Retevis A518 User manual

US
Two Way Radio
User’s Manual
A518

12
Antenna
alarm
Speaker
Channel Knob
Volume knob
Indicator Light
Microphone
Battery
PTT
Side Key
Earphone Interface
Microphone Interface
Status of Indicator light
1-Indicator
Green light flashes when radio is receiving. Red light flashes
when radio is transmitting. The green light flashes about every
3 seconds while waiting.
2-Channel Switch
5 channels available, choosing the desired channel to
communicate from 1-5 numbers by channel knob switch.
3-Power Switch
Rotating the volume knob reduces/increases volume level
and switching power supply.
4-PTT
Over the side of the radio is the PTT switch.Press PTT and
face to the microphone to communicate with the others while
red light indicating.
User’s manual
Basic Introduction
Package Includes
Radio *2
Li-ion Battery Pack*2
User’s Manual*1
Belt Clip*2
USB Charging Cable *2

3 4
13-VOX
1. VOX allows you to transmit using the voice of your speech
without pressing the PTT transmitter key, and automatically
stop transmitting after speaking. Select the side key as VOX
function through RB17V write frequency software.
14-QT/DQT
You can set the CTCSS/DCS by PC programming software.
When the channels are set the CTCSS/DCS, squelch can be
turned on when received a signal with the same
CTCSS/DCS. The two radios can talk with each other, If the
same channel uses a different QT/DQT, the squelch can not
be turned on and the light will be green. The two radios can’t
talk with each other
QT :(total 50 )
DQT:(total116*2 )
5-Monitor
When the side key is set as the monitor key according to the write
frequency software, short press once to open monitor function,
and short press again to close monitor function.
6-Squelch level
7-TOT
This function can prevent users from occupied the present channel
for a long time and limit TX time, meanwhile prevent the radio from
damage by long time transmitting
If radio continues TX over the limit time (set by the programming
software), the radio will quit TX and sounds a warning sound. To
stop warning sound, release the PTT, the radio will back to the
receiving state.When TX over time, through the bell to carry out the
early warning in advance(setting by program software)
8-Voice annunciation
Please choose the desired language by PC programming software.
9-Power Saving Function
Please select to enable or disable the power save function by PC
program software.
10-Battery Voltage Alert
When the battery voltage is lower than a 3.1V, the voice will sound
"please charge", and prohibit transmitting.
The purpose of the squelch is to mute the speaker when no signals
are present. Lower squelch level ,high background noise hear ,
longer communication range ,weaker the anti-inference .
Default squelch level is 5 and can be programmed level 0-9 by PC .
Level 0 is to open the squelch. The higher the selected squelch
level, the stronger the signals must be when receiving
11-Busy Channel Lockout
If radio programmed with BCLO function, pressing PTT to prohibit
TX after receiving the signal and accompanied by a long beep
alarm sound.
12-High /Low Power Switch
Radio default setting is high power . You can switch high /low power
by PC programming software.
3. To use the VOX function, you must adjust the VOX gain in
the write frequency function, and set the VOX gain so that the
walkie-talkie can identify the sound volume.
If the microphone is too sensitive, the noise will activate
transmitting; if the microphone is not sensitive enough, your
voice will not activate transmitting. In order to communicate
successfully, please adjust the appropriate level
NOTE: If the speaker/microphone is connected to the intercom
while VOX is on and the VOX gain is set to a higher and more
sensitive level, the received signal amplified by the speaker/
microphone may cause the intercom to start transmitting
2. When the write frequency software has enabled your
walkie-talkie side key as VOX function. Short press the side
key once with "di" to turn off the VOX, and again with "di di"
to turn on the VOX.Talking to the microphone, then the voice
will be sent out; Stop talking, then the radio will be in
receiving state
15-Local alarm function
Press the alarm button on the top of the radio. At this time, the
radio will send out the alarm sound. When press it again, the
alarm turns off.

