You don't have to use the K plug for firmware updates. I updated mine using the USB C port, but I did have to use my newer Windows PC to get the 340 chip to show up on USB-C.
You could update the firmware That way, but boy what a pain in the butt. You have to really hold the cable in. It does work but make sure you follow the instructions
Did the same as you Sir, bought 2 GMRS radios, then bought 2 Ham radios. All unlocked 🔓 All transmit and receive great (Depending on conditions, antenna type, etc)👍🏾 Got a better deal on the GMRS radios as they came bundled with 2 extra batteries, and a extra desk charger.
Welcome to the great world of radio communications ! "Unlocking" the radio is because there are too different models on as GMRS and one his HAM. However, it is the same radio so if you bought a ham radio version and wanted to use GMRS "unlocking" allows you transmit too that. When you lock it you can basically transmit where you receive (with limitations)
Can the TD-H3 only transmit on the “A” channel or is there something in my settings that I have to flip in order to transmit on my “B” channel? Note: I have the radio in “Normal” mode.
No problem, I have no friends and adhd I only watch useful TH-cam and tend to rabbit hole everything lol. I just got 4 of these the other day and love them. Have had 6 uv-5r's and 2 AR-5RM's but these little td-h3 are my favorite ones .
If you haven't already, you might go into how the high and low power settings can be changed. Some users are reporting lower than expected power, particularly the lower setting. If that is a user setting, it may have just left the factory set wrong.
Yes it’s legal. If you select GMRS mode, you should be allowed to listen to the ham portions but the radio won’t allow you to transmit. Should make an audible “cancel” if you tried.
I have been having MAJOR issues with my TD-H3 Ham version updating. I have followed the instructions to the letter and it still will not update correctly. Any suggestions?
Just getting into gmrs radios to have when i go off-roading and was wondering if it is chargeable from a 12 volt source from the vehicle ? Would not be around a 110 electric source.
Awesome to hear GMRS is fun! Yes, you can charge it from a 12 volt source ! There is a USB C charging port on the bottom of the battery. I know many people keep a spare charge up as you don't have to have the battery plugged into the radio for it to charge ! Hope it helps !
@@EricTechstuffs Thanks for the quick reply. I figured you could and I would remove the battery when doing so just to be on the safe side. It just isn't mentioned in the owners manual.
Depending on what you bought the radio for to transmit - I use "Normal/factory mode" as it opens up all the frequencies so I can program accordingly for "shared use" (GMRS and HAM on one radio )
Does this radio support GMRS TIDRADIO TD-H3 Ham Multi-Band Radio, Handheld Long Range Two Way Radio with USB-C Programming & Charging, 2500mAh Battery(2 PCS)& AirBand Antenna, DTMF, FM, AM, SCAN, NOAA,Frequency Match
Mine for some reason won't transmit on the 350 region range. I have mine fully unlocked, so i don't really understand. Anyone else had the same issues?
That little radio does have allot to offer for the price. Will it tx 2 meter AM? We actually have an active 2 meter AM net in my area. Good video, quite a bit of info I haven't seen covered in other youtube videos on the H3
Thanks ! At this time AM is for Airband receive only... Even with unlocking it to 18Mhz everything is FM receive. Still a good little radio full of features !
I don't think there is really any difference between the "ham" and "GMRS" versions of the radio. I am guessing they just provide antennas that are better tuned to one or the other. Did you find any other real differences?
I definitely appreciate the H3 content. I just returned my UV-5G Plus's in favor of these. My only beef with them so far is the tiny buttons. I'm interested in more firmware and some field testing would be cool.
Now that you experienced h3 performance, how do you compare it to baofeng uv- 5g plus? Is this radio (h3) better in terms of sound quality , functionality and transmit/receive coverage than the baofeng ?
@@joeweberofficial To be fair to the Fengs I'm pretty new to radios. I was going to keep them as well because they seem simple to use being only GMRS. However also buying a Wouxun Kg-q10h forced me to drop one. I didn't test any of their transmissions voice quality but the both receive pretty much equally. The Fengs transmit 9 Watts and H3s 5.5W according to my surecom readings.
I have two of the GMRS versions. One from Amazon, and one from Tidradio, both have the shorter antenna that looks just like your short antenna. I have seen the longer one an ham TH-cam videos. This is strange.
I just ordered the ham version from Amazon. TID Radio is doing some smart marketing. You can get various combinations: one or two radios, one or two batteries, and various antenna combinations. I picked the one with two batteries, the stock and longer ham antennas and the aviation-band antenna. Buying them all at once was cheaper than each separately. Since shipping was now covered, I also ordered SMA female to BNC female adapters, so I can attach BNC antennas. I have several of those. I have a telescoping half-wave antenna for 2 meters that shortened slightly will work for marine VHF and MURS. Telescoped in a lot it also got low SWR for 220 and 440 although I have not tested that on the air.
