TINY Radio, BIG Features: Review of the Tidradio TD-H3 5 watt Handheld Transceiver

You won't believe how small this radio is, and you'll be amazed by its features for the price. We'll look at unique features, do power tests, and of course, spurious emissions testing.
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GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:
👉Tidradio TD-H3 -- amzn.to/49uf5Bp
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📽️ Testing for Spurious Emissions on the Tidradio TD-H3 -- Tiny, Fully Featured Handheld Transceiver -- • Does the Tidradio TD-H...
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#HOAHam #Tidradio #TD-H3

[@HOAHamRadio]

The antenna I am using is the G Gabil Radio stub; I use the BNC version: amzn.to/3UotMAW

[@laszlokovacs8827]

Great video. Really appreciate the comparison between the comp and purchased units. I encourage all YT's to do this. When they fix a few things this will be a killer radio. Checks a lot of boxes. Looking forward to seeing how it develops.

[@HOAHamRadio]

It has a lot of potential!!

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Great video, Bob!

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks, appreciate the view and feedback. Great little radio...except for those spurs. They are replacing mine, so we will see.

[@norm_sueb122]

Thanks for the video!!

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for watching!

[@dont4450]

I would be interested in knowing how this compares to the talkpod a36 plus 5watt.

[@HelloNotMe9999]

What's the stubby antenna you're using on this? I kinda want to pick some up.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Its a G Gabil Radio stub; I use the BNC version: amzn.to/3UotMAW

[@TheBrokeHam]

I bought the TD-H8 before i knew about the spurious emissions. these guys have killers radios, I hope they clean them up so I can get a cleaner one. this one looks great!

[@HOAHamRadio]

It IS AWESOME, and I too hope they fix the spurs. Feature rich, small, and low cost...they will kill it if they can get it right.

[@mikesey1]

Don't worry about "spurious emissions" that only show up on test equipment, or another HT standing next to the one being tested. No way are tiny microwatts coming from your five/ten watt radio going to interfere with anyone! This garbage was brought in by the American FCC to limit the sales of Chinese Radios. G7MJT/M7WGX UK.

[@robertroesing9682]

I liked your video the three strikes you’re out of course the any tone 878. It’s going to be a lot cleaner than the tidradio TD-H3 The difference is between a $30-$40 radio compared to a $200-$300 radio but still the H3 is still a good radio. I just bought one and really like it thank you for your video

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the view and comment. Yep, the TD-H3 is a special little radio. My hope is they stand behind it and continue to improve...this could become a standard.

[@mikemayhue4723]

I’m wondering what you mean by spurious emissions and what the end effect is. Thanks!

[@carlstevens6670]

What antenna are you using on your H-3? And where is it available?

[@carlstevens6670]

I see in the thread you already answered.... thanks

[@NicksStuff]

Since they seem to listen, could you suggest to them to offer an 8.33 kHz spacing for aviation?

[@HUGH_JHANIS]

So glad i just purchased the crystal..! And got that antenna, ive been looking for a good stubby..

[@HOAHamRadio]

The crystal is so cool looking!

[@HUGH_JHANIS]

@HOAHamRadio I saw it and couldn't resist..! Lol if I fully unlock it will stay that way right? I read comments somewhere that said you have to re-unlock every time you power up? Didn't sound right..

[@HOAHamRadio]

If by unlock, you mean open it up to other bands, I didn't do that in my video. I would think that is a once and done activity, and would not need to be re-done when you power cycle.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

You confirmed what I observed in some situations, as well (UHF Low power). On your Spectrum Analyzer, it would appear you are using 40dB of attenuation externally and an additional 19-20 db of attenuation on the SA itself. Testing at high power, vhf: 4.84 watts = 36.85 dBm. Could you try (I assume it will be worse) with 10log(4840000/25) = 53 (52.87 rounded up) dB? Nice job

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm new to the Tiny SA and just learning all about it; a cool little gadget. Can't believe all the Tid fit into this little package; wish they had held off until they got every detail right.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@HOAHamRadio That feels like the Tidradio way to me. Enjoy the TinySA! I consider one because the Rigol is difficult travel with (if needed) and it would pair nice with the H4 :D. Have a good one! Keep fighting the HOA :D

[@bikeham]

The odmaster software on iOS seems to run in the background, draining the battery. Be careful with the settings.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the heads up on this.

