TIDRADIO H8 Gen2 Initial Review

[WSEL489]

Picked up the TD-H8 in GMRS configuration from Amazon last week. Does a great job for GMRS. I decided to unlock it for testing on HAM and MURS.  I was fairly impressed with overall performance. I programmed with Bluetooth and Chirp. My main reasoning for the test was to have a spare radio that could be reconfigured on the fly if ever I have issues with my HAM HT.  That said, the H8 default configuration will be as a channelized GMRS Radio.

The ODMaster Bluetooth application does a great job, and covers all of the special function button programming as well. Overall good value for money.

[AdmiralCochrane]

Does the TD-H8 have part 95 certification?

[WSEL489]

Yes, as of March 2023.  Based on that date I assume Gen 1 versions of this radio were not Part 95 certified.

[Jaay]

And the TID H-8 Second Gen models ?

[RIPPER238]

Picked up a TID H8 second Gen and did some initial testing and it appears to not have anywhere near the amount of power output it suggests. Most GMRS is 2 watt or less and even on Ham/MURS its at 6 watts at best. I have yet to update the firmware, but I don't think that will help.

I  like it, but it's nowhere near as user friendly or consistent as my H3. Probably will just use it as a home receiver, or maybe ill just return it. 

[WRXB215]

2 minutes ago, RIPPER238 said:

I  like it, but it's nowhere near as user friendly or consistent as my H3.

I keep seeing comments like this between the H3 and the H8. I don't have either but my father-in-law is looking for a radio and I am putting together a list for him. I'll make sure to mention this concerning these two radios. Thanks for the info.

[WRZG694]

On 10/22/2024 at 11:40 AM, WRXB215 said:

I keep seeing comments like this between the H3 and the H8. I don't have either but my father-in-law is looking for a radio and I am putting together a list for him. I'll make sure to mention this concerning these two radios. Thanks for the info.

As one becomes more familiar with the H8 Gen2 it will be easier. Same with a H3, at first it was a bit of a mental challenge, then more use it made more sense. Continue practicing, all is good.

[WRZG694]

On 10/22/2024 at 11:40 AM, WRXB215 said:

I keep seeing comments like this between the H3 and the H8. I don't have either but my father-in-law is looking for a radio and I am putting together a list for him. I'll make sure to mention this concerning these two radios. Thanks for the info.

 

On 10/22/2024 at 11:40 AM, WRXB215 said:

I keep seeing comments like this between the H3 and the H8. I don't have either but my father-in-law is looking for a radio and I am putting together a list for him. I'll make sure to mention this concerning these two radios. Thanks for the info.

If you are measuring on GMRS then you are correct, it will not be ten Watts, it will be five Watts, or less, as set by the FCC. The FCC set HT GMRS max power at 5 watts. Mobile GMRS units (in vehicles) can be upwards of 50 Watts power output. On the ham side, UHF and VHF should be closer to 10 Watts more or less. There are numerous videos on YouTube showing testing of the TD H8 Watt power output, each demonstrate VHF/VHF much higher than GMRS; it is an FCC power output setting requirement. Truly, hope this helps you.

[SteveShannon]

2 minutes ago, WRZG694 said:

The FCC set HT GMRS max power at 5 watts.

That’s simply not true. Although some GMRS channels are limited to handheld radios, and some channels are limited to 5 watts, no regulation limits handheld radios to 5 watts when mobile radios are allowed. There are practical reasons to limit handheld radios to low power but not regulatory. 
Here are the power regulations:

95.1767 GMRS transmitting power limits.

This section contains transmitting power limits for GMRS stations. The maximum transmitting power depends on which channels are being used and the type of station.

(a) 462/467 MHz main channels. The limits in this paragraph apply to stations transmitting on any of the 462 MHz main channels or any of the 467 MHz main channels. Each GMRS transmitter type must be capable of operating within the allowable power range. GMRS licensees are responsible for ensuring that their GMRS stations operate in compliance with these limits.

(1) The transmitter output power of mobile, repeater and base stations must not exceed 50 Watts.

(2) The transmitter output power of fixed stations must not exceed 15 Watts.

(b) 462 MHz interstitial channels. The effective radiated power (ERP) of mobile, hand-held portable and base stations transmitting on the 462 MHz interstitial channels must not exceed 5 Watts.

(c) 467 MHz interstitial channels. The effective radiated power (ERP) of hand-held portable units transmitting on the 467 MHz interstitial channels must not exceed 0.5 Watt. Each GMRS transmitter type capable of transmitting on these channels must be designed such that the ERP does not exceed 0.5 Watt.