The Yaesu VX-6: The toughest, most capable amateur analog HT available.
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- Опубликовано: 20 дек 2021
- A review of the excellent Yaesu VX-6 tri band HT.
Product Links:
Yaesu VX-6R - www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-vx-6r...
Specter Gear MOLLE VX-6 Radio Pouch - www.spectergear.com/ProductDet...
Specter Gear Belt Mounted VX-6 Radio Pouch - www.spectergear.com/ProductDet... 
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Great Video! I love my VX-6! I've had it for years and it's been through hell and back. Literally.....from Africa to Afghanistan through firefights, IED's, dust storms rain and snow. I've lost a few belt clips and antennas along the way, but the unit is still ticking.
Awesome to hear. Thanks for your experience! Can’t wait for mine to come tomorrow
That's Why I like Yeasu Radios, Very High Quality Standards,
Yep, I bought one in 2018 and then bought another one in 2020. One I have frequencies in through the rt Systems software and the other one I enter frequencies and all the other stuff manually as I learned that via "The Guerrilla's Guide To The Baofeng Radio" as those concepts apply to all HT's.
Just bought a VX-6R. Very easy to learn. I especially like the ease of entering freqencies, offsets, tones from the pad. It is a great complement to my TH-D74 and FT-5DR.
amazing video!
look forward for the follow up for recoomended antennas
its rare to see comprehensive videos like that!
Thanks for the great video. The VX6r is a great radio and the one i bought works on 6M out of the box as well so great for the 6M repeaters when hiking around. Had mine a few years now and just need to re cell the battery, there are 2 18500 li-Ion cells in the pack, worth doing as I would be lost without it.
I bought the vx6r as a direct result of watching this video a couple of times. Great content and I fully agree with all your conclusions as it seems all of your data points have lined up with mine! Definitely ditto on the small frame limited battery capacity
Thanks! Love the "Monitor button displays the frequency when memory names are used" function.
Scott, thanks for a great video. The VX6 was my 2nd radio after the baofeng and the one I use every day. Would love to see that video about the different antennas. You taught me things I did not know about the radio and I want more!! LOL
Here it is if you haven't seen it already: ruclips.net/video/YRdAoIaP1Oo/видео.html&ab_channel=KS6DAY
Great video. I would love to see the video on the different antenna options for different bands. Thanks for creating!
Okay, I just made my choice on what HT I need. Thanks for all the great info.
Love these videos, doing ham course currently and am leaning to the “preparedness” side of things. 👍🇨🇦🍻
I just pulled trigger on this. I've had a Yaesu small receiver for 20 years and it's been reliable and still going.
Great Video. I do have a VX 6 but It's an old one. It only does 2 meters/ 70 CM... Have a great Holiday.
Great video I love my vx-6r tri-band
Great video I love my VX6 use it on the farm with no worries. I added the barometric pressure unit it also measures altitude as well. Best money I’ve spent yet on an HT. Antenna replacement is a must though lots of people complain about the antenna and they aren’t wrong. I put the comet HT-224 tri-band antenna on it and it was like a different radio. 73’s
Hello my friend! This is KJ4BGW with one question: how can you tell the difference between an original antenna and a "fake" one? I'm talking about the one you mentioned (Comet HT-224). I'm interested in buying it but I still have doubts: some vendors have it with the LETTERS in Orange,... others in Gray.... Any idea or suggestions will be appreciated.
Happy Holidays and be Safe!
73s from KJ4BGW
@@patriayvida4209 I know they are hard to tell apart. I just make sure to buy them from places that are known to be reputable I bought mine from DX engineering lots of the fakes out there on Amazon. For reference mine has a silver tag with black numbers and letters on top and black underneath with silver letters for the comet name. Hope this helps brother. 73’s my friend.
I also added the barometric pressure unit - and I've noticed that the altitude is not very accurate, but it is consistently wrong, which is equally useful.
