Retevis
Retevis RT85 (UV88) Dual Band Amateur Ham Radio
Retevis RT85 (UV88) Dual Band Amateur Ham Radio
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Quick Specs
Quick Specs
K Plug
5W
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Retevis RT85: The Smart Upgrade from Baofeng. Better Receiver, Clearer Audio, Built to Last.
Why Settle When You Can Excel?
You got your license, you bought your first radio, and you got on the air. Entry-level radios like the Baofeng UV-5R are a fantastic gateway into the world of amateur radio, but many users quickly discover their limitations. Are you tired of your radio going silent in the city or being drowned out by static near your computer? Frustrated by reports that your audio is muffled and hard to understand? Do you wish your radio felt more like a serious communication tool and less like a toy?
You're not alone. These are the common frustrations that lead operators to seek something better. The problem is, the next step up often meant a huge price jump to expensive Japanese brands. Until now.
The Retevis RT85 was engineered for you. It's the logical next step for the operator who is ready for superior performance and reliability without breaking the bank. We took the best aspects of the entry-level radio—affordability and ease of use—and eliminated the compromises. With a vastly superior receiver, powerful and clear audio, and a rock-solid professional build, the RT85 delivers the performance you need and the quality you deserve. It's time to stop settling and start excelling.
- 🛡️ Superior Interference-Resistant Receiver
Tired of static, pager noise, and signal bleed-through crippling your communications? The RT85's advanced front-end filtering is designed to perform in today's RF-heavy environments. It effectively quiets the noise from cell towers, Wi-Fi, and other electronics, allowing you to pull in weak signals and enjoy clear, uninterrupted communication where other budget radios fail. - 🎙️ Loud, Crisp, and Clear Transmit Audio
Don't be "that person" on the repeater with the muffled, hard-to-understand signal. The RT85 is engineered for powerful, articulate audio that gets your message through cleanly the first time, every time. Receive compliments on your audio, not requests to repeat yourself. - 💪 Rock-Solid Professional Build Quality
Pick it up and feel the difference. Unlike the flimsy, lightweight feel of other entry-level radios, the RT85 features a durable, confidence-inspiring chassis that feels like a professional tool in your hand. It's built to withstand the rigors of daily use, whether on the trail, at a work site, or in your emergency go-bag. - 📡 Hassle-Free Antenna Upgrades (Standard SMA-Male)
Unlock your radio's full potential. The RT85 uses the standard SMA-Male antenna connector common on high-performance Japanese radios. This means you can easily connect your favorite aftermarket antenna—like a Signal Stick or Nagoya 771—without hunting for special, unreliable adapters. - 💻 Easy and Reliable CHIRP Programming
Program with confidence. The RT85 is fully and reliably supported by CHIRP, the free programming software you already know and love. Use your existing Baofeng K-plug programming cable to quickly and easily load its 200 memory channels with all your local repeaters and simplex frequencies. - 📈 200 Memory Channels
Never run out of space again. With 200 memory channels, the RT85 has nearly double the capacity of a UV-5R. You'll have plenty of room for amateur repeaters, GMRS channels, marine frequencies, NOAA weather, and local scanning—all in one place.
Who is the RT85 For?
For the New Ham Operator:
The RT85 is the perfect first radio that you won't outgrow in a month. Its reliable performance and easy CHIRP programming provide a frustration-free experience, letting you focus on learning and enjoying the hobby. Get on the air with a radio that works as hard as you do.
For the Prepper and Emergency Preparedness:
In an emergency, reliability is non-negotiable. The RT85's durable build, superior receiver, and long-lasting battery ensure you have a dependable communications lifeline when it matters most. Trust your comms to a radio built for performance under pressure.
For the Outdoor Adventurer:
Whether you're in a 4x4 convoy, coordinating on the trail, or checking in from the campsite, you need a radio that can keep up. The RT85 is rugged enough to handle the adventure and has the clear, powerful audio needed to cut through wind and engine noise, keeping your group connected and safe.
