Yaesu VX series


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 transceivers that started with the VX-1R and was later updated with the VX-2R and VX-3R. There is also a line of 5W tri-band transceivers that started with the VX-5R and was later updated with the VX-6R, VX-7R and VX-8R.

Common features

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. It will receive and transmit in both the 2 meter band and the 70 cm band. 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.

Feature overview

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The Yaesu VX-1R was superseded by the VX-2R and is the model that preceded the Yaesu VX-3R.

Feature overview

The standard battery will last about two days 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 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.

Modification

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.

VX-3R

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 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.
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.

Feature overview

The VX-5R is an ultra-compact amateur radio transceiver produced by Yaesu.

Feature overview

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 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.
CategoryAmateur Radio
ClassHand-Held
BandsVHF: 1.25 m, 2 m

UHF: 70 cm
RxAM/FM:0.500-999.998 MHz

AM/FM:0.504-999.998 MHz
TxFM:144-148 MHz, Pwr:0.3W, 1.0W, 2.5W, 5.0W

FM: 222-225 MHz, Pwr: 0.2W, 0.5W, 1.0W, 1.5W

FM:430-450 MHz, Pwr:0.3W, 1.0W, 2.5W, 5.0W
Power7.4 VDC, 5-16 VDC, Negative Ground, Inside Pin is
Dimensions 89 x 58 x 29 mm
Weight277 g
First released2005

Features

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 while it is turned off. This user-installed accessory mounts under the battery compartment.

Specifications

Frequency Range of Transmission :
Each band can be switched between 5W, 2.5W, 1.0W, and 300 mW.
The Asian version of the VX-6R can transmit a 1.5W 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.

Technical description

Faults and Problems

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.

Programming

VX-7R

The Yaesu VX-7R is a handheld transceiver for use on the amateur radio bands. It is a "quad band" transceiver, capable of transmitting and receiving on the 50 MHz, 220 MHz, 144 MHz & 440 MHz 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. 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.

Feature overview

Receive:
SpecifiedActual VFO Availability
0.5 - 1.8 MHz 0.510 - 1.795 MHzMain
1.8 - 30 MHz 1.800 - 29.995 MHzMain
30 - 59 MHz 30.000 - 58.995 MHzMain, Sub 50.000-53.995 MHz
59 - 108 MHz 59.000 - 107.900 MHzMain
108 - 137 MHz 108.000 - 136.975 MHzMain
137 - 174 MHz 137.000 - 173.995 MHzMain and Sub
174 - 222 MHz 174.000 - 221.995 MHzMain
222 - 225 MHz 222.000-224.995 MHzMain
225 - 420 MHz 225.000 - 419.995 MHzMain
420 - 470 MHz 420.000 - 469.995 MHzMain and Sub
470 - 729 MHz 470.000 - 728.995, 758.000-773.995 MHzMain
800 - 999 MHz 803.000 - 823.995, 849.000 - 868.995, 894.000 - 914.995, 944.000 - 959.995, 989.000 - 998.995 MHzMain

Frequency Range Transmit:
Output power on each band can be reduced from 5 watts to 2.5 watts, 1 watt, or 50 milliwatts. Reducing output power allows the transceiver to be used over shorter communication distances for longer battery life.

Characteristics

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.

Modifications

The Yaesu VX-8R is a discontinued handheld transceiver for use on the amateur radio bands. It is a "quad band" transceiver.
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.
The Yaesu VX-8R HT provides 5 watts FM on 50/144/430 MHz and 1.5 watts on 222 MHz. It supports Bluetooth hands-free operation with the optional BU-1 and BH-1 or BH-2 accessories. There is also an optional GPS unit. The radio supports APRS 1200/9600 bit/s data communication. Like the VX7R, the VX8R is submersible and meets IPX57 specifications. A 7.4 V 1100 mAh Lithium Ion battery is included. It measures. It supports simultaneous independent 2-signal dual receive function with both V + V or U + U. A barometric sensor is included. The receive coverage is wider than VX-7R, with an independent AM/FM broadcast receiver circuit and internal AM antenna, similar to the VX-5. The dot matrix LCD display provides Memory tag up to a maximum of 16 characters. It also has a primitive spectrum analyzer with ±60 channels indication with wave monitoring of received/modulated signal.
The VX-8R has been replaced by the discontinued VX-8DR. The Yaesu VX-8DR was an APRS enhanced version of the popular VX8R. Key additional features of the VX-8DR include: