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[WE1H]

Hi all,  I recently picked up a Yaesu VX-177 but it seems that there is no freely available software to program this radio.  CHIRP does not yet support it (I did offer up mine as the test bed to any CHIRP developer that needed to test, but no takers), and only RTS Systems has software for it that I can find (but it will cost more than the radio did).  Any one out there have a recommendation or a solution?

Thanks es 73,

Matt, WE1H

[K6AER]

The software from RT Systems cost $25. Are you saying you bought a HT that sold for $190 for under $25

https://www.rtsystemsinc.com/VX-127177_c_127.html

[WE1H]

Are you saying you bought a HT that sold for $190 for under $25

Just about... I got a great deal... I got it with a bunch of other stuff for $100, and managed to sell everything but the HT for $70...  so I paid $30 for the HT.  The RT Systems software requires the RT Systems cable as well (I checked with them) and with shipping the whole shebang comes to $55.  I already have a cable for the radio (I also have a VX-170) so I don't want to spend for something I already have.  CHIRP will happily download the data from the radio with the VX-170 driver, but it will not upload to the radio as CHIRP expects only frequencies in the 144-148MHz range since it thinks the radio is a VX-170.  This is why I am looking for a less expensive alternative.  If RT Systems would write their software to allow the use of 3rd party cables, I'd have bought their software already.

Incidentally - I have $110 invested between the two VX-17x radios...  I got them both at a steal.

Thanks for the suggestion though!  I appreciate it!

73,

- Matt, WE1H

[W6JAK]

I also have a VX-177 and got it for cheap as well. Out of curiosity I did a search and found this site which offers a free download for VX-177 programming software.  I have not used it so cannot say how good it is.  Download and use at your own risk.

https://www.radioetcetera.site/g4hfq/download.html

[WE1H]

Thank you Jack!  That FTB177 software is exactly what I am looking for. 

Just FYI - If you are looking for software to manage the memories in the VX-177, this is good stuff...  it is free (the key is in a PDF on his web site), fully functional, and can import and export from CSV.  I travel alot and being able to set the memories for the area I will be in is one of the most crucial parts of a mobile or HT radio for me.

Thank you both for your input and help!

73 es see you on the bands!

- Matt, WE1H

[W6JAK]

Hi Matt,

I'm glad it worked out for you, and thanks for the info on your trial run.  I will definitely install it, but I have to get the programming cable first.  I like the VX-177, it's a very rugged radio.

73

Jack

[WE1H]

Hi Matt,

I'm glad it worked out for you, and thanks for the info on your trial run.  I will definitely install it, but I have to get the programming cable first.  I like the VX-177, it's a very rugged radio.

73

Jack

Thanks Jack.


The VX-17X series is very rugged indeed.  I really like em.  If you need a cable, here's the one I bought.  It works, which is more than can be said for some other cables I have bought recently


https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B8ZY6S6


I have no relationship with the seller and get nothing if you buy it.  But... I figure it might be nice for you to get a cable that actually works LOL.


73,


- Matt