BEST Amazon GMRS Radios Vol 1. TD-H3, TD-H8, Baofeng 5G Plus, 5RH, Radioddity GM-30 field tested!

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BEST Amazon GMRS Radios Vol 1. TD-H3, TD-H8, Baofeng 5G Plus, 5RH, Radioddity GM-30 field tested!

Рет қаралды 13,749

3 ай бұрын

Affiliate links are below for more information. In this test, we take out the 5 most popular GMRS radios and push them to the limits at 5 miles in 20+ mph winds! Baofeng UV-5G Plus, Baofeng GM-5RM, Tidradio TD-H3, Tidradio TD-H8 and Radioddity GM-30. Click the links below to learn about the features and pricing on each. This is a low budget radio test for those who are just getting started and need to know more before they buy. This video will go over all of the necessary details to get you started in the exciting world of GMRS!
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Other brands to specific websites are listed below with coupon codes!
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Coupon code: First10
Handheld Radios:
Wouxun GMRS KG-UV9GX bettersaferadi...
Wouxun HAM KG-UV9PX bettersaferadi...
TIDradio TD-H8 2nd Gen combo amzn.to/3HBY5wP
TIDradio TD-H3 GMRS amzn.to/3U8lJrS
Baofeng UV-5G Plus amzn.to/3WhXRmY
Baofeng GM-5RM amzn.to/3WijS55
Radioddity GM-30 amzn.to/3QnPpyP
Baofeng UV-5R 8 W 2 pack amzn.to/47YMpyN
Baofeng UV-5R 8W amzn.to/3UVhBfO
BTECH GMRS PRO RADIO amzn.to/3wUR341
WOUXUN KG-UV9D Plus amzn.to/3HzymoT
Surecom SW33 Plus amzn.to/3J94IaJ
Surecom Power Meter amzn.to/3Ud5PwQ
Surecom Simplex Repeater amzn.to/3WjAxFM
Dummy Load 100W amzn.to/47OxXcF
12” jumper amzn.to/3vVeutO
Handheld Radio Antennas:
Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck SMA Female amzn.to/454uEyB
Nagoya 701g antenna amzn.to/4bHHo0K
Smiley Super Stick 465 Mhz amzn.to/4bM5jv5
Nagoya NA 771G amzn.to/3UjymRw
Abbree 771 GMRS amzn.to/4aT22u9
Signal Stick 440 signalstuff.co...
ABBREE 18.8” antenna amzn.to/47Y3oRY
ABBREE 42.5” antenna amzn.to/49cECOS
ABBREE 28.3” antenna amzn.to/42eeIZ5
Mobile Radios:
BTECH 50v2 GMRS Mobile Radio amzn.to/3vVe2f6
BTECH 50v2 programming cable amzn.to/42hYez5
TYT-9800 Plus amzn.to/3Q4KAu2
Mobile Radio antennas and mounting:
32” 6db gain mobile radio antenna amzn.to/3JY1mYJ
Midland Ghost GMRS antenna amzn.to/3vWYXty
NMO coax amzn.to/3vTm2NL
NMO mount L bracket amzn.to/3HBXf39
NMO mount Hood Lip bracket amzn.to/3vUbqhu
NMO magnetic mount amzn.to/4bbwLTN
NMO base cover for car wash amzn.to/3Ogfuib
Base Station Equipment:
BTECH 50v2 GMRS Mobile Radio amzn.to/3vVe2f6
BTECH 50v2 programming cable amzn.to/42hYez5
TYT-9800 Plus amzn.to/3Q4KAu2
BTECH 30amp inverter amzn.to/3SgJmfF
TRAM 1486 GMRS base antenna amzn.to/3SBVlGe
KMR400 coax amzn.to/3UbrHbY
Road Pro external speaker amzn.to/48NkJOX
Lightning Arrestor amzn.to/3vVWb7J
Coax 259 to HT adapter amzn.to/3vTAa9E
30W Solar Panel amzn.to/3SyoNwI

Пікірлер: 126

@dougbotimer8005 3 ай бұрын

I was told that through a local repeater, across ~6 miles of dense suburban and industrial, that my GM-30, with stock antenna, sounds like I was on a base station, with base station power and antenna. I’m impressed. It isn’t as feature rich as my Yeasu 2m/70cm hand held radios, but performs on a par as far as range and readability. Thanks for this video. I was considering the H3, but don’t think I need to upgrade until the GM-30 dies.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

So I did the aftermarket antenna field test today with all of those radios as well. The Radioddity and the H3 are the top 2 for sure. I love the Radioddity. Quick tip: take a UV5R belt clip and swap it with the GM30. The GM30 clip is cheap and flimsy, but the UV5R is stronger. Figured that out today!

