Nowadays, it is better to be safe than sorry. Disaster and uncertainties can strike us anytime. If you’re like me, who wants to be well prepared when disaster hits, a walkie-talkie is a must-have. A walkie-talkie is a device that will allow you to communicate with your family and friends even when cell phone signals are out of reach. It can keep you updated on the current weather forecast and sends alerts about severe weather coming or in your area. It has added built-in emergency features that are useful in many situations, like the Retevis RT16.
If you’re considering buying the Retevis RT16, this review will help you decide if it’s worth your money. Here you’ll learn its specifications, features, benefits, price, pros, and cons.
Specs
- Brand: Retevis
- Range: 2 miles
- Power output: 2 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS)
- Battery: 1,000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Size: 8.38 x 6.81 x 2 inches
- Weight: not stated
- Waterproof: not stated
- License needed: no
Scope of Delivery
You can buy this gadget in 2-pack, 4-pack, 6-pack, or 8-pack. Included in the package of the 2 pack are two black Retevis RT16 radios. Other accessories that I unboxed were two 1000mAh lithium rechargeable batteries, two belt clips, and two slings. In addition, I also found one charger adapter, one-to-two micro-USB charging cable, and an English manual.
Setup
I like the Retevis RT16 because it is easy to use and simple to set up. Just install its battery packs and attach its belt clip. You also have the option to insert the sling through the belt clip and wear it around your neck, and you are ready to go.
Waterproof
Although there is no indication on the box, in the specification sheet provided by the manufacturer, RT16 has an IPX4 rated – stated by some sources. This means that it is splashproof, not waterproof. Thus, I would not recommend this to be used around large bodies of water.
Power Source
As I’ve mentioned earlier, the RT16 comes with two lithium-ion batteries, one for each. To save time, with its dual-line USB charger, you can charge both units simultaneously by plugging them in using the Retevis USB charger adapter. The adapter has a power output of ≤ 2.0 watts which should be able to charge both in about 3 hours. The battery lasts for 8-10 hours of regular use and 48 hours on standby mode. However, this might diminish if it’s not used regularly.
According to the manufacturer, if you already bought it and felt like this is not the product for you, there’s a 30-day return policy. But I doubt you’d be cashing that in after this review. Furthermore, they also provide a 2-year warranty for the radio’s body and a 2-month for the accessories (i.e., earpieces, antennas, chargers, and batteries).
Range
As per the manufacturer, the device can still pick up signals about a maximum of 1.5-2.5 miles in an open field, 0.5-1.5 miles if there are major obstructions like buildings or mountains. The ideal range is one to two miles if there are partial obstructions, but it also depends on the weather.
Frequencies
As is indicated in the manufacturer’s manual, it has a maximum frequency range of 462.5500-462.7250 MHz. The radio is also compatible with the 22 FRS channels. To reach this range, the device has to have a watts output of 0.5-2W. As established by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in our area, using an FRS radio does not require a license as long as you comply with the rules. And to know if this gadget works in your country, I recommend that you check their user’s manual.
Features
Below are the built-in functions that you could enjoy with RT16:
- NOAA Weather Alert
- Just like most modern walkie-talkies, this model offers 11 NOAA Weather channels that you can tune in to avoid bad weather. Although even if you weren’t tuning in, no need to fret because it has a weather alert function.
- VOX
- When you’re camping with your family, I’m pretty sure that there will be times when your hands are going to be full. For this reason, RT16 provides with VOX-function which you can activate to operate your walkie-talkie hands-free. You can also take advantage of this and lounge around, or if you’re dog-tired and feel like not moving your hands.
- Call Tones
- If your feeling bored or just felt like exploring, try these ten different call tones that RT16 offers you. Call tones are used as an alert to other radios that you want to talk to them. You can also turn this feature off by setting it to 0.
- Dual Watch/Display
- This feature allows you to scan two channels for activity. The current channel setting will be the first channel, and the selected channel on the menu will be the second. If you want to scan faster, enabling this on your radio would be the first step.
- TOT Function
- The Time our Timer (TOT) is used to determine your walkie-talkies’ maximum continuous emission time. When it’s over time, the radio will stop transmitting and won’t allow you to re-transmit during that time. The idea is to protect radios from communicating for an excessive amount of time due to human or machine error.
- Keylock
- By long pressing the ‘bell button’, you can activate the keyboard lock function, which prohibits you from changing the setting. Use this when you’re satisfied with your settings and if there’s of it accidentally changing later on.
- Squelch
- RT16 has a squelch setting to have that smooth and clear sound with your members. This setting controls the signal threshold at which the audio channel is opened (unmuted). The absence of a sufficiently strong intended input signal serves to suppress the receiver’s audio output. Only when you receive a signal will you hear a sound if the squelch is set correctly.
Price
With all those functions, I wouldn’t be surprised if it borders on a higher price range. Yet, considering its features, I’d say this is a great investment. At present, this is priced at $34.99 at Amazon, and currently, it’s on sale if you buy it on retevis.com at $19.79. I assure you Retevis RT16 will exceed your expectations.
Pros
- Good reception and transmission with clear sound.
- Simple to operate
- Easy to charge
- Hands-free function (VOX option)
- FM radio that allows you to listen to the radio and weather forecast when you are outdoors.
- NOAA weather alert ready so you will receive an alarm to avoid bad weather
- It is lightweight, user-friendly, and energy-efficient too.
- Long battery life
- Large size keyboard and LCD
- Has 121 privacy codes that give you a secure line of communications.
Cons
- Less usable in mountainous terrain
- Not waterproof
- Unable to upgrade the battery
Conclusion – Retevis RT16 Review
There’s no better communication tool than a walkie-talkie when you plan to seize the day and go outside. And with all the features that Retevis RT16 offers, I’d say this is definitely worth your money.
It’s cost-effective, rich in features, and easy to use. If you’re going camping, hiking, or even paintballing, this is the one for you. As long as you don’t submerge it in water, this could even last you for a lifetime.
View on Amazon*
Does this unit have to be on to charge ? Because you can only see if its charging while turned on.
As far as I know, the walkie talkie does not have to be on for it to charge.