@@Lavxa sadly the words “good antenna” and “small Stubby” do not go together. The best antennas are usually a 1/2 wave of the desired frequency. So on the 2m band (144-148MHz) you’re looking at just under a meter in length. Similarly for the 70cm band a good antenna would be around 30cm in length. Then we look at multi band antennas which rely on the bands being “harmonics” of each other or require inductance in the form of coils adding to make them tune correctly. These coils reduce efficiency the more you add… “Stubby” antennas are ok for very short range but given the amount of coil windings used to make them short and tuned to the correct bands they are extremely inefficient.
Thanks informative video. I have ordered a H3 via your affiliate link and ordered the 771 airband aerial which came with discount too 🙂 I had a Baofeng UV5RH when they first came out, purchased specifically for AIRBAND and, it was a real disappointment. It sounded almost as if the "AM" band was using FM modulation so the reception, even at my local airfield was extremely distorted, which was something that never improved, in spite of numerous setting changes etc. I surmise the UV5RH not having 8.33khz spacing didn't help either! To be fair after contacting Baofeng, they went thru their expected try this, try that to no avail, so eventually I was given an RMA number and address to return it, which they refunded. Pity as the UV5R I use is excellent, not only as PMR & HAM but also on FM where an airport uses an uplink. Looking forward to my H3 arriving soon. Cheers 👍
It’s a great little radio, you’ll never get as good as a dedicated airband scanner with these multi purpose radios but I think you’ll be impressed. Make sure you have the latest firmware.
I have both. I live close to an ATc repeater on the approach to IAH about 60 miles out. They both sounded ok outside on the stock antennas but when i connect to my diamond x200 ground plane pole mounted Antenna 30’ up ATC is overdriving the front end. Thanks for the video. I think the front end is blown on the h3, going to contact Tdradio about that and will probably chunk the Baofeng in the trash. I read online the Marcus Dudley firmware for the H3 really improves the airband rx. Going to try it this weekend on the new green h3 i ordered.
This is a problem a lot of people who are new to the hobby have, and something I’m going to cover in a video soon. Let’s take your Diamond X200 antenna as an example. The advertised 6db/8db gain is effectively quadrupling the incoming signal strength coming into the radio. These handy-talkies are simply not designed to handle that and a half decent nearby signal will destroy the radio. If you want to use an HT at home with an external antenna simply make yourself a basic dipole.
i have tested airband with the tidradio td-771 and it works fairly well, surprised considering the cost how clear the audio is when in line of sight, usually on the cheap radios with AM is a bit messy and there is always a noise floor on AM even if you are really close and in direct view to the airport/airplane, as seen with the baofeng
I like the Tid radio alot as well. But the Beofeng is unlocked and that's worth something. Where as the Tid can be unlocked but programing through the app doesn't seem to work on normal mode. So there are still advantages to having the Beofeng.
To be honest I’ve never had an issue programming in any mod on the TidRadio via the app. If you’re having issues it could be a firmware issue or an issue with model and mode selection in the app. Side by side, on a technical level the TidRadio wins for me personally.
I’ve not heard of this happening after an update. What I have heard is that if you are programming the radio in CHIRP then you need to set the power to M (Medium) for maximum power in the radio itself. The H (High) power setting in chirp will make the radio look like it’s in high power with the display showing “H” but the actual output won’t be.
It’s unfortunate that both of these radios stink as far as airband goes. Let’s face it, radio people love the airband, but if you can’t produce it correctly, don’t add it to the list of specifications to your radio. When it sounds bad like these two, it’s hard on the ears. However I just saw a review on the Senhaix 8600, showing it’s airband receive. Sounded pretty good to me. Somebody’s got it right.
I have to agree with you, they are not the best but for under £30 I expect that it will be a good introduction to someone who’s wanting to get started in radio.
honestly i have a td-h3 and i hadnt had that problem of the high pitched white noise, some of the calls were really surprisingly clear, and im at 9.4 kilometers of the airport with mine, it sounds pretty nice, comparable to what ive listened from the Senhaix 8600 they should be more clear, this is *not* "for" airband, it does airband and it does it pretty damn well for the price, but its not the best usage for the radio, nor is the best radio for that usage but i dont see a problem adding it on the list of features, for many people like me, its enough given the proximity, its crap for people not near an airport, but being near, you can very clearly listen, which you just cannot do on a, lets say, uv-5r
I have never owned a Baofeng, but I have two TD-H3 and they are great!
They certainly are.
New video coming soon the TidRadio 771 antenna and speaker mic.
I love mine. Would like to find a good antenna for 108-300 range small snubby
@@Lavxa sadly the words “good antenna” and “small Stubby” do not go together. The best antennas are usually a 1/2 wave of the desired frequency. So on the 2m band (144-148MHz) you’re looking at just under a meter in length. Similarly for the 70cm band a good antenna would be around 30cm in length.
Then we look at multi band antennas which rely on the bands being “harmonics” of each other or require inductance in the form of coils adding to make them tune correctly. These coils reduce efficiency the more you add…
“Stubby” antennas are ok for very short range but given the amount of coil windings used to make them short and tuned to the correct bands they are extremely inefficient.