@dougbotimer8005 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical good tip thanks. The Radioddity clip is really flimsy.

@alanadams2018 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video!! You’ve helped me learn a ton in a short amount of time. Just got my H3 and H8. Can’t wait to try them out this weekend!

@FirstUnitedTactical 2 ай бұрын

You're welcome. I do a lot of videos with TID. Have you seen this trick on the latest videp? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ip9ojNCAyajTc5c.htmlsi=Z7OOJllObDDqxy3y

@ludoka58leo 3 ай бұрын

I myself own and use daily the Feng UV 5gplus....works great for me...

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Sometimes they work great and sometimes they don't. I'm constantly testing and the one I have is hit or miss. It's like it's finicky and only works when it's had it's morning coffee.

@stevevarholy2011 2 ай бұрын

I agree with you that the TID H-3 is a nice little radio. I just got a two-pack of the Baofeng UV-K5 which I really liked the form factor of - I got it because I thought it would be the eminently hackable Quansheng K-5. It's not. With the GMRS band the shorter antenna is going to be a better performer. The higher the frequency, the shorter the antenna to get a proper match. Conversely, the lower the frequency, the longer the antenna to get a good match and performance. I've got a Radtel coming next week that I am looking forward to using. These value SOC radios are fun and they work. Not as as something like a Wouxan or Yaesu, but those are 2-3x the price.

@FirstUnitedTactical 2 ай бұрын

You're absolutely correct. They are fun, and a good antenna will make them talk really well. I just ordered $150 worth of Amazon antennas and will get started this weekend! Diamond, Retevis, Abbree, Nagoya, folding, 771 and shorty antennas! Man it's Like Christmas morning at my house! I don't have a k5 yet, because there's no way I could use it in videos since it's a HAM radio. (I'm GMRS only for now). But, I will pull the Wouxun Q10g out of the drawer and use it on the new antennas! That will be fun if weather permits!

@lonniegorsline9325 3 ай бұрын

Your videos and tests are great. There is also one other thing about radios that need to be considered and that is the quality of the receiver. The higher output powered radios may have been received very well back at your home station, but the same radios may not have had as good a receiver as the H3, H8, and the GM 30 to hear the transmission coming back to you. They only way to tell for sure is to record the incoming transmission for each radio at the home station. So, to sum up my point is, not only is the power output important, but also the receiver needs to be sensitive enough to hear the incoming signal. There is an old adage. If you can't hear them, you can't work them. Thanks so much for all the work you do in providing this information. Lonnie

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Hey Lonnie. Yeah, for all those past videos I always used an H8 and a Nagoya 771g, outside on my porch. I imagined that is my strongest set up and best option for the base. I've been so busy messing with these little guys, I forgot I could use my KG-uv9gx, which would be perfect I think. I also just shot the antenna test on these budget radios, and used the same ol' H8 and Nagoya again out of habit! We are definately on the same page!

@sogent56 2 ай бұрын

Love my UV5G

@FirstUnitedTactical 2 ай бұрын

Some are good and some aren't so good. I don't think I got a good one. I've even done more testing in different scenarios with other radios to compare, and it's just not making the trip.

@XRinger Ай бұрын

If you are going to buy a radio, you need to know that sometimes, the antenna supplied is not suitable for the band you will use. You need to know if the antenna will harm (overheat the transmitter parts)your radio, before using it. Testing antennas is easy, with an SWR meter or a NanoVNA. Yes, test gear costs more than some radios, but will last for many years. My Welz SP-350 SWR meter is about 40 years old and still works great.

@markallan4849 3 ай бұрын

Radiodity has great audio in all their radios. I owned the Radiodity DB-20 mobile and it had crazy good audio also. I love the GM-30.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I recently bought the TYT-9800 and I will test the signal and quality of it as well when I am doing these HT's. Either the speaker is muffled on the top (mounted under my dash) or the sound quality is muffled during transmission. I never took the time to unscrew the radio and set it on the dash or seat to find out, but I thought it was odd. I also have a couple of Btech GMRS 50v2's and they rock, but not enough bells and whistles like the TYT.... Any thoughts?

@mrsmith324 22 күн бұрын

Thank you for these videos. They are awesome. You have the comments turned off on the antenna shootout one. But I would like to ask, next time you do an antenna shootout, or Range test, can you use a signal stick? I hear really good things about them. Thank you.

