Retevis RT49P FRS Walkie Talkie - Overview and Demonstration

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Stephen AE4CA Was the winner for the Radios as done on the FT8OFF stream*

[@moody_blue682]

Nice review. As a keen kayaker and paddleboarder, these Walkie Talkies are ideal for my use. The range is respectable but it was the IP67 rated waterproofing and floatability that were the big deal to me. As long as the back is screwed on securely and the rubber USB port cover is pushed in properly, they live up to the boast. However, when I tried using higher capacity 2500mAh rechargeable batteries in them to increase the time between charges, although they fit and work well with them. the Walkie Talkies no longer float and sink because of the extra weight of the higher capacity batteries. So now I use 2500mAh batteries when out hiking with them but switch to the supplied 1200mAh batteries whenever I go out on the water. As for the water-activated LED flashing lamp and bright green colour, they really do help to locate and retrieve the Walkie Talkie if you accidently drop it in the water, especially in low light conditions.

[@djorgensen2k]

Thanks for the thorough and friendly review. Great choice for a no-license FRS radio. Reminder to all, Privacy Tones/Codes are NOT private. They prevent YOU from hearing other people. They do NOT prevent other people from hearing you.

[@mikemurphy1940]

Ok, so I can’t comment on the latest video, so I will here. Dude, I respect your decision to step down but it’s a sad day for the community that you have built. Your perspective, openness and integrity are unique in the ham radio KZbin space and will be missed. My hope is that you will find your way back to doing this again. Thanks for all you have done to make the hobby a better place. - Mike - KI8R

[@N0SSC]

Commenting for the win.

[@jameski5oeb668]

Cool video, I really liked it. Your lady friend really ran away quick, that was funny! Overall that covered the radios well!

[@megs7590]

Hahah 🏃‍♀️

[@A.R.O.T.A.]

Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digital Code Squelch (DCS) do not prevent other people from listening in they only prevent those without the correct tone from being heard if they attempt to transmit.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Yeah. Isn't that what I said?

[@A.R.O.T.A.]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Nope sorry. You said that anyone who doesn't have that tone enabled would not be able to hear you. If they have a different tone selected this would be true but if they do not have any tones enabled at all they will here everyone on the frequency.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@A.R.O.T.A. whoa. You're right. My mistake. I'll correct it in the description tomorrow. Thanks.

[@rodgermckeon]

Great job, Dude!

[@kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695]

nice

[@behtypabehtypa6621]

Even Meg's nails are the same color as the Radio! They must be screaming "we like it!" :-)

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

The funny thing is, that was completely unintentional

[@M0IDW]

Great little Radio

[@JSambrook]

I enjoy your videos. The one you did on the Yaesu FT-DX10 setup for FT8 and other digital modes helped me greatly. I know you are taking a break. I wish you well and thank you for your contribution to amateur radio. May you be well. 73 DE KJ7RDV

[@jasonk7jwn229]

Cool review. I dig the format!

[@clydeosterhout1221]

I have been using these for about a year for taking groups out on the river in kayaks and canoes. They are a lot efficient than yelling directions to wayward boaters, and they allow me to communicate with the other experienced paddler in the “tail” boat, ensuring that we can keep in the group in relatively close proximity. It also allows for small groups to go their own way and explore an island or take a swim break while staying in touch with the group as a whole. I use these and the very similar Motorola T600s. Just a few points to add to your review: - the radios can use regular AA batteries in a pinch. When doing so their performance actually improves a bit because the voltage is slightly higher. - in my units, when the emergency button is pushed, the red light flashes 3 short, 3 long, 3 short, the international SOS signal - the controls work well when you get used to them - the range over water is about 1-2 miles, mainly because you are sitting low in the boat. If you are communicating with someone up higher in a larger boat (day 6 feet higher) that range can extend to 3-5 miles. It is really a line-of- sight radio. Mine have taken all sorts of abuse, and still work like new. - if you want to use them with people who own other brands of GMRS radios you need to remove the “privacy” code from the Retevis radios first. If someone can hear you, but you can’t hear them, it is because your privacy codes don’t match. Best to set the code back to “O” and leave it there.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank You for taking the time to write out these points. I appreciate it and everything here is great to know. Just a note (maybe you can answer), I have heard these will not float with standard AA batteries. not a deal breaker, but do you know? Thanks!