Click to view In-Depth Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| TX Frequency (FPP) | VHF: 144-148MHz (2M) & UHF: 430-450MHz (70CM) |
| RX Frequency | 136-174MHz & 400-470MHz |
| Memory Channels | 200 |
| Operating Voltage | 7.4V DC |
| Battery | 1400mAh Li-ion |
| Antenna Connector | SMA-Male (Radio Side) |
| Accessory Connector | Kenwood 2-Pin (K-Plug) |
| Weight (with battery & antenna) | ~230g |
| Transmitter | |
| RF Power Output | 5W / 1W (High/Low Selectable) |
| Modulation Type | FM |
| Spurious Emission | ≤ -60 dB |
| Frequency Stability | ± 2.5 ppm |
| Receiver | |
| Sensitivity (12dB SINAD) | ≤ 0.25 μV |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity | ≥ 65 dB |
| Intermodulation | ≥ 60 dB |
| Audio Output | ≥ 500 mW |
| Box Contents | |
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Retevis RT85 really better than a Baofeng UV-5R?
A: Yes, in the areas that matter most for a reliable user experience. While the UV-5R is an affordable entry point, the RT85 offers a significantly better receiver that resists interference, much clearer and louder transmit audio, a more durable professional build, and nearly double the memory channels. For a very small price difference, you get a massive upgrade in performance and quality.
Q: Can I use my Baofeng programming cable and speaker mic with the RT85?
A: Absolutely! The RT85 uses the common Kenwood 2-Pin (K-plug) accessory port, so your existing speaker mics, earpieces, and programming cables from your Baofeng or other K-plug radios will work perfectly. This makes upgrading seamless and cost-effective.
Q: Is the Retevis RT85 easy to program?
A: Yes. It is fully supported by the popular free software CHIRP, which is the easiest way to program channels and settings from your computer. For on-the-go changes, it also supports full front-panel programming (FPP), which many users find more intuitive than the menu system on a UV-5R.
Q: Does this radio have the same transmitter problems as some Baofengs?
A: The Retevis RT85 is known for having a cleaner transmitter output with fewer spurious emissions compared to many older budget radios. This gives licensed amateur operators greater peace of mind that they are operating in compliance with regulations and transmitting a clean signal.
Q: What antenna connector does the RT85 use?
A: The RT85 uses a standard SMA-Male connector on the radio body. This means it is directly compatible with the vast majority of popular aftermarket antennas, which use an SMA-Female connector. You can upgrade your antenna without needing any special adapters.
Description
Retevis RT85: The Smart Upgrade from Baofeng. Better Receiver, Clearer Audio, Built to Last.
Why Settle When You Can Excel?
You got your license, you bought your first radio, and you got on the air. Entry-level radios like the Baofeng UV-5R are a fantastic gateway into the world of amateur radio, but many users quickly discover their limitations. Are you tired of your radio going silent in the city or being drowned out by static near your computer? Frustrated by reports that your audio is muffled and hard to understand? Do you wish your radio felt more like a serious communication tool and less like a toy?
You're not alone. These are the common frustrations that lead operators to seek something better. The problem is, the next step up often meant a huge price jump to expensive Japanese brands. Until now.
The Retevis RT85 was engineered for you. It's the logical next step for the operator who is ready for superior performance and reliability without breaking the bank. We took the best aspects of the entry-level radio—affordability and ease of use—and eliminated the compromises. With a vastly superior receiver, powerful and clear audio, and a rock-solid professional build, the RT85 delivers the performance you need and the quality you deserve. It's time to stop settling and start excelling.
- 🛡️ Superior Interference-Resistant Receiver
Tired of static, pager noise, and signal bleed-through crippling your communications? The RT85's advanced front-end filtering is designed to perform in today's RF-heavy environments. It effectively quiets the noise from cell towers, Wi-Fi, and other electronics, allowing you to pull in weak signals and enjoy clear, uninterrupted communication where other budget radios fail. - 🎙️ Loud, Crisp, and Clear Transmit Audio
Don't be "that person" on the repeater with the muffled, hard-to-understand signal. The RT85 is engineered for powerful, articulate audio that gets your message through cleanly the first time, every time. Receive compliments on your audio, not requests to repeat yourself. - 💪 Rock-Solid Professional Build Quality
Pick it up and feel the difference. Unlike the flimsy, lightweight feel of other entry-level radios, the RT85 features a durable, confidence-inspiring chassis that feels like a professional tool in your hand. It's built to withstand the rigors of daily use, whether on the trail, at a work site, or in your emergency go-bag. - 📡 Hassle-Free Antenna Upgrades (Standard SMA-Male)
Unlock your radio's full potential. The RT85 uses the standard SMA-Male antenna connector common on high-performance Japanese radios. This means you can easily connect your favorite aftermarket antenna—like a Signal Stick or Nagoya 771—without hunting for special, unreliable adapters. - 💻 Easy and Reliable CHIRP Programming
Program with confidence. The RT85 is fully and reliably supported by CHIRP, the free programming software you already know and love. Use your existing Baofeng K-plug programming cable to quickly and easily load its 200 memory channels with all your local repeaters and simplex frequencies. - 📈 200 Memory Channels
Never run out of space again. With 200 memory channels, the RT85 has nearly double the capacity of a UV-5R. You'll have plenty of room for amateur repeaters, GMRS channels, marine frequencies, NOAA weather, and local scanning—all in one place.