56
RF ENERGY EXPOSURE AND PRODUCT SAFETY GUIDE FOR
PORTABLE TWO-WAY RADIOS
This two-way radio uses electromagnetic energy in the radio
frequency (RF) spectrum to provide communications between
two or more users over a distance. RF energy, which when
used improperly, can cause biological damage.
All Retevis two-way radios are designed, manufactured, and
tested to ensure they meet government-established RF
exposure levels. In addition, manufacturers also recommend
specific operating instructions to users of two-way radios.
These instructions are important because they inform users
about RF energy exposure and provide simple procedures on
how to control it.
Before using this radio, read this guide which
contains important operating instructions for
safe usage and RF energy awareness and
control for compliance with applicable
standards and regulations.
ATTENTION!
Troubleshooting
Battery lasts a short time
after charge
Unable to speak to other
members in the group
Hearing other conversation
on a channel (not group
members)
Low power alarm
The battery life is over, please
replace new battery
Verify the frequency and QT/DQT
settings you are using is the same
with other members in the group.
Verify transmitting is within
effective operating range.
Please change the QT/DQT
settings of all radio in this group
Please charge in time to avoid
battery damage.
Questions
No power
Answer
The battery maybe run out please
renew it or recharge it.
The battery may not be properly
installed. Please take it off and
reinstall.
Frequency
Channel
1
2
3
4
5
TX
151.82(MHz)
151.88(MHz)
151.94(MHz)
154.57(MHz)
154.60(MHz)
RX
151.82(MHz)
151.88(MHz)
151.94(MHz)
154.57(MHz)
154.60(MHz)
power
2.0W
2.0W
2.0W
2.0W
2.0W
Subaudio
CTCSS/DCS
CTCSS/DCS
CTCSS/DCS
CTCSS/DCS
MURS
16-Compandor
RB17V write frequency software can be used to open the com-
pandor function. When the function is opened, the background
noise will be suppressed to a certain extent, but the high
frequency components of the intercom sound will be lost a little.
Bandwidth
11.25KHz
11.25KHz
11.25KHz
11.25KHz
11.25KHz
CTCSS/DCS
Please refer to the following websites for more information on
what RF energy exposure is and how to control your
exposure to assure compliance with established RF exposure
limits: http://www.who.int/en/
Local Government Regulations
When two-way radios are used as a consequence of
employment, the Local Government Regulations requires
users to be fully aware of and able to control their exposure to
meet occupational requirements. Exposure awareness can be
facilitated by the use of a product label directing users to
specific user awareness information. Your Retevis two-way
radio has a RF Exposure Product Label. Also, your Retevis
user manual, or separate safety booklet includes information
and operating instructions required to control your RF
exposure and to satisfy compliance requirements.

representative of the user of those services.Replacement of
any transmitter component (crystal, semiconductor, etc.) not
authorized by the local government radio management
departments equipment authorization for this radio could
violate the rules.
FCC Requirements:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not
cause harmful interference. (Licensed radios are applicable);
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (Other
devices are applicable)
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CE Requirements:
• (Simple EU declaration of conformity) Shenzhen Retevis
Technology Co., Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type
is in compliance with the essential requirements and other
relevant provisions of RED Directive 2014/53/EU and the
ROHS Directive 2011/65/EU and the WEEE Directive
2012/19/EU; the full text of the EU declaration of conformity is
available at the following internet address: www.retevis.com.
• Restriction Information
This product can be used in EU countries and regions,
78
Radio License
Governments keep the radios in classification, business
two-way radios operate on radio frequencies that are
regulated by the local radio management departments (FCC,
ISED, OFCOM, ANFR, BFTK, Bundesnetzagentur...).To
transmit on these frequencies, you are required to have a
license issued by them. The detailed classification and the
use of your two radios, please contact the local government
radio management departments.
Use of this radio outside the country where it was intended to
be distributed is subject to government regulations and may
be prohibited.
Unauthorized modification and adjustment
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance may void the user’s authority
granted by the local government radio management
departments to operate this radio and should not be made.
To comply with the corresponding requirements, transmitter
adjustments should be made only by or under the supervision
of a person certified as technically qualified to perform
transmitter maintenance and repairs in the private land mobile
and fixed services as certified by an organization
including: Belgium (BE), Bulgaria (BG), Czech Republic (CZ),
Denmark (DK), Germany (DE), Estonia (EE), Ireland (IE),
Greece (EL), Spain (ES), France (FR), Croatia (HR), Italy
(IT), Cyprus (CY), Latvia (LV), Lithuania (LT), Luxembourg
(LU), Hungary (HU), Malta (MT), Netherlands (NL), Austria
(AT), Poland (PL), Portugal (PT), Romania (RO), Slovenia
(SI), Slovakia (SK), Finland (FI), Sweden (SE) and United
Kingdom (UK).
For the warning information of the frequency restriction,
please refer to the package or manual section.
• Disposal
The crossed-out wheeled-bin symbol on your product,
literature, or packaging reminds you that in the European
Union, all electrical and electronic products, batteries, and

