I have the H6 too. It’s head and shoulders above most other Gmrs and cheap ham radios. I put the 771g antenna on it and it’s a beast. Was my mobile in my car for a year
I love the TD-H6 radio as well. In fact, it's one of the most underrated ham radios on the market at any price! I'm uncertain whether the TD-H8 is actually is 10W or not and frankly, 8W would be fine. Will have to keep reading or watching reviews to see if this is a 10W radio or not.
Worth it to me for the USB-c charging and Bluetooth programming “on the fly.” The GPS-based repeater programming function looks interesting, too, for those who travel a lot. Ordered, but not available now til August. You broke Amazon. 😂
I heard that even though it does have a c port, it only works correctly with the one provided and is not compatible with one you would use to charge your phone.
"Ham Shit?" 🤣Nice! I looked at the Amazon link and your other viewers must've snatched up this thing fast! If I order today, I can expect delivery in August. 😳Nice work!
this is a great radio..love the review and being a GMRS and Ham operator this is awesome! I am buying 2 of them now. I was watching reviews from 8 months ago and it seems TDradio fixed all the issues they were having
So what did we decide about programming software? Can we use a PC through the USB-C and program this thing or just use the cell phone? Good job on the review Mike. This is the first I've seen of this radio.
There is a web app you can use that will save your program in the cloud and then you can use the app on your phone to sync it. You can also use Chirp Next but it’s pretty buggy.
The labels are for putting on the side or back of the radio. Then you sharpie your name or callsign on that sticker. My retevis radios came with those stickers allready on the radio.
Oh man thats awesome! Cant wait until i can get my hands on one. I have the ODmaster app for my tidradio programming dongle so i am already used to how the app works. Thanks Mike!
I bought this radio for GMRS and it will not select GMRS. It stays HAM. When I select PTT and 0 then turn on it reads, “Init GMRS?” I then press menu and it is still in HAM mode.
Thanks for reviewing this radio, it's fantastic! This is a really great deal! I hope it's still on sale in Jan! Definitely sending my UV-5G back to Amazon!
Great review and demo! I bought 2 of the 1st Gen radios last year, and I really liked them. Once they fixed all the issues with firmware updates, it was a great radio feature wise. I liked the screen quality and the way it was laid out. Unfortunately , my radios had very low modulation and I ended up retuning them. The transmit test you did sounded pretty good, so I ordered them again via your link. Thanks for the detailed review.
HI, I realize this is a little old, but I'm wondering if this can be programmed to listen to Boat VHF channels and Airplane channels in the VHF range, etc, while only transmitting on GRMS? If so, I'll buy with your links.. Thanks so much. Regards from south central indiana. Tim
Licensing, Amateur "Ham Radio" licensed for particular frequencies, GPRS Permit required for transmission and Unlocked for Amateur Radio both government vendors and licensed pilots etc.
Well it's Christmas morning and I have one of these radios. I haven't messed with HAM radios since my US Army days. I was a 31C aka "radio guy". But this was a long long time ago. I need to refresh my radio knowledge. If you don't use it you lose it.
Interesting concept! If you program a memory channel for a GMRS repeater in unlocked mode, does the channel appear on the radio if you turn it on in GMRS mode? Same Q for ham memories.
GMRS, FRS, MURS, Amateur radio, and much more! They are all there in your hand for a reasonable price. Meanwhile, the $550 radio can do none of that! Wow!
Hi, I’m totally brand new to all of this. I just got a set of two of these radios and to be quite honest I am Lost. Can you recommend where I should start and what licenses I need to get and how do I go about that? I enjoyed your video I appreciate any help you can provide or any links to videos that can get me started. I picked this one because as You stated there’s actually three radios in one +10 W
what radio walkie talkie do you recommend for me to talk to my cb base that I have at home? it has LSB,AM,FM,USB,walkie talkie of course. thank you very much.
Awesome review! Silly question, but when you turn the radio back on without holding the buttons, I can assume it turns back on to the previous setting?
Errr, not really. If you hold all the buttons and change modes it completely wipes the radio. But...If you save all the settings from whatever mode you had previously on the app, you can switch back and re-load your settings. Does that make sense??