[@tradermonk9403]

I have a two pack of green TD-H3s on the way and have no Kenwood plug. Does anyone know if the firmware can be updated via the USB C port?

[@ms_nop]

Instructions are in the FW & programming software package, but yes everything is through USB

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

Like it very much thank you❤

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for stopping by and watching.

[@MrTux62]

I just ordered a H3 - should arrive today. for $29 I'll take the chance. Thanks for the review

[@HOAHamRadio]

You are spot on, for $29 its low risk, and packs a lot of radio in a small package.

[@MrTux62]

@@HOAHamRadio well... I took the chance..... and I just returned it. Got it yesterday, charged it... programmed it with the TID software with a few of my favorite repeaters... worked about 30 minutes... then I could not key up a repeater any more. Tried simplex.... then I plugged in a meter with a dummy load. Not moving the needle. Seemed like a nice radio... still has some QC issues.

[@HOAHamRadio]

@@MrTux62 WOW. Well, that's been the history with Tidradio. Innovative, feature rich, low cost radios with no quality control. Hit or miss on whether or not you get a good one. This is a shame. If a company like this could get their act together and give the big boys some serious competition it would be good for us all.

[@MrTux62]

@@HOAHamRadio I wanted it to work.... really did.... nice form factor- and still a big battery- wide receive.. Quansheng K5 is the closest to a great "just throw in your laptop bag or glovebox" radio that I have come across. Just flash with one of the innovative firmwares like EGZUMER and you have a very capable radio. extremely wide receive and still dual band (2m/70cm) capable... unlocked into the GMRS/FRS/MURS ranges... I'm going to try TID again after a few months... they have potential here..... still.. My Yaesu Vx6 is the ultimate handheld.... but the pricetag is MUCH higher.

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

My friend where did you get the antennas at I really like that antenna😮

[@HOAHamRadio]

Its a G Gabil Radio stub; I use the BNC version: amzn.to/3UotMAW

[@SnareTrapSurvive]

Does it lose programming when you switch modes? I know some radios reset when you use keypad mods.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Have never switched between Ham / GMRS.... If you use their programing or Chirp, you should be able to save the configs and reload them after you change modes.

[@ms_nop]

Yes, discussed extensively elsewhere. Seems they borrowed an idea from the computer world, containers, where each mode is not just a separate personality but completely self contained down to settings & code plug.. Why it nukes contents when switching modes i don't know, but the solution is, if you actually need to use other modes, make 3 code plugs including separate settings & be prepared to reload when switching. Otherwise just leave it "Normal" (wide open mo restrictions) & don't worry about it as long as you're not punching in freq manually all the time

[@johnnydrac]

What kind of antenna are you using.. looks cool with the small one

[@HOAHamRadio]

Its a G Gabil Radio stub; I use the BNC version: amzn.to/3UotMAW

[@johnnydrac]

@@HOAHamRadio Thank's brother.. i'll order for the two radios i have bought.. :)

[@redrockr5150]

Great video! What kind of antenna are those that you are using?

[@HOAHamRadio]

Its a G Gabil Radio stubby antenna with BNC -- amzn.to/49IHbc8 Thanks for the view and feedback.

[@redrockr5150]

Thank You!@@HOAHamRadio

[@RusstyPelican]

@@HOAHamRadio it doesn't look like it's designed for the Airbands since it starts at 144MHz. Will it be good enough?

[@HOAHamRadio]

@@RusstyPelican Check 5:57 of the video

[@huulegobetrotter1660]

Got one from Amazon. Charger vis USBC plugged into the battery. Started smelling burnt plastic. Thr light on the battery wouldn't turn off. Radio shows low battery, nesr zero. Been tesring it and its on for the kast 5 hours in the same status. Going to get a replacement as the radio features and size is so promising.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Yes, I've heard of inconsistent quality. ABSOLUTELY return this one and get a replacement.

