Yaesu VX-2R

The VX-2R is an ultra-compact amateur radio transceiver produced by Yaesu. Its small size and performance are well-suited for use in a tiny APRS station or combined with a small computer and TNC a tiny packet station.

The VX-2R is known as the VX-2E in European markets.

The VX-2R superseded the Yaesu VX-1R, and has been superseded by the Yaesu VX-3R.

Feature overview [ [http://www.rigpix.com/yaesu/vx2r_manual.pdf Yaesu VX-2 user manual] ]

* FM transmit on 2 Meters (1.5 watts) and 70 centimeters (1 watt) on battery power
* FM transmit on 2 Meters (3 watts) and 70 centimeters (2 watt) using external DC power
* Wide-band receive coverage, from 500 kHz through 999 MHz
* Receive coverage in AM, NFM, and WFM
* Experimental channel counter frequency for finding nearby frequencies
* User-selectable 10 dB attenuator
* Ultra-compact size
* CTCSS and DCS decode/encode
* Approximately 900 memory channels, with up to 20 banks
* PC-programmable and radio-to-radio cloning
* RF Squelch capability
* Selectable deviation (wide/narrow)
* WiRES -- Internet repeater linking
* DTMF transmission and memories.
* ARTS range transponder for watching communications between two ARTS-equipped radios

Criticism

Many have arguedSeveral [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3318 reviews of the VX-2R on eHam.net] reporting on, among other things, performance of the supplied antenna, comments on the belt clip, and the push-to-talk switch] that the supplied antenna does not work well outside the 2M and 70cm ham bands, and is mediocre in the ham bands. A longer antenna is recommended for longer-range communications. Another common complaint is that the push-to-talk switch is hard to press, and that the supplied belt clip is regarded as easily broken, leading many users to use alternative belt clips.

Battery

The standard battery will last about two days (single frequency receive) if not scanning. If scanning, the receive time falls to a few hours. At 1.5 Watts out, talk time is only about 20 minutes with a fully-charged battery.

Replacement batteries are inexpensive, especially as they are based on the Fuji BP60 camera battery. The lower (100mW) power setting is adequate for repeaters out to 20 miles or so, and allows longer talk time. This is a highly-regarded HT based on its performance-to-size ratio; many hams buy more than one.

Modification

The VX-2 is not difficult to modify. Because the radio uses software-based jumpers, it is not necessary to open the radio up to perform most modification. A MARS / CAP modification can be performed, expanding transmit coverage outside of ham bands slightly; it is also possible to perform a freeband modification to the radio without any hardware modifications. Although in most cases illegal based on Federal Communications Commission rules, the freeband modification opens transmit coverage significantly, allowing use on business band and FRS bands, along with several lesser-used frequency bands.

References

* Product Review - Yaesu VX-2R Miniature Dual-Band Handheld Transceiver - October 2003 QST Magazine © ARRL

External links

* [http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=111&ProdID=870&DivisionID=65 Yaesu's page on the VX-2R]
* [http://www.kc8unj.com KC8UNJ's VX-2R Commander programming software]
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VX-2R/ VX-2R on Yahoo! Groups (closed list)]
* [http://www.ham.dmz.ro/yaesu/vx-2r.php Schematics and modifications]
* [http://www.rigpix.com/yaesu/vx2r.htm Rigpix Database - Yaesu VX-2R]