The Yaesu VX series is a line of two sequences of compact

amateur radio Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communic ...

handheld transceivers produced by

Yaesu is a district in Chūō, Tokyo, Japan, located north of Ginza, west of Nihonbashi and Kyōbashi, and adjacent to the east side of Tokyo Station. The Yaesu exit of this station, which faces Nihonbashi, is recent and primarily provides access to ...

. There is a line of ultra-compact lower-power dual-band (2 m and 70 cm) 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: *

CTCSS In telecommunications, Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System or CTCSS is one type of in-band signaling that is used to reduce the annoyance of listening to other users on a shared two-way radio communication channel. (See squelch.) It is sometimes ...

and DCS decode/encode and European Tone Burst * RF Squelch capability * Selectable deviation (wide/narrow) *

DTMF Dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) is a telecommunication signaling system using the voice-frequency band over telephone lines between telephone equipment and other communications devices and switching centers. DTMF was first developed ...

transmission and memories. In addition, the VX line has features available on only some other brands: * Receive coverage in AM, NFM, and WFM * Wide-band receive coverage, from 500

kHz The hertz (symbol: Hz) is the unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI), equivalent to one event (or cycle) per second. The hertz is an SI derived unit whose expression in terms of SI base units is s−1, meaning that on ...

up to 999

MHz The hertz (symbol: Hz) is the unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI), equivalent to one event (or cycle) per second. The hertz is an SI derived unit whose expression in terms of SI base units is s−1, meaning that one he ...

* User-selectable 10 dB attenuator * Ultra-compact size * Channel memories (including frequency, CTCSS/DCS squelch tone and mode, repeater offset, alphanumeric labels) * frequency and memory scanning * display with automatic backlight * memory cloning interface, radio to radio or radio to pc and back * SMA antenna jack These features are specific to Yaesu radios: * ARTS range transponder for watching communications between two ARTS-equipped radios * WIRES --

Internet The Internet (or internet) is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a '' network of networks'' that consists of private, pub ...

repeater In telecommunications, a repeater is an electronic device that receives a signal and retransmits it. Repeaters are used to extend transmissions so that the signal can cover longer distances or be received on the other side of an obstruction. Some ...

linking (added for VX-2 and after)

Yaesu 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

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 (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

* FM transmit on the

2-meter band The 2-meter amateur radio band is a portion of the VHF radio spectrum that comprises frequencies stretching from 144 MHz to 148 MHz in International Telecommunication Union region (ITU) Regions 2 (North and South America plus Hawaii) ...

and

70-centimeter band The 70-centimeter or 440 MHz band is a portion of the UHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use. The ITU amateur radio allocation is from 430 to 440 MHz; however, some countries, such as the U ...

watt The watt (symbol: W) is the unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1 joule per second or 1 kg⋅m2⋅s−3. It is used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. The watt is named after James Wa ...

@ 6 V EXT DC in and 500

milliwatts The watt (symbol: W) is the unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1 joule per second or 1 kg⋅m2⋅s−3. It is used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. The watt is named after James Wat ...

@ 3.6 V DC)

Yaesu VX-2R

The VX-2R was an ultra-compact

transceiver In radio communication, a transceiver is an electronic device which is a combination of a radio ''trans''mitter and a re''ceiver'', hence the name. It can both transmit and receive radio waves using an antenna, for communication purposes. The ...

produced by

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 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) transceivers that started with the VX-1R and was la ...

Feature overview

* FM transmit on 2 Meters (1.5

s) and 70 centimeters (1

) on battery power * FM transmit on 2 Meters (3

s) and 70 centimeters (2

) using external DC power * Wide-band receive coverage, from 500

through 999

in AM, NFM and WFM modes * Approximately 900 memory channels, with up to 20 banks

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 Jumper or Jumpers may refer to: Clothing * Jumper (sweater), a long-sleeve article of clothing; also called a top, pullover, or sweater **A waist-length top garment of dense wool, part of the Royal Navy uniform and the uniform of the United Stat ...