@FirstUnitedTactical 22 күн бұрын

@mrsmith324 I use a Signal Stick 440, which is the short one in a lot of videos. I need to order the normal long one that twists around. I will definitely get one and start using it in videos also. Thanks!

@yungsmile7546 3 ай бұрын

Power out on frequency is the difference. The H8 and H3 are clean transmit. The Bungfugs are all over in harmonics.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I've heard other guys say TID's also are cheap, but they work. You get what you pay for, but I stand behind an H3 for a budget price. Not everyone can spend $150 on a higher quality radio. I probably have 7 or 8 Baofengs and none of them will talk like the Radioddity or TIDradio models.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

So true!

@dunerinaz 3 ай бұрын

The H3 is NOT a powerhouse. Mine and a friend's, bought at different times from different sellers, both fail to reach repeaters that 3 other Baofengs and the Tidradio H8 reach without issue. That's a big fail for the H3 even though I like the radio. Also, since this was a radio test and not an antenna test, you should've used the same antenna on each radio.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I had to use each radio with the antenna given, which is the manufacturers fault if they suck. Did watch the video to the end? I'm doing a video with all of these radios with aftermarket antennas. That's the test you are looking for. This was strictly for a new person not knowing what to buy. The video clearly told viewers not to buy the 5RH for example. That's what this video is for. The next is if you bought 1 of these, which antenna works best, without the person buying all the antennas themselves.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Oh 1 more thing: I also had 2 guinea pig H3s in the beginning. Horrible. In fact, I did a test on one to tell people they have to test their radios and equipment. That is 1 of those trash H3 models. So I use trash equipment also to help teach people don't trust anything out of the box.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I didn't wanna keep sending replies, but did you hear about all the bad hype when Tidradio releases new radios? All H5 and H8's had massive problems. That's why there's a Gen 2 on H8 models. They should've recalled H3's, but they were waiting on consumers like you and me to complain before they made it right. It really hurts the business name because folks buy 1 radio, it's horrible, then they've lost a customer for life. It's bad business practice. I have 4 H3's. A 2 pack at release (major issues), then bought a 2nd pair 1 month in. The second pair rocks. In fact, the original pair won't let me update firmware or version! Major issues. This new video shows original factory antennas again, right next to aftermarket antennas - the good ones.... it's going to be good!

@Mouthpiece985 3 ай бұрын

The long antenna that comes with the h3 gmrs is not for transmitting its for airband receive only

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@mouthpiece985 My second pair of H3's actually came with 3 antennas. Short, 771 and long airband. I made sure I didn't bring that one.

@cyberon1 3 ай бұрын

For the Baofengs instead the Nagoya Antennas try the Diamond, I think you ll get better results according their watts. Nice video keep the good work mate. 73 !

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

A lot of people have mentioned the Diamonds. From what I've found Diamond and Nagoya are the same company, and also Diamond is more for dual and not GMRS. I'd love to know if I'm wrong and where I need to look to get a good Diamond in GMRS frequency if you know!

@JimmyCornPop 3 ай бұрын

TD- H3 hitting local repeater with proper DPL tone. Great little HT

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Yep! Besides the big dog UV9Gx, the H3 has proven itself time and time again. I'm actually editing the follow up video for the one you're commenting on now. It has all the same radios, but all the good aftermarket antennas! If all goes well, it will be uploaded by morning.

@bobinmontana777 3 ай бұрын

You could test the Mic gain on the H3, might be a solution in noisy, (windy), conditions.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I will mess with them on camera during the next field test with the aftermarket antennas. Thanks for the tip!

@robmcfaddin768 3 ай бұрын

Excellent video, great information

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Thanks! The compliments are much appreciated! I'm about to record the inside part of the actual aftermarket antenna test I did with all of these radios in the field. It's a good one so stay tuned! Hopefully after all the editing I will have it uploaded tomorrow night.

@GBsPitstop 3 ай бұрын

Personally would like to see you include a mag mount on top of your vehicle with a 771g on the mount. Thanks for doing these videos.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I can do one better for ya since the 771 is only rated for 10w.... I actually have a Midland 32" 6db mounted with a nmo mount on top of a headache rack, powered by a tyt 9800d.

@jackhammell1926 3 ай бұрын

Nice! Waiting for that next video

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I did the field test today between storms! The Radioddity and H3 were strong! It will be maybe Wednesday before it's all edited.

