Ailunce HD1

The Ailunce HD1 is a dual-band (VHF/UHF) DMR and analog handheld transceiver designed for amateur radio operators, featuring IP67 waterproofing, a 3200mAh battery, and GPS capabilities in its GPS variant. It supports 3000 channels, 200,000 contacts, and offers selectable transmit power of 10W (VHF) and 8W (UHF).

Key specifications and features include:

Dual Band Operation: Covers 136-174 MHz (VHF) and 400-480 MHz (UHF), with receive capability down to 76-107.95 MHz for FM broadcast.

Digital & Analog: Fully compliant with DMR Tier II standards while maintaining analog FM functionality, allowing smooth switching between modes.

Battery & Display: Equipped with a 3200mAh Li-ion battery (USB-C charging) providing up to 25 hours of talk time, paired with a 1.77-inch color LCD.

GPS & APRS: The GPS model provides real-time location, altitude, and speed data, supporting APRS beaconing and SMS text messaging between compatible units.

Programming: Features extensive field programmability via keypad, with optional PC software (CPS) for code plug editing and firmware updates.

Durability: Rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, weighing 360g with battery, and built with a rugged enclosure similar to commercial Motorola radios.

I decided to purchase two of these units to have a play around with. Upon initial power on, i knew i wasn’t just dealing with a cheap ass Baofeng thing. The HD1 is built like a brick. It is very rugged, and quite easy to operate and use after you get your head around it. The Radio shipped in a basic brown box with the Ailunce logo. The drop in charger, power brick and lead was supplied. Also in the box was a programming cable, Lanyard, Belt Clip attachment, Antenna and the usual earpiece.

After giving it a damn good charge, i set about trying to use it without looking at the User Manual. This is one of my favourite tests. The radio interface for me has to be intuitive and i prefer that every aspect of programming can be done through the front panel. This holds true for the HD1 although the only thing you cannot do from the front panel is “Add Zone”

Zones are a really cool feature on the HD1 (and other models from Ailunce / Retevis)

I run Linux here after giving up on Windows back in the mid 90’s

Unfortunately, a lot of Radio programming Software is only made for Windows, although recently, a lot more transceivers have been enabled with Bluetooth programming which has been quite handy. I did manage to Download the CPS for the HD1 on my mates Windows system and since adding a zone from the keypad was the main issue, i added a couple of extra zones for future proofing and added 50 blank channels to each zone. This gave me a valid workaround. I need not depend on Windows at all after this, Happy Days!

The battery life is very respectable although it would have been nice to see Ailunce make an after sales battery that had USB Type-C. Cannot have it all i suppose. [UPDATE – The new version comes with USB Type-C]

The antenna is reasonable, the range on full power is good and standby time can last upwards of 5 days if you turn off the GPS feature.

I have not been able to update the Firmware on my HD1 although i have not had any issues with what, or how, i was using it.

Everything worked out of the box and i was on air quite quickly.

The manual is ok, sufficient to get you going. The analogue setup on 2m and 70cms was straight forward with no issues manually entering repeater splits, tones, offsets and power levels. The HD1 can be put into a dual watch mode and you can monitor V/V U/V Analog/Dmr and any combo of that. It is a very capable radio.

Getting my head around the DMR settings was a bit more tricky and i did swear a bit during the setup. I will say this however, this was my first DMR radio and i was totally out of my depth all those years ago. I can now at least set one up from the front panel with very little issue. Once you get your head around the menu systems and how it works, there is very little that you cannot do.

I setup an extra “Zone” and called it “Local” and i placed the memory channels into the zone that were of course, local to me, a few repeaters and some simplex spot frequency’s.

The only issue i have had is this. The rotary encoder does not always respond properly, it needs a clean and it is quite simple to get inside and do this yourself. Maybe i will do a teardown with photo’s and put a document on the site for those who also need the instructions.

The internal RTC battery also failed, this is due to me putting the radio back in it’s box and loosing track of it for a year. The internal battery is a small Diameter rechargeable coin cell. I was not able to get the specifications from Ailunce tech support even though i emailed them a couple of times and asked them nicely. It should not be an issue to do this yourself but i will wait until i dig it out again then update this post so everyone can follow along.

My Final thoughts?

The Ailunce HD1 is a very impressive, well built, WATERPROOF radio. the specifications state 1 meter depth for 30 minutes. I CAN vouch for this even though it was somewhat concerning watching a radio i paid £170 for vanish below the meniscus of the water. I still have both my HD1 units, they are getting on a bit but still perfectly happy in Analogue or DMR mode. They are built to last and have both performed brilliantly.

I still went out and purchased an Ailunce HA2 but that’s another story.

Is it worth buying one in 2026? Yes, if you need the DMR feature and you see one going cheap, do ask the seller if the charger base comes with it and ask to see it switch on. It’s no big deal if the time and date revert back to 1970.

The HD1 will always remain as my primary work horse. Well done Ailunce for producing this Transceiver.

(How about one last Firmware update for the older HD1 units)!