The best unlocked radio! Tidradio TD-H3 (The Baofeng Killer)

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I've got a pair of these on their way to me. Can't wait to get them. Looks to be an excellent set for the price. You should to a video with a nice clickbait title "Is this the Baofeng UV-5G Killer??!!" or something, lol. Would get a lot of traffic on that. Subscribed!

[@M7EUP]

Thanks for the sub! I did a teaser with that title 😂

[@Trains-With-Shane]

@@M7EUP LOL Good. Will be watching some more of your videos when I get off work later. Cheers from Texas!

[@ejdavis72]

Picked up a pair of these with full kits for $55 USD. Amazing good deals on these.

[@M7EUP]

Great. Nice one

[@mob257774]

Just bought one of these, thanks for helping me with my journey. I would have subscribed to your channel anyway, but then I noticed we are nearly related! M7EZP

[@M7EUP]

Ha! Nice Callsign. Hope to get you in the log soon. Thanks for the sub

[@theretrogeek2281]

Have one on the way I’m stoked to try it out..Cheap and really good value I use to use one back n the day when cellphones where not for everyones pocket,prices have gone way down then I remember...

[@M7EUP]

You won’t be disappointed

[@vk3xemontheweb]

Thanks for a great video. I have a pair of TD-H3 radios arriving in the mail today. Already I have had positive contact with TIDRADIO regarding my concerns of the OTA wireless clone frequency being hard set to 423.975 MHz on all configurations of this radio. Here in Australia 420 - 430 MHz have been taken by the Police and Emergency Service using P25 networks. Also I questioned the legality of that frequency for the GMRS configured radios. Within days TIDRADIO confirmed there will be a future update where the OTA wireless clone frequency will be user configurable. Kudos to TIDRADIO for being so receptive to their customers.

[@M7EUP]

They have been excellent so, I asked about having an 8.33 step for airband scanning. They said it wasn’t currently possible due to memory issues but are working on a release without Chinese language to make space.

[@EdHelms1]

Great video. I have had mine for a few weeks and it is so much better and user friendly than the UV-5R. I am a GMRS user and I like the fact that with the Odmaster app, you can program and name any channel for RX but it restricts TX to only GMRS frequencies. I have a variety of local emergency service and air band channels programmed in to scan through. I was able to update the firmware with the USB cable and didn’t need to get a kenwood cable.

[@M7EUP]

Glad you like it and thanks for that. They have enabled updates via usb now so that’s great 😀

[@nimblehealer199]

@EdHelms1 this radio can be locked to either ham or GMRS bands for TX. I currently have mine locked to the ham band, although I have both ham and GMRS licenses.

[@bigwill4423]

Great video as always Matt. Just bought one on Aliexpress for the bargain price of £20.19 delivered to the UK.....what an absolute steal! I agree with you 100% that this is the best VHF/UHF handy talkie available and for the price of a few pints down the pub as well! I haven't programmed mine yet (still waiting for it to charge fully......takes ages.....my only complaint about it) but i did "Unlock" it to "normal" mode (coz that's the way I roll lol! 😁) and then I "upgraded" it to the latest "official" firmware (25/06/24 date) which gave me the CB rx capability along with 8.33khz frequency spacing for airband (I'm a sad plane spotter so this is important as a lot of airports are now moving to this new frequency spacing and so far this is the ONLY chinese radio I know of that does this with the firmware upgrade) . It absolutely blows my baofengs out of the park. The rx is the best I've ever experienced, the support from the website is outstanding and the construction of the radio itself is superb. All they have to do now for the future is to add GPS to it and maybe even APRS as well to keep level with the Baofeng competition. (Baofeng have it but it mostly doesn't work or doesn't work very well.....if Tidradio adopted it I've no doubt they'd get it working properly) . This is going to be my new "carry" radio because it does everything I want to do with a handy talkie and does it supremely well. Many thanks for your very informative video....I had no clue about the CB rx until I saw your vid......keep em coming mate.....brilliant! 😎😎

[@M7EUP]

Awww cheers mate and thanks for the super positive comment. Some new radios expected early next year to look forward to. Have a look at the TD-H3 hacked group run by Marcus on FB as there’s some great mods on there too.