@gregorysloat4258 3 ай бұрын

I received my TD-H3 from Amazon eleven days ago, and my UV-5G Plus, yesterday, along with a Surecom SW-33 Plus. I am getting 5+ watts consistently, out of the TD-H3, and 8.4+ watts consistently, out of the UV-5G Plus, in all GMRS frequencies from low to high and simplex to repeater. For comparison I tested my (very) old UV-5R and UV-5R Plus, and both are getting around 4.9 watts on all frequencies. I am finding that all of the Baofengs (the old UV-5Rs and the UV-5G Plus) seem to have slightly better sounding speakers than the TD-H3, which was surprising to me. However, to MY ears, it’s that the Baofengs sound ever so slightly more clear, and I think it has to do with them reproducing the treble audio frequencies (not the bass) slightly more accurately. It’s not enough that I think any less of the TD-H3, which I think is an awesome radio, but I think it just may be a slight variation between brands. I can still hear the audio just fine on the TD-H3, it’s just that the Baofengs amazed me with how good their audio is for such an inexpensive radio. I never had anything to compare them (the old ones) to, before, and the new UV-5G Plus sounds just as good. Between the TD-H3 and the UV-5G Plus, I can’t really choose a favorite. I like the compact size of the TD-H3, but I also like the hand-filling, manly size of the UV-5G Plus. I like the fact that the TD-H3 can be either a ham radio OR a GMRS radio (or both), and all the extra bands it has, but I also like the simplicity and ease of use of the UV-5G Plus, and I LOVE the USB-C charging of BOTH. I’m going to make sure they both get a lot of use. Now, I just need to get a Surecom SR-112, so I can discover what kind of performance they both give in an urban environment.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

You sound like me! You will have a lot of funnwithbthe repeater. Make sure you watch my video explaining how to set the volume before you leave the house though!

@mwnahas 3 ай бұрын

My GM-30 came with two antennas. The long antenna was under the packaging/radio tray in the box.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I read your comment , got outta bed, dressed and ran out to my shop to grab the box! Nope. I know TID and Baofeng put theirs under the packaging, but this one specifically said 1 antenna. Mine was $29, so maybe there's a $35 or $39 pack? Here's an awesome tip for ya.. . The belt clip is very flimsy. I searched thru all my old radios and found out the UV5R belt clip is identical screw holes and it's much sturdier. I hated the cheap belt clip it came with, but there's an easy fix if you have a couple extra Baofeng UV5R laying around! I appreciate the possibility of a good find under the packaging tho!

@mwnahas 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical Yes I bought a 2 pack that came with the stubby and the two 15" antennas.

@greyshadow9498 2 ай бұрын

I have heard a lot of complaints about the RH's not just in GMRS but ham and unlocked versions as well. I own an RM (unlocked) and have had no complaints or issues, most people I talked to also like the RM, whatever they did internally, or via firmware that makes the RH and RM different they did it wrong. Is the TD-H8 GMRS limited to 5W? It should be able to push out 10 (at least unlocked it does) Interesting on the GM30 I thought they were the same as the Baofeng GM15, but that male antenna is definitely different. I love the H3! Latest firmware kills most of the repeater tail, just needs a bit more work to reach the H8 level. What I would like to see for the H8 is firmware to add airband. I know that's not important to GMRS overall, just a wishlist item. Great videoz going to check out the antenna vid now!

@FirstUnitedTactical 2 ай бұрын

There's so much you typed, I can't reply back in just one reply without a second screen! You're a great note taker! First, take a look at the link below. It's my newest explaining the H8 power. Let's see.... the GM30 is a fantastic little radio, so is the Baofeng UV-9g (video up next!) If you go on Amazon and type in Replacement Battery GM30, it will give you the list of radios it fits, showing all of its "siblings" in the same body at least. It would be a shame if they didn't release air on H8! Also, in this link below, make sure y have that version because it unlocks CB Band now! (Only receive). Ya know, the Baofeng UV series just did so much better than the 5RH and 5g Plus. Why mess with what works? (At least my models don't come close to the TIDs and the GM30.... I can't remember what else you mentioned, but watch this video on the H8. Uploaded last weekend. I have the 9g edited, just need to upload, and also a huge request for "group scanning" with ODmaster and Tidradios.... it's awesome if you haven't figured it out yet. I will try to get that one up beginning of next week. It will be short and to the point. Thanks for the compliments and I appreciate you sticking around while I learn at the same time as you do! -David, WRZU993 (Video link below) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8WbfZiWq864aGQ.htmlsi=bR9vxZWTkXChm7A7

@greyshadow9498 2 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical Thank you sir! You didn't need to type all that! My apologies, I tend to babble. I am about done with BaoFeng, there are so many good options in this price group these days and BF looks like they are standing still compared to them. I will be checking out more of your vids thanks again!

