TIDRADIO TD-H3. Best Dark Side PMR radio I ve tested

[@heliwrecker8649]

Fun little radio. Receives much better with the 771 antenna. The Bluetooth programing really is revolutionary to me. I use chirp for the bulk of the programing the 1st time or any major changes. But being able to easily modify your programing or add new channels really is a sweet feature, so much easier than messing with the tiny buttons.

[@smbmostfamous1432]

The chirp is going to be obsolete in the near future so start getting used to radios having Bluetooth functions. That's the whole idea to stop using the computer to do things.. seems like the youngens are using the Bluetooth and the older people still using chirp.. once every radio receives the Bluetooth and wifi in the near future chirp would be unheard of.. china is always going to make things better or worse!!

[@EdHelms1]

H3 is a great little radio. I am in the states and have one set up for GMRS TX/RX and RX on Ham, airband, NOAA and local fire dispatch. You mentioned taking the antenna off to make it fit in a pocket but you can buy a TD-805S antenna that is only 5 cm long and that really makes it easy to carry.

[@daiena_rabinovich]

I like this radio and went to their website and prices are really good. I’m considering buying one after I watched your video.

[@kingsknightuk]

just a side note, if you're inside just switch to 144mz, it does much better than 446mz. Rule of thumb is 70cm inside, 446 outside with stuff in the way and back to 70cm if you have clear line of sight e.g line of sight.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Makes sense for Ham use.

[@saul_tea9989]

Hello Fred, here from California. Enjoy your detailed coverage with radio communications. I'm a fresh subscriber. I own a few Pofeng handhelds and CB radios. Look forward to hearing back from you with great radio language.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome aboard!

[@RadioSaM0]

Great video Fred, I completely agree. The TD-H3 is a fantastic radio. We'll have to get you some test equipment so we can see what power it transmits on what bands.

[@PAULHAWKINS-hr6ct]

He would be better off studying and getting a licence first

[@RedneckHillbillyGnR]

I got word today that Tidradio is coming out with the TD-H3+ and it will be able to use the Bluetooth for audio I/O with such things as Bluetooth speaker microphones like the ones they have on sale on the Tidradio website. I bought a half dozen for $10 each and found out they do not work well on Android apps like Zello, Echolink, Peanut....yeah that's the story of my life. But at least in the process of trying to find a fix for the mics they told me about the H3+ that will be out within a couple of months and said it will work with their Bluetooth speaker mics so maybe there is some hope yet. I just wish they could upgrade our H8 and H3 firmwares to make the Bluetooth work with audio I/O as it should.

[@lebossjohn7775]

where did you find this info?

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

A friend of mine has one of those Tid Radios and he is at least 50 miles from the repeater and comes in full quiet on my small station at home. Another buddy I grew up with has a 1989 Ford Probe still in his garage in mint condition. He takes out just a few times a year and puts it right back in the garage. Great car. KO4HPC 73

[@vitogriffin8902]

I had a '96. Wish I never sold it

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yeah the Probe had a real tough time in the UK but i always liked the look of it esp in gloss black.

[@RichardEnglander]

My driving instructor was a test driver for the Probe, they handled well but needed a bit more power, instructor didn't agree....

[@cdaworldnav]

Good review, had to look up Pmr

[@newsles2]

Great review and I'm glad you like it. I got one a week ago and I'm impressed even though I have an Alinco dr735t 50w 2/70 radio. Please stop with the "flashlight" though. In Britain we cal it a "torch", and I say that as a Briton who lives in the USA. Thanks.

[@AdamosDad]

Love it, I programed my second one using the cloning feature.

[@TrevorPidgeon]

Good vid Fred - The BAOFENG UV-82 has had the dual A&B transmit buttons for years in a type of rocker switch on the same side, that's the reason I have always preferred it over the UV-5's etc - they make a tri-band version and I have that too - the speaker sound quality I find is superior to the UV-5 too - after seeing your vid I am gonna give the H3 a go looks a sweet little handy - Cheers Fred 👍

[@RichardEnglander]

Check the "UV-5RH Pro Max 15W Air Band Walkie Talkie Wirless Copy Frequency Type-C NOAA Long Range Baofeng 5RM Ham Two Way Radio" the screen and speaker seem upgraded, and 15W comes unlocked.