[@bigwill4423]

@M7EUP ...I'm in there already Matt..what..you didn't think I'd be there! Lol 😲😁😁😁😜

[@M7EUP]

@@bigwill4423😂

[@NigelBallard]

I totally agree. If you're buying a budget analogue-only Chinese radio today then this is the best performing and easy to program. Tech support in China is most excellent and responsive. Real people solved an issue I had. The front end is both sensitive and selective. First there was Baofeng, then came Quansheng and now its Tidradio.

[@M7EUP]

Totally agree with you, and now that developers are working on SSB etc it will leave Quansheng for dust.

[@irixsyncd]

It has everything you might need. Large solid battery, integrated programming chip, even Bluetooth, integrated USB-C charging. I wish there was a monochrome screen so I can monitor it without turning on the screen. Anyways. Top purchase. I have 3 already.

[@M7EUP]

Thanks for the positive comments 👍🏼

[@aw7425]

Excellent content. Thank you

[@M7EUP]

Thank you

[@StrengthAndConditioning61]

I love it. ODmaster works fine with mine once you learn how to use it. Updated the firmware after watching one of your videos, very easy. Caveat to the firmware update, I couldn't get it to take unless I had the radio in channel mode before turning it on, frequency mode wouldn't work idk why. And make sure you download the firmware that's applicable to what mode you have your phone set in i.e. ham, gmrs or unlocked. Example: if you try uploading firmware for the ham mode and your phone is in gmrs mode you just might brick your phone. Currently running unlocked (normal) firmware vers. 240702 in unlocked (normal) mode. Cheers!

[@M7EUP]

Thanks for info 👍🏼

[@WestYorkshire446DX]

I Think the quansheng UVK-5-6 R ect with one of the top 3 firmwares is a country mile in front of that 018.000-1300.000 scanning range not to mention the rest. I use F4HWN v2.7 and it's a cracking firmware

[@M7EUP]

I agree somewhat but this is a “Basics” channel and for people new to this hobby the complications Quandsheng would make a more suitable transceiver one they’ve gained a little more experience. Thanks for the comment though. Always appreciated.

[@newsles2]

It can transmit on 1.25m, setting in menu.

[@M7EUP]

Correct

[@ningis21]

Another informative video,,,,thanks. Do you know if the 8.33 Khz channel spacing and all the other stuff apply to the H8 model too? Also do they do any digital handies....in fact what is your opiniom on digital hand helds? Plus that fan or whatever it is in the backgroung is super loud.

[@M7EUP]

No. The H8 is strictly a vhf uhf model and doesn’t have the AM air band. I know that the H8 v2 is in development at the moment but not sure of the specification yet. As for digital mode it’s not something I’ve dipped my toe into yet, and neither have Tidradio. They have a place of course for professional communications etc.

[@ningis21]

@@M7EUP Cheers.... Boafeng do one seemingly....but, none in stock and it only mentions GPS and not Digital Voice modes...Someone told me.

[@grahamtew3902]

I updated the firmware using the USB port and cable supplied without any problems.

[@M7EUP]

Yes it seems that the loading software now has been updated and can be done via USB

[@michaelnoardo3315]

some hacked firmware allow to AM also, in future also USB

[@M7EUP]

Yes just search on facebook

[@randyguay7115]

Thanks very good video.

[@M7EUP]

Thank you for watching

[@PUBSTER122]

What a pal

[@M7EUP]

You too 👍🏼

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

Interesting video, thanks

[@M7EUP]

Thank for the comment 👍🏼

[@DanDalessio]

Does this have weak front-end filters like the Baofengs do? (Like most cheap radios do.)

[@M7EUP]

It’s a sturdy radio with much better filtering than the “Fengs” and the front end is certainly much more robust and not as deaf to strong signals. However, ultimately it’s a handheld and not an expensive base station with complex band pass technology. So I would still avoid pairing it with ridiculous high gain antennas.

