Radtel RT-490 programming software
Open WebCHIRPWebCHIRP programs the Radtel RT-490 in your browser. It runs the CHIRP project's own driver for this radio, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does — without installing anything.
No driver install needed
Radtel programming cables use a CH340, CP2102, PL2303 or FTDI USB-serial chip. WebCHIRP speaks to all four directly from the browser, so there is no driver package to download and no Windows version to match. Plug the cable in and pick the port when the browser asks.
What you can edit on the RT-490
- 256 memory channels, numbered 1 to 256
- Channel names up to 12 characters
- Transmit power: H 5.0W, L 3.0W
- Modes: AM, FM, NAM, NFM
- Bands: 108–136 MHz, 136–180 MHz, 200–260 MHz, 350–400 MHz, 400–520 MHz
- Tone squelch: Cross, DTCS, TSQL, Tone
- Radio-wide settings, not just the channel list
RT-490 hardware
Researched from the sources listed below — spec sheets, manuals and retailer listings — rather than taken from the CHIRP driver. Anything not established is left out.
| Type | Handheld |
|---|---|
| Battery | 2000 mAh |
| Charging | USB-C, Desktop charging cradle |
| Modulation | FM, AM, WFM |
| Display | Yes |
| Still manufactured | Yes |
| Dual receive | No |
Frequency bands
| Band | Receive | Transmit |
|---|---|---|
| FM broadcast | 66–108 MHz | — |
| Airband | 108–136 MHz | — |
| VHF | 136–180 MHz | 136–180 MHz |
| Other | 200–260 MHz | 200–260 MHz |
| Other | 350–400 MHz | 350–400 MHz |
| UHF | 400–520 MHz | 400–520 MHz |
Sold with and without GPS/Bluetooth; GPS, APRS and Bluetooth depend on the variant.
Sources: radtels.com · radtels.com
Can I update the firmware on the RT-490?
Radtel publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RT-490 is one of them. Most of the RT- range has a firmware update file alongside its CPS.
Firmware downloads at radtels.com
WebCHIRP does not flash firmware. It reads and writes the channel list and settings over the programming cable, which is a separate part of the radio.
How to program a Radtel RT-490
- Plug the programming cable into the radio and the computer.
- Open WebCHIRP, check Radtel RT-490 is selected, and press Download.
- Edit the channels, or pull in nearby repeaters from a directory.
- Press Upload to write the result back to the radio.
Questions
Do I need to install a USB driver to program the Radtel RT-490?
No. WebCHIRP talks to CH340, CP2102, PL2303 or FTDI programming cables from the browser, so there is nothing to install on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Do I need the Radtel CPS software?
No. WebCHIRP runs CHIRP's own Radtel RT-490 driver in the browser, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does.
How many channels does the Radtel RT-490 hold?
256, numbered 1 to 256 in the channel table.
Can I update the firmware on the Radtel RT-490?
Radtel publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RT-490 is one of them. Most of the RT- range has a firmware update file alongside its CPS. WebCHIRP does not flash firmware. It reads and writes the channel list and settings over the programming cable, which is a separate part of the radio.