It looks as if it has a spot for a set screw, Einstein, but alas, it's not included. Perhaps it's on holiday with the rest of the missing socks. Since you're an expert at everything, I'll eagerly await your instructional video. Maybe you can also enlighten me on the whereabouts of my Nobel Prize; I've been using it as a paperweight instead of fixing antennas! As always, thanks for keeping it classy.
A set screw on an SMA-F antenna? Yeah how would that even work? The is a small indentation, I would assume so the rubber could be used on another antenna. But there is no screw because there is nothing to screw it into.
You should revisit the TD-H8. A lot of UA-camrs who reviewed early models had complaints and they stopped shipping them until all the issues were solved. They fixed the app so you don't require an account at all to use it, fixed the emissions, fixed the battery life, fixed the wattage so it actually runs at 10watts. It is one of the BEST HTs I own even compared to my motorola, yaesu, and Anytone stuff.
@@NicksStuff As of 230923 which is the latest firmware it has not. I actually asked TID about the possibility, but they sort of answered me without answering me. I imagine it is possible, they just don't want to admit it just yet so they can sell more TD-H3's. I bought a TD-H3 and the airband works fairly well in my opinion. I have an old TD-H8 v1 I am half tempted to flash the TD-H3's firmware on to. I figure if I permabrick it, who cares. It's just a parts radio for my H8 v2.
Thanks for the video .. awesome view. I purchased two H3's and they came in a single pack of two. After attempting to charge the batteries up, I found one charged up fine through the night and the other kept flashing red and green..as the book pointed out DOA. When the battery is connected to the radio it will look green when attempting to charge but will not. Contacted Tidradio through email and they immediately responded with sending another TWO radios! How can I complain? heheh. Anyway, playing with just one of the radios has been a blast.. this little thing sounds great..once you get past the deciphering what does what. They do offer an airband antenna for like less than $3 at time of purchase or your radio..which I found out after the fact. Your video points out I'm not alone in the battery department..hope they do you some justice as they have done me $67 for 4 of these! w00t. Have to talk good about these folks :) /73
Thanks for the video. I appreciate your honest evaluation of the radios you test. Even if "some people" like to criticize😂 I look forward to the next one.
I bought 2 two packs of these radios. I put all 4 of them in their own charge base and they began to charge. 5 hours later two of the 4 radios were still charging so I allowed them to continue charging overnight. By morning (8 hours later) all 4 were fully charged. I tested their power out with the same meter you have and one other and the power out was 4.55 watts on UHF. Now the fun part. After testing, I put all 4 of them back onto their charge bases. Three of the charge indicators turned green right away and one turned red. About 15 minutes later, I noticed the one that had turned red was now flashing red to green very rapidly. I decided that either the charge base or the battery itself was bad in that one radio. Amazon promptly sent out a 2 pack replacement. When that arrived, I swapped out only the charge base and battery for the one radio and allowed it to charge which took basically overnight. I have not seen a charge problem since doing that so I have to assume it was either that particular charge base and/or the battery. Regarding the antenna, I replaced all 4 with Nagoya 701 and they work great.
As to your battery testing with the charger, I've seen the same thing happen with the TidRadio H8 Gen 2 using the cradle charger and just plugged in with the USB-C but as you found out when you unplug then re-attach the charger the light goes green. I am surprised that the H3 only has a 5 watt output when the H8 gen 2 puts out 10 watts.
Almost passed up this video. Scrolling through the screen if I see a red line on the bottom I usually pass it up because that means I've SEEN IT. The red outline you use on your thumbnail should be a different color, blue, or yellow maybe, but red is going to get your videos skipped.
@@HAMRADIODUDE Don't do it to satisfy me. Just a suggestion that you might miss views because of it. I know that we get tunnel vision trying to promote things (I did web promotion years ago), and sometimes we miss things. Very few channels use a red border anymore because YT has gotten into a habit of cramming the home page with "watched" videos, and that red on the bottom is how you know. Highlighting your thumbnail is STILL a good idea, but red may not be the best choice any more... 73's!!
HEY 🫵 ! Check out the other Tidradio Videos I have done in the past at this playlist here! 👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉ua-cam.com/play/PLQQNWPUnngvfK_WIZFoETZ9bgKVWs-L9z.html Also, before someone asks, yes I tried the power levels in Power saver mode and not.. Still the same.
I have watched you videos before, but i subscribed after see this one. I dont know if you do other deep dives but i like them. I would like to see one on the Quansheng UV-K5(8). If you have already done it, ty. I will do a search now. 🖖
I have not done it, but I do have the Retevis RA79 handy. I purchased one and didn't do anything with it. I believe it is the same radio? Welcome and Thanks!
The manual does say it can take 2 - 5 hours to fully charge the battery. When I charged did a charge it took a little longer. I did also use the USB-C, not the docking station/cradle. Not sure if that makes a difference.
I myself found my radio to be similar. I did however get a full 5watts plus. On low just over a watt. I do actually like this radio. Now i use this for gmrs and on my private repeater. Works perfectly
I have the black version and have had no problems as of yet and also attached a longer antenna. Easy to program thru CHIRP. I live about 20 miles from the Buffalo airport and I can only get the aircraft on departure and tower frequency but not the controllers and my guess would be thats because their in the air and I live under the flight path on the downwind side of traffic.
