As a hardcore Yaesu fanboy, I have to say I’m addicted to these H3 radios. I love their simplicity, price, features, feel, compactness, and durability. I did send a few back for some minor quality issues, such as spectral purity, and one that had a borderline defective volume knob that lacked a positive on/off detent. That aside, these radios are insanely good. My GMRS versions can hit a repeater more than 20 miles away from me using a tiny 5 inch antenna, even though I live in a valley surrounded by a forest. Programming by phone, PC, and wireless copy is a breeze, and sets the standard. One thing that could be improved is CTCSS/DCS code scanning, as it tends to be quite slow and a tad cumbersome compared to my Wouxun KG-935G Plus. Maybe a future firmware update will fix that.
Just ordered an H3 for GMRS, and an H8 for amateur bands. Your walk-thru on using the app to program, and basic functions was logical and succinct. Excellent video, very helpful. You’re a cool guy in a very hot place. Best wishes.
Was not prepared for how tiny yet heavy this radio is. Picked up w 2 batteries 2 antennas on Amazon for $32. Used a Mirkit programming cable. Much easier to program than my Baofeng. Set it to NORMAL and have GMRS and Ham channels plus MURS, NOAA and Air Band. Handy little unit for the price of a couple of burger meals.
Very interesting I just got my radio and still learning on how to operate it and thanks to your video I have learned a little bit more about the radio. And I just realized Medina Texas I used to live there in Hondo Texas Man do I miss it there
Purchased their two pack H3 radios, and two extra batteries. One radio is always on Ham, the other always on GMRS. Also, purchased their extended range antennae, GMRS and VHF/UHF. If the long antenna is too long and their rubber-ducky short antenna is as well, purchase their 1-3/4" TD-805S VHF/UHF stubby antenna: works okay on GMRS. Wonderful around the neighborhood, on walks, campgrounds, parks, fairs, and the like. With the stubby the entire radio fits in a pant pocket and is not intrusive to carry.
@@MCTGMRS78009 Oops, forgot to mention, although the stubby antenna, TD-805S, works okay on GMRS the package and antenna shows VHF/UHF. Also, I own the GigaParts QRZ-1 Explorer Ham only radio. It is an outstanding HT, sound quality is better than the H8 and H3. Its firmware is a rework of the TYT UV88.
@@MCTGMRS78009I have like ten of these things now, some in GMRS, some HAM, and some unlocked. I swear they multiply like bunnies.😁 Absolutely a Baofeng killer.
Yeah, I did something similar where I got some 3-inch Kenwood KRA-23 antennas for in-house and around the neighborhood use, some 5.5-inch highly flexible Nagoya NA-701G antennas for around town and such, and some 15.5-inch AR-771 GMRS whip antennas for dealing with difficult terrain. Looking at getting some Smiley 1.5-inch mini rubber ducks for more discrete home use. These radios are truly amazing and versatile!
I’ll play with it some more. I am pretty close to the Miami airport and I am in one of the approved paths, commercial flights going over here quite a bit.
Hmm why only the supplied USBC? I already used another cord seemed to be ok glad I got the 2 battery pack lol but so far so good. This is a awesome little radio love it
Just order one this morning, should be here,,tomorrow, I will compare it with my baofeng 5G plus I really needed this video wouldn't know how to operate it with out you,,,thanks bud !!!
Pretty happy with everything but the air band. I am not that far from the airport and using the air band antenna that came with it. Almost everything was very scratchy.
@@MCTGMRS78009 it came with two antennas, the GMRS and the air band. The air band was slightly better. I have not tried anything else. I love everything else about the radio though.
It's not super great on air band, but it works ok. It's actually pretty good if planes are pretty much directly overhead, but not for any kind of distance. I don't notice a difference between any antenna. I've found that most of the multi-band features on any radios like these, such as CB, 6 meter, anything above 500mhz etc are mostly gimmicks. I live right under some pretty major flight paths and on the really close stuff it sounds as good as my portable short wave radio.
I've been listening to airbands on mine from inside the house and have no issues catching planes landing 14 miles away in Hondo. Very strange that the difference is so great.
@@MCTGMRS78009 I wonder if there's any difference in that area with the firmware. I can pick up planes coming and going from DFW which is about 15 miles away, but on my portable short wave receiver I can pick up traffic in probably around a 60-80 mile radius with just the telescopic. 14-15 miles is right there as far as air traffic goes. I haven't messed with a dedicated air band receiver to compare because I'm not all that dedicated to air traffic. I've also noticed that some planes are much clearer than others, even sometimes small personal planes are clearer than airline planes. I don't know if it has to do with power output or antenna locations on the planes, but sometimes planes at roughly the same distance/altitude sound way different.
