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Show all reviews of the Yaesu VX-8R
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You can write your own review
of the Yaesu VX-8R.
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WB5SYS
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 1, 2009 10:01
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Follow-up - Super Talkie
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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The Good:
Two independent wide-band receivers in one case make this a handy rig. There's actually three, including AM/FM broadcast. Ham reception will mute broadcast radio. Twin receivers also allow the center station in the spectrum analyzer to be monitored while the band is being scanned.
I like the memory-protect, password access, and quick keypad lock. Sixteen digits of Memory Tag is also nice and so are the new scan functions (read up!), independent volume controls, and mute functions.
The GPS receiver is very sensitive and receives satellites even deep indoors. I chose to mount the GPS receiver on the radio (sideburn trimmer?) instead of in the external mic. It mounts very securely, but add extra caution not to drop it.
It takes a lot of study and practice before feeling comfortable navigating the functions. Don't set up a lot of memory channels too quickly. I had to perform several full-resets while learning and fumbling. Programming with the keypad is very straightforward, but with the new alphabetized menu it's easier to set up the channels' frequencies, then go back and add tags, tones, offsets, skips, etc. Can't wait for the Commander software. The back of the radio is flat and handy for posting notes and lists.
I installed the swinging belt clip #14, preventing ejection while sitting down or reaching for my wallet (for the FNB102LI battery pack). This placed the center of gravity at the clip's button, allowing the HT to pivot freely on my belt - another reason to upgrade to the heavier battery.
This HT can be run and charged with external 12VDC.
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The Bad:
The MSRP stated here is a little low. I got mine with the GPS option (which is the only reason to upgrade from a VX-7) for $520. The "functional" battery will take it to around $600.
APRS doesn't seem to interpret Peet Bros. weather or GPRMC data. My weather report shows as a position beacon thousands of miles away. In fact, a lot of audible FSK goes by leaving me wondering.
My wave monitor worked for a week, then turned all dark. I replaced the radio (Thanks, AARS!) and the replacement works fine.
The single knob for the channel and volume is tricky. Its default function is channel-change. Pushing the VOL button on the left side lets the knob change the speaker's volume, either by holding while turning, or enabling a "sticky" setting that will allow you a few seconds to adjust after releasing the button. Or you can set the knob's primary function to Volume Control. (Volume bar will blink when the knob controls volume.) Remember the setting when you want to rotate the knob through APRS pages - you'll be changing the volume. I guess Yaesu had to cluster settings in a radio with so many functions and only 25 buttons. Get used to holding it in both hands while navigation functions.
If Keypad Beep is turned off, the radio will not beep when it decodes an APRS beacon.
With the standard battery pack, you should charge the VX-8 each night or be disappointed by a dead battery the next afternoon. The GPS uses a little extra power, and Battery Save must be disabled while monitoring APRS.
The radio will not transmit when the wall charger is plugged in, it turns off for a second. The little charger has limited current capacity, but will charge the battery while running the radio.
I sure miss the Audio Recording option of the old FT-50. I wish the auto-dialer's phone number bank had alpha tags.
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The Ugly:
The GPS is enclosed in a case that mounts on the radio or mic. The PCB is small enough to have been mounted inside the HT with a little design consideration, and not be an extra lump on the radio or mic. I would have opted for another cubic inch of radio rather than an external circuit.
I like stiff push-buttons, but these are STIFF! Unless your thumb is pointed and calloused, you have to push the buttons with your thumbnail. My second (replacement) radio has softer buttons. Our two VX-7 rigs have different torque requirements on the button pads.
Between the four buttons on the left side (PTT, MON, VOL, F/W) are three tabs of raised rubber, actually taller than the buttons, making it impossible to feel the four separate buttons in the dark. It just feels like a lumpy surface. A dab of silicon sealer on the VOL key helps, and I also trimmed the tabs off.
The LCD display is the same part used on the VX-7. It's edge-lit, saving power (and noise) over EL type. Mine looks a little distorted, as if it is physically stressed. Not a problem when lit.
The VX-8 has a ton of advanced functions, placing Yaesu on top for many years to come. Considering price and abilities, this rig is a keeper, and despite a few imperfections, it still gets a 5/5.
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