My GMRS TD-H3, two pack, came with two AirBand TD 771 antenna. Nope, I have not used them for listening to aviation traffic. TD-H3 can boot to GMRS, HAM, and Normal mode. The question is why do they sell both a GMRS and HAM version? Maybe, is it an FCC thing. Their GMRS and HAM manuals have very slight minor differences. Be aware booting to another mode does a factory rest on the radio wiping out previous radio settings. Having Odmaster on your phone provides a backup of both the GMRS and HAM setting. Then after switching modes, you can readily write those setting back to the radio, just takes a minute. Doing that means we carry one radio not two. Another extremely useful feature is cloning one TD-H3 to another. Setup one TD H3 radio, then clone to another TD-H3.
Thanks for the great feedback! You're right (IMO), having a ham version and gmrs version is just an FCC thing. What is interesting though; Months ago, after I unlocked my radio , my memory settings did not appear to delete. However, I may be confusing myself, as I do mess with a lot of radios.
I enjoyed your video on the TD-H3. I purchased this radio and have been using it for a week or so. My battery appears to be charging and acting normally. The manual indicated to turn the radio off while charging. It can be operated in 3 modes, Ham, GMRS, and Normal. Normal should open up the transmit frequencies. But mine will not transmit on the 1.25 meter band. Which I was hoping it would. I am looking forward to your additional videos and your findings on transmitting, programming with Odmaster. Thanks, Mark H.
It sounds like I got a bad battery. I have i initiated an exchange request with tidradio. Keep an eye out for the results of the 1.25m tests in a day or two. Thanks!
is this compatible with FRS and GMRS radios, including the channel codes they use? Do you need a license? And does it also operate on 2 meters FM (Ham frequency---I have my Ham license)
The government wants $35 from you for a 10 year GMRS call sign. Their website sucks. Pretend you are a lawyer and you will wade thru the site(s). I'm retired and won't pay again for GMRS filing. Grandfather GMRS'ers matter.
I got my TD-H3 last week. BAD: Programming was a pain in the butt. You have to set up the offset from the front of the radio then you can program it in the ODmaster app. Haven’t tried chirp yet. And I hated the antenna when I tested it. Had to swap it out. GOOD: after getting it programmed and a Nagoya 701g antenna, it worked flawlessly. Even hit a GMRS repeater 68 miles away sitting inside my truck. Which is crazy because my 50w mobile wouldn’t, it hit it 65 miles away. Great little radio for someone who wants a small radio that works well. I doubt it would compete with either my Q10 or my 935 plus but what $30 radio could?
@@HAMRADIODUDE yeah I thought so. Thanks. I’m looking for my first radio. My wife wants one too and I’m going to get a 6 pack of bf 888s for the grankids. I think I’m going with two uv9r.
I know this is an old video but been doing a lot of looking recently to see if I want one of these. But: The antenna... This is the antenna that they include with the V2 H8's. So it's possible they didn't design the H3 with this antenna in mind, but last minute decided to use them instead of the old duck. Battery: I've found by charging other radios via USB (TD-H8, UV13 Pro) that it does take considerably longer than on a cradle. That said 9 hours is definitely excessive. With conditioning it CAN take that kind of time, I have seen it with many a Moto with Impress batteries. However I highly doubt Tidradio has any sort of conditioning circuitry. Another thing is the green light. Some batteries (like the aforementioned Moto's) go green at 90% (though generally they will FLASH green) Not saying that's what's happening here and I would think the manual would mention it if it were so. Just trying to offer some possibilities. As with the H8, QC does seem to be an issue with these radios... When they are in the zone they are great, but when they are bad they are VERY bad. I'll probably pick one up. The good part about Amazon is if I get a dud I send it back for a new one no fuss no muss. And keep doing so until I get one that's on point. Now that I have a drop off near me I don't even have to send it back before I get a refund so...
@@jdock32778 I find that AC/DC charging on a cradle is significantly faster than just USBC and a brick. I haven't tested a USB cradle though (even though I Don have both DC and USB cradles for the H8's) I should probably one day though. I assume it's because an AC or DC cradle has more voltage/amperage than a normal phone charger brick. I CAN say that I cannot charge the H8 via my USB C laptop charger
Like your videos. Im a little confused. Is this radio actually type accepted for ham or gmrs? Or both? Neither? Probably still get one regardless though. KE8VQF
What does the "S" (Just left of the beep icon) on the display stand for. I haven't been able to find that in the book nor anyone commented what it's for?
I don't have the radio handy, but I believe it was power saving mode/ battery mode. It doesn't effect the tx power but finds other ways to conserve battery life.
I believe that refers to using the ctcss tone set to off. If it was 107.2 for example, it'll display that. I'd confirm but I'm not near the radio. Have a good one!
@@HAMRADIODUDE wow thanks, it was driving me crazy but yes, as you stated it will show when a ctcss code is set for example. Thanks again for answering my question.
Just started the video and my H3 has screws for the clip above the battery. Wonder if the H3 in this video is an older version as on mine there are no screws to remove the battery.
My 1st H3 went out in flames while charging, replacement radio doesn't transmit at all. TID refusing to send the replacement, advising me to put the battery of replacement radio to 1st radio (one that burned out in flames). Tragi-Comedy...
I have an observation on the DTMF pad you can send tones only if you preloaded in the menu, you can’t mash down a tone like a pound or star by just pushing the PTT and holding the desired digit, it needs to be in a string in the DTMF buffer very strange the H8 does not work that way. It works like a normal
This is a great idea. I emailed them this morning and we'll see what sort of response I have. I'll probably have to wait a week or two, because of the holiday for them
What TID doesn't tell you is that if you use GMRS mode, you are only able to transmit on channels 1-54. All other channels are receive only. I suppose you can use normal mode to defeat this. I am not sure. Totally defeats the purpose of having 199 channels to use. If you are HAM, then maybe this radio makes more sense.