9 10
accumulators (rechargeable batteries) must be taken to
designated collection locations at the end of their working life.
Do not dispose of these products as unsorted municipal
waste. Dispose of them according to the laws in your area.
IC Requirements:
Licence-exempt radio apparatus
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s)
that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie
Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence.
L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
(1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
(2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible
d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
RF Exposure Information
• DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna
attached, as this may damage the radio and may also cause
you to exceed RF exposure limits. A proper antenna is the
antenna supplied with this radio by the manufacturer or an
antenna specifically authorized by the manufacturer for use
with this radio, and the antenna gain shall not exceed the
specified gain by the manufacturer declared.
• DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time,
more than 50% of the time can cause RF exposure
compliance requirements to be exceeded.
• During transmissions, your radio generates RF energy that
can possibly cause interference with other devices or
systems. To avoid such interference, turn off the radio in
areas where signs are posted to do so.
• DO NOT operate the transmitter in areas that are sensitive
to electromagnetic radiation such as hospitals, aircraft, and
blasting sites.
• Portable Device, this transmitter may operate with the
antenna(s) documented in this filing in Push-to-Talk and
body-worn configurations. RF exposure compliance is limited
to the specific belt-clip and accessory configurations as
documented in this filing and the separation distance between
user and the device or its antenna shall be at least 2.5 cm.
• Mobile Device, during operation, the separation distance
between user and the antenna subjects to actual regulations,
this separation distance will ensure that there is sufficient
distance from a properly installed externally-mounted antenna
to satisfy the RF exposure requirements.
• Occupational/Controlled Radio, this radio is designed for
and classified as “Occupational/Controlled Use Only”,
meaning it must be used only during the course of
employment by individuals aware of the hazards, and the
ways to minimize such hazards; NOT intended for use in a
General population/uncontrolled environment.
• General population/uncontrolled Radio, this radio is
designed for and classified as “General
population/uncontrolled Use”.
RF Exposure Compliance and Control Guidelines and
Operating Instructions
To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the
occupational/controlled environment exposure limits, always
adhere to the following procedures.
Guidelines:
•User awareness instructions should accompany the device
when transferred to other users.
•Do not use this device if the operational requirements
described herein are not met.
Operating Instructions:

11 12
•Transmit no more than the rated duty factor of 50% of the
time. To Transmit (Talk), push the Push to Talk (PTT) button.
To receive calls (listen), release the PTT button. Transmitting
50% of the time, or less, is important because the radio
generates measurable RF energy exposure only when
transmitting in terms of measuring for standards compliance.
•Transmit only when people outside the vehicle are at least
the recommended minimum lateral distance away from a
properly installed according to installation instructions,
externally mounted antenna.
• When operating in front of the face, worn on the body,
always place the radio in a Retevis approved clip, holder,
holster, case, or body harness for this product. Using
approved body-worn accessories is important because the
use of Non-Retevis approved accessories may result in
exposure levels, which exceed the IEEE/ICNIRP RF
exposure limits.
Hand-held Mode
• Hold the radio in a vertical position with the
microphone (and other parts of the radio including
the antenna) at least 2.5 cm (one inch) away from
the nose or lips. The antenna should be kept away
from the eyes. Keeping the radio at a proper distance is
important as RF exposure decreases with increasing distance
from the antenna.
Phone Mode
• When placing or receiving a phone call, hold your radio
product as you would a wireless telephone. Speak directly
into the microphone.
Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility
NOTE: Nearly every electronic device is susceptible to
electromagnetic interference (EMI) if inadequately shielded,
designed, or otherwise configured for electromagnetic
compatibility.
Avoid Choking Hazard
Turn off your radio power in the following conditions:
Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
WARNING
•Turn off your radio before removing (installing) a
battery or accessory or when charging battery.
•Turn off your radio when you are in a potentially
hazardous environments: Near electrical blasting
caps, in a blasting area, in explosive atmospheres
(inflammable gas, dust particles, metallic powders,
grain powders, etc.).
•Turn off your radio while taking on fuel or while
parked at gasoline service stations.To avoid
electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility
conflicts
•Turn off your radio in any facility where posted
notices instruct you to do so, hospitals or health care
facilities (Pacemakers, Hearing Aids and Other
Medical Devices) may be using equipment that is
sensitive to external RF energy.
•Turn off your radio when on board an aircraft. Any
use of a radio must be in accordance with applicable
regulations per airline crew instructions.
• Use the lowest volume necessary to do your job.
Protect your hearing:
•Turn up the volume only if you are in noisy
surroundings.
•Turn down the volume before adding headset or
earpiece.
• Limit the amount of time you use headsets or
earpieces at high volume.
• When using the radio without a headset or
earpiece, do not place the radio's speaker directly

