| WA6III |
Rating:      |
2021-08-27 | |
| Outstanding and very simple |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I would guess I am probably one of the last to buy this wonderful transceiver brand new for use on the ham bands!
I evidently got the last one that HRO had and it was priced accordingly.
Getting it to work (in the VFO mode) was pretty easy once I learned that you have to enable "Field" Programming" by connecting a 6-pin Mini DIN plug to the back with a couple of pins connected together, OR you use the CE-77 software to enable the "VFO Mode"
Also, if you want to be able to program features, channels etc quickly and easily, you must get a CT-62 (or generic USB-8Pin MiniDIN) programming cable + CE77 software to program it.
I had no trouble getting it to work with Windex10 and OpenSuSE Linux under Wine. If you want to use it with a MAC, it would likely work ok using Wine (for the MAC) also. https://www.winehq.org/
I also purchased an FC-40 auto tuner for end-fed antennas and am currently using it with a 203ft wire. It does need about 250pf capacitance across the antenna to work on 75m. It will not tune 160 ......... I am going to try some of the UNUN type transformers to see if that improves tuner performance. *UPDATE* I even tried adding wire to the original 203" length up to an additional 100ft and still no luck tuning 160 with the FC-40. It's a little disappointing.
-------------UPDATE ON THE FC-40 when used with the VX-1700, AUG 2021-------------
*Here's additional info using the FC-40 tuner* ....... After using the FC-40 for about 6mo, I determined that it simply doesn't tune random wires everywhere as the FC-40 manual would suggest.
While it will tune many end-fed wire lengths 80-10, it's sadly inferior to other tuners like the SGC "Smart-Tuners" that will literally tune "anything from a lightbulb to a metal desk"!!
UPDATE: I did try it using a 240ft center fed dipole fed with open-wire connected directly to the FC-40 and it pretty much tuned everywhere 160/80/40 !! I didn't try it on the higher bands because most people (me included) would either use a vertical or a dipole cut for those bands.
And I did mention this in my separate review on the FC-40
Using it with my SGC-235 Smart Tuner it tunes everything from "DC-Daylight" while only transmitting 10w. Same was true using the MFJ-998RT and Palstar HF-Auto (in the AM mode, with 10W selected it only transmits 3 watts. More than enough for the HF-Auto)
Although you cannot buy this radio from HRO any longer, it still seems to be available from many other retailers (NOS) for around $700-850. It should be understood that if you do buy one from a retailer, understand that there will be likely NO warranty from Vertex Standard (Motorola Solutions) because the radio has been discontinued for several years. If it's DOA, the retailer might either take it back for a refund or exchange it for one that works.
It's a great choice for just about ANY HF use including that required for Marine, Commercial Land Mobile (LMR) and MARS etc.
I did NOT get the ALE board. With the accessory board it is ALE capable but it appears that the ALE "board" would cost nearly as much as the radio and only works reliably with other Yaesu/VX radios with the same type (Yaesu/Vertex) board!!
It does not have a notch filter, band scope, pass-band tuning and certain other familiar Amateur "bells & whistles" but in general, most of that stuff is unnecessary.
Cheers,
Rick
W7IMM
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| F1VJT |
Rating:     |
2020-04-16 | |
| A nice compact transceiver |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Purchased new in 2013 (I've had a very good price), I use it principally like a receiver (my other olds rigs not have the continuos RX...).
I found it nice, very simple to use it, spartan but functionally.
It doesn't have filters like the VX-1400, the only present is in CW mode (large and narrow).
The NB work properly.
4 programmables buttons, a knob for the channel/VFO.
Steps are 1Khz, 100 and 10 Hz.
After 7 years of utilisation, no problems was founded and no frequency shift.
It's a professional transceiver without many options that would like OM (Notch, BPT, DSP...).
The frequency can be entered by the keyboard or tuned by the channel knob. VFO mode can be activated by the dedicated software (or by the dealer menu if activated).
The pros:
-simple to use it
-powerful (125W on the 1.8-4 MHz band)
-good audio reports
-good and loud in the built in frontal speaker
-it can handle most Yaesu mics (i use it with an MD-100) and other Yaesu accessoires (like FC-30/40)
-memory bank and memory channel with tags
-well builded with a performant cooling system
-three levels of RF power (100, 50 and 10 W)
The cons:
-no FM mode
-no audio filters
-only 6 alphanumeric characters tags
-no RIT dedicated knob (it is possible to program two keys for this scope)
After more of 7 years of "light" utilisation in the shack, the keys are like new, no erased or with bad contact.
The same for the others knobs.
Sincerely I would have preferred a VFO/channel knob a little bit bigger than the original, a same size volume and squelch and a direct RIT knob in the front but is only a personal taste!
All in all it remains a good transceiver but a little expensive than an amateur one.
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| PU5WID |
Rating:      |
2016-10-05 | |
| Great Rig! |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| I bought a VX-1700 few months ago. It is an excellent equipment. Simple, fast and reliable in operation. Using a rigid dipole 10/80 already worked 21 countries in 10, 12 and 80 meters. The operation is even simpler if used together with the Yaesu FC-30. I thank the reviews previously published, which helped in the decision, and especially to Mr. Carlos Saraiva for help on the hardware configuration. |
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| PU2VKS |
Rating:      |
2016-06-10 | |
| It is great! |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
Hello, from Santo Amaro Island, Brasil.
I purchesed the CE-77 to start programming the VX-1700, which I love so much. Living in an island without a radio is at least boring.
