Hi, thanks so much for the vids. I'm going to be getting the GPS unit for my VX-8DR in a bit and want to know, does the station list automatically fill itself in or do you have to manually enter stations in there? And will it automatically switch to the nearest station as I drive in and out of station ranges? Thanks!
You can set the filters to fill the list automatically. I usually have it filtered to not let anything in since just driving around or hiking it will fill that 40 station list with random weather stations and other aprs stations moving, etc etc.
Your APRS signal will only get out if a station can hear you (Digipeater/Igate) if your not close enough to one your spot doesnt get shown.. so yes it will move from station to station as you come in range/leave range of a station listening.
LOVE MY VX-8R!!!! One of the best radios I've ever owned (and I've owned a lot). Because of K2FR's videos, I bought mine about a year ago and really love playing with APRS. It's a whole new facet of Amateur Radio! Tnx n 72! Pete, AA8GK
That Can donate some radios . Or they are getting rid of there radios. I'm looking for portable radios like what you have ? I got a new calling in my ward .. Can you help me Please.
Check out the Site Aprs.fi and then find your home down or address even.. If you zoom out a bit you will see if any towers are nearby designated by symbols on the map.
Really helpful - rounds out the info in the manual which is ok, but this video fills in a few gaps - like how to check its all set up and working. Many thanks...
Really helpful - rounds out the info in the manual which is ok, but this video fills in a few gaps - like how to check its all set up and working. Many thanks...
Good video, just ordered the VX-8GR from Ham Radio Outlet and this will help in setup. 1x2 cool, still want to get to the new OCC by you. I will watch for you call. 73
I am thinking of buying a handheld radio, how do you feel about the vx3r and of course the VX-8R ? I want the handheld so that I can take it with me anywhere I go and use it incase of a emergency and also use it to talk with my other ham friends. I do not mind spending a little extra money, because I would hate to be stuck with a radio that is very limited and or is not strong enough. Can you please give me some advise ?
I have used the VX-3R and its a nice little radio. While its great for around town where you are close to repeaters, it only does 1.5 watts on battery power, and 3 watts plugged into DC. so keep that in mind when thinking about it.
The main reason for me getting the VX-8R opposed to any other dual band radio, was I wanted all inclusive APRS for tracking. The VX-8R had that and does it well with the optional GPS unit. I love it and cant say one bad thing about it.
I am in the market for an APRS HT. Do you know if there is a way to use a third party GPS on those ? Is the HT able of transmitting received stations to the GPS like the Kenwood TM-D710 does ?
unfortunately i have no experience with this, you should direct that question to Yaesu tech support and see if they have an answer for you. Good luck!
@max2950 My knowledge regarding APRS is limited, so take this with a grain of salt. If you want to use a 3rd party GPS, you would need a a stand alone APRS device. Meaning, you would take a non-APRS equipped handheld, attach an APRS device, then attach the 3rd party GPS to the APRS device. These devices are programmed with a computer beforehand, so you can't make many changes on the fly, like you could with the Yaesu VX-8DR. 73, KB3VJN
How do you like your Radio ? I'm looking at getting one .The one that I'm looking at is Yaesu VX-8DR or VX-8GR have you hard anythig about them .. How much was that? I can you tell me what acc/ software that came with it . message me back.
Again, GREAT video! It's such a great video, I may be pulling the trigger on a VX-8R in the next couple of weeks. Question:
I live in Southeast Michigan (Utica, Michigan). It appears there is quite a bit of APRS activity in the area, if listening to 144.390 is any indication. Will the VX-8R do okay if mobile (with mobile antenna, of course), or should I be thinking about a mobile???
I use the VX-8R as my mobile, and even at 5 watts it did pretty well. I added a 35 watt 2m amp into the mix to bring it upto mobile power, while still letting me unplug everything and not need a permanently mounted mobile.
Thank you very much for this video! I am working with the same radio . . . absolutely love it although there is a lot to learn regarding its capabilities. I just got APRS up and running thanks to your video . . . very easy walk thru!
Hi, thanks for great tutorial. I don't know if this is a stupid question, but what is the range of this radio with the original antenna. Me and my brother are thinking about getting couple of these for communication. He lives on the other side of town about 40km away from me(Obviously not a big town). How far can one communicate with the VX-8R? thanks
A TNC won't transmit when the squelch is open, or if there is something like a voice transmission - it will wait until the freq is clear before it transmits.