I never had an H8 but this came out after and has updated some of the H8 issues, that's only what I read though. I don't have any hands on use with the H8. Thanks for watching !
Eric I cant find the updates. Can you do a video showing the full instructions of where to get the up dates and what I need to completely update the radio thanks.
A couple of notes: If you have stuff programmed in one of the modes, and change modes, it resets the radio, so you lose any memories you had saved. BUT, the radio has Bluetooth, and can be programmed over bluetooth via the odmaster phone app. So if you save changes there, you can easily re-load the settings from your phone in the field with no cable needed. Also nice if you travel and want to easily load settings for different areas.
Radio color cases are to long in coming out! I had the idea for brightly colored cases 30 years ago! So you could easily find your radio, if dropped in the woods!
I'm the opposite..in a SHTF scenario where you need to be in Hiding and talking on your radio....you don't want a Neon Green or Glowing transparent Radio.
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...
@@EricTechstuffs 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.
I guess my search will continue in the hope to find someone who is not a click baiter and who doesn't " mysteriously " lose the parts of the video that shows how to unlock this radio and then continues on like he actually taught us something. .WTF.. absolutely worthless click bait video
@@EricTechstuffs you state multiple times that these videos are for " newcomers " in the radio world, so we can learn..is that true or do you make these videos because they make you feel smart...if these things are " so easy and simple " then you and others don't need to make any more videos because apparently new GMRS or ham users should be born with all the knowledge we will ever need.. making these kinds of videos absolutely useless
I don’t think he is speaking fast I think he sped up the record speed in order to fit the video to share
Thank you ! That is exactly why. I am glad you understand.
You don't have to use the K plug for firmware updates. I updated mine using the USB C port, but I did have to use my newer Windows PC to get the 340 chip to show up on USB-C.
Thanks for letting me know. I have heard of some not having luck with USB-C firmware updating. Thanks for the tip !!
I also have upgraded firmware through the USB-C.
You could update the firmware That way, but boy what a pain in the butt. You have to really hold the cable in. It does work but make sure you follow the instructions
Did the same as you Sir, bought 2 GMRS radios, then bought 2 Ham radios. All unlocked 🔓 All transmit and receive great (Depending on conditions, antenna type, etc)👍🏾
Got a better deal on the GMRS radios as they came bundled with 2 extra batteries, and a extra desk charger.
Very nice! Thanks for watching !
4:00 What mode would "normal" be? Not HAM, not GMRS, what is left, CB?
"Normal" mode is the Unlocked mode allowing full Transmit across HAM/GMRS/MURS ect.
@@EricTechstuffs Thanks !
H8 has both in one. One or the other or completely unlocked. Just learning. 10W
You are correct. Either version is the same radio after "unlocking" Enjoy the radio !
FYI: The 3 firmware files (ham, GMRS and unlocked) are all identical binaries. The 3 “setup” executable files are all different from one another.
Thank you !
Ham, GMRS, & European mode!
Just curious, after unlocked can you Tx on the Marine freq, as well as transmit on the MURS channels?
Yes ! Once it's unlocked you can transmit on Marine and MURS channels
No, you can update the firmware via USB-C as well
Thanks for sharing that !
I am new. Just got one of these. What does unlocking it, unlock?
Welcome to the great world of radio communications ! "Unlocking" the radio is because there are too different models on as GMRS and one his HAM. However, it is the same radio so if you bought a ham radio version and wanted to use GMRS "unlocking" allows you transmit too that. When you lock it you can basically transmit where you receive (with limitations)
Can the TD-H3 only transmit on the “A” channel or is there something in my settings that I have to flip in order to transmit on my “B” channel?
Note: I have the radio in “Normal” mode.
It has 2 separate ptt buttons, top one for channel a , and one below it for channel b
Thank you for answering his question ! 73
No problem, I have no friends and adhd I only watch useful TH-cam and tend to rabbit hole everything lol. I just got 4 of these the other day and love them. Have had 6 uv-5r's and 2 AR-5RM's but these little td-h3 are my favorite ones .
The GMRS version should have a G at the end of the FCC ID. There are two separate approved FCC IDs in the FCC site.
If you haven't already, you might go into how the high and low power settings can be changed. Some users are reporting lower than expected power, particularly the lower setting. If that is a user setting, it may have just left the factory set wrong.
Great Idea ! Thank you.. I will make a video on that ! I have heard the same things.
