Is it EASY? TIDRadio TD-H8 Gen2 Firmware Upgrade

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In this video we attempt to update the firmware of the TIDRadio TD-H8 Gen 2 Ham Radio. Will we be successful? Sponsored by www.pcbway.com Cheap & quick PCB, 3D Printing, CNC machining, and fabrication services from PCBWay.
NOTE: I am a big ole dummy, the upgrade needs to be started with the radio off. After you start in the app, turn the radio on. I was able to upgrade the second radio, after the upgrade the radio continued to have the same problems. I spoke to the folks at TIDRadio and the FW obviously will not fix the radios that had HW problems. If anyone has problems with the hardware I'd reach out to support@tidradio.com with the order number and a picture with the barcode.
Note: This Radio was sent to me from TIDRadio free of charge in exchange for this video review.
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Опубликовано:

24 сен 2023

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Комментарии : 138

@JDHood 9 месяцев назад

You are a better man than me. That first one would have experienced an "unscheduled, rapid disassembly" against my brick wall.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

Lol JD

@RandallRash 9 месяцев назад

Step 6 says "Click Start, THEN turn on your radio". It is counter-intuitive but comes on with no screen display, and does the update.

@K2MBL-Mike 9 месяцев назад

exactly

@JZuniga81 9 месяцев назад

I have updated my firmware just fine! Follow the instructions radio off click start then turn radio on. I am 2 for 2 radio updates

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@GmrsKissimmee 9 месяцев назад

Could you update? For me it was easy and without any problem. Use a Tidradio cable and the A36

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@@GmrsKissimmee I was finally able to update it 👍

@KN4VA 9 месяцев назад

Excellent. Followed the instructions as written, and flashed two of them without any issue. Thanks for the video. Got some hope for theses radios now. 73, KN4VA

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@360plussynthetics 6 дней назад

I just got the H3, and am thinking about getting the H8... but your shirt just made this video even better 🤘🏻

@TheSmokinApe 2 дня назад

Thanks 360 🤘

@HOAHamRadio 9 месяцев назад

Patience of a saint! I had that problem on the original radio before they went on sale; I could never get the cable seated so I just gave up. I asked TID to fix the material at the connector--I guess they did not want the expense of modifying the mold. Welp, I ordered the Abreeeeeee cable, that was a plus!

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@HOAHamRadio 9 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe I was really hoping the software was the fix.... This means they've tinkered with the innerds.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

Yeah, apparently they were some with "faulty HW". I spoke to the folks at TIDRadio and the FW obviously will not fix the radios that had HW problems. If anyone has problems with the hardware I'd reach out to support@tidradio.com with the order number and a picture with the barcode.

@matthew.tamasco 8 месяцев назад

For those still having issues, do not turn on the radio until AFTER you press Start per the Read Me file.

@TheSmokinApe 8 месяцев назад

I did include that in the description...

@user-ye6rd3yb2i 5 месяцев назад

Yep this was the easiest firmware upgrade! I saw this video first, then went to another silent video, did exactly the same thing as that video and nothing happened, sooo i went to download the corresponding drivers for my system, clicked on the NEW BIN file Hit start THEN turned on my radio and VOILA!!!! Download Complete Version GMRS_230923!

@FEPLabsRadio 9 месяцев назад

Bless their hearts!

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@AntonioClaudioMichael 5 месяцев назад

That abbree programming cable is sweet 9:36

@TheSmokinApe 5 месяцев назад

Yeah, I like it 👍

@AntonioClaudioMichael 5 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe do you got a Link for that cable

@brianhendrix 9 месяцев назад

The instructions say to click on start and THEN turn on the radio. I had your same issues but when I reversed the order and clicked on start first AND THEN turned on the radio, it updated firmware. It worked on two older radios.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

I am a big ole dummy, the upgrade needs to be started with the radio off. After you start in the app, turn the radio on. I was able to upgrade the second radio, after the upgrade the radio continued to have the same problems. I spoke to the folks at TIDRadio and the FW obviously will not fix the radios that had HW problems. If anyone has problems with the hardware I'd reach out to support@tidradio.com with the order number and a picture with the barcode.

