Retevis Ailunce H1

Description

The Retevis Ailunce H1 is a dual-band handheld that covers the practical needs of most amateur radio operators without unnecessary bells and whistles. After spending time with this radio, it proves to be a solid choice for both casual operation and more demanding applications like contests or emergency communications.

Dual-Band Performance and Digital Features

Operating on 2m and 70cm, the Retevis Ailunce H1 handles both analog and digital modes competently. The APRS integration works as expected, providing position reporting and basic tracking functionality. The GPS receiver locks quickly and maintains accuracy well enough for typical amateur use. For contest operations or group activities, the position sharing and distance calculations between stations can be genuinely useful.

The digital mode implementation is straightforward, supporting standard DMR features without over complicating the interface. Time slot management and talk group selection are intuitive once you understand the menu structure.

Contact Management and User Interface

The 500,000 contact capacity is admittedly overkill for most operators, but it’s there if you need it. More practically useful is the Talk Alias feature, which displays names instead of just DMR IDs during contacts. This becomes particularly valuable during nets or emergency exercises where you’re working with multiple stations and need quick identification.

The customizable side keys are well-positioned and can be programmed for frequently-used functions. The One-Touch Call feature works reliably for accessing your most common contacts. The display is clear and readable in various lighting conditions, though direct sunlight can still be challenging.

Battery Life and Power Management

The 2900mAh Li-ion battery delivers reasonable operating time—roughly 16 hours in analog mode and up to 25 hours in digital, depending on your transmit duty cycle and power settings. The Type-C charging is a welcome modern touch that eliminates the need for proprietary cables. Battery management seems well-implemented without the rapid degradation issues some handhelds experience.

Security and Emergency Features

AES256 encryption is available for those who need it, though most amateur applications won’t require this level of security. The implementation appears solid for scenarios where secure communications are necessary.

The emergency features—Lone Worker and Man Down—function as advertised. The Lone Worker timeout can be configured for different intervals, and Man Down detection sensitivity is adjustable. These aren’t gimmicks; they’re genuinely useful for solo operations in remote areas or during emergency deployments.

Relay and Communication Features

The SFR (Same Frequency Relay) function works well for temporary coverage extension. While not a replacement for a proper repeater, it’s handy for short-term operations or when propagation conditions create dead spots. The ability to handle single, group, and all-call scenarios gives you the flexibility needed for different operational requirements.

Build Quality and Accessories

The radio feels solid without being unnecessarily heavy. The included belt clip and hand strap are standard fare but functional. The desktop charging base is convenient for daily use. Note that a programming cable isn’t included—it’s listed as optional, which may be frustrating if you need to do extensive programming.

Bottom Line

The Retevis Ailunce H1 delivers what most hams need in a handheld: reliable dual-band operation, decent battery life, and useful digital features without excessive complexity. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s competent and reasonably priced. The emergency features and solid build quality make it worth considering for both everyday use and emergency preparedness.

The radio works well for its intended purpose—it’s not trying to be everything to everyone, which is actually refreshing in today’s feature-packed market.

Gallery

Specifications

Features

APRS / CTCSS / DCS / DTMF / Dual VFO / GPS / Programmable Buttons / Scan / Speaker / Split Operation / Timeout Timer / USB Charging / VOX

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