I did the same thing for my VX-6. Like the antenna SO much, I bought another one for my VX-8
Really wanted this HT when I got back into the hobby in the mid 00s. I ended up getting a used Icom IC-T90A which I still have. Very similar. Neat feature is it's tri-band 6m/2m/70cm. Then I picked up a Kenwood TH-F6A for cheap when they discontinued them. Tri-band 2m/1.25m/70cm like the VX-6. Also similar receive specs. Neat feature about this one is SSB. Also has 2 receivers, true dual receive. Did the MARS mod on both which opens up a tremendous range of frequencies for having a single radio that can do it all in an emergency.
Squelch tip. Use the “My Menu” feature on page 87 of the manual to assign squelch adjustment to the LK button. Easy! Credit to Gaston, The Tech Prepper.
Kenwood TH-F6A is also a great option. Not submersible but full power on 1.25m, wide voltage range input, simultaneous dual receiver with adjustable balance and great accessories.
I'm going to need to get my hands on some Kenwood HT's. I have a Kenwood HF rig but have yet try out any of their HT's.
Same here. I keep coming back to the little THF6A. I can work 2m/70cm/1.25m, listen to aircraft, broadcast AM/FM, and even put up a longwire and bring in some HF. I've been surprised with how well it receives on 20m/40m with just the wire. I have the AA battery pack too which works pretty well. I also opened it up for GMRS/FRS TX/RX. (Of course, TX only in an emergency). Use CHIRP to program and take advantage of all the storage and scan capability....... BUT, that VX-6 looks pretty nice!
I still have my TH-6A I bought the first month they came out (2003?). However, I left it in storage when we hit the road fulltime RV and would like an HT with full coverage RX for listening to all the general aviation we find ourselves near as we travel.
Thank you! This radio will move to the top of my short list.
Great video, still waiting on mine to come in with the MARS mod
Thank you very much for this video, I bougth mine when I visited some friend in Miami last October and hope to see more about this great tiny radio. 73 de OA4DPM.
I just can't seem to get interested in all of those fancy internet dependent digital modes, none of which are compatible with one another. Just give me a good analog radio. 👍😊‼️
I agree They won't be useful when the network crashes 😂
Hey, I just wanted to let yall know that FT8, JS8CALL, and many other digital modes don't require internet to operate.
I haven't finished the video yet so I'm not sure which ones he's using but the most common and popular digital modes don't use the internet at all.
I actually recently used js8call to contact a friend via 40m nvis to inform him my internet was out and to ask about his.
I like your Gerber Mk II comparison, not the most practical knife, but served me well. I’ve had a VX-7R for years and agree with your assessment.
I need a hf radio, not another ht but the vx6 is making me want to get one. Great video explaining this radio, thnx buddy!🍻🤠
A great series. I just recently bought the charging cradle for my VX7 that is much like the VX6 - with the 500KHz to 999 MHz receive and quad band - includes 6 with the 2 1.25 and 70 cm. I bought 2 spare batteries - that is the reason for the charging cable. I have carried the cigarette lighter power cable for some time and I built a battery pack with 2 4 AA cell holders in an old digital camera case with the plug that fits the DC port on the side. I also carry a SMA to SO239 cable. A way to connect a wire antenna is to put a banana plug on the wire - it will plug into the SO239. A roll of about 30 feet of #24/26 wire will make a good antenna, I am not carrying one but I will probably be adding one. I have gotten some ideas for accessories I may want to add.
Thanks for this series, although i have the 7, they are close enough that it has been good. I got a good buy on and opened VX7 used, There are features I did not know about (the 89 HF Channels for example)of the 6 that if they are on the 7, likely, I will check on them. Got to get the boo out and read.
This is a great series. Thank you.
I am pretty much a Yeasu bigot, but the one thing I hate is that #%^**%$$# button that turns on wires. I do not hear you mention that there is a way to deactivate that. I have 2-8900, a ft857 that does not have it, and the VX7. Wires is deactivated on them and i worked with a SAR team that was about 80 percent TFT60 and i was deactivating all when the person brought it to the first training. Some dislike the screw in mic on the VX6/7 but the one on the ft 60 came slightly out and went into transmit. We were putting a rubber band on them.