[@gtretroworld]

The H3 in my opinion is without doubt the best budget HT out there, its small size is the big one for me but it just works really well without much hassle. Those Probes were a bit of a flop as was the Cougar, although I quite liked the cougar. Thanks Fred

[@glenn_r_frank_author]

Beside some old bubble pack radios that I had years ago, the TD-H3 is the radio I chose to get started back into GMRS (in USA) and maybe some day get my HAM license - so I love that you can switch the mode. I think I've been spoiled by it because of all it's features in a low entry price. I actually love the two PTT button design and wonder why other radios don't do it. it has so many great features and options. I will some day get a larger mobile /base unit but I don't know if I could actually enjoy other HTs after starting on the TD-H3!

[@user-lq9gb2to8k]

Just purchased H3 & H8!

[@straublittleman]

If you go into the menu to the delete channel area you can delete the weather channels so you can scan channels quicker. I have the neon green version which I love. And if you hold the Bluetooth button while turning the radio on you can put it in "normal" mode which unlocks the radio to transmit on all the frequencies or you can pick ham or gmrs. Its a great little walkie talkie.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Great info. Thanks.

[@GEAE_Denny_L]

After you go to delete channel then what’s the next step ? Will the weather channels stay deleted until you put them back in ?

[@straublittleman]

@@GEAE_Denny_L The weather channels will always be there this process just removes them from selection and makes it where you can scan the channels without the radio stopping on those frequencies or having it scan through those channels that aren't needed.

[@EdGerber-n4n]

you should be able to program both yr, 440mhz repeaters, westher channels and Ir am frequencies

[@BertMackFilm]

Why not just set those channels to not scan instead?

[@mrkevin6354]

Great review. Thank you. 👍👍✌️✌️

[@cbrmac]

Nice one Fred ....stop reviewing these you are costing me a fortune 🤣🤣...nice little hand held , I use for the ham use and like that idea of two ptt able to work split frequency that way lol keep up the good work. Best Mac

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers

[@JimNeville]

Great video, thanks for the information as nd going to check it out w/ your discount👍

[@Chris5685]

I was having a dilemma between this one, and the Radtel RT-890, went with the Radtel in the end because it's even smaller than the TD-H3, especially with an SF20 style stubby antenna. Also, you can put custom firmware on both, which adds some extra functionality!

[@reloader7sixtwo]

I have the H8 as well as two of the H3 radios, my favorite is the Crystal version of the H3.

[@robustreviews]

They’re a sweet little thing!

[@se7vennld]

If you use the app you can select PMR channels and program it with Bluetooth. Also you can give channels a name like PMR 01 to PMR 16. These radios have also good quality filters. And you can receive shortwave. There are also software mods (nice S-meter)

[@se7vennld]

But the first thing you must do is update the firmware

[@joemarchinski914]

I love my TID H3's, also my Ailunce HAG 1's, just bought my first HF mobile for my truck it's a Radioddity QT80 and now am researching antennas, wondering if you might have any suggestions? ...love the channel Fred 👍

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Big is better so i would look for 1.5m. Sirio 4000 and 5000 whips are very good.

[@Ni5ei]

Great review, thanks Fred. I thought the "Multi band amateur transceiver" text was a sticker you were going to remove but unfortunately it's part of the design 😂 Strange the actual screen is square. Odd choice.

[@phillallen01]

You don't have to turn AM off to be able to listen to the FM as you have the option in chirp to set the AM or FM bands it works fine 100% and to get rid of the weather channels in chirp you need to scroll all the way down to the bottom and you will find them also you can turn them off in the settings in chirp

[@tomdchef]

Hi Fred, The USB C under the flap is for programming the radio. Do not put power into it!!!!!!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

It charged fine that way.

[@liammarriott1888]

Hi Fred, love your videos. Did you notice that Probe looked like it had a through glass antenna on the nearside rear window?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi did not see that. Its being used though as I am sure it has turned around. There is a little update on the next Tid long antenna video.

[@vitogriffin8902]

They are nice radios. They feel pretty solid and they're packed with features at a low price. Speaking of price, they're on sale at the tidradio site right now so it's an even bigger bargain.