When switching between ham and gmrs, does this also change the power option limits? I want a radio that functions like a typical gmrs radio, but with the ability to transmit at over 6 watts so i can feed my 40 watt uhf amplifier with the maximum input power which gets me the maximum output power.
Hello, I’m an EMT that works with different fire departments and law enforcement agencies. I’m looking at this radio to 1) monitor and talk to our dispatchers 2) monitor fire dispatch and units we run with as well as the ability to talk to crews in their tac channels. 3) monitor law enforcement. Would GMRS or ham modes would work?
@@hamradiotube I know that (at least for now) LACoFD and LASD frequencies work on radios like this (not encrypted) some law enforcement agencies won’t work. I’m not sure about the radio system my company is switching to as to if the frequencies will work or not on these radios
To add to my last message one of my coworkers has this radio and he said fire and sheriff frequencies work. I was just wondering how hard it is to program frequencies, their PL codes and naming the channels using the Bluetooth system
We're is the Mic gain @? I seen a video on it but it's on menu #45 I'm like really my h8 only has 42🤔 hmmmm know what I can't seem to find it. Maybe u can steer me the right direction appreciate it thanks for the video and Merry Christmas
You might need to update the firmware. I have menu 45 on a newer H8 they sent me, but not on this one. You can download it from this page. It's kinda buried but scroll down and it's under the 3rd picture. tidradio.com/collections/ham/products/tidradio-h8-ham-radio-with-bluetooth
Is there a DMR or NXDN plus GMRS version of this radio? If there is such a radio that does digital as well as analog, I would be placing an order for this radio right now. I figure having that radio would make more sense. I would not have a radio for GMRS and Amateur Radio, but I would have a scanner for Railfanning, especially when I travel down Florida by Amtrak or the Stagecoach. Ha Ha! Most Class 1 Railroads are migrating from Analog to IDAS/NXDN. Some short line Railroads use DMR
How do you get multiple frequencies to write to the radio? Once I save to the same file and try to write to the radio only the new frequency shows and the rest are over written.
@@vitop3928 I am told that they do, but I haven't figured it out yet. I can see how to program via bluetooth, but that is it. Having said that, I really haven't tried past the day I purchased them. Sorry. Wish I could have been more help.
Mike just got the H8. Watched this video and have several questions before I dive into changing settings between GMRS and Ham. Would it be possible to discuss over the phone?
Be careful what actual TD-H8 you get. I clicked the link for Gen 2, and it said “estimated August” delivery. So I found what I thought was a non-bundle version of this, but it turned out to be a 2023 second Gen GMRS one that can be a ham… but it doesn’t seem to be right. Only putting out 3w on non-GMRS and refusing to transmit on VFO. The radio is very confusing for someone who wants precisely what’s shown here. I decided to keep the one I bought as it does do 10w GMRS, and I use that for family comms. Ordered the Gen 2 one from link in description and hope it doesn’t take a month to ship from Amazon. The radio itself and BT functionality is the saving Grace in my frustration. It feels high quality in hand, sounds good once you adjust mic gain to 20-25+ in app. I paid $41 for my incorrect one, and it’s a worthy member of my GMRS fleet.
yes, through the app. The app gets your location from your phone and will list repeaters (you can filter the list by distance.) Then assign the repeater(s) to a channel and import/write into the radio. pretty neat.
What is the latest Version of K8 please? Other (and perhaps earlier) Videos of this HT have been given Thumbs Down due to Noisy Transmit Audio, HP of 7+ watts (not 10W), and other complaints. Seems like you're happy with this one, so what Version do you have or is the latest Version please? Thanks for your Review.
Well mine didn’t come with the lanyard!! Just delivered yesterday! Overall it is a nice handheld. It feels of great quality!! I have a few Motorola CP185 and a few RDU4160d and this TIDRadio feels just as good in the hands at a fraction of the cost. But I want my lanyard lol
@@hamradiotube I was wondering at first if maybe this was a returned item? I ordered it from Amazon. But the box was in great condition and all the contents were bagged up like I’ve seen during some unboxes I’ve seen. But ya I definitely like lanyards 😂 I noticed right away as I went looking to it 1st.
So if I buy this radio and I go into gmrs mode do I have to program my locality and will the offsets automatically be in there for my area and the repeaters in my area?
