Yaesu VX-8R

[NE3R]

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0008.html

This rig has some potential. I'd like to get a look at the manual before I come to a conclusion, but nearly 4 bands, + APRS is hard to beat.

Two featuers that are not clear yet:
1. Does it recieve APRS or is it just a tracker?
2. Is it full duplex?

We'll see

73 de Joseph Durnal NE3R

[N2RJ]

I wonder if VS will have one at Dayton?

[K4AX]

I was kind of hoping that they would pop out something with Dstar. :(

[AB8RO]

I find the SSB/CW reception capability of the THF6 to be extremely handy. I was hoping that Yaesu would mimic this feature in the new VX offering.

Does anyone really use the 6m features of these radios? I confess, I've never used the 220 mhz features of the kenwood.

[NE3R]

I find the SSB/CW reception capability of the THF6 to be extremely handy. I was hoping that Yaesu would mimic this feature in the new VX offering.

Does anyone really use the 6m features of these radios? I confess, I've never used the 220 mhz features of the kenwood.

The VX-7R has 6 meters, and 300mw 222. I used the 222 more than the full 5 watt 6. There just isn't much for a handheld to do on 6 meters. Then again, I never hooked it up to a real 6 meter antenna.

[KJ3N]

10 pounds of crap in a 1 pound package. :mad:

Whatever happened to the days of dual band HTs (and mobile radios, for that matter) with frontends that actually worked? :confused:

[N2RJ]

I find the SSB/CW reception capability of the THF6 to be extremely handy. I was hoping that Yaesu would mimic this feature in the new VX offering.

Does anyone really use the 6m features of these radios? I confess, I've never used the 220 mhz features of the kenwood.

The problem with SSB/CW reception (or any SW/MW reception) is the lack of a decent antenna.

As for 6m, I've used it a few times to contact the XYL, because a lot of 2m frequencies around here are occupied.

[AB8RO]

The problem with SSB/CW reception (or any SW/MW reception) is the lack of a decent antenna.


I didn't say that I used it as a "handheld", although, the loop antenna will pick up wwv outside. Moreover, the yaesu does HF receive, just no CW/SSB so Yaesu obviously doesn't think that the antenna issue is an issue. I have a little homebrew miracle whip type antenna that I use to just take a quick listen now and then. I also find it works quite well with the simple roll up longwire that came with my sony sw radio. I use it ALL THE TIME on the bench and while I'm working on antennas. It's much more portable than the FT-817 and a little clip of wire will let me get some code copy practice in over lunch.

As I said, it's extremely handy and is a deal breaker for me for the Yaesu. It obviously can't add that much to the cost of the second receiver because the kenwood isn't any more expensive than the Yaesu.

[KI4POT]

Re: 6m

We're starting to use 6m some in the ARES group I work with. I've found it works great in a handheld in situations where 2m doesn't work so well.

Chris

[K0RGR]

I hope it has APRS capability similar to the Kenwood THD7. I expect to be ni the market for a new HT, and I've wanted to get the D7, but frankly, it has a few warts - it is also fairly ancient technology, but nobody can come close to the APRS capability it has. I also wonder if the GPS unit can be installed in or on the HT. An internal unit with provision for external antenna would be a wonderful thing.

I've always been a bit disappointed with 6 meter FM, but I live in a place with very little such activity. Oddly enough, years ago, I had occasion to compare commercial 6 meter 'packsets' to 2 meter FM, and found many situations where the 6 meters got through much better. It seems that ham 6 meter FM rigs don't have effective limiters in the receivers, because they are all susceptible to ignition noise and other sorts of impulse noise. Commercial radios for the 40-Mhz. band don't have this problem.

[KB3LAZ]

They could have got rid or 6m and made 220 5w. It looks better than the vx-7 but I dont see any new options that make it worth buying (for me that is). However its a new toy so I will most likely get one.

[W2WP]

I wonder if it will have the terrible TX audio like the VX-7R or somewhat better output of the VX-6R?

[WA6MHZ]

It mentions APRS capability, but no mention of an internal TNC. Too bad about no SSB/CW RX. The Kenwood TH-F6A still beats this, but Yaesu is gaining on it! Kenwood needs to come out with a fancier F6 but with their waning interest in Ham Radio, it doesn't seem likely. F6 is an old radio now, but still the best money can buy.

[N8YX]

It's Bluetooth capable and waterproof. I think I found my new bike/bike communications tool; we've been looking at Bluetooth-based motorcycle headsets for our helmets and this appears to be the perfect complement to them...

[K5SYN]

I find the SSB/CW reception capability of the THF6 to be extremely handy. I was hoping that Yaesu would mimic this feature in the new VX offering.

Does anyone really use the 6m features of these radios? I confess, I've never used the 220 mhz features of the kenwood.

