How to Use APRS Messages on Ailunce HA2: New Firmware Full Tutorial

Function Overview

APRS messaging is a practical new feature added to the Ailunce HA2 with the latest firmware. It enables text exchange between the radio, mobile apps and other APRS stations via radio signals, making it ideal for outdoor trips and team coordination.

👉Ailunce HA2 APRS Message Explained 📩 | New Firmware Feature Overview

👉How to Send APRS Messages on Ailunce HA2 📩 | Step-by-Step Tutorial

Mandatory Preparations (2 Critical Steps)

You must complete the following two steps before using APRS messages, otherwise the function will not be available:

1. Upgrade to the latest official firmware. Older firmware versions do not include the APRS message menu. This feature is available only after installing the latest official firmware.
2. AilunceHA2 Firmware: https://www.ailunce.com/Supports/HA2/Software
3. Enable the APRS master switch on the radio. Turn on APRS in the system settings. Once completed, all APRS message-related options will be accessible.

Full Menu Breakdown of APRS Message

Navigation path: Open Menu → Select APRS → Enter APRS Message.

• New Message: Used to compose brand-new point-to-point APRS text messages. You can customize message content and send it directly to the target APRS station.
• 
• Quick Message: Supports frequently used messages in advance. When operating outdoors, you can select a preset message and send it instantly without retyping. You can freely add or edit quick message entries to fit your communication needs.
• 
• Sent: Stores the history of all messages successfully transmitted by the radio.
• Received: Displays all text messages sent to the radio from other APRS stations.
• Clear All: Erases all message history with one click to quickly tidy up the message list.
• Message Contacts: Allows you to save call signs of frequently contacted stations. When composing a new message, you can rotate the channel knob to select a pre-saved contact instead of typing the call sign manually. This helps reduce input errors and speeds up message entry during field operations.
• 

• Step-by-Step Workflow for Point-to-Point APRS Messages

  Sending a Message

  • 1. Enter the APRS Message menu and select New Point-to-Point Message.
  • 2. Enter the destination call sign: you can type it manually, or select a pre-saved contact directly.
  • 3. Input the text content of your message.
  • 4. Confirm the information is correct, then press send to transmit the message over the air.

  Receiving and Replying to a Message

• 
• 1. When the HA2 receives an incoming APRS message, the screen will automatically display the sender’s call sign and the full message content.
• 2. Select a received message. The following three options will appear.
• Reply: Compose custom text and send it back to the sender directly
• Reply Quick Message: Send a preset quick message directly without typing
• Remove: Delete only this single message entry

Practical Tip to Boost Message Delivery Success

This optimization setting is easy for beginners to miss: when using APRS messaging, switch your radio to Narrow Band mode. This setting can significantly improve message delivery success rate, and works especially well in outdoor environments with weak signals.

• The new firmware equips the Ailunce HA2 with text communication capability over radio. Complete the firmware upgrade first, configure quick messages and common contacts in advance, and enable narrow band mode for more reliable transmission in daily use. Follow the steps above to smoothly send, receive and reply to APRS messages.