I think every one is giving this radio way too hard of a time. Look what they have fixed. It is literally the best HT you can buy under 200$ it’s 55$ that’s an amazing deal for what you get BT programming 10w a great HT for a new Hams don’t push people away from buying it just because it was a small fraction away from passing a spec no one without special testing equipment would even know it’s not quite passing. I will still use mine because it’s the best bang for your buck. A great way to help people get into the hobby and if they fix it even better.
Hey Nick! Thanks for commenting. I do agree with you on the fact that this radio has some great features! You are correct in the fact that for the price it offers a lot, some features not even available on other radios. The problem is that transmitting on other frequencies than intended is a REAL problem. Josh (HRCC) just did a great video showing how the transmissions on harmonics can be heard over quite a distance. You could be interfering with other radio services either within or outside the Amateur bands which is illegal. There unfortunately isn't a "little bit illegal." The FCC clearly states what the requirements are to operate in our allotted frequencies. We need to hold these manufactures responsible for what they build and sell in our hobby. The great thing is that TIDRADIO has responded to our criticism and has fixed these issues. They are sending me an updated radio, and I will test it as soon as I receive it. Thanks for watching!
I didn’t find any harmonic requirements above 225MHz in part 97. Are there any? How accurate is the Tiny SA? Has anyone published a review of that instrument? Overall, a good review. Thanks!
You are correct on the Part 97 comment. I generally test these radios on the 70 cm band as well even though the FCC has their cutoff at 225MHz. I'm not sure why they wouldn't require similar performance on the shorter wavelengths! The Tiny SA is pretty decent piece of gear for the price. (I have a couple Tiny SA Ultras that I use for field testing if I don't want to lug the big SA around.) There are tons of videos on them. I do know that when using it for SINAD testing that I use an external attenuator, as there was some studies done that showed the TinySA was not as accurate at really low output on the Signal Generator mode. Thank you for watching and for the comment!!! 73
This one was purchased end of June. I have also heard that they have possibly fixed the issue. They are supposedly sending me an updated radio, which I will test when I receive it. I'm just curious how new buyers will know if they have received an updated (GOOD) radio or an old stock (BAD) radio. Thanks for watching!
using gen2 since June no issues spurious rad within fcc spec watts 9.5 to 11 now on V3 firmware Battery life is very long. had a battery go bad they overnight one they have great support via email
Hello I have noticed that you do a lot of reviews about those communication devices. I am not into radio amateur stuff, but looking for a long range walkie talkie because I live in a place (central america) where cellular phone doesn't work. I need at least 10 miles range in mountainous environment with trees. Could you please help me or advise me, finding the right equipment ? I need it to be portable because I'm on a motorcycle. All these baofeng and variants seem to be good, but not long range enough.
I'm not sure I can be of great help. As you already stated, most of these handheld radios are for relatively shorter communications unless you are using a repeater that is retransmitting your signal (either from an antenna with a much higher elevation and more power, or via internet connected protocols.) I'm not sure if you are a license amateur radio operator, if so, you could pack a portable HF setup that you could unpack and setup for communications. This solution would more than likely require you to put up an antenna of some sort. People are doing more of this type of operation with things like POTA (Parks on the Air), SOTA (Summits on the Air) etc. These setups are generally portable and run off of battery power. Do some internet searching on those and see what you find. This probably still doesn't fit what you were looking for, but its worth checking in to. Thanks for watching!!
I honestly can't in good conscience use the radio to transmit knowing that the harmonics are above what the FCC allows for amateur radio use in Part 97. TIDRADIO is sending me an updated radio, when I get it I will retest and post my findings. Otherwise, I like almost everything else about the radio! 73s and thanks for watching!
I think every one is giving this radio way too hard of a time. Look what they have fixed. It is literally the best HT you can buy under 200$ it’s 55$ that’s an amazing deal for what you get BT programming 10w a great HT for a new Hams don’t push people away from buying it just because it was a small fraction away from passing a spec no one without special testing equipment would even know it’s not quite passing. I will still use mine because it’s the best bang for your buck. A great way to help people get into the hobby and if they fix it even better.
