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Product Review
TD-H6
Dual Band Handheld
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by: John 'Miklor'
August 2021
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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 |
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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.
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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.
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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
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TD-H6 Dual Band Handheld |
Note: This equipment was received for the purpose of a fair and unbiased review.
All findings are factual based on the equipment I received. Any issues found
have been reported both here and back to the seller or manufacturer.
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