You are absolutely correct. The first one I received was labeled for ham and had excellent transmission power and reception. However, the one labeled for GMRS was unfortunately weak, and long-distance transmission was problematic. I replaced it with a ham version and have had no issues since.
They have separate firmware packages on the site.. it would be interesting if you download the HAM firmware and test it on a "GMRS" radio... and then put the GMRS firmware on the branded HAM one and test. I don't know why the firmware would be different or why they even offer different ones for GMRS, HAM, and "NORMAL" but... it would be interesting to see if it makes a difference.
Interesting about the difference between the HAM and GMRS versions. I guess that it was fortunate that I ordered the HAM version, and then set it to GMRS mode.
I have found that the bnc adapters are loose in general. When I am using remote rigs it is my preference to have a more stable adapter. I can take any bnc junction and move the radio around and it will show up in the test. I can use any other connector and I have no change in measurements. the gaps in the connector appear to be the cause. If I tape up the connector, it is better, but not perfect. I have run this test over the years to show others the reason I stopped using it. I've been installing cable for 40 years and bnc just really isn''t made for anything mobile, sensitive to ground and static.
That's really interesting. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I come from the broadcast tv industry and BNC has been the standard for both in-place as well as our mobile applications. It has served us well thus far.
@@MattCoversTech I'm a fan of the Nagoya 771G and 701G antennas as well. From my back yard, I can reliably contact a repeater about 30 miles away with either of them, but usually can't hit it with either the short or the long stock antenna. I guess Nagoya's claim that they are correctly tuned for GMRS isn't just advertising fluff.
That's kind of odd. I wouldn't think they'd actually use different electronics in the two radios. It would probably be more expensive than it's worth to run two different production lines. And if they sell for the same price, why couldn't they use the better filtering in the GMRS radios as well? Strange.
So If I am understanding your video, you are saying that even if I primarily plan to use the TD-H3 for GMRS, it would be better to purchase the HAM version and then program / set it up for GMRS?
@@MattCoversTech I never understood why their firmware update website has separate downloads for HAM GMRS and "NORMAL"... but all have the same DATECODE on them. Are they really different or are they identical?
I'm doubting my TinySA these days. Turns out the one I have is often returned. As I had mentioned, the measurements seemed off, even after calibration. I want to get an Ultra and re-do some of these tests.
You are absolutely correct. The first one I received was labeled for ham and had excellent transmission power and reception. However, the one labeled for GMRS was unfortunately weak, and long-distance transmission was problematic. I replaced it with a ham version and have had no issues since.
Customer service is the number 1 reason I bought the TD-H8...well that and all of the features the radio has got.
They have separate firmware packages on the site.. it would be interesting if you download the HAM firmware and test it on a "GMRS" radio... and then put the GMRS firmware on the branded HAM one and test. I don't know why the firmware would be different or why they even offer different ones for GMRS, HAM, and "NORMAL" but... it would be interesting to see if it makes a difference.
i think the HAM is only how it comes pre configured, you can chose it from the hidden menu
I thought so too prior to this. I’m not convinced of it anymore after this experience.
Interesting about the difference between the HAM and GMRS versions. I guess that it was fortunate that I ordered the HAM version, and then set it to GMRS mode.
I have found that the bnc adapters are loose in general. When I am using remote rigs it is my preference to have a more stable adapter. I can take any bnc junction and move the radio around and it will show up in the test. I can use any other connector and I have no change in measurements. the gaps in the connector appear to be the cause. If I tape up the connector, it is better, but not perfect. I have run this test over the years to show others the reason I stopped using it. I've been installing cable for 40 years and bnc just really isn''t made for anything mobile, sensitive to ground and static.
That's really interesting. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I come from the broadcast tv industry and BNC has been the standard for both in-place as well as our mobile applications. It has served us well thus far.
Great video, but maybe next time lose the annoying music which is way too loud.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for the very useful info's 🖖
I'm using the Nagoya 771G antenna on mine (I only use it for GMRS) and I'm getting good "signal reports".
Awesome! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. I'll have to check into that antenna for the GMRS radios I use.
@@MattCoversTech I'm a fan of the Nagoya 771G and 701G antennas as well. From my back yard, I can reliably contact a repeater about 30 miles away with either of them, but usually can't hit it with either the short or the long stock antenna. I guess Nagoya's claim that they are correctly tuned for GMRS isn't just advertising fluff.
That's kind of odd. I wouldn't think they'd actually use different electronics in the two radios. It would probably be more expensive than it's worth to run two different production lines. And if they sell for the same price, why couldn't they use the better filtering in the GMRS radios as well? Strange.
So If I am understanding your video, you are saying that even if I primarily plan to use the TD-H3 for GMRS, it would be better to purchase the HAM version and then program / set it up for GMRS?
The HAM version seems to be of a higher quality.
It is a great radio.
is the best
Absolutely. Performance per dollar can't be beat on this.
If you unlock and reset to HAM, does it test the same?
Great question. I'll have to try that.
How about a 220 test
Check the firmware, this might be using new firmware.
The firmware versions were matched by date between GMRS and Ham. Thank you for reminding me, I forgot to mention it in the video.
@@MattCoversTech I never understood why their firmware update website has separate downloads for HAM GMRS and "NORMAL"... but all have the same DATECODE on them. Are they really different or are they identical?
You were half way there. You are suppose to check for third order harmonics, not 2nd.
I'm doubting my TinySA these days. Turns out the one I have is often returned. As I had mentioned, the measurements seemed off, even after calibration. I want to get an Ultra and re-do some of these tests.
Annoying music . Could have been a useful video .