@@MCTGMRS78009 would you mind doing me a favor? Could you please see if the voice prompts will read the menu as you navigate down the menu? If you find that it just beeps, would you mind pressing enter on one of the options within the menu, to see if it will say the menu option? If you could do that, and tell me what you find, I would really appreciate it.
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). Tragi-Comedy...
@@MCTGMRS78009 Indeed ! 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.
Very cool little radio. I haven't carried a radio in months and this one has been carried often since i have received it. Kinda makes me want to try the big brother but not sure.
I felt the same way! I ended up getting the H8 after how impressed I was with the H3. I like both of them (maybe the H3 a bit more) and they have their own purposes. When in “normal mode” the H8 can transmit on 10 watt.
So, I really like the UV82 but this one is smaller in size and has 8 band capability (monitor mode on most). For the price, I don't think it can be beat.
@MCTGMRS78009 I'd demand a refund at that point. A device that can't charge from a generic usb-c cable is not a usb-c device, and they promised a usb-c device.
Good video. Point of critique, which i struggle with as well in my videos. Saying "uh" and "ah" before everything you say... im not trying to piss you off. I do the same thing. Delete after reading, im not here to be seen by all your subscribers, just helping a fellow YT out. Take your time, think about what you want to say before saying it and editing helps, too. Lol. I'm subscribed. Thanks for your public service as well. 73.
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...
Ok go buy a way overpriced jap radio. Granted better quality. But not that much. And at the end it does the job . Lets face it these radios are killing the big brands. Yes o would like a jap. But to be honest id feel a fool paying that amount for it. This is one of the problems with ham. So many snobs .
As a hardcore Yaesu fanboy, I have to say I’m addicted to these H3 radios. I love their simplicity, price, features, feel, compactness, and durability. I did send a few back for some minor quality issues, such as spectral purity, and one that had a borderline defective volume knob that lacked a positive on/off detent. That aside, these radios are insanely good. My GMRS versions can hit a repeater more than 20 miles away from me using a tiny 5 inch antenna, even though I live in a valley surrounded by a forest. Programming by phone, PC, and wireless copy is a breeze, and sets the standard. One thing that could be improved is CTCSS/DCS code scanning, as it tends to be quite slow and a tad cumbersome compared to my Wouxun KG-935G Plus. Maybe a future firmware update will fix that.
Just ordered an H3 for GMRS, and an H8 for amateur bands. Your walk-thru on using the app to program, and basic functions was logical and succinct. Excellent video, very helpful. You’re a cool guy in a very hot place. Best wishes.
Thanks for all those kind words! Please come back and comment on how you like them!
@@MCTGMRS78009 I certainly will. BTW, do you have a favorite or two GMRS antennas? I’m in Southern California with nothing but city…
Go look for the Wouxun high gain GMRS antenna on Amazon or buytwowayradios. I honestly think it's the best out there!!!
😭your comment made me to get both...
Was not prepared for how tiny yet heavy this radio is. Picked up w 2 batteries 2 antennas on Amazon for $32. Used a Mirkit programming cable. Much easier to program than my Baofeng. Set it to NORMAL and have GMRS and Ham channels plus MURS, NOAA and Air Band. Handy little unit for the price of a couple of burger meals.
ALL GOOD STUFF!!! Hope you enjoy them!!!
How does it Compare with the Quensheng k5 radios
Very interesting I just got my radio and still learning on how to operate it and thanks to your video I have learned a little bit more about the radio. And I just realized Medina Texas I used to live there in Hondo Texas Man do I miss it there
How cool! If you ever come to visit, let me know! Always down for coffee and conversation ☕️!
Thank you for this helpful review. All said and shown. I've just ordered one and looking foreward with excitement to arrive this HT 73s DG1VJ
I think you will enjoy it!
Hello, just received my first grms radio the one in this video. Enjoyed your video I have a lot to learn yet I live in San Antonio .
Awesome! If you need any assistance, just let me know. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Got my TD-H3 just a month ago. Great radio.
Awesome to hear! Have you had any issues with firmware updates?
