(paid link below) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you. ▶ The Retekess TR113 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3LjlaGD
Hi Todderbert, thanks for the review. The Retekess TR-113 looks very cool, and I like all the features this radio has. It's also great that there are many different radios of this type with different radio brands, perfect for a radio geek like me. The rain is pouring down. There was a thunderstorm yesterday, but it's still lovely in a strange way. I'll have a lot of radio time. Take care Todderbert and have a nice evening it's early morning here the time is 4,14.
I forgot to mention - the kickstand is absolutely awesome. I'm finding these new wideband receivers to be very good on VHF-high. THANK YOU for mentioning the downsides - I hope Retekess listens to you.
Thanks Todderbert for another great review but I will stick with Raddy RF-919 since I running out of room in my shack for extra radios….😢…😂! I prefer the 18650 because they are easier to find when it fails as with every battery. My main hope is Raddy’s planned firmware update will allow SSB reception on MW and LW plus 6M and 2M also. Have a great day! 73!
ZHIWHIS also markets this same radio but they offer a carry case or bag with it as seen on their Amazon ad but I don't know if the case/bag has a handle or not, though you would think it should but with the Chinese, who knows what they'll do? I don't know if ZHIWHIS offers a carry strap like Retekess and Raddy does.
It does, and I'm sure they use reverse polarity protection on the board as well. So I'm still baffled on the choice Retekess went with here. Cylindrical cells vent properly, and are robust with their metal enclosures. My only guess is they are trying to remove liability from themselves by having a fixed battery.
Get the NEW firmware 1.707, solves soft muting. Makes it a great radio. It’s crucial that you format the SD memory card FAT32 before trying to update firmware ex32 format will brick your radio.
Where did you obtain firmware version 1.707 from please? I just checked with Radioditty. They informed me that the latest firmware version they have available is 1.706 and that they are still working on the (unsolved) muting problem. They also cautioned that while the HRD-RF919 and the Retekess TR113 are very similar radios they are not identical and an attempt to install firmware designed for the Retekess could very well brick the RF919. Thanks.
For 330 and all those features it should also have a Flashlight since you said it's good for a camping radio. If only it wasn't so expensive, I wish they had a smaller rectangular style Hand Held type radio with the same features and the knobs on the side for tuning and a Dot Matrix Display like on the Retekess V115 but larger maybe like the Retekess TR618 but with the Dot Matrix Display display of course.
I love this design, but maybe the Raddy version would come closer to my needs. Could you do a dedicated video showing feature differences between the Raddy and Retekess versions? Would it be best to wait a bit for firmware updates? Switchable soft mute is a must for me. Plus we need a replaceable battery. It's great that wideband consumer radios are coming of age finally.
I would go with the Raddy RF919 because of the ease of replacing the batteries. The firmware will hopefully be updated soon. So watch for that. These are going to go on sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
Wow, I'm liking this radio! Haven't been on the channel in a while and, I'm wondering what that app is on your phone. It's tuning with the Retekess... Is that some sort of SDR? Thanks, Todderbert.
It is an interface for the radio, like a remote control. When connected you can turn the radio on, and off with it as well. Hear something cool on the radio, hit the record button on the phone and the receiver will start recording to its micro sd card. Of course you can tune from the app as well. I like that it does not interfere with any received signals.
I have had mine for about a week. I have Squelch turned on and it has failed. It stopped receiving broadcasts. Of course If I turn the squelch off it will. This is a recent failure and just proves these are not made very well. I had two TR-110's and they were pretty bad.
If you get the ZHIWHIS ZWS-c919, who seems to be the actual manufacturer you can get the newer firmware for the soft muting issue, and get the removable battery option. They are very responsive at customer service.
What is the impact rating IK Code? The IK code is an international standard that defines the level of protection that an enclosure provides against mechanical impacts. This standard, known as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62262, is crucial in evaluating and categorizing the degree of robustness and impact resistance of various electrical and electronic devices.
Would be nice to know, maybe Retekess can chime in on this if they are reading the comments. I personally think a one meter drop would cause serious damage.
Hello. Yes i would really like to see how you hook up the terk loop to the back and than which antenna con fig. You use thanks very much. Your the only one who does this complete video.
Really liked this video!!! Besides the difference in batteries, is there any difference between the RF919 and TR113? Or are they basically the same radio? I really like the option of two batteries i can remove. Thanks in advance!
Should work well with an external wire or active loop antenna. Personally I would check out the Sangean 909X2 if you are going to use external antennas, it is wonderful radio on Shortwave.
Thank you for the quick response, what kind of antenna do you advise me? I’m sorry, but I have little knowledge in this matter. I wonder if with the Raddy RF919 I achieve my goal. I want a transmission with the least possible delay.
