{"product_id":"retevis-ra79-upgrade-uv5r-ham-radio-long-range-handheld","title":"Retevis RA79 Upgrade UV5R Ham Radio - Long Range Handheld","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Retevis RA79 (Upgrade UV5R 3rd) is evaluated as a practical, budget-friendly handheld radio for everyday and outdoor use. The bottom line: this two-pack delivers strong transmit power, multi-band receiving and a reassuring 1400mAh USB-C rechargeable battery, making it ideal for hikers, volunteer groups and casual radio hobbyists who want reliable range and NOAA weather alerts without a heavy learning curve.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong range walkie talkie:\u003c\/strong\u003e High transmit power and clear audio give dependable communications across city and rural environments for daily and outdoor use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-band receiving:\u003c\/strong\u003e The radio handles V\/U bands plus AM and FM and can receive air band signals for broader listening options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRechargeable battery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each unit ships with a 1400mAh Li-ion battery and USB-C charging for longer standby and convenient recharging in the field.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNOAA weather alert:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in NOAA chirp channels provide instant weather updates and alerts for safer outdoor activities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCHIRP and keypad programming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with CHIRP on Windows XP through Windows 11 for easier frequency management and backups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClear call quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Squelch and audio tuning reduce background noise and improve voice clarity in noisy situations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe RA79 is best for outdoor enthusiasts, community volunteers and weekend radio hobbyists who value a straightforward handheld with good range, multi-band receive capability and modern charging. The included NOAA channels and rechargeable batteries make it handy for day hikes, campground coordination and basic emergency readiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThose who need advanced commercial features, full ham licensing-level power or waterproofing beyond typical consumer ratings should look at higher-end models. Users requiring deeply configurable digital modes or integrated mapping should also consider more feature-rich radios.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong value for money with two radios included and good performance on repeaters and open terrain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVersatile receiving across V\/U, AM and FM plus air band makes it useful for listening as well as talking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConvenient USB-C charging and a 1400mAh battery extend practical operating time between charges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCHIRP compatibility simplifies programming and frequency management on a PC.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot targeted at professional users who require the highest-end durability or specialized digital modes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome advanced features require CHIRP programming; novices may need time to learn PC setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePackage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-pack handheld radios\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBattery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1400mAh rechargeable Li-ion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCharging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB-C charging port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReceiving\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMulti-band: V\/U, AM, FM and air band\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeather\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 NOAA channels with weather alert\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProgramming\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCHIRP and keypad programming (Windows XP to 11)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Retevis RA79 Upgrade UV5R is a sensible buy for people who want reliable two-way handhelds with good range, versatile receiving and modern USB-C charging at an affordable price. It pairs solid daily performance with NOAA alerts and CHIRP support, making it a strong value for casual operators and outdoor users who do not need professional-grade features.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this radio receive air band?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the RA79 supports air band receiving in addition to V\/U, AM and FM for added listening versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I program frequencies from a PC?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it supports CHIRP and keypad programming and is compatible with CHIRP on Windows XP through Windows 11 for easy frequency management.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is battery life and charging handled?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach unit includes a 1400mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery and a USB-C charging interface for convenient recharging and longer standby time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retevis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48633525338331,"sku":"B0CD3MPG7X","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61IEm-QxenL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778445569","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/retevis-ra79-upgrade-uv5r-ham-radio-long-range-handheld","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}