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write your own review of the Yaesu VX-5R.
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W5GIE
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Rating: 3/5
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Jun 26, 2007 17:43
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Gets the basic job done
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I used this xcvr without most of the features, just as a basic handheld. When I bought it about some years ago, I couldn't get the ADMS software to work, couldn't buy the full version, and couldn't get EVE etc to work. Programming channels by hand was tedious. I eventually gave up and put the VX5 on the shelf.
Recently, I pulled it out and downloaded the Commander software. This worked great, but the VX5 had some features such as the U/L scanning that did not work.
Then I got a bug, literally, in the VX5. A large spider took up residence in the display, and eventually died. My guess is that is got in through the speaker area. While carefully taking it apart, the main board ribbon cable connector disentigrated, and I pitched the VX5 in the trash.
It is a nice lightweight rig for hiking, etc. It seems reasonably rugged. You may or may not have as much trouble programming it as I did.
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KC7CJO
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Rating: 4/5
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Jun 15, 2007 11:31
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External Power
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have a friend with one of these who is going to be taking an 8-day bicycle trip. We've been discussing how he's going to charge the radio during the trip. They will be camping so AC power is pretty much out of the question.
The WILL have chase vehicles, so a cigarette lighter charger will work. Does anyone know where one might acquire one of these?
Also, can you Transmit with external power applied to the radio or will it shut down when it's plugged in?
Thanks!
Rod
KC7CJO@yahoo.com
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W5EI
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Rating: 5/5
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May 5, 2007 10:58
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Excellent Handheld
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Mine was purchsed new 4 1/2 years ago. It as been fairly easy to program by hand, and a snap to program with the software. I like the cast aluminum case because it is built to take a lot of punishment. My only disappointment has been with the on/off switch. It got to where it would not power up the unit after three years or so. I tried the trick (mentioned in the reviews of th FT-50R) of using aluminum foil with a strong adhesive on the back of the switch. That is a short-term fix, but the best remedy is to order a new keyboard assembly from Yaesu. It only costs $2 plus shipping. Replacing the old keyboard is quite easy, and when I finished the job, the VX-5R worked like new.
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KC8UQX
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Rating: 4/5
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Apr 1, 2007 11:40
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Nice starter radio
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have been a ham for going on 5 years now. This has been my first and only radio i have owned. I bought it used from Ebay and it works great. The radio is very small and has the durability of a tank. I am naturally clumsly so it has been dropped on pavement, counter tops, been thrown in backpacks and such, and still works. The included battery works great. I have gotten around 2 hours of actual talk time. I gave it a 4 out of 5 because the use interface could do with some work and programming it takes a lot of key strokes. That's the price you pay for such a feature packed radio. The display connector isn't the greatest and I have had to take it apart a few times to set the connecter back in. If you are young and new to Ham Radio, this is the HT for you.
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W0IT
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 3, 2007 06:12
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2 years+ every day
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have been using my VX=5 on my walk to work every day for over 2 years.I have worn off the paint, the letters on the buttons, even the push to talk switch shows the use. The original battery still works, the after market battery I bought died although the cells inside are still good. I have dropped it, gotten it very wet, and abused it terrifically. My only trouble with it is that now the internal charging circuitry has gone bad and I had to get an external charger. I quickly changed from the rubber duck and have commuted with a j-pole, and Arrow Yagi and an aftermarket whip. I am considering buying new keypad buttons. It does warm up at 5 watts, but this is the price you pay for a radio of small size.
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MRMATT
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 23, 2007 19:19
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Great little radio
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I got it off of ebay and love it. The best radio ever. Its my scanner and my work radio and ham radio all in one. I did mods to it, and use it for the school i work for. I would replace the antenna with a new one. the stock sucks.
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N6HPX
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 20, 2007 23:16
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problem with mine
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I had mine forover a few years and carryed it everyplace, including overseas. But a year ago I was having problems where it wouldn't fire up and had to tap it to activate. It go so bad I replaced the radio with a different model. I tried to activate repeaters only a few miles away and it wouldnt even hit it, went to HRO and was told the rig was defective. Any one have similar problems with it and did you use the stock antenna, if not what antenna did you use on the unit.
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W4HWB
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 20, 2007 18:26
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Been a great radio
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Pretty sure I bought my VX-5R in early 1999. It's been a great radio, never had any problems. I would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a very versatile HT that has many functions.
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KF4GNL
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 26, 2006 10:31
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Great HT!!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've had mine for 4 or 5 years now. Works great, just be sure to replace the rubber dummy load antenna that's included with all HTs with a decent one by either Comet or Diamond. Also makes a great scanner to take to the office or on trips.
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KC8FSO
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 24, 2006 18:27
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OUTDOOR use of VX 5
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The YAESU VX 5R, is a great compact radio, I find it very good for transmitting and receiving. I use it mostly on 2 meter when I am out in the Forest hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities. It also comes in very handy for listing to Radio Broadcasting stations, AM, FM, And shortwave. The distance I can get with it is very good 30 miles and more to local repeaters. I also have a adapter so I can attach my vehiles mag. mount antenna to it. The only fallback is the color of the dial light which I find hard to read.
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