I used to check in on the SLANT net with my VX-5R hooked to a mag-mount on my truck, I'm not sure if anyone but net control could hear me though.

[KB8UDE]

I have a VX-7R currently, and I can say without a doubt that it will be for sale once the new 8 hits the shelves. I love my 7, and with the extra features the 8 will have I must own it. The Bluetooth has me excited, as does the APRS capability. Even if it is just a tracker, I will be happy with it. The GPS option is likely to be in a shoulder mic like the Icom D-star HT has.

Yes I would like to see SSB in it, but honestly I don't find many times where I'm using the HF receive anyway. And It looks like the 220 band got a boost from 300mW to 1.5W so that will be helpful.

I wonder if the 8 will carry over the option to run AM on 6m? We used that a lot at Dayton since trying to find a frequency to use there is tough. I bet there aren't many who realized you could do that...

[K9KJM]

I was at Dayton and talked with several Yaesu reps, Who seemed to be keeping any new hand held "secret" and could not even answer my questions about the older VX-7 (Can the VX-7 receive commercial broadcast FM (Music) AND scan the ham bands at the same time?) With better FM performance than the little VX-3, Which is about as sensitive as a stone on commercial broadcast FM.

Did get a nice free Yaesu hat and flashing sticker from them though!

[W1MRC]

I had the vx-7r and loved it.......until i found out about the kenwood th-f6a. There is not really any 6 meter activity in my area unless you can do SSB which the vx-7 could not. the 220 power output was next to worthless. we have 4 220 repeaters in my area which i bought the alinco dj-296, but then sold both the vx-7 and dj-296 for the th-f6a and have greatly enjoyed. i would sell it for the vx-8 if they had only given it 5 watts on 220...

[KE5TOY]

I KNEW as soon as I bought my radio, they would come out with a newer better one. I'll probably get one, hopefully they won't be too uber expensive.

[KP3S]

I was kind of hoping that they would pop out something with Dstar. :(

Dstar is a trademark of Icom, maybe they will come out with something that may be compatible with Dstar but I doubt it.

[N2VWW]

Dstar is a trademark of Icom, maybe they will come out with something that may be compatible with Dstar but I doubt it.

Dstar is not a trademark of Icom's. It is open source, however Icom was first implementing this for amateur radio. I think the other manufactures will follow suit before long.


Gary

[N2QJN]

The FCC has the manual online:

https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=966335&native_or_pdf=pdf

N2QJN

[K0RGR]

Hmmm...the manual makes only one reference to APRS. There is an APRS function, we can see that, but no details on what it does here. It talks about connecting an external TNC. I wonder if there is a separate manual on the APRS functions, like Kenwood's rigs.

Bob Bruninga has an article in the new QST all about all the neat things you can do with APRS now, and he lists the VX-8R as being APRS capable.

[KQ4KK]

HRO shipped them out on DEC 15th.

Got mine on Monday. It's everything a VX-7R is good, plus does everything the Kenwood D7 does on APRS.

Has very good situational display APRS screens, better than the D7. Got the GPS head, but BO on the hand mic that it connects to..

[N7RJD]

Hmmm...the manual makes only one reference to APRS. There is an APRS function, we can see that, but no details on what it does here. It talks about connecting an external TNC. I wonder if there is a separate manual on the APRS functions, like Kenwood's rigs.

I haven't looked at the manual but the brochure available for download from Yaesu lists an internal TNC with the GPS receiver being the only option required. The GPS receiver can be mounted to the top of the optional speaker mic or to the radio using another optional adapter.

When I downloaded the brochure it was just the file name with no extension. Just added .pdf to the end of the file name and it opened right up.

It does look like a full featured little box so the main question would be how much performance suffers in the name of features and size.

[W9MAV]

10 pounds of crap in a 1 pound package. :mad:

Whatever happened to the days of dual band HTs (and mobile radios, for that matter) with frontends that actually worked? :confused:

Thats my question I bought a VX-7R can't even compare it to a TR-2500 a 20 year old handheld works better than the 7r.:eek::eek:

[KE5MC]

already addressed

[W4FTL]

I am really torn between the 2 radios. The 8R is an updated radio, solid built, large keys, intuitive menu, all the regular features plus aprs and gps optional.
The stock battery is too small and this is a very expensive rig. Flat pancake design takes a little getting used to. The dark red screen sometimes hard to see. I question the usefullness of aprs. Good audio. Receive equal to the F6.
The feel of the radio is definitely different, weird in a way, but also solid built.

The screen on the F6 is much easier to see. The keys are smaller for sure. I love the sideband receive. 5 watts on 220 cant beat it. Comfortable radio to use.