Wrong, depends on TNC ! I got a nordlink TNC which incorporates s digital carrier detection an it will prevent it from transmitting when there is digital signal on the air.
its a 2 meter FM/SSB amp with a Pre-amp. I will probably use it mostly for 2m FM stuff in the car, but Also will take it with me when I go hiking and do some SSB 2m stuff from mountain tops.
ill probably post a vid in a day or so once I have time to go over my setup in the car. its all thrown together just to get functionality and not exactly a nice install right now =)
ive had the radio a whole 2 days now. Really cant comment on any of the reported problems as I have not ran into any yet.
But I can say from my first 2 days using it. Im very much enjoying this radio. Ive got APRS setup and its working beautifully with a mobile amp and mag mount in my car.
That's funny that I see digipeter WX2NJ-13 on your radio. Bob (WX2NJ) is a good friend of mine here in NJ
I'm KC2OON
thallium200 9 months ago
Hi, thanks so much for the vids. I'm going to be getting the GPS unit for my VX-8DR in a bit and want to know, does the station list automatically fill itself in or do you have to manually enter stations in there? And will it automatically switch to the nearest station as I drive in and out of station ranges? Thanks!
FMephit 10 months ago
@FMephit
You can set the filters to fill the list automatically. I usually have it filtered to not let anything in since just driving around or hiking it will fill that 40 station list with random weather stations and other aprs stations moving, etc etc.
Your APRS signal will only get out if a station can hear you (Digipeater/Igate) if your not close enough to one your spot doesnt get shown.. so yes it will move from station to station as you come in range/leave range of a station listening.
KC2UOO 10 months ago
LOVE MY VX-8R!!!! One of the best radios I've ever owned (and I've owned a lot). Because of K2FR's videos, I bought mine about a year ago and really love playing with APRS. It's a whole new facet of Amateur Radio! Tnx n 72! Pete, AA8GK
rasputinsdog 11 months ago
Hi, Do you know any hand dynamo to recharge VX-8R?
Thanks
knifedrago 11 months ago
I'm looking for someone(s)
That Can donate some radios . Or they are getting rid of there radios. I'm looking for portable radios like what you have ? I got a new calling in my ward .. Can you help me Please.
Thank you
Mikes1000Toys 1 year ago
how do you check if you have any digipeaters in or around your location?
73's KJ4UNR
KJ4UNR 1 year ago
@KJ4UNR
Check out the Site Aprs.fi and then find your home down or address even.. If you zoom out a bit you will see if any towers are nearby designated by symbols on the map.
KC2UOO 1 year ago
all that fancy bullshit i am sure the front end gets hard with intermod !
sweetgyy 1 year ago
Looks like a nice, radio, I am thinking of getting it, how is it?
jss672006 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Really helpful - rounds out the info in the manual which is ok, but this video fills in a few gaps - like how to check its all set up and working. Many thanks...
N3IAN 1 year ago
Really helpful - rounds out the info in the manual which is ok, but this video fills in a few gaps - like how to check its all set up and working. Many thanks...
N3IAN 1 year ago
Good video, just ordered the VX-8GR from Ham Radio Outlet and this will help in setup. 1x2 cool, still want to get to the new OCC by you. I will watch for you call. 73
Senegal01 1 year ago
it's very funny !!! Your APRS Beacon near Beacon Bridge :-)
maurode 1 year ago
I am thinking of buying a handheld radio, how do you feel about the vx3r and of course the VX-8R ? I want the handheld so that I can take it with me anywhere I go and use it incase of a emergency and also use it to talk with my other ham friends. I do not mind spending a little extra money, because I would hate to be stuck with a radio that is very limited and or is not strong enough. Can you please give me some advise ?
Thank you.
Admin7718 1 year ago
@Admin7718
I have used the VX-3R and its a nice little radio. While its great for around town where you are close to repeaters, it only does 1.5 watts on battery power, and 3 watts plugged into DC. so keep that in mind when thinking about it.
The main reason for me getting the VX-8R opposed to any other dual band radio, was I wanted all inclusive APRS for tracking. The VX-8R had that and does it well with the optional GPS unit. I love it and cant say one bad thing about it.
KC2UOO 1 year ago
@KC2UOO Great thank you for your help.
Admin7718 1 year ago
@KC2UOO how many watts is the VX-8R?
DRNEGOLICIS 1 year ago
@DRNEGOLICIS its 5 watts max
KC2UOO 1 year ago
Hi !
I am in the market for an APRS HT. Do you know if there is a way to use a third party GPS on those ? Is the HT able of transmitting received stations to the GPS like the Kenwood TM-D710 does ?
73s and thanks for sharing ! :)
max2950 1 year ago
@max2950
unfortunately i have no experience with this, you should direct that question to Yaesu tech support and see if they have an answer for you. Good luck!
