Review TIDRADIO TD-H6

General Description

TIDRADIO is marketing a basic dual band VHF/UHF package for their TD-H6 transceiver. The package includes a few extras that are usually purchased separately.


In the Box

The TD-H6 is available in two different bundles.
Each comes with the following:

- TIDRADIO TD-H6
- Charger / AC Adapter
- Programming Cable (FTDI)
- Earpiece
- User Start Up Guide
- 32 page User Manual
- Antenna 6"
- (2) Batteries 7.4V 2200mAh
-     Bundle 1 includes an extra 15" antenna, Spkr/Micr and 12V charger cable.
-     Bundle 2 includes a belt clip, carry strap and carry case.

The TD-H6 weighs in at 8.4oz (.24 kg)
Case size is 5.1" (H) x 1.25" (D) x 2.3 (W)" (130 x 32 x 58 mm)

FCC ID: 2AWL3TIDRADIOTD-H6

Enclosure

The main chassis has the same case design as its DMR cousin, the DM1801, but is analog only. The keypad functions include MENU, BACK, VFO/MR and A/B select.
Long Press functions include:
0 = Voltage Display
# = Scan
* = Keypad Lock

The red button on the top is used for sending an alarm signal.
The 2 buttons below the PTT are for selecting:
- FM radio
- Power Level
- Monitor (open squelch)

Transmitter

The audio quality is very good when speaking about 1" across the front of the radio. Power levels were pretty much as expected. Although rated at 10w, I was not disappointed as most handhelds rated at this level average between 7 to 8 watts output. The power levels below were taken a calibrated Bird Wattmeter.

TD-H6	High	Med	Low
VHF	7.7	3.6	.9
UHF	6.7	3.5	.9

Receiver

Receiver sensitivity is very good with plenty of loud audio. A press of the side button activates the FM broadcast radio which stays active until activity is detected on the main channel.
A Long Press of the " key activates the scan mode with a scanning speed of approximately 6 channels per second.

Display

The 1.5" LCD is a little hard to read when not lit, but that also conserves battery power. When any button is pressed or a signal is detected, the display lights the 10 character label for that channel.

Programming

The TD-H6 can be programmed in a variety of ways. Of course there is always manual programming, but along with the Factory Software the radio can also be programmed using CHIRP.
If you do not have a computer handy, TIDRADIO also has a recently introduced BL-1 Bluetooth Programmer which has apps for both Android and iOS.

Programming Cable

All programming power cables are not created equal. The included cable uses an FTDI UART chip. The proper drivers for this cable should load automatically. The connector is a standard K1 so standard accessories are compatible.

An Additional Plus

Included with this option is a 8.5 x 7.0 x 2.5" carry case. The foam is base is cut to hold the radio, charger base and AC charger. Behind the mesh is enough room to hold the programming cable, 2nd battery, earphone, etc. If you go on vacation, it sure beats a plastic Zip Lock bag.

click to enlarge

In Summary

TIDRADIO took a basic UV5R and bumped it up a notch with a beefier case and higher power. The addition of an FTDI cable, carrying case and a second battery makes it a good starter radio for someone wanting to test the waters of basic ham radio.

The TIDRADIO TD-H6 is available from Amazon