Best Ham / GMRS radio on the market. It's fantastic and easy to use. It's my go to.
I have the TD-H6 10W 2m/70cm and I LOVE it! I guess I should have waited 6 or so months to get this upgraded version
I have the H6 too. It’s head and shoulders above most other Gmrs and cheap ham radios. I put the 771g antenna on it and it’s a beast. Was my mobile in my car for a year
I love the TD-H6 radio as well. In fact, it's one of the most underrated ham radios on the market at any price! I'm uncertain whether the TD-H8 is actually is 10W or not and frankly, 8W would be fine. Will have to keep reading or watching reviews to see if this is a 10W radio or not.
Fantastic detailed review! Everyone can make an informed decision based on your explanation.
Wish I would've just kept my H8 and returned the set of H3's. Really liked the size, layout, buttons, sound quality, 10 watts of the H8.
Worth it to me for the USB-c charging and Bluetooth programming “on the fly.” The GPS-based repeater programming function looks interesting, too, for those who travel a lot. Ordered, but not available now til August. You broke Amazon. 😂
I heard that even though it does have a c port, it only works correctly with the one provided and is not compatible with one you would use to charge your phone.
@@scottvrichey Hmmm, I haven’t had that issue.
That is a cool bit of kit! I just may have to add this to my 'arsenal.'
Does it receive Air Band? That would make it perfect for me considering the tons of features you showed.
Great review. The biggest thing to note is this is the Version 2 radio. V1 does not have usb-c charging among other things.
It seems there is a revised version 1 model.
"Ham Shit?" 🤣Nice! I looked at the Amazon link and your other viewers must've snatched up this thing fast! If I order today, I can expect delivery in August. 😳Nice work!
I may or may not have just ordered one 😉 From your great review the “feel” is a lot like the Wouxun UV9GX I bought a year ago.
It's a very solid radio for sure.
this is a great radio..love the review and being a GMRS and Ham operator this is awesome! I am buying 2 of them now. I was watching reviews from 8 months ago and it seems TDradio fixed all the issues they were having
Does the max Wattage change from 5 to 10 when switching it from gmrs to ham
Cool, I am definitely getting one of these as I have both a ham license and a GMRS license. This is awesome I will use this radio for both.
Right on!
So wait it works on gmrs and ham radio in one
@@frankbujans5901 Yep! Sure does. :)
It's not legal to use same radio for gmrs and ham but it works. Hoping it's chirp programmable too.
@wilcoxtactical3716 well, so are illegal migrants but nobody is stopping that either.
So what did we decide about programming software? Can we use a PC through the USB-C and program this thing or just use the cell phone? Good job on the review Mike. This is the first I've seen of this radio.
There is a web app you can use that will save your program in the cloud and then you can use the app on your phone to sync it. You can also use Chirp Next but it’s pretty buggy.
The labels are for putting on the side or back of the radio. Then you sharpie your name or callsign on that sticker. My retevis radios came with those stickers allready on the radio.
Oh man thats awesome! Cant wait until i can get my hands on one. I have the ODmaster app for my tidradio programming dongle so i am already used to how the app works. Thanks Mike!
Has anyone confirmed the 10 watts TX? Would be interested to see what power it’s pumping out on gmrs :)
I’ve had this radio a few weeks now. Using the inline Surecomm SWR/Power meter, I’m getting a little over 10w on high.
Can you test vhf and uhf power meter?
@@matthewkitchen5425 please test watts on other channels
@@matthewkitchen5425 How much output on GMRS?
@@matthewkitchen5425if you do INIT ALL GMRS that doesn’t change the power output correct?
But does it take Glock mags?
😂 and can it run Crysis??
Best comment ever 😂😅
Takes it like you!
Only the 33rd style😉
Gen 1-4 only...
Perfect walk thru video. Been trying to figure mine out
I bought this radio for GMRS and it will not select GMRS. It stays HAM. When I select PTT and 0 then turn on it reads, “Init GMRS?” I then press menu and it is still in HAM mode.
Thanks for reviewing this radio, it's fantastic! This is a really great deal! I hope it's still on sale in Jan! Definitely sending my UV-5G back to Amazon!
