This is my review of the TIDRadio TD-H8. A highly versatile and affordable dual band HT. Product links: tidradio.com/products/tidradi... s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCQ...
None of the front panel keys worked, they just added more characters. However...short pressing either of the side keys does indeed bump you right out of DTMF. Many thanks.
Great review. You do a great job of explaining the features and functionality. Look forward to the video of configuring the HT for the three different modes.
This is a brilliant radio. I got one about 2 weeks ago. I'm still getting to know it but it's really user-friendly. I'll be checking actual power levels and spurs, etc, soon. Another great review, no-nonsense info packed reviews. Not just another "show n' tell" video with an affiliate link pushing buy, buy, buy! Thank you!🤠🇦🇺⁷³
Thanks for the comprehensive review. I picked up the radio and one of your pouches to go with it. The phone programmability was a real draw because I can use my phone’s screen reader to work with the menus I can’t see and aren’t voiced on the handset.
Nice review. I have one of these and love it. I really love the programming app, it makes it very easy to program repeaters in my area. I just ordered their H3 to try out as well, not that I needed it but I do enjoy air band.
The lateral Movement on the belt clip is odd all of mine all 4 of mine do that.. I been happy with the Batteries USB C charging Hasn't had any interference issues with the batteries.. When the USB C charging is in use I checked to make sure they didn't have issues. that's because the Baofeng UV-5G Plus and The Baofeng 5RH and Baofeng 5RM are notorious for USB C interference making any radio in 100 feet go Deaf just for charging the batteries. So Im very happy That there is no interference issues with the USB C charging on these TidRadio's 28:00 @KS6DAY
I bought the twin pack of the H8. And have since ordered the larger antenna, the speaker mic, and the drop in charger. I love this HT. I set mine up for single band view. Also I bought the Rtsystems software with the cable. This software allows you to view whats in the radio on a spread sheet. You can also change the many functions. And set it up easy the way you like it.
Good to see that more companies are using USB -C for charging! USB batteries and cables are already something that I use so i don't need to carry extra cables I'd love to see them have two USB-C ports. One on the battery for charging and one on the radio for programming and data modes.
Been using my ver 2 H8 since june 2023 no issues, power is 9.5 to 10.5 out spurious radiations within spec. the odmaster app is so easy to use and makes it easy to add or remove freqs if needed and enter all data needed i got the set 2 ant spkr mic 2 batteries the long ant works very well makes a difference in range
It's great that they allowed for using the cradle with any power source because if you have the opportunity to bring the cradle out with you and aren't constrained on time the cradle is the more ideal option since it charges slower than going straight into the battery USB port. It's a subtle difference and sometimes fast charging is necessary, but slower charging will extend the life of the battery in the long run
I ordered one of these a few days ago and should be getting it in the next couple days. One function I like to have is the ability to switch listening between the input and output frequencies of a repeater with the push of a button. I know the H3 has this function (5 button if I remember correctly), the Baofengs and Wouxuns can do that too. Does the H8 have this capablity? Thanks
Nearly all of the charging cradles are expecting 12v from the wall wart. You can frequently power them directly from any 12v source (eg one of those little talentcell packs).
Hmmm. That's interesting. I have the same radio, gen 2, and my scan button doesn't do that. Short press does nothing. 2 second press and scans? I haven't updated my firmware. I have 230317
I just got an H8 & a H3. The larger H8 seems to be more comfortable in my hand, but the transmit button seems really flimsy compared to the H3. The H8 display is slightly larger & channel font more easily readable than the H3. The H8 up/down is much easier to use than the tiny buttons on H3. The H3 can be programmed with the supplied USB C cable, while the H8 could only be programmed via my old Baofeng premium (2 pin mic & earphone) cable. Both radios have the SYNC feature which for me is a must. This lets you to see FREQ & CHANNEL NAME simultaneously. Baofeng has refused for years to ship this feature except for Euro mkt radios.