@FirstUnitedTactical 2 ай бұрын

@greyshadow9498 I just did a video on the UV-9G, which at first glance it seems to be the king of Baofeng GMRS. I will do a field test at 5 miles 1 evening this week to see for sure, but check out the newest, uploaded this morning. Plus, use the Radioditty link and get $15 off a $65 purchase, just about anything on the site! It's only a $29 radio, but it's solid and waterproof.

@AnDy_ToM22 3 ай бұрын

Is the H3 with a stubby our best bet for a more concealed radio, or is there another I should check out? Thanks in advance. Another great video, as always. Thanks again for all the free information.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Yeah, the short antenna is about 8". The Smiley 5/8 Slim duck is best, and also about 5". Those other videos show it a lot.

@MindKontrolleAmerica 3 ай бұрын

Good Job👍 It would be great to see 2 tests of the TIDRADIO TD-H3 GMRS 1 with the SMILEY 5/8 SLIM DUCK 465 MHZ and another test with the Nagoya NA-771G (462MHz) Antenna. Am I asking 4 too much 😋 Seems like 2 great combos.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

After the test, I told everyone what the next video is going to be. All of these same radios with this: Smiley 5/8 slim duck Smiley super stick Nagoya 771g Nagoya 701g Signal Stuff 440 Abbree 771g There's a lot I discuss in videos, especially what I'm doing next. Just gotta watch them all the way through! I have done the field test already, just not recorded in the shop yet.

@MindKontrolleAmerica 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical I did watch. Waiting patiently. Should be good. Cheers 🍻

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@Hillbilly_Encryption It was still windy. Obviously the Nagoya 771g is the best long, and the Smiley 5/8 is strong as well for a shorty. The Super Stick is really only good at extended. It was a lot to do. 5/6 radios with 6/7 antennas each..... it took me 2 hours just to edit the field part of the video. It will be uploaded by Wednesday midnight for sure. I wasn't trying to be rude, I just get so many questions that are answered, even in the beginning of the videos. It just gets annoying because there are some really stupid questions people come up with! (Yours wasn't stupid).

@MindKontrolleAmerica 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical I bet it's a lot of work with all the scenarios. At least your efforts are much appreciated.👍

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@@MindKontrolleAmerica I appreciate that!

@OnAirVoice 3 ай бұрын

I do like the H3, not real impressed with AirBand reception though. All in all it is a nice little radio.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

It's a lot in a tiny package that's for sure. I don't ever listen to the air bands. The speaker is small and doesn't sound as nice as a larger handheld that has a little bit larger speaker, but it's a good all around budget radio. I think the Radioddity GM30 has the best speaker, even better than my Wouxuns! But, it's a bare bones radio strictly for GMRS, with the option to scan and listen to 2/70 HAM bands.

@billolsen2078 Ай бұрын

Great Video

@FirstUnitedTactical Ай бұрын

@billolsen2078 Thanks Bill, I appreciate that! There are quite a few newer ones also if you haven't seen. Enjoy!

@explr1 3 ай бұрын

The Tidradio H6 is the same as the GM30 but is a 10 watt radio and uses SMA female antennas. I tried the H3 and H8 but they didn't have the power of the H6.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

If the H6 has more power, I'd like to try it. That Radioddity I got is extremely impressive for the bare bones cheapo radio it is.

@Maflin18 3 ай бұрын

Awesome video man! I’ve been thinking about doing a similar video myself for fun comparison. I’ve got a UV-5G, UV-5G+, TD-H3, TD-H8, KG-S88G, KG-UV9GX, and might order up a KG-W10G. Want to put 771G’s on all of them for even antenna ability and do a test method just like yours.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

We basically have the same.... no need to embarrass the budgets with the 9gx! I did that on my 9gx video just to show the Tx/Rx quality over the H3 and those little guys. I'm doing an aftermarket antenna video now, same radios, but adding: Nagoya 771g Nagoya 701g Smiley 5/8 Smiley super stick Signal Stick 440 Abbree 771 gmrs (orange)

@Maflin18 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical You’re probably right. Ohhh can’t wait for that antenna video - your earlier range tests were how I found your channel!

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@Maflin18 Cool! I didn't wanna keep sending replies, but did you hear about all the bad hype when Tidradio releases new radios? All H5 and H8's had massive problems. That's why there's a Gen 2 on H8 models. They should've recalled H3's, but they were waiting on consumers like you and me to complain before they made it right. It really hurts the business name because folks buy 1 radio, it's horrible, then they've lost a customer for life. It's bad business practice. I have 4 H3's. A 2 pack at release (major issues), then bought a 2nd pair 1 month in. The second pair rocks. In fact, the original pair won't let me update firmware or version! Major issues. This new video shows original factory antennas again, right next to aftermarket antennas - the good ones.... it's going to be good!

