Retevis A3 Long Range Ham Radio: How to Use Its Core Features
Retevis A3 Long Range Ham Radio: How to Use Its Core Features
The Retevis A3 is a reliable handheld ham radio designed for outdoor lovers and radio enthusiasts. It supports four transmission bands, full band reception, dual-channel monitoring, NOAA weather alerts, emergency alarms, and many customizable functions. This guide will explain its key features and show you how to use them clearly and simply.
1. Basic Operation and Main Controls
The A3 ham radio lets you send and receive on multiple frequency bands, giving you great flexibility.
1.1 Quad-Band Transmission and Full Band Reception
● Quad-Band Transmission: You can transmit on 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm bands.
● Full Band Reception: It receives a wide range of signals from 600 meters to 26 centimeters, including AM, SSB, FM, and AIR modes.
| Type | Frequency Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transmit | 28.000 – 29.800 MHz |
10 m band |
| 50.000 – 52.000 MHz | 6 m band | |
| 144.000 – 148.000 MHz / 144.000 – 146.000 MHz | 2 m band | |
| 420.000 – 450.000 MHz / 430.000 – 440.000 MHz | 70 cm band | |
| Receive | 0.5 – 1160 MHz | Wideband reception |
| 76.000 – 108.000 MHz | FM broadcast | |
| 108.000 – 135.9975 MHz | AM aviation band |
1.2 Main Keys and Their Functions
| Key | What It Does | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| PTT Key | Press and hold to talk; release to listen | PTT1 for Channel A, PTT2 for Channel B |
| A/B Key | Switch main channel between A and B | Press once to switch which channel you talk on |
| V/M Key | Switch between frequency mode and channel mode | Press once to toggle between modes |
| Band Key | Change frequency bands in frequency mode | Press repeatedly to cycle through bands |
| Side Key 1 | Short press: monitor weak signals; long press: 1750 Hz tone | Use monitor to listen better |
| Side Key 2 | Short press: flashlight; long press: emergency alarm | Use in emergencies to send alarm |
2. Retevis A3 Long Range HAM Radio Communication Features
2.1 Switching Main Channel
Press the A/B key to choose whether Channel A or Channel B is your main channel for transmitting. The screen shows which channel is active.
2.2 Single and Dual Receive Modes
You can listen to one or two channels at the same time.
● Long press number key 3 to switch between single and dual receive.
● In dual receive, you hear both channels but can only talk on one.
● Press number key 2, then use left/right arrows to adjust volumes for Channel A and Channel B separately.
● Note: Dual receive does not work if Channel A is on bands F1, F2, or F11.
2.3 Frequency and Channel Mode
The radio has two modes for tuning:
● Frequency Mode (VFO): Use the left/right keys to change frequency in small steps or press # and enter frequency numbers directly.
● Channel Mode (MR): Use left/right keys to select stored channels or press # and input the channel number.
● Press the V/M key to switch between these two modes.
3. Advanced Features of A3 HAM Radio
3.1 Storing and Deleting Channels
● To save a frequency with your settings:
In frequency mode, set your frequency and parameters, then long press number key 8 to store the channel.
You can also use the menu to select a channel number and name it.
● To delete a stored channel:
-
Enter menu 2-19, select the channel, confirm deletion.
3.2 CTCSS/DCS Tone Settings
Use menus 2-04, 2-05, and 2-06 to set receive and transmit tones, which help reduce interference. Use the # key to choose tone type and number.
3.3 NOAA Weather Alerts
Press key 5 to listen to NOAA weather radio channels. This keeps you updated with live weather alerts, which is important when outdoors.
3.4 Emergency Alarm
You can assign a side key to send an emergency alert.
● In menu 3-8, set which side key triggers the alarm.
● Long press that side key to send a local alarm sound and signal.
● Press any key to stop the alarm.
3.5 Spectrum Analyzer
Press key 7 to view the spectrum analyzer. This shows real-time signal strength and helps find clear channels.
● Use keys 1-5 to adjust settings like frequency and bandwidth.
● Side key monitors the center frequency signal.
🔗 View more details: A3 HAM radio
4. Additional Useful Functions of A3 HAM Radio
4.1 One-Key Pairing and Wireless Duplication
Long press PTT + Side Key 2 to enter wireless duplication mode. This copies frequency settings from one radio to another quickly and easily.
4.2 Scanning
Press and hold the scan key (the ” key) or use side keys to start scanning channels or frequencies for activity.
During scan, press PTT to reply or EXIT to stop scanning.
4.3 Keyboard Lock
Long press # to lock or unlock the keypad (side keys remain usable).
4.4 Restore Factory Settings
Use menu 1-16 to reset all settings to default. You can choose to keep or clear stored channels.
5. Battery and Power
The A3 handheld ham radio has a 2500 mAh battery that lasts about 119 hours on standby and 16 hours with continuous use. This means you can rely on it for long trips or emergency use without frequent charging.
Conclusion
The Retevis A3 ham radio packs many useful features in a compact design. Its quad-band transmission, full band reception, dual receive, NOAA alerts, emergency alarms, and customization options make it a great tool for outdoor and amateur radio users. Follow this guide to get started and use your A3 effectively based on its official manual.
