This Update Changes Everything for the Retevis HA2

The Retevis HA2 just got a major firmware update — and it fixes the frequency offset issue I exposed in my original review. In my first video, I demonstrated how the HA2 was transmitting on a different frequency than what was set in the menu. With the latest firmware release from Retevis, that issue has now been resolved. In this follow-up, I verify the fix and show how the radio performs after the update. But that’s not all… While the HA2 still lacks native APRS messaging, APRS group messages, and APRS bulletin decoding, the new firmware unlocks something big: Bluetooth access to the internal TNC. That means you can pair the HA2 with your smartphone and run APRSdroid to offload APRS functionality to your phone — giving you full APRS messaging capability, better mapping, and improved packet management. In this video I cover: • ✅ Firmware fix for incorrect transmit frequency • ✅ How to connect the HA2 Bluetooth TNC to APRSdroid • ✅ Sending and receiving APRS messages through your phone • ⚠️ A critical APRSdroid “gotcha” you need to know before using it • ❌ Why the Bluetooth TNC currently does NOT work with Winlink • 🔧 Update from Retevis on the Winlink compatibility issue If you’re interested in Bluetooth TNC radios, GPS APRS HTs, ham radio firmware updates, or integrating Android apps with amateur radio gear, this video walks through the real-world performance of the HA2 after the update. Is the Retevis HA2 finally ready for prime time? Let’s find out. 🔹My Favorite Gear - https://www.amazon.com/shop/km4ack 🔹Links mentioned in the video Firmware Download - https://www.retevis.com/downloads/firmware TO Firmware Update - https://youtu.be/_ngIwzToE9U?si=8fE8jjiAbvK0FBhj Get the radio - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G5N9ZBB6?maas=maas_adg_1EBED7D8004CCDAF00EC98E6C73D3B16_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas&th=1 Save 11% with code HA2RETEVIS 🔹Raspberry Pi Build Guide - http://tiny.cc/pi4guide 🔹Frequently Asked Questions - http://tiny.cc/km4ack-faq 🔹Weekly Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/40da1fe472e3/km4acknewsletter 🔹Follow Me Twitter @km4ack 🔹FREE Get Started Guide - http://tiny.cc/getstartedguide 🔹Cool Ham Gear - http://km4ack.com 🔹Support the channel through Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/km4ack 🔹Did you just get a raspberry pi and want to hook it up to your radio? Start here https://youtu.be/E1SEgPFQk4M Want your raspberry pi to play nice with your ham radio? Are you into digital modes like FT8, JS8Call, FLDIGI, Winlink, APRS, Digipeaters and others? Each week I put out new content showing you exactly what steps to take to get the latest ham radio software on your raspberry pi. Whether you just want to ragchew or are seriously into emergency preparedness, emcomm, or ARES and want to learn all you can about using the raspberry pi to drive your ham radio, this channel has something for you. Be sure to click the subscribe button and ring the bell before heading off. That way you will get notified of all future videos. 🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases