None of the front panel keys worked, they just added more characters. However...short pressing either of the side keys does indeed bump you right out of DTMF. Many thanks.
I bought the twin pack of the H8. And have since ordered the larger antenna, the speaker mic, and the drop in charger. I love this HT. I set mine up for single band view. Also I bought the Rtsystems software with the cable. This software allows you to view whats in the radio on a spread sheet. You can also change the many functions. And set it up easy the way you like it.
The lateral Movement on the belt clip is odd all of mine all 4 of mine do that.. I been happy with the Batteries USB C charging Hasn't had any interference issues with the batteries.. When the USB C charging is in use I checked to make sure they didn't have issues. that's because the Baofeng UV-5G Plus and The Baofeng 5RH and Baofeng 5RM are notorious for USB C interference making any radio in 100 feet go Deaf just for charging the batteries. So Im very happy That there is no interference issues with the USB C charging on these TidRadio's 28:00 @KS6DAY
Someone tell Chinese manufacturers that nothing says "cheap Chinese radio" like having a built-in LED flashlight. Their products would ironically seem more premium if they left some features out.
I think the flashlight is a nice feature. Just like your cell phone. Rtsystems makes a nice user friendly software for this HT. I like the price and the radio. And the 10 watts is a plus for getting out with the optional longer rubber whip.
I agree we are so conditioned to put names then can't ever remember the number behind the name so I agree the name and frequency on the screen at the same time is a amazing feature 14:20 love that it shows the Frequency change of the offset which is also nice when TX @KS6DAY
One thing I’m really looking for is a good quality radio, 8-10 watts unlockable but that also has usb charging and more importantly a scrambler function. I thought I found it in the ra89 (Retevis) but the radio SUCKS for a lot of reasons. Retevis rt87 is good but no usb charging and they don’t plan to sell an aftermarket battery for it, the quanshengs are cheap and have scramblers but they’re dirty and weak (although yes versatile). But I can’t seem to find this radio.
I am hoping for a firmware update that allows for the channel NAME to be displayed in large characters instead of the frequency. I like the BT programming feature and the USB-C (this makes charging in my truck a breeze). Mine only TX 5 watts on high.
This is a brilliant radio. I got one about 2 weeks ago. I'm still getting to know it but it's really user-friendly. I'll be checking actual power levels and spurs, etc, soon. Another great review, no-nonsense info packed reviews. Not just another "show n' tell" video with an affiliate link pushing buy, buy, buy! Thank you!🤠🇦🇺⁷³
Nice review. I have one of these and love it. I really love the programming app, it makes it very easy to program repeaters in my area. I just ordered their H3 to try out as well, not that I needed it but I do enjoy air band.
Great review. You do a great job of explaining the features and functionality. Look forward to the video of configuring the HT for the three different modes.
The tidradio H8 is way better then 99 percent of all displays in direct Sunlight it's actually pretty easy to see in direct sunlight i also love the Frequency and Name on the screen at the same time 12:20 @KS6DAY
Good to see that more companies are using USB -C for charging! USB batteries and cables are already something that I use so i don't need to carry extra cables I'd love to see them have two USB-C ports. One on the battery for charging and one on the radio for programming and data modes.
I ordered one of these a few days ago and should be getting it in the next couple days. One function I like to have is the ability to switch listening between the input and output frequencies of a repeater with the push of a button. I know the H3 has this function (5 button if I remember correctly), the Baofengs and Wouxuns can do that too. Does the H8 have this capablity? Thanks
I bought one of these. It’s as deaf as a post and in spite of allegedly having 10 watts wont hit repeaters more than five miles away. I even replaced the antenna to no avail. I returned it. Definitely not worth 70 dollars.
I just got an H8 & a H3. The larger H8 seems to be more comfortable in my hand, but the transmit button seems really flimsy compared to the H3. The H8 display is slightly larger & channel font more easily readable than the H3. The H8 up/down is much easier to use than the tiny buttons on H3. The H3 can be programmed with the supplied USB C cable, while the H8 could only be programmed via my old Baofeng premium (2 pin mic & earphone) cable. Both radios have the SYNC feature which for me is a must. This lets you to see FREQ & CHANNEL NAME simultaneously. Baofeng has refused for years to ship this feature except for Euro mkt radios.
Am I able to monitor the airwaves while the radio is on the cradle? Because I have a shop way out back and I need a way for my wife to yell at me without having to come out here? I mean, if I’m gonna get yelled at I’d rather be yelled at over the radio than in person…
Hmmm. That's interesting. I have the same radio, gen 2, and my scan button doesn't do that. Short press does nothing. 2 second press and scans? I haven't updated my firmware. I have 230317
@@KS6DAY either way per Tidradio . In the FB group tidradio club there have many users reported bricking their radio or loosing all programming after doing that
I want to add that, while the speaker isn't meant for music, it is certainly better than nothing when you want something to listen to at night while in the woods. Also, the VX7 can do dual display, just with less info displayed. In dual watch it will show name OR freq
Nearly all of the charging cradles are expecting 12v from the wall wart. You can frequently power them directly from any 12v source (eg one of those little talentcell packs).
Thanks for the comprehensive review. I picked up the radio and one of your pouches to go with it. The phone programmability was a real draw because I can use my phone’s screen reader to work with the menus I can’t see and aren’t voiced on the handset.
Been using my ver 2 H8 since june 2023 no issues, power is 9.5 to 10.5 out spurious radiations within spec. the odmaster app is so easy to use and makes it easy to add or remove freqs if needed and enter all data needed i got the set 2 ant spkr mic 2 batteries the long ant works very well makes a difference in range
Scott, nice review. Excellent presentation, sir! But you confuse "mode" with "service". Lot'a newbies, particularly on GMRS, who really ought to learn the terminology correctly. 73 de N3HOE
MENU, Key #3 - SAVE. When in SAVE mode, used to save battery, when radio is in sleep mode you can set the ratio of its sleep/awake cycle. 1:8, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, or off. It saves the most power at 1:8, and none when OFF is selected.
It's great that they allowed for using the cradle with any power source because if you have the opportunity to bring the cradle out with you and aren't constrained on time the cradle is the more ideal option since it charges slower than going straight into the battery USB port. It's a subtle difference and sometimes fast charging is necessary, but slower charging will extend the life of the battery in the long run
OK, you are getting 10W RF output, great. Everyone else seems to be reporting 5W on high on GMRS on the latest release. Did you do something different?
I was able to get 11.5 watts consistently on my 4 Tidradio H8 radios That i been testing and playing with also noticed the ptt id Was tricky only able to get it to function on the Tidradio software the bluetooth works very well I agree Bluetooth Mic would be amazing like a Bluetooth Ear buds or Headphones 19:30 @KS6DAY