The squelch tail on my TD-H3 is obnoxiously loud. I downloaded the latest firmware and updated the radio, but the squelch tail is still incredibly loud, loud enough that I'd be hesitant to use it in a public setting. This is the first TIDRADIO which has disappointed me. I'm going to send it back.
For the longest time, I couldn't figure out what everybody was talking about, but yeah, there's no way to disable it even though you should be able to.
Bought one on Amazon. What a great bargain. The radio and all the extras were cheaper than a new name brand rubber duck. Then 2 weeks later it died. Company wanted my order number from THEM to help me. I did not have such a number as I bought it on Amazon. After several attempts I quit. You can only spend so much time chasing $30. Love my Yaesu products. Great customer service and support.
The H3 has lots of nice features but doesn't hold up when compared to other cheap radios when it comes to transmit power. I tested it against a Baofeng BF-F8HP and a Baofeng UV-17R. The H3 fails to reach repeaters that both Baofengs have no problems reaching. On other repeaters, feedback was both Baofengs had much better clarity and sound than the H3. As for charging, the protection is built into the battery and it looks like you do have an issue. My H3 charges via USB-C and stops on it's own and turns green. It also charged in about an hour.
Great video. I bought a three-pack on your recommendation. So far, I'm very pleased. However, I've noticed three quirks: 1. The lock button is also the DTMF button. If you don't hold it long enough, the prompt screen for a DTMF code pops up, and the only ways I've found to get rid of it are to cycle the radio on and off, or to push the PTT button and transmit a tone. 2. In "sync" mode, which shows only a single band, the A/B button will not cycle between bands. 3. Also in "sync" mode, the second PTT button is still active and will transmit on the non-active band, but the display indicates that it's transmitting on the main (active) band. My radios have firmware version 231229.
Oh yeah interesting findings. There is some new firmware available since then. I think it's from March. Check it out and see if it fixes some of those issues. I know they did resolve quite a few things with that firmware update. Thanks for the findings !
@@HAMRADIODUDE Yeah, I want to upgrade the firware, but this video about the firmware upgrade process has me spooked. And I've upgraded firmware on Anytones and Xiegus, so I don't spook easy! ua-cam.com/video/zdc-425NOw8/v-deo.htmlsi=lUdI-1EJgOR4vvye Have you tried it yet?
The H3 is a very nice radio. I have both the TD-H8 and the TD-H3. If you go looking for firmware on their website, you have to pay attenion because both the GMRS and unlocked H8 versions are for the H3. The folders inside the zip are labeled H3 even. So if you have the H8 and want to update its firmware, as of right now you have to download the H8(HAM) version. And the H8 does not like the H3 firmware. Luckily if you do this you can get the correct firmware and redo the process.
I swore I wasn’t going to get anymore $30-$70 radios. Then I saw the H3 came out. I had to get it regardless, I mean, I love my H8. It’s ok tho, I ordered a 935g plus and a Q10g to make up for it. 935 because I’ve wanted one for 6 months, and the Q10 because it’s superheterodyne.
You need to put the offset in from the buttons first or it won’t shift. Then it will remember the offset when you finish programming it on the ODmaster app. Kinda a fluke I guess
@@thetravi1348 I hope they get this ODmaster for iOS fixed. Advertising BT programming that doesn’t work correctly is janky. Having to write to radio with BT then go back and fix with keypad is not a good solution. After I fix freq offset in radio it will not save. Hopefully ODmaster sees this and fixes the issue.
I received the H3 radio last month, and there is no problem with the battery so far. The cradle can be fully charged in 8 hours, but the Type C charger can be fully charged in 5 hours. And I have seen others test the battery with 2580 mah, why did your test only have 2300 mah?😂
I am waiting for my td-h3 to arrive. I hope that you can put it on normal rather than ham or gmrs and program it to all the channels to normal and not lose all the programming when i use it on one or the other.
@HAMRADIODUDE I have been programming with Chirp about 8 months, and I've been wondering how to download it onto my desktop so it's there when I need it rather than having to download the program each time I get a new radio. Other than that, why does it save to my computer as an Excel file? When it does, it adds in crap on other columns that is not there and gives me a corrupt file message when I open the file.
Bit late in the day with my comment but....Sometimes you find that happening with new equip. Just got a new H/H Battery Fan and it had the same problem, crazy readout on the charge percentage. I just left the Fan on and run it flat, charged again problem solved. Could be some kind of simple BMS that needs setting up first.
That's great advice and a great point. After a few months, it still is not correct. Tidradio did send me a new battery and radio and the new battery works as it should. I suspect it is a bad BMS. But you are right, sometimes those BMS' and Cells need a little time to "Level out" (if that's how you say it). Thanks!
BMS modules are always going bad. That's been the bane of most Ford owners' existence. The damn BMS module on any of them from 2009 and up, I do believe. It's a bummer to see a new radio with a charger that acts like that. I hope it doesn't get weird and toast the radio.
Thanks for the info! I've contacted them to try to get a replacement battery at the minimum. And this will really help troubleshoot where the issue was anyway. Also, maybe I need to go sell my Ford 🤣😮
EDIT: Disgard this reply. I was thinking of the Retevis. Still curious about the H3 version in the video. My H3 has screws for the belt clip and not on the battery. This is a better design. At 3.1 in the manual, it states screws are for the belt clip.
Where did you get your H3 from? I really want to see it, if possible? Both my H3's (from tidradio's website) have the screws for the belt clip on the battery . Cheers.
To me this radio has been a confusing mess. I had thought I could seamlessly switch from Ham to GMRS but it will erase the programming of one when switching.