Great review and demo! I bought 2 of the 1st Gen radios last year, and I really liked them. Once they fixed all the issues with firmware updates, it was a great radio feature wise. I liked the screen quality and the way it was laid out. Unfortunately , my radios had very low modulation and I ended up retuning them. The transmit test you did sounded pretty good, so I ordered them again via your link. Thanks for the detailed review.
Which one did you order the first or second Gen?
@@MadHatter11371 I ordered the 2nd Gen kit with the two batteries. The delivery date is out to Aug unfortunately.
@@charleshamilton635 I got mine in 8 days thru Azon!
Azon?
@@cbmitchell REALLY!!!
So, couple of questions. 1. Can you use a computer if you wanted to? and 2. Can you use the bluetooth to connect to your vehicle's radio?
I was wondering the same things!
Original Ghostbusters reference is always welcome. Thank you!
No rubber gaskets in antennas?
Whats the lower frequency it can run after unlocked
So, if I buy the Ham 10W version, I can also use it as a GMRS radio but if I buy the GMRS 5W version I cannot us it as a HAM radio? I'm confused.
HI, I realize this is a little old, but I'm wondering if this can be programmed to listen to Boat VHF channels and Airplane channels in the VHF range, etc, while only transmitting on GRMS? If so, I'll buy with your links..
Thanks so much.
Regards from south central indiana.
Tim
Great review and looks like a cool radio. I may or may not have ordered one for my collection.
If this radio had air band, it would check on my boxes.
How are the spurious emissions?
I love mine and the audio on the radio is fantastic
These are sold as ham or GMRS versions on Amazon. What's the difference?
Licensing, Amateur "Ham Radio" licensed for particular frequencies, GPRS Permit required for transmission and Unlocked for Amateur Radio both government vendors and licensed pilots etc.
Well it's Christmas morning and I have one of these radios. I haven't messed with HAM radios since my US Army days. I was a 31C aka "radio guy". But this was a long long time ago. I need to refresh my radio knowledge. If you don't use it you lose it.
Since it has bluetooth does that mean I can listen through bluetooth ear phones or hearing aids?
I bought mine 3 or for months ago. Hopefully all the fixes are available in an update.
Interesting concept! If you program a memory channel for a GMRS repeater in unlocked mode, does the channel appear on the radio if you turn it on in GMRS mode? Same Q for ham memories.
Great video I appreciate it but how do I connect this to work with the radios at my job
Can you program Fire Dept. Frequencies in it?
The TIDRADIO TD-H8 or the RADTEL RT-470 ??
Can I download gmrs repeaters with the bluetooth?
GMRS, FRS, MURS, Amateur radio, and much more! They are all there in your hand for a reasonable price. Meanwhile, the $550 radio can do none of that! Wow!
If I'm not mistaken this radio will receive gmrs and ham, but only transmit in gmrs. Also I heard they did not put 10 watts into it, just 5.
I watched a video today of a guy getting 12 watts with this radio.
Hi, I’m totally brand new to all of this. I just got a set of two of these radios and to be quite honest I am Lost. Can you recommend where I should start and what licenses I need to get and how do I go about that? I enjoyed your video I appreciate any help you can provide or any links to videos that can get me started. I picked this one because as You stated there’s actually three radios in one +10 W
How is the PTT on that radio? Is the button a click type button or membrane type switch?
The button itself is hard, and it's a bit mushy feeling, with a nice clicking feel.
what i wanna know is, how do i set it up to where it detects frequencies that people are talking on, and then allows me to hear them...
what radio walkie talkie do you recommend for me to talk to my cb base that I have at home?
it has LSB,AM,FM,USB,walkie talkie of course.
thank you very much.
If this could be used with something like GPredict over Bluetooth, it would be a great sat HTb
Awesome review!
Silly question, but when you turn the radio back on without holding the buttons, I can assume it turns back on to the previous setting?
Errr, not really. If you hold all the buttons and change modes it completely wipes the radio. But...If you save all the settings from whatever mode you had previously on the app, you can switch back and re-load your settings. Does that make sense??
Does it have the option to scan all frequencies for when someone is talking? (so it stops and listens).
cross band transponder function present?
Can you password the programming mode to keep the yoozers out?
Not in the app, or web version, but I'll check the windows CPS.
