Thanks for that video. I saw Jim's video as well, and it didn't sit well with me, as others (besides yourself) had tested that radio, and found it to be in compliance with FCC requirements. Thanks for replicating his results. It made a lot of sense.
I'm still looking into this. I just built an antenna test jig and used one of my Nano VNAs to characterize the antennas on the jig. I'm getting what looks like valid results but need to continue testing. Stay tuned! 73 de W4EEY
I have a question. Since the radio was supplied to you by the manufacturer, is it possible that you were given a radio that was checked to be in regulation compliance? It would be interesting if you had friend order one and test it. If the radio / antenna interference is the cause of the excess spurious emissions, the radio operator is still responsible for the signal that is put on the air.
It certainly is possible that my radio was “cherry picked” for a good impression. Likely? Don’t know. Hams are always responsible for their transmissions. That’s why I find this issue important and deserving of further consideration. 73 de W4EEY
That doesn’t make any sense at all. If you can fix the harmonics on one $35.00 radio, why wouldn’t you mass produce the radio in the fixed configuration. Everything is a conspiracy with you China haters. Use common sense, if you can get one radio to perform correctly then all can be made to conform. That’s not rocket science.
We have emailed before on the topic. As old as I am, Jim is senior. He has a wealth of experience. I would welcome exploring this together. 73 de W4EEY
According to their website (tidradio.com/products/tidradio-h8-gmrs-radio-with-bluetooth?srsltid=AfmBOoqpJJMZTK-TIQlFVem5ggW5N607i9GfSxl_Vn9V8PKxSuAwjCn2) the radio is a 5W radio in GMRS mode.. Unlocked, you would need to control power manually. 73 de W4EEY
@ Excellent! I’m thinking of getting two for my sons to use under my GMRS license paired with Fara-J antennas for extended range. Hopefully, that would keep it to 5watts, but it’s good to know more is possible in an emergency.
I didn't catch that (in fact I was unaware of this alternate firmware). But because I could recreate the effect using the short rubber duck antenna, it suggests that it is independent of the firmware. I need to do further testing. We both were connected to PCs by way of a USB cable. I had no decoupling installed on my cable (ferrites). It could be RF pick up on this cable causing the issue. I would also like to characterize the antennas on a Vector Network Analyzer to see their impedance across the 2M band (if this suggests something). I think there is more to come. 73 de W4EEY
Thanks!
You bet! Thanks for the donation. 73 de W4EEY
Thanks for that video. I saw Jim's video as well, and it didn't sit well with me, as others (besides yourself) had tested that radio, and found it to be in compliance with FCC requirements. Thanks for replicating his results. It made a lot of sense.
I'm still looking into this. I just built an antenna test jig and used one of my Nano VNAs to characterize the antennas on the jig. I'm getting what looks like valid results but need to continue testing. Stay tuned! 73 de W4EEY
Very interesting video!
Thanks! 73 de W4EEY
Gary, you are the best!
Aww shucks. Not so. Just trying to understand. But thanks. 73 de W4EEY
I have a question. Since the radio was supplied to you by the manufacturer, is it possible that you were given a radio that was checked to be in regulation compliance? It would be interesting if you had friend order one and test it. If the radio / antenna interference is the cause of the excess spurious emissions, the radio operator is still responsible for the signal that is put on the air.
It certainly is possible that my radio was “cherry picked” for a good impression. Likely? Don’t know.
Hams are always responsible for their transmissions. That’s why I find this issue important and deserving of further consideration.
73 de W4EEY
That doesn’t make any sense at all. If you can fix the harmonics on one $35.00 radio, why wouldn’t you mass produce the radio in the fixed configuration. Everything is a conspiracy with you China haters. Use common sense, if you can get one radio to perform correctly then all can be made to conform. That’s not rocket science.
Great test and counterpart. Would love you and Jim to chat and then make a joint video.
We have emailed before on the topic. As old as I am, Jim is senior. He has a wealth of experience. I would welcome exploring this together.
73 de W4EEY
argh..I just bought one today on your recommendation...I hope it turns out to be ok..I hope you (or he) will post any follow up!
You should be fine. I am investigating further into the antennas and their characteristics and why Jim got the results he did. Stay tuned! 73 de W4EEY
I think the H8 10 watts. Does it limit it to 5 watts in GMRS mode?
According to their website
(tidradio.com/products/tidradio-h8-gmrs-radio-with-bluetooth?srsltid=AfmBOoqpJJMZTK-TIQlFVem5ggW5N607i9GfSxl_Vn9V8PKxSuAwjCn2)
the radio is a 5W radio in GMRS mode..
Unlocked, you would need to control power manually.
73 de W4EEY
@ Excellent! I’m thinking of getting two for my sons to use under my GMRS license paired with Fara-J antennas for extended range. Hopefully, that would keep it to 5watts, but it’s good to know more is possible in an emergency.
Good work. I totally agree with your analysis and hypothesis relative to what Jim presented. Ed KK7UNA
Thank you kindly! 73 de W4EEY
Hey Gary. How is the H3 with the antenna that comes with it? Both the short and optional long antenna?
I forgot that it came with two antennas. Gotta look for the box. 73 de W4EEY
couldnt tell but it seemed like he was using nicfw firmware, which may also have had an effect(?)
I didn't catch that (in fact I was unaware of this alternate firmware). But because I could recreate the effect using the short rubber duck antenna, it suggests that it is independent of the firmware. I need to do further testing. We both were connected to PCs by way of a USB cable. I had no decoupling installed on my cable (ferrites). It could be RF pick up on this cable causing the issue. I would also like to characterize the antennas on a Vector Network Analyzer to see their impedance across the 2M band (if this suggests something). I think there is more to come. 73 de W4EEY