[@lissygerb]

Nice radio review, out of curiosity does it matter using the 435mhz antenna on 446mhz, does it loose some signal performance or could that damage the radio with long term use.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. It will lose some performance as the swr will be slightly higher. It should not be high enough to damage the radio.

[@lissygerb]

@ thanks for the info, my old binatone pmr radios were good fun but transmission distance was not the greatest, this radio seems like it would be a good introduction in to the world of ham radio after getting a foundation license. And maybe a bit of pmr usage

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes this radio would be great to start Ham radio.

[@tomdchef]

The OFF symbol is CTCSS indicator.

[@androsearl4705]

TIDRADIO TD-H3 in yellow uhf vhf good radio unit

[@SomewhereInside]

Hi Can I ask what is dark radio , and what makes it different from a UHF handheld transceiver walkie talkie?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. All explained in the this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpOZhZiniMpkY8U

[@Kibwunga]

So I think we need to support the major upscale brands that innovate and support Amateur Radio oriented digital platforms. We need to have Kenwood, Yaesu, Icom, and even Alinco around and strong.

[@TheSaltyExplorer]

I agree, but the “upscale” brands need to have more entry-level offerings that are priced competitively. The 2 things that have kept me from perusing amateur radio are: bad attitudes/arrogant hams, and incredibly high prices for equipment. Most of these things are made in the same place, there’s no reason to justify charging $25 for a Baofeng and $600 for an ICOM, unless you’re just trying to gatekeep and wish for interest in amateur radio to die off with the older generation or be reserved for the wealthier crowd.

[@Kibwunga]

@@TheSaltyExplorer Respectfully these radios are not made in the same place, and the big three make their radios to commercial specs. They even have a commercial line of radios for each of them. And 2 of the big three also actively support digital formats custom designed for Ham Radio, Like DStar and Wires X. Two fully formed and supported digital platforms. Arrogant attitudes are few and far between IMO, and can easily be avoided. And the HF rigs that are available today are better and cheaper than their older counterparts. Icom and Yaesu have top shelf rigs that kill older radios for receiver design, under 1 grand. And you can get a vintage rig and have plenty of fun. Staying analog? I have an FT-60 Yaesu that I know you can get for less than 100 used. It's built on the Vertex platform. Tough as nails.

[@TheSaltyExplorer]

@kibwunga most hams won’t sell their used radios to non-hams. I get it, but also some people are curious and want to listen , some want to learn and get licensed. My point is, do you want more people to gain interest, or do you want it to remain a hobby for those with a ton of spare time and money to throw at it? I don’t see anything wrong with people picking up a $25 chi-com radio, listening and learning about how all this works and the value of it, and eventually upgrading to higher quality gear. It’s so cheap it doesn’t even require a hobby budget, and I say the more people who get interested (and licensed) the better. I’m getting tired of poking my radio with a stick hoping it will just do something.

[@grayeagle247]

I seen another channel doing a review on this radio it showed where they can push that number five button and it show a scope screen a.k.a. waterfall screen my radio don’t do that when I push it. It goes to channel 5 long press or short press, am I doing something wrong The REV it’s doing nothing either. from the lower 48

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I think the radio you saw would have had it firmware flashed with new software.

[@Karl.Thompson77]

Fred If you had to pick one out of the tidradio H8 or TD H3 which would you go for??

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Performance wise there is nothing in it but i really liked the small size of the H3

[@Hunter-EVOutback]

So, any hint of Firmware choices??

[@G0USL]

Looks like something i'll be getting for satellite ops, The dual vfo is perfect for that. Good review, A TIDradio is now in my "to get" list!! 73 de G0USL

[@AdamosDad]

I leave AM on, and the FM still works quite well. 73's🎙KD9OAM🎧

[@mbmtechnologysolutions430]

does this radio let you manually switch individual channels to AM / FM in case you want to monitor AM on a specific channel? Also does the radio receive the 200 to 260 Mhz range?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

It did let me monitor the AM air band whilst using PMR. It will receive 174-350MHz.

[@mbmtechnologysolutions430]

@CB-RADIO-UK so can you set 155.61 to AM manually? Will it let you set 283mhz to AM manually?

