Tidradio H3 turned out to be Ham version instead of GMRS.

[WSGZ994]

I ordered an H3 to be my first GMRS radio. Did not realize there were different Ham and GMRS versions.

Can I change the firmware to the GMRS version or do I have to return the radio?
I used CHIRP to set the GMRS frequencies but it doesn't seem to be working.

Thanks for your help with this dork move.

[TrikeRadio]

You would need to reset it to GMRS mode before you can transmit on GMRS.
(in HAM mode if you enter GMRS frequencies/channels it will not allow transmit on GMRS.

To reset a TID Radio H3 to GMRS mode,

1. turn the radio off, then hold down both the Top PTT button and the star button while turning the radio on

2. this will bring up a menu where you can select "GMRS" mode 

3. and confirm the change by pressing the blue "yes" button, causing the radio to reboot in GMRS mode

The radio will reset to GMRS mode, and it should have all GMRS channels already programed in it ready to use.

you don't need to update firmware... just follow above procedure.

One other thing to figure out. if you bought the HAM version, thenn the antennas you got may not be ideal for GMRS.
but that is ok, the stock antennas are not the best anyway. Order a GMRS specific antenna like a Nagoya 771G, or a 701G... or there are many other good GMRS specifically tuned antennas. Even the Tidradio 771G is very good. (but the 771s are longer than the stock anteannas.

 

[GrouserPad]

You can reset that radio to be GMRS. Just reset it and you will be gtg. I think you press the ptt and the blue key at the same time while turning it on. Then select gmrs. 

[LeoG]

Yes.  All of mine but 2 are Ham versions switched to GMRS.  The main difference between the 2 is the antenna they send you.

While in GMRS mode you can only transmit on true GMRS channels

[GrouserPad]

52 minutes ago, LeoG said:

Yes.  All of mine but 2 are Ham versions switched to GMRS.  The main difference between the 2 is the antenna they send you.

While in GMRS mode you can only transmit on true GMRS channels

So then all tdh3’s come compliant for gmrs even one buys the ham version ? I guess I could look up the fcc id numbers but that would mean having to do a bit of research and I’m at work lol.

[LeoG]

Well, if you are afraid the eff sea sea is going to come pounding on your door because you have a non compliant radio that you are operating properly then by all means go ahead.  Myself I'm not worrying about it at all.  Not sure if their IDs are different between the radios.

 

The one on the left is the GMRS version and the one on the right is the Ham version.  They don't differentiate between the two.

[RIPPER238]

10 hours ago, Socalgmrs said:

I’d return it and get a good radio.   Why don’t you think it’s working?   Who else are you trying to talk to?  Is it open to transmitting on gmrs frequencies?  I’m f it is I wouldn’t worry about it. 

What's a good GMRS radio you would suggest? What model? And will it come close to the features, display? Wouxun seems to be close? 

[TrikeRadio]

4 hours ago, GrouserPad said:

Is the gmrs version of his radio (tdh3) part 95 compliant ?

it is

[WRTC928]

4 hours ago, RIPPER238 said:

What's a good GMRS radio you would suggest? What model? And will it come close to the features, display? Wouxun seems to be close? 

Don't pay any attention to the haters. That radio is just fine for ordinary GMRS stuff. The guys who rant about "cheap Chinese junk" probably have a money tree or something.

[LeoG]

 

https://fcc.report/FCC-ID/2A4FBTD831

1ST Line shows 

BQIBL80NZ7zIyx9L0Xv7hw==    350.0-470.0MHz

2023-12-05  Approved

[WSGZ994]

Thanks, all! TrikeRadio and GrouserPad had the correct advice. I did a hard reset and coverted it to GMRS node.

1. Turn it off.

2. Press the * key and PTT at the same time, then turn it on.

3. A menu comes up offering: 1. Ham, 2. GMRS, 3. Normal.

4. Press 2 to get GRMS.

All set!
Many thanks for everyone's suggestions.

 

[RIPPER238]

19 hours ago, WRTC928 said:

Don't pay any attention to the haters. That radio is just fine for ordinary GMRS stuff. The guys who rant about "cheap Chinese junk" probably have a money tree or something.

That's the thing. I'm 100% with you, i started with a TDH3 and loved it and wanted better and got a Q10H and 935G. Every time someone disparages this "cheap Chinese junk" I ask the same question. "What's a good GMRS radio you would suggest? What model?" and i never get a reply. I have a money tree for my hobbies, and yet when i ask a simple question i never get a reply for what's truly the best, US made full featured quality is never mentioned. These "high quality radio experts" really have nothing to say because these cheap Chinese junk radios are kicking everything's ass. 

 

If someone thinks an item is bad, give a better suggestion, a solution reasons why its bad and why something is better. That's the whole point of forums. But i also get throwing a shit grenade into a discussion. Why not throw it back. lol 

[TrikeRadio]

18 hours ago, WSGZ994 said:

Thanks, all! TrikeRadio and GrouserPad had the correct advice. I did a hard reset and coverted it to GMRS node.

1. Turn it off.

2. Press the * key and PTT at the same time, then turn it on.

3. A menu comes up offering: 1. Ham, 2. GMRS, 3. Normal.

4. Press 2 to get GRMS.

All set!
Many thanks for everyone's suggestions.

 

Glad we could help. Enjoy!

[LeeBo]

I have two identical TID H8 radios (even though the title is H3) and I have one set up specifically for HAM and one specifically for GMRS. Yes, I could use one for both but I just prefer to keep them separate.

They are great radios and don’t let the haters discourage you. They work just fine and the price point is great.

And I do have an H3 but rarely use it as it’s just too small.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GrouserPad]

31 minutes ago, gortex2 said:

Just send it back and get a Part 95 radio

Is the gmrs version of his radio (tdh3) part 95 compliant ?

[gortex2]

Just send it back and get a Part 95 radio

[Socalgmrs]

I’d return it and get a good radio.   Why don’t you think it’s working?   Who else are you trying to talk to?  Is it open to transmitting on gmrs frequencies?  I’m f it is I wouldn’t worry about it.