Update: 25-August-2018: Ailunce creates a new firmware and addressed many issues reported in my review; hence, I updated my review from 4-stars to 4.5-stars.
I purchased the HD1 and the HD1GPS; and, my experiences with both transceivers have been positive.
The reason I purchased this transceiver is I needed a back-up to my Motorola XPR 7550e (UHF), XPR 7550 (VHF), and XPR 7580 (UHF); and, I was hoping the Ailunce HD1GPS would be the back-up to my Motorolas for my ICS-based Emergency Comms Operations.
Unfortunately, because the Ailunce HD1GPS is Direct Conversion without an effective front-end filter (I don’t know if it has a front-end filter), I cannot use it for my ICS-based Emergency Comms Operations. Since, Ailunce marketed the HD1GPS as a HAM transceiver and not as an emergency mission-critical transceiver, I will not ding it for desensitize communications.
My Motorolas are Super Heterodyne, and I, now, have FPP; hence, they are my only comm tools for my ICS-based emergency comms.
While the HD1GPS is not a Motorola, it is a step in the right direction; and, it does a good job in the stuff it’s suppose to do for social HAM operations and personal emergency comms when isolated from other operators: RX and TX.
- Audio Quality: 5-Stars: The speaker provides clear and hi-quality RX. It is loud and can overcome any competing background noise out in the field. Audio RX is inbalance in that it favors high-pitch sounds.
My Motorolas have more of a balanced treble and bass when in RX.
The TX is also high quality — each operator, with whom I spoke on DMR and Analog, mentioned my audio quality was crystal clear.
- FPP 5-Stars: I’ve had to use it once out in the field while traveling to LA, and it was really nice to program a new frequency without having to hook it up to a laptop.
- Reliability: 1-Star: It locked up on me one time, and this should never happen — at all! It should not lock up at all.
I had to remove the battery and put it back; and, that process cured problem; BUT, this is another reason this transceiver is does not meet ICS-Emergency-Comm criteria.
Ailunce is sending me a new transceiver as of 25-August-2018 — Ailunce mentioned they resolved the locking up and freezing up issue.
- GPS: 5-Stars: It locks on as quick as my Motorola XPR 7550e’s GPS — within four minutes in the toughest areas in San Francisco.
- Build-quality: 5-Stars: the body is strong and hefty. It has the same type of feel as my Motorola XPR 7500e and 7580.
- DTMF: None: Why not?
- Talk Permit Tones: 3-stars: New firmware has TPT, but it is still being adjusted.
- Desensitize: Direct Conversion and Non Functioning Front-end Filter: This is a major failure with this product. In my ICS-based Emergency Comms, my RX got blocked out because of other ICS-based emergency comms operators that were transmitting within 15 feet of me; hence, I cannot use this for any ICS-based emergency comms drill.
If you’re near another transceiver, and you are in RX mode with your HD1GPS (HD1) while the other operator is with his transceiver in TX mode, his TX mode will block out your RX mode — you will hear static, nothing, or hear his transmission even if you and he are on different frequencies.
The HD1GPS and HD1 use direct conversion without a functioning front-end filter oppose to super heterdyne and a functional front-end filter (e.g., Motorola).
Unfortunately, I can only use this transceiver for social operations or as a personal emergency comm device when I’m not within 15 feet of other operators.
BUT, as I mentioned earlier, Ailunce marketed the HD1GPS as a HAM transceiver — not an emergency mission-critical transceiver; hence, I will not down-grade the HD1GPS on this characteristic.
- Screen Readability: 2-Stars: the fonts are ugly; the zones can’t be named to the zone names; the icons, such as, but not limited to, the GPS icon is too small and difficult to see in the direct sunlight. It has no ability to dim the screen for night viewing.
- RX Sensitivity: 3-Stars: my Motorolas have better RX sensitivities in picking up weak signals; but, the HD1GPS does a very good job — it just doesn’t pick up as much or as clearly as my Motorola.
- Mic Gain: 5-Star: As of 25-August-2018, the new firmware has Mic again.
- Battery Life: 5-Stars: excellent.
**Update 30-July-2018**: Battery Meter was updated in the new firmware; so, it is better and more accurate. 5-Stars.
- APRS via Brandmeister: HD1GPS has the capability, but it isn’t provisioned. I need APRS. Ailunce didn’t market APRS, so I won’t downgrade it for that.
- Customer Support: 5-Stars: I had a problem with B-band, and the Ailunce team updated my firmware within 24 hours. The customer support is stellar, which is one of the reasons I purchased this transceiver.