[@deandaniels203]

Hi Fred, can a total novice to walkie talkies use one of these hand sets and other than airband can you receive other things.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

You can listed the to the 70 cm and 2m ham bands. If you want more range you really need a modded Quansheng radio.

[@Ben_3113]

I grew up in England and loved the Ford Probe, turns out I was in the minority. Here in Australia I don't think they were very popular either, I see one around from time to time though.

[@boatbeard7767]

People have the same size hands and fingers, so as we found with phones if you go too small they become uncomfortable to use. A larger case allows significantly larger battery capacity - and and a display some of us might even be able to see without glasses...

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Bang on with the glasses statement.

[@AdamosDad]

The USB C on the side of the radio is for programing only, charge it on the battery bottom. 73's🎙KD9OAM🎧

[@RichardEnglander]

Question: i dont believe all the advertised data but apparently the Baofeng UV-5RH Pro Max is 15W compared to the TD-H3, and the Quan UV K5(99) which are max 5W. Has anybody tested these claims? It puts the pro max in a different category. Unless i am missing something.

[@scottcog1]

How do you get into the FM radio mode (I see you're listening to 89.1). Thanks!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Think it was hold down the 3rd button under the 2nd PTT.

[@davidhooper1767]

The Baofeng UV-82 has Two PTTs.

[@CB-st6bo]

Hi Fred can you program it straight from Bluetooth from there app.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes you can access all the settings via your phone.

[@robsmith700]

Hi.Does it have DTMF for link functions.

[@mikechapman7015]

Dual PTT see Baofeng GT-5 and UV 82.

[@LawpickingLocksmith]

Size matters?

[@jdock32778]

I have two H3 radios. Does anyone have links on how to upgrade the firmware?

[@CandSEvo7]

my td-h3 doesnt charge from the socket on the radio itself , its just for programming , it only charges from the port on the battery itself .

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes that sounds about right.

[@Check_your_head]

How long should this unit take to charge from empty? Been on the charger for hours and charging base still shows a red light.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I find these type of batteries can take 4 hours.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed your tid radio td- h3 is awesome my friend

[@andrewrevell6219]

Hi fred 👋 as new to sw radio I was wondering if you could do a list if were to find the best channels,,, ham radio, air. Cb. Pirate radio stations, number channels . Buzzer etc , regards Andy

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi got this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZW4eH2epKp8mtE

[@JohnSmith-wl8cv]

Ham radio is good listening if you can't sleep,better than sleeping pills works in seconds . trust me

[@g1fsh]

Good to see that you still dont want a collection of radios there Fred hahaha

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Gary. The things breed up there mate.

[@bryanpuckett3023]

I would wear some sunglasses if you have over there?

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed you should get your ham license my friend

[@pieman192]

He can use my call sign 😂

[@1kc1981]

He really should

[@andrewfishpool89]

He'll maybe get it when you stop calling him Frid. That's not his name.

[@smbmostfamous1432]

be careful he might be HAM POLICE😂😂

[@checkthefacts.]

With Essex ham they practically give you all the tools you need to get your foundation license free online course just pay to sit the actual online exam,my daughter did it at fourteen and Essex ham and the RSGB examiner were all brilliant

[@rickasisco]

If TIDRadio released firmware source so this radio could be modified like the Quansheng UV-K5, this radio would be way more popular than it already is.

[@declanmalone1279]

Will this pick up plane chatter as they fly above my house?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

If your on the right freq. A radio scanner might be better for aircraft.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed your KZbin videos are awesome my friend

[@yeovil07]

I'm not technically minded so I would love it if you could get these already set up to PMR. I've seen pmr radios but they look boring .

[@yeovil07]

@@Goblinbasher79 want something I can put on a bigger antenna.

[@vitogriffin8902]

You don't need to be very technically skilled to program these. The app makes it easy and it can be programmed by chirp which is also very easy. There's step by step tutorials here on KZbin.

