THE RETEVIS RT73 DUEL BAND GPS MINI DMR MOBILE RADIO.

Also known as the Radiodditty DB-25D

INTRODUCTION:

The Retevis RT73 Dual Band GPS Mini DMR Mobile Radio is a powerful and versatile small mobile receiver that offers exceptional performance and features. It is designed for use by amateur radio enthusiasts who demand the best in terms of scope, clarity, and reliability. This review provides an analysis of the Retevis RT73 Double Band GPS Mini DMR Mobile Radio, including its features, installation process, and performance.

FEATURES:

The Retevis RT73 Dual Band GPS Mini DMR Mobile Radio is a feature-packed small receiver that offers a wide range of features to amateur radio enthusiasts. Some of its main features include:

Dual-band capability: The RT73 can operate at both VHF and UHF frequencies, covering a range of frequencies between 136-174 MHz and 400-480 MHz. This makes it a versatile radio for short-range and long-distance communication.

GPS Feature: The RT73 has a built-in GPS feature that allows users to track their location and display it on a map. This makes it an ideal radio for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and hunting.

High power output: The RT73 has a maximum power output of 20 watts, which is sufficient to connect to repeaters over long distances with excellent clarity.

Clean LCD display: The RT73 has a large and clear LCD display that shows all relevant information, such as frequency, channel, and power level. This makes it easy to read and work even in low light conditions.

Multiple communication modes: The RT73 supports multiple communication modes, including FM, DMR, and digital voice encryption.

It is also particularly at home in the modern car where little space is required for installation.

INSTALLATION:

The installation process for the Retevis RT73 Double Band GPS Mini DMR Mobile Radio is quite simple and can be completed in a few simple steps:

Unpack the radio: The RT73 comes in a compact and durable cardboard container that contains:

1. Radio
2. Microphone with keyboard
3. Molten power cables (+ve and -ve)
4. User’s Manual
5. Programming cable
6. GPS antenna (SMA)
7. Mounting plate and screws

This radio is tiny. Fitting in the palm of my hand I couldn’t believe this little thing could do everything they claim it can. And at 20W it seems like a lot of punch crammed into a tiny package.

The SO-293 on the rear of the case is for the main antenna-as is the SMA-Female connector for the GPS antenna.

The fan on the back takes up 1/3rd of the rear of the unit, with heatsink fins on either side. This should be more than sufficient to keep it cool during long contacts at 20W.

The case is made from 2 halves. The front half being plastic, housing all the buttons, the volume knob and the screen. The back half is cast from a metal (possibly aluminium?) and is very sturdy. The mounting ears are part of the rear casting and offer indents that match the mounting bracket to keep it angled where you set it.

The Mic/Spk port is on the side of the unit. This doubles up as a programming port. It comes with a dust cover that screws in place. This is a little strange, since once mounted in a vehicle it might be tricky to get the cover off if you need to use a screwdriver. I would expect a rubbery or at least flexible cover, but this is hard plastic. I’ve just removed it entirely to be able to program it without hassle.

Mounting the radio: The RT73 can be mounted in a vehicle using the included installation mount (bracket). Once the mount is installed, attach the radio to it using the screws provided.

Connect the power: Connect the power cord to the radio and the power source of the vehicle. The RT73 can run on a voltage range between 12V and 14V, making it compatible with most vehicles.

Turn on the radio: Once the power is connected, turn on the radio by pressing the power button. The LCD display will show the frequency and other relevant information.

Select a channel: Use the up and down arrow buttons to select a channel or frequency. The RT73 comes pre-programmed with several popular channels, but you can also program your own channels.

I found that I had to decide what I want to listen to as the second channel breaking in while monitoring the first can be a bit disturbing, while with radios with a clear distinction with separate knobs etc. between the two channels, this is not the case here. All control is in menus.

Sound is loud and clear, and you can choose between mic/speaker and just speaker or both. I prefer the first option.

PERFORMANCE:

The Retevis RT73 Double Band GPS Mini DMR Mobile Radio delivers exceptional performance, making it an ideal choice for amateur radio enthusiasts. Its dual-band capability, DMR and GPS function and ample power output provide excellent range and clarity even in challenging environments. The RT73’s multiple communication modes and high-quality audio make it easy to hear and understand conversations.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, the Retevis RT73 Double Band GPS Mini DMR Mobile Radio is a great choice for amateur radio enthusiasts who demand the best in terms of scope, clarity, and functionality. Its dual-band capability, GPS function, and high-power output make it a versatile radio for a wide range of applications, including outdoor activities, emergency communication, and everyday hobby use.

Some research information provided by: Kieran Murphy – VK2KMA – with thanks.