I'm loving this thing. Thanks for the video. Helped a lot. I'm in Salt Lake
When switching between ham and gmrs, does this also change the power option limits? I want a radio that functions like a typical gmrs radio, but with the ability to transmit at over 6 watts so i can feed my 40 watt uhf amplifier with the maximum input power which gets me the maximum output power.
Can you still transmit 10w on GMRS and change power level?
TD-H3 HR+Air Antennas, bundled Only ~$30. with TH-H8 HR. Both Package Bluetooth deal.
Perhaps for less, directly from TidRadios with coupon$?
Is this radio water resistant?
Question is does it put out anywhere near 10 W
So os this 10 watts with GRMS only?
Can this radio be used for MURS when the radio is set for open?
Hello, I’m an EMT that works with different fire departments and law enforcement agencies. I’m looking at this radio to 1) monitor and talk to our dispatchers 2) monitor fire dispatch and units we run with as well as the ability to talk to crews in their tac channels. 3) monitor law enforcement. Would GMRS or ham modes would work?
I would doubt it. Usually most emergency radios are encrypted and I would strongly doubt they would be on frequencies this radio operates on.
@@hamradiotube I know that (at least for now) LACoFD and LASD frequencies work on radios like this (not encrypted) some law enforcement agencies won’t work. I’m not sure about the radio system my company is switching to as to if the frequencies will work or not on these radios
To add to my last message one of my coworkers has this radio and he said fire and sheriff frequencies work. I was just wondering how hard it is to program frequencies, their PL codes and naming the channels using the Bluetooth system
@@MikeEMT609all that stuff is pretty easy. If the frequencies are within range of the radio, go for it. If it doesn’t work you can always return it.
Thinking seriously about ordering this. In settings for GMRS can you use the full 10 watts in gMRS mode?
We're is the Mic gain @? I seen a video on it but it's on menu #45 I'm like really my h8 only has 42🤔 hmmmm know what I can't seem to find it. Maybe u can steer me the right direction appreciate it thanks for the video and Merry Christmas
You might need to update the firmware. I have menu 45 on a newer H8 they sent me, but not on this one. You can download it from this page. It's kinda buried but scroll down and it's under the 3rd picture. tidradio.com/collections/ham/products/tidradio-h8-ham-radio-with-bluetooth
Is there a DMR or NXDN plus GMRS version of this radio? If there is such a radio that does digital as well as analog, I would be placing an order for this radio right now. I figure having that radio would make more sense. I would not have a radio for GMRS and Amateur Radio, but I would have a scanner for Railfanning, especially when I travel down Florida by Amtrak or the Stagecoach. Ha Ha! Most Class 1 Railroads are migrating from Analog to IDAS/NXDN. Some short line Railroads use DMR
How do you get multiple frequencies to write to the radio? Once I save to the same file and try to write to the radio only the new frequency shows and the rest are over written.
Would these be good for camping?, as far as walkie to walkie communication?
they sure would
@@hamradiotube thank you!
When it's in the wide open mode what is the full freq range RX and TX ?
I'm trying to find a portable HAM that will Bluetooth to my hearing aids. Will this do the trick?
+1. I need to know if Bluetooth headsets/PTTs can work with this model
@@vitop3928 I am told that they do, but I haven't figured it out yet. I can see how to program via bluetooth, but that is it. Having said that, I really haven't tried past the day I purchased them. Sorry. Wish I could have been more help.
@@WorldwideBushcraftSurvival thanks for sharing your exp! :)
Does it also have noaa and emergency scanner function?
Emergency scanner???
Mike just got the H8. Watched this video and have several questions before I dive into changing settings between GMRS and Ham. Would it be possible to discuss over the phone?
I'm not one to talk on the phone but you can email your questions to k8mrd@icloud.com. Put H8 in the subject and that'll stand out to me.
Be careful what actual TD-H8 you get. I clicked the link for Gen 2, and it said “estimated August” delivery. So I found what I thought was a non-bundle version of this, but it turned out to be a 2023 second Gen GMRS one that can be a ham… but it doesn’t seem to be right. Only putting out 3w on non-GMRS and refusing to transmit on VFO.