@raymondlewis2055 9 месяцев назад

You really tried to get it to work!! Great effort on your part, too bad the update failed.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@temporarilyoffline 9 месяцев назад

That clears that up!

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@temporarilyoffline 9 месяцев назад

I told tid that they should accept returns on these radios and get people sorted properly. They didn't seem to want to do anything other than amazon returns - which AFAIK 'hurts their reputation' on amazon and those radios just get land-filled. Now I want to know how to get my hands on that pallet of returns. 🤔 @@TheSmokinApe

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

I spoke to the folks at TIDRadio and the FW obviously will not fix the radios that had HW problems. If anyone has problems with the hardware I'd reach out to support@tidradio.com with the order number and a picture with the barcode.

@petercarter9034 4 месяца назад

An interesting video, pleased eveyone sorted jt out un the end, I still love Tidradio handsets

@TheSmokinApe 4 месяца назад

Thanks for watching Peter 👍

@AntonioClaudioMichael 5 месяцев назад

Good video showing the software and firmware dont work and it bricks radios so good video showing to be cautious about doing it 17:32

@ivorbiggen9599 2 месяца назад

Hi, me again. Regardless of your words I bought one of these just to try 4/2024. Buzzing has gone, got it from Aliex to the uk, does get warm after about 20 minutes of use but the issue I’ve found, we use 12.5 the radio only does 12.0 the only workaround I can find is to set at 6.25 is this another issue or is it set for a different country. Regards, love the vids

@TheSmokinApe 2 месяца назад

Bandwidth is likely a regional setting but I’m not familiar with what y’all use over there. That said I’m sure these are GMRS radios that have been tweaked for ham frequencies and I’m pretty sure GMRS is 20KHz

@Happy-Trails-To-You 8 месяцев назад

So, assuming the FW does not fix "the problems" you identified earlier, is there a way via a serial number or date on the hardware (ie the radio) that would tell me if I got the new hardware or an old unit? Getting ready to buy one from Amazon.

@TheSmokinApe 8 месяцев назад

Hey HTTY, it doesn't fix the issues. I did ask TID for the SN range and they wouldn't give it to me...

@Happy-Trails-To-You 8 месяцев назад

I have not ordered mine yet. I am a virgin newbee buying my first radio so I can have something in my hand while I study for the FCC Tech License. My friend told me to just buy a Baofeng UV-5R. After looking at reviews, I thought TIDRadio was better for me because of larger keys and display. Then I thought a TD-H8 was better than a UV-5R (TIDRadio makes these also). Suggestions would be appreciated for my 1st radio.@@TheSmokinApe

@WapitiEater 2 месяца назад

Using a cable with the FTDI USB/Serial chip, had a successful upgrade on a TH-H3 (not the H8 - don't have one of those). I've seen the same 'plug fit' issue on some of the less popular Baofengs, had to do the same surgery, but was successful in completing the upgrade

@TheSmokinApe 2 месяца назад

I wish they made it easier 🤔

@jpe1701 7 месяцев назад

I am having the same issue with the whining noise when I transmit. THe only work around I've found was that it doesn't do it with the tx power set on medium or low. I reached out to tidradio but haven't heard from them yet.

@TheSmokinApe 7 месяцев назад

Sorry to hear that. I know they were getting flooded with support requests, I’d keep emailing 👍

@jpe1701 7 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe Thanks. They did contact me late lastnight with a link to a firmware that seems to have solved my problem.

@dougkrnosky2091 9 месяцев назад

The firmware update worked well for me. Can you explain the purpose for the power tuner app? Why would I need to adjust the power output?

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

Hey Doug. Sorry man, I haven't used that app...

@AntonioClaudioMichael 5 месяцев назад

Your redirected to the same page after clicking on the video because the link in that html Website code is broken which is why its showing gray with a circle and triangle they didnt build the website right 4:40

@RicSpivey 9 месяцев назад

You did good work documenting the worst nightmare of firmware updates ape! I'm glad it wasn't one of your high dollar radios that would've REALLY hurt. Sounds like tidradio has some things to work out before you knock any more of your HT army out of commission!

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@RicSpivey 9 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe the ol' rtfm monster got you. I've been there!

@andrewking3087 9 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe Presumably this didn't work on the bricked radio?