@joshstohr, can you do that. I want a radio that the 1st 22 channels are gmrs, then starting at 23, have my favorite ham repeaters. Then I want to save programming to chirp and download the program to a uv21pro v2 I have for my wife, who is also a ham operator, and not have to reprogram every time
It sounds like they fixed it for a batch and it's now back to normal. A guy yesterday commented about how his set on fire ( I have no way to actually verify this happened)
At 4:03 you talk about the different antenna. I also noticed this and did find there are two antenna. One is for the GMRS and one for HAM. The GMRS antenna is a tri-band antenna. I found this on my TD H-3 radio. I'm not sure if all GMRS radios versions have that it is just something I noticed on my GMRS version. Yeah I know you can unlock it for HAM or GMRS. Might be the reason for the tri-band antenna I'm guessing. Great deep dive video! I just subbed to your channel. I'm into 3D printing also and see you do more than just radio for a hobby.
Its just the BMS in the pack, when it hits 4.2v it takes that 1/2 amp and dumps it into a resistor. They messed up the LED circuit for when that happens.
Wtf. Nobody is reviewing the freakin Bluetooth. There isn’t very much info about it. I came here specifically for an overview that includes Bluetooth. Stands to reason a new feature would be of interest. Why leave it out? Sheesh. 5 videos I’ve watched now.
Now, i realize that comment may have triggered you, so I'll give a response in the form of why I won't use tidradios software, which i think it's needed to use Bluetooth (could be wrong) ua-cam.com/video/v6cP75P_Nm4/v-deo.htmlsi=o-KXxOCc6m83nLPl
@@HAMRADIODUDE ya. A little triggering considering this is a video designed to help people, but. My comment wasn’t any less triggering. So I watched the vid you linked. That’s really informative. Do you think they have fixed the exploits? Bang for buck, this is an impressive ht. I’m pretty sold on it as a retired man on a fixed income. But the security risks are a deal breaker.
The antenna has a set screw Einstein.
It looks as if it has a spot for a set screw, Einstein, but alas, it's not included. Perhaps it's on holiday with the rest of the missing socks. Since you're an expert at everything, I'll eagerly await your instructional video. Maybe you can also enlighten me on the whereabouts of my Nobel Prize; I've been using it as a paperweight instead of fixing antennas! As always, thanks for keeping it classy.
A set screw on an SMA-F antenna? Yeah how would that even work?
The is a small indentation, I would assume so the rubber could be used on another antenna.
But there is no screw because there is nothing to screw it into.
Ooooh....do we need to work on our people skills just a wee bit do we?
What.....?
@@greyshadow9498 I have a Retevis with the set screw. It's a friction screw. There isn't a hole as one would think.
Great review! Love how thorough you are and the live comparison. Keep up the great work.
Thank you
You should revisit the TD-H8. A lot of UA-camrs who reviewed early models had complaints and they stopped shipping them until all the issues were solved. They fixed the app so you don't require an account at all to use it, fixed the emissions, fixed the battery life, fixed the wattage so it actually runs at 10watts. It is one of the BEST HTs I own even compared to my motorola, yaesu, and Anytone stuff.
Has a firmware update brought the air band to the H8?
@@NicksStuff As of 230923 which is the latest firmware it has not. I actually asked TID about the possibility, but they sort of answered me without answering me.
I imagine it is possible, they just don't want to admit it just yet so they can sell more TD-H3's.
I bought a TD-H3 and the airband works fairly well in my opinion.
I have an old TD-H8 v1 I am half tempted to flash the TD-H3's firmware on to. I figure if I permabrick it, who cares. It's just a parts radio for my H8 v2.
Thanks for the video .. awesome view. I purchased two H3's and they came in a single pack of two. After attempting to charge the batteries up, I found one charged up fine through the night and the other kept flashing red and green..as the book pointed out DOA. When the battery is connected to the radio it will look green when attempting to charge but will not. Contacted Tidradio through email and they immediately responded with sending another TWO radios! How can I complain? heheh. Anyway, playing with just one of the radios has been a blast.. this little thing sounds great..once you get past the deciphering what does what. They do offer an airband antenna for like less than $3 at time of purchase or your radio..which I found out after the fact. Your video points out I'm not alone in the battery department..hope they do you some justice as they have done me $67 for 4 of these! w00t. Have to talk good about these folks :) /73
Ciuld you do a quick comparison between the H3 and H8?
Thanks for the video. I appreciate your honest evaluation of the radios you test. Even if "some people" like to criticize😂 I look forward to the next one.
I bought 2 two packs of these radios. I put all 4 of them in their own charge base and they began to charge. 5 hours later two of the 4 radios were still charging so I allowed them to continue charging overnight. By morning (8 hours later) all 4 were fully charged. I tested their power out with the same meter you have and one other and the power out was 4.55 watts on UHF.
Now the fun part. After testing, I put all 4 of them back onto their charge bases. Three of the charge indicators turned green right away and one turned red. About 15 minutes later, I noticed the one that had turned red was now flashing red to green very rapidly. I decided that either the charge base or the battery itself was bad in that one radio. Amazon promptly sent out a 2 pack replacement. When that arrived, I swapped out only the charge base and battery for the one radio and allowed it to charge which took basically overnight. I have not seen a charge problem since doing that so I have to assume it was either that particular charge base and/or the battery.
Regarding the antenna, I replaced all 4 with Nagoya 701 and they work great.
What length did you get your Nagoya 701 antenna?
As to your battery testing with the charger, I've seen the same thing happen with the TidRadio H8 Gen 2 using the cradle charger and just plugged in with the USB-C but as you found out when you unplug then re-attach the charger the light goes green. I am surprised that the H3 only has a 5 watt output when the H8 gen 2 puts out 10 watts.
