Retevis Ailunce HD1 GPS DMR Radio

This is my first DMR radio. It is a VHF/UHF, DMR and analog Retevis Ailunce HD1 GPS. I chose this portable ham radio because of its high IP rating, front panel programming, built-in GPS, and ability to operate in harsh climates. Join me as I freeze this radio, submerse in water, and go through some of the features making it special. We'll also find out if it is truly a rugged rig.
73
Julian #oh8stn #dmr
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[@OH8STN]

This isn't my best video, but I sure enjoy this radio. Check out my first impressions on the blog: oh8stn.org/blog/2024/01/21/retevis-ailunce-hd1-gps-first-impression/ 73 Julian oh8stn

[@steadynumber1]

Cheers Julian. That's an impressive transceiver & robustly tested. An appraisal which will no doubt put a smile on the manufacturers face, & many operators too. 👍

[@HawaiianFlyGuy]

Thanks for this video. Been Looking at getting my first DMR with the same specs you have indicated. Plus it's hard to beat the price. Like to see your next video on programming and setting it up for EmComs. Thank you!

[@truhartwood3170]

Important to find out what people are using where you are. Where I am, the emcomm groups tend to use D-Star and Winlink email, so a DMR radio isn't going to help me. Other places use C4FM. A lot of places rely on APRS for messaging and location sharing. My community group (just neighbours helping neighbours) uses GMRS, as most people don't want to spend much money or bother getting their ham licence. So before getting any radio with a digital mode, join your local groups and find out what they use! Thanks for the review!

[@mattxoverbey]

Look forward to see what type of go kit you come up with. I’ve had my HD1 for over a year and I love it.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍 73 Julian oh8stn

[@wushock92]

My HD-1 was my first DMR radio almost 5 years ago. I had it programmed from the front panel before ever connecting it to my laptop. The new version with USB-C charging tempts me to get another. Thanks, Julian. 73 de WØRHP

[@OH8STN]

You're very welcome. If I'm correct, the USB-C charging and memories are the main difference between new and old. The Barrera can be upgraded btw.

[@wushock92]

@@OH8STN Good to know! That would be more cost effective to just replace the battery. Thanks for the tip!!

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Looks like a great radio. Thanks for the review.

[@locotico71]

Julian Thanks for the informative videos you make. You are the mannn

[@JDHood]

I've just got into DMR and picked up two of these radios and so far have been very pleased! Also got a raspberry-pi based hotspot. There was a bit of a learning curve at first, but I quickly figured it all out.

[@oak3076]

Thank you for the video. I purchased my HD1 in December directly from Retevis. This is my first radio of any kind and it seems to be incredibly well built. I had one issue which happened to be the programming cable was bad. Retevis customer service emailed back and forth and remote tested my issue. Immediately shipped me a new cable which works fine. Now the learning curve begins. Keep up the videos. Thanks again. Oakey KO4HWK

[@jdotson41041]

Great video

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏

[@ke8mattj]

Three days in the cold and snow? That is one tough radio.

[@haxwithaxe]

I'm amazed the battery didn't crap out in the cold. I wonder if it would be able to handle transmitting at those temperatures after the battery is chilled down.

[@anymouse6202]

Thanks

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. 👍🙏

[@user-sq8yl3ml9l]

Interested in how you configure these radios for field use with your groups as that will have relevance for all DMR users. Sorts of channel groups you consider useful etc. It is not just the tool but how you use it 😊. Also want to know if it is SFR capable which is a game changer in usage for DMR v Analogue for SAR ops for example. Finally can the gps message be intercepted for display on a map....ideally run on android.

[@MikeWood]

They are good looking radios. Run about $200 CAD here. That battery life outside while running was impressive. Not sure I would make salad with one but good to know I could. :)

[@W4TRI]

Would love to see what sound card interface you get for this with that side contact interface. Now that I see the radio has been updated I will be a customer soon.

[@N4EJM]

Would be nice to add APRS to that radio. That would make it probably the best DMR radio right there.

[@OH8STN]

Check out this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLKMrdrsNkFA4_QesefZ6Vf2vqjACeKKuV&si=XYclMlD-wIq1Fos5

[@2e0txe]

The HD1 was a good DMR radio one of the first front programmable. I'm hoping the upcoming HD2 that is currently out for reviews is going to add FM APRS.

[@Redwarriormusic]

Brother, Great Video You have a new like. And subscriber here. 👍🏻. Now my next question you HAVE to tell me where you got your glasses?? And do they make them in tinted versions as well? Sorry my question was was not related to the HG1 I do actually want one of these radios badly just cannot afford one yet. Thanks for your time. 😊

[@lavenderlilacproductions]

Will this replace the RA89 in your chest rig? Would it remove the need for a digirig?