I want to add that, while the speaker isn't meant for music, it is certainly better than nothing when you want something to listen to at night while in the woods. Also, the VX7 can do dual display, just with less info displayed. In dual watch it will show name OR freq
One thing I’m really looking for is a good quality radio, 8-10 watts unlockable but that also has usb charging and more importantly a scrambler function. I thought I found it in the ra89 (Retevis) but the radio SUCKS for a lot of reasons. Retevis rt87 is good but no usb charging and they don’t plan to sell an aftermarket battery for it, the quanshengs are cheap and have scramblers but they’re dirty and weak (although yes versatile). But I can’t seem to find this radio.
MENU, Key #3 - SAVE. When in SAVE mode, used to save battery, when radio is in sleep mode you can set the ratio of its sleep/awake cycle. 1:8, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, or off. It saves the most power at 1:8, and none when OFF is selected.
Someone tell Chinese manufacturers that nothing says "cheap Chinese radio" like having a built-in LED flashlight. Their products would ironically seem more premium if they left some features out.
I think the flashlight is a nice feature. Just like your cell phone. Rtsystems makes a nice user friendly software for this HT. I like the price and the radio. And the 10 watts is a plus for getting out with the optional longer rubber whip.
I am hoping for a firmware update that allows for the channel NAME to be displayed in large characters instead of the frequency. I like the BT programming feature and the USB-C (this makes charging in my truck a breeze). Mine only TX 5 watts on high.
Am I able to monitor the airwaves while the radio is on the cradle? Because I have a shop way out back and I need a way for my wife to yell at me without having to come out here? I mean, if I’m gonna get yelled at I’d rather be yelled at over the radio than in person…
OK, you are getting 10W RF output, great. Everyone else seems to be reporting 5W on high on GMRS on the latest release. Did you do something different?
@@KS6DAY either way per Tidradio . In the FB group tidradio club there have many users reported bricking their radio or loosing all programming after doing that
Scott, nice review. Excellent presentation, sir! But you confuse "mode" with "service". Lot'a newbies, particularly on GMRS, who really ought to learn the terminology correctly. 73 de N3HOE
The tidradio H8 is way better then 99 percent of all displays in direct Sunlight it's actually pretty easy to see in direct sunlight i also love the Frequency and Name on the screen at the same time 12:20 @KS6DAY
I agree we are so conditioned to put names then can't ever remember the number behind the name so I agree the name and frequency on the screen at the same time is a amazing feature 14:20 love that it shows the Frequency change of the offset which is also nice when TX @KS6DAY
I bought one of these. It’s as deaf as a post and in spite of allegedly having 10 watts wont hit repeaters more than five miles away. I even replaced the antenna to no avail. I returned it. Definitely not worth 70 dollars.
I was able to get 11.5 watts consistently on my 4 Tidradio H8 radios That i been testing and playing with also noticed the ptt id Was tricky only able to get it to function on the Tidradio software the bluetooth works very well I agree Bluetooth Mic would be amazing like a Bluetooth Ear buds or Headphones 19:30 @KS6DAY
23:40 You should be able exit DTMF mode by pressing one of the soft keys. Edit: VFO, BL, A/B buttons will also exit that mode.
None of the front panel keys worked, they just added more characters. However...short pressing either of the side keys does indeed bump you right out of DTMF. Many thanks.
Great review. You do a great job of explaining the features and functionality. Look forward to the video of configuring the HT for the three different modes.
This is a brilliant radio. I got one about 2 weeks ago. I'm still getting to know it but it's really user-friendly. I'll be checking actual power levels and spurs, etc, soon.
Another great review, no-nonsense info packed reviews. Not just another "show n' tell" video with an affiliate link pushing buy, buy, buy!
Thank you!🤠🇦🇺⁷³
Thanks for the comprehensive review. I picked up the radio and one of your pouches to go with it. The phone programmability was a real draw because I can use my phone’s screen reader to work with the menus I can’t see and aren’t voiced on the handset.
always a trusted channel to give the info that's needed.
Nice review. I have one of these and love it. I really love the programming app, it makes it very easy to program repeaters in my area. I just ordered their H3 to try out as well, not that I needed it but I do enjoy air band.
Great video as always! I have the Tidradio td-h3 on the way and I think it will be as great as this one!!
