Programming Tidradio td h3 using USB-c

[VETCOMMS]

I'm having issues with "USB device not recognized" when using the USB cable provided with the radio.   I assume the cable used to charge the radio is the same cable I use to program the radio using the USB port on the side.   I didn't see any other cables included in the radio package.   Am I missing the correct cable for I programming?

[spulley]

The supplied USB-C cable will work in the data and charging ports.  I use it to program and charge all the time.
The radio itself has the chip built in that is usually in the programming cable of the "Kenwood" type that uses the speaker/mic jacks.
You may need to update the driver so it it recognized as a different comm. port in device manager. It will likely NOT be COM 1.

Mine comes up:   COM4: USB-SERIAL CH340 (COM 4)  

If you remove the cable, this com port will disappear, and plugging it back in it will reappear in CHIRP and Device Manager.
This will confirm it's the correct COM port to select in CHIRP.

[WSCX426]

The supplied USB-C cable will work for data transfer on the TID programming software and CHIRP.  Make sure it is securely inserted into the USB C port on the right side of the radio under the rubber cover.  If it's not pushed all the way in it will not work.

[SteveShannon]

7 hours ago, VETCOMMS said:

I'm having issues with "USB device not recognized" when using the USB cable provided with the radio.   I assume the cable used to charge the radio is the same cable I use to program the radio using the USB port on the side.   I didn't see any other cables included in the radio package.   Am I missing the correct cable for I programming?

That happens if you haven’t installed the correct driver before plugging in the USB cable.

[VETCOMMS]

10 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

That happens if you haven’t installed the correct driver before plugging in the USB cable.

Thanks.  It looks like I get the driver from the Tidradio website but need to log in to their website.  Is it possible to get the driver without logging in?

[VETCOMMS]

I'm not sure this cable can be used for programming but it's the only one that came in the box.   I've used it to charge the radio so wonder if the cable can do both programming AND charging. 

[Guest]

Pretty sure that is for charging only and that radio uses a k1 programming cable like many other radios.  You usually have to order a cable separate since you would not want to have to pay for a cable with every radio.  You could own 10radios and you only need one cable. Keeps the price down. 

[VETCOMMS]

Yeah.... can't get the com port to recognize the radio using the c port and USB port on the radio.   I'm pretty sure they say you can program it using usb-c which makes the radio attractive. 

I'm hoping someone has successfully used Chirp via the USB to type c cable included with the radio but maybe I'm mistaken and need to buy a separate programming cable. 

Someone with this radio please straighten me out on the programming cable.   Technology is not liking me today. 

[VETCOMMS]

Thank you for your help. 

[CoffeeTime]

I used the bluetooth feature and ODMaster App to program H3. Worked great. 

FYI, If you have, or plan to have, different radio brands consider a look at the Mirkit Universal Programming cable set --as it works for multiple radio brands and is plug-and-play.   I used it on Baofeng and Retevis = very nice and easy.

 

https://www.amazon.com/MIRKIT-Baofeng-Programming-Compatible-Radios/dp/B09LD2HCZV/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&sr=1-5

[Packman5280]

derp sorry realized my answer was already covered but can't find the delete button

[TrikeRadio]

On 6/8/2024 at 8:22 AM, WRXP381 said:

I quick internet search reveals to me that you need to buy a programing cable.   It’s the cable that has the chip and driver in it.  Again it keeps the cost down not including a programming cable for every radio. 
 

the usb is for charging.  This is what make it a feature you can charge from any basic cell phone charger or car charger and don’t need a cradle like older/other designs.  

 

I have two TD-H3s and I can confirm that the provided USB cable can be used in the SIDE PORT USBc port (not the bottom one on the battery that is for charging) to both connect to CHIRP and program the radio, and you can update the Firmware using it.

But yes you do have to either let the software select the correct PORT or you have to manually select the correct port for the usb cable.

You CAN get a separate programming cable, but it should not be necessary.

[HeyChris]

I had No Joy using the USB for updating / correcting the firmware on my H3 GMRS...

Rookie mistake upon my part by selecting the incorrect radio on the OdMaster App.  It overwrote to the incorrect version....  Limiting it to 1 channel only.  Again, a noob error. 

I know old news, but the PTT + * keys 'secret menu' saved me. 

Now only if they'd develop an OTA firmware update.

[LeoG]

They say you can program by USB-c.  I haven't had any success doing it and I bought the Kenwood plug/adapter.  I've had no issues with programming the radio using that setup.  There is a USB port on the side along with the Kenwood outlet.  The one on the bottom is to charge the battery.  I just use the Tidradio CPS to program my H3 radios along with the Odmaster.  I've also upgraded to 140625 and now 140702 firmware using their IAP app.  The firmware before 140625 had an issue with blanking out repeater signals for about 2 seconds on the 1st part of the receive after unkeying.

[lougasp61]

Have you all figured it out yet, that the H3 is a Chinese piece of crap?

[LeoG]

27 minutes ago, lougasp61 said:

Have you all figured it out yet, that the H3 is a Chinese piece of crap?

Nope.  Nice little radio for the price.

[MarkInTampa]

I just saw a YouTube video on new aftermarket firmware for the H3 a hour or two ago. One of the things claimed is that it is programmable/firmware updateable via the USB-Type C port. He shows a video on how to do just that. I have no idea if it works on the GMRS locked version or not. The 3rd party firmware actually looks half decent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QbwW1Sgy5o

 

[Guest]

I quick internet search reveals to me that you need to buy a programing cable.   It’s the cable that has the chip and driver in it.  Again it keeps the cost down not including a programming cable for every radio. 
 

the usb is for charging.  This is what make it a feature you can charge from any basic cell phone charger or car charger and don’t need a cradle like older/other designs.