Introduction
January 2026 marks the arrival of Retevis' latest offering, the Ailunce HA2 handheld radio. In this review, I'll do an introduction to this new radio, describing how some of the new features like APRS work and what future developments users can expect. Rather than providing snap judgments or buying recommendations, my focus is on presenting the what the HA2 does well and where it needs some improvements. I’ll also discuss how responsive Retevis has been to early feedback. Lastly, read all the way to the end for an early release discount code!
First Impressions and Build Quality
The Ailunce HA2 impresses right out of the box with its IP67 rating, signifying robust resistance to dust and water. This feature ensures that the radio can withstand a variety of challenging environments, making it suitable for both outdoor enthusiasts and hams tough on equipment (like me) who need reliable equipment. The device is very rugged and well-constructed, indicating a focus on durability and usability for demanding situations. In the near future, I’ll be doing some torture tests, so stay tuned.
Key Features
The HA2 is a 10 watt radio, but the max default "High" power setting is 5 watts. To enable 10 watts, you go into the power menu and then long press the # key, which enables the High Power option. This option is temporary until you turn the radio off to help prevent users from draining the battery if you forget that you set it that way.
One of the standout aspects of the HA2 is its inclusion of not only GPS but also full global navigation satellite service (GNSS) support. This enhancement provides more reliable location tracking compared to GPS alone, as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) refers to a network of satellites—including systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou—that work together to deliver accurate, worldwide positioning and navigation data. Additionally, the radio is equipped with an APRS tracker, expanding its utility for those who require real-time position reporting.
User Experience: Interface and Operation
The HA2 shares much of its design philosophy with its predecessor, the HA1 with a design that bridges the gap between commercial and ham radios. While it is unmistakably marketed towards ham radio, its approach to organizing zones, memories, and other operational parameters is reminiscent of commercial radios. This crossover design may appeal to users familiar with DMR radios, offering a balance of flexibility and structure. This zone and channel system lets users organize up to 1,024 memories for easy access. Alongside standard bands, it supports the air band, weather channels with real-time alerts, and includes an FM radio for added convenience.
APRS
APRS is the major new feature of the HA2. You set up your call sign and SSID and can beacon your position using the GNSS position or a manual position. The radio supports manual, automatic (timed), and Smart beaconing – you set up the smart beaconing parameters using the programming app. However, I’m not 100% convinced that the Smart Beaconing function is working properly quite yet because the radio kept beaconing repeatedly more often than it should have even when I was stationary.
Other than beaconing your own position, you can view the list of stations received, just like any other APRS radio.
The radio does not currently support message handling properly (including bulletins), nor does it support reports from objects. If a station sends a message, the message will show up in the comment field – or however much can be fit into the comment which depends on the length of the rest of the packet. This is not the correct way to do it. There is currently no way to send a message, either.
Performance and Early Issues
During initial testing, the HA2 performed well with no issues for regular QSOs. However, like any new product, it is not without its issues. I encountered certain limitations and minor bugs, which have been reported to Retevis. One of these bugs was that APRS wouldn’t TX on the preset APRS frequency via the menu (there are several common APRS frequency selections in the menu in addition to just using the current VFO/memory frequency). Instead, when you selected a frequency like 144.390, it would beacon on something like 144.460. This issue was reported and quickly corrected. I also reported that the radio doesn’t work correctly for APRS Voice Alert. Voice alert works by using CTCSS tone of 100 Hz on the transmit and rx so you only hear an incoming beacon when another station is nearby, alerting you that you are in range for a simplex QSO. But when you set the RX CTCSS tone on the HA2, the TNC stops decoding packets, which it’s not supposed to do. I’ve reported this issue and I believe the improvement has been added to the backlog.
Consistent with my previous interactions with Retevis, they have been very responsive to jump on issues as they are reported.
Bluetooth and Compass Features
The Ailunce HA2 offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to pair the radio with wireless accessories like headsets or programming devices. Unlike some other brands, the HA2 will connect with any bluetooth device that supports the Hands-Free Protocol (HFP). Retevis already has an Android app for programming with your phone over bluetooth. I’ve tested it, and it works great! The radio also has an internal compass, similar to apps you may use on your phone. This is especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts, or even when you’re on the roof or tower trying to position that new yagi.
Looking Ahead: Future Updates and Features
Retevis has indicated that upcoming firmware updates for the HA2 will introduce expanded APRS functionality. These planned enhancements include full APRS messaging capabilities, support for APRS objects, and the addition of station icons. Retevis also plans to provide access to the TNC via Bluetooth. As details become available and new features are released, I will update this review to keep readers informed about the progress and ongoing development of the HA2’s APRS and other capabilities. The good news is that even though there is limited APRS functionality, the firmware is updateable and, early updates were applied without a hitch.
Conclusion
The Retevis Ailunce HA2 is a promising addition to the handheld radio market, offering a compelling mix of durability, advanced navigation features, and a user-friendly interface that appeals to both ham and commercial radio users. There are a lot of features for a radio with a price point under $100 and the promised expansion of features is promising.
If you are considering purchasing the HA2, I would appreciate it if you use this Amazon link with the Discount Code HA2RETEVIS. You’ll get 10% off and I’ll earn a small commission which helps keep worldwidedx.com up and running. Stay tuned for more detailed reviews of the Retevis Ailunce HA2!