[@huulegobetrotter1660]

@@HOAHamRadio something fried on the battery as it no longer can be charged directly or in the cradle. Hopefully the replacement will be better.

[@beekeepersjourney8192]

What antennas are you using in this video?

[@HOAHamRadio]

Its a G Gabil stubby, you'll need a BNC adapter -- amzn.to/48FHCCK

[@beekeepersjourney8192]

@@HOAHamRadio it would work if I just bought the sma version right?

[@HOAHamRadio]

@@beekeepersjourney8192 Yep, SMA Female will do the trick.

[@vineyardsaker6195]

What is the stubby/short antenna you use in this video with the H3? Thank you

[@HOAHamRadio]

Its a G Gabil stubby, you'll need a BNC adapter -- amzn.to/48FHCCK

[@vineyardsaker6195]

​@@HOAHamRadio thank you so much for your reply!!!

[@flyfliker]

Amazon has that stubby with a SMA female, no BNC required.

[@kdonoghue]

I am looking for an analog dual band radio that has blue tooth hands free capabilities with a wireless PTT button. So far as I can tell the only option is the 878, Yaesu, or its Bridgecom cousin. I would love to find a sub $200 radio that has that blue tooth capabilities in it.

[@HOAHamRadio]

878 would have been my recommendation, but as you know, doesn't hit your price point. Not aware of one that provides the features at the target price. Thanks for stopping by for a view.

[@DarthCrumbie]

Ive had my radio for about a month now. Dont have my license yet so haven't transmitted but I test for spurious emissions on a TinySA. 2m band passed @ -55db the 70cm band was a close fail @ -39db. All in all I really like this radio.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Other than the spurs, its an awesome radio...hoping Tidradio stays focused on this radio -- tons of potential.

[@dunerinaz]

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.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the information. The more deal people have the more informed decision they can make.

[@steveb3885]

I've had 2 out of 3 of these fail on uhf receive. They are nice but have hardware issues.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Great features but they've stumbled a bit out of the gate... Thanks for sharing your experience for others to be aware.

[@drakeblackk]

Hey guys! I just got the idea on facebook, and i really do like this radio and its pretty cheap too, it surprised me that it has so many features. One question, on the official website, there are two radios, HAM and GRMS, are they both the same, they can be OPENED to both? In case if there are any limited versions too i didnt heard of, i only want to buy one that can be opened, just like our lovely UVK5 :) Hopefully, it has firmware supports too. It can receive on airband up to 600, it has ctcss, double watch, usb charge on the battery and even has a led, and many more, tell me what more you need for this price :D Hopefully, it has a better receive tho'

[@TomSelleck777]

I have a TD-H8 and im very happy with it. With that said, it's my understanding that the GMRS version is only 5 watts. I would BE SURE to get the HAM version and unlock it which is 10 watts. How that all applies to this H3 im not sure. Good luck!

[@drakeblackk]

@@TomSelleck777 Thanks for the info, i will get the HAM for sure! :)

[@dennymagdule4372]

I live in an HOA and really enjoy your videos. K3DMM

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the feedback, very much appreciated.

[@josephpaul8911]

I have the gmsr version. Does that mean it’s not a ham?

[@HOAHamRadio]

Correct. It is always the same TD-H3, but you can change the setting through startup keystrokes to be Ham, GMRS, or Both. I've not done it, but there are a few vids out there on it. I don't believe the Both is FCC approved (i.e., potentially illegal to transmit on)

[@radtelRadio]

would u like to review radtel rt-470x radio? if yes, a free sample can be offer for reviews.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Yes, I would be interested...send me an email so we can exchange information: [e-mail]

[@user-ju9gq1ml4z]

on the youtube channel pu4bla I saw this radio on 27 Mhz how did he do that?

[@HOAHamRadio]

That has to be a firmware hack...that's the first time I've seen it.

[@NicksStuff]

2:17 Now they do...

