Retevis RT86S programming software
Open WebCHIRPWebCHIRP programs the Retevis RT86S 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 RT86S
- 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
Can I update the firmware on the RT86S?
Retevis publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RT86S 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 RT86S
- Plug the programming cable into the radio and the computer.
- Open WebCHIRP, check Retevis RT86S 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 RT86S?
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 RT86S driver in the browser, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does.
How many channels does the Retevis RT86S hold?
30, numbered 1 to 30 in the channel table.
Can I update the firmware on the Retevis RT86S?
Retevis publishes firmware updates, though not for every radio it has made. Its download page is where to check whether the RT86S 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.