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@@Maflin18 That tidradio reply was meant to go to someone else. Sorry for the confusion.

@Maflin18 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical no worries! Are you WSAA635? I think he seen you post about that issue on the myGMRS forums actually. If that’s not you, then I’ve definitely heard others with similar complaints!

@gtheodora 3 ай бұрын

Thank you

@FirstUnitedTactical 2 ай бұрын

Hopefully it helps!

@ssrrocks22 3 ай бұрын

This is the old adage, the bigger antenna is always better! And of course in an area of flat land, no trees or buildings you will be able to talk and listen several miles on UHF GMRS frequencies...

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Yeah, but this test isn't about how far they will talk. It's about the internals and how they compare to each other. The H8 is bigger than the H3, and I feel the H3 is better. That extended range baofeng may be faulty, but it clearly wasn't better than the shorter ones. All of my long aftermarket antennas perform better than the short, so I think this specific extended may be bad.

@ssrrocks22 3 ай бұрын

@FirstUnitedTactical : I understand your point. However, I think you clearly showed the longer antenna outperformed the smaller one on both radios. Distance does have an effect on the overall quality of your signal as well as the antennas and possibly the power, but in either case you might also find different results on different days depending on a number of factors. From a non technical viewpoint, you have some valid points.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@@ssrrocks22 You are also correct in saying longer is better. The main reason is that it has more area to grab and receive compared to shorter. But, there have been some testing done that actually shows the Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck transmits a cleaner signal to a friends radio compared to the factory extended. When we mess with aftermarket like the Nagoya 771g, there is always a positive reaction compared to the factory 771. There are pros and cons to both, and also depending on factory or aftermarket. If someone gives you something for free, it's probably not going to work as well as a $20 or $30 Nagoya. We both are thinking the same!

@stevegreer1963 3 ай бұрын

I have 4 Radioddity GM30 radios. I upgraded the antenna to the Radioddity RD331 High Gain antenna, which has the red ring as you mentioned in your video. I can’t tell any difference between the stock GM30 and the RD331 antennas. I notice that the RD331 says it covers the VHF band in addition to UHF. But when using only GMRS channels in UHF, did you see any range advantage in using the longer higher gain antenna with the red ring, as opposed to the stock GM30 antenna?

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

It looks like "RADIODDITY RD-331 SMA-M HIGH GAIN DUAL BAND" is a 2/70, which does cover the 462/467 MHz, but not as well as an actual tuned 465 MHz antenna specifically for GMRS. Take a look at the newest video I just uploaded to see the GM30 with a couple more options that will work better for you... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ipimrNlmksrZnJ8.html

@SK-rj1ti 3 ай бұрын

Baofengs are notorious for their front end overload on RX. With poor RX filtering, they become deaf when there is a lot of RF pollution in the area. A telltale sign of that is that their RX performance becomes worse (rather than better) with larger antennas. But they transmit just fine. Next time try transmitting with a deaf Baofeng and listening to your repeater with another radio, eg H3. I bet you will hear your repeater getting back to you just fine. You can also see this happening even with the better radios in your collection. As soon as you hook them up to a large mobile antenna (e.g. 5/8 over 5/8), you will start seeing degradation in their RX performance. With distance, the H8 will go first (old chipset), then the H3 (new chipset). The last man standing will be your Wouxun superhet.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I actually thought of doing a test to what you just mentioned. It would be a test of tranmission and not the receive. For example: I would transmit with an H3 and listen on a 5G Plus for example, then vice versa. I'm glad you mentioned that because I actually forgot about that little test. Thanks! Am I understanding you correctly? The Baofeng should talk similar to all the others, but the receive is the difference. I know my Q10g and UV9Gx are excellent on both, but I was trying to show people what the budget radios would do.

@SK-rj1ti 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical Exactly. Please include such tests in your future videos. Would be very informative to those who are just getting into radio. Many people think they can get a cheap radio and put a long antenna on it, and they are golden. Nope, that doesn't always work that way. Especially in populated areas. Have to be very picky with direct conversion radios. The H3 is very good, can handle the 771, starts choking a bit on large mobile antennas. The best I have seen so far is the Retevis RA89. Also a budget radio, but almost as good as the UV9, I am yet to see it overload on any ant. Looking forward to more videos!