I bought the Ham TD-H3 version, but I only have a GMRS license. Can I just switch the radio to GMRS until I get 1st level Ham?
Yes. To switch, hold both the PTT button and the * key pressed while powering on. Then select “GMRS”.
@@cyberia55 Thanks just wondering if it is legal.
@@ronaldraymond7037 yes, its legal
Yes it’s legal. If you select GMRS mode, you should be allowed to listen to the ham portions but the radio won’t allow you to transmit. Should make an audible “cancel” if you tried.
I need a clear answer , is this a GMRS and A HAM radio ?
I have been having MAJOR issues with my TD-H3 Ham version updating. I have followed the instructions to the letter and it still will not update correctly. Any suggestions?
I would reach out to TID Radio for support. I have heard some had to receive a new unit due to an issue. Let me know how it goes !
Just getting into gmrs radios to have when i go off-roading and was wondering if it is chargeable from a 12 volt source from the vehicle ? Would not be around a 110 electric source.
Awesome to hear GMRS is fun! Yes, you can charge it from a 12 volt source ! There is a USB C charging port on the bottom of the battery. I know many people keep a spare charge up as you don't have to have the battery plugged into the radio for it to charge ! Hope it helps !
@@EricTechstuffs Thanks for the quick reply. I figured you could and I would remove the battery when doing so just to be on the safe side. It just isn't mentioned in the owners manual.
What is the normal setting? Is GMRS not normal?
Depending on what you bought the radio for to transmit - I use "Normal/factory mode" as it opens up all the frequencies so I can program accordingly for "shared use" (GMRS and HAM on one radio )
Does this radio support GMRS TIDRADIO TD-H3 Ham Multi-Band Radio, Handheld Long Range Two Way Radio with USB-C Programming & Charging, 2500mAh Battery(2 PCS)& AirBand Antenna, DTMF, FM, AM, SCAN, NOAA,Frequency Match
Yes it sure does ! You will enjoy this radio !
Now I understand why some many people are sale those radios …probably are good for use without a repeater
So the gmrs version is the same ?
Yes, the only difference is what firmware you have on it, but they are the same radio.
@EricTechstuffs ohhh but gmrs version still can do ham after unlock ?
@@briansegarra9312 Yes it sure can !
@@briansegarra9312 Yes sir !
@EricTechstuffs thanks appreciate, i should have gotten a td h3 instead of the uv-17r but i will get one soon
Is the airband finally compatible with 8.33 spacing?
Yes, a number of the reviews have shown that it has been revised to fit European aviation band spacing. You just need the updated firmware.
@@Inkling777 Excellent!
Nice information...Thanks
Thanks. I can't imagine using 350 Mhz for an uplink...
Mine for some reason won't transmit on the 350 region range. I have mine fully unlocked, so i don't really understand. Anyone else had the same issues?
Check the menu settings in the #50 range you should see the other band TX options.
That little radio does have allot to offer for the price. Will it tx 2 meter AM? We actually have an active 2 meter AM net in my area.
Good video, quite a bit of info I haven't seen covered in other youtube videos on the H3
Thanks ! At this time AM is for Airband receive only... Even with unlocking it to 18Mhz everything is FM receive. Still a good little radio full of features !
I don't think there is really any difference between the "ham" and "GMRS" versions of the radio. I am guessing they just provide antennas that are better tuned to one or the other. Did you find any other real differences?
It’s the same radio, just what version of the software is loaded on it. The GMRS model still comes with a 144/440 antenna.
And the radio still receives both sets of frequencies, but prevents transmit of the version you don’t have loaded.
Watts the difference between ‘GMRS’ and ‘NORMAL’?
Normal will open up the frequency ranges for transmitting
@EricTechstuffs open up what frequencies? All of them, both gmrs and ham?
@@rticul8862 GMRS, ham business, police, and anything else in the UHF and VHF ranges in your area.
Nice!! Thanks for sharing. Now I gotta have one lol
They’re great little radios
Don't know if you are aware, but you said "GRMS" several times instead of "GMRS." FYI.
Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Clear as mud.
I definitely appreciate the H3 content. I just returned my UV-5G Plus's in favor of these. My only beef with them so far is the tiny buttons. I'm interested in more firmware and some field testing would be cool.
Now that you experienced h3 performance, how do you compare it to baofeng uv- 5g plus? Is this radio (h3) better in terms of sound quality , functionality and transmit/receive coverage than the baofeng ?
@@joeweberofficial To be fair to the Fengs I'm pretty new to radios. I was going to keep them as well because they seem simple to use being only GMRS. However also buying a Wouxun Kg-q10h forced me to drop one.