[@audiomaker1]

Yaesu FT5D is supposedly IP67

[@PracticalSchroeder]

I literally just got one to serve as a rugged DMR to serve similarly to how my VX6 serves as a rugged analog. Is there any way you could do a reception and transmission comparison between the two? I’m not entirely sure if the HD1 is really able to supplant the VX6 for active use, but I’d love to see what you might come up with!

[@OH8STN]

I'm very new to DMR, and honestly wouldn't know where to begin. I'd have to get help from one of the more experienced DMR guys like HR2.0.

[@Flatus4La]

Hey Julian ... what is the brand/model of the FDE bag behind you on the green tarp? looks like it may hold my 817 ND pretty well ... Hill People Gear? Thx for the cool videos!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. Maxpedition watter bottle pouch large.

[@EXPLOREWITHME.]

What u suggest for someone on limit income.

[@greyhat4807]

Be interested if you run into the issue with the radio transmitting on the vfo that isn't selected. Appears intermittent but a real PITA when it is clipped to your pack with no visual on the display.

[@OH8STN]

Excellent question! I haven't seen this problem before. It is possible to happen if we don't lock the buttons. It would be amazing if this radio had a remote display via bluetooth or something like that.

[@proudtex]

According to Retevis there's a HD2 coming soon.

[@bradl2636]

Great video. Sorry if I missed it, and newbie, can the HD1 GPS be setup to run encrypted comms? Im also looking at the Anytone D878UVII PLUS. I don't need super cold temperature coverage I'm more 30-40 degrees latitude. Ability to work on Meshtastic nets would be great.

[@OH8STN]

Yeah I skipped over the encryption because we "don't use it" in ham radio. Indeed. this radio does do encryption.

[@bradl2636]

@@OH8STN thank you sir

[@jhlewis10]

USB charging would be nice. I have had the Anytone for about 4 years. I would like to punch the engineer that came up with programming code plugs in this manner.

[@hehe3301]

I have a Retevis RT3S-GPS, a DMR/Analog 5W HT. My experience with it on analog is that the signal clarity is poor compared to something like my Yaesu FT3D, and with stock antenna I can use and hear less than when I use my Yaesu. Have you done something like a SNR comparison sending and receiving with the retevis compared to your other HTs?

[@OH8STN]

Not yet, but it sounds like a good idea 👍

[@hehe3301]

@@OH8STN my first thought is JS8CALL over VHF. Set up my IC705 at home, take the retevis and some other radios to the field and gather SNR reports between them and the 705 at home?

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

I was going to ask if GPS ran down the battery much. Still running after being left outside for 3 days is the answer.

[@OH8STN]

Great question. I always have it on and get about three full days on standby.

[@TheLawman204]

Did you take a look at the Rfinder b1 plus? If so, what are your thoughts?

[@OH8STN]

Haven't yet. Does it have similar features?

[@TheLawman204]

@@OH8STN yes, plus it has phone, data and code plugs for all over the world

[@jinks6410]

Trying to get a grasp on DMR. Can you go to any frequency? I know TX will be limited to radio hardware but can DMR's listen up to the 900 Mhz range?

[@OH8STN]

It depends on the radio. However, generally speaking, whatever frequencies the radio covers, you can navigate to that frequency to listen. The only caviot is whether your DMR radio is both D.M.R and analog like the one in this video. If it is, you can listen to anything you want on any frequency the radio covers. 👍

[@jinks6410]

@@OH8STN Thanks for the speedy and informative response. Any informatiom search I do on DMR brings up codeplugs and not capabilities. Using internet for voice coms is a cool feature, but not the answer. Big government can turn off the internet. One more if you don't mind. How about RX'ing down to HF ranges. 29 Mhz?

[@OH8STN]

@jinks6410 Reaching to the choir. I don't use internet at all with my DMR radios. I only do radio to radio only. Anyway, information on the radio's capabilities is specific to the radio itself, and has nothing to do with DMR.

[@NAPELAKAPU]

How far away is the nearest and furthest DMR repeater to allow the system to be serviceable? Do you need permission from the repeater owner to come up on the DMR system?

[@OH8STN]

There's an open network of linked DMR repeaters across the country. Closest two 12 and 25km. Both accessible. I'm more interested in DMR simplex work for local comms.

[@truhartwood3170]

I think for emcomm you don't want to rely on repeaters. Digital modes also let you reach further, clearer, in direct communication, as the radio can "hear" a much weaker digital signal than your ears will be able to hear a weak analogue signal. If you have Starlink you could use your own hotspot at home to talk around the world as long as you can provide it with power (generator, or solar and batteries with an inverter). Of course if you have a Starlink connection you probably won't need the radio, but someone who doesn't have cell or internet communication may be within range of you or a linked repeater, and you could then talk to them and help them out by being their connection to the world.

[@Pops_607]

The HD1 is not usb-c at least mines not..

[@OH8STN]

Obviously, there been an update. The newest version is USB-C charging. You can upgrade yours by purchasing the latest HD1 battery. 👍

[@Pops_607]

​@@OH8STNok where are the batteries? I looked on Amazon nothing....