I find the Retevis 89 is a great value and meets all the specs. I like how you stick to your charter of short concise videos. You put quality in your content not quantity in your content. The items you cover should be a standard script on how to create videos on the review of equipment. Keep them coming. 73
Another excellent video, thank you. Does this radio have Fast copy frequency button like Baofengs, Quashengs, Radioddity and all other radios? Thanks you
The RA89 is basic and solid; no spurs. The TDH3 has some spurs, which Tidradio seems to be interested in addressing, the form factor is so cool, and the radio is feature rich. If it wasn't for the spurs issue I'd be telling the whole world to buy an H3.
@@HOAHamRadio Spent money! 🙂Due to your and Ape's reviews of a certain spur-ridden radio, that radio is now in my "take to e-waste" bag and the mfr off my list of orgs I trust. I have purchased other Retevis radios in the past (have two RT95s) and now an RA89 is on its way. Yes, I gave up a few features but legality and max power going to the fundamental are important to me. Thank you for the reviews.
@@KC3WHJ I have the PPT set In VARA FM to the COM port of my Digirig. In my case it's COM 4. Make sure that the cable is plugged all the way into the radio. This is the same for Packet in Dire Wolf as well.
@@KN4VA it's the radio that I need the settings for. Digirig and VaraFM both work fine and the audio triggers VaraFM. However, for some reason Winlink is not tripping the PTT. I've tried VOX on and off and with it on, settings 1-7.
@@KC3WHJ Well, I never had to set anything in the the RA89 to get it to work. Plugged up the Kenwood cable from the Digirig to the radio. Set the frequency and it just works. This is true for me with any of the Kenwood style radios I have. I am not aware of any settings in the radio to set to make PTT work. I generally open the Squelch so I can set the volume on the radio to get a 3/4 setting on the VU for VARA FM. But once set, I close the squelch and everything works as it should. I am sorry I cannot be of more help. Maybe there is an issue with the unit you have. BTW, the RA89 I use is a stock radio, meaning I have never programmed any thing in the radio. I just set the Winlink or Packet Freq in VFO mode, and it just works. This is the same procedure I have used for the Baofengs I have used, or TalkPod, Tidradio etc.
I have one for some months and I like it very much. A robust device with excellent performance. The only invonveniance is that it's a bit chunky and heavy. It's indeed a 'brick'. So if I need something to carry in my pocket I usuallly take the quansheng uv K6.
I do a lot of outdoor activities and I’m in the rain, wading through water, and occasionally falling into water. I’m looking for a radio that will survive these conditions will this radio fit the bill? I know it says ip68 but not sure if that is legit. I’ve been looking at the icom t10 but I’d prefer not to spend that much because all I’m after is a weatherproof and a.accidental drop in waterproof ht.
I wasn't doing the dunk test on radios when I did this review (but I've since started for those making the IP68 rating). I know KM4ACK did indeed put it in a bucket of water and it came out just fine...so I think you would be okay. Fresh water, not salt water.
Thanks for the review. I have a few Retevis radios and have been happy with them. This probably won’t be added to the flock, but it seems like a nice, basic radio.
Anyone else get a little wary transmitting 10 watts close to your head? Love the features, especially being waterproof and programmable by CHIRP. Just not sure I want that much power near my eyeballs.
You can program one of the side buttons to toggle between power output settings. The CPS software from the Retevis site will be what you need to make that change.
Mine has a weird low volume issue where if I toggle the noise cancelling mode on and back off the volume goes to normal. But if I DONT do that, with the volume knob CRANKED up it sounds like I’m on volume 3 of 10, plus I can’t hit certain repeaters I normally can with smaller 5 watt HT’s and I was really hopeful the scramble function was going to be compatible with the Retevis rt87 I have. I was super amped on this radio but was such a let down.
Great feedback for others and I appreciate you sharing. The more information the better. Hopefully the issues you have experienced are isolated; hope you were able to get a replacement / refund.
@@HOAHamRadio it was $60 so not fully worth the time to go to post office send it back and wait for a new one etc. it’s stashed away as a crappy backup at this point
Sometimes band privileges differ from country to country...I think you may need to check with Retevis directly on this one as I do not know the specifics. Oh, and maybe the plug for the wall wart? You guys use weird stuff over there in the EU 🙂
Hi dear, good questions. The RA89 EU and US version have no differences on their functions, they only have different frequencies range on factory setting. EU: 144-146MHz (VHF)/430-440MHz (UHF); US: 144-148MHz (VHF)/420-450MHz (UHF). You can expand its frequency range to use them better: Press sidekey 2 + number key 9. Hope this could help for you.
@@HOAHamRadioNo, not weird...But 230V instead of 110V US, needs to be converted... Plugs are not important, use an adaper Set and you will be lucky in whole europe 😉
I find the Retevis 89 is a great value and meets all the specs. I like how you stick to your charter of short concise videos. You put quality in your content not quantity in your content. The items you cover should be a standard script on how to create videos on the review of equipment. Keep them coming. 73
What a compliment! Thanks friend.
I agree! You're a godsend for this guy!
Another excellent video, thank you. Does this radio have Fast copy frequency button like Baofengs, Quashengs, Radioddity and all other radios? Thanks you
How do you feel this radio compares to the TD-H3 or TD-H8
The RA89 is basic and solid; no spurs. The TDH3 has some spurs, which Tidradio seems to be interested in addressing, the form factor is so cool, and the radio is feature rich. If it wasn't for the spurs issue I'd be telling the whole world to buy an H3.
New sub.here from the Philippines...
Thanks for joining the HOA Ham family, glad to have you on board.
Thanks for another video that makes me want to spend money!!!
