TIDRADIO TD-H3 Multi-Band Ham Radio Handheld

$49.99 (Currently on sale for $25.99!)

The TIDRADIO TD-H3 Multi-Band Ham Radio is designed to deliver clear communication over radio frequencies, even when cellular networks are unavailable. I’ve never really thought about using a radio for communication, but I know that for things like security or event coordination, such devices are essential for keeping everyone up to date. So, I was interested to see how the TD-H3 Ham radio worked and its use for amateurs.

The TD-H3 Ham Radio is a small but mighty bit of kit that is designed with 8 bands of frequency, including AM and FM, for long-distance communication. The TD-H3 radio comes with the handheld unit, a 2500mAh battery, a standard antenna, USB programming and charging cable, a USB wall charger plug, a lanyard cable and a user manual. The overall body of the unit feels super sturdy and secure, with a good weight behind it, showing its durability whilst still remaining lightweight enough to carry with you. The 1.44-inch LCD colour screen makes it super easy to see what you’re doing and helps you navigate around the radio with ease.

One of the main benefits of the TD-H3 Ham Radio is its multi-mode programming. This means that the radio can be programmed via USB, Bluetooth or via a traditional 2-pin system. I like that it can be programmed via Bluetooth using the Odmaster App, which allows you to wirelessly program the radio using your phone. The radio has access to 199 channels, and should you want to copy a channel, there is a fast copy button which allows the radio to save a frequency from a nearby transmitting radio as a new channel. This allows for better syncing up of channels, which I’d expect to be ideal when using multiple radios together.

The radio has two modes of operation, either via a frequency (VFO) mode or a channel/memory (MR) mode. For everyday use, the MR mode is the most commonly used, and the VFO mode is often kept for experimentation out in the field instead. In the MR mode, once a channel has been selected, to make a call, you just press down the top PTT key on the side of the radio, which allows you to send your message. When doing so, the radio shows a red light and then, when receiving a call, the radio shows a green light. However, make sure you have the right licences before you do this, as transmission over some radio frequencies is illegal without the correct licensing!

In terms of longevity, the radio is designed with a 2500mAh battery, which holds a much longer charge than many others on the market, which often use a 1800mAh battery. With a larger battery size, the TD-H3 boasts to provide up to 2 days of charge in standby mode. However, when you do charge the radio, it can be done so very quickly using the included charging cable and plug.  

Overall, the TIDRADIO TD-H3 Ham Radio is designed for amateurs who want to utilise the functionality of radio communication. Whether for event coordination, hiking or security, the TD-H3 Radio is designed to deliver a seamless communication experience that allows you to stay in touch without the need for cellular networks. If you’re an amateur looking for a Ham Radio that delivers seamless functionality supported by a long battery life and sturdy construction, the TD-H3 is a great choice and available at a great price point.

Pros:

• Long battery life and quick charging
• Multi-mode programming
• Good-sized colour screen for easy navigating
• Comes with the charging plug and cable

Cons:

• As someone who has never used a ham radio before, it was a little complicated to get my head around how to navigate the radio, but the user manual was super helpful