I sold my F6 to buy the 8R and really not sure if I did the right thing or not.
abe
w4ftl

[KH6SAT]

Does anyone know how to clear a memory channel from the VX-8R. Just got mine yesterday and ended up saving freqs inadvertently to a couple of memory channels. Thanks. Rick, KH6SAT

[WA6MHZ]

If I can scrape up some SERIOUS SERIOUS money, I might just spring for one of these VX-8Rs, even though I already have a Kenwood F6A, TH-D7A, and Yaesu VX-1, VX-2 and VX-7R. Can't have too many HT's. I am still disappointed in Icom, who hasn't come out with a HT to compete with these. They have the D-Star whizbanger, but D-Star seems kind of Clickish. Here in California, you have to join a club ($100+ a year!!!!) to use all the D-Star tricks. So FORGET D-STAR!!!! But I might like the VX-8R as it sure is trick and I like the GPS part of it. I have to run an external GPS into the TH-D7A to play tracker with it. But, by the time I spring for the larger battery and GPS thingy, I am well over $500!!! Sure wish I was RICH like all the hams who are buying these VX-8Rs up. Besides, I never use any of these other HT's, other than having them charged up and ready for the BIG ONE, when we need them for EMCOMM.
Otherwise, all these HT's sit and draw dust!

[KE5MC]

Can't get there from here :-)

Masking is Yaesu version of deleting. When RT System gets the cable and software sorted out then more than likely delete will be available in this manner.


Does anyone know how to clear a memory channel from the VX-8R. Just got mine yesterday and ended up saving freqs inadvertently to a couple of memory channels. Thanks. Rick, KH6SAT

[NZ6E]

Anybody know what the pinout of the speaker mic is? There is an awful lot going on in that connector :-)

I've had mine for a week now and it's a hoot. The manual is dog eared already. Awaiting some accessories to be delivered from Universal.

Do I really want ARPS? That would decide if I get the GPS option but I have 3 Garmin units already... gadgets ya know...

Greg
N6PYI

[WA6MHZ]

Yes indeed, you DO want APRS!!! Unless you already have a Tracker built, this is the way to do it easily. I build independent trackers for all my cars, so they act as ham radio LOJACKS. My town car cannot be stolen, as there is no where it can hide. All I have to do is whip out my Internet Cellphone, surf over to FINDU dot com, and VOILA! I see where my car is within about 3 feet! With the VX8R, you can track if, say, you are in a foot race or car rally. The tracker in the VX8R will show where you are at all times to those with a computer.
I just LOVE APRS, and have used it since it's inception back in the early 90s.
I probably will snag one of these VX8Rs if I can scrape up that kind of cash, but without the GPS option, its just another Handy talkie.

[N8PZT]

If I can scrape up some SERIOUS SERIOUS money, I might just spring for one of these VX-8Rs, even though I already have a Kenwood F6A, TH-D7A, and Yaesu VX-1, VX-2 and VX-7R. Can't have too many HT's. I am still disappointed in Icom, who hasn't come out with a HT to compete with these. They have the D-Star whizbanger, but D-Star seems kind of Clickish. Here in California, you have to join a club ($100+ a year!!!!) to use all the D-Star tricks. So FORGET D-STAR!!!! But I might like the VX-8R as it sure is trick and I like the GPS part of it. I have to run an external GPS into the TH-D7A to play tracker with it. But, by the time I spring for the larger battery and GPS thingy, I am well over $500!!! Sure wish I was RICH like all the hams who are buying these VX-8Rs up. Besides, I never use any of these other HT's, other than having them charged up and ready for the BIG ONE, when we need them for EMCOMM.
Otherwise, all these HT's sit and draw dust!

I don't understand why Amateur Radio Clubs feel they have to charge for repeater access! It's supposed to be Open Sourced, read: FREE!

Also, D-Star is supposed to be all-the-rage for emergency services operation. Pity to those with radios, or perhaps homebrew digital units (mobiles and the like), but don't have the funds for repeater access. D-Star in an emergency? For a fee??

This doesn't make sense to me.

Warm Regards,
N8PZT

[AC3P]

I would imagine the clubs need money to pay electric bills, site rental, equipment maintenance, those sorts of things.

73

frank

[AK4FL]

I find the SSB/CW reception capability of the THF6 to be extremely handy. I was hoping that Yaesu would mimic this feature in the new VX offering.

Does anyone really use the 6m features of these radios? I confess, I've never used the 220 mhz features of the kenwood.

I have 2 grids using 222 FM with the VX-7R and have talked via the 6m repeater to Canada using the VX-7r.

[AB9LZ]

I find the SSB/CW reception capability of the THF6 to be extremely handy. I was hoping that Yaesu would mimic this feature in the new VX offering.

How well does that work? I travel a lot, and occasionally have fun chatting with the locals on the repeaters, but would also like to have the ability to listen in on CW qso's while I work (all in the same package). The THF6 sounds appealing, but haven't heard of anyone else using this feature.