Purchased their two pack H3 radios, and two extra batteries. One radio is always on Ham, the other always on GMRS. Also, purchased their extended range antennae, GMRS and VHF/UHF. If the long antenna is too long and their rubber-ducky short antenna is as well, purchase their 1-3/4" TD-805S VHF/UHF stubby antenna: works okay on GMRS. Wonderful around the neighborhood, on walks, campgrounds, parks, fairs, and the like. With the stubby the entire radio fits in a pant pocket and is not intrusive to carry.
I just bought 2 more as well! They are great little radios.
@@MCTGMRS78009 Oops, forgot to mention, although the stubby antenna, TD-805S, works okay on GMRS the package and antenna shows VHF/UHF.
Also, I own the GigaParts QRZ-1 Explorer Ham only radio. It is an outstanding HT, sound quality is better than the H8 and H3. Its firmware is a rework of the TYT UV88.
@@MCTGMRS78009I have like ten of these things now, some in GMRS, some HAM, and some unlocked. I swear they multiply like bunnies.😁 Absolutely a Baofeng killer.
Yeah, I did something similar where I got some 3-inch Kenwood KRA-23 antennas for in-house and around the neighborhood use, some 5.5-inch highly flexible Nagoya NA-701G antennas for around town and such, and some 15.5-inch AR-771 GMRS whip antennas for dealing with difficult terrain. Looking at getting some Smiley 1.5-inch mini rubber ducks for more discrete home use. These radios are truly amazing and versatile!
I just picked up a set of these for $55 AMZN with 2 desktop chargers, 4 antennas, headsets, etc... $27.50 per radio. Amazing.
You can't beat it!
thanks great job 73
THANK YOU for watching!!!
I've been enjoying mine. My favorite feature is the battery life; it packs quite a bit for such a small radio.
Totally agreed! I'm really diggin' mine as well.
I’ll play with it some more. I am pretty close to the Miami airport and I am in one of the approved paths, commercial flights going over here quite a bit.
Oops, put this under the wrong comment.
Lmao... all good. 👍
@OnAirVoice I know in San Antonio they need to program approach, departure and Houston Center freqs.
Hi from Canada,Great video Sir .
Hey hey! Thanks for watching!
Is this review based upon the Ham or GMRS version? If I buy the 10w version, can I use it mostly with GMRS?
Believe it or not, you can switch the version or even use the "open" version of firmware to access both.
Great video just ordered one,they have a ton of features for the price,and the are doing custom firmware for it,and make it even more better..
Awesome! I think you will really like it!
Hmm why only the supplied USBC? I already used another cord seemed to be ok glad I got the 2 battery pack lol but so far so good. This is a awesome little radio love it
I agree! I use mine daily.
Just order one this morning, should be here,,tomorrow, I will compare it with my baofeng 5G plus
I really needed this video wouldn't know how to operate it with out you,,,thanks bud !!!
Thank you sir! Let us know what you think about it.
Your generous offer is appreciated. I will take advantage of it and will contact you to see when it a meet can be arranged. Thanks.
Awesome!!! Looking forward to it!!!
Appreciate all the info .
You bet! Always nice to hear from you!!!
Pretty happy with everything but the air band. I am not that far from the airport and using the air band antenna that came with it. Almost everything was very scratchy.
Really??? That is strange! Have you tried a different antenna?
@@MCTGMRS78009 it came with two antennas, the GMRS and the air band. The air band was slightly better. I have not tried anything else. I love everything else about the radio though.
It's not super great on air band, but it works ok. It's actually pretty good if planes are pretty much directly overhead, but not for any kind of distance. I don't notice a difference between any antenna. I've found that most of the multi-band features on any radios like these, such as CB, 6 meter, anything above 500mhz etc are mostly gimmicks. I live right under some pretty major flight paths and on the really close stuff it sounds as good as my portable short wave radio.
I've been listening to airbands on mine from inside the house and have no issues catching planes landing 14 miles away in Hondo. Very strange that the difference is so great.
@@MCTGMRS78009 I wonder if there's any difference in that area with the firmware. I can pick up planes coming and going from DFW which is about 15 miles away, but on my portable short wave receiver I can pick up traffic in probably around a 60-80 mile radius with just the telescopic. 14-15 miles is right there as far as air traffic goes. I haven't messed with a dedicated air band receiver to compare because I'm not all that dedicated to air traffic. I've also noticed that some planes are much clearer than others, even sometimes small personal planes are clearer than airline planes. I don't know if it has to do with power output or antenna locations on the planes, but sometimes planes at roughly the same distance/altitude sound way different.
Us the Bluetooth feature enabled by default? How to completely shut it down?
You can turn it on and off in the menu.
Hi there if I wanted to use this radio on ham channels what antenna should I get Thanks
They should all be shipped with a multi-band antenna. Make sure you read the item description prior to purchase.
@@MCTGMRS78009 Thank you
This isvmy 1st radio just got it off the charger trying to hear some traffic but can't hear anything
What frequencies are programed in it?
Hello there, good video. Does this radio have any voice prompts at all? Being blind, I am looking for a radio with voice prompts. Thanks.
Yes, voice prompts can be turned on and off thru the radios menu.
@@MCTGMRS78009 would you mind doing me a favor? Could you please see if the voice prompts will read the menu as you navigate down the menu? If you find that it just beeps, would you mind pressing enter on one of the options within the menu, to see if it will say the menu option? If you could do that, and tell me what you find, I would really appreciate it.
Will the h3 receive fire and police also?
Depends on the frequency they are using.
Thanks
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). Tragi-Comedy...
Seriously!? That's very disappointing to hear!
@@MCTGMRS78009 Indeed ! 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.
Bricked it in a blink of an eye doing upgrade with bauefeng data cable.
WHAAAAAAAAT!?!?!?!? You serious????
Thanks!
Anytime! Thanks for watching!
I especially want to listen to airband. Old Kelly Field is about 1 mile away.
There will be plenty of freqs you'll be able to scan on airbands there in SA!
Will this radio receive railroad communications?
Depends on the freqs they are using. Do you know what they are?
Very cool little radio. I haven't carried a radio in months and this one has been carried often since i have received it. Kinda makes me want to try the big brother but not sure.
I've heard they did some updates to the firmware so hopefully all the kinks are worked out. It definitely doesn't have same feel as this little guy!
I felt the same way! I ended up getting the H8 after how impressed I was with the H3. I like both of them (maybe the H3 a bit more) and they have their own purposes. When in “normal mode” the H8 can transmit on 10 watt.
How does it compare to the Tidradio UV-82?
So, I really like the UV82 but this one is smaller in size and has 8 band capability (monitor mode on most). For the price, I don't think it can be beat.
@@MCTGMRS78009 Thanks
They fixed the H*, it is a good radio now.
Agreed!!!!!
People knock the "Stupid" light on Baofeng Radio's too but walk around your yard or trail on a dark night & you will soon appreciate it !
VERY VERY true!!! It took me a bit to realize it!!!
Why shouldn't you use another usb-c cable to charge the radio? Not working with other cables defeats the whole point of usb-c!
You may want to ask the manufacturer that question. That was their direction to me after a battery went bad after about 7 months.
@MCTGMRS78009 I'd demand a refund at that point. A device that can't charge from a generic usb-c cable is not a usb-c device, and they promised a usb-c device.
Good video. Point of critique, which i struggle with as well in my videos. Saying "uh" and "ah" before everything you say... im not trying to piss you off. I do the same thing. Delete after reading, im not here to be seen by all your subscribers, just helping a fellow YT out. Take your time, think about what you want to say before saying it and editing helps, too. Lol. I'm subscribed. Thanks for your public service as well.
73.
No need to delete... I do these unscripted and off the cuff and I agree, it's something I need to work on. Thanks for the feedback!!!
Easy to program you say. God I hope so.
I think CHIRP is the most basic. I'm not far from you if you wanna meet for coffee one day and I'll help you get it set up.
@@MCTGMRS78009 I have the H3, I'll buy the coffee and breakfast for CHIRP & ODMASTER class here in central Florida.
😊
:-) to you too!!! lol
😎👍🏻'73
THANKS for watching!!!
@@MCTGMRS78009 Thanks for the in depth information about programming it, mine arrives any day.
Just like the rest, horrible front end, radios desense each other. Horrible quality, horrible product.
Sorry you feel that way. For folks on a budget, I think these radios are a GREAT option.
Which radio would you pick, The H3 or a Quensheng k5.
After using the H3 for the last 3 weeks or so, I would have to pick it.
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...
Ok go buy a way overpriced jap radio. Granted better quality. But not that much. And at the end it does the job . Lets face it these radios are killing the big brands. Yes o would like a jap. But to be honest id feel a fool paying that amount for it. This is one of the problems with ham. So many snobs .
How long does it take you to charge it? Are there simply problems with charging this radio? Привет с России ))
From a totally dead battery it takes about 4 hours to charge on the cradle.