The radio is very confusing for someone who wants precisely what’s shown here. I decided to keep the one I bought as it does do 10w GMRS, and I use that for family comms. Ordered the Gen 2 one from link in description and hope it doesn’t take a month to ship from Amazon.
The radio itself and BT functionality is the saving Grace in my frustration. It feels high quality in hand, sounds good once you adjust mic gain to 20-25+ in app. I paid $41 for my incorrect one, and it’s a worthy member of my GMRS fleet.
I seen a lot of radios that are able to use different services, would this radio type accepted for GRMS and HAM?
I would be curious if it has channel banks?
Nope!
But can you transmit on ham or just recieve and listed ?
This was a very informative and helpful video, thank you very much. God bless bro.
I love how no questions have been answered below...and i dont see a link.
Is this radio water resistant or waterproof can I Stand in the Rain with it and talk thank you for the great video
Admitting I skipped around a bit, I thought the description on Amzn said it can import nearby repeaters. Any truth to that?
yes, through the app. The app gets your location from your phone and will list repeaters (you can filter the list by distance.) Then assign the repeater(s) to a channel and import/write into the radio. pretty neat.
Is it possible to program the radio with just the keypad? Not using the bluetooth software?
What Sean said.
yep, you sure can.
Is that the same menu system I’ve been seeing in those Talkpod radios?
I was about to return the H8 GMRS and get the HAM version.. OMG!! Wow!
Did you find a difference between the ham and GMRS versions? Gmrs shows 5w and ham shows 10w. Not sure if they're both the same or not.
What is the latest Version of K8 please? Other (and perhaps earlier) Videos of this HT have been given Thumbs Down due to Noisy Transmit Audio, HP of 7+ watts (not 10W), and other complaints. Seems like you're happy with this one, so what Version do you have or is the latest Version please? Thanks for your Review.
What mode does it go into by just turning it on without pressing any other buttons? Does that change after programming it in the open mode?
It'll boot into the last mode it was on.
Great video, just bought one for my dad
I wonder if you can use a turbo charger on the battery
If course!!! Idk if the a negotiation circuit built in though, so probably pretty slow.
Are you kidding me - and I was about to order an Icom ID52E 😉
How is the audio volume from the speaker/mic?
My speaker mic was absolute garbage. Literally the worst speaker mic I've ever owned.
Does this radio have the ability to scan for GMRS tone codes?
I think you just answered my new ht but, it is the antenna same as baofeng?
I have the adapter for the external antenna if its the same one.
It's the same type of connection if that's what you mean.
How many channels for this radio? Also can you copy from save lists to paste to the unlocked folder?
199 channels. Unfortunately I haven't found a way to copy and paste files, even with the web version of the software. That would be extremely helpful.
So can I switch bands with both the ham and Gmrs version?
Maybe I missed it but can you program via phone without cell/internet service? Or do you have to be logged into there server?
You sure can. It's just over Bluetooth.
So why the need for them to make a 5 watt GMRS only radio?
Well mine didn’t come with the lanyard!! Just delivered yesterday! Overall it is a nice handheld. It feels of great quality!! I have a few Motorola CP185 and a few RDU4160d and this TIDRadio feels just as good in the hands at a fraction of the cost. But I want my lanyard lol
lol sounds like you got screwed!
@@hamradiotube I was wondering at first if maybe this was a returned item? I ordered it from Amazon. But the box was in great condition and all the contents were bagged up like I’ve seen during some unboxes I’ve seen. But ya I definitely like lanyards 😂 I noticed right away as I went looking to it 1st.
@@SubiSkank not gonna lie, I’ve received some review radios that looked like they were returns.
So if I buy this radio and I go into gmrs mode do I have to program my locality and will the offsets automatically be in there for my area and the repeaters in my area?
Well the offsets are there but you would still need to do some programming for tones and such yes. It doesn't know where you are.
when they set to gmrs continue at 10w ?
I didn't check GMRS power.
Is it actually 10w?
Great video. Will it xmit 10 watts on GMRS?
I was wondering the same thing!
Was this a Gen 1 or 2 radio?
Will this TX out of range, basically the MARS mod (TX 151-155 range)?
yes
Is it chirp programmable?
Yes but you need to use the new version Chirp Next
Yeah, but does it do APRS?
🤣