[@monte4891]

Cleaner then a baofeng

[@mdc21787]

Tell me About those stubby antennas

[@HOAHamRadio]

My favorite stubby; amzn.to/3PzmKGG I use the BNC version so I can change them out quickly.

[@bulldogbrower6732]

The airband still is suspect. Why is the audio still so scratchy on airband. I know that this is a FM transceiver, but if you advertise the inclusion of airband it should at least be listenable.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Live it is actually pretty good. Not as good as the ID-52A, better than the Talkpod.

[@petercarter9034]

I sent my Talkpod back it was pure garbage

[@baileymoto]

It’s $30

[@aerotacto]

@@HOAHamRadio Did you ever compare with those old cheap Baofengs, Quanshengs, and Radtels?

[@bobhughes7634]

@@aerotacto Here is the only comparison done with other cheap radios.

[@dougduncan699]

I’m watching all these videos and not one of you guys say the dang distance to me that’s what’s important. Radio to radio.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Most handheld 5 watt transceivers will go 5 - 10 miles, maybe a bit further, radio to radio. Because there are so many variables, its impossible to give a firm answer. Anything in-between the two radios will greatly impact the distance -- buildings, terrain, hills, vegetation, etc... If you were in open space, flat ground, no buildings / trees etc., 10 miles ++ easily.

[@monte4891]

Distance is a matter of conditions and what between you the other radio, also antenna. For the most part all HT will get about a 2 mile maybe 5 miles on a good day. Also your hight to the other radio. Your not getting 10 miles on simplex unless your on a mountain and the other radio is with in your horizon. You can take a 5watt HT and work satellites like the ISS and it will work because no obstructions and it's direct line of sight. It's not about how far it's about if it works and what's between you and the other radio.

[@ms_nop]

As other say, it's impossible to say: the distance from FRS, GMRS, PMR446, etc mfg are PURE FICTION! (Just like cell coverage maps, I'm sure you've noticed) Here in western USA with our mountains I can talk to repeaters on distant mountains 100+ miles away with a 5W HT & duck! Satellite phones & StarLink are doing a minimum of 3x that distance (often a LOT more) over microwave. Yet, over those same bands, I can't talk to the cell tower under a mile away because of intervening buildings! Bottom line, the true answer is specific to the situation you're in at that moment in time & location. Any kind of general rule should be taken with a 50# bag of salt!

[@tradermonk9403]

Drop it!!!! Never, that’s what the safety strap they include in the box prevents😮

[@HOAHamRadio]

LOL. Nice little radios aren't they?

[@yungsmile7546]

TYT 8000D is very clean and its been around about 10 years. Real value @ $55+/-. Cross band repeat and very long battery life. Power out 7-11 watts. Personally, the H3 and H8 are very acceptable, but that's my opinion.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for commenting; opinions are welcome...

[@Chris-hy6jy]

Good review of the transmitter but you've fallen into the same trap that so many other KZbinrs do. You've completely ignored the quality of the receiver. Sensitivity, selectivity and adjacent channel rejection are also very important specs in a radio. Would be good to see you test these in the future.

[@HOAHamRadio]

I started my KZbin channel partly because I wasn't satisfied with some of the review content on various gear....here is your opportunity : )

[@Chris-hy6jy]

@@HOAHamRadio you've already got all the radios mate. I haven't. It was just a suggestion for improvement, that's all.

[@Chris-hy6jy]

Is it just me that wishes the H3 and similar radios would cost more? $35 is too cheap for any radio. Charge a reasonable price, improve quality and pay your employees a decent wage!

[@HOAHamRadio]

I think you are spot on; I'd be willing to pay more for better and consistent quality. And, absolutely agree on a decent wage!

[@johnszczepaniak8679]

the odmaster is a mess

[@HOAHamRadio]

Its a great idea, with meh execution. Hope they keep improving it.

[@LastManStanding.45]

Surious emissions = irrelevant. The radio works.

[@radiotests]

And run the FM envelope on a oscope and observe the wide and wobbly sinusoidal paint smear they call a radio signal.

[@HOAHamRadio]

...that's a skillset I need to pick up... Thanks for the view and comment.