Review TIDRADIO TD-H3 PLUS

General Description

The TIDRADIO TD-H3 PLUS is a 199 channel handheld that is an upgrade to the original TD-H3. This 5W handheld has several new features including Air Band receive and Bluetooth.

In the Box

The TD-H3 PLUS comes with the following:

- TIDRADIO TD-H3 PLUS Handheld
- Charger / AC Adapter
- 2500 mAh Li-Ion Battery
- 8" Antenna
- Belt Clip & Lanyard
- User Manual (56 page)
- USB-C Charge/Program Cable
Note: Some packages may vary

US Certifications

FCC ID: 2A4FB TD831

Enclosure

The TD-H3 PLUS weighs in at 7.7oz (.22 kg)
Case size is 4.4" (H) x 2.1" (W) x 1.25 (D)" (112 x 53 x 32 mm)
It's smaller in size than the UV5R series but has a higher capacity battery.
The keypad functions include MENU (blue), VFO/Channel select (orange), Key Lock and A/B select.

Click to enlarge

There are 3 buttons on the left side. Two are PTT buttons and the third is a programmable key. The large button selects upper display (A) while the lower (B). The PK1 third is a button on the top is used for sending an alarm signal.
The 2 buttons below the PTT are programmable keys for selecting:
- FM radio (music)
- Lamp
- Monitor (open squelch)
- Tone
- Alarm
- Weather

DTMF

If you are using Allstar or EchoLink you may need to use the DTMF function on the keypad.

The * triggers the DTMF mode. The following combination is used for generating the tones.
0 > 9 = 0 > 9
* = *
# = #
A = BT
B = Up key
C = Down key
D = V/M key

Transmitter

The audio quality is very good when speaking about 1" across the front of the radio. There is a 10 level microphone gain setting for those with softer voices. Power levels were fairly close to the advertised rating of 5W. The power levels below were taken a calibrated Bird Wattmeter.

TD-H3 PLUS	High	Low
VHF	4.3	1.0
UHF	3.7	1.4

Receiver

Receiver sensitivity is very good with plenty of loud audio. If the side key button activates the FM broadcast radio, it will stay active until activity is detected on the main channel. When the received signal disappears, the FM broadcast station will return after 5 seconds.

Display

The 1.44" LCD has excellent resolution . The channel name supports up to 8 characters.
Here are display samples.

The TD-H3 PLUS has Display Sync. The dual PTT allows you to choose A or B by pressing either the upper or lower PTT side button.

Below are additional screen samples.

Programming

The TD-H3 PLUS can be programmed using the Factory Software.

If you do not have a computer handy, TIDRADIO has two additional programming methods available.
- BL-1 Bluetooth Programmer which has apps for both Android and iOS.
- Bluetooth Apps for both Google Play or iOS.
This can be activated by a long press of the blue Menu button.

Firmware Upgradable

The H3 PLUS firmware is upgradable. This is done online and does not require downloading.

Programming Cable

The required cable uses a UART chip in the USB connector. The proper drivers for this cable should load automatically. The connector is a standard K1 so standard accessories are compatible.

However, the H3 can also be programmed using a standard USB-C type connector as shown below.

Click to enlarge

Wireless Copy between two TD-H3 PLUS radios

A unique feature of the TD-H3 PLUS is duplication of radios wirelessly. The procedure is simple.

- Turn off both radios.
- Press and hold the lower side button, then PowerOn the radio.
- "Wireless Copy" will appear on the screen.
- Do this for both radios.
- Press the Lower side button on the Sending Radio.

All information from the Sending Radio will be copied to the other radio. This includes the settings as well as the channel and tone info.

This will Only work between two TD-H3 radios.

Programming (Fast Pair - Single Channel)

This feature allows you to read a signal from a nearby radio and save it and its CTCSS/DCS tone.
- Start by pressing and holding the "1" key.
- Select the desired channel position.
- Key the transmitter.
- Press Store

This will save the received frequency in the channel of your choice.
Note: If you are saving a Repeater channel, you will still need to add the offsets manually.

Batteries

The batteries are 2500mAh and include USB-C type charging capability. The USB-C charging jack is located on the bottom of the battery. There is a light on the battery that shows Red when charging and Green when charged.

Chargers

The Charger and AC adapter are included in some packages. The charge indicator also shows Red while charging and Green when charge is completed.

Bluetooth Accessories

A Bluetooth Spkr/Micr with a belt clip is available as an add on. This microphone will connect to any BT device such as an iPad for use on Zello.
The handheld's Bluetooth also allows for connection to Ear Buds and other similar accessories.
There is also a PPT Button with included microphone available.

Frequency Ranges of the TD-H3 PLUS

There are two distinct frequency ranges for the TD-H3 PLUS series. Each has 199 channels available. The software for these radios can be found at the TIDRADIO Support Site.

TH-H3 PLUS HAM (US)

1-188	Rx = 50 - 108 FM
	Rx = 108 - 135 AM Aircraft
	Tx / Rx = 144-148 420-450 MHz
189-199	NOAA Receive

     For Outside US Only

There is a second option available for stations operating outside the US.
The firmware and software can also be found on the TIDRADIO Support site which allows full operation in the frequency range of 136-174 and 400-520 MHz (and beyond).
This range is also accessible by pressing PTT and * at PowerOn.

In Summary

The TD-H3 PLUS is a small but solidly built handhelds providing 5W power output and Bluetooth.
It can be programmed using a standard K1 style programming cable as well as a USB-C cable.

Availability

The TD-H3 PLUS series is available on Amazon

      TIDRADIO TD-H3 PLUS (Bluetooth)
      TIDRADIO Wireless PTT
      TIDRADIO Wireless Microphone


Note: There are several combo packages available which include extra accessories.
Such as 2 batteries, 2 antennas, Spkr/Micr, Desk Charger, etc.