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@@andrewking3087 I was able to unbrick the brick 🧱

@kurttuttle1817 9 месяцев назад

I did update mine yesterday using a UV5R cable , and I felt the click when I really pushed it in. I also used the same cable later to delete the GMRS channels that my Ham version came with and then uploaded Ham freq's using Chirp, as I could not get ODMaster to work. The update firmware I have is Ham 230911. Hope you can get it figured out and do the test again.

@K2MBL-Mike 9 месяцев назад

I had the exact same experience.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@kurttuttle1817 9 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe interesting because they told me that the firmware update would correct it. Makes me wonder if I should return it to Amazon.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@kurttuttle1817 9 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe Thanks for the info. I don't think mine has the HW problems. I held my hand against the battery terminals and did not feel anything and held it across for at least 30 seconds or more. and I usually cup around them anyway. On the audio, had my wife listen on a UV5R, while I was about 25ft away, and said she did not hear anything other than my voice. So maybe I got a good one except it came as the GMRS. Thanks for all the updates. Oh, one question did you do any video on HOA antennas? 73 Kurt

@JZuniga81 9 месяцев назад

Ape please update the video. RandallRash is correct on step 6. I have updated my firmware by following the steps. My radio is on 230823. I am wondering what 230830 has?

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@K5YVY 9 месяцев назад

Ooof, Like a old truck, got tricks to get it started lol

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

Lol, thanks for checking it out BroJett 👍

@DesertGeek85321 7 месяцев назад

Off topic but... What are the differences between the ham and gmrs radios? Obviously the power levels. But because it appears that the GMRS radio can be modified to be a HAM or ALL it makes me wonder what the total differences really are. I am a Ham, but I bought two GMRS radios for my family. I will keep one and use it in the ALL configuration. I don't care about the 10w power as it is at best 3db but with a lot less battery life. Perhaps it is only the FCC approval??? Inquiring minds want to know. Tnx 73

@TheSmokinApe 7 месяцев назад

Hey DG, they are a little higher than the Ham 70cm band, ham covers many different bands and gmrs is limited to one. Also there are different license requirements for both 👍

@wheelersecuritygroup Месяц назад

Once you open the program and before you press start, hold the PTT button and turn the radio on. Press Start and then release the PTT button it will download the software

@TheSmokinApe Месяц назад

Thank yoy

@TheDoug625 9 месяцев назад

I guess I got lucky, I got one in August from Amazon and its still version 230317 but with none of the issues. 🤷‍♂️

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

Did you put it on an SA?

@legallimitoutdoors9917 6 месяцев назад

Can I use the long antenna that came with my radio 4 gmrs or is it made just for ham radio I appreciate someone help me out here thank you very much and Merry Christmas

@TheSmokinApe 6 месяцев назад

Hey LLO, Mine didn't come with one so I am not sure. Sorry man...

@legallimitoutdoors9917 6 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe hey you wouldn't know where the mic gain is that do you I was told that should be turned up but I can't find it

@TheSmokinApe 6 месяцев назад

Mic Gain is menu item 42

@legallimitoutdoors9917 6 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe hmm🤔 I go there and GMRS with a bunch of numbers I go down one to there then it puts me back up with a beep. Not getting anywhere on 42 Not unless I'm doing something wrong which is probably possible LOL

@legallimitoutdoors9917 6 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe u said the Mic gain on #42. Is that on gmrs or ham?

@stuartlent2645 9 месяцев назад

Everything looks the same style of programming as on my Quansheng K6. To upload the firmware on my Quansheng to start the firmware update you turn on the radio holding down the push to talk button. The light should turn on which means it is in Firmware update mode. I don't think it is your cables. My Quansheng has an almost identical firmware update process. Software looks similar with the same fields.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@dougww1ectebow 5 месяцев назад

No Mac software for upgrading firmware?

@TheSmokinApe 5 месяцев назад

Not from the vendor

@dougww1ectebow 5 месяцев назад

Then where?@@TheSmokinApe

@ShooterReadyStandBy 9 месяцев назад

Tird radio strikes again! Would an aioc work? How about the tird Bluetooth adapter? I repeat the process on the bricked radio to see if you can revive it.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@GmrsKissimmee 9 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApeIf your radio does not complete the file upload process again even if it is not turned on, it will not come back to life. Try doing the process again and it will revive. It already happened to me and it's back!!

