Ailunce HA2 NEW
Brings full iOS pairing with aprs.fi, APRS SMS messaging, and more.
What's New in This Update
You must upgrade both firmware — Bluetooth and Radio — to get the full update
Text Messaging
Peer-to-peer real-time text messaging over the air — Ailunce HA2 APRS makes it happen. Messages to be sent can be input using the keys.
KISS TNC Compatibility
KISS TNC compatibility with the aprs.fi app and APRSDroid app, supports SMSGTE, Winlink, Pinpoint. Allowing you to send messages or email when cellular service is unavailable while sharing precise GPS coordinates over the air.
Two Updates, One Easy Plan
Both updates are required. Skip neither. Start with the easier one.
📱 Bluetooth Firmware
Easier · Do First💻 Radio Firmware
ThenAndroid Phone
3 stepsFirst, download the Bluetooth OTA app:
Download Retevis OTA App (Android)Install the OTA App
Tap the download button above, unzip the file, then tap the APK to install on your Android phone. (You may need to allow installs from unknown sources for this one time.)
Connect Bluetooth to Your HA2
Turn on Bluetooth on your phone. Open the HA2 menu and turn on Bluetooth too. Pair them together.
Tap "Upgrade" & Wait
In the OTA app, tap the Upgrade button. The Bluetooth firmware will update in a few minutes — do not turn off your radio during the update.
V1.03. Move on to Part 2 to update the radio firmware.iPhone (iOS)
4 steps · uses TestFlightTap below to join the TestFlight & install the OTA app:
Join TestFlight & Install OTA AppJoin TestFlight & Install
Tap the button above. If you don't already have Apple's TestFlight app, you'll be prompted to install it first. Then download our OTA update app from TestFlight.
Open the OTA App
Once installed, open the OTA app from your home screen.
Turn On Bluetooth & Pair
Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone, then turn on the HA2 radio's Bluetooth. Pair the two devices together.
Tap "Upgrade" & Wait
In the OTA app, tap Upgrade. The Bluetooth firmware will update in a few minutes. Do not turn off your radio during this process.
V1.03. You're ready for Part 2.What You Need
- Your Ailunce HA2 radio
- Programming cable
- A computer — Windows PC or Mac
Step 1 · Download the Firmware File
Download the firmware file below and save it somewhere easy to find, like your Desktop. (You can identify it by the version number in the file name.)
Download Radio FirmwareV1.00.06.004
If You're on Windows
PCYou'll also need the Retevis CPS programming software:
Download Retevis CPS (Windows)Install the CPS Software
Unzip the downloaded CPS file and run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Connect Radio to Computer
Use the programming cable to plug your HA2 into your computer. Make sure the radio is powered on.
Open CPS & Go to Firmware
Launch CPS, then go to: Operation → Firmware.
Pick the Correct COM Port & Model
Select the correct COM port for your radio. Then choose HA2 as the model.
Your COM port will look similar — e.g. "USB-SERIAL CH340 (COM9)".
(The number may be different on your computer — that's normal.)
Select the Firmware File
Click to browse, and pick the .bin file you downloaded earlier:
HA2_appV1.00.06.004 2026.08.08
Put the Radio in DFU Mode
This is the important step:
Click "Download" to Start
Back in CPS, click the Download button to start the firmware update. Do not unplug or turn off the radio.
Wait — Radio Will Restart
Once the update is complete, the radio will restart on its own. Just let it run.
Verify the Update on the Radio
On your radio, go to: Menu → Radio → 17th menu item: "Radio Information". The version should now show V1.00.06.004.
If You're on a Mac
macOSDownload the firmware upgrade tool for Mac:
Download Firmware Upgrade Tool (Mac)Pick the Right Installer for Your Mac
Macs come with two different processor types. Pick the right installer file:
Apple Silicon (M-series)
Macs made after late 2020
— most common today
FirmwareUpgrade_1.0.5_Installer.dmg
Intel Chip
Older Macs
(before late 2020)
FirmwareUpgrade_1.0.5_Intel_Installer.dmg
Install the Upgrade Tool
Double-click the correct .dmg file and follow the on-screen steps. For detailed installation instructions, refer to the documentation guide included in the firmware upgrade tool zip file you downloaded above.
This PDF guide walks you through the install if you get stuck.
Open the Firmware Upgrade App
Once installed, open the FirmwareUpgrade application.
Connect Your Radio with the Programming Cable
Plug the programming cable into your Mac, then connect it to your powered-on HA2 radio.
Choose "Local Upgrade" & Select the File
In the app, select the Local Upgrade option, then browse to and select the firmware file you downloaded: HA2_appV1.00.06.004 2026.08.08.bin
Put the Radio in DFU Mode
Just like on Windows, you need DFU mode:
Wait for the Update to Finish
The app will update your radio. When it's done, the radio will restart automatically. Don't unplug anything during the update.
✅ How to Verify It Worked
- On the radio, go to Menu → Radio → "Radio Information" (it's the 17th menu item). The version should show
V1.00.06.004. - In your OTA app, you can also confirm the Bluetooth version is
V1.03.
Quick Troubleshooting
Common bumps & how to fix them
🔴 My radio won't go into DFU mode (no red light).
Make sure you're holding BOTH the PTT and PF1 buttons at the same time BEFORE you turn the radio on. The buttons must be pressed while the radio is powered off, then you turn it on while still holding them.
💻 My computer doesn't see the radio on the COM port.
Try a different USB port. If that doesn't work, you may need to install the CH340 USB driver — these are common issues and usually solved by reinstalling the driver or trying another cable.
📱 iOS TestFlight won't install.
Make sure you already have the Apple TestFlight app installed on your iPhone. You can get it from the App Store. Then re-open our invite link to install the OTA app.
🤔 I'm not sure which Mac chip I have.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left of your screen → "About This Mac". The line that says "Chip" or "Processor" will tell you. If it says "Apple M1/M2/M3/etc." — use the M-series installer. If it says "Intel" — use the Intel installer.
⚠️ My update failed halfway. What now?
Don't panic. Turn the radio off, then put it back into DFU mode (PTT + PF1, then power on), and run the update again. The radio will stay in DFU mode until a successful update.
You're All Set!
That's it — your Ailunce HA2 is now running the latest firmware. You can use APRS.fi on your iPhone to track your team, send APRS SMS messages, and enjoy all the improvements.