This radio really reaches on TX, places that my ICOM IC-756 or my FT-757GX never touched!. When dxing I usually ask to the one I'm Tx to wait a few minutes in order to change the radio. I can measure the outpower on both and they transmit, but the VX-1700 is heard stronger than both.This rig is really something.
But although I used:
- 2 different desktops and 1 notebook;
- Win 98 and Win XP;
- 2 cables CT-62 (USB to TUNER) and 1 cable CT-62 (DB-9 to TUNER),
I was unable to program the rig. There’s always the same message: ERROR-1
The most important feature for me is to decrease the TX power to 50W and 10W, not only 100W as how it came from the factory.
This is the only CONS!!! I hope I find a way to solve this puzzle.
Carlos Saraiva
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| WD0FIA |
Rating:      |
2014-12-22 | |
| Great basic HF |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I purchased my VX-1700 intending to use it for ALE. I ended up using it for WINMOR instead.
The VX-1700 is a commercial HF radio, designed to be programmed for memory channels. VFO type operation is possible by inserting a plug.
Mine has ran 24 / 7 / 365 for 4 years now, with no issues.
Most FT8x7 accessories work with the unit. |
|
| AE5HL |
Rating:      |
2014-12-21 | |
| Great rig for ragchew/nets!!! |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
I've had my VX-1700 for about 6 months now and it is a great rig for what it is designed to do. Like another reviewer here noted, it is not a contesting rig. A couple of notes:
- This is an SDR (Software Defined Radio) so you will need the cable and programming software (CE-77) in order to modify various parameters, function keys, etc.
- This rig is desiged for the LMR market and is tailored towards channelized operation. Using the dongle provides VFO capability in 10hz, 100hz, 1khz steps.
- Power output is 125 watts below 4mhz, 100 above. Programming allows (3) possible values, I set everything above 4mhz to 25/50/100 and below 25/75/125.
- Standard Yaesu accessories should work fine (at least those designed to work with the FT-817/FT-897/etc.), I use the FC-30 tuner with mine.
If you can get past the SDR portion, it really is a great rig. With the dongle installed, you can even program channels without the cable, to include setting tags. I receive EXCELLENT audio reports with mine.
Digital operation is a snap, use the standard 6-pin mini DIN interface cable and set the mode to J2B (USB data).
This is a short review, there really is not much to this radio which makes it kind of nice (simplicity). I have not tried the ALE option nor do I intend to, it is my understanding that the standard Vertex used is only compatible with other Vertex radios.
If you are looking for a ragchew radio or something to use on the nets, this is not a bad choice. This radio supports CW, AM, SSB, and SSB digital (J2B) so no FM on 10 meters.
I really enjoy mine and it fits my needs nicely, you can find them new for anywhere around $700-$1000, add cables and a tuner, maybe another $250-$400.
The radio gets a solid '5', it is built like a tank, programming is a snap (software is a little dated but run as "Administrator" under Windows 7 without problems), and interface is simple and uncluttered. |
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| KF5HDU |
Rating:     |
2013-03-20 | |
| Rock Solid Performance |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| First of all, if you are looking for a DX rig, keep right on moving. This model is built for the LMR market, and as such,is really tailored to "channelized" operation. It does have VFO capability, but you need to have a "field programmable key" that you can make for $3 or buy for $10. Many of the cables for the ft-817d work on this rig. There is no front phono jack, whichI dislike, you have to plug into the rear external speaker port, which is monorural. The on air reports have been outstanding. It packs a lot of punch. The receiver is awesome. As good as my Kenwood. This is a software driven transceiver,so plan on getting programming software. All of the buttons can be user configured. Nice rig! |
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| W0JAB |
Rating:      |
2013-03-09 | |
| great rig |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have had my unit for a number of years now.
Got one when they first came out.
Let it scan the 60 meter band most of the time.
John, W0JAB |
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| N9EMZ |
Rating:      |
2012-02-03 | |
| Superb!!! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
There is much more to this fantastic, little rig than related in the previous evaluations. Dig deeply into the Vertex CE-77 software (Win based) and you can adjust TX offset, filter bandwidth, take out the relatively few birdies; enable VOX, hotkey the buttons....I could go on and on.
It isn't memory-bound....you can also hotkey it for 0.1-10.0 kHz adjustable tuning via the Main Tuning Dial and speed-tune with the Up/Down buttons....and it will stay configured thusly without the programming cable. Just plug in the CK-11 dongle and fly it that way mobile or base after configuration.
Add a Heil HM-10 and get compliments on the audio quality even before widening the bandwidth with the software. As for RX audio quality, good right out of the box....thanks to 7-step filtration.
If you can handle the software part, this is something you spend $800 on (including CE77 software, CT-62 cable, CK-11 dongle, super heavy duty mobile bracket, & Heil mic, adapter, and cable) this before dumping money on a much more expensive rig....you've got $2400 worth in this tiny box.
The VX-1700 replaced a TS-940, TS-450, and an FT-897D in my shack. Try it, you'll like it....I promise.
73 de Sam |
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| AC0MA |
Rating:      |
2011-06-08 | |
| Works well in my Stealth environment! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I've had the 1700 for more than a year purchased it to backup my ts-50. First its a tank, I use HRD for most of my operations and you can tell the program it is either a 817 or 897 and you can use most of the features and have a bandscope.
Good ear on a par with my 480sat and ts-50. Contesting rig no... But, she does make contacts. My antenna situation is stealth, all homemade (because I'm cheap). It is connected to a 5 band multi-dipole in the attic. I work from Canada, to South America with ease.
It is a no-fuss take out of the box rig. I would suggest getting the CE77 programming software and the CT-62 cable you'll need the cable to run HRD.
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