Excellent review, I really enjoyed it, I just ordered one. 73's WA2TWF
Almost passed up this video. Scrolling through the screen if I see a red line on the bottom I usually pass it up because that means I've SEEN IT. The red outline you use on your thumbnail should be a different color, blue, or yellow maybe, but red is going to get your videos skipped.
Good call!
I fixed it to satisfy you. However, I will note that it has been a youtube tactic for a long time to have a red border
@@HAMRADIODUDE
Don't do it to satisfy me. Just a suggestion that you might miss views because of it. I know that we get tunnel vision trying to promote things (I did web promotion years ago), and sometimes we miss things.
Very few channels use a red border anymore because YT has gotten into a habit of cramming the home page with "watched" videos, and that red on the bottom is how you know.
Highlighting your thumbnail is STILL a good idea, but red may not be the best choice any more... 73's!!
@@mikeh8416 I appreciate it
Also , I'm all ears with other suggestions. Thanks
Great and detailed review Sean!
Thanks for watching, I appreciate it! 👍
Excellent review, thank you Sean!
My pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Great video as always! Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you enjoyed it
HEY 🫵 ! Check out the other Tidradio Videos I have done in the past at this playlist here! 👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉ua-cam.com/play/PLQQNWPUnngvfK_WIZFoETZ9bgKVWs-L9z.html
Also, before someone asks, yes I tried the power levels in Power saver mode and not.. Still the same.
How does it do on 220? Is it clean? What’s the power output?
I'll check it out and get a video sort out later today or this weekend
@@HAMRADIODUDE awesome thanks! Just subscribed!
I set my radio to unlock and I still cannot operate 220 band. (1.25mhz for all the sad hams who will try to correct me)
@@HAMRADIODUDE that is really disappointing. Was hoping this was a good option for 220.
I got it to work. It's less than a half watt on high with spikes to 2.4 watts, and a very dirty spectrum
Fyi. The h8 keeps the weather channels in a separate memory space using the programmable side key. No need to occupy the 1-199 space.
Thanks!
On the firmware,, you can hold the PTT and * while turning on and choose between Ham,GMRS, and normal which is open I believe.
Yep!
Dude, love your show. Overall my H3 performs as expected. My only issue is with 1.25M. I can't enter repeaters, simplex is fine.
Thanks. I'll see what I can find out about the 1.25m band
Same issue
You need to put the offset in through the buttons before programming. I had the same issue and that’s the only way I found to put an offset in.
@@thetravi1348 I will give that s try. Thanks for the info.
I have watched you videos before, but i subscribed after see this one. I dont know if you do other deep dives but i like them.
I would like to see one on the Quansheng UV-K5(8). If you have already done it, ty. I will do a search now. 🖖
I have not done it, but I do have the Retevis RA79 handy. I purchased one and didn't do anything with it. I believe it is the same radio? Welcome and Thanks!
The manual does say it can take 2 - 5 hours to fully charge the battery. When I charged did a charge it took a little longer. I did also use the USB-C, not the docking station/cradle. Not sure if that makes a difference.
It shouldn't make a difference in charging...USBC vs cradle.
Let the fun begin - live tidradio commentary !!!
I hope you enjoyed!
I myself found my radio to be similar.
I did however get a full 5watts plus.
On low just over a watt.
I do actually like this radio.
Now i use this for gmrs and on my private repeater.
Works perfectly
is that a set screw on the antenna like they have on GMRS antennas. If it was tight it might bind.
Although it looks like it, there's no screw in this one.
I have the black version and have had no problems as of yet and also attached a longer antenna. Easy to program thru CHIRP. I live about 20 miles from the Buffalo airport and I can only get the aircraft on departure and tower frequency but not the controllers and my guess would be thats because their in the air and I live under the flight path on the downwind side of traffic.
Thanks for the info! I really do appreciate that your supported out of the box
re asking about FRMS. Can it be programed to transmit/recieve channels 1-22?
My GMRS TD-H3, two pack, came with two AirBand TD 771 antenna. Nope, I have not used them for listening to aviation traffic. TD-H3 can boot to GMRS, HAM, and Normal mode. The question is why do they sell both a GMRS and HAM version? Maybe, is it an FCC thing. Their GMRS and HAM manuals have very slight minor differences. Be aware booting to another mode does a factory rest on the radio wiping out previous radio settings. Having Odmaster on your phone provides a backup of both the GMRS and HAM setting. Then after switching modes, you can readily write those setting back to the radio, just takes a minute. Doing that means we carry one radio not two. Another extremely useful feature is cloning one TD-H3 to another. Setup one TD H3 radio, then clone to another TD-H3.
Thanks for the great feedback! You're right (IMO), having a ham version and gmrs version is just an FCC thing. What is interesting though; Months ago, after I unlocked my radio , my memory settings did not appear to delete. However, I may be confusing myself, as I do mess with a lot of radios.
I enjoyed your video on the TD-H3. I purchased this radio and have been using it for a week or so. My battery appears to be charging and acting normally. The manual indicated to turn the radio off while charging. It can be operated in 3 modes, Ham, GMRS, and Normal. Normal should open up the transmit frequencies. But mine will not transmit on the 1.25 meter band. Which I was hoping it would. I am looking forward to your additional videos and your findings on transmitting, programming with Odmaster.
Thanks, Mark H.
It sounds like I got a bad battery. I have i initiated an exchange request with tidradio. Keep an eye out for the results of the 1.25m tests in a day or two. Thanks!