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@SK-rj1ti Whats your name? I'm glad you commented and I will definitely put your idea to use. This next video, is going to be perfect for it. I'm going to use all the popular aftermarket antennas. I tried a field test already, but the weather conditions were horrible for a 5 mile test. This test, with all those same radios, and 6 different antennas is "around" 45 Testing 123, and that was a pain to edit! I decided to do it again because it was a bad atmospheric day for tranmission and didn't show any glory to even the best antennas. The weather is supposed to clear out this weekend, so fingers crossed. It's gonna be good, and I will definitely implement your 2nd radio Rx idea. Thanks! My name is David Pierce and I live near New Braunfels, TX.

@SK-rj1ti 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical Nice to meet you, David! I am Jay in Milwaukee, WI. I have actually left a couple of comments under your videos before. One was about the Abbree antenna not fitting my H8. The other one was about adding a field strength meter to your toolbox. After a year of online work, I totally understand the hardships of making good presentations/vids. "Episode 5, take 15", so to speak🙂 I have had enough. But I like yours, so keep cranking them out!

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@SK-rj1ti I remember. Nice to meet you. I will keep going at it as long as it stays fun!

@doskraut Ай бұрын

I'm still confused as what radio is best for a new GMRS user, would the H3 do well for a new user who does not want to upgrade 6 months down the road.

@FirstUnitedTactical Ай бұрын

It depends on how much you want to spend and how many bells and whistles you want. Trust me, you will ALWAYS upgrade! I started with a 2 pack of Baofeng UV 5G's, and now I have almost 20 radios leading up to $229 for one, and it's not even my favorite. You will always be upgrading. Buy one for $29-$60 and stick with that for a few months, then you will have an idea on what other features in a different radio you may want. Here's a hint: don't buy a Baofeng 5G Plus or 5RH. Stick with Tidradio H3 or H8, or Radioddity GM30 for starters. Once your ready and you know how many channels you actually want stored, get a Wouxun KG-935 Pro from BuyTwoWayRadios.com for $149 I think. But don't jump straight into that unless you can afford it. Tid and Radioddity both are extremely easy to see the screen outside.... Wouxun not so much, but the advancement they offer is better than a hard to see screen. Get a tidradio H3. I have coupon codes in the description or Amazon links too. If they aren't there, look at my newer videos for the codes. Make sure you watch all of my tests videos also....

@FirstUnitedTactical Ай бұрын

In addition to my last reply, watch this video also. The H3 has more features, but this is also a good option. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sJx6fNJjsMysgps.htmlsi=k7_2QZcgwZdqmOJr

@firekite 3 ай бұрын

Baofeng started the stupid trend among CCRs of using the backwards SMA connection. Super frustrating. A BNC connection would be ideal, but the backwards SMA really hurts selection.

@Dankbudzz 3 ай бұрын

Did you have mic gain up on h3 or was it on factory setting? Have 4 h3 for few months now unbeatable little radios!!

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I haven't changed them from factory settings. Lemme go look real quick.....

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Mic gain on my H3 is 5 and the H8 is 15. They are the factory setting.

@TheRealRenn 2 ай бұрын

Try the Revetis NR30 ;)

@joemarchinski914 2 ай бұрын

Im new to the gmrs world just bought 2 retevis ailunce hag1....why would you test all radios on 2 specific frequencies and then test one on completely different frequency and call it a fair test for power

@FirstUnitedTactical 2 ай бұрын

Are you talking about the power meter? All of these budget radios are very similar in power output, except the 5RH. But this also shows you that 1 watt or 2 watts doesn't make a real difference in transmitting. Don't get fooled by a radio that pushes 5.3w and a radio that pushes 4.8w (for example). The quality of the build and internals is what really matters. I have a couple of $200+ Wouxuns, and they transmit far better than any of these with less power. Honestly, I test them all on the same channels, and there is a lot cut out of the videos during editing. If I didn't trim out, the 20 min video will be 45 mins. I do honest testing and try to help people see what to buy and what not to buy. (My conditions anyway). Also, I'm new as well, starting in February, and also learn on every videos' comments on how to improve the future videos. You pointed out I didn't show all channels during the power meter, and now I will make sure I include that in future videos! I hope this helps.

@rockspydre 3 ай бұрын

Are your TIDRadios locked to GMRS, or unlocked?

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I have GMRS advertised TIDradios. What makes you ask? There's not a difference on power or functionality on HAM that's unlocked to GMRS, or vice versa.

