TIDRADIO TD-H8 HAM 10 WATT (2nd Generation) review and second look!

I had reviewed the GMRS version of this radio which is 5 WATT power rated (until you unlock it) and liked it a lot.
This is the SAME radio, sold as a 10 WATT HAM band radio which is Bluetooth programmable via your phone if you don't want to use a laptop or computer. Excellent informative COLOR screen, and more ....
If you would to help the channel, please buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoff...
Afilliate links to these products: (if you order through these links, the channel gets a small kickback WITHOUT affecting your purchase price, and I really appreciate it)
GMRS version 5W: amzn.to/457PvjE
HAM version 10W: amzn.to/3KANPqn
Bluetooth programmer: amzn.to/3OVZQtc
or:
ORDER direct from TIDRADIO with a discount code!
tidradio.com/?...
ENTER CODE: FIT-TO-A-T for a 10% discount of any radio order!
Affiliate links to tools I use when testing for review:
NanoVNA (antenna tuning) : amzn.to/47glgbF
Power & SWR Meter: amzn.to/43S5OiZ
Multimeter: amzn.to/43Xft8b

[@fittoat9261]

It actually finds and lists the repeaters in your area and then you can save them into the radio! Works well actually!

[@michaeleber4752]

I have seen several reviews of the TD-H8 where it does NOT have spurious emissions. In fact, one of them ran the test and there were no additional signals other than the TX signal.

[@DaytonaJim78]

Can I unlock my gmrs version and get 10w

[@nicolekc3933]

Nice! Great review, been interested in this for a while!

[@fittoat9261]

Glad I could help!

[@imxploring]

You'll find that the power output for these radios with the same firmware will vary a couple of watts from radio to radio.

[@keathrhymer5449]

using my H8 gen 2 since june now on version 3 firmware update which requires the cable to go from computer to radio to do. 9.5 to 11 watts out only issue has been batteries went bad and they replaced them overnight love their support. the latest firmware leets you chnge the strtup icon and message and more control of scan

[@fittoat9261]

Indeed, TIDRADIO has shown tremendous efforts to listen to their customers and be very responsive to both comments and needs. I like their support system.

[@oububba]

Using the SW-33Plus and unlocked mine tested highest on GMRS at 17.1 watts with the duckie antenna. This was after using TXPOWER that comes with the firmware update file. I locked my radio back to GMRS only tx and shows 5.8 watts.

[@fittoat9261]

Wow! I had read about the TXPOWER app, but opted not to try it. I feel that the 10 watts I get, are enough for MY needs! And yes, when you back to GMRS, it will drop back to 5w. Enjoy it!

[@Shwarzencofmenmozer]

Does the program using blue tooth allow you to set your location to program repeaters? Thinking of getting for my dad he lives out of state and I would like to set up for him in his location.

[@swaewithme]

Anyone else having problems with chirp? When I chose high for power output the radio shows low output.

[@christophe241273]

Bonjour que pensez-vous du tidradio H3 ? Est-il mieux que celui-ci ? .

[@jmscrewhead]

How do you put it to UHF the gmrs radio ?

[@russwolf323]

What firmware are the 2 radios?

[@bitrage.]

I dont know squat about ham radios, im a IT guy with recent interest in radio... is this something to get alongside QUANSHENG UVK58 or get this instead???

[@fittoat9261]

Once you get into radios, you’ll go down the rabbit hole (LOL) and buy several different radios!! This is a better quality handheld, but the Quansheng does Airband, and has a lot of custom (and customizable) firmware options if you want to play with it! If you order it from my affiliate links (in the description) you can get an additional 15% off!

[@bitrage.]

@fittoat9261 lol!!! I believe you!! I already love all the hardware and I don't even know how to use it yet!!! It's like a whole new world opening up... I'm a HUGE computer enthusiast for 27 years so this kind of feels like computers did when I started.... I'm looking for like something that does alot that is decently priced even if it don't do any of it really well, just to get my feet wet be4 taking out another mortgage and start a shack...🤣... was also looking into a "hackrf" and MALAHIT DSP2

[@danielbarbieri8199]

Hello I have noticed that you do a lot of reviews about those communication devices. I am not into radio amateur stuff, but looking for a long range walkie talkie because I live in a place (central america) where cellular phone doesn't work. I need at least 10 miles range in mountainous environment with trees. Could you please help me or advise me, finding the right equipment ? I need it to be portable because I'm on a motorcycle. All these baofeng and variants seem to be good, but not long range enough.

[@fittoat9261]

Based on your requirements, it may be quite difficult to find the right radio! I do not have a specific model to recommend that would work in your situation. If anyone has any positive information or suggestions, please go ahead and leave a comment! Thank you.

[@michaeleber4752]

I live here in the Andes. What you will need is a place at the top of your mountain to host a repeater. Then you, and the other people within your valley should be able to communicate over the 10 miles.

[@jhill4874]

Bluetooth to headset?

[@fittoat9261]

No. Just for programming using your phone!

[@oububba]

Would be nice if the could make the Bluetooth work that way!