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 (2 m and 70 cm) tranceivers 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:

Yaesu VX-1R

VX-1R

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 47x81x25 mm. 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.

Feature overview

Yaesu VX-2R

Yaesu VX-2E

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The Yaesu VX-1R was superseded by the VX-2R and is the model that preceded the Yaesu VX-3R.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

Battery

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.

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

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(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.

The VX-3R is the successor to Yaesu's previous models in the ultra-compact dualband handheld FM transceiver segment, the VX-1R and the VX-2R.

Feature overview

Modifications

The VX-3R can be modified to transmit on MARS and CAP frequencies through hardware techniques, however this radio does not meet NTIA standards for either MARS or CAP. The hardware modification requires the removal of an SMD located under the battery pack. This radio is also a preferred radio of Hacktivists and as such is the subject of some unusual and exciting mods. It is capable of being programmed by the open source Chirp software.

VX-5R

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

Feature overview

Yaesu VX-5R

Specifications

(Source: Yaesu)

VX-6R

A Yaesu VX-6R tuned to a local 2 m repeater

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.

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:0.3W, 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

Power 7.4 VDC (internal Li battery), 5-16 VDC (external), Negative Ground (Outside), Inside Pin is (+)
Dimensions (HxWxD) 89 x 58 x 29 mm
Weight 277 g (including battery)
First released 2005

Features

Accessories

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.

Specifications

Frequency Range of Transmission (USA Version):

Each band (except 222 MHz and 50 MHz in Asia exported version) 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. (A 2-sectional antenna is provided with the Asian export version.)

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

The VX-6R is capable of being programmed with the open source Chirp software.

VX-7R

YAESU VX-7RB

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 (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.

Feature overview

Selected specifications

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.

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 VX-7R can be modified to transmit on MARS and CAP frequencies through both hardware and software techniques, however this radio does not meet NTIA standards for either MARS or CAP. The hardware modification requires the removal of small solder contacts located under the battery pack. The software modification can be made with the VX Commander software through a data interface cable. Both modifications obtain the same result, except that the software modification will be disabled if the radio is hard-reset.

Soon after the release of the VX-7R a design flaw was discovered related to the radio's waterproof housing. Due to the watertight housing of the radio, it was also airtight. This resulted in a pressure differential between the inside of the radio and the atmosphere, caused by changes in barometric pressure or altitude. This pressure differential prevented proper oscillation of the speaker diaphragm, resulting in reduced and muffled audio output. Yaesu remedied the problem by adding a small valve under the bottom left rubber armor, which allows equalization of the interior pressure with the atmosphere. The design change was reflected in all new radios produced from that point on, and any older radios sent in for repair are retrofitted with this modification.

Some VX-7R owners complained of poor microphone sensitivity, which resulted in low audio levels on transmit. A crude modification was developed by end-users to solve the problem, at the expense of sacrificing the radio's waterproof capability. If small holes are pierced in the rubber seal covering the microphone diaphragm, then sound waves can better reach the microphone diaphragm, resulting in better audio sensitivity.[2]

The VX-7R is capable of being programmed with the open source Chirp software.

Faults and Problems

After couple of years in service the radio might become insensitive to narrow-band FM signals as it has been reported by several users. Broadcast range FM reception and transmitting on all bands is not affected. This is usually caused by failure of one (or both) ceramic filters marked LTM450FW. The unit can be sent to the manufacturer or authorized service center for repairs, but skilled users reported successful repairs by replacing the filter(s) with same or equivalent part. Since design of the intermediate frequency path is similar to other VX-series radios, the failure mode is common with other models. The original design skips the DC blocking capacitors in the output of the filter which are otherwise recommended by the component manufacturer.[3] Some users applied additional measures (inserting the capacitors in series with the output pin) to prevent premature failures of the ceramic filters.[4]

VX-8R

VX-8R with optional GPS module installed

The Yaesu VX-8R is a 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 (B band only). Like the VX7R, the VX8R is submersible and meets IPX57 specifications (3 feet for minimum of 30 minutes). A 7.4 V 1100 mAh Lithium Ion battery is included. It measures 2.36 x 3.74 x 0.92 inches. 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 is capable of being programmed with the open source Chirp software.[5]

The VX-8R has been replaced by the VX-8DR. The Yaesu VX-8DR is an APRS enhanced version of the popular VX8R. Key additional features of the VX-8DR include:

References

  1. ↑ "Yaesu VX-2 user manual" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-05-02.
  2. ↑ Volz, Michael. "Yaesu VX-7 Low Microphone Audio". Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  3. ↑ "LTM450W series datasheet" (PDF). pdf.datasheetcatalog.com. Retrieved 2016-01-15.
  4. ↑ Czerwonka, Tim (2015-03-15). "Replacing two 450 Khz IF ceramic filters" (PDF). Keeping the soldering iron warm. Tim Czerwonka. Retrieved 2015-01-15.
  5. ↑ "CHIRP". Retrieved 2017-01-06.
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