This is the FBI earpiece - do not have one but found it.
www.ebay.com/itm/166205863053?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1hojZDlb9TTWwZBhUx6SflQ8&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=166205863053&targetid=4581046492584080&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=603247544&mkgroupid=1239150598504493&rlsatarget=pla-4581046492584080&abcId=9316119&merchantid=51291&msclkid=0b078f8d81fe114cafd6ea290a389e24
I bought a VX-6 this past week. LOVE IT!
My Pastor also has one, and yesterday we did a simplex test on 222.500 Mhz. Both Radios sounded FABULOUS!
And its VERY easy to use! It is now part of my Emergency kit.
Hello Bruce. Your comment caught my attention. I am new with HAM Radios and just getting ready to take my technician test. I don't really want to have multiple radios throughout the years. I just want to invest in a good quality HT and then learn it and be happy with it. 10 months later (when you posted), how do you feel about your Yaesu VX-6 ? I am looking for something to just have fun with, learn, a side hobby, connect with people and be able to grow in to the capabilities of the radio. Any thoughts you have would be so much appreciated. I like how you and your pastor have this same radio. That was fun to hear. - Scott
I love my VX-6 also. I have the SSM-17H microphone for it also and it has the external headphone jack. I carry this radio everytime I leave the house
I love in the same general as you. I’d love to see a video of how you set up your radios as you travel through the state. I know you mentioned they’re set up in banks and I’d love to see a video on how your radios are set up on that manner.
I'm currently working on my video editing skills so that I can capture footage from my computer screen in order to properly cover the programming side of things. Once I get that figured out, I will definitely put out a video covering this topic.
I used my Yaesu ft-60r in my small car for years. I put an empty double aa battery case on the back of the radio. After that I was able to plug in the Yaesu SDD-13 Filtered Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter to the accessory port. Throw in a mag mount and you're all set. Battery lasted a long time. I used my radio daily and only needed to charge once or twice a week. Great little radio.
Love the Vx-6 Speaker mic Setup
Just bought the Yaesu . I found it hard to program , so I bought a software program to program it. I now like the radio for the features as I can listen to music on FM broadcast or the AM band for music or talk radio so I can hear the local news or sports broadcast news
You are fantastic.
Ordering one to go with my FT 60
I never new I would want an ht more that’s my ft60 even though others have more stuff. Vx6 is now on my list.
Thanks brother. You talked me into it! VX6R inbound!!
Great video! Really looking forward to long wire antenna for short wave listening. Any idea when your going to put it out?
Just ordered one
Doing the MARS mod on this bad boy also opens up the 6 meter band, turning this into a quad band radio. Freaking awesome. If I had known that, I would have gotten this radio day one along with my 818. Don't get me wrong, I still like my FT-60 and it has great battery life putting some AA Eneloop cells in it and modding it so it will charge them when plugging it in, but can't argue at all with a quad-band radio. 73
I am going to MARS mod mine soon. Apparently it allows you to transmit on 6m as well.
My favorite radio! It's taken a licken and it's still ticken!
Got one of these coming (a bit delayed order) from Dxengineering. Looking forward to it. Maybe I'll actually get back into ham with this radio. I basically just renew every 10 years just in case and like to have a radio for emergencies. Have not talked on a ham radio for about 28 years. I have the old Advanced class license, just gave away my age. oh well.
Love it
This will also get military/government UHF air band from 225 to 380 Mhz. As long as you program the channels for AM. I've already received some comms on 239.0250 and it sounds as good as the civilian stuff from 118 to 136 Mhz. The signal to noise for both air bands is superior to my Uniden SDS200 scanner. So the comms sound a touch clearer.
i got the vx6r on a smokin deal... lol a guy had it for a scanner and didnt know how to use it so sold it to me for 60!!! still in nice condition. i was going to flip it but i grew attached to it in the short 2 days i had it LOL
Still have it?