73 m/4

[K8XG]

I Have a question on APRS operation.

The old kenwoods had TNC out, and you connect them to a handheld GPS unit.

Your GPS tracker is in a Large Model Rocket or Space Balloon with these units and you get the location back on the ARPS and then sent as an update to the handheld. This way you can just walk to the rocket following the handheld.

see http://www.bigredbee.com/BeeLineGPS.htm for information on the trackers we use.

Can the VX-8R do this as well? I was hoping it would so I don't have to use my VX-5R, a pocket TNC, battery, and GPS handheld.

This would make only the VX-8R and GPS handheld to hold.

[K0RGR]

I downloaded the manual from the Yaesu website, and it looks like the VX-8R would work for your application. I'm not sure if you would need the accessory GPS/Mike.

[WA6MHZ]

(SIGH................)

Guess I will have to use my CELLPHONE instead.

[AB9LZ]

(SIGH................)

Guess I will have to use my CELLPHONE instead.

The cellphone will only connect me to people that I don't want to talk to. I prefer the radio.

73 m/4

[K8XG]

I downloaded the manual from the Yaesu website, and it looks like the VX-8R would work for your application. I'm not sure if you would need the accessory GPS/Mike.

Thanks, I'll take a look at that manual as well. Forgot about being able to download it.

[NE5B]

From what I read looks like the VX8R will do what I want it to do (monitor 2 Ham Freqs while listening to FM Broadcast), No way for me to get my hands on one to try for myself. and I have not read where anyone else has done this specifically so here's my specfic questions:

1) Will the VX8R Monitor 2 Freqs on Same Band (2m) while Listening to FM Broadcast.

2) Will it automatically Mute the FM Broadcast when there is activity on one of the Ham Freqs I'm Monitoring?

3) Can I do all of the above while using a Normal set of Stereo Headphones or Earbuds that work with an MP3 Player ? If so this will be a nice and Discrete way to keep on top of things from work, and look like the guy next to me listening to his walkman....

[KI6HLD]

1) Will the VX8R Monitor 2 Freqs on Same Band (2m) while Listening to FM Broadcast.

2) Will it automatically Mute the FM Broadcast when there is activity on one of the Ham Freqs I'm Monitoring?

3) Can I do all of the above while using a Normal set of Stereo Headphones or Earbuds that work with an MP3 Player ? If so this will be a nice and Discrete way to keep on top of things from work, and look like the guy next to me listening to his walkman....

1) Yes, any two frequencies can be monitored in addition to the AM or FM Broadcast. The widest frequency range is only on VFO-A, but VFO-B will still pick up from just above broadcast FM to the police bands.

2) Yes, the FM broadcast will mute if anything on the A or B channels breaks the squelch.

3) Yes, a pair of stereo headphones work fine. I use a behind the neck folding set I got for $16 from Fry's, meant for an Ipod.
In fact, A channel comes in the left side earpiece, and B channel comes in the right earpiece. So figuring out what you're hearing is straightforward, and makes keeping track of two different conversations easier.

Pluses - the above.
Setting it to single or dual receive is pretty easy, and reasonably intuitive. Seeing which one is the active (transmit) frequency is easy too - it has larger print.
Scanning is very fast. Faster then my FT8800.
Menus seem to be better arranged than on my VX-6.
The volume on Broadcast, A or B side can be set independently of the others. My friend's TH-F6A only has a coarse 'balance' adjustment. You can set it to mute the inactive (not transmit) side if something comes in on the active side.
Attachment of the speaker mike is much better than my VX-6. I was always not quite getting the VX-6 speaker mike or programming cable all the way in.


Minuses - when using memories - in dual monitor mode only the frequency is shown. The labels are only shown in single monitor mode. So if I can't place a certain frequency that shows up in dual monitor, I have to go to single to see the call sign I've put in the label.
The speaker is not quite as loud as I'd like. The speaker mike works fine.

[NE5B]

Will probaby order on this weekend!

[WA9CWX]

The VX-7R has 6 meters, and 300mw 222. I used the 222 more than the full 5 watt 6. There just isn't much for a handheld to do on 6 meters. Then again, I never hooked it up to a real 6 meter antenna.
You likely have not used 6 during an opening. I have had a number of out of state QSOs on 6 with an HT. But only during Band openings....Years ago, I used to work 6 AM with 5 watts and an inside dipole hung on the porch wall.
Worked many many states with that set-up.

Frank

[KI4WTY]

I am relatively radio retarded, but the VX-8R is on its second deployment, and multiple camping trips. The thing is a beast, so if you have to abuse it the thing will hold up. Also the bluetooth is pretty clear. I use to use it to listen for incoming aircraft.