The Yaesu VX series is a line of two sequences of compact amateur radio handheld transceivers produced by Yaesu. There is a line of ultra-compact lower-power dual-band (2 m and 70 cm) transceivers that started with the VX-1R and was later updated with the VX-2R and VX-3R. There is also a line of 5 W tri-band transceivers that started with the VX-5R and was later updated with the VX-6R, VX-7R and VX-8R.
The VX line of radios all have features common to most modern hand held amateur radios:
In addition, the VX line has features available on only some other brands:
These features are specific to Yaesu radios:
The Yaesu VX-1R is a micro-miniature multiband FM transceiver with extensive receiver frequency coverage intended for use in licensed "Ham" or amateur radio operations. It is purportedly the smallest UHF/VHF hand-held transceiver available, with dimensions of 47xx. It will receive and transmit in both the 2 meter band (144-148 MHz) and the 70 cm band (430-450 MHz). The VX-1R provides receive coverage of the AM and FM broadcast bands, VHF and UHF TV bands, the VHF AM aircraft band, and a wide range of commercial and public safety frequencies.[1]
The VX-2R was an ultra-compact amateur radio transceiver produced by Yaesu between 2003 and 2007.
The VX-2R is known as the VX-2E in European markets.
The Yaesu VX-1R was superseded by the VX-2R and is the model that preceded the Yaesu VX-3R.
The standard battery will last about two days (single frequency receive) if not scanning. If scanning, the receive time falls to a few hours. At 1.5 Watts out, talk time is only about 20 minutes with a fully charged battery.
Replacement batteries are inexpensive, especially as they are based on the Fuji NP60 camera battery. The lower (100 mW) power setting is adequate for repeaters out to 20 miles or so, and allows longer talk time. This is a highly regarded HT based on its performance-to-size ratio.
The VX-2 is not difficult to modify. Because the radio uses software-based jumpers, it is not necessary to open the radio up to perform most modification. A MARS/CAP modification can be performed, expanding transmit coverage outside of ham bands slightly; it is also possible to perform a "freeband" modification to the radio, enabling transmission outside the authorized amateur radio bands, without any hardware modifications. Although in most cases illegal based on Federal Communications Commission rules, the "freeband" modification opens transmit coverage significantly, allowing use on business band and FRS bands, along with several lesser-used frequency bands.
The VX-3R is an ultra-compact dual-band FM transceiver with extensive receive frequency coverage. Besides 144 and 430 MHz transceive operation, the VX-3R provides receive coverage of the AM(MF) and FM broadcast bands, HF Shortwave Bands, VHF and UHF TV bands, the VHF AM aircraft band, and a wide range of commercial and public safety frequencies. The transmitter section provides 1.5 watts of power output on the 144 MHz bands with the supplied FNB-82LI battery pack and 1 watt output on 430 MHz.[3]
The VX-3R is the successor to Yaesu's previous models in the ultra-compact dual-band handheld FM transceiver segment, the VX-1R and the VX-2R.
The VX-5R is an ultra-compact amateur radio transceiver produced by Yaesu.
(Source: Yaesu)
The Yaesu VX-6R is a triple band handheld amateur radio transceiver with extensive receive coverage, and leading-edge features. The radio is designed to operate in extreme conditions, and is sealed at all openings to permit underwater submersion up to 1 meter (3 feet) for 30 minutes. A demo model at Dayton Hamvention was held underwater for 8 hours at 1 meter depth, under power, without adverse effects. Available accessories include remote microphones, earphones.[6]
| Category | Amateur Radio | |
| Class | Hand-Held | |
| Bands | VHF: 1.25 m (USA only), 2 m UHF: 70 cm | |
| Rx | AM/FM:0.500-999.998 MHz (USA cellular blocked) AM/FM:0.504-999.998 MHz (Exp version) | |
| Tx | FM:144-148 MHz, Pwr: 0.3 W, 1.0 W, 2.5 W, 5.0 W FM:222-225 MHz, Pwr: 0.2 W, 0.5 W, 1.0 W, 1.5 W FM:430-450 MHz, Pwr: 0.3 W, 1.0 W, 2.5 W, 5.0 W | |
| Power | 7.4 VDC (internal Li battery), 5-16 VDC (external), Negative Ground (Outside), Inside Pin is (+) | |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 89 mm × 58 mm × 29 mm | |
| Weight | 277 g (including battery) | |
| First released | 2005 |
With the shipped box, Yaesu VX-6R should come with the following accessories,
There is an optional barometric module, SU-1, that provides both barometric pressure and altitude measuring capability, and the VX-6R may be programmed to monitor temperature and pressure (or altitude) while it is turned off. This user-installed accessory mounts under the battery compartment.
Frequency eange of transmission (US version):
40 - 80 MHZ TX 0.5 W-1 W-0.1 W Max - Special HF mode range for VX-6E rev c2 switch setting HF mode O I I O I 0 0 0
Each band (except 222 MHz and 50 MHz in Asia exported version) can be switched between 5 W, 2.5 W, 1.0 W, and 300 mW.