- CPS: 4-Stars: Needs some minor tweaks.
This transceiver has several bugs, but Ailunce is working on making these corrections in the future firmware.
The customer support engages HAM Operators; in fact, Ailunce engages me in the last firmware upgrade.
Notwithstanding some of the bugs, which Ailunce is correcting, overall, I am very happy with the HD1GPS for social ops; and, I recommend a “buy” on this product for only social comms or your own individual emergency comms in your bug-out pack or EDC, as long as you are not within 15 feet of other operators.
I rate this product 4.5-Stars; because, it was made for amateur HAM Operators; and, its marketing data makes no mention for use in emergency comm mission-critical ops.
Ailunce is sending me a new HD1GPS that doesn’t lock up or freeze up: 25-August-2018.
I will update this review to 5-Stars if the new transceiver doesn’t lock up or freeze up on me.
For use for only individual social amateur HAM coms, non group comms, and personal emergency comms, you will be pleased with this transceiver.
Check 6!
/s/ Alfonso Faustino (K6ASF)
I bought the Ailunce HD-1 at the end of June with the intention of using it as my primary H/T radio for both DMR and FM. Configuring the HD-1 code plug with the proper DMR settings took some time. Fortunately, there are lots of helpful websites and YouTube videos that explain the unique terms used for DMR communication such as the Talk Groups and Color Codes. To date, I have made three contacts on DMR and plan to expand my activity in this area.
On the other hand, I was frustrated for many weeks in being unable to hear live transmissions that were being routed through local FM repeaters. I could not figure out why this was happening, as I had entered the same PL (CTCSS) codes that worked fine in my other H/T radio that only does FM. I originally thought my HD-1 had a defective speaker, so I was able to connect with Angele, Retevis' Support Representative for Amazon, who graciously arranged to exchange my original radio with a new replacement.
At first, the replacement radio didn't fare any differently than the original one I bought from Amazon. Angela provided me with early access to a firmware update that had not yet been released on its website. Installing the new firmware didn't provide audio reception functionality, either. Finally, I was asked to email a copy of my code plug so that it could be analyzed by Retevis' engineering staff. That proved to the game changer. Angela emailed the engineer's suggestion that I disable the CTCSS receive (RX) and transmit (TX) codes for all of my FM channels. I changed only the RX settings on my HD-1 to None and was happily rewarded when I could hear a live transmission on one of the FM repeaters that I listen to from time-to-time. I didn't take the engineer's advice to change the TX settings to None because I access a simulcast system that transmits on one FM frequency to three repeaters in separate locations that differ by their assigned CTCSS code.
As other reviewers have mentioned, it can difficult to view the HD-1 screen while outdoors, but that's not a game-changer. What is more of a concern are the potential health risks of transmitting for extended periods at full power (10 watts) while communicating over VHF.
In any event, I am extremely grateful to Angela and her colleagues at Retevis for their extraordinary efforts in resolving this perplexing problem. I suppose if I were a Facebook member, I could have received the solution quickly by posting my HD-1 reception problem on the Retevis support page. Not being on Facebook, however, I was left with corresponding back and forth with Angela who is based in China.
This is an excellent radio for both DMR and analog. The build quality is very good. The audio is excellent. It works flawlessly with my hotspot. I love the fact I can upload 100,000 contacts with the stock firmware. Other reviewers go into more detail on why this particular DMR radio is so good so I won't repeat their comments.
I would like to point out that Retevis provides excellent support which also deserves five starts. I had a problem transferring radio setting from my PC to the Ailunce HD1. It was very frustrating. I contacted their support department and got a reply within a few hours. They tracked my issue in their system and provided a solution that completely solved the problem. I am very happy with the radio and the excellent support. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.
I'm New to DMR radio. this radio (HD1) is very easy to program with the software they have on their site. the radio has plenty of power with 10 watts on VHF and 8 watts uhf. the radio can be programed from the front panel when you are on the go or at a swap meet without having to take your Laptop.
Now for the bad: guess what there is no bad.
If your looking to get into DMR radio this is the one you need to buy.
Everything you love about the md2017 is here. Everything you hate about the 2017: fragility, short battery life, and that dreadful track ball are not in the hd1. More power, sturdier, the option to forego zones and a more straight forward code plug. Only disappointment so far is only 2 color codes and 2 choices of bandwidth. Some analog repeaters prefer narrow deviation than 25 khz. 2 whole days on a single charge!
