Retevis RT86A programming software
Open WebCHIRPWebCHIRP programs the Retevis RT86A 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 RT86A
- 30 memory channels, numbered 1 to 30
- Channel names up to 6 characters
- Transmit power: High 2.0W, Mid 1.0W, Low 0.5W
- Modes: FM, NFM
- Bands: 400–520 MHz
- Tone squelch: Cross, DTCS, TSQL, Tone
- Radio-wide settings, not just the channel list
RT86A 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 | 2500 mAh |
| Charging | Desktop charging cradle |
| Transmit power | Up to 5 W |
| Modulation | FM |
| Display | No |
| Still manufactured | Yes |
| Dual receive | No |
| Cross-band repeater | No |
| APRS | No |
| GPS | No |
| Bluetooth programming | No |
Frequency bands
| Band | Receive | Transmit |
|---|---|---|
| GMRS | 462.55–467.7125 MHz | 462.55–467.725 MHz |
US GMRS version (30 channels); a 32-channel UHF version is also sold. No screen, LED indicator only. Some older listings claimed 10 W.
Sources: v3.retevis.com · v3.retevis.com · retevis.com
Can I update the firmware on the RT86A?
Retevis publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RT86A 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 RT86A
- Plug the programming cable into the radio and the computer.
- Open WebCHIRP, check Retevis RT86A 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 RT86A?
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 RT86A driver in the browser, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does.
How many channels does the Retevis RT86A hold?
30, numbered 1 to 30 in the channel table.
Can I update the firmware on the Retevis RT86A?
Retevis publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RT86A 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.