The lateral Movement on the belt clip is odd all of mine all 4 of mine do that.. I been happy with the Batteries USB C charging Hasn't had any interference issues with the batteries.. When the USB C charging is in use I checked to make sure they didn't have issues. that's because the Baofeng UV-5G Plus and The Baofeng 5RH and Baofeng 5RM are notorious for USB C interference making any radio in 100 feet go Deaf just for charging the batteries. So Im very happy That there is no interference issues with the USB C charging on these TidRadio's 28:00 @KS6DAY
I bought the twin pack of the H8. And have since ordered the larger antenna, the speaker mic, and the drop in charger. I love this HT. I set mine up for single band view. Also I bought the Rtsystems software with the cable. This software allows you to view whats in the radio on a spread sheet. You can also change the many functions. And set it up easy the way you like it.
Great review. Nice alternative to the Boafengs - I will be checking these radios out.
Good to see that more companies are using USB -C for charging! USB batteries and cables are already something that I use so i don't need to carry extra cables
I'd love to see them have two USB-C ports. One on the battery for charging and one on the radio for programming and data modes.
Great review and pacing sir. Thank you.
Great review ! Thanks
Great review and information I can use.
I love mine, it has become my EDC.
Very informative and well done video.
Been using my ver 2 H8 since june 2023 no issues, power is 9.5 to 10.5 out spurious radiations within spec. the odmaster app is so easy to use and makes it easy to add or remove freqs if needed and enter all data needed i got the set 2 ant spkr mic 2 batteries the long ant works very well makes a difference in range
It's great that they allowed for using the cradle with any power source because if you have the opportunity to bring the cradle out with you and aren't constrained on time the cradle is the more ideal option since it charges slower than going straight into the battery USB port. It's a subtle difference and sometimes fast charging is necessary, but slower charging will extend the life of the battery in the long run
I ordered one of these a few days ago and should be getting it in the next couple days. One function I like to have is the ability to switch listening between the input and output frequencies of a repeater with the push of a button. I know the H3 has this function (5 button if I remember correctly), the Baofengs and Wouxuns can do that too. Does the H8 have this capablity?
Thanks
which keys do you use for repeater tone burst?
Is it known for spurious emissions?
hoe is de harmonische onderdrukking , beter dan de baofeng ?
Nearly all of the charging cradles are expecting 12v from the wall wart. You can frequently power them directly from any 12v source (eg one of those little talentcell packs).
How is this compared to Baofeng 5RM?
if you want to use digirig with it it uses the standard kenwood k1 cable
Hmmm. That's interesting. I have the same radio, gen 2, and my scan button doesn't do that. Short press does nothing. 2 second press and scans? I haven't updated my firmware. I have 230317
I just got an H8 & a H3. The larger H8 seems to be more comfortable in my hand, but the transmit button seems really flimsy compared to the H3.
The H8 display is slightly larger & channel font more easily readable than the H3. The H8 up/down is much easier to use than the tiny buttons on H3.
The H3 can be programmed with the supplied USB C cable, while the H8 could only be programmed via my old Baofeng premium (2 pin mic & earphone) cable.
Both radios have the SYNC feature which for me is a must. This lets you to see FREQ & CHANNEL NAME simultaneously.
Baofeng has refused for years to ship this feature except for Euro mkt radios.
I want to add that, while the speaker isn't meant for music, it is certainly better than nothing when you want something to listen to at night while in the woods.
Also, the VX7 can do dual display, just with less info displayed. In dual watch it will show name OR freq
TID also released a smaller version of th H8 - the H3😀
One thing I’m really looking for is a good quality radio, 8-10 watts unlockable but that also has usb charging and more importantly a scrambler function. I thought I found it in the ra89 (Retevis) but the radio SUCKS for a lot of reasons. Retevis rt87 is good but no usb charging and they don’t plan to sell an aftermarket battery for it, the quanshengs are cheap and have scramblers but they’re dirty and weak (although yes versatile). But I can’t seem to find this radio.
Hi, on the display there is an "S" under the frequency and above the rectangular box. What does that "S" mean?