, it is not necessary to open the radio up to perform most modification. A

MARS Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second-smallest planet in the Solar System, only being larger than Mercury (planet), Mercury. In the English language, Mars is named for the Mars (mythology), Roman god of war. Mars is a terr ...

CAP A cap is a flat headgear, usually with a visor. Caps have crowns that fit very close to the head. They made their first appearance as early as 3200 BC. Caps typically have a visor, or no brim at all. They are popular in casual and informal se ...

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 The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the United States. The FCC maintains jurisdiction ...

rules, the "freeband" modification opens transmit coverage significantly, allowing use on

business band In the United States, the business band is the colloquial name used by radio users who utilize, and scanner hobbyists who listen to, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Industrial/Business pool frequencies. The regulations listing frequen ...

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(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 dual-band handheld FM transceiver segment, the VX-1R and the

VX-2R 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) transceivers that started with the VX-1R and was la ...

Feature overview

* FM transmit on 2 Meters and 70 centimeters at up to 3

s on 2 m and 2

s on 70 cm with a 6VDC external source (1.5 watts on 2 m and 1 watt on 70 cm when using the internal battery) * 1000mAh Lithium-Ion battery * Internal Ferrite Bar Antenna for AM Broadcast Reception * Stereo decoding for FM Broadcast reception * Stereo Headphone connector * Ability to use headphones as antenna for FM Broadcast reception

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. It is capable of being programmed by the open source Chirp software

VX-5R

The VX-5R is an ultra-compact

produced by

Feature overview

* FM transmit on 6 Meters, 2 Meters and 70 centimeters (5

@ 13.8V EXT DC IN), (5

@ 7.2V 50 MHz/144 MHz), (4.5

@ 7.2V 430 MHz)

Specifications

(Source: Yaesu) *Receiver Frequency Range: **0.5 – 16 MHz **48 – 729 MHz **800 – 999 MHz (Cellular blocked) * 6M TX: 5 Watts * 2M TX: 5 Watts * 440 MHz TX: 4.5 Watts * Number of Simultaneous bands: 1 * Priority Channel: 1 – Any of 220 * Backlight: Red * Memory Channels: 220 * Alpha Tags in display: 8 Characters * Battery: 1100 ma Li-Ion (superseded by current 1500 ma Li-ion) * Battery Life (avg): 6 to 12 Hours * Alkaline Pack: 2 AA Cells (optional) * Computer Programmable with ADMS/EVE/VX5 Commander * Weight: 9.0 oz * Charge time: 6 Hrs * Color: Black, Silver * Audio Output: 400 mW @ 8 O

VX-6R

The

VX-6R is a triple band handheld

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.

Features

* 900 Memories * Adjustable Backlit Keypad & LCD * Channel counter function for locating frequency of nearby transmitter

Accessories

With the shipped box, Yaesu VX-6R should come with the following accessories, * VX-6R, Transceiver * FNB-80LI, 7.4V, 1400 mAh

Lithium ion A lithium-ion or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery which uses the reversible reduction of lithium ions to store energy. It is the predominant battery type used in portable consumer electronics and electric vehicles. It also se ...

battery pack * NC-72B/C, 5-Hour Battery Charger * YHA-67, Antenna * Belt Clip & Hand Strap * Operating Manual * Warranty Card 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): * 222 - 225 MHz – 1.5W Max * 144 - 148 MHz – 5.0W Max * 420 - 450 MHz – 5.0W Max 40 - 80 MHZ TX 0.5W-1W-0.1W Max - Special HF mode range for VX-6E rev c2 Switch setting HF mode O I I O I 0 0 0 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.) Setting for PMR 446 mode. 1). Step 12.5 kHz for channel 446.0125, 446.025, 446.0375, 446.446.050, 446.0625, 446.075, 446.0875, 446.100 2). Restart radio to service menu, and change the PLL setting -6.25 kHZ (PLL oscilator is default page ,,rEF 440.000 129,, new set is for -6.25kHZ ,,30,,) 3). save change ..... GO TO PMR :))))

