yaesu vx-5r

[KC0NSU]

anyone heard anything good/bad about it? i'm thinking of getting one, but need more infos.

[kc9bzn]

I own the VX-5r and so does one of my friends. #It's hard to program and you may be frustrated at first but after awhile it get's easier. #Buy the software and cable for it and programming is a breeze. #This thing is loaded with features. #If your looking for something with 2 meter and 440 then this is the best bang for your money.

With an external 2 meter vertical antenna on the roof, I've talked to a repeater over 100 miles away. #Don't expect much on 6m because it doesn't shine there. I also use it as a portable scanner and it does a fine job doing that. #It's not as sensitive as my BC245XLT scanner but it is close. #I'm a "new" ham and this is my first HT and I think I made the right choice. #If I had to do it over again, I would do the same thing. #The audio does distort easily if you turn it up and it may be hard to hear in the car with the windows down but so are my scanners. #I got mine from R and L at a hamfest. #Probably the best deal out there...

73's
Brian
KC9BZN

[N669US]

my case is exactly the same as KC9BZN http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I'm going to get my tech exam tomorrow( http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif so excited!)and I purchased VX-5R as my first rig. I feel very satisifed with it. The radio is packed with all the features. As Brian points out, it takes little time to pratice with the radio.

The only problem that I had is very low volume in the 470 range. When I listen to police comm. I often had to turn the volume to loudest to hear what they say. Other than that, everything else are excellent.

I recommand you to buy this rig

73, http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[KF4KTJ]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif I have been very pleased with my Vx5 and have had it for about 9 months. I have used it for both amatuer and commercial use<with a little tweaking http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif > The radio receives like a champ and is a great radio in a small package. I agree that it is difficult to program but with the computer program it is a breeze. I like the capabilities of being able to scan the pl codes as well.


If you havent already bought one, you should...Several people that I work with have and they enjoy them!!!!



Big Daddy KF4KTJ

[KC9AXZ]

I love this radio! I use it more than any of my other radios. I really didn't find it hard to program, just time consuming.

The radio does get pretty warm when used on "full" power for any length of time (10-15 min of casual TX). No joke, the whole radio gets warm.

6M works decient for local nets. I haven't hit any DX with it yet. I did however hear some DX on it while it was laid on the floor of the truck. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

Hope this helps
73 Jon KC9AXZ

[W3LLS]

GREAT LITTLE RADIO DOES EVERY THING ALREADY STATED AND I HAVE MADE 4 CONTACTS ON THE OSCAR-14 SATT. GET AN AFTER MARKET ANTENNA AND YOU WILL BE VERY HAPPY. IF I USE MINE IN MY TRUCK I USE A 5/8 WAVE WHIP ON 2 METERS AND A 135 AMP WITH A HOME BREW 2 ELEMENT BEAM I CAN REACH OUT ABOUT 75 - 80 MILES ON 1 WATT. I LOVE MINE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK

TROY KD7QYS

[KB2WRY]

I'd like to echo all the previous comments on the VX-5R. I've been using one for about 3 years now and enjoy it very much. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[g0mem]

Great radio, had mine for 2 years. Its in use everyday, mostly as a scanner. The menus are hard initially, its a definatly an RTHM radio. Once its all programmed, operation is a breeze.

VX5 has now been discontinued tho http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[ka3gmz]

Same here like mine had it .. i bet... 3 years. now,...question .... any body get a new lithium bat for theirs yet.... mine seems to be " getting tired " faster or maybe its me....??? Primary use for receiving...and enjoy its portability.....

[trooper]

It's kind of a cheesy little thing, and the tiny (2-AA) drycell case is less than impressive. The tiny, plastic belt-clip is not even worth the molecules wasted to build it, and the 6-meter side is as capable as a mouse in a snake's nest. If I had to do all over again, I'd have wasted the money on happy-hour and made a better investment. No X-Band repeat, no real battery options and no unique or special capabilities that make it worth the price.

I have the unit charged with the LIon battery and extra clam-shell in my briefcase 'for emergency or whatnot' as it doesn't take up much space. I'd carry the radio in my vest or on a dress-belt before I wore a W-32 or VX-150 to a meeting; but other than not being an obvious piece of equipment, it isn't very remarkable. I may sacrafice the unit to the APRS gods and make it lead a life of endless TX every 60 seconds for eternity, or until the finals melt, just to give it a purpose in life.

Maybe I will go sky-diving in July and see if it will QRP on 6-meters at 9,000 feet. If not, I'll heave it back to down earth and determine the ballistic coefficient as it spirals toward it's death below. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif If the radio works when I land I'll still sacrafice it to the APRS gods and make it lead a life of endless tx every 60 seconds for eternity. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Loren B. Cobb / KD7PLU

[KB9YKY]

I always wonder why some guys expect to do much of anything on 6 meters with a FM transciever? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[kd7mxr]

I have had a VX5R as my only HT. As a new Ham in 2001 it took me two weeks to figure the thing out. Use it as a scanner, Tx at home along with my IC 706 and as a mobile rig when traveling with a external antenna. Can't be better, except I lost my first one as it fell of rhe car (another story) at 65 mph. I found the pieces and a scratched up battery, but salvageable (battery that is). Bought a new one and back in business. My XYL got her Tech a month ago and she carries a silver VX5R as I can now program with ease and I do not have to learn another radio's funny programesse. Lith. battery charge lasts 8 to 14 hours, on time, dependingon useage. When out on a event the public are impressed with the little unit and how I can talk to someone with the palm of my hand. If you haven't bought one by now, DO IT!
73 de KD7MXR.

[kc2kqr]

I have a question about the vx-5r Is there any thing different about the Black 5r vs the Silver 5r I see that the silver is going for $20 less than the black?

Thanks for the help

[WB4E]

I have used the VX-5R for over a year and find it does a good job. #There is no difference between the silver and black case versions other than the color. #It amazes me how the color has caused the price to vary. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

The ADMS software certainly helps. #I recently bought a VX-1R and was pleased to be able to use the same program and cable.

Do not waste any money on the SU-1 barometer unit. #I was interested in using the altimeter output, but have seen the elevation change over 100 feet without touching the unit. #Also, the data is only in meters, millibars and Celsius and cannot be changed to English units. #I got a GPS to answer my elevation questions.

Overall, the VX-5R is a solid radio. #Watch for clearance prices as dealers try to exhaust their stock in favor of the VX-7R.