Have you made those follow up videos for this radio yet? I don't see them on your video list
I ordered mine yesterday. Good video, as usual and your commentary sold me on it. I was a bit bummed that the Sacramento HRO was out of it (it is less than 2 miles from my house), so I'll have to wait longer than I wanted. Looks like batteries are at a premium so I'll have to hunt to find quality ones, unless you know a good alternative to OEM?
Hello my friend... This is KJ4BGW. I've been so interested in putting my hands on this radio!!! but because I've read some bad/negative reviews of the battery life I've put it in stand by... If you hear of anything better than the battery that comes with the radio PLEASE let me know. I'll be very grateful. Thanks and Happy Holidays.
73s from KJ4BGW
I've not had good luck with any aftermarket Yaesu batteries. The only ones that work consistently well are the Yaesu branded ones. Having said that, batteries prices have indeed jumped a bit. Last I checked VX-6 batteries were around $79 per unit. Last year they were $54. That's a pretty steep jump. But congrats on the VX-6 purchase. You're going to love it.
@@patriayvida4209 Just buy an extra factory battery and you will be fine. I use these radios all the time.
@@Mojave511 Thanks much. Going down to HRO and spending wayyy too much money on me for Christmas
How would you say the receive is compared to the FT-60r? Sensitivity and rejection. I sometimes times have to work in a very RF hostile places and cheap radios get totally desensed there. I owned a FT-60r (lost) and never had an issue.
So try out the dry cell case, and some protected Klarus 3.7v 14500 cells with built in USB Micro charger. Works pretty good and you can them charge off your battery bank.
If you was going to get one ht
Would it be ft60 vx6
Like your content and want to get a chest rig to go over my plate carrier
Do you have a link to the other videos on the VX-6 28:33 and 73s Brother @KS6DAY
Hey great video. I’m interested in your antenna video but couldn’t find it. Do you have a link? Thanks
Charge on Sunday and use all week…just like the original Henry lever-action rifles!
Would like follow up to access all other bands like marine and all that u mentions
Great review de K6REH
Is there a scan feature for each band or do you have to pre program from radio reference ?
I just purchased a VX-6R because of its wide frequency capability because I mistakenly sold my Icom IC-T-90a a few years ago. The IC-T90a has 6m, but the VX-6R's 1.25m is probably more useful. I also have an FT-60. The one thing that disappoints me with the VX-6R is the audio quality. The output gets distorted at a rather low volume. The FT-60 has better audio at higher volume levels. However, I like the volume control detents on the VX-6R which keep the knob from turning when it is bumped. I also like the radio's small size. The belt clip is a hook, not a clip and could be better. I will continue to be an analog guy. There are too many non-compatible digital modes.
The step down maybe to conserve battery if the frequency uses more power? Idk just a guess on my part.
Hi.
What do you think about aliexpress as a source for new FT-60/VX-6R? Seem like the only place to get them new at the moment.
Is the VX6 and the VX6R, are the same but the belt clip
KQ4CD Paul
Mine does 6 and 4 meter bands. Measured 1.3 watts on six.
What ptt and earbud do you recommend running on a plate carrier? Thanks
I have two vx6r's and they are great hh's. I do have to say the best 2m hh I have is my icom ic2gat. I have had it since 1988 :) still looks and works like it was new. I have a 25 year old azden az-21 that still works fine too.
Joe WA4UJY
Thanks for the video Scott. I’m curious if you happen to know if Yaesu is still manufacturing new batteries for this radio or are they shipping new old stock batteries that have been sitting around for quite some time? Thx.
They were as of a month ago when I bought 2 from HRO. both showed up with a solid storage charge and were ready to go to work.
Hello, new to this community. Where is the best place to get this for a decent price? I’m looking to get 2 of them.
what mobile antenna would you use if connecting your Yaesu VX-6
Thank you..