KC2UOO 1 year ago
@KC2UOO
Ok i'll do that ! ;)
max2950 1 year ago
@max2950 My knowledge regarding APRS is limited, so take this with a grain of salt. If you want to use a 3rd party GPS, you would need a a stand alone APRS device. Meaning, you would take a non-APRS equipped handheld, attach an APRS device, then attach the 3rd party GPS to the APRS device. These devices are programmed with a computer beforehand, so you can't make many changes on the fly, like you could with the Yaesu VX-8DR. 73, KB3VJN
BGAndrea 1 year ago
How do you like your Radio ? I'm looking at getting one .The one that I'm looking at is Yaesu VX-8DR or VX-8GR have you hard anythig about them .. How much was that? I can you tell me what acc/ software that came with it . message me back.
Mikes1000Toys 1 year ago
Again, GREAT video! It's such a great video, I may be pulling the trigger on a VX-8R in the next couple of weeks. Question:
I live in Southeast Michigan (Utica, Michigan). It appears there is quite a bit of APRS activity in the area, if listening to 144.390 is any indication. Will the VX-8R do okay if mobile (with mobile antenna, of course), or should I be thinking about a mobile???
TNX n 72,
AA8GK
rasputinsdog 1 year ago
@rasputinsdog
I use the VX-8R as my mobile, and even at 5 watts it did pretty well. I added a 35 watt 2m amp into the mix to bring it upto mobile power, while still letting me unplug everything and not need a permanently mounted mobile.
KC2UOO 1 year ago
@KC2UOO
Thank you for your guidance.... I think I'll be placing an order for that VX-8R!!!!
Pete, AA8GK
rasputinsdog 1 year ago
Oh, my.... Going to Dayton tomorrow. Just might have to pull the trigger on one of these! Great videos.
72, AA8GK
rasputinsdog 1 year ago
Thank you very much for this video! I am working with the same radio . . . absolutely love it although there is a lot to learn regarding its capabilities. I just got APRS up and running thanks to your video . . . very easy walk thru!
73's de KF7ETX
David
USNERDOC 1 year ago
Hi, thanks for great tutorial. I don't know if this is a stupid question, but what is the range of this radio with the original antenna. Me and my brother are thinking about getting couple of these for communication. He lives on the other side of town about 40km away from me(Obviously not a big town). How far can one communicate with the VX-8R? thanks
ZupaWabbit 2 years ago
A TNC won't transmit when the squelch is open, or if there is something like a voice transmission - it will wait until the freq is clear before it transmits.
ilovenbcnews 2 years ago
Wrong, depends on TNC ! I got a nordlink TNC which incorporates s digital carrier detection an it will prevent it from transmitting when there is digital signal on the air.
max2950 2 years ago
Thank you very much, just setup my VX-8R!!!
-KJ6BTM
Navyguy0023 2 years ago
Any idea on how to mute the RX of other APRS packets? Even at 0 volume and APRS mute on, I still hear them.
unheard02 2 years ago
Not quite sure but I have APRS muted as well as having VFOB set to 0 volume. I dont hear other packets, but I do hear my own going out.
im not sure if I did some other setting but nothing I can think of.
KC2UOO 2 years ago
Ok it must be mine I'm hearing. I can't get them to silence. It's annoying as all get out!
-KJ4CTS
spdowling 2 years ago
I would love to see a video on how hard or how easy it is to send a APRS message to another user from the VX8R.
k9mq 2 years ago
Ill see what I can do this weekend to give a quick run through of message sending.
KC2UOO 2 years ago
Great Video..
73..Karl
VK7HDX
Karl036 2 years ago
That's cool. Glad to hear your enjoying it so far. I'm really looking forward to getting mine this weekend, hopefully.
Just curious, what make and model of mobile amp do you have?
MicrosoftBob 2 years ago
I went with the Mirage B-34-G
its a 2 meter FM/SSB amp with a Pre-amp. I will probably use it mostly for 2m FM stuff in the car, but Also will take it with me when I go hiking and do some SSB 2m stuff from mountain tops.
ill probably post a vid in a day or so once I have time to go over my setup in the car. its all thrown together just to get functionality and not exactly a nice install right now =)
KC2UOO 2 years ago
I'm getting a VX-8R this weekend. This radio looks so cool. I can't wait to get my hands on it.
Have you noticed any of the problems that have been reported on Yahoo's VX-8R group?
Such as low sensitivity, extreme hiss on AM radio, muffled sounding speaker audio when heated, heats up quickly, low audio output, etc...
- Bob N8UAN
MicrosoftBob 2 years ago
ive had the radio a whole 2 days now. Really cant comment on any of the reported problems as I have not ran into any yet.
But I can say from my first 2 days using it. Im very much enjoying this radio. Ive got APRS setup and its working beautifully with a mobile amp and mag mount in my car.
KC2UOO 2 years ago