[@richardgroves290]

​@@Goblinbasher79yes and you will go to jail if you use this on PMR.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

They legally cannot sell the radio programmed but they are very easy to do. See this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ2vkoF_ppuheNE

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed your new tid radio td-h3 is awesome my friend

[@AlexSwanson-rw7cv]

​@BertDavid-o9zI'm sure nothing you buy is made in China :)

[@scaramonga]

@BertDavid-o9z How is your TV?, or XBox, or Phone? Supporting the Chinese Government are we?

[@fenpikey]

Where would this channel be without the awesome Grig? We learn a lot from you Grig, your dog & next door neighbours sister.

[@bluecollarbiker8005]

They're also using better carbon Plastics which are more durable

[@clementglinski3924]

HAVE IT REPAINTED.

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

G'day Fred. I see they've hacked the firmware already.!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah i heard that :-)

[@PaulTaylor1]

I wish TIDRadio offered a mobile dmr radio.

[@onceways]

Nooo Fred that jingle it’s an ear wormer .. 😫

[@sputumtube]

What does PMR mean?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi here you go. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMR446

[@sputumtube]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Thankyou - much appreciated.

[@JohnSmith-wl8cv]

BAOFENG UV 82 with a different badge .

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed I learn lot from you about bying cb radios and antennas for cb radios and power supplys for cb radios my friend

[@raymondmartin6737]

Will chirp give you birdies. 😅

[@jdock32778]

Sorry, I don't play golf.

[@smbmostfamous1432]

Yes you're able to transmit on airband if you unlock the radio which is easy.. I'm pretty sure everyone knows how to do it by now.. but it doesn't mean for people to transmit on stations you're not supposed too.. do u think people care about breaking the law do u know 95% of radio users break the law everyday.. I don't have HAM license but i do have GMRS LICENSE!! i wish y'all would stop saying dont do this dont do that it's FCC law bruh no one cares nor does FCC care..

[@PenryMMJ]

Fun fact. Every single Capri 2.8 injection was made in Germany. They called it the "Cologne" engine for a reason.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed my hobbies are painting 🖼 and listening to shortwave and ssb iam thinking about getting my Grms license my friend

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

keep on thinking Grid

[@matthewvantendeloo8909]

it has been growing hair for some time now

[@CharlesLisa-w8w]

Senger Corners

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed 73s to you and your wife and kids and grandchildren my friend

[@PullanPhoebe-m1o]

Boyer Walk

[@kdrichardson5261]

Power off= bugger off. Lol. Ha ha ha.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah i know, every time :-)

[@JohnSmith-wl8cv]

What are you going to do with all those radios, can't use them all the same time ,why don't yoy raffle them off and donate the money to a local charity ,asking xor a friend

[@leosedf]

That software interface is really crap, it looks like a 2 year old made the layout😂

[@scaramonga]

You have no idea what your taking about lol.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Its very easy to use and covers all the functions you would use. Follows the KISS philosophy and there is nowt wrong with that.

[@leosedf]

@scaramonga I work with professional radios for around 10 years and I also do ARM embedded programming. I enjoy conversation with radio amateurs like you 🤣🤣

[@richardgroves290]

Unfortunately, this radio is illegal to use on PMR 446 and if you do, you WILL go to jail.

[@scaramonga]

lol, I'll have 6 then.

[@barriewood9336]

Don’t be silly. I seriously doubt anyone anywhere has been prosecuted for using these still relative lower power output radios. A police force that is inept with dealing with burglaries and worse is hardly likely to have this illegality as a priority!

[@scaramonga]

@@barriewood9336 This! The police force is that stripped bare now (my wife works for them), that driving without a license is never gonna be dealt with now, lol. Don't do it!, but, they really don't have the resources to deal with 'petty' stuff, so PMR radios, used illegally, are definitely gonna be bottom of their list ;) Besides, there are no longer places in Jail, as they are letting all the 'hardened criminal's' walk, to free up spaces for those with PMR radios not abiding by the rules, lmao. Just grabbed a couple, thanks Fred x

[@scaramonga]

Hilarious! :D, bought 4, guess I'm going down for many years lol?

[@jplacido9999]

In almost the all world, having a radio without a licence would have you in jail (1 year for base station, 2 years for portable/mobile). But nowadays it is rare that happening. If you use an ICOM imitation without a licence, it will explode....😂😂😂😂😂