quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
Passed my Technician License Exam today...35/35!

Congratulations!

A question regarding repeaters: I understand the basics regarding how they work, but one thing I'm curious about... do they share the same antenna, or do they require separate antennas? If they require separate, isn't there an issue regarding spacing them far enough apart so that they do not interfere with each other?

Thanks in advance!

Most repeaters do use a single antenna with the repeater being connected to a duplexer and then the antenna.

Gotcha. Thanks!

Based on the information I've read here on numerous occasions,
I looked in to this subject with some research of my own.

My conclusion is that for some , this hobby could turn into a money pit like quilting , Bass fishing or golf.


On the other hand, there are some very valid reasons to learn about and invest in a few specific radios " just in case"

Congratulations and welcome to the family... Now while in the study mode go for the "General Exam".. Easier than you may think... A lot of rehashing basic information..... Myself need to pick up the "Extra" as the test pool questions change with new questions coming out 1 july 2024.. 50 questions out of possible pool of 622..Some questions ask for the same information in a slightly different format, so there aren"t 622 unique questions. ..You must answer 37 out of the 50 to pass.. Minimum passing score is 74%.. so that equals to 6% of the pool.. good luck in climbing the ladder to gain more privilidges and available frequencies for your use............................ drill sgt. ... KL7JIU..

Even though I like my "Boof-Wang" radios, I decided to "upgrade" to the new Tidradio TD-H3 because it is easier to operate, has a full color screen that is easier to see, and has a LOT of new features that I can use... one of which is the aviation band. I got a set of 2 coming in tomorrow from Amazon and will report back after I've had a chance to mess around with them a bit.

Does anyone else already have one or more TD-H3s?

quote:

Originally posted by bronicabill:

Does anyone else already have one or more TD-H3s?

I have one coming Thursday to add to the stable. Fact it can be set to a choice of ham, GMRS or unlocked is a big plus.

ETA: The Amazons pushed back the delivery date on the H3 so I canceled. Also realized how tiny it was for my giant mitts. My current fave is a Radtel RT-470X. I rolled the dice and tried Ali Express. I got a radio that does everything it's supposed to AND has an FFC ID# on the back.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Blackmore,

quote:

Originally posted by Blackmore:
Fact it can be set to a choice of ham, GMRS or unlocked is a big plus.

Yes, that was a big selling point also. It also uses the same antennas that I already have, unlike the other Tidradio I tried that had the opposite kind of connector... so I don't have to buy more than I already have.

Damn you people….

Here I thought I had finally had enough HT’s after getting the TD-H8’s but now I want an H3!

I justified by the smaller size and addition of airband RX.

Thankfully it comes in the same neon green/yellow as my H8’s so maybe the wife won’t notice…

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:
Damn you people….

Here I thought I had finally had enough HT’s after getting the TD-H8’s but now I want an H3!

I justified by the smaller size and addition of airband RX.

LOL... I'm up to 6 now; time to sell off a few as they're all practically brand new. Will keep 1 of the Boof-Wangs as a backup, but I cannot see a need for more than that, especially when I am the only user! (Once all the dust settles, my wife will have the 2nd Tidradio for emergencies, once I teach her the basics of using it.)

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:
Thankfully it comes in the same neon green/yellow as my H8’s so maybe the wife won’t notice…

Another great selling point for you! This method of "camouflage" is why all of my guns are black...

For anyone interested, here is a good review of the TD-H3 which covers all of the neat features that caused me to order yet another pair of radios.

Several items of interest to me are:

1) Unlike the Baofeng radios I have, the display shows not only the name and channel number, but also the frequency associated with it! The BFs only show one or the other... I want to know both, and the TD-H3 does that.

2) Unlike the Baofeng radios (and apparently most other Chinese HTs), the TD-H3 actually transmits at and often ABOVE it's rated power output of 5 watts! Some of the lower frequencies were showing around 4.7-4.8 watts, but getting into GMRS land it was putting out 6 to 7 watts instead of barely reaching 4W like the Baofengs. Does this really make that much difference? No, the antenna makes a bigger difference, but at least it is putting out what it's rated instead of being sub-par on power.

YouTube Review of TIDradio TD-H3 by "KS6DAY"

UPDATE: The pair of TD-H3s came in today and so far I'm extremely pleased with them! Lots more to learn, but that's half the fun...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bronicabill,

quote:

Originally posted by bronicabill:

LOL... I'm up to 6 now; time to sell off a few as they're all practically brand new. Will keep 1 of the Boof-Wangs as a backup, but I cannot see a need for more than that, especially when I am the only user! (Once all the dust settles, my wife will have the 2nd Tidradio for emergencies, once I teach her the basics of using it.)

Hmmm.. those are rookie numbers, you need to pump those up

1)Yaesu FT5DR
2)Yeasu FT70
3)Yaesu VX-6R
4)Wouxun something…
5)Anytone AT-D878UV
6/7)TD-H8
8)TD-H3
9)Baofeng GM-15
10/11)Baofeng MP-31
12/13/14/15)Baofeng GT-68 (in my defense these were purchased to reprogram as PMR446 for upcoming trip to Kenya - none of my other radios would work)


I think I may have a problem… look for posting in classified soon!

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:
Hmmm.. those are rookie numbers, you need to pump those up

<<snipped list of 15... yes, 15 radios>>

I think I may have a problem… look for posting in classified soon!

Dayum... I think you need to look up the nearest chapter of RA (Radios Anonymous)! How can you possibly USE all of those???

This is a gun forum, and the Waiver and Confidentially Agreement both clearly state that we are under no obligation to provide any justification whatsoever or any reasonable or unreasonable explanations for our ‘collecting’ habits and desires!

Boofwang / Poontang

Da fuq?

Did anyone else read POO Flung.

So when does TIDradio become TITradio? Would be a more interesting name! LOL

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:

quote:

Originally posted by bronicabill:

LOL... I'm up to 6 now; time to sell off a few as they're all practically brand new. Will keep 1 of the Boof-Wangs as a backup, but I cannot see a need for more than that, especially when I am the only user! (Once all the dust settles, my wife will have the 2nd Tidradio for emergencies, once I teach her the basics of using it.)

Hmmm.. those are rookie numbers, you need to pump those up

1)Yaesu FT5DR
2)Yeasu FT70
3)Yaesu VX-6R
4)Wouxun something…
5)Anytone AT-D878UV
6/7)TD-H8
8)TD-H3
9)Baofeng GM-15
10/11)Baofeng MP-31
12/13/14/15)Baofeng GT-68 (in my defense these were purchased to reprogram as PMR446 for upcoming trip to Kenya - none of my other radios would work)


I think I may have a problem… look for posting in classified soon!

What do you think of the FT5DR? I've got one too, and it's my favorite radio (of what I've got) by a long shot, but the battery life is terrible and that really kills it for me.

quote:

Originally posted by Perception:


What do you think of the FT5DR? I've got one too, and it's my favorite radio (of what I've got) by a long shot, but the battery life is terrible and that really kills it for me.

TBH, I haven’t used it all that much. I wanted a “do it all” high-end HT and bought it shortly after getting my ticket. Then life changed and I didn’t have the time to devote to the hobby I would like too.

As such haven’t really “learned” it yet, so it sits and I grab a cheapo most of the time. I really am an infrequent HAM user at this point, but with retirement a couple months away I am hoping to change that.


I did notice battery seems to drain even when NOT being jaded, so I make a point of taking battery off when not in use (seems to be the case on all my Yaesu HT’s). I have bought some third party spare batteries for my Yaesu HT’s. Can get two or three for what Yaesu charges for one.