Hey everyone, I'm brand new to this and I'm so completely lost. I was given a Tid Radio TD-H8 for Christmas. I have read the manual, watched you tube videos and still can't figure it out, can't seem to pick up any channels. It says there are 3 different versions on here, HAM, GMRS and UNLOCK. Can anyone help. I l live I. Maricopa, Arizona and my zip is 85138 if that info helps. Please and Thank You
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Help with Tidradio H8
- Thread starter Goomba
- Start date
rf_patriot200
Active Member
Download the ODmaster app to your phone, follow the directions in the app. Bluetooth on your phone will communicate with the Bluetooth on your H-8. Make sure BOTH have Bluetooth turned on . The frequencies you want to program can be done through the app, then you write them to the radio.
rf_patriot200
Active Member
Try your weather channels first. If you don't hear those then you may have a defective unit.
rf_patriot200
Active Member
Ok, then it's simply a matter of learning How to use the ODmaster App on your phone together with your H-8. It seems your H-8 is probably fine since you're receiving the weather channels. Remember that Bluetooth MUST be active on your phone And your H-8 for pairing to work. and the CORRECT model of your radio MUST be selected on the app.
Start with the basics - put the H8 into GMRS mode, ensure the standard 22 GMRS channels are programmed in (menu #35 on my H3 is where "Reset -> Channels" is located on the device, if you want to try a reset - it worked for me in the past, but ODMaster works too). Ensure you're using the longer whip GMRS antenna ("771") on the H8 instead of the stubby one. (NOTE: HAM and GMRS antenna have different attenuation - check the writing on the antenna base you got for xMas). You can buy these on Amazon for $10 if needed.
Create an account on this other site and find something close to you (there are 46 listed for AZ, many around the Phoenix area - typical repeater can cover 20 miles? depends) https://mygmrs.com/repeaters - listen in on your local repeater channels and you should hear some chatter. A handheld doesn't have great range so you're really wanting to leverage your local repeaters to communicate. Do not talk (broadcast) until you get a license.... ->
PSA: GMRS and HAM require a license from the FCC. with the GMRS license being simple - pay some money, get a GMRS callsign good for 10 years. HAM requires a lot more (tests, money, studying) hence my suggestion starting with GMRS to learn and you can broadcast once you get a license for it. GMRS range is very limited though at 5W so you needa good antenna and those repeaters in your life.
Create an account on this other site and find something close to you (there are 46 listed for AZ, many around the Phoenix area - typical repeater can cover 20 miles? depends) https://mygmrs.com/repeaters - listen in on your local repeater channels and you should hear some chatter. A handheld doesn't have great range so you're really wanting to leverage your local repeaters to communicate. Do not talk (broadcast) until you get a license.... ->
PSA: GMRS and HAM require a license from the FCC. with the GMRS license being simple - pay some money, get a GMRS callsign good for 10 years. HAM requires a lot more (tests, money, studying) hence my suggestion starting with GMRS to learn and you can broadcast once you get a license for it. GMRS range is very limited though at 5W so you needa good antenna and those repeaters in your life.
rf_patriot200
Active Member
Although, by getting your Amateur Radio License, you get Access to the Whole pie, instead of just a tiny slice ! The Technician class license is Very simple, and opens doors that Gmrs can't. I hold Both licenses.
rf_patriot200
Active Member
I'm not sure where you're located, but your local ham club could instruct you, or there are online sources such as hamradioprep.com