[@danimen2003]

Greetings, thanks for the information. consultation. Does the offer price include shipping costs?

[@M7EUP]

I think the discount is across the total cost but should be clear at checkout.

[@M7EUP]

Subscribers will get future offers too

[@Nacho.100]

Well im not sure, in my opinion quansheng is in many ways a better ,cheaper and a cleaner equipment in their transmission harmonics. This one is close to 7 dolars more expensive than quansheng, and for that price and a little more you could add the last hardware mode to the unit and expand their reception range. In my experience, those chinese blacks screen are hard to read in broad sun light.

[@M7EUP]

Thanks for your comment. Please bear in mind that this is a channel aimed at absolute beginners. The UV-K5 is an excellent radio but does require quite a lot of experience and knowledge to operate to its full potential. The TD-H3 out of the box is, in my personal opinion a better radio out of the box for my target audience.

[@Nacho.100]

Well the k5/6 is also a great radio for a beginner because out of the box is really easy to use in pair of a great sensitive and selective receiver without mentoning the awsome battery life. Then if you wanna learn more about the radio and the ham radio community, you could expand it features ending at this time with a hardware modification but the H3 reach it limit right out of the box.

[@adamszuszkiewicz1709]

How's the screen on these in bright sunlight? Poor legibility would be a deal breaker for a radio imo.

[@M7EUP]

Perfectly readable in bright sunlight.

[@adamszuszkiewicz1709]

@@M7EUP cheers!

[@kevinlopota3626]

Only a moron would say that is a deal breaker, literally too stupid and lazy to shade the screen with your other hand. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Alpaholic]

@M7EUP Great video thanks. I want to use this to TX and RX on PMR and Marine VHF bands but also use it as a scanner for Aviation. Will it do all that and will I need multiple Antennas? Would I get away with the Antenna it comes with? Will it scan across all the frequencies it handles at the same time? (So PMR and Marine VHF and aviation.) Thanks again for the vid.

[@M7EUP]

So…. Firstly it will Tx only on the bands as stated in the video, which does include Marine band but you must have the appropriate certifications in place to do so. Yes it will transmit on PMR446, however the radio is not type approved, it’s more than 0.5 watts and has a detachable antenna. 👀 It will receive only on air and (obviously). As for scanning. It will only scan on the particular band you have selected, it won’t scan across bands like VHF, UHF and AirBand all at once. Essentially it’s a handheld Ham Radio and not a scanner.

[@Alpaholic]

​@M7EUP Thanks, that's really helpful. I've got my marine vhf licence but (as I suspect you've guessed) the radio itself doesn't comply, so I still wouldn't be operating within the terms of the license. Reckon I'd get away with using whatever Antenna it comes with for all the bands I'm interested in?

[@M7EUP]

@@Alpaholic ​​⁠yes and no… the antenna is a multi-band vhf uhf rubber duck and as such will work, but will be compromised due to being stretched to its limits over such a wide band width. Check the TidRadio website as they do band specific antennas too for not a lot of money.

[@Subgunman]

When will they make a digital radio with all of these features. DMR which is open source as well as P25 but I hear that Fusion and D-Star are are another story.

[@M7EUP]

That would involve a lot of tech at a premium price, but probably will happen in the non too distant future

[@jimdemetri8168]

You can update via the usb

[@M7EUP]

Yes you can now. At the time of recording you couldn’t but there was a firmware update.

[@DiscipleRay]

Is there a way , in "normal" mode to lock out transmit and keep receive only on Ham frequencies because i don't have my ham license yet only my GMRS and i want to listen to Ham but not accidentally transmit on frequencies to which i am not yet entitled thank you Ray in the USA

[@M7EUP]

Hi Ray, good question but unfortunately the answer is no. That said, in GMRS mode I think you might be able to listen to all the frequencies but will only be able to transmit on GMRS? I couldn’t confirm without checking. Even so, a short accidental burst on the HAM bands isn’t going to get you thrown into jail. The final option maybe to only enable TX only on GMRS saved memory frequencies and disable TX using chirp programming via a computer. Again without doing it myself I couldn’t confirm that. Honestly you sound like a smart man so just get your Technicians licence and you won’t have to worry about it. It’s easy enough.

