Thank you for your reply. I don’t know if the RT85 is another Retivis radio but my guess is it is. I also learned some of the patch cables for the Chinese radios will also work. So I tried one of the many I have from RTSystems (I always get the programming software and patch cable from RTSystems for all my ham gear) and it worked!
So, now that I could “read” how my 5 Retivis RT27V’s were programmed I was able to verify the default power output setting was in fact set to “high”, as you have stated. I also went ahead and assigned DPL codes to channels 1-4, leaving the 5th channel with its default settings.
I have no doubt these RT27V’s will be able to cover the distance between a cottage and the beach, less than 1/2 mile without any obstructions in the way. In fact, I am betting the short stubby antennas I ordered will also make the haul. The idea is to equip 3 male grandkids ranging in age from a first grader to a fifth grader with two-way comms with another radio in an adults possession. Shoulder straps were attached to help prevent the loss of a radio (due to forgetfulness-laying it down and forgetting to pick it back up and as a deterrent to theft). The kids will be receiving instructions to never allow others to hold the radio or remove the shoulder straps and if asked to do so to call for help and get away from whomever it was that approached them.
It’s a way to not only keep an eye on them visually and be able to rein them back in when they get out of earshot range, they can also be a lot of fun when mixed with the imagination powers of 3 young lads!