I have 5 of these for the family with the latest firmware and they are ALL wonderful. Use the short Nagoya antenna.
is this compatible with FRS and GMRS radios, including the channel codes they use? Do you need a license? And does it also operate on 2 meters FM (Ham frequency---I have my Ham license)
The government wants $35 from you for a 10 year GMRS call sign. Their website sucks. Pretend you are a lawyer and you will wade thru the site(s). I'm retired and won't pay again for GMRS filing. Grandfather GMRS'ers matter.
Hi ppwer uhf was 5.18
Vhf 5.83
???
Thank you!
I got my TD-H3 last week. BAD: Programming was a pain in the butt. You have to set up the offset from the front of the radio then you can program it in the ODmaster app. Haven’t tried chirp yet. And I hated the antenna when I tested it. Had to swap it out.
GOOD: after getting it programmed and a Nagoya 701g antenna, it worked flawlessly. Even hit a GMRS repeater 68 miles away sitting inside my truck. Which is crazy because my 50w mobile wouldn’t, it hit it 65 miles away. Great little radio for someone who wants a small radio that works well. I doubt it would compete with either my Q10 or my 935 plus but what $30 radio could?
Is it superheterodyne or soc?
For forty US dollars, it is not superhet...
@@HAMRADIODUDE yeah I thought so. Thanks. I’m looking for my first radio. My wife wants one too and I’m going to get a 6 pack of bf 888s for the grankids. I think I’m going with two uv9r.
It will Definitely be interesting when we do start seeing it!
I know this is an old video but been doing a lot of looking recently to see if I want one of these.
But: The antenna... This is the antenna that they include with the V2 H8's. So it's possible they didn't design the H3 with this antenna in mind, but last minute decided to use them instead of the old duck.
Battery: I've found by charging other radios via USB (TD-H8, UV13 Pro) that it does take considerably longer than on a cradle.
That said 9 hours is definitely excessive.
With conditioning it CAN take that kind of time, I have seen it with many a Moto with Impress batteries.
However I highly doubt Tidradio has any sort of conditioning circuitry.
Another thing is the green light. Some batteries (like the aforementioned Moto's) go green at 90% (though generally they will FLASH green)
Not saying that's what's happening here and I would think the manual would mention it if it were so.
Just trying to offer some possibilities.
As with the H8, QC does seem to be an issue with these radios... When they are in the zone they are great, but when they are bad they are VERY bad.
I'll probably pick one up. The good part about Amazon is if I get a dud I send it back for a new one no fuss no muss. And keep doing so until I get one that's on point.
Now that I have a drop off near me I don't even have to send it back before I get a refund so...
Wow.. I thought it matter, cradle or USB charging times.
@@jdock32778 I find that AC/DC charging on a cradle is significantly faster than just USBC and a brick.
I haven't tested a USB cradle though (even though I Don have both DC and USB cradles for the H8's) I should probably one day though.
I assume it's because an AC or DC cradle has more voltage/amperage than a normal phone charger brick.
I CAN say that I cannot charge the H8 via my USB C laptop charger
Like your videos. Im a little confused. Is this radio actually type accepted for ham or gmrs? Or both? Neither?
Probably still get one regardless though. KE8VQF
You have to try the air band in the uv-k5 with the F4HWN FIRMWARE
What does the "S" (Just left of the beep icon) on the display stand for. I haven't been able to find that in the book nor anyone commented what it's for?
I don't have the radio handy, but I believe it was power saving mode/ battery mode. It doesn't effect the tx power but finds other ways to conserve battery life.
Silly question but I can’t figure out what the word “off” on the main screen means?
I believe that refers to using the ctcss tone set to off. If it was 107.2 for example, it'll display that. I'd confirm but I'm not near the radio. Have a good one!
@@HAMRADIODUDE wow thanks, it was driving me crazy but yes, as you stated it will show when a ctcss code is set for example. Thanks again for answering my question.
Just started the video and my H3 has screws for the clip above the battery. Wonder if the H3 in this video is an older version as on mine there are no screws to remove the battery.
My radio from this video was made in jan 2024, so it was one of the first reviews out there. Could be they changed it. I'll check my newer one. Thanks
Thanks for the fastest reply I've got on UA-cam! How can I check the 'born on date' on my black H3?
My 1st H3 went out in flames while charging, replacement radio doesn't transmit at all. TID refusing to send the replacement, advising me to put the battery of replacement radio to 1st radio (one that burned out in flames). Tragi-Comedy...
I have an observation on the DTMF pad you can send tones only if you preloaded in the menu, you can’t mash down a tone like a pound or star by just pushing the PTT and holding the desired digit, it needs to be in a string in the DTMF buffer very strange the H8 does not work that way. It works like a normal
I'll give that a shot and see if I could replicate that as well. Interesting, thanks
I can confirm this dtmf issue you speak of. Very odd.
Return it as defective for charging and zero watts on low power and test the replacement?
This is a great idea. I emailed them this morning and we'll see what sort of response I have. I'll probably have to wait a week or two, because of the holiday for them
Has anyone received a new one and checked to see if they have fixed the battery charge indicator problem?
Hi, I made a few other videos. My new battery does not exhibit the issues and I believe this was a faulty BMS in the battery. CHeers.
What TID doesn't tell you is that if you use GMRS mode, you are only able to transmit on channels 1-54. All other channels are receive only. I suppose you can use normal mode to defeat this. I am not sure. Totally defeats the purpose of having 199 channels to use. If you are HAM, then maybe this radio makes more sense.
Anyone know if Nagoya 701G short antenna is better than the stock antenna?
I just responded to the other comment, but did not know you were referring to the 701G (GMRS). I do not have the answer to that one.
