I think that rather than "when would that be useful?" in respect of the screen orientation setting, a better question would be "why is that so easy to change?" Why is it a two button press option rather than being buried deep in a menu system? Perhaps for all those people who want to change the orientation of their radio every few minutes? I do agree that I'm more likely to want to change the volume than the channel, and that it should be easier. I don't like the detention on the knob (the clicky bit). It sounds really harsh! Good unboxing. I'm looking at this for a Christmas present. Thanks for taking the time.
Great video. Many thanks. I’ve had one of these for about 6 months now and I’ve been very pleased with it. However there have been issues with quiet outgoing audio. Retevis supplied a newer firmware via their support email that added a mic gain function. They were very quick in responding. Also, some microphones have the actual element misaligned with the case. This was addressed with a Dremel! 😊.
I got my RT95 a year ago for more power than a 5W HT because I was tired of not being heard on local repeaters. I used it for 6 months for that and it worked quite well, then upgraded to a better, 50W radio (an Alinco DR-735T.) Two months later I pressed the otherwise-disused RT95 into service as an APRS digipeater and it's working perfectly in that role as well. I have nothing but good things to say about this inexpensive little 25(ish) watt dual-bander, It's a great basic FM communicator., and once accustomed to its controls it's quite easy to use. In fact, an hour after delivery I put the manual back in the box and rarely ever removed it again, and at the time I'd been licensed for fewer than 8 weeks so had no prior experience with VHF/UHF mobile amateur radios. I still recommend the RT95 to all new hams looking for their first basic mobile/base station radio.
I also have the RT95 version like this one, and I bought it for taking part in the 145 Alive nets. It's a really nice and solid little thing, perfect as a first mobile rig for "foundationists" like myself! :-D I'm normally perched on the edge of the North Downs looking South towards Brighton, and with my tiny mag-mount I could reach people as far as the Isle of Wight with this little rig on mid power (15 watts I seem to remember). It is well worth the £120-odd for any of the name variants of this radio. 73, Jan M7HNK
Used the Anytone version for a couple of years on and off in the car, could it be better yes, for the money no, cheap enough not to worry about bring damaged or nicked, good enough to do the job - Julian 2E0CIQ
The screen is flippable because the speaker is on the bottom. If you want to mount it on top of the dash, you’ll want the speaker facing up to hear it better, so you flip the display.
Great review thank you. Question regarding the volume. So if you hit P6 to adjust the volume, will it stay in the volume mode until you hit another “P” button or do you have to hit P6 again every time you want to change the volume? Thanks.
When you press P6 it stays in volume mode for a number of seconds. But yes, essentially you have your press P6 each time you wish to change the volume.
I'm in the USA and mine is an A9129A and it did not come with a think multi-language manual. Mine is only 37 pages and only in English. So that might be the difference.
So, if you live in an Urban area you should be good, one with a lot of repeaters nearby your great, but in rural areas 25W is going to just get you there. Save your money and purchase a 50W radio if you are going to be using it in the home as a base station, your mobile car/truck you should be OK with this. This and the AnyTone version are literally the same radio, and they both GET HOT while being used, so if you are a rag chewer, better find a way to keep it cool or fan it as it will literally melt the solder inside the unit causing later issues down the road. When you get items to review, you literally have to give a great review if you want to keep it, me we send the crap packing back to the manufacturer when they suck like this one.
Firstly, 25W vs 50w is 3dB or roughly one S-point. It’s not going to make much difference in the real world. Personally I do have a 50W radio I use in the shack and it does a good job for me. Secondly, I feel my review is fair and balanced actually. It reflects my experience with the radio, and I do point out the things I didn’t like. If I thought the whole thing was rubbish, I’d say that. My integrity and my honesty with my audience is of paramount importance to me which is why I never let a manufacturer see a review before it is published, nor let them have any editorial control. If your experience with the radio is different, I’d be interested in watching your video review.
I was literally programming one of these as I got notified about your video. Great little radio, seems happy so far running on a Lifepo battery.
I think that rather than "when would that be useful?" in respect of the screen orientation setting, a better question would be "why is that so easy to change?" Why is it a two button press option rather than being buried deep in a menu system? Perhaps for all those people who want to change the orientation of their radio every few minutes?