I didn't test any of their transmissions voice quality but the both receive pretty much equally.
The Fengs transmit 9 Watts and H3s 5.5W according to my surecom readings.
@@rosswalther2538 Oh I see. Thanks for your reply 😊
I have two of the GMRS versions. One from Amazon, and one from Tidradio, both have the shorter antenna that looks just like your short antenna. I have seen the longer one an ham TH-cam videos. This is strange.
Yes, I also saw some get a Bluetooth PPT wrist strap with larger antenna and short antenna !
I just ordered the ham version from Amazon. TID Radio is doing some smart marketing. You can get various combinations: one or two radios, one or two batteries, and various antenna combinations. I picked the one with two batteries, the stock and longer ham antennas and the aviation-band antenna. Buying them all at once was cheaper than each separately.
Since shipping was now covered, I also ordered SMA female to BNC female adapters, so I can attach BNC antennas. I have several of those. I have a telescoping half-wave antenna for 2 meters that shortened slightly will work for marine VHF and MURS. Telescoped in a lot it also got low SWR for 220 and 440 although I have not tested that on the air.
Is it waterproof?
No rating is specified.
no
GRMS?
@@EricTechstuffs no. General Mobile Radio Service.
Alphabet soup on my end. GMRS ! MY bad !
@@skooterclown I sure misspoke a bit ! You are right ! 👍
More on this please. Liked and subscribed !
Thank you. I did make you other videos on this radio previously Thank you for you subscription !
How do I just listen to traffic please 🙏
hit the V/M button and in VFO mode enter the frequency you want to listen to.
Is th h8 version the same,just software or hardware ? Diference
I never had an H8 but this came out after and has updated some of the H8 issues, that's only what I read though. I don't have any hands on use with the H8. Thanks for watching !
which radio is more reliable and better Quansheng UV-K5 or tidradio td-h3 ???
I've enjoyed the H3 better
Eric I cant find the updates. Can you do a video showing the full instructions of where to get the up dates and what I need to completely update the radio thanks.
A couple of notes: If you have stuff programmed in one of the modes, and change modes, it resets the radio, so you lose any memories you had saved. BUT, the radio has Bluetooth, and can be programmed over bluetooth via the odmaster phone app. So if you save changes there, you can easily re-load the settings from your phone in the field with no cable needed. Also nice if you travel and want to easily load settings for different areas.
Thank you for these notes ! It will help me, and other operators with this radio !
I've been playing around with it but can't figure out how to clone radios with the OD master app. Is it possible or do I need to use windows?
Radio color cases are to long in coming out! I had the idea for brightly colored cases 30 years ago! So you could easily find your radio, if dropped in the woods!
Tape !
I'm the opposite..in a SHTF scenario where you need to be in Hiding and talking on your radio....you don't want a Neon Green or Glowing transparent Radio.
@@eijentwun5509my thoughts exactly
great little cute radio for yea man bag, but it lacks the power for the price :)
Yes, I think this is the start of some more powerful radios with these features to come !
Where can I learn what all this radio jargon means. Asking seriously, I don't know anything about radio, but I ended up with one of these radios.
You’re in the same boat as me. I am looking at where the world is headed and figure it may be a good idea to get some basics down
www.arrl.org/ham-radio-glossary
@Eric Techstuffs Could you PLEASE stop saying "gRMs” instead of GMRS? Thank you.
Yes. I am sorry. I will properly mention GMRS properly in the future !
Just unlock it🙄
worst radio ever.
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...
@@grandic2 that is awful to hear !
@@EricTechstuffs 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.
I guess my search will continue in the hope to find someone who is not a click baiter and who doesn't " mysteriously " lose the parts of the video that shows how to unlock this radio and then continues on like he actually taught us something. .WTF.. absolutely worthless click bait video
WOW! This is a very SIMPLE radio to program and operate ! Everyone else can do it...Could it just be you? 😏
@@EricTechstuffs you state multiple times that these videos are for " newcomers " in the radio world, so we can learn..is that true or do you make these videos because they make you feel smart...if these things are " so easy and simple " then you and others don't need to make any more videos because apparently new GMRS or ham users should be born with all the knowledge we will ever need.. making these kinds of videos absolutely useless
If he talks any faster he must be tweaking,learned nothing from speed talker
Thanks !
Perfect speed for a New Yorker like me!
True, unwatchable, talks a million miles an hour. What's the point.
Slow people can watch it slower by adjusting the playback speed. Sloths need love too
@@josephpaul8911 Yes, speed adjustable... I had to slow it down to 1.8 from my normal 2.2x. 😂