What happened to the VX-8R? I nearly bought one, but the they became obsolete
You get a charge cradle with a 30 dollar Baofeng, not including it is inexcusable. However ... its charging options are near perfect for emcomms. They SHOULD offer a usb-c pd cable for higher amperage charging from a power pack ... but we'll get that maybe when usb-c is obsolete..
I am actually interested in SSB on 6m and 2m. What are a few of the best radios to look at for this mode? Is there any kind of a "mode adapter" that I can put between an FM transceiver, like the Yaesu FT-2980R, and the antenna that will convert the FM signal into an SSB signal? Is that even possible?
Not impossible, but super-expensive.
Go for a Yaesu FT-817 or FT-818 had a RF PA if necessary and thats it....
Do you have any thoughts on how this radio compares to the FT5DR? I just got the VX6, but it seems like a reasonable comparison since the FT5 is also submersible but also has GPS.
The touch screen was not appealing to me but now I’m wondering if I can replace the keypad on the VX6 if it wears out.
It won’t wear out trust me it’ll break before the keypads wear. Ask people who used them for 15 20 years and they will tell you the only thing they’ve done is bought a new battery after 15 years
I got it and the squelch makes a screeching noise and can be triggered by the beeps. I hope it doesn't fail.
@@brianclimbs1509 was it used?
@@youtubeaccount7544 I bought it new, but had to ship it because I don't have a local dealer.
Long live the VX-6!
Something I'd like to add:
This radio will TX on 6 meters after the mars/cap mod as of the 4th mainboard revision. Not sure about earlier revisions. Output on high was measured at about 1 watt. YMMV of course.
Solid HT!
I own a VX-6, a VX-8, an FT-4 and an FT-65. Each radio has a designated purpose.
The FT-4 is My Wife's radio, The VX-6 is my Everyday use radio, the VX-8 is for special events, or when I want to have 220 Mhz Comms with someone (We use220 in our area for Simplex on Search-And-Rescue because reports are virtually UNAWARE of that band and it gives us SOME privacy), and the FT-65 is MARS Modded and lives in my Go Kit-I'm planning to buy a 2nd FT-65 later this month to have a matching pair in the kit.
ANOTHER reason I went with the FT-65s is that if God forbid, something ever were t happen to those radios, I'm only out $90.00 for a 65 as opposed to $400.00 to replace my VX-8 IF I CAN EVEN FIND ONE!
My other radios are regular use-my VX-8 was an investment!
any update on the ip67, in ear, headset?
I have the VX 5 what ya think
You have great content
KQ4CD Paul ⚓️
Is this compatible with some cheapo walkie-talkie? Some people i hike and camp with use some midland gxt 1050 vp4. Id like to just have 1 radio to carry that i can still communicate with them and just switch over to more capabilities.
Gotta mars mod it
How well does this receive CHP? 30-50mhz?
Thank You for a great review. I made the mistake of buying an FT-70D radio in May. Poor battery performance, no drop-in charger. Sounds like the same poor battery performance is an issue with the VX-6 too... Very disappointing for such a reputable manufacturer.
What don't you like about the FT-70D?
@@Boebus666 The FD-70D has very poor battery life, it takes 2 hands to adjust the volume - which is difficult when driving with the handheld sitting on the seat beside me. Using the included cable to program the radio is a test in dexterity as it has an insane set of steps to follow. KS6DAY did a video on it - the video is worth a look. It is titled "The Yeasu FT-70D - A Great Radio Ruined by Stupid Ideas".
@@davidl.4408 Thank you for your input, I was considering buying one, but not anymore!
what's your power out on GMRS after modding? 467.725Mhz
I love my FT-4X.
the vx6r are good units. i have 4 vx 7rs.
I really wish they would have kept the vx7 in the line. The screen was great, and also had 6m. Someday..someday ill find one.