Thanks informative video. I have ordered a H3 via your affiliate link and ordered the 771 airband aerial which came with discount too 🙂
I had a Baofeng UV5RH when they first came out, purchased specifically for AIRBAND and, it was a real disappointment.
It sounded almost as if the "AM" band was using FM modulation so the reception, even at my local airfield was extremely distorted, which was something that never improved, in spite of numerous setting changes etc. I surmise the UV5RH not having 8.33khz spacing didn't help either!
To be fair after contacting Baofeng, they went thru their expected try this, try that to no avail, so eventually I was given an RMA number and address to return it, which they refunded.
Pity as the UV5R I use is excellent, not only as PMR & HAM but also on FM where an airport uses an uplink.
Looking forward to my H3 arriving soon. Cheers 👍
It’s a great little radio, you’ll never get as good as a dedicated airband scanner with these multi purpose radios but I think you’ll be impressed.
Make sure you have the latest firmware.
I have both. I live close to an ATc repeater on the approach to IAH about 60 miles out. They both sounded ok outside on the stock antennas but when i connect to my diamond x200 ground plane pole mounted Antenna 30’ up ATC is overdriving the front end. Thanks for the video. I think the front end is blown on the h3, going to contact Tdradio about that and will probably chunk the Baofeng in the trash. I read online the Marcus Dudley firmware for the H3 really improves the airband rx. Going to try it this weekend on the new green h3 i ordered.
This is a problem a lot of people who are new to the hobby have, and something I’m going to cover in a video soon.
Let’s take your Diamond X200 antenna as an example. The advertised 6db/8db gain is effectively quadrupling the incoming signal strength coming into the radio. These handy-talkies are simply not designed to handle that and a half decent nearby signal will destroy the radio.
If you want to use an HT at home with an external antenna simply make yourself a basic dipole.
i have tested airband with the tidradio td-771 and it works fairly well, surprised considering the cost how clear the audio is when in line of sight, usually on the cheap radios with AM is a bit messy and there is always a noise floor on AM even if you are really close and in direct view to the airport/airplane, as seen with the baofeng
It’s a cracking little radio
Even if it sounds staticky you’ve got to think about how far the plane is transmitting. Very good quality when you think about it. I’d pay for it😉
Thanks for the comments.
I like the Tid radio alot as well. But the Beofeng is unlocked and that's worth something. Where as the Tid can be unlocked but programing through the app doesn't seem to work on normal mode. So there are still advantages to having the Beofeng.
To be honest I’ve never had an issue programming in any mod on the TidRadio via the app. If you’re having issues it could be a firmware issue or an issue with model and mode selection in the app.
Side by side, on a technical level the TidRadio wins for me personally.
When you update the TD-H3 firmware, you loose transmit power. I've had 2 of the TD-H3 radios and both were worse than the Baofeng.
I’ve not heard of this happening after an update.
What I have heard is that if you are programming the radio in CHIRP then you need to set the power to M (Medium) for maximum power in the radio itself. The H (High) power setting in chirp will make the radio look like it’s in high power with the display showing “H” but the actual output won’t be.
@@M7EUP Not on the version I have, it's High or Low !
In my own opinion, both are almost a tie but I like the more bassier sound so I think baofeng gets the win on this one!!!
It’s more pleasant to the ear I would agree. However in terms of clarity of speech it’s often better to lose the bass tones.
beautiful comparison test mate, great video
Thank you 🙏
I ordered a uv5rh m from baofeng and it came in a box for a DMR radio and user manual. The radio itself is ok seems to work well. MW6PBF
At least it’s working for you Peter. 73
tid h3 is the best.. point..
Agreed
It’s unfortunate that both of these radios stink as far as airband goes. Let’s face it, radio people love the airband, but if you can’t produce it correctly, don’t add it to the list of specifications to your radio. When it sounds bad like these two, it’s hard on the ears. However I just saw a review on the Senhaix 8600, showing it’s airband receive. Sounded pretty good to me. Somebody’s got it right.
I have to agree with you, they are not the best but for under £30 I expect that it will be a good introduction to someone who’s wanting to get started in radio.
honestly i have a td-h3 and i hadnt had that problem of the high pitched white noise, some of the calls were really surprisingly clear, and im at 9.4 kilometers of the airport
with mine, it sounds pretty nice, comparable to what ive listened from the Senhaix 8600
they should be more clear, this is *not* "for" airband, it does airband and it does it pretty damn well for the price, but its not the best usage for the radio, nor is the best radio for that usage
but i dont see a problem adding it on the list of features, for many people like me, its enough given the proximity, its crap for people not near an airport, but being near, you can very clearly listen, which you just cannot do on a, lets say, uv-5r
Garbage vs Trash
Thanks for the amazing positive comment 👍🏼
Like it or not these radios is what 90% of entry level consumers will buy and consumer information on these products is useful.
Thanks M7
@@luxuryxcoffin thank you 🙏
exactly what i was thinking. Also, it wouldn't be a horrible thing to wipe them down.... they look kinda dirty.
Agreed 100%! Never another Baofeng OR Tidradio for me.