@@inputs4you584 Depends on Solar conditions. You can tune in programs with a twenty dollar radio if they are good. So you have to watch the Solar charts to give you an idea. Shortwave transmissions need to bounce off the ionosphere to get around the curvature of our planet. Also time of day, and what part of the band they are broadcasting on will also affect if you are able to hear them or not. A simple 22' wire strung outside will help with reception, and it is cheap. The 919 is nice, I like the battery option. It is good that they use standard flat tops. Both radios record, which is a bonus.
Find a tech shop that can replace it. A simple twin 18650 pack built in parallel will fit, just needs the correct plug, or the wires soldered to the old ones.
The Battery issuesis for saftey since if you install it in reverse it will explode or over heat and catch fire. They should have made it like a cordless phone where it un plugs.
Raddy, Retekess, and HanRongDa radios, from my personal experience, are all of questionable quality. Same factory, no QC or forethought in engineering. Anything manufactured by the parent company, HanRongDa should be avoided. Defective displays, broken encoders, firmware flaws. I've returned more than I kept. No apologies for the negativity.😅 23:10
I'm not sure exactly why they went that route, even with the release of their "safety" video. They put a lot of effort removing the springs/contacts, and dividing plastics in the battery bay. They also had to add closed cell foam padding for the lipo pack.
There's much to like here. However, at its price, I'd like to be able to replace the batteries in a few years. It's nifty that it will do FM on the "Public Service Low" band. There's a bit on there from my local municipalities.
If you have the skills, I think it would be rather easy to replace. I would chop the wires at the battery and use them with a new battery pack, possibly one I build with my own 18650s. You could also find a flat lithium battery pack that fits as well. The ability to solder, and heatshrink everything is needed though. Now that I'm thinking about this more, I can install a DC Input Jack, and use one of my built battery packs as the power source. I have a 20,000mAh Power Bank with a direct(fused)connection that I use with my V115 style Recorder. Works great, and supplies the correct voltage without having to engage the Power Bank's Buck Circuit...so no RFI :) imgur.com/xKjKm26
The SOFT MUTING when tuning the frequencies is a DEAL BREAKER if Retekess does not allow one to turn it off. That is extremely annoying, and it renders the enjoyability as nil.
A firmware update will most likely address the ability to switch it off. Though it will still have mute on tuning, it will sound harsher. I have the newest firmware on the Raddy RF919 and can confirm this.
@@todderbert Thanks for the vids!! do you know if the 919 fw update will work on the other brands (retekess zhiwhis and HanRongDa) I keep wondering if the radios that dont QC very well off the assembly line are sold off under the other brand names?
@@rootballrandy No, China lets companies use another's design. The 919 is made by HanRongDa, and most likely does all the rebranding, and alterations in shop, then sends them out to the other companies requesting them.
@@todderbert FYI I just got the raddy rf919 from amazon and it already has firmware 1-704. It mutes better, like my eton elite executive. I have the zhiwhis c919 and it has old fw and it would Not take the raddy update file.
WTF is this? I thought it was called Raddy 919? Don't drop it, you'll be in a Mexican Hell! Seriously though, what's up with that, same radio different name?
(paid link below) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
▶ The Retekess TR113 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3LjlaGD
Hi Todderbert, thanks for the review. The Retekess TR-113 looks very cool, and I like all the features this radio has. It's also great that there are many different radios of this type with different radio brands, perfect for a radio geek like me. The rain is pouring down. There was a thunderstorm yesterday, but it's still lovely in a strange way. I'll have a lot of radio time. Take care Todderbert and have a nice evening it's early morning here the time is 4,14.
I forgot to mention - the kickstand is absolutely awesome. I'm finding these new wideband receivers to be very good on VHF-high. THANK YOU for mentioning the downsides - I hope Retekess listens to you.
Thanks Todderbert for another great review but I will stick with Raddy RF-919 since I running out of room in my shack for extra radios….😢…😂! I prefer the 18650 because they are easier to find when it fails as with every battery. My main hope is Raddy’s planned firmware update will allow SSB reception on MW and LW plus 6M and 2M also.
Have a great day! 73!
Not to mention AM reception on the military aircraft band would be nice.
Could you do a comparison between the Retekess TR113 the Raddy 919, please? Unsure as to which i would get.
ZHIWHIS also markets this same radio but they offer a carry case or bag with it as seen on their Amazon ad but I don't know if the case/bag has a handle or not, though you would think it should but with the Chinese, who knows what they'll do? I don't know if ZHIWHIS offers a carry strap like Retekess and Raddy does.
That battery arrangement is most odd, as both the Raddy and Han Rongda Versions both use 18650 batteries, which makes much more sense,
It does, and I'm sure they use reverse polarity protection on the board as well. So I'm still baffled on the choice Retekess went with here. Cylindrical cells vent properly, and are robust with their metal enclosures. My only guess is they are trying to remove liability from themselves by having a fixed battery.