[@clydeosterhout1221]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I am too cheap to actually test the waterproof capabilities in any sort of scientific way (they get dunked enough as it is!) but one of my radios was dropped into the river when it had regular non-rechargeable batteries in it, and it floated long enough for us to retrieve it. I think the best way to look at it is that they will definitely float with the original batteries, and it will PROBABLY float with other batteries. The radios are pretty buoyant in my experience, and the tiny bit of weight difference in the various brands of batteries seems rather unlikely to have that much of an impact. But my particular radio did not sink while using cheap Amazon batteries. Your mileage may differ! To be honest, I never take the “test in a jar” thing very seriously. Floating in a jar is NOT the same as floating in a river. So far the Retevis radios have floated in real life situations, which is really quite remarkable.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@clydeosterhout1221 thank you for the information, it helps. I greatly appreciate everything

[@Siskiyous6]

Tweeted, and so far very little competition for the give away, Excellent!

[@Wayde-VA3NCA]

Red berries and green radios... Festive!

[@K5YVY]

Comment for the win!

[@donaldsmith3048]

I would never tell a good looking lady get lost! Most of them tell, me too get lost! Sorry About That Chef! I just sent some little radio to my great granddaughter. I wished I had seen this before I did that. They look like better ones than the ones I sent her. Keep up the good work.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Shoot me an email and I'll send you these two.

[@donaldsmith3048]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I sent you a email. de. W4DES

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you sir. I'll get them out in a day or two

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I hope you received the radios already?

[@donaldsmith3048]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Yes! THANK YOU! Sorry for not thanking you sooner. I have been having some health troubles. There was no paperwork with them. Most I can work out for myself. But there are some things that are not easy to just find out.

[@45AMT]

I hate to see Sean give up this channel I like his content much better than the larger channels. You honesty and personable attitude is why i enjoy your videos.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you very much. I may have come up with something remarkable and beneficial to every one who wants to benefit from it. All while being content that I'm not sacrificing my goals.. I just need to focus on me for a bit and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated in the chats

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks again

[@1983eville]

I'm digging these radios! as a kayak fisherman, they would be awesome for me and buddy on the lake if conditions deteriorate. Thanks for another video!

[@clydeosterhout1221]

I wouldn’t depend on them in an emergency. Not that they wouldn’t function, as I am sure that they would. The problem is that probably no one would be listening. Marine band radios work in some places because Coast Guard bases usually have hugely tall antenna towers, which monitor channel 16 24 hours a day. Plus every vessel is supposed to monitor 16 while underway. Even then there is a good chance that no one will pick up your broadcast. With FRS or GMRS, nobody is mandated to monitor your channel (there isn’t even a generally recognized emergency channel to monitor), and when you are in a kayak your signal will only go a mile or two (due to the low height of your antenna. Standing up in your kayak can increase that to 6+ miles). Thus it is unlikely anyone will pick up a call for assistance. Where it does work well is when you go out with a friend in another boat, or with a group. Then this radio becomes an excellent way to call for assistance, even if the other boat is out of sight. I should tell you that you should never go out on the water by yourself, and that’s good advice, but I go out alone on a regular basis myself! But there ARE risks involved. A Coast Guard officer once told me that when kayaking alone it is very important to file a float plan and to wear a brightly colored life jacket, because it makes it much easier to find your body. I laughed, but it turned out he wasn’t kidding!

[@mikemiles3068]

Good video I thank these are pretty good little radio, I just might have to pick up a couple of these❗️

[@mikekf0eap16]

Your honest reviews are greatly appreciated. I grow weary of the so called ham experts who are merely servants for whoever wants to grease their grubby palms. I watched a western on tv that had dance hall girls who did the same type of things.

[@carlosfelix4057]

Great video dude.

[@terryk4hnt940]

Go me for the win!!!! Nice review Dude!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Good luck!

[@cosmophonic12]

Great informative video

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks Leroy

[@timkeller9087]

Looks like a decent radio.