Nice video! But I have to say that tidradio H3 has better sound and reception compared to quangsheng UVK5.
I'd agree.
Did you replace the battery?
Hello! They sent me a complete new unit. I did confirm it was a faulty battery, by utilizing the new battery in the old radio. Cheers.
Thank You for Your review of this radio, wish theyd increase the power and clean it up. Would love to see a hidden menu like the Quansheng k5 and k6.
Just ordered the 2 pack in the green, hope I like them when when they are Shipped to me.
Looks nice.
And yet still no video on doing a firmware update… Think you can fix that?
There are a lot of firmware update videos on this radio but I can make one.
Have you tried the 701 antenna?
Not on this radio, but I recently did try it on another video (ua-cam.com/video/yhAPZvWrdXY/v-deo.html) and I enjoyed it.
The squelch tail on my TD-H3 is obnoxiously loud. I downloaded the latest firmware and updated the radio, but the squelch tail is still incredibly loud, loud enough that I'd be hesitant to use it in a public setting. This is the first TIDRADIO which has disappointed me. I'm going to send it back.
For the longest time, I couldn't figure out what everybody was talking about, but yeah, there's no way to disable it even though you should be able to.
Bought one on Amazon. What a great bargain. The radio and all the extras were cheaper than a new name brand rubber duck. Then 2 weeks later it died. Company wanted my order number from THEM to help me. I did not have such a number as I bought it on Amazon. After several attempts I quit. You can only spend so much time chasing $30. Love my Yaesu products. Great customer service and support.
Should have returned it to Amazon.
@@UKrailbird Not returnable to Amazon. That is why I went to the manufacturer.
@@JosephDZaks ...Interesting as my Amazon order says free returns, and it's from TIDRADIO Store.
The H3 has lots of nice features but doesn't hold up when compared to other cheap radios when it comes to transmit power. I tested it against a Baofeng BF-F8HP and a Baofeng UV-17R. The H3 fails to reach repeaters that both Baofengs have no problems reaching. On other repeaters, feedback was both Baofengs had much better clarity and sound than the H3.
As for charging, the protection is built into the battery and it looks like you do have an issue. My H3 charges via USB-C and stops on it's own and turns green. It also charged in about an hour.
Thanks for your great feedback.
Great video. I bought a three-pack on your recommendation. So far, I'm very pleased. However, I've noticed three quirks:
1. The lock button is also the DTMF button. If you don't hold it long enough, the prompt screen for a DTMF code pops up, and the only ways I've found to get rid of it are to cycle the radio on and off, or to push the PTT button and transmit a tone.
2. In "sync" mode, which shows only a single band, the A/B button will not cycle between bands.
3. Also in "sync" mode, the second PTT button is still active and will transmit on the non-active band, but the display indicates that it's transmitting on the main (active) band.
My radios have firmware version 231229.
Oh yeah interesting findings. There is some new firmware available since then. I think it's from March. Check it out and see if it fixes some of those issues. I know they did resolve quite a few things with that firmware update. Thanks for the findings !
@@HAMRADIODUDE Yeah, I want to upgrade the firware, but this video about the firmware upgrade process has me spooked. And I've upgraded firmware on Anytones and Xiegus, so I don't spook easy! ua-cam.com/video/zdc-425NOw8/v-deo.htmlsi=lUdI-1EJgOR4vvye Have you tried it yet?
@@HAMRADIODUDE I upgraded to 240401. No effect on the three issues I noted.
Thats all been fixed on the h8. One of the best radios I own
The H3 is a very nice radio. I have both the TD-H8 and the TD-H3. If you go looking for firmware on their website, you have to pay attenion because both the GMRS and unlocked H8 versions are for the H3. The folders inside the zip are labeled H3 even. So if you have the H8 and want to update its firmware, as of right now you have to download the H8(HAM) version. And the H8 does not like the H3 firmware. Luckily if you do this you can get the correct firmware and redo the process.
I swore I wasn’t going to get anymore $30-$70 radios. Then I saw the H3 came out. I had to get it regardless, I mean, I love my H8. It’s ok tho, I ordered a 935g plus and a Q10g to make up for it. 935 because I’ve wanted one for 6 months, and the Q10 because it’s superheterodyne.
HR Dude, you need a solid white background color. This blk / wht grid is playing havock on seeing details of the radio.
Thanks for watching
I’m loving my H3. ODMaster programming will not save repeater offset frequency 🥵 on iOS tho. My battery seems fine. Great radio.
thanks for the info about the battery seeming okay. I contacted Tidradio for an exchange. Hopefully that will resolve the issue
Great video and review. Thanks. Love your channel.
You need to put the offset in from the buttons first or it won’t shift. Then it will remember the offset when you finish programming it on the ODmaster app. Kinda a fluke I guess
@@thetravi1348 I hope they get this ODmaster for iOS fixed. Advertising BT programming that doesn’t work correctly is janky. Having to write to radio with BT then go back and fix with keypad is not a good solution. After I fix freq offset in radio it will not save. Hopefully ODmaster sees this and fixes the issue.
I'm stuck in Chinese language, how do I get it to English?
我被英文困住了！
Check out my newest video
I received the H3 radio last month, and there is no problem with the battery so far. The cradle can be fully charged in 8 hours, but the Type C charger can be fully charged in 5 hours. And I have seen others test the battery with 2580 mah, why did your test only have 2300 mah?😂
Got a link to those others testing 2580?