Get the NEW firmware 1.707, solves soft muting. Makes it a great radio.
It’s crucial that you format the SD memory card FAT32 before trying to update firmware
ex32 format will brick your radio.
Where did you obtain firmware version 1.707 from please? I just checked with Radioditty. They informed me that the latest firmware version they have available is 1.706 and that they are still working on the (unsolved) muting problem. They also cautioned that while the HRD-RF919 and the Retekess TR113 are very similar radios they are not identical and an attempt to install firmware designed for the Retekess could very well brick the RF919. Thanks.
I think the analog needle meters are more sensitive than digital meters.
For 330 and all those features it should also have a Flashlight since you said it's good for a camping radio.
If only it wasn't so expensive, I wish they had a smaller rectangular style Hand Held type radio with the same features and the knobs on the side for tuning and a Dot Matrix Display like on the Retekess V115 but larger maybe like the Retekess TR618 but with the Dot Matrix Display display of course.
What type of UHFVHF antenna do you recommend?
I love this design, but maybe the Raddy version would come closer to my needs. Could you do a dedicated video showing feature differences between the Raddy and Retekess versions? Would it be best to wait a bit for firmware updates? Switchable soft mute is a must for me. Plus we need a replaceable battery. It's great that wideband consumer radios are coming of age finally.
I would go with the Raddy RF919 because of the ease of replacing the batteries. The firmware will hopefully be updated soon. So watch for that. These are going to go on sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
Thanks!
The Supers help a ton, you're the Best! :)
Is this 113 unit better overall than the Raddy rf 119?
Wow, I'm liking this radio!
Haven't been on the channel in a while and, I'm wondering what that app is on your phone. It's tuning with the Retekess...
Is that some sort of SDR?
Thanks, Todderbert.
It is an interface for the radio, like a remote control. When connected you can turn the radio on, and off with it as well. Hear something cool on the radio, hit the record button on the phone and the receiver will start recording to its micro sd card. Of course you can tune from the app as well. I like that it does not interfere with any received signals.
@@todderbert That is very cool. I've never seen that before.
Definitely going to look into it.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FERRITE ANTENNA AND THE LOOP ANTENNA? WHICH TUNING DO THEY CONTROL?
I have had mine for about a week. I have Squelch turned on and it has failed. It stopped receiving broadcasts. Of course If I turn the squelch off it will. This is a recent failure and just proves these are not made very well. I had two TR-110's and they were pretty bad.
If you get the ZHIWHIS ZWS-c919, who seems to be the actual manufacturer you can get the newer firmware for the soft muting issue, and get the removable battery option. They are very responsive at customer service.
I like that company :)
@@todderbert Pronounced "gee-wiz"
What is the impact rating IK Code?
The IK code is an international standard that defines the level of protection that an enclosure provides against mechanical impacts. This standard, known as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62262, is crucial in evaluating and categorizing the degree of robustness and impact resistance of various electrical and electronic devices.
Would be nice to know, maybe Retekess can chime in on this if they are reading the comments. I personally think a one meter drop would cause serious damage.
Which is better this o e or raddy 919 this is Ssb on vhf
Hello. Yes i would really like to see how you hook up the terk loop to the back and than which antenna con fig. You use thanks very much. Your the only one who does this complete video.
I filmed a couple videos using the TR113 with the Terk Advantage attached. I show the entire process of hooking it up, and choosing the correct mode.
The videos will release soon.
Really liked this video!!! Besides the difference in batteries, is there any difference between the RF919 and TR113? Or are they basically the same radio? I really like the option of two batteries i can remove. Thanks in advance!
Basically the same radio when the Raddy is updated.
Hello, I'm thinking about buying this radio to listen to soccer broadcasts from other countries. What is your opinion?
Should work well with an external wire or active loop antenna. Personally I would check out the Sangean 909X2 if you are going to use external antennas, it is wonderful radio on Shortwave.
Thank you for the quick response, what kind of antenna do you advise me? I’m sorry, but I have little knowledge in this matter. I wonder if with the Raddy RF919 I achieve my goal. I want a transmission with the least possible delay.
Raddy is a little cheaper
@@inputs4you584 Depends on Solar conditions. You can tune in programs with a twenty dollar radio if they are good. So you have to watch the Solar charts to give you an idea. Shortwave transmissions need to bounce off the ionosphere to get around the curvature of our planet. Also time of day, and what part of the band they are broadcasting on will also affect if you are able to hear them or not. A simple 22' wire strung outside will help with reception, and it is cheap. The 919 is nice, I like the battery option. It is good that they use standard flat tops. Both radios record, which is a bonus.