January 2026 marks the arrival of Retevis' latest offering, the Ailunce HA2 handheld radio. In this review, I'll do an introduction to this new radio, describing how some of the new features like APRS work and what future developments users can expect. Rather than providing snap judgments or buying recommendations, my focus is on presenting the what the HA2 does well and where it needs some improvements. I’ll also discuss how responsive Retevis has been to early feedback. Lastly, read all the way to the end for an early release discount code!
First Impressions and Build Quality
The Ailunce HA2 impresses right out of the box with its IP67 rating, signifying robust resistance to dust and water. This feature ensures that the radio can withstand a variety of challenging environments, making it suitable for both outdoor enthusiasts and hams tough on equipment (like me) who need reliable equipment. The device is very rugged and well-constructed, indicating a focus on durability and usability for demanding situations. In the near future, I’ll be doing some torture tests, so stay tuned.
Key Features
The HA2 is a 10 watt radio, but the max default "High" power setting is 5 watts. To enable 10 watts, you go into the power menu and then long press the # key, which enables the High Power option. This option is temporary until you turn the radio off to help prevent users from draining the battery if you forget that you set it that way.
One of the standout aspects of the HA2 is its inclusion of not only GPS but also full global navigation satellite service (GNSS) support. This enhancement provides more reliable location tracking compared to GPS alone, as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) refers to a network of satellites—including systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou—that work together to deliver accurate, worldwide positioning and navigation data. Additionally, the radio is equipped with an APRS tracker, expanding its utility for those who require real-time position reporting.
User Experience: Interface and Operation
The HA2 shares much of its design philosophy with its predecessor, the HA1 with a design that bridges the gap between commercial and ham radios. While it is unmistakably marketed towards ham radio, its approach to organizing zones, memories, and other operational parameters is reminiscent of commercial radios. This crossover design may appeal to users familiar with DMR radios, offering a balance of flexibility and structure. This zone and channel system lets users organize up to 1,024 memories for easy access. Alongside standard bands, it supports the air band, weather channels with real-time alerts, and includes an FM radio for added convenience.
APRS
APRS is the major new feature of the HA2. You set up your call sign and SSID and can beacon your position using the GNSS position or a manual position. The radio supports manual, automatic (timed), and Smart beaconing – you set up the smart beaconing parameters using the programming app. However, I’m not 100% convinced that the Smart Beaconing function is working properly quite yet because the radio kept beaconing repeatedly more often than it should have even when I was stationary.
Other than beaconing your own position, you can view the list of stations received, just like any other APRS radio.
The radio does not currently support message handling properly (including bulletins), nor does it support reports from objects. If a station sends a message, the message will show up in the comment field – or however much can be fit into the comment which depends on the length of the rest of the packet. This is not the correct way to do it. There is currently no way to send a message, either.
Performance and Early Issues
During initial testing, the HA2 performed well with no issues for regular QSOs. However, like any new product, it is not without its issues. I encountered certain limitations and minor bugs, which have been reported to Retevis. One of these bugs was that APRS wouldn’t TX on the preset APRS frequency via the menu (there are several common APRS frequency selections in the menu in addition to just using the current VFO/memory frequency). Instead, when you selected a frequency like 144.390, it would beacon on something like 144.460. This issue was reported and quickly corrected. I also reported that the radio doesn’t work correctly for APRS Voice Alert. Voice alert works by using CTCSS tone of 100 Hz on the transmit and rx so you only hear an incoming beacon when another station is nearby, alerting you that you are in range for a simplex QSO. But when you set the RX CTCSS tone on the HA2, the TNC stops decoding packets, which it’s not supposed to do. I’ve reported this issue and I believe the improvement has been added to the backlog.
Consistent with my previous interactions with Retevis, they have been very responsive to jump on issues as they are reported.
Bluetooth and Compass Features
The Ailunce HA2 offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to pair the radio with wireless accessories like headsets or programming devices. Unlike some other brands, the HA2 will connect with any bluetooth device that supports the Hands-Free Protocol (HFP). Retevis already has an Android app for programming with your phone over bluetooth. I’ve tested it, and it works great! The radio also has an internal compass, similar to apps you may use on your phone. This is especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts, or even when you’re on the roof or tower trying to position that new yagi.
Looking Ahead: Future Updates and Features
Retevis has indicated that upcoming firmware updates for the HA2 will introduce expanded APRS functionality. These planned enhancements include full APRS messaging capabilities, support for APRS objects, and the addition of station icons. Retevis also plans to provide access to the TNC via Bluetooth. As details become available and new features are released, I will update this review to keep readers informed about the progress and ongoing development of the HA2’s APRS and other capabilities. The good news is that even though there is limited APRS functionality, the firmware is updateable and, early updates were applied without a hitch.
Conclusion
The Retevis Ailunce HA2 is a promising addition to the handheld radio market, offering a compelling mix of durability, advanced navigation features, and a user-friendly interface that appeals to both ham and commercial radio users. There are a lot of features for a radio with a price point under $100 and the promised expansion of features is promising.
If you are considering purchasing the HA2, I would appreciate it if you use this Amazon link with the Discount Code HA2RETEVIS. You’ll get 10% off and I’ll earn a small commission which helps keep worldwidedx.com up and running. Stay tuned for more detailed reviews of the Retevis Ailunce HA2!