[@ChronicAndIronic]

Look at the control board. Tell me if it says “BF” on it

[@M7EUP]

It won’t. Watch the “Now we know” KZbin channel.

[@knotonigasho7242]

Great video, the discount code does not work.

[@M7EUP]

I think the discount is already applied if you use the link. You should see a little Label symbol under the discount code box. If you see it and it says M7EUP then it’s already applied.

[@railcard.britain]

Does this radio have an internal birdie on 156.000 MHz? (VHF Marine Channel 0). Most of the other Chinese hand helds are unusable on this frequency as the squelch is held open which blocks reception of most signals are causes the scanning to permanently lock up. Can you try your radio and reply here. Also, are there any import taxes payable here in the UK if the radio is purchased using your link?

[@M7EUP]

I’ll have a check for you and get back to you on here. As for import I didn’t have any issues and I’m Uk based.

[@railcard.britain]

Have you been able to check 156.000 MHz for any birdies?

[@M7EUP]

@@railcard.britain there does appear to be some internally generated noise at 156.000mHz Initial tests with the SA indicate its board clock interference. I’ve messaged TidRadio and am awaiting a reply. It sometimes takes a few days for the R&D team to look into it

[@railcard.britain]

@@M7EUP Thank you.

[@railcard.britain]

@@M7EUP Hello, have you had any reply from TidRadio? On some of the Yaesu radios there is an option to apply a 'clock shift' on any frequency which has a problem. I doubt that this facility would be readily accessible for the end user on the TD-H3 but I hope it is. Thank you for your interest with this issue.

[@curiousgaming4822]

looks like decent product

[@M7EUP]

It really is.

[@dancantore76]

How does the H3 fare comparing it to the H8?

[@M7EUP]

It’s an excellent radio that is packed with features. More advance than the H8

[@daytona1212]

Hi. Do you have a link to the firmware that adds the 27Mhz band to the radio?

[@M7EUP]

walkietalkiesoftware.com/portal/index/software_detail/id/69.html

[@ronandrew878]

Hello M7 EUP (sorry but don't know your name) Great video promotion of this item, Unfortunately, I think you have been lucky with your gift from TIDRADIO. I bought one after watching your presentation only to be disappointed when it arrived a long time later. I am wondering what version of the TD-H3 they sent you as mine came with a damaged box no charging cradle and no mains plug. TIDRADIO told me one is not provided with the radio, even though there is a compartment in the box ? And, all the KZbin videos similar to yours shows a cradle in the box. It must be like buying a new house, the show home looks great, but the rest of them are rubbish. Sorry but wont be recommending a TIDRADIO to anybody else as their, service, is poor. Congrats on your callsign and the 450d is a nice radio. Cheers.

[@M7EUP]

Hi Ron. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a bad experience. Send me your details and proof of purchase to [e-mail] and I’ll see what I can do.

[@ronandrew878]

@@M7EUP Hello Matt, Thank you for your reply and the offer to look at the problem. I will try to sort the details out tomorrow and send them over. thank you. Oh the shack video is interesting cheers.

[@petrok1rp254]

I did not hear anything about the strong sigs overloading and blocking dynamic range capability…

[@M7EUP]

Thanks for the comment. Not an issue I’ve experienced.

[@grandic2]

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 LOL). Tragi-Comedy...

[@M7EUP]

That’s very unusual. Did you buy directly from TidRadio?

[@grandic2]

@@M7EUP You bet it's unusual, probably more than 100 handhelds from China went through my hends, zero problems with all of them. This one, two in a row. TID direct.