What happens when the battery won't charge anymore?
Find a tech shop that can replace it. A simple twin 18650 pack built in parallel will fit, just needs the correct plug, or the wires soldered to the old ones.
@@todderbert thanks, but that's a deal breaker for the price. The band coverage almost had me.
@@johnmfl61 Then watch the Raddy, and HanRonDa versions for price drops. They use the replaceable 18650 flat tops.
@@todderbert thank you.
just bought the prunus 405 i have the prunus 400 like it a lot so i got the 405 on sale for $12 a price i could not refuse lol
The Battery issuesis for saftey since if you install it in reverse it will explode or over heat and catch fire. They should have made it like a cordless phone where it un plugs.
It has a header, but it is deep in the radio, which means taking it a apart.
Also they have reverse polarity protection for the 18650s on the other models.
Great radio 📻
Good thing that doesn't have DTV audio as well. If it does, you'll never settle for another radio again.
I want to have that :)
@@todderbert send Raddy or Retekess a request on that.
In the AM band, around 520-620KHZ, I can't hear the radio station, only a howling sound, as if it is resonating.
To correct, if you receive the radio sound at around AM: 520-620KHZ, there will definitely be a howling sound inside the radio. They are resonating.
@@lizhao-d9u Using an external antenna solves this.
휴대폰앱은 어떻게받나요?
Raddy, Retekess, and HanRongDa radios, from my personal experience, are all of questionable quality. Same factory, no QC or forethought in engineering. Anything manufactured by the parent company, HanRongDa should be avoided. Defective displays, broken encoders, firmware flaws. I've returned more than I kept. No apologies for the negativity.😅 23:10
Malahit DSP-2 instead? 🎉
Beautiful, but it would be much better if Bluetooth would send the radio audio to a Bluetooth receiver.
Battery is a deal breaker!
I'm not sure exactly why they went that route, even with the release of their "safety" video. They put a lot of effort removing the springs/contacts, and dividing plastics in the battery bay. They also had to add closed cell foam padding for the lipo pack.
There's much to like here. However, at its price, I'd like to be able to replace the batteries in a few years. It's nifty that it will do FM on the "Public Service Low" band. There's a bit on there from my local municipalities.
If you have the skills, I think it would be rather easy to replace. I would chop the wires at the battery and use them with a new battery pack, possibly one I build with my own 18650s. You could also find a flat lithium battery pack that fits as well. The ability to solder, and heatshrink everything is needed though. Now that I'm thinking about this more, I can install a DC Input Jack, and use one of my built battery packs as the power source. I have a 20,000mAh Power Bank with a direct(fused)connection that I use with my V115 style Recorder. Works great, and supplies the correct voltage without having to engage the Power Bank's Buck Circuit...so no RFI :) imgur.com/xKjKm26
Great video 📹 👍
I would much rather have the radio with two 18650 batteries.
Same :) Cool thing is the Raddy will run on a single 18650 if it has to.
@@todderbert
Beautiful.
Muting when tuning makes it a no go for me, thats so sad
The SOFT MUTING when tuning the frequencies is a DEAL BREAKER if Retekess does not allow one to turn it off. That is extremely annoying, and it renders the enjoyability as nil.
A firmware update will most likely address the ability to switch it off. Though it will still have mute on tuning, it will sound harsher. I have the newest firmware on the Raddy RF919 and can confirm this.
@@todderbert Thanks for the vids!! do you know if the 919 fw update will work on the other brands (retekess zhiwhis and HanRongDa) I keep wondering if the radios that dont QC very well off the assembly line are sold off under the other brand names?
@@rootballrandy No, China lets companies use another's design. The 919 is made by HanRongDa, and most likely does all the rebranding, and alterations in shop, then sends them out to the other companies requesting them.
@@todderbert FYI I just got the raddy rf919 from amazon and it already has firmware 1-704. It mutes better, like my eton elite executive. I have the zhiwhis c919 and it has old fw and it would Not take the raddy update file.
Is the 919 better overall than the TR113?
Looks and sounds like a fantastic radio, but wow! is that thing ugly. 😁
ITS ARMY GREEN TO MOST NATIONS ON THE PLANET. MINT". CHEEERS.
We have Olive Drab in the States, but now we probably have more Desert Tan, and Urban Grey.
WTF is this? I thought it was called Raddy 919? Don't drop it, you'll be in a Mexican Hell! Seriously though, what's up with that, same radio different name?
Pretty much, with a few modifications. HanRongDa HRD-C919 is the Father Model, and all others are from it. China shares intellectual property.
Maybe it's good but still ugly.
yeah, some hate on it, some love it. I'm on the love it platform. Probably because it is not the standard design fare.
nice radio