Retevis RB648 programming software
Open WebCHIRPWebCHIRP programs the Retevis RB648 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
Retevis 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 RB648
- 16 memory channels, numbered 1 to 16
- Channel names up to 6 characters
- Transmit power: High 2.0W, Low 0.5W
- Modes: FM, NFM
- Bands: 400–520 MHz
- Tone squelch: Cross, DTCS, TSQL, Tone
- Radio-wide settings, not just the channel list
RB648 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 |
| Transmit power | Up to 0.5 W |
| Modulation | FM |
| Display | Yes |
| Still manufactured | Yes |
| Dual receive | No |
| Cross-band repeater | No |
| APRS | No |
| GPS | No |
| Bluetooth programming | No |
Frequency bands
| Band | Receive | Transmit |
|---|---|---|
| PMR446 | 446.00625–446.19375 MHz | 446.00625–446.19375 MHz |
EU PMR446 version, 0.5 W; the RB48 is its US FRS sister. The RB648P, RB648 Plus and RB648 Pro are different UHF radios.
Sources: retevis.com · en.wikipedia.org
Can I update the firmware on the RB648?
Retevis publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RB648 is one of them. Its firmware list covers a subset of the range; many entry-level FRS and PMR models are not on it.
Firmware downloads at retevis.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 Retevis RB648
- Plug the programming cable into the radio and the computer.
- Open WebCHIRP, check Retevis RB648 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 Retevis RB648?
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 Retevis CPS software?
No. WebCHIRP runs CHIRP's own Retevis RB648 driver in the browser, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does.
How many channels does the Retevis RB648 hold?
16, numbered 1 to 16 in the channel table.
Can I update the firmware on the Retevis RB648?
Retevis publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RB648 is one of them. Its firmware list covers a subset of the range; many entry-level FRS and PMR models are not on it. 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.