[@grandic2]

@@M7EUP I was able to use it for one day on first charge, and second charge, battery charging controller circuit was a culprit of fire. Started to feel burning plastic smell after 20 minutes charging, I didn't know what is it, came back from outside, was walking my dog, started looking in the kitchen, around the stove, finally, I literally saw the radio burning. If I wasn't working from home that day, my house would be gone now. Insane.

[@snarpatroid3571]

Really interesting but a massive shame you had the tumble dryer on in the background, it was so noticeable

[@M7EUP]

Yeah sorry about that… sadly my workshop doubles as the dryer room. Noted for next time 👍🏼 Hope you’ve hit that subscribe button 😂

[@russellsurrey2465]

In your opinion what is Tidradios best handheld? Would you still choose the H3?

[@M7EUP]

I like the H8, purely based on the fact that I tend to just stick to the HAM bands (2M and 70cm) so don’t need all the extra functionality. There will be an H8 v2 out sometime in the future which I’m excited about. For the money though the H3 is a fantastic bit of kit and there are a few groups working on modified firmware to make them even better.

[@russellsurrey2465]

@@M7EUP Does the H8 do 27MHz? Also do you when the new version is due out?

[@M7EUP]

@@russellsurrey2465 firstly just a minor correction. The current H8 is actually a V2, they re-released it with some significant changes to the firmware etc. there will be an all new H8 soon but the date is not confirmed. The H8 is a dedicated vhf/uhf radio out of the box. There may be some firmware modifications but even the H3 can only receive 11m and even that is a massive compromise in audio due to the antenna being tuned for vhf/uhf and the hardware is made to suit. If you are wanting to listen to the CB bands maybe think about a cheap SDR receiver.

[@russellsurrey2465]

@@M7EUP Thanks. This morning I bought the H8 and used your promo deal. Keep up the good work. I find your video’s very informative and helpful.

[@M7EUP]

@@russellsurrey2465 thank you for the support.

[@JohnJohnson-zp7jc]

Are these better then quansheng uv k5

[@M7EUP]

In my personal opinion yes.

[@JohnJohnson-zp7jc]

Thanks bud i have just ordered one i haven't a clue how to use them like but it's a start lol am trying to find a new hobby and this one seems interesting so just want to give it a go and find the right Radio to do it.

[@M7EUP]

@ it’s a solid little radio to get you started. See if you have a local amateur radio club and drop down to their meetings. You’ll learn so much and they’ll help you get the first stage of licensing. Once you have the bug you’ll move onto other radio bands for world wide contacts.

[@JohnJohnson-zp7jc]

Thanks mate ill take your advice and see how I get on I'll be sure to subscribe to your channel aswell 👍

[@londo776]

£25 on Amazon atm

[@M7EUP]

👍🏼

[@sws6387]

how and where do i get the firmwear upgrade please ?

[@M7EUP]

From the TidRadio website or search “TidRadio TD-H3 firmware”

[@Greysoss_games]

Nice video!

[@M7EUP]

Thanks 🙏

[@N_Andrews]

Hard to kill Baofang when Quansheng killed it months ago.

[@M7EUP]

Another valid competitor to the market.

[@bigwill4423]

Imo tidradio have not only killed Quansheng but knocked it out of the park in the same way they did with Baofeng. Quansheng may have been innovative in introducing customisable firmware but tidradio have taken up that ball and run with it in a way that has left Quansheng in it's wake.....that obviously won't rest easy with the "Quansheng fanboys" but it's a fact nonetheless ..the tidradio is simply a superior product in every way.😎👍

[@koosdupreez6323]

I uploaded the latest H3_240702 firmware today.. Now NONE of my GMRS frequencies work anymore even when i unlock to "normal" or even "gmrs" mode.. ugh!

[@M7EUP]

Any and all updates will cause a reset so it’s prudent to back up your memories before doing so.

[@koosdupreez6323]

There's nothing strong with memory locations... I also don't care about any memories, all I want is GMRS frequencies to remain unlocked.. the new update screwed the "unlock" feature!