The Asian version of the VX-6R can transmit a 1.5 W FM carrier on the six-meter band. It is necessary to use an external antenna tuned to the lower part of the six meter band for this feature. (A 2-sectional antenna is provided with the Asian export version.)
Setting for PMR 446 mode. 1). Step 12.5 kHz for channel 446.0125, 446.025, 446.0375, 446.446.050, 446.0625, 446.075, 446.0875, 446.100 2). Restart radio to service menu, and change the PLL setting -6.25 kHZ (PLL oscilator is default page,,rEF 440.000 129,, new set is for -6.25kHZ,,30,,) 3). save change ..... GO TO PMR :))))
A bug has been found, as the CTCSS decode may not work properly when the VX-6R is operating with external power.
The VX-6R may become insensitive to narrow-band FM signals – see the VX-7R sensitivity issue below.
The Yaesu VX-7R is a discontinued handheld transceiver for use on the amateur radio bands. It is a quad-band transceiver, capable of transmitting and receiving on the 50 MHz (6 meters), 220 MHz (1.25 meters), 144 MHz (2 meters) & 440 MHz (70 centimeters) bands. It also features a general-coverage receiver, meaning it can operate as a receiver on many additional bands. The radio's magnesium alloy case is available in black anodized or silver (clear anodized). The model number suffix "B" or "S" denotes which color, black or silver respectively.
The radio is designed to operate in extreme conditions. It is designed to be shockproof, and is sealed against water and chemicals, making it well-suited for emergency-services duty. Available accessories include remote microphones, earphones, barometric pressure sensor module, and adapters for digital communications modes.[7]
Receive:
| Specified | Actual (U.S. Version) | VFO Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 - 1.8 MHz (BC Band) | 0.510 - 1.795 MHz | Main | |
| 1.8 - 30 MHz (Shortwave band) | 1.800 - 29.995 MHz | Main | |
| 30 - 59 MHz (6-meter band Amateur) | 30.000 - 58.995 MHz | Main, Sub 50.000-53.995 MHz | |
| 59 - 108 MHz (FM/TV-VHF Lo) | 59.000 - 107.900 MHz | Main | |
| 108 - 137 MHz (Airband) | 108.000 - 136.975 MHz | Main | |
| 137 - 174 MHz (2-meter band Amateur) | 137.000 - 173.995 MHz | Main and Sub | |
| 174 - 222 MHz (TV-VHF Hi) | 174.000 - 221.995 MHz | Main | |
| 222 - 225 MHz (1.25-meter band Amateur) | 222.000-224.995 MHz | Main | |
| 225 - 420 MHz (ACT1: Action Band 1) | 225.000 - 419.995 MHz | Main | |
| 420 - 470 MHz (70-centimeter band Amateur) | 420.000 - 469.995 MHz | Main and Sub | |
| 470 - 729 MHz (TV-UHF) | 470.000 - 728.995, 758.000-773.995 MHz | Main | |
| 800 - 999 MHz (cell-blocked) | 803.000 - 823.995, 849.000 - 868.995, 894.000 - 914.995, 944.000 - 959.995, 989.000 - 998.995 MHz | Main |
Frequency range transmit:
Output power on each band (except 222 MHz) can be reduced from 5 watts to 2.5 watts, 1 watt, or 50 milliwatts (on 222 MHz can be reduced from 300 milliwatts to 50 milliwatts). Reducing output power allows the transceiver to be used over shorter communication distances for longer battery life.
The VX-7R can transmit in AM at a 1 watt carrier power on the six meter band. This mode of operation allows the VX-7R to be used to drive a combination of bands functions reasonably well. The "Sub" VFO is limited to frequencies around the 50, 144, and 440 amateur bands, while the "Main" VFO has a much broader frequency coverage.
The Yaesu VX-8R/VX-8E is a discontinued handheld transceiver (or "HT") for use on popular VHF and UHF amateur radio bands. It is a quad-band transceiver with dual VFOs, providing 5 watts FM on 50/144/430 MHz and 1.5 watts on 222 MHz. Models ending with an -R were manufactured for use with the North American band plan (American models featuring the 800 MHz cellular band blocked), and models ending with -E were made for use in Europe. It was made in various slightly different forms by Yaesu/Vertex Standard until 2017 [8]
The radio was designed to be semi-waterproof, shock-resistant, and is "designed to meet commercial grade standards". It includes a broadcast band AM/FM radio as well as AM-only shortwave listening capabilities. Its reception range is 500 kHz to 999.990 MHz.[9] Available accessories include hand microphones, earphones, a GPS receiver, a bluetooth unit, a barometric pressure sensor module, and adapters for digital communications modes[10]
The VX-8 was eventually replaced by the also-discontinued VX-8D(-R/-E). The VX-8D was an "APRS enhanced" version of the VX8R, which included expanded capabilities and more device memory.[11]
The also-discontinued VX-8G was yet another model in the family which included a built-in GPS module from the factory, and was intended to be used by the "Devoted APRS user."[12]
The VX-8 family is able to be programmed using the free, open-source CHIRP software.[4]