I have that affect on many people.... I'm sorry? You're welcome?
@@HOAHamRadio Spent money! 🙂Due to your and Ape's reviews of a certain spur-ridden radio, that radio is now in my "take to e-waste" bag and the mfr off my list of orgs I trust. I have purchased other Retevis radios in the past (have two RT95s) and now an RA89 is on its way. Yes, I gave up a few features but legality and max power going to the fundamental are important to me. Thank you for the reviews.
@@TomT73 The RA89 is a solid radio, you won't be disappointed. My pleasure on the reviews; I enjoy working with the HT's.
Awesome Review. I have two of these. I use one every week from my Winlink Go Bag setup on Vara FM and Packet via a Digirig without issues. 73, KN4VA
Solid HT.... I so want to learn Winlink / VARA; its on the list.
What settings do you need with Digirig? I'm stumped trying to trigger ptt on winlink. Thanks.
@@KC3WHJ I have the PPT set In VARA FM to the COM port of my Digirig. In my case it's COM 4. Make sure that the cable is plugged all the way into the radio. This is the same for Packet in Dire Wolf as well.
@@KN4VA it's the radio that I need the settings for. Digirig and VaraFM both work fine and the audio triggers VaraFM. However, for some reason Winlink is not tripping the PTT. I've tried VOX on and off and with it on, settings 1-7.
@@KC3WHJ Well, I never had to set anything in the the RA89 to get it to work. Plugged up the Kenwood cable from the Digirig to the radio. Set the frequency and it just works. This is true for me with any of the Kenwood style radios I have. I am not aware of any settings in the radio to set to make PTT work. I generally open the Squelch so I can set the volume on the radio to get a 3/4 setting on the VU for VARA FM. But once set, I close the squelch and everything works as it should. I am sorry I cannot be of more help. Maybe there is an issue with the unit you have. BTW, the RA89 I use is a stock radio, meaning I have never programmed any thing in the radio. I just set the Winlink or Packet Freq in VFO mode, and it just works. This is the same procedure I have used for the Baofengs I have used, or TalkPod, Tidradio etc.
Impressive power and IP rating.😮
Nice solid radio from Retevis; they are producing some nice gear these days.
What is the average battery life at high power?
I've not done any testing on this; perhaps Google could answer much better than me on this one.
😂😂😂 the sound effects 😂😂
Three people in the world appreciate my humor, thanks for joining the exclusive club.
I have one for some months and I like it very much. A robust device with excellent performance. The only invonveniance is that it's a bit chunky and heavy. It's indeed a 'brick'. So if I need something to carry in my pocket I usuallly take the quansheng uv K6.
Spot on with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by for a view and comment.
I do a lot of outdoor activities and I’m in the rain, wading through water, and occasionally falling into water. I’m looking for a radio that will survive these conditions will this radio fit the bill? I know it says ip68 but not sure if that is legit. I’ve been looking at the icom t10 but I’d prefer not to spend that much because all I’m after is a weatherproof and a.accidental drop in waterproof ht.
I wasn't doing the dunk test on radios when I did this review (but I've since started for those making the IP68 rating). I know KM4ACK did indeed put it in a bucket of water and it came out just fine...so I think you would be okay. Fresh water, not salt water.
Thanks for the review. I have a few Retevis radios and have been happy with them. This probably won’t be added to the flock, but it seems like a nice, basic radio.
That it is...if you were looking for a basic radio, this is as solid as they get.
Anyone else get a little wary transmitting 10 watts close to your head? Love the features, especially being waterproof and programmable by CHIRP. Just not sure I want that much power near my eyeballs.
Why don't they just make a physical button to jump between power levels instead of needing to use a menu?
You can program one of the side buttons to toggle between power output settings. The CPS software from the Retevis site will be what you need to make that change.
Mine has a weird low volume issue where if I toggle the noise cancelling mode on and back off the volume goes to normal. But if I DONT do that, with the volume knob CRANKED up it sounds like I’m on volume 3 of 10, plus I can’t hit certain repeaters I normally can with smaller 5 watt HT’s and I was really hopeful the scramble function was going to be compatible with the Retevis rt87 I have. I was super amped on this radio but was such a let down.
Great feedback for others and I appreciate you sharing. The more information the better. Hopefully the issues you have experienced are isolated; hope you were able to get a replacement / refund.
@@HOAHamRadio it was $60 so not fully worth the time to go to post office send it back and wait for a new one etc. it’s stashed away as a crappy backup at this point
Can it be mars modded /opened up?
I believe a keypad hack will get you ham and GMRS; I've not seen anyone MARS it....
May i ask what is the differences of Europe & US version? Just newbie sir😂
Sometimes band privileges differ from country to country...I think you may need to check with Retevis directly on this one as I do not know the specifics.
Oh, and maybe the plug for the wall wart? You guys use weird stuff over there in the EU 🙂
Thank you for the answer😊
Hi dear, good questions. The RA89 EU and US version have no differences on their functions, they only have different frequencies range on factory setting. EU: 144-146MHz (VHF)/430-440MHz (UHF); US: 144-148MHz (VHF)/420-450MHz (UHF). You can expand its frequency range to use them better: Press sidekey 2 + number key 9. Hope this could help for you.
@@retevisQA thank very much for the reply & points 😍
@@HOAHamRadioNo, not weird...But 230V instead of 110V US, needs to be converted... Plugs are not important, use an adaper Set and you will be lucky in whole europe 😉
I ordered one thank you
Solid solid radio; you'll be happy with it.
What anttena is that?
Its a Gabil BNC stub; I use them on all my HT's, and choose what ever adapter will get me there. amzn.to/3J2aN8I