Who is the RT85 For?
For the New Ham Operator:
The RT85 is the perfect first radio that you won't outgrow in a month. Its reliable performance and easy CHIRP programming provide a frustration-free experience, letting you focus on learning and enjoying the hobby. Get on the air with a radio that works as hard as you do.
For the Prepper and Emergency Preparedness:
In an emergency, reliability is non-negotiable. The RT85's durable build, superior receiver, and long-lasting battery ensure you have a dependable communications lifeline when it matters most. Trust your comms to a radio built for performance under pressure.
For the Outdoor Adventurer:
Whether you're in a 4x4 convoy, coordinating on the trail, or checking in from the campsite, you need a radio that can keep up. The RT85 is rugged enough to handle the adventure and has the clear, powerful audio needed to cut through wind and engine noise, keeping your group connected and safe.
Click to view In-Depth Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| TX Frequency (FPP) | VHF: 144-148MHz (2M) & UHF: 430-450MHz (70CM) |
| RX Frequency | 136-174MHz & 400-470MHz |
| Memory Channels | 200 |
| Operating Voltage | 7.4V DC |
| Battery | 1400mAh Li-ion |
| Antenna Connector | SMA-Male (Radio Side) |
| Accessory Connector | Kenwood 2-Pin (K-Plug) |
| Weight (with battery & antenna) | ~230g |
| Transmitter | |
| RF Power Output | 5W / 1W (High/Low Selectable) |
| Modulation Type | FM |
| Spurious Emission | ≤ -60 dB |
| Frequency Stability | ± 2.5 ppm |
| Receiver | |
| Sensitivity (12dB SINAD) | ≤ 0.25 μV |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity | ≥ 65 dB |
| Intermodulation | ≥ 60 dB |
| Audio Output | ≥ 500 mW |
| Box Contents | |
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Retevis RT85 really better than a Baofeng UV-5R?
A: Yes, in the areas that matter most for a reliable user experience. While the UV-5R is an affordable entry point, the RT85 offers a significantly better receiver that resists interference, much clearer and louder transmit audio, a more durable professional build, and nearly double the memory channels. For a very small price difference, you get a massive upgrade in performance and quality.
Q: Can I use my Baofeng programming cable and speaker mic with the RT85?
A: Absolutely! The RT85 uses the common Kenwood 2-Pin (K-plug) accessory port, so your existing speaker mics, earpieces, and programming cables from your Baofeng or other K-plug radios will work perfectly. This makes upgrading seamless and cost-effective.
Q: Is the Retevis RT85 easy to program?
A: Yes. It is fully supported by the popular free software CHIRP, which is the easiest way to program channels and settings from your computer. For on-the-go changes, it also supports full front-panel programming (FPP), which many users find more intuitive than the menu system on a UV-5R.
Q: Does this radio have the same transmitter problems as some Baofengs?
A: The Retevis RT85 is known for having a cleaner transmitter output with fewer spurious emissions compared to many older budget radios. This gives licensed amateur operators greater peace of mind that they are operating in compliance with regulations and transmitting a clean signal.
Q: What antenna connector does the RT85 use?
A: The RT85 uses a standard SMA-Male connector on the radio body. This means it is directly compatible with the vast majority of popular aftermarket antennas, which use an SMA-Female connector. You can upgrade your antenna without needing any special adapters.
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