- TIDRADIO TD-H9 10Watt GPS/APRS GMRS Handheld Radio,Spectrum Analysis,SMS Message Text,Bluetooth Programming,Web Upgrade,Compass,Multi-Band Long Range Two Way Walkie Talkies,NOAA,AM,FM,USB-C Battery

Great radio! As an amateur operator I was looking for something a bit better than a UV-5R, but that still was affordable. I'm very happy with this radio. Here is a brief comparison as I own both the TD-H8 and several UV-5Rs. In my opinion (just opinions, I haven't performed tests with instrumentation): This radio has MUCH better receive filtering. The sound is better, and you can hear weak signals better. The transmit is better - I can hit my local UHF repeater MUCH better with this radio (and the included long antenna) than I can from a UV-5R and its long antenna. The menu system is very easy and much like that of a UV-5R. It does have a few features like mic gain, that the UV does not. Of course, the Bluetooth is really great and works with no issues on my iPhone 15. The screen on this radio is fantastic as well. Battery life also seems good! Downsides: 1. The manual that comes with the radio isn't "great". As is frequently the case with these import radios. But you shouldn't have problems getting up and running. 2. The radio doesn't seem to currently support the use of CHIRP programming software. It does have its own software (phone app) that is pretty easy to use. Easier still, you can use their website -- which is pretty "CHIRP-like" and then that will automatically sync down to your phone. Once on your phone, you can push it via Bluetooth to your radio. 2a. I will say you can import a CHIRP file on their website and then save that to your radio. I tried this and it wasn't perfect. It was failing on one of the import lines and the error message was useless at telling me which line was a problem. I ended up importing the file one line at a time until I found the bad line. Once I corrected that it imported. However, it marked every channel to narrow FM. Not sure why... So they have some kinks to work out on the CHIRP import. 3. The manual says you have to disconnect the battery from the radio (or turn the radio off) to charge it. This isn't ideal in some situations but isn't a huge problem as they provide two batteries. So, you can be charging one and using one. I have not yet tried this radio with my digirig lite, and will provide an update if I have issues.

The TIDRADIO H8 has quickly become my go-to ham radio, and it’s an outstanding choice for both beginners and experienced users. The build quality is impressive—sturdy, durable, and lightweight enough to carry on the go without feeling flimsy. It feels like a premium device at a very reasonable price point. What sets this radio apart is the Bluetooth programming function. It’s a total game-changer! Using the app, I was able to program frequencies in minutes without needing a cable or fumbling with complicated software. The process was incredibly intuitive, making this one of the easiest radios to set up. Performance-wise, the audio is clear and strong, and the reception is excellent. The battery life is another big plus—it easily lasts a full day of use, and the charging dock makes recharging simple and efficient. For the price, the TIDRADIO H8 offers unbeatable value. You’re getting a solid, feature-packed radio that’s easy to program and built to last. I’d highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a reliable and user-friendly ham radio!

I love this radio because I have both a ham license and a GMRS license. When placed in normal mode, this radio can do both together legally since it is a FCC part 95 radio it has many features that I will probably never use but me at some point. Like the GPS and APRS it has an FM radio and it can be programmed by Blu tooth or on a computer. I prefer using the Free software. To program with my laptop. It’s much easier than fooling with the app. for the price, you really can’t beat it with all the features it has. It has a very nice solid field to it a very nice color screen, but you can run in dual mode or single. Very easy to read the screen outdoors and you can adjust the brightness. I also love the fact that it can be charged on a USB-C cable or using the cradle that comes with it. It is also programmable using just the buttons on the radio, but certain features can only be changed using the computer or Bluetooth app.

This is a nice radio. Its very solid and water proof which is nice since I use mine out in the woods. I also like that it has bluetooth for programming the radio with the ODMaster app on a smartphone. I wish it had a USB-C port for programming like the H3s do for programming with a computer and Chirp but programming with the smartphone app works just fine. Its also pretty big. Could be a pro for people with larger hands or a con if you want something smaller. Its not double the size of an H3 or Baofeng BF-F8HP but it is noticeably taller and thicker. Pulls in relatively distant signals well and does not seem to be impacted by my hand holding it or by the angle I hold it. It is also switchable between GMRS and HAM frequencies. In GMRS mode, you can listen to pretty much any GMRS or HAM frequency but you can only broadcast on GMRS. In Unlocked mode you can broadcast on any frequency which is nice if you want to talk on HAM frequencies. If you do broadcast on HAM frequencies, I assume you know the rules.

I have several different GMRS radios and the Tidradio H8 Is pretty fantastic. It has a lot of customizable features including custom programming and is CHIRP compatible. The Tidradio software isn't bad to work with fairly user friendly, If that's the way you want to go to program. This is bluetooth compatible so you can program it from your phone (there is an app) And this has come in handy in the field as I have had to change the ctcss tones. If you want to use the radio for more than GMRS you can it's easy to find those videos on YT in order to unlock the radio. If you are using these for GMRS only these are pretty fantastic radios. They feel well built and not cheap. The battery life is very good at lasts around 24 hours on standby almost 16 hours with moderate use. Range on this radio seems about the same with all of my other GMRS radios with no detectable difference. The only con that I would put on this radio is the fact that it is not waterproof or even necessarily water resistant. There is no IP rating so use with caution. But it is fine for use for Fair weather outdoor use, base and vehicle use.

The new menu system is much improved over the H8. The color screen is very bright. I did the firmware upgrade via USB-C and very handy to not need a special cable. I was able to program a repeater easily just on the radio. Reception is better with a Nagoya 701 antenna. I use that on all my HT's.

The TIDRadio TD- H9 is an excellent radio with many features at a price that is very resonable. With 10 watts I am able to reach further than oter radios that I have. I recommend this radio.

Purchased this radio because of it dual role, GMRS and HAM. I have a GMRS license and will soon also have a HAM license. So far I like this radio and it performs as well or better than than my other two hand held radios, which are a different brand. After a lot of research and in spite of many bad reviews I chose to purchase the Tidradio TD H8. So far has been a durable, well performing radio. A very good cost for the package that includes two batteries, 3 antennas, a charger cable and charging cradle. The owners manual is well written and has the basics to get you started. Clear, bright easy to read screen as well as a menu that contains everything needed. Can also be programmed via bluetooth with Odmaster app. Weight is right for radio size and sound quality is better than I expected at this price. Tidradio H8 performed better with a external base antenna, like other handheld radios. Bottom line quality, functions, and features I would purchase again. Looking at Tidradio for a 40 or 50 watt base radio.