I do agree that I'm more likely to want to change the volume than the channel, and that it should be easier. I don't like the detention on the knob (the clicky bit). It sounds really harsh!
Good unboxing. I'm looking at this for a Christmas present. Thanks for taking the time.
Great video. Many thanks. I’ve had one of these for about 6 months now and I’ve been very pleased with it. However there have been issues with quiet outgoing audio. Retevis supplied a newer firmware via their support email that added a mic gain function. They were very quick in responding. Also, some microphones have the actual element misaligned with the case. This was addressed with a Dremel! 😊.
I got my RT95 a year ago for more power than a 5W HT because I was tired of not being heard on local repeaters. I used it for 6 months for that and it worked quite well, then upgraded to a better, 50W radio (an Alinco DR-735T.) Two months later I pressed the otherwise-disused RT95 into service as an APRS digipeater and it's working perfectly in that role as well. I have nothing but good things to say about this inexpensive little 25(ish) watt dual-bander, It's a great basic FM communicator., and once accustomed to its controls it's quite easy to use. In fact, an hour after delivery I put the manual back in the box and rarely ever removed it again, and at the time I'd been licensed for fewer than 8 weeks so had no prior experience with VHF/UHF mobile amateur radios. I still recommend the RT95 to all new hams looking for their first basic mobile/base station radio.
Brilliant stuff. I completely agree!
I also have the RT95 version like this one, and I bought it for taking part in the 145 Alive nets. It's a really nice and solid little thing, perfect as a first mobile rig for "foundationists" like myself! :-D I'm normally perched on the edge of the North Downs looking South towards Brighton, and with my tiny mag-mount I could reach people as far as the Isle of Wight with this little rig on mid power (15 watts I seem to remember). It is well worth the £120-odd for any of the name variants of this radio. 73, Jan M7HNK
Great video always thought about getting one of these.
That screen-flip can be handy.. Ask me how I know one day..
Remind me to ask you!
Great Video Jonathan.
Retevis ignored my email 😂
@@M7EUP But I will send email to you soon!
It's a jeep thing....
Did you roll your car? 😂
Used the Anytone version for a couple of years on and off in the car, could it be better yes, for the money no, cheap enough not to worry about bring damaged or nicked, good enough to do the job - Julian 2E0CIQ
The one with the Antenna is only £3 more expensive than the one without (using the voucher), great little bargain :)
The screen is flippable because the speaker is on the bottom. If you want to mount it on top of the dash, you’ll want the speaker facing up to hear it better, so you flip the display.
Great review thank you. Question regarding the volume. So if you hit P6 to adjust the volume, will it stay in the volume mode until you hit another “P” button or do you have to hit P6 again every time you want to change the volume? Thanks.
When you press P6 it stays in volume mode for a number of seconds. But yes, essentially you have your press P6 each time you wish to change the volume.
Got the Anytone exactly the same.They get manufactured and any one can stick there name on it.
I'm in the USA and mine is an A9129A and it did not come with a think multi-language manual. Mine is only 37 pages and only in English. So that might be the difference.
Interesting! Thanks Rusty.
The volume is a bit of a pain, is an understatement! I refuse to give this corner cutting house or car room .
So, if you live in an Urban area you should be good, one with a lot of repeaters nearby your great, but in rural areas 25W is going to just get you there. Save your money and purchase a 50W radio if you are going to be using it in the home as a base station, your mobile car/truck you should be OK with this. This and the AnyTone version are literally the same radio, and they both GET HOT while being used, so if you are a rag chewer, better find a way to keep it cool or fan it as it will literally melt the solder inside the unit causing later issues down the road. When you get items to review, you literally have to give a great review if you want to keep it, me we send the crap packing back to the manufacturer when they suck like this one.
Firstly, 25W vs 50w is 3dB or roughly one S-point. It’s not going to make much difference in the real world. Personally I do have a 50W radio I use in the shack and it does a good job for me.
Secondly, I feel my review is fair and balanced actually. It reflects my experience with the radio, and I do point out the things I didn’t like. If I thought the whole thing was rubbish, I’d say that.
My integrity and my honesty with my audience is of paramount importance to me which is why I never let a manufacturer see a review before it is published, nor let them have any editorial control.
If your experience with the radio is different, I’d be interested in watching your video review.