Vertex VX-150 2M HT

[qso]

The Yaesu/Vertex VX-150 is a 5watt 2 meter handheld
that is a great performer. I purchased this radio new
and the cost was very low. This radio has a sturdy case,
a digital display, and a touch tone pad. The radio has sensitive receive and includes PL and DCS tones. The VX-150 is a good buy for a monoband 2M handheld.
The stock battery has a low capacity, so I recommend
having the DC car adapter. The radio is also capable of taking up to 15VDC, which is great! The radio an excellent bargain! However, the radio is very complex
to program. If you want to monitor 2M or use a repeater theVX-150 is great. Plus it puts out
0.5/2/and 5 watts selectable. I recommend using the
Mem Channel Only setup in the manual, for new hams, or those who have difficulty programming a VCR! Otherwise, this radio is a great tool to have by your side.

[KD7LDH]

Great Radio... Built to Comercial Standards... If your Like me and need a radio for Civil Air Patrol this one is Wideband Compliant.... Backlight on the keypad and Display is great. Built Tough as Nails (maybe better) I Had it in a Window once and a Strong wind came It fell two stories on to HARD CONCRETE I ran down picked it up and it worked fine (the only permanent damage was a scratch on the battery). The only Drawbacks are

1. SMA Mount (the BNC adapter is like 14.95)
2. Pain in the A** to mod for CAP (I have a CAP ROA) ( I am a CAP Member) I strongly recomend you send it to Yaesu for the mod or an authorized factory repair center

Otherwise a Very Tough and Fun Radio

[KB8RCO]

I'm a big fan of this radio. I've recommended to about 7 others and none of them haev any complaints either.

If you feel it's too difficult to program, I suggest the software to program it through a computer (if you're so equipped). Yaesu's software (if they are still doing their own) is VERY POOR, but check out this location:

http://www.cloningsoftware.com/

Hope that helps!
KB8RCO

[k9fe]

Owned my first for a 2 years, then bought one for my son who got his tech at 14. #The only drawback is that you cannot charge the battery unless you have a drop-in charger or it is attached to the radio. #Built like a tank though. #I think you could pound nails in with it (no I did not try...yet) #Have had mine now since they first came out, my son's 2 years later. #Really sensitive receiver and quite natural sounding transmission. #The 4 conductor speaker mic plug is a little strange. #If you accidentally pull it out slightly it goes into transmit mode...not good, but just a nuisance item that you have to watch for.

I would defininitely give this radio a thumbs up. #Used it in emergency work in the rain and it never complained. #The battery lasts quite a while if you step the power down. (Most cases 1/2 watt works to the repeater for me)

73, de K9FE Mike #k9fe@arrl.net

[KB1GYQ]

I've have a vx-150 for 18 months. It has been dropped, used during PSE's in the pouring rain, and generally kicked around. Other than a few scratchs it keeps right on working. Signal reports are excellent audio. I can routinely make 200mi contacts on 5 watts with it. The stock battery doesn't last long enough on high power, but the aftermarket NiMH's solve that problem.

[N4TIA]

I brought my VX-150 at a hamfest 9 month's ago mainly for Civil Air Patrol use, I have an ROA {the callsign is FLA.CAP.-342} It took me 15 minutes to modify {if anyone has one they want modified at a very reasonable price my e-mail address is flacap_342@msn.com} and it has been dropped kicked, sat on and basiclly tortured and it is still alive and kicking, in fact I replace by Yaesu FT-50R with this HT. All in all an excellent radio!
Alexander KG4OGN 73!
FLACAP_342

[k6ntl]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (k9fe @ Aug. 23 2002,20:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The only drawback is that you cannot charge the battery unless you have a drop-in charger or it is attached to the radio. #[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Hello.

Love mine.

Using the MAHA universal charger / analyser is a great option for quick charging and keeping your batteries in shape. I recommend it.

True about the MARS CAP mod. I won't even attempt it.

73, Kevin
K6NTL / AAR9TA

[KG4PWO]

I just got a vx150 about 2 weeks ago and I love it. I plan on getting into DX but for now this is my into into HAM Radio. Not bad for 120 bucks.

[KC2KQH]

I just got the VX150 last Wednesday. I LOVE IT!! This is an excellent and very rugged radio for an even better price. I would strongly recommend this radio to ANYONE, whether a new operator, or to an experienced Extra class operator. This HT is for anyone.
Ryan Ayares

I have had my VX-150 for over 8 months now and I absolutely love it! It has worked flawlessly for me and I strongly reccomend this radio! I set mine on medium power and I routinely get about 15 hours out of the standard battery. Two thumbs up for this radio! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

73's

KC7UMB / Steve