Hey Nick! Thanks for commenting. I do agree with you on the fact that this radio has some great features! You are correct in the fact that for the price it offers a lot, some features not even available on other radios. The problem is that transmitting on other frequencies than intended is a REAL problem. Josh (HRCC) just did a great video showing how the transmissions on harmonics can be heard over quite a distance. You could be interfering with other radio services either within or outside the Amateur bands which is illegal. There unfortunately isn't a "little bit illegal." The FCC clearly states what the requirements are to operate in our allotted frequencies. We need to hold these manufactures responsible for what they build and sell in our hobby. The great thing is that TIDRADIO has responded to our criticism and has fixed these issues. They are sending me an updated radio, and I will test it as soon as I receive it. Thanks for watching!
Maybe you could add "HAM" version in your title. That would be most helpful.
I didn’t find any harmonic requirements above 225MHz in part 97. Are there any? How accurate is the Tiny SA? Has anyone published a review of that instrument? Overall, a good review. Thanks!
You are correct on the Part 97 comment. I generally test these radios on the 70 cm band as well even though the FCC has their cutoff at 225MHz. I'm not sure why they wouldn't require similar performance on the shorter wavelengths! The Tiny SA is pretty decent piece of gear for the price. (I have a couple Tiny SA Ultras that I use for field testing if I don't want to lug the big SA around.) There are tons of videos on them. I do know that when using it for SINAD testing that I use an external attenuator, as there was some studies done that showed the TinySA was not as accurate at really low output on the Signal Generator mode. Thank you for watching and for the comment!!! 73
Nice to see that Elon Musk’s brother also likes tech. 👍
When did you purchase the radio? I've read that the new ones (past month approx) don't have the harmonics issue.
This one was purchased end of June. I have also heard that they have possibly fixed the issue. They are supposedly sending me an updated radio, which I will test when I receive it. I'm just curious how new buyers will know if they have received an updated (GOOD) radio or an old stock (BAD) radio. Thanks for watching!
using gen2 since June no issues spurious rad within fcc spec watts 9.5 to 11 now on V3 firmware Battery life is very long. had a battery go bad they overnight one they have great support via email
I just re-tested the updated radio that TIDRADIO sent me. I'm very happy with the results. The update video will be posted this afternoon.
Smoking Ape channel did the same tests and the harmonics were non existent.
Very interesting.
TIDRADIO sent me another radio. Quick follow up video coming.
Hello
I have noticed that you do a lot of reviews about those communication devices.
I am not into radio amateur stuff, but looking for a long range walkie talkie because I live in a place (central america) where cellular phone doesn't work. I need at least 10 miles range in mountainous environment with trees.
Could you please help me or advise me, finding the right equipment ?
I need it to be portable because I'm on a motorcycle.
All these baofeng and variants seem to be good, but not long range enough.
I'm not sure I can be of great help. As you already stated, most of these handheld radios are for relatively shorter communications unless you are using a repeater that is retransmitting your signal (either from an antenna with a much higher elevation and more power, or via internet connected protocols.) I'm not sure if you are a license amateur radio operator, if so, you could pack a portable HF setup that you could unpack and setup for communications. This solution would more than likely require you to put up an antenna of some sort. People are doing more of this type of operation with things like POTA (Parks on the Air), SOTA (Summits on the Air) etc. These setups are generally portable and run off of battery power. Do some internet searching on those and see what you find. This probably still doesn't fit what you were looking for, but its worth checking in to. Thanks for watching!!
So will you still use the radio if so how much do you use it? I have two and love the radio…
I honestly can't in good conscience use the radio to transmit knowing that the harmonics are above what the FCC allows for amateur radio use in Part 97. TIDRADIO is sending me an updated radio, when I get it I will retest and post my findings. Otherwise, I like almost everything else about the radio! 73s and thanks for watching!
@KC4NWK what's the software in it now? Curious
@Pop_607 The radio originally came with HAM_230317. The radio is currently running H8_230923.
@@KC4NWK so is it better?
No, it is not. ruclips.net/user/shortscDK5keaqH8I