low cost economical VHF/UHF handheld that I actually like. The TIDRADIO TD-H3 is getting a variety of consideration from YouTube reviewers. You may consider this as an improved Baofeng UV-5R, with a number of key options that grabbed my consideration:
Improved Look and Really feel: This radio seems like a high quality product, a lot improved over the plastic Lego-style industrial design of the Baofeng radios. It feels and appears strong in my hand. The rubber duck antenna appears greater high quality though I haven’t examined its efficiency.
One Radio, Three Modes: The firmware will be set to function in three distinct configurations: Ham (transmit on 2m and 70cm ham bands solely), GMRS (customary FCC Half 95 GMRS channels) and Regular (which is principally unlocked). You may simply swap between these modes however the reminiscence data does get reset. So typically, you will have to reprogram the radio along with your favourite frequencies after you alter modes. The exception may be GMRS mode which is able to reset to straightforward GMRS channels. The flexibleness of those three configurations is sort of good: The Ham configuration is nice for regular ham working with no threat of going “out of band.” I can mortgage out the radio within the GMRS configuration understanding that the person received’t inadvertently transmit on the ham bands. And, after all, the Regular mode offers entry to a variety of frequencies, for use fastidiously, abiding by the related rules.
USB-C Connectors: The radio battery has a USB-C connector for charging and a USB-C connector for programming (with Chirp or the TIDRADIO app). This will appear minor, however utilizing a typical industry-standard connector is a large comfort issue. For instance, I just lately packed my gear for a visit and located that the USB cables I usually carry for my smartphone and pill will deal with the TD-H3 simply advantageous. So there isn’t a want for a drop-in cradle, additional charger or particular programming cable.
Video Opinions
Apparently, TIDRADIO gave away a gazzillion radios to ham radio Youtubers and requested them to evaluation the radio, so that you’ll discover many critiques on the market. This one offers overview of the radio’s capabilities:
This radio isn’t fairly the One Radio To Rule Them All, primarily as a result of it received’t be handy to change between configurations. Nevertheless, the radio is authorized for GMRS and ham use, so that’s undoubtedly a plus. Will the FCC object to this sort of flexibility? Who is aware of, however they haven’t thus far.
This video from KS6DAY reveals tips on how to swap between the three radio configurations:
Some Issues
Early on, a number of Youtube reviewers reported excessive spurious emissions coming from the radio. They fed this data again to TIDRADIO, who responded with a design change and a few up to date radios to check. They seem to have corrected this drawback…the three radios in my possession examined out advantageous. There have additionally been some complaints about how a number of options work and TIDRADIO has responded with a firmware improve to handle these points. So we can provide TIDRADIO grade for responsiveness however poor marks for releasing a product that was not utterly baked. Sadly, there are various movies within the etherwebz claiming the radio has issues and it’s a problem to kind via the precise scenario as we speak.
To turn out to be accustomed to the radio, KS6DAY has a collection of movies that designate tips on how to use the radio. Numerous good data right here:
Abstract
As I discussed, I’ve three of those radios and could also be going again for extra. For me, they match the function of that “spare radio” that’s saved in my automobile, loaned out to different individuals, or simply saved away for When All Else Fails.
73 Bob K0NR
