descriptions? Does the RT27 come in both setups? MURS and FRS?

[@Ham4All]

Yes, that is correct! Retevis makes BOTH an FRS and a MURS model, both fully lawful and registered!

[@josephvanni]

How much range can you realistically get from these?

[@Ham4All]

Officially they promote their rage between 0.5 - 2 Miles, which is a realistic expectation with 2W output. As always, the more obstruction there is, the shorter the range. But from hilltop to valley, they could reach MUCH larger ranges for sure.

[@treerat7631]

Around two with standard antenna. Unlike FRS you can put a bigger antenna on it

[@RevMark]

I need the model for the fcc certified GMRS. Unless they don't make one. Every search turns up FRS and that's not what I want. Anyone know?

[@Ham4All]

You're probably looking for the UV-27 base model, which in fact is an Frs model with 2W output and built-in antenna. We don't know of any 5W model with removable antenna and Fcc certified Gmrs license at all.

[@RevMark]

@@Ham4All Thanks for your insight!

[@Ham4All]

The only Gmrs certified handheld we know of is the Tera Tr-505, which is ridiculously expensive, BUT, it is a 5W removable antenna model with legitimate Gmrs license. It is told to be a very good and sensitive radio, but we've never had the chance to test it out. Link: powerwerx.com/tera-tr505-gmrs-recreational-handheld-radio

[@bulldogbrower6732]

BTech or Baofeng sells a 5 watt GMRS only unit for $ 54.00 and a two watt MURS unit also for $ 54.00, they both have removable antennas and can receive on the entire band respectfully. The GMRS receives all the ham 70cm band and the MURS unit receives all of the ham 2 meter band plus the NOAA weather channels. They both are FCC certified.

[@do0fuss]

@@bulldogbrower6732 Thanks for the info, I'd like to receive 2m on my murs Btech, could you tell me how or where to look please? The chirp software didn't allow frequency changes to the radio.

[@bulldogbrower6732]

Are these really 2 watt radios, has anyone tested the power output. Without a removable antenna jack it’s hard to get accurate readings. In some literature they are listed as half watt radios. A half watt radio without a removable antenna should give you caution. MURS has a legal limit of 2 watts in the United States and supports the ability to use vehicle and rooftop antennas.

[@Ham4All]

These are in fact, 2W radios, or very close to that output. Luckily this brand, RETEVIS, has made it possible to have affordable MURS radios, because all the other alternatives are ridiculously overpriced.

[@djsoundzentertainment42]

The radio ships in Low power setting and is under 400mW. When in High power (set with software and cable) the radio indicates on the label _

[@bulldogbrower6732]

I stay away from any radio where the wattage is not specified by the manufacturer. Also the antenna is not removable, that’s a red flag. Wouxun has a bonafide 2 watt MURS radio that meets all of the US specifications, the KG805M, and the KG805G, a 4 watt GMRS handi talkie.

[@Ham4All]

@@bulldogbrower6732 - The Retevis performed very nicely during our tests, and considering the price, we believe they are very good choices. The Wouxun radios sell between $80 - $90 / single unit, while the Retevis sells for $55 a PAIR, that is $28 / unit! HUGE difference, and most people won't spend the extra on 5 channel MURS radios. However, if we could get our hands on a pair of Wouxun MURS and GMRS radios, we would surely like to test them out.

[@stuwho11]

They ship in low power mode, a few hundred mWs. The software will not allow you to set them to high power! Due to the low power out the range stinks.

[@ronbotex]

Certainly best for the money and also legal with legit type certification, but most consumers are clueless and will buy an illegal Baofeng UV-5r/UV-82 etc.and pollute the airwaves. Great review. I have these and agree with everything you mentioned.

[@djsoundzentertainment42]

The legit FCC ID is 2ASNSRT27V but there are some illegal ones labeled with FCC ID 2AAR8RETEVISRT27 which is actually for the UHF FRS radios not the MURS radios. fccid.io/2ASNSRT27V

[@sferg9582]

I have 3 or 4 MURS MOTOROLA hand helds, and when I'm talking with certain off-road groups, and happen to mention MURS, I get this deer in the headlights look from them. They never heard of it. I just don't bother bringing them out anymore since there are no others using MURS. They'll probably just waste away in the drawer.

[@Ham4All]

Hopefully these new models will change all that. VHF radios are especially useful outdoors in wooded areas and the wide open and beat UHF any day for range.

[@djsoundzentertainment42]

Send those radios my way, my search and rescue group could use them.

[@treerat7631]

@@Ham4All dont know my you would mess with FRS MURS is better . I agree with the new model coming out that mint change