@rockspydre 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical In my experience, testing an H8 with a SW102, there is. Unlocked, it puts out more power across the board on the GMRS band than when it is locked to GMRS.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

I have both advertised GMRS and HAM radios. The advertised HAM is set to HAM and the advertised GMRS is set to GMRS.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@rockspydre Yes. All radios will put out more power on VHF UHF compared to GMRS. Yes I know GMRS could be classified as UHF. For example, if I had a UV9PX that is advertised as 8+ watts, it "might" push 9w on VHF, 7w on 440 and only 5.3w on GMRS. Or, for example, if I had a TYT9800 Plus that advertised 50w Uhf, 40w VHF, and sit was unlocked, it "might" only push 23w on GMRS. Strictly hypothetical.... GMRS will always have less warts than VHF UHF.

@rockspydre 3 ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTactical I understand. I was speaking strictly greater power while unlocked, across the board on GMRS only. Versus the same radio (H8), locked to only GMRS. And yes, it will push out even more watts on the lower bands, outside GMRS. But for the sake of this, I am speaking only GMRS band. Hopefully I'm communicting clearly.

@414RadioTech 3 ай бұрын

You should have done best shout out for MURS radios instead plenty of manufacturers who make these radios

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Man I don't know the first thing about Murs. Like I literally don't know anything about it. Does it require a Technician license? I only have my GMRS.

@sogent56 2 ай бұрын

5g plus advertized 5 watts

@FirstUnitedTactical 2 ай бұрын

I think mine registers more than that, I can't remember. But mine doesn't keep up with other "budget" radios I have.

@MRxMADHATTER 3 ай бұрын

Amacrap will never see a cent of my money.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Some things are bad, and there are some good items on there. It's not all bad, you just need to be careful and make sure the Amazon Store you are buying from is a reputable company.

@robertkeller9828 2 ай бұрын

This is a prime example of WHY, there needs to be a written test to get a grms license.

@FirstUnitedTactical 2 ай бұрын

Why are you trying to instigate situations that don't need to be instigated? Please tell us all what you would've done differently. Let me guess, first, you don't buy anything from Amazon because it's all China, and second, you would never waste your money on cheap Chinese junk radios. Am I close? This is a simple video showing TX and Rx on various radios from point A to point B so others can make a decision before buying. Everyone knows each situation, atmosphere, terrain and radio is different, and I am just showing my scenario.

@rogergranquist Ай бұрын

@@FirstUnitedTacticaldon’t bother with that guy… can’t even spell “GMRS” right lol

@FirstUnitedTactical Ай бұрын

@@rogergranquist That's hilarious! I never even saw it was wrong! I dropped it, because you can't please everyone online... I just do my thing and move on to the next comment! Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate that bud!

@fransahm1956 3 ай бұрын

Why add all of the variables in a test. If you are not smart enough to use your car as a wind block, I can not trust anything else you do.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

What if you aren't next to a car when you need to transmit? I also didn't want the metal from a big ass truck to interfere.

@Bruceonthelose 3 ай бұрын

I wish we could get some test in more of a urban environment Not everyone lives out in the sticks with miles and miles of wide open farmland Seems like every video I watch of someone doing a test like this They choose some wide open country to do it in

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Alright. I will get one done in a city, but that's not the point. I'm not showing distance, I'm showing if the radio and antenna are any good, and how they compete with the next radio. It has nothing to do with fields or citys.

@scotty_macharooni 3 ай бұрын

Looking forward to the antenna test, thanks for your test videos.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

Here's a spoiler for ya.... That 2nd intro clip before the black and white video: That radio that's loud and clear is the GM-30 with a Nagoya 771g. You"re Welcome! While I was out there, I was so shocked how good it sounded with that factory antenna, I had to throw on the Nagoya to see for myself. It was too good not to put in the video, but I didn't want to say it because it's the only aftermarket antenna I used, and specifically for that radio. If you have seen my other antenna videos, you know the Nagoya 771g is my favorite long antenna and the Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck is my favorite short one. They work excellent on every radio I put them on, and I have a lot of different brands of radios and models. They are true winners.

@baileymoto 3 ай бұрын

You’re not going to get much range with any uhf radio in an urban environment. UHF is line of sight.

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

@@baileymoto Thanks Bailey. Also, I forgot to mention earlier that I can't use this simplex repeater in town. There are too many FRS radios talking around town and I can't use it on 15-22. I have to stay in the country anyway to stay away from other radio traffic.

@kingdick4508 3 ай бұрын

What do s the distance from your test site to your house where the repeater is? Just wondering…

@FirstUnitedTactical 3 ай бұрын

5 miles. I thought I mentioned that at the beginning. It's between 5 and 5.5 miles. Some houses, power lines and maybe half 30'-40' tall trees, and the other half pasture.