As a long time DMR user (Pre-Ham Era) and a faithful TYT enthusiast, I finally took notice of Ailunce! While Ailunce feels like a new player shaking up the market, its history is actually tied to the established commercial radio manufacturer Retevis.
Understanding Ailunce requires looking at how the landscape shifted from purely commercial DMR to radios designed specifically for amateur operators.
1. Origins: The Retevis Connection
Ailunce is not a standalone company; it is a dedicated brand created by Retevis specifically to focus on the amateur radio (Ham) market.
Retevis has long been known for manufacturing affordable commercial handhelds. However, Retevis realized that Ham operators wanted features that commercial users did not—specifically, full keypad programming (VFO mode) and the ability to easily change talkgroups without a computer.
2. The Turning Point: Ailunce HD1 (2017–2018)
The pivotal moment for the brand was the launch of the Ailunce HD1.
Before the HD1, most "affordable" DMR radios were adapted commercial radios. The HD1 was marketed specifically to Hams.
* True VFO: You could switch to VFO mode, type in a DMR frequency, set the color code, timeslot, and talkgroup directly on the screen. This was a game-changer for field operation.
* Rugged Build: It boasted an IP67 waterproof rating, which was rare for budget-friendly DMR at the time.
* The M3 Connector: Instead of the standard Kenwood two-pin connector (which often allows water ingress), the HD1 utilized a threaded M3 connector for microphones and programming cables, ensuring a better seal.
3. Evolution: Firmware and Feedback
Unlike some manufacturers that release a radio and move on, Ailunce established a reputation for listening to the Ham community through forums and Facebook groups.
* Feature Updates: Early versions of the HD1 lacked features like Promiscuous Mode (listening to all talkgroups), but Ailunce added this functionality through user-requested firmware updates.
* Large Contact Database: Recognizing that DMR users want to see who is speaking, they updated the firmware to support massive contact lists (eventually up to 500,000 contacts in newer models).
4. The Current Era: Ailunce HD2 and Beyond
Today, Ailunce has solidified its spot as the "premium-budget" option. The release of the HD2 refined the formula of the HD1 by adding Bluetooth capability and enhanced APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) integration, features that keep them ahead of TYT models and most other contenders.