Feature Product
- Waterproof walkie talkies HD1 is featured with VFO mode; allows set functions without PC programming; such contact setting; frequency editing; group adding; channel saving deleting; message editing and sending etc; extremely easy to learn and use
- 3200mAh battery enable normal use more than 15 hours;standby time more than 160 hours;high-accuracy GPS track you everywhere; excellent for outdoor activities in skiing; hiking; hunting; ham radio community
- Tri private Group call models make you call freely without the group restrictions; Supports to save 32 radio IDs and edit radio ID via keypad; special digital encryption system allows team members communicate safely
- Dual time slot for point to point supports two group calls in one channel under direct model; 20000 Priority Contacts enable you to call the people important to you more convenient; supports DTMF connecting
- We provide 2 year warranty and 30 days no reason to return;2 year warranty for radio body and 2 month warranty for accessories
Description
Ailunce HD1 is dual band DMR radio dedicated to radio hams. It basically covers all the functions currently used by radio ham, and achieve almost all these function through the keyboard; Powerful and but operation;
GPS Function
Gives you lat long, altitude, bearing, and speed
Support to text the information to another Radio with the same DMR protocol.
VFO mode
Supports VFO and Channel model switch easily via EXIT key
Private/Group call match(Promiscuous)
Call freely without group restrictions
Dual time slot
Supports Dual time slot for repeater and point to point
ID Setting
Supports save and edit radio ID via keypad
FM Function
Support receive signal from other radios when you listening radio
Main features:
Dual Band DMR Radio
Analog and Digital Combined
Compatible with Motorola Tier Ⅰ&Ⅱ
200000Contacts
1000 Priority Contacts
Dual Time Slot for Repeater
Dual Time Slot for Point to Point
Firmware Upgrade-able
IP67 Waterproof
High/Medium/LowPower
Scan:Time/Search/Carrier
Encryption Function
Lone Worker
Single/Group/All call
Remote kill/stun/activate
Color LCD Display
Transmit/Transceiver interruption
Promiscuous Function
CTCSS/DCS
Analog Monitor
ID Setting
1000/1450/1750/2100Hz Single tone
Comply with Digital Protocol ETSI TS 102 361-1,-2,-3
VOX
TOT
Talk around
Squelch
Keypad Lock
LED Indicator
Password Lock
Battery Save
Voice Annunciation
General specifications
Channels: 3000
Battery Capacity: 3200mAh
Package included:
1 x Ailunce HD1 two way radio
1 x Battery
1 x Antenna
1 x Adapter(110V)
1 x Charger
1 x User's manual
1 x Belt clip
1 x Sling
1x programming cable
This is a solid radio. The sound quality is good. Programming is made easier by provided software from the website. Can be programmed from the keypad but it is time consuming. I enjoy listening to FM broadcasts and this unit brings in the signal with no problem. Programming code plugs for digital repeaters can be a bit confusing but there is a lot of information on the web to help.
The hardware alone would make this a 5 star product. Has more capabilities than others in it's field. I can't wait for the software to mature. The CPS is not intuitive and it's hard to find good instructions on how to get a good code plug made. There is a lot of support on their Facebook page from other users as we as You Tube videos. Sturdy construction and battery life are some of it's good qualities. I would recommend this radio.
I purchased the HD1 and thee HD1GPS; and, my experiences with both transceivers have been outstanding. The upated firmware was an great improvement. The radios are built very study snd fits the hand very nicely.. I recommend these radios to all ham radio operators. NØOER
I have enjoyed this radio very much but beware, despite the specifications that the radio uses a 50 Ohm antenna, reports are that it actually needs an antenna running 30-40 Ohms depending on frequency. This means that other antennas such as a 1/4-wave whip or a mobile mount antenna for a car that run at 50 Ohms may present high SWR back into the radio risking damage at high output power (i.e. 10 watts).
UPDATE: Retevis Direct has been very responsive to my concerns. They seem to very much care about their customers and their use of the product. I expect that they will be staying on top of these concerns and addressing them as best they can.
Great DMR radio for ham radio. It has a professional build that you would expect on high end professional radios. The brightly lit screen is filled with color. The software is always updated. The battery life is also very good. Retevis has provided awesome customer service. They are also always working on improving the radio. The ability to program the radio from the front panel is definitely a plus. I hope to see in a software update the ability for the scan to be faster as well as promiscuous mode to have the ability to scan with multiple functions at one time to pick up all DMR signals. All and all it is a great radio for DMR and analog needs. I am a student and use this radio on weekends for social reasons. In the summer I work outside. Having an extra set of communication helps with safety, as well as constant updates of information which really allows me to work confidently in the great outdoors.
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