I have a vx6r and it transmits on 6m, it was like that out of the box. There are different versions but all can be modded to use 6m. I bought the B3 version from 409 shop in Hong Kong
The MARS cap mod on the VX6R opens up the 6m band for tx @ roughly 2.5w
@@krevo81 now that is interesting..hmm
Referencing 18:50 in the video... What they call ACT1 (Action Band 1) in the USA that covers the UHF Air Band or Military Aircraft band. My question.. Can it receive AM in that band? In the USA that is most of what you would hear in that range. AM transmission from military aircraft related activities. The specs only call out FM sensitivity in that band. But they don't say it is FM RX only.
I just saw your post. Yes, you can listen to military air band in AM mode with the VX-6R!!! Best to get the programming software for the VX-R that makes it easier to program. If you actually search from 225-380Mhz it defaults to narrow FM. But programming the unit you can change each channel to FM, Wide FM or AM. I have already heard some of the simulcasts that you can hear on both VHF civilian and UHF military for long distance enroute comms. If a controller broadcasts on 133.60 (just an example) he will also broadcast at the same time on something like 337.125 (example) for military planes. And the UHF military broadcast will usually sound clearer!!
I've been listening to 239.0250 Mhz all afternoon. It's a simulcast for one of our SL Center Enroute frequencies (133.900) for Sector 32, Low Altitude. For planes transitioning from Departure control or to Approach control.
Is there a secret squirrel way to open this up for gmrs?
my friend thanks terrific review fantastic 73 from kb2uew
Uv5r dont have a 1400mah they have a 1800mah standred Battery baofeng uv5r has a longer standred battery then the vx-6 8:40 @KS6DAY
is it like the vx-5
How’s the battery life? I had the FT70 and the battery life was plain horrendous
Not bad given the size of the battery. Definitely longer run time than the FT-70DR which is poor at best.
I have it and I don't like it anymore cuz it's so I have no idea what they only put a little bit of power for 220 just doesn't make sense very disappointed I'd be happy with the bigger radio the ft-65 r
Will mars mod give you GMRS capabilities on a VX-6r ?
Yes, but technically not legal except in an emergency. It's not type 90 accepted since it's a ham rig. But it will work for sure. I won't tell!!!
Is the vx6 and vx-6r the same radio? If not, what's the difference?
VX-6 is the model number. VX-6R is the North American variant. VX-6E is the European variant. They both work roughly the same with just a couple small exceptions such as regional frequency limits.
The charge cradle has a design problem. If you touch the conductors on the cradle you'll blow a surface mount fuse in the circuit which disables the cradle charger. If you buy one be very careful or learn to surface mount components;).
Time to solder a wire In place of that fuse because chargers never need fuses
I charge my FT-60 off of the DC port only. I got the radio for free with no charge cradle.
I actually hate the shortwave reception part of it. It's an HT, not an FM radio, or HF rig. It's just more crap to get in the way of it doing what an HT is good for.
VX 8
I have 2…IF IT HAD SSB receiving, IT WOULD BE THE PERFECT RADIO. It has everything else.
How is it different from the VX-7r?
7r can dual watch
Dual/simultaneous receive and dual display
Which Anytone Sir?
Don't know the context of the question but I only own and recommend one Anytone radio, The AT-D878UV. Excellent radio and the HT I use more than any other.
Sorry, my mistake. At 26:49, you start to mention a couple of radios and Anytone but no model.
Great presentation by the way. I really appreciate it, sir.
That's why you need to chest rig
9:17 Why the hell would you want to add another element of clutter into your life:
Ideally, I would like to see every HT to be just as easy as charging your phone
$400 on Amazon. What should I pay for this radio?
All of the major retailers are currently out of stock but taking orders for potential shipment in 2-4 weeks. $249.95 is the prevailing retail price with all of them.
Try to find a VX-7r the best for me ..
Check out associated radio online, and look at their used gear. They had a used one when I was there a few weeks ago.
Battery is too small?
Radio is too small?
Belt clip sucks.
Been unchanged since 2004...
Good thing Yaesu listens to the input from their loyal customers...
One question though. Does this little jewel have the same convoluted USB connection process as the FT-70D?
If so I'd say it's time for Yahoo to make the much needed necessary improvement\upgrades.
poor cousin of the vx7 quad band