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 later updated with the VX-2R and VX-3R. There is also a line of 5 W 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 and DCS decode/encode and European tone burst RF squelch capability Selectable deviation (wide/narrow) DTMF 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 up to 999 MHz 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 repeater 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 amateur radio 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 and 70-centimeter band (1 watt @ 6 V EXT DC in and 500 milliwatts @ 3.6 V DC)
Yaesu VX-2R
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The Yaesu VX-1R was superseded by the VX-2R and is the model that preceded the Yaesu VX-3R.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 FM transmit on 2 Meters (1.5 watts) and 70 centimeters (1 watt) on battery power FM transmit on 2 Meters (3 watts) and 70 centimeters (2 watt) using external DC power Wide-band receive coverage, from 500 kHz through 999 MHz 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, 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 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.
Feature overview FM transmit on 2 meters and 70 centimeters at up to 3 watts on 2 m and 2 watts 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) 1000 mAh 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 amateur radio transceiver produced by Yaesu.
Feature overview
FM transmit on 6 meters, 2 meters and 70 centimeters (5 watt @ 13.8 V EXT DC IN), (5 watt @ 7.2 V 50 MHz/144 MHz), (4.5 watt @ 7.2 V 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 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 and 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: 0.3 W, 1.0 W, 2.5 W, 5.0 W FM: 222-225 MHz, pwr: 0.2 W, 0.5 W, 1.0 W, 1.5 W FM: 430-450 MHz, pwr: 0.3 W, 1.0 W, 2.5 W, 5.0 W Power 7.4 VDC (internal li battery), 5-16 VDC (external), negative ground (outside), inside pin is (+) Dimensions (HxWxD) 89 mm × 58 mm × 29 mm Weight 277 g (including battery) First released 2005
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, 7.4 V, 1400 mAh lithium ion 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 (US version):
222 - 225 MHz – 1.5 W max 144 - 148 MHz – 5.0 W max 420 - 450 MHz – 5.0 W max 40 - 80 MHZ TX 0.5 W-1 W-0.1 W 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 5 W, 2.5 W, 1.0 W, and 300 mW.
The Asian version of the VX-6R can transmit a 1.5 W 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
VX-7R
The Yaesu VX-7R is a discontinued 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 900 memories Wideband receiver, 500 kHz - 999 MHz (the US version has cellular telephone 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:
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: 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