I may order a different battery. It's possible my issue is there is a bad BMS
Just checking in. I would love to find these others who tested at 2580 so I may continue the troubleshooting process and so everyone else could see?
ua-cam.com/video/MmTsj-YXeYQ/v-deo.htmlsi=swgH-nIUxEinCHJR@@HAMRADIODUDE
I also have the same issue,and i have 2 h3,try to charge on battery usb,takes aboout 5 hours,@@HAMRADIODUDE
Nice radio....I like less bling bling on mine..Retevis NR30....got at least 2 miles in a wooded area with homes...simple and effective.
When I received the radio I pluged my phone charger into the battery USB-C charging port and just left it alone. WhenI got back the green LED was on.
I am waiting for my td-h3 to arrive. I hope that you can put it on normal rather than ham or gmrs and program it to all the channels to normal and not lose all the programming when i use it on one or the other.
You do not lose the programming
Thanks
73s KI5ES
@HAMRADIODUDE I have been programming with Chirp about 8 months, and I've been wondering how to download it onto my desktop so it's there when I need it rather than having to download the program each time I get a new radio. Other than that, why does it save to my computer as an Excel file? When it does, it adds in crap on other columns that is not there and gives me a corrupt file message when I open the file.
Bit late in the day with my comment but....Sometimes you find that happening with new equip. Just got a new H/H Battery Fan and it had the same problem, crazy readout on the charge percentage. I just left the Fan on and run it flat, charged again problem solved. Could be some kind of simple BMS that needs setting up first.
That's great advice and a great point. After a few months, it still is not correct. Tidradio did send me a new battery and radio and the new battery works as it should. I suspect it is a bad BMS. But you are right, sometimes those BMS' and Cells need a little time to "Level out" (if that's how you say it). Thanks!
At about 5 volts, it should have a cc/cv boost module in it.
Would that be in the radio itself? Or inside of the charger? Thanks! This is interesting
Well, it's probably in the battery is what I probably should have said.
BMS modules are always going bad. That's been the bane of most Ford owners' existence. The damn BMS module on any of them from 2009 and up, I do believe. It's a bummer to see a new radio with a charger that acts like that. I hope it doesn't get weird and toast the radio.
Thanks for the info! I've contacted them to try to get a replacement battery at the minimum. And this will really help troubleshoot where the issue was anyway. Also, maybe I need to go sell my Ford 🤣😮
That did look nice in the dark. Like it was radio active.😅
Very nice in the dark.
Metterne una diversa 😘
Mi dispiace, potete aiutarmi a capire. Diverso cosa? grazie buona giornata.
EDIT: Disgard this reply. I was thinking of the Retevis.
Still curious about the H3 version in the video. My H3 has screws for the belt clip and not on the battery. This is a better design. At 3.1 in the manual, it states screws are for the belt clip.
Where did you get your H3 from? I really want to see it, if possible? Both my H3's (from tidradio's website) have the screws for the belt clip on the battery . Cheers.
@HAMRADIODUDE Oops, sorry the Retevis RB17P has the clip separate from the battery, not the H3. I got them mixed up.
To me this radio has been a confusing mess. I had thought I could seamlessly switch from Ham to GMRS but it will erase the programming of one when switching.
Choose option 3, normal, opening all bands, then u shouldn’t have to switch back and forth formatting over the previous.
@joshstohr, can you do that. I want a radio that the 1st 22 channels are gmrs, then starting at 23, have my favorite ham repeaters. Then I want to save programming to chirp and download the program to a uv21pro v2 I have for my wife, who is also a ham operator, and not have to reprogram every time
Char
We have the same experience when it comes to charging😂
It sounds like they fixed it for a batch and it's now back to normal. A guy yesterday commented about how his set on fire ( I have no way to actually verify this happened)
At 4:03 you talk about the different antenna. I also noticed this and did find there are two antenna. One is for the GMRS and one for HAM. The GMRS antenna is a tri-band antenna. I found this on my TD H-3 radio. I'm not sure if all GMRS radios versions have that it is just something I noticed on my GMRS version. Yeah I know you can unlock it for HAM or GMRS. Might be the reason for the tri-band antenna I'm guessing. Great deep dive video!
I just subbed to your channel. I'm into 3D printing also and see you do more than just radio for a hobby.
Nyloc antenna (new invention by accident)
Its just the BMS in the pack, when it hits 4.2v it takes that 1/2 amp and dumps it into a resistor. They messed up the LED circuit for when that happens.
Very interesting. Thanks!
Glad I didn't watch this review first, I would have made a mistake by not picking up this radio.
Thanks for watching
Wtf. Nobody is reviewing the freakin Bluetooth. There isn’t very much info about it. I came here specifically for an overview that includes Bluetooth. Stands to reason a new feature would be of interest. Why leave it out? Sheesh. 5 videos I’ve watched now.
Much like I did, you could buy the radio to find out.
Now, i realize that comment may have triggered you, so I'll give a response in the form of why I won't use tidradios software, which i think it's needed to use Bluetooth (could be wrong) ua-cam.com/video/v6cP75P_Nm4/v-deo.htmlsi=o-KXxOCc6m83nLPl
@@HAMRADIODUDE ya. A little triggering considering this is a video designed to help people, but. My comment wasn’t any less triggering. So I watched the vid you linked. That’s really informative. Do you think they have fixed the exploits? Bang for buck, this is an impressive ht. I’m pretty sold on it as a retired man on a fixed income. But the security risks are a deal breaker.
"Promosm"
msomorP
All these cheap radios on ham frequencies makes me concerned, soon be in the hands of kids, and those who don't care about licensing
What do you suggest, Ham Radio be expensive and not affordable for entry, or something else? Thanks.
Te akumulatory to jakaś porażka mój pożył niecały dzień po próbie naładowania padł
Wcale nie niezawodny