Short Review of RT90 dual band mobile radio

Finally the announced package arrived. Content: the new RETEVIS Duoband DMR mobile device RT90.  Now everything was unpacked and inInspected. Also a programming cable was included.

RT90 Unboxing

Finally the announced package arrived. Now everything was unpacked and inInspected. Also a programming cable was included.

RT90RT90

 The microphone makes a solid impression and has a pretty good workmanship. It should be splash-proof according to the IP54 marking.

RT90 MICROPHONERT90 MICROPHONE

 

Now the device was wired and connected to 12V. Next I got the CPS (programming software) from the internet.
The firmware that is on the device seems to be currently in the version D003.031.

On the back are the antenna connector, the connection cable for the power supply and the power amp fan.

RT90

It also has a rubber-jacked external speaker jack and USB programming cable on the back.

RT90

RT90

Housing cover removed:

RT90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the device was switched on, I noticed immediately that the distribution of the representation of the data in the display resembles that of the Retevis RT82.

Codeplug and CPS 

Next there was a real surprise! But to the same. Now it was about creating some frequencies in the channels, RX lists and zones. After a short search on the Internet it was clear that there are no code plugs as a template. So I just tried once with the programming software of the RT90 version V1.18 to load the code plug for my Retevis RT82. That went smoothly. Now the test with writing the code plug into the RT90: It’s worked out !!

 An important info due to some requests:

The RT90 will not be recognized by any other programming software except the designated CPS. Also, code plugs of other retevis devices like the RT3, MD380 etc. are not compatible . Only the code plug of RT82 can be used.

RT90RT90

 

So I had my usual configuration with all repeaters, TGs and whatever else belongs to the RT82 in the RT90. That really saved time and work!

Anyone who already knows the Retevis RT3, the MD380 or the RT82 will be able to cope with the operation in the menu immediately.

Audio
The TX audio quality was judged to be very good and balanced in a QSO with 4 participants.
I was pleasantly surprised by the playback quality of the built-in speaker. He is very loud and should set when operating in a car sufficient volume.

Bandwidth and input sensitivity

Amazing was on, because the RT90 is not just the hub with wide input filters cut at 12.5kHz setting, which is unique at this price:

Bandwidth measurement (12dB Sinad and 3.5kHz Hub / 1000Hz):
– 12.5 kHz setting: measured at 11.8 kHz
– 25 kHz setting: measured at 25.9 kHz

Input
sensitivity – at 12.5 kHz and 3.5 kHz Stroke: 0.17uV
– at 25 kHz and 3.5 kHz Stroke: 0.14uV

Measuring the output power of the MARCONI 2955B
At home, I operate my devices with 12V. Therefore, I have compared the transmitter output power with 12V and 13.8V determined:

operating voltagefrequencylowMidLowMidHigh
12.0 V145.00 MHz8.5 W13.4 W18.5W36.2 W
13.8 V145.00 MHz9.1 W15.5 W23.1 W46.1 W
12.0 V435.00 MHz4.1 W  7.5 W18.5W27.7 W
13.8 V435.00 MHz6.1 W11.2 W21.2 W37.1W

Operation
The four keys P1 to P4 below the display can be programmed twice in the CPS. There are then 4 functions with reaching by short pressure and with long pressure (> 1 sec.) Available. The microphone keys 0 to 9 can also be assigned functions, eg talkgroups.

What I do not like is the spreading of the volume control. There is a point where, within a very short control range, the volume is still controlled from silent to silent. Perhaps this can be better solved in new versions of the firmware and the CPS with the installation of audio profiles.

What also urgently needs to be fixed, is the “Blopp” in the speaker, after a remote station has finished the broadcast.

Black Friday Deals
RT90 DISCOUNT

From now on to Nov.30, Use coupon “retevisdeals” to purchase on to get”20% OFF” for RT90.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact info@ailunce.com 

 

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