[@M7EUP]

@@koosdupreez6323 Help me to understand. Are you saying that since the update you cannot transmit on GMrS frequencies?

[@koosdupreez6323]

Correct

[@M7EUP]

@@koosdupreez6323 please do the following. 1: Restart you radio in GMRS mode. 2: Download and install the latest firmware version from TidRadio. 3: Enter a GMRS frequency and transmit. If the radio fails to transmit please video this along with all the menu items (scroll through the menu) and sent it to me at [e-mail]

[@PeterMMMMM]

What is an acceptable digital walky?

[@M7EUP]

That’s a good question but it really depends on what you need it for and what country you’re in Peter.

[@PeterMMMMM]

@@M7EUP Canada, I want just a cleaner signal between 2 walkies. Don't need anything like a repeater.

[@RoastMasterUK]

cant find these for less than 60

[@M7EUP]

Use the link in the description.

[@sws6387]

Where can I get the firmware upgrade please ?

[@M7EUP]

walkietalkiesoftware.com/portal/index/software.html?ref=wtdnxwks

[@emmanuelskolinos1361]

Just got it 👍 if this was a Japan radio it would cost 500 euro ❤

[@M7EUP]

Have fun with it 😁

[@keithtreisch6890]

The td h3 doeskt blow the bff8hp away. This tdh3 cant reafh the same repeaters my bff8 can. Has much less power according to my equipment.

[@M7EUP]

Thanks for your comment

[@hslot3276]

Now add encryption and it would be the perfect prepper radio :) yeah no license proud pirate for over 35 years

[@M7EUP]

It has a basic scramble function but certainly not encoded.

[@benjsminsmith3487]

They're great till they start transmitting at 0.1w after a week. Hope you have better luck.

[@M7EUP]

I’ve not heard this happening on other radios except when people try and update firmware to non-manufacturer versions. In this case you need to use “medium power” for max output rather than “High Power”

[@l.a.2646]

ODMaster software is absolute trash! it doesn't work.... but I really like the radio.

[@M7EUP]

It’s not the best for sure. They keep making improvements. Hopefully they’ll get there

[@MooseStuff]

I wouldnt call it good but works for my H3.

[@DRCK-sp2gt]

Tidradio is Baofang.

[@M7EUP]

I’ll look into this. If they are then they’re a totally different devision of the same company with very different quality control and customer service.

[@timdietz350]

it's possible it's owned by the Fujian Baofeng Electronics Co parent company but there's lots of folks opening these things up and finding different stuff in them. There's also features baofeng branded radios don't have and they tend to run cleaner than them as well. Also the customer service seems to be on a whole other level.

[@DRCK-sp2gt]

@@M7EUP and i will try and find the info that I saw a short time back that made mention of such. But, I could have read bogus info and if that is the case I apologize, but It seemed legit when I read it.

[@M7EUP]

You could be right. Would be interesting to know . I’ll email Tidradio and see if I can get a definitive answer.

[@DRCK-sp2gt]

@@M7EUP it is somewhat odd that on the Tidradio website that they only sell Tidradio's and Baofang. Also, in their FAQ section the radio they recommend for beginners is the Baofang UV-5R. I'll look more though.

[@omarviktoriyamosquera2023]

To small for a growned man, speaker to small and gets distorted at medium and high volume

[@M7EUP]

The H8 may be better suited for you then.

[@eijentwun5509]

The Speaker sounds AWESOME. It does NOT get distorted. But if you have the H8 which is HUGE. Use that!

[@omarviktoriyamosquera2023]

@@eijentwun5509 on mine it does get distorted

[@omarviktoriyamosquera2023]

@@eijentwun5509 I don't believe that the speaker of that size on medium to high sounds awesome.

[@ericmitchell2047]

I have one working fine.

[@LoftechUK]

Great video but crap radio.

[@M7EUP]

I’d disagree. Price vs performance it’s a solid radio.

[@manwe_sulimo]

I opine with my Wallet … I do not buy Chinese electronic gear

[@M7EUP]

Fair enough