| Author |
Message |
    
Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 64
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 4:58 pm: | 
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Let me begin by saying that I will eventually upgrade my license with the morse code exam and eventually to General Class and move into the HF world. However, for now I want to be able to play in the UHF/VHF range. I am not limiting myself to handlelds but I have found a Yaesu VX-5RB on-line for under $200. This is a handheld model, which transmits at up to 5 watts and seems to have many “bells and whistles” (but I am new at this, hence the question). This unit will not transmit in CW or SSB, only in AM and FM (I don’t know as any handhelds do). It will operate in the 6M, 2M, and (70cm) 440 MHz bands.
Web site for reference:
Yaesu
I am planning to build external antennas and play with other external accessories in the future. For now I just want to make sure that I can enjoy what these bands have to offer with this radio and have a radio that I will continue to use as I mature in this hobby. Any suggestions are welcome.
Wish me luck, I plan to take the Technician level exam on 7 May 05.
Red Devil – 392
CEF 447
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Cbblackbeard
Intermediate Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 177
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 6:41 pm: |
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Red Devil,
I have 2 friends who have the VX5RB and they love it. The 6 meter is kind of useless in an HT, but the radio is very good on the 2 meter and 440 bands. I have the FT60R which is only a 144/440 dual bander, but it also has wide recieve... which is like having a scanner built into your HT. I can't say enough good things about the FT60R which also sells for $199. |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2380
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 7:15 pm: |
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6 workd just fine on a VX5
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Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 66
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 8:40 pm: |
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Cbblackbeard and Bruce,
Well, that’s two green lights. Thank you for the recommendations. I got done reading more from the owner’s manual that I downloaded and Cbblackbeard you got the scanner comment right. The expanse of the RX only capabilities is vast. It’ll be interesting to see if I can learn all of the functions.
Any amber or red lights out there? I am sure there is at least one unsatisfied customer.
Thanx again guys!
CEF447
Red Devil - 392
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Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 68
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 11:41 am: |
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Any other Ideas out there?????
I am looking for some other opinions on the
Yaesu VX-5RB |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5335
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 1:17 pm: |
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Red_devil,
You may want to post this Question in the :
Ask The Tech
» Ham Gear Area.
We have over 500 Hams who are Copper Forum Members and out of all the Copper Forum Members around 85% do not read or post in the Open Area here.
Just a thought,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Jellybean
Junior Member
Username: Jellybean
Post Number: 46
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 1:45 pm: |
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I have the Icom T90A and the Kenwood THF6, both are great HT's. I have the FT7800 mobile again a nice little unit. |
Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 71
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 1:48 pm: |
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Thanx Lon,
You are always there to keep us on track.  This string is reposted under “Ask The Tech” and “Ham Gear”.
CEF447
Red Devil - 392 |
Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 72
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 4:40 pm: |
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Jellybean,
Thank you for the suggestion. I have also looked at the IC-T90A. That radio runs about $50 more and I have yet to fully compare it to the VX-5R. As for the THF6, it’s a bit out of my price range for my first HT. The FT7800 seems like a great 2m and 70cm option for the truck, and not too expensive either. I will find my preferred band some day and get settled into this hobby. This military life with all of the moves makes it hard to find a permanent home freq. or band. 
Thank you VERY Much for the input.
This string is now moved to “Ask The Tech” and “Ham Gear” if anyone has any additional comments.
CEF447
Red Devil - 392 |