[@chrissteene]

sorry to hear you'r not feeling so good hope you get better soon

[@cbbiny]

The light activation is a clever feature if you were to drop these in water at night.

[@bryanw4sce]

Great video Dude. As you stated these radios would be great for family members not yet hams and for younger grandkids since they are relatively inexpensive and waterproof. I don’t think the batteries will last long with my grandkids with all the lights, sounds and buttons. Meg is a great sport to make a video with you and she looked colder than you based on clothing.

[@megs7590]

I was so cold! Hahah but still fun!

[@EricMauney900]

Good video!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you

[@2point..0]

Would love to WIN those two Retevis RT49P FRS Walkie Talkie, they would be perfect as we are building our ForEverHome and they would to great to communicate !!! Liked #93 and Subbed and shared!!! We live in the USA!!!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I saw your comment towards the end of the stream. I did the drawing about half way through and pinned the winner on the top of these comments. If they don't claim it, I'll re do the giveaway. Thanks!

[@kevingordonthomas1]

great stuff brother!

[@averageguysradio]

Fun video Dude, and Meg was a great sport too. As for the format IMHO there was a little to much back and forth, with a little less this format may work well. I look forward to the next video. 73

[@jeff503]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us Dude. I hate to see you go but totally respect your decision. Take care of your lady and enjoy life. 73 going clear

[@practicalguy973]

They need to fix that unresponsive menu system and should have a double click for NOAA and triple click for flashlight. Otherwise great radios. Even though they have great battery llfe with the included batteries I'll be using Eneloops in mine for weekend trips and emergency kit, that is about twice the battery capacity and having more Eneloops for my flashlights and kit if needed for other things is awesome!

[@BarnStangz]

Thanks for the video. Would you get these or the G11S Baofeng?

[@lyledal]

The radios are pretty cool. Good review.

[@chuckkb8yit859]

Great video Dude, nice radios!

[@TheLoneTechGuy]

Great video. I only wish they use rechargeable Lithium Ion instead of NMH.

[@WaschyNumber1]

You can get lithium or lifepo4 in AA size, but need dummie butteries becourse of the higher voltage of lipos ect.

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

New to the hand radios.. I'm curious if a good radio guy could program the radio channels to say the 144 ch that I use at work logging

[@coolelectronics1759]

you mensioned lythium polyester bateries, isnt that dangerous cant they explode? I have avoided them ever since I seen the hoverboard blowing up video on youtube that gave me nightmares

[@jayrow7468]

Iv bought these so on the beach the kids can take one and go off while I stay with the stuff and using the padle bord one to take one will stay with someone on the beach

[@maineiac_lost_in_the_woods]

Personally I kind of like the flashlight being able to come on without the radio being on.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

As long as your mindful about it.. maybe if it was a switch or something, it would be less sensitive. I can understand finding that useful though. .

[@richardschaus9637]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I agree had the same radio from another company but that is a deal breaker. if you hit it the batteries would go dead

[@wildwoody20]

So to change the batteries you have to have a screw driver to open it ? That's not good it should be easy yo open. I have to carry a screw drver with me ? Is that right ?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

You can use a dime, a knife in a pitch or other objects, but yes, that screw is part of a good seal for weather proofing

[@WaschyNumber1]

🖖 👍

[@richardschaus9637]

The display washedout in daylight same on these?????

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I gave them to a family in need and unfortunately can't tell you that.

[@PatchyPatchy17]

Never throw your walkie-talkies in rice

[@stephenae4ca425]

Hay Dud sorry you are having a hard time just wanted to say that I thank you for the help you have provided on KZbin for me and I am sure other new hams as well. Fun is the point of Ham radio so I say have fun if that means stepping back from KZbin then do it. But just know you will be missed and hope to catch you on the radio 73 ...... and Fuck the ass holes who could ever possibly make fun of anyone with a Disability .

[@davidky4gm2]

My comment

[@albertl2542]

Cute girl

[@megs7590]

☺️

[@thomasnappo6309]

Rt49 are the ones lm looking for..Honest review....not gona hold my breath about winning...because l never win anything..lol....Tanks again

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Sorry to say the giveaway occurred last year. Thanks for watching though