Yaesu VX-8R

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
VX-8R with directly mounted optional GPS module. The 70 cm frequency set is outside the range assigned to the amateur radio service in Germany, the 2 m frequency is the APRS frequency in the USA, SSB operation is planned in Germany.

The VX-8R is a handheld radio from the Japanese company Yaesu .

This handheld radio has been available in Germany since mid-2009, and has been advertised in the USA for some time. It is a sturdy solid and immersion device according to IPX7 norm for the 6-m , 2-m and 70-cm - amateur bands with an output power of 5 watts. It enables the simultaneous reception of two frequencies , and the volume and noise threshold can be set separately for each receiver. The now common DTMF , DCS and CTCSS functions are available as well as the typical Yaesu ARTS.

Similarly to the IC-E92D of ICOM no standard, but a special socket (seven pole, as in the case here FTM-10 ) used for the connection of the external microphone or programming adapter. In addition, headphones can be connected via a 3.5 mm jack socket . With duoband operation, each receiver is reproduced separately on the right and left earphones. In single-band operation via both earphones and in stereo radio reception via the earphones. For the first time, a handheld radio (similar to the FTM-10 mobile transceiver) can be equipped with a Bluetooth unit so that normal Bluetooth headsets can be used for radio operation.

According to advertisements, a modem for 1k2 and 9k6 is built in, but this cannot (in contrast to the TH-D7E from Kenwood ) be addressed "from the outside", but is only available for the internal APRS system. An external TNC is therefore required for packet radio , although the manual does not make any statements about the possible data rates. Due to the connection via the microphone and earphone socket and since no switching between 1200 and 9600 baud is available in the menu , it can be assumed that only 1200 baud data rates are possible.

A special GPS receiver can be installed either directly on the device or on an external microphone for APRS operation . Obviously, it is not possible to connect third-party GPS devices or to output the received data except via the device's display. The GPS position can be entered manually.

Two new versions of this handheld radio were announced for the USA for the end of April 2010: Both versions are characterized by extended APRS functionality (e.g. Smart Beaconing). The Yaesu VX-8DR version corresponds mechanically to the well-known VX-8R, it is also announced that existing VX-8R devices can be expanded to the VX-8DR. In the case of the VX-8GR version, the housing has been changed, the GPS receiver is integrated into the device (and therefore no longer needs to be installed as an external somewhat annoying unit), but no Bluetooth unit can be installed. This variant has a 4-pin jack plug without a screw connection like the Yaesu VX-6R for connecting the loudspeaker microphone and is no longer specified as waterproof, but only as splashproof.

Furthermore, the VX-8R has a barometric unit, via which the altitude and air pressure can also be passed on via APRS. Bands can be scanned completely or in a specified range (± 1/2/5 MHz).

As with the VX-7R, the frequencies of important shortwave radio transmitters are already preprogrammed in a separate memory bank.

The function called "Emergency Automatic ID" enables the transmitter to be activated remotely via a CTCSS tone pair in order to locate or contact people who are no longer able to do this independently.

See also

Web links