MENU, Key #3 - SAVE. When in SAVE mode, used to save battery, when radio is in sleep mode you can set the ratio of its sleep/awake cycle. 1:8, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, or off. It saves the most power at 1:8, and none when OFF is selected.
did you previously make videos on how to build a new burner for your hand warmers? That background and your voice seem familiar.
No, that wasn't me.
In fully unlocked mode, will the radio transmit on business radio frequency 467.9250?
Yes
Does anyone know how to get this radio to display the battery Voltage/Percentage instead of just "bars"?
For whatever reason I see your answer in my email, but not on this UA-cam channel
Someone tell Chinese manufacturers that nothing says "cheap Chinese radio" like having a built-in LED flashlight. Their products would ironically seem more premium if they left some features out.
I use the little led light to impress chicks!🤓
I think the flashlight is a nice feature. Just like your cell phone. Rtsystems makes a nice user friendly software for this HT. I like the price and the radio. And the 10 watts is a plus for getting out with the optional longer rubber whip.
How come my tid only has 42 memory chan😢
I am hoping for a firmware update that allows for the channel NAME to be displayed in large characters instead of the frequency. I like the BT programming feature and the USB-C (this makes charging in my truck a breeze). Mine only TX 5 watts on high.
Use the power tune to change the output power
My radio does not have that as a menu item, just the standard power settings. @@DaytonaJim78
We use DTMF to access IRLP. I really do not see this as an issue
Ricky from IBM K4VMS
What's is the best portable antenna for this radio?
I got very good results from a Nagoya NA-771.
@@KS6DAY thank you
It has arrived this morning 🍾🥂. What does "Hopping RX" mean? Menù 34 🙄
@@KS6DAYI've just ordered 👍
Go into menu 38 and try turning off DTMF
Just and FYI, Wouxun BLO-033 USB-C 2200 mAh IP66 Li-ion Battery for UV9-Series $27.
Am I able to monitor the airwaves while the radio is on the cradle? Because I have a shop way out back and I need a way for my wife to yell at me without having to come out here? I mean, if I’m gonna get yelled at I’d rather be yelled at over the radio than in person…
OK, you are getting 10W RF output, great. Everyone else seems to be reporting 5W on high on GMRS on the latest release. Did you do something different?
they are working on a bt mic
Any advice on how?
@@SK-rj1ti theyhave for the other models but not the H* yet they say this summer
gentle reminder do not use the HT while charging the battery when in the HT when you tx it will wipe out programming
I did not know that. Is that while it's in the charge cradle or in USB charging mode?
@@KS6DAY either way per Tidradio . In the FB group tidradio club there have many users reported bricking their radio or loosing all programming after doing that
@@KS6DAY either way they say do not use when charging period
Scott, nice review. Excellent presentation, sir! But you confuse "mode" with "service". Lot'a newbies, particularly on GMRS, who really ought to learn the terminology correctly.
73 de N3HOE
I'm not sure I know what you are referring to with the "Mode" vs. "Service" comment.
Just 2 for 42.43 per radio. Seems like I got a bargain
Gen 2 is supposed to be 5 watts… no longer 10 watts
I have a Gen 2, and the power meter displays 10W when transmitting on the high setting, though I haven't measured it.
There are several YT channels that tested G2's and report around 10 watts?
The tidradio H8 is way better then 99 percent of all displays in direct Sunlight it's actually pretty easy to see in direct sunlight i also love the Frequency and Name on the screen at the same time 12:20 @KS6DAY
I agree we are so conditioned to put names then can't ever remember the number behind the name so I agree the name and frequency on the screen at the same time is a amazing feature 14:20 love that it shows the Frequency change of the offset which is also nice when TX @KS6DAY
One of the things I LOVE about my VX7. Just wish it would do it while dual monitoring
I bought one of these. It’s as deaf as a post and in spite of allegedly having 10 watts wont hit repeaters more than five miles away. I even replaced the antenna to no avail. I returned it. Definitely not worth 70 dollars.
I was able to get 11.5 watts consistently on my 4 Tidradio H8 radios That i been testing and playing with also noticed the ptt id Was tricky only able to get it to function on the Tidradio software the bluetooth works very well I agree Bluetooth Mic would be amazing like a Bluetooth Ear buds or Headphones 19:30 @KS6DAY