Posted: 3/21/2010 12:12:06 PM EDT
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I'm gonna take the test for the tech license nest month and was wondering if this would be a good start, I would like a portable so I could use it everywhere.
thoughts? |
| One other new ham (on AR15) started out with that radio. It is a lot of radio to start out with. Not knowing your background you could handle or have issues. I have a VX-8R and love it I don't think the DR or the new version has been released yet still awaiting FCC clearance. If you read the manual and get used to Yaesu's menu system it is a fairly simple radio to operate. I will say I do miss my VX-7R that I had though and started out with. |
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VX-8R is a nice radio, if you get it, keep the manual with you for a couple weeks, you will need it. My friend just bought one for his wife, with GPS/MIC/Battery when she passed her tech liscense.
The VX-8DR is out, but I dont think it is worth the extra money (about $70) for the extra features. from aaradio.com, the vx-8r is $350, the vx-8dr is $420. This is before the Mic, GPS, and extra batteries. The radio works fine without the GPS, even with APRS, but the GPS does realy simplify things, This list lists the 8R, and 8DR features. VX8R Key Features
Full 5 watts FM 50/144/430 MHz - plus 1.5 watts on 222 MHz. 50 MHz AM included. Bluetooth® hands-free operation with the optional BU-1 and BH-1. GPS unit and antenna optional with loads of features. APRS® 1200/9600 bps data communications(B Band only) Submersible - meets IPX57 - 3 feet for minimum of 30 minutes. 7.4V 1100 mAh Lithium Ion battery included. 1800 mAh Li Battery and 3 x AA battery cell case optional. Small - 2.36 x 3.74 x .92 inches. Simultaneous independent 2-signal dual receive function. Both V+V or U+U. Weather receive with Weather Alert. Barometer sensor included. Operate Amateur radio while receiving AM/FM broadcast. Dot matrix LCD display provides up to 16 characters Memory tags.High-resolution Spectrum Analyzer with + or - 50 channels indication. Wave monitoring of receiving/modulated signal. VX8DR Key APRS® Additional Features Smart Beaconing Function : When using APRS® for position tracking, the beacon timing is automatically adjusted to your traveling speed and location to plot a smoother trace to match your position and movement on a map. The number of Station List memories has increased from 40 to 50. The number of APRS Message memories has increased from 20 to 30. DIGI-PATH route indication function: The APRS® Packet data includes Digipeater routing info. Heads up compass display to the GPS Screen: Your traveling is always toward the top of the display. The message received LED flashing rate is selectable. The number of DIGI-PATH route settings is increased from 1 to 7. |
| Sorry I got confused there is a brand new VX-8 with the GPS incorporated.....VX-8DR has more APRS memory if I remember correctly something to that effect came out shortly after I got my VX-8R. I would recommend the VX-7R it has dual bands as well. Not sure if you are interested in APRS functions and blue tooth capability. I have the Blue tooth on mine but have not really used it at all usually just have my speaker mic with GPS attached that I use. I started with a VX-7R and "upgraded" to the VX-8R for the APRS function then I bought a dedicated Byonics APRS tracker. So really the VX-8 I use for dual band. I am still considering myself new to they hobby/disease (licensed approxmimately 7 months). I would though recommend looking at the VX-7R as well. |
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Quoted:
Sorry I got confused there is a brand new VX-8 with the GPS incorporated.....VX-8DR has more APRS memory if I remember correctly something to that effect came out shortly after I got my VX-8R. I would recommend the VX-7R it has dual bands as well. Not sure if you are interested in APRS functions and blue tooth capability. I have the Blue tooth on mine but have not really used it at all usually just have my speaker mic with GPS attached that I use. I started with a VX-7R and "upgraded" to the VX-8R for the APRS function then I bought a dedicated Byonics APRS tracker. So really the VX-8 I use for dual band. I am still considering myself new to they hobby/disease (licensed approxmimately 7 months). I would though recommend looking at the VX-7R as well. Yeah, the VX-8G is the one waiting approval. I did not know about it untill your post. I actually like it. I would rather have a cheaper version of the VX-8R without the 6 meters, or 220mhz. I never used those when I had mine. 
