Retevis RT18 programming software
Open WebCHIRPWebCHIRP programs the Retevis RT18 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 RT18
- 16 memory channels, numbered 1 to 16
- Channel names up to 6 characters
- Transmit power: Low 0.5W, High 2.0W
- Modes: FM, NFM
- Bands: 400–470 MHz
- Tone squelch: Cross, DTCS, TSQL, Tone
- Radio-wide settings, not just the channel list
RT18 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 | 1000 mAh |
| Transmit power | 2 W |
| Modulation | FM |
| Still manufactured | Yes |
| Dual receive | No |
| Cross-band repeater | No |
| APRS | No |
| GPS | No |
| Bluetooth programming | No |
Frequency bands
| Band | Receive | Transmit |
|---|---|---|
| FRS | 462.55–467.7125 MHz | 462.55–467.7125 MHz |
US FRS version.
Sources: retevis.com · en.wikipedia.org
Can I update the firmware on the RT18?
Retevis publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RT18 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 RT18
- Plug the programming cable into the radio and the computer.
- Open WebCHIRP, check Retevis RT18 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 RT18?
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 RT18 driver in the browser, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does.
How many channels does the Retevis RT18 hold?
16, numbered 1 to 16 in the channel table.
Can I update the firmware on the Retevis RT18?
Retevis publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RT18 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.