APRS VX-8R K2FR Setting up APRS

Me setting up my new HT for APRS.

I went over this pretty quick, will probably do more videos about the radio in the near future.. Stay tuned

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• WB4APR

[FMephit]

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!

[KC2UOO]

@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.

[KJ4UNR]

how do you check if you have any digipeaters in or around your location?

73's KJ4UNR

[KC2UOO]

@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.

[ez2curanut]

Is it necessary to have the gps attachemnt, to use APRS? or can you do text messages without the gps attached?

[thallium200]

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

[rasputinsdog]

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

[knifedrago]

Hi, Do you know any hand dynamo to recharge VX-8R?

Thanks

[Mikes1000Toys]

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

[sweetgyy]

all that fancy bullshit i am sure the front end gets hard with intermod !

[jss672006]

Looks like a nice, radio, I am thinking of getting it, how is it?

[N3IAN]

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...

[BGAndrea]

@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

[Senegal01]

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

[maurode]

it's very funny !!! Your APRS Beacon near Beacon Bridge :-)

[KC2UOO]

@DRNEGOLICIS its 5 watts max

[DRNEGOLICIS]

@KC2UOO how many watts is the VX-8R?

[Admin7718]

@KC2UOO Great thank you for your help.

[KC2UOO]

@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.

[Admin7718]

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.

[max2950]

@KC2UOO

Ok i'll do that ! ;)

[KC2UOO]

@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!

[max2950]

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 ! :)

[Mikes1000Toys]

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.