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

VX-7R is a handheld transceiver for use on the

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

* 900 Memories * Wideband receiver, 500 kHz - 999 MHz (the US version has

cellular telephone A mobile phone, cellular phone, cell phone, cellphone, handphone, hand phone or pocket phone, sometimes shortened to simply mobile, cell, or just phone, is a portable telephone that can make and receive telephone call, calls over a radio freq ...

frequencies blocked) * True user-selectable Dual Receive * Backlit Keypad & LCD * Sensors for temperature, voltage (internal battery or external power source), real-time clock, and barometric pressure (optional module) * User-definable icon images for bands, S-Meter glyphs and font characters * Waterproof (3 foot depth for 30 minutes) * 132 × 64 pixel back-lit dot matrix display

Selected specifications

Receive: Frequency range transmit: * 50 - 54 MHz – 5 Watts FM / 1 Watt AM * 144 - 148 MHz – 5 Watts * 222 - 225 MHz – 300 mW (US version) * 430 - 450 MHz – 5 Watts 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. * The VX-7R is capable of being programmed with the open source Chirp software.

VX-8/VX-8D/VX-8G

The

VX-8R/VX-8E is a discontinued handheld transceiver (or "HT") for use on popular VHF and UHF

bands. It is a quad-band transceiver with dual

VFO A variable frequency oscillator (VFO) in electronics is an oscillator whose frequency can be tuned (i.e., varied) over some range. It is a necessary component in any tunable radio transmitter or receiver that works by the superheterodyne princip ...

s, providing 5 watts FM on 50/144/430 MHz and 1.5 watts on 222 MHz. Models ending with an -R were manufactured for use with the North American band plan (American models featuring the 800 MHz cellular band blocked), and models ending with -E were made for use in Europe. It was made in various slightly different forms by Yaesu/Vertex Standard until 2017 The radio was designed to be semi-waterproof, shock-resistant, and is "designed to meet commercial grade standards". It includes a

broadcast band A broadcast band is a segment of the radio spectrum used for broadcasting. See also * North American broadcast television frequencies * AM broadcasting * FM broadcasting * Dead air * Internet radio * Radio network * Music radio * Old-time radi ...

AM/FM radio as well as AM-only

shortwave Shortwave radio is radio transmission using shortwave (SW) radio frequencies. There is no official definition of the band, but the range always includes all of the high frequency band (HF), which extends from 3 to 30 MHz (100 to 10 me ...

listening capabilities. Its reception range is 500 kHz to 999.990 MHz. Available accessories include hand microphones, earphones, a GPS receiver, a bluetooth unit, a barometric pressure sensor module, and adapters for digital communications modes The VX-8 was eventually replaced by the also-discontinued VX-8D(-R/-E). The VX-8D was an "APRS enhanced" version of the VX8R, which included expanded capabilities and more device memory. The also-discontinued VX-8G was yet another model in the family which included a built-in GPS module from the factory, and was intended to be used by the "Devoted APRS user." The VX-8 family is able to be programmed using the free, open-source CHIRP software.

References

* * Fort v. Yaesu - Santa Monica Superior Court, Santa Monica, CA - settled out of court. * Product Review - QST Compares: Dual-band Hand-Held Transceivers - April 1998 QST Magazine ARRL *VX-2 ** Product Review - Yaesu VX-2R Miniature Dual-Band Handheld Transceiver - October 2003 QST Magazine, ARRL ** ** *VX-3 ** Product Review - Yaesu VX-3R Miniature Dual-Band Handheld Transceiver - February 2008 QST Magazine, ARRL ** ** *VX-5 ** ** ** *VX-6 ** Product Review - Yaesu VX-6R VHF/UHF Handheld Transceiver - December 2005 QST Magazine, ARRL ** Product Review
eHam submitted reviews
*VX-7 ** ** ** *VX-8 ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Common features

Yaesu VX-1R

Feature overview

Yaesu VX-2R

Feature overview

Battery

Modification

VX-3R

Feature overview

Modifications

VX-5R

Feature overview

Specifications

VX-6R

Features

Accessories

Specifications

Technical description

Faults and problems

Programming

VX-7R

Feature overview

Selected specifications

Characteristics

Modifications

VX-8/VX-8D/VX-8G

References

External links