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| Yeah thats the one. Saw it in my ARRL magazine that I got this month. I like the VX-8 and all but may end up trying to get rid of it to get a VX-7 again I don't need all the functions that my 8 is giving me plus I bought the Byonics APRS device. No one around me uses APRS to "text" more or less just track themselfs. |
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My first radio was a VX-6R and I have no regrets.
If I could do it all over again I wouldnt change a thing. At first it was a little weird to have such a small unit, but I quickly got over it when I realized how easy it was to carry around in my pocket. Yaesu makes a great, solid HT. I like the menu system and its highly configurable. If you are looking to just get on the air and gain some experience, 2m is probably the best all around band (at least here in the North East its been where the bulk of the action is) The most important thing is that you get something that works for you. Any of the radios from the big two manufacturers is going to work...its a matter of style and taste really. I say go with a Yaesu. I wouldnt be afraid of getting one with lots of features...you may not use them day one, but you can always grow into them. |
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If you aren't interested in packet or APRS, look at the VX7R. I have one and love it.
You will need the manual at first for any of these menu driven radios, but once you get a handle on the features you use the most it won't be a problem. The real question should be what repeaters are you interested in hitting in your local area. If you have no 220 or 6m repeaters, then the VX7R might be overkill and you could do with a cheaper model. I currently own a VX7R, a kenwood TM-D700 and someone has my TH-D7.  If you are interested in APRS then make sure you get a radio that will handle that otherwise you'll be out spending more $$ in no time.
Also don't rule out DStar. If there's a large following in your area make sure to keep that in mind before shelling out cold hard cash. |
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Quoted:
so does anyone have the VX-8DR? what are your thoughts, too much for a first radio? Look at the 8r, same radio ( with a few unnecessary changes) for 70 dollars less. I posted the difference between the two above. Its not too much radio for a first radio, but it all depends on what you want to do with it. If you are not going to use APRS, get the VX-7R and an FT-2900R 2 meter mobile for about $550. |
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I played with all 3 and ended up with the VX6R for my first HT...
The features that I looked for sold me on it.. waterproof(I do live in the NW and I do like to use my HT outside), 2m/440 TX, wide band RX, durable, compact, and good battery life. The 7 and 8 were sweet, but I couldn't see myself really utilizing the features. I'm really happy with my VX6R.. it's everything I wanted and then some. Even got it setup to scan the local trunked 800mhz frequencies.. it's hard to keep up with all of the chatter during high use times, but it's still a neat feature. |
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I'll throw in a recommendation for an oldie but a goodie, the Yaesu FT-60R. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but puts out a great signal, is rock solid stable, and can transmit on full power with AAs if that sort of thing is important to you. It's also a great introduction to Yaesu radios, and is the kind of thing that even if you later decide you want to move up to another radio, you'll keep this for an emcomm or APRS rig. This radio was my first radio, and I have no regrets! It's now paired with an FT-8800 mobile so I can do cross band repeat. Good luck on your exam!
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check http://www.aaradio.com. If they have it ( I have never run into anything they did not have) and you order it before 2 or 3 CST, it will ship that day.
They have the vx-8r for $349.95, and the vx-8dr for $419.95. I use this store exclusivly, I have bought an FT-897D, FT-2900r, VX-7R, VX-8R (with mic/GPS/desk charger), ldg z100 plus, various antennas, and conectors from this place. in all about 7 orders, and I have never had a backorder. Everything has shipped the day I paid for it. I am calling to order an FT-250R tomorrow. |
| personally, i would buy a 2m or a 2m/70c HT and then buy the same thing in a mobile. for the price of the VX-8 you can buy both used. i paid $225 for my dual band mobile and $85 for my IC-V8 and $200 for my VX-800 that i use for amateur but its also my main public service radio. |