Retevis Anybody has the Retevis RB27 radio and could check something for me?

[drabina]

I have purchased the Retevis RB27 radio and have a problem with the belt clip. It looks like the locking pin is bent and doesn't latch onto the slot in the battery. It is very easy to slide the belt clip out and even with the battery installed in the radio, if I press the clip upwards, the battery just unlatches. I have contacted Retevis but they claim that it should work like that. Here is a video of the problem:

If the clip really should work like that, then there is a very good possibility to lose the whole radio while hiking.

Overall, it looks like I have received an used radio. The power adapter was outside of the plastic sleeve, radio turned on on channel 5 and some other scrambling frequency, it looks like somebody tried to install the belt clip and bent the locking pin. Unfortunately, Retevis is denying all claiming that radios are tested so they could be programmed to any frequency, power supplies are sourced separately so them being out of the plastic bag is normal and that the belt clip works as it should.

 

[jaspence]

If you really want to protect your radio, ditch the usually cheap belt clip and buy a good quality case from a radio store. https://www.amazon.com/Protector-Pl...eywords=radio+belt+case&qid=1623847631&sr=8-6 is an example.

 

[drabina]

Nobody? I guess I am the only one on this forum with this radio.

 

[N4KVE]

Overall, it looks like I have received an used radio. The power adapter was outside of the plastic sleeve, radio turned on on channel 5 and some other scrambling frequency, it looks like somebody tried to install the belt clip and bent the locking pin. Unfortunately, Retevis is denying all claiming that radios are tested so they could be programmed to any frequency, power supplies are sourced separately so them being out of the plastic bag is normal and that the belt clip works as it should.

Well what would you expect from a bottom of the barrel CCR? Over the last few years people have complained about buying a CCR on Amazon, & getting a radio a previous buyer returned. While the returned radio wasn’t defective, the original buyer either felt it was overwhelming to program up a codeplug, or couldn’t get the CPS to work. So the radio was returned. Do you think that radio was thrown in the trash? No, it was briefly tested to work, repackaged, & resold. You get what you pay for. Lesson learned.

 

[drabina]

I do appreciate both forum members taking time to respond but neither buying a case or thesis about expectations on a cheap radio address my actual question. I have just asked if somebody who has same radio could test the clip for me. I do not want external case and I know I bought a cheap $25 radio. I do not expect it to work or have a quality craftsmanship of a $250 piece of equipment.

 

[amemait]

I have the RB27. Yes, the belt clip is very problematic. Being plastic, the small retaining clip that should keep the belt clip attached does not adequately keep it in place. I had to push down (toward the radio) to make it "snap" into place. But the slightest touch of that piece loosens it. Whatever you do, do NOT pull on that plastic piece to help you attach the belt clip. Simple press the entire clip against the radio to flatten the spring-loaded piece, slide it into place, then push on the retaining clip to make sure it's fully engaged. If you use the small retaining clip to help angle the spring-loaded piece, it will most certainly bend or break the retaining clip.
From viewing the video, your retaining clip is definitely bent beyond where it should be. It should not be angled out like that. If you try to gently bend it back, it might help to stay in place better - but WARNING - it is very thin plastic and may break if bent too much. Good luck!
P.S. If you (or anyone) finds any batteries for this radio, I'm looking. I like to keep a spare or two, but haven't been able to find any yet.

 

[drabina]

Thanks amemait. The flimsy build is exactly what I was suspecting and it does look like the locking clip is bent in my case. Fortunately, after long email exchange between me and Retevis, they are sending me a replacement clip. Will report back how that works when I get it.

 

[amemait]

Thanks amemait.

You're welcome! I just stumbled on this looking for a programming cable pinout (and found the info on another site). I made my own programming cable with parts I already had.
Best regards.