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@@GmrsKissimmee hey GK, yes I was able to unbrick the brick 👍

@sixpack595 8 месяцев назад

At some point does he actually cover the firmware update?

@TheSmokinApe 8 месяцев назад

@electrohacker 8 месяцев назад

I used a talkpod cable then turned it on after hitting start. Worked just fine. Program sure seems buggy though

@TheSmokinApe 8 месяцев назад

I did make a mistake with step six, after doing it right I was able to do the FW upgrade

@electrohacker 8 месяцев назад

Now the radio no longer powers on. There are several different firmwares and which one to use isn't very clear. Luckily I'm inside the return period with amazon

@majorkonfuzion1007 9 месяцев назад

no way , im not brickin my brick, il just wait for a solution.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@majorkonfuzion1007 9 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe its allright, im stuck with one too

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@K3JRZOnTheAir 9 месяцев назад

You bricked the radio. LOL. Maybe it’s salvageable. 73!

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@keathrhymer5449 9 месяцев назад

Interesting new oddity. I had an issue develop with my output being down from 10 to 8.5 after 2 months asked tidradio and did what they said to do no result, so i told them and they sent me a file to download to do a firmware update to V3 . so basically what i see from you is dont try it even if they tell me where to get the right cable

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

I was able to get it to work, the details are in the description BUT it didn't fix my noise problem 😯

@keathrhymer5449 9 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe i see you said the app they tell me have to use a cable so i have asked where to get it, are sayiong you were able to do the firmware via the app ?

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@@keathrhymer5449 sorry for the confusion, I used the app I down loaded not the Bluetooth app

@user-sb2mh4gk6u 4 месяца назад

Hoe kan ik zien of ik een Gen2 koop ?

@TheSmokinApe 4 месяца назад

I asked for the serial number range and they declined

@mikemurphy9753 6 месяцев назад

You bricked it because you started with turning on the radio. You didn't read the instructions?

@TheSmokinApe 6 месяцев назад

I think I came clean about that in the description and in the comments, in any event it’s unbricked now

@AntonioClaudioMichael 5 месяцев назад

Lmfao you said August 2019 when it's August 19th 2023 Lol bro 😂 3:20

@TheSmokinApe 5 месяцев назад

D’oh!

@AntonioClaudioMichael 5 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe I just thought it was hilarious 😂

@KS0JD 9 месяцев назад

The firmware has not been firmed up yet

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@warmfreeze 9 месяцев назад

i updated the firmware and CAN confirm that it DID NOT work... there must be a hardware change.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

Hey WF, I agree with the HW change. I was finally able to get two updated and they still had the problems.

@vitoldmobile1962 2 месяца назад

download driver CH340

@mdc21787 9 месяцев назад

They just can’t get it right can they.

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

Well, that appears to be the case but I did have a problem following instructions and was able to update it... the update didn't fix the problems

@Swamp-Fox 9 месяцев назад

Apparently not!

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

@Gta2O13 9 месяцев назад

The problem is you can’t follow directions

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

Thats true...

@KamauNwabudike 8 месяцев назад

Uh, no thanks. I don't have 3 radios so I'll pass on this. 😮

@TheSmokinApe 8 месяцев назад

Thanks for checking out the video 👍

@garylaurenzi877 9 месяцев назад

I just received radio (ham) to replace my flawed 2nd generation one. New radio has version ham_230911 installed and so far seems fixed and works well. Was told to KEEP and enjoy the original one but no software update will fix it's issues but it will make a great GMRS radio so enjoy it that way. It has ham_230317 version. They did stay in contact & replace to correct troubles. N8OHV

@TheSmokinApe 8 месяцев назад

Hey Gary, glad to hear they took care of you 👍

@garylaurenzi877 8 месяцев назад

@@TheSmokinApe BTW this was and will only be my only Chinese radio purchased out of curiosity......software & programming is atrocious! Glad it turned out as well as it did....... You do truly only get what ya pay for ! Hahaha! Thanks for your comment.......N8OHV

@TheSmokinApe 8 месяцев назад

@@garylaurenzi877 Agreed, I’m far from impressed 👍