13 14
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
against your ear
• Use careful with the earphone maybe possible
excessive sound
pressure from earphones and headphones can
cause hearing loss
Note: Exposure to loud noises from any source for
extended periods of time may temporarily or
permanently affect your hearing. The louder the
radio's
volume, the less time is required before
•your hearing could be affected. Hearing damage
from loud noise is sometimes undetectable at first
and can have a cumulative effect.
Antennas
•Do not use any portable radio that has a damaged
antenna. If a damaged antenna comes into contact
with the skin when the radio is in use, a minor burn
can result.
Batteries (If appropriate)
•When the conductive material such as jewelry,
keys or chains touch exposed terminals of the
batteries, may complete an electrical circuit (short
circuit the battery) and become hot to cause bodily
injury such as burns. Exercise care in handling any
battery, particularly when placing it inside a pocket,
purse or other container with metal objects
Long transmission
Avoid Burns
Safety Operation
•When the transceiver is used for long
transmissions, the radiator and chassis will become
hot.
Forbid
•Do not use charger outdoors or in moist
environments, use only in dry locations/conditions.
•Do not disassemble the charger, that may result in
risk of electrical shock or fire.
•Do not operate the charger if it has been broken or
damaged in any way.
•Do not place a portable radio in the area over
an air bag or in the air bag deployment area. The
radio may be propelled with great force and cause
serious injury to occupants of the vehicle when the
air bag inflates.
To reduce risk
•Pull by the plug rather than the cord when
disconnecting the charger.
•Unplug the charger from the AC outlet before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
•Contact Retevis for assistance regarding repairs
and service.
•The adapter shall be installed near the equipment
and shall be easily accessible.
•This radio meets the RF exposure guidelines when
used with the Retevis accessories supplied or
designated for the product. Use of other accessories
may not ensure compliance with the RF exposure
guidelines and may violate regulations.
•For a list of Retevis-approved accessories for your
radio model, visit the following website:
http://www.Retevis.com
Approved Accessories
MODIFICATION OF THIS DEVICE TO RECEIVE CELLULAR RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICE
SIGNALS IS PROHIBITED UNDER FCC RULES AND FEDERAL LAW.

Cut along this line
Guarantee
Remarks:
1.This guarantee card should be kept by the user,
no replacement if lost.
2.Most new products carry a two-year
manufacturer’s warranty from the date of
purchase. Further details, pls read
http://www.retevis.com/after-sale/
3.The user can get warranty and after-sales
service as below:
●Contact the seller where you buy.
●Products Repaired by Our Local Repair Center
4.For warranty service, you will need to provide a
receipt proof of purchase from the actual seller for
verification
Exclusions from Warranty Coverage:
1.To any product damaged by accident.
2.In the event of misuse or abuse of the product
or as a result of unauthorized alterations or
repairs.
3.If the serial number has been altered, defaced,
or removed.
Model Number:
Serial Number:
Purchasing Date:
Dealer:
User’s Name:
Country:
Post Code:
Telephone:
Telephone:
Address:
Email:
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set
forth for an uncontrolled environment. Do not use this device
when the antenna shows obvious damages.
Hold this transmitter approximately 25 mm away from your
face and speak normal with the antenna pointed up and away.
Use the supplied belt clip for body-worn configuration as other
accessories may not comply to the limits.