Yaesu VX-6R: ONE YEAR REVIEW (Super-Elastic Signal Stick + Yaesu Accessories)
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- Опубликовано: 10 янв 2020
- After roughly one year of use, the Yaesu VX-6R proves to be a useful radio in ways I would have never imagined. In this video, I cover different ways the VX-6R has best served me. Also briefly covered are some accessories that work well in conjunction with this rig including the Super-Elastic Signal Stick.
I owned a VX-6 about 6 years ago. I liked it very much. I then sold it and spent the additional money to buy a VX-8.
This past June, my Beloved VX-8 was stolen out of my vehicle. Yaesu no longer makes the VX-8, and used ones are going for almost FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS!
So, I went back to a VX-6. Bought it last week. EVERYTHING you say about the VX-6 is SPOT ON! It IS the CLEANEST sounding Audio I've ever heard, even better than the VX-8! I DO hope to get another VX-8 down the road. But, this time around I am going to KEEP my new VX-6. In my humble opinion, the VX-6 is THE MOST USER-FRIENDLY Yaesu that I have ever owned!
Here is another accessory worthy of mention. There is a bluetooth adapter with a PTT on it from Pryme Blue PT-542 that screws into the mic/headset jack. The sound on a quality headset is almost studio quality. If you wear bluetooth capable hearing aids it is stealthy as well.
Battery draining: Many of the new radios have a softwitch, the ones you press for 2-5 seconds to turn on/off the rig, instead of a mechanical on/off switch like the ones on the volume knob (e.g. Yaesu FT-60R). Gears with soft switches seem to be draining a quiescent current, whilst the mechanical switches perform a physical disconnect. On all soft switch equiped radios I don't use daily, I insert a thin plastic tab on the battery connection, similar to what you get on clocks and many kid toys when you buy them. When I need to use the radio, I pull on the plastic tab and the connection is re-established.
Makes sense! Thank you!
Greetings! I will be featuring your comment on an upcoming video. If you object to be identified in the video, please comment here. Thank you!
@@lytcomm88 No probs.
I finally made a new video. I featured your comment. Take a look at my channel and check out the latest video called “4+ Year Review.”
@@lytcomm88 Bravo. I was thinking about doing this same exact thing.
I wish I could see photos of someone who has actually done this.
Dreaming of it being a permanent addition. Some plastic tabs that could be
permanently attached next to the contacts that you could slide over when not using.
Again an excellent video about a superb product. I have the Yaesu VX-6R especially during these trying times of extreme Bush Fires in Australia. I only would wish that so many useless videos are out there doing nothing than wasting time watching. Thank you, this is worthwhile and instructive.
Gordon Land Thank you!
A very good review and explanation of the accessories you utilize on this radio.
TheFiveyoungs Thank You!
Thank you for the video. Excellent job.
Fantastic video and terrific radio 73
Thanks for the video and great job with the camera and presentation!
Thank you sir! Much appreciated!
Thanks for sharing this very interesting information about vx6
Nice video man, I agree with everything you said, especially about the durability and ruggedness of this rig. I've been using HTs for 25 years and this one is the most rugged and versatile yet. I'm a lot like you, I take it everywhere, especially hiking and I keep it on my backpack strap. I also bought the Yaesu clip but decided to stick with the stock one for now. I was on a hike two days ago and took off my bag and the rig slipped off the strap and smacked onto a rock. It took two little nicks out of the front of the rig but no big deal, it adds character. I'll have to try that elastic 1/4 wave antenna you recommend, looks great. Thanks again for the video man, 73 from Seoul.
Yeah! Any little nick will add character! Thanks for watching!
Good stuff man. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Great video and thanks for sharing. You have helped me to make a purchasing decision and I really appreciate and value your review, thoughts and comments. 73! WI9RHC Milwaukee.
Looks to be a very nice handheld. Thanks for the excellent information! 73
No problem! Thanks for watching!
Love the signal stick. Only antenna I use on our HTs
Dont forget your safety glasses.
Thanks Jose nice job good review 73 good luck
Thanks for watching!
Way to go little guy
Would be nice to a see an extended battery one day for the VX6 like the Baofeng ones.
Thank you! Good job.
Great review! Not that I need another HT, but your video has shown it to be a worthwhile investment. I have recently started using Signal Stick antennas and am now replacing my Diamond antennas with Signal Stick.
Sounds good! I would keep the Diamonds as back up though. Thanks for watching!
@@lytcomm88 I will be have no intentions of getting rid of them.
Good review, really an excellent HT, MH -73A microphone will be a good addition
It's a great mic!
Great video 73
murku c Thank You!
Couldn’t agree with you more. I have the same radio and antenna. Together they are a bad ass combo. They only thing different I have the waterproof mic vs the one you have. I just upgraded to. I just got the Yaesu Ft3D with Signalstick Antenna. I have uses for both radios. Great video. 73 kn6mat
Thank you!
I hear that Yaesu quit making the VX-6R in December 2020. I also hear rumors that the new SDR radios can be killed with a gov't digital transmission, therefore, an older analog unit would work unless there is actual signal jamming.
Nice vid! When using the signal stick are you also using the rubber spacer available on the signal stick website?
Great video! What setting is your mic gain on? I have mine maxed out which is why the question.
I'm still sporting a vx-5, purchased around 2001 (I did replace the battery). What I'd like to know about the 6 is if it has a two line display option so you can see frequency + memory name at once. A feature of the vx5 that I'd be disappointed to be without.
I just got my Signal Stick for my TYT UV8000E HT, its a 2m/70cm, dual watch. So I can monitor two frequencies at once. If I could find a Yaesu radio, that was Dual band/Dual watch, and I could afford it, I'd get one. But for now my TYT is a good radio for me.
Excellent video, very informative: thank you!
Is this radio still being manufactured? Doing a search it was released almost 15 years ago. Not that it matters if it performs well but it's surprising in this day and age. I guess analog HTs are an exception though!
Yes they are being manufactured. I have one and a spare (2 VX-6R’s) best non-digital radio on the market.
I'm still using a 20 years old VX -5R No problems other than with the on/off button, which is common and fixable.
If you do the Mars mod on this radio will you be able to talk on 6 meters?
Thank you for the video. I ordered the VX-6R before I saw your video and decided to try the Signal Stick because of your radio. I received the antenna but am still waiting for the HT to come in (two more days). Does the Signal Stick need a gasket or spacer to preserve the imersible rating?
Sorry for the late response. I'm glad you were able to get both the HT and the Signalstick! You probably already have the radio but as you can see the VX-6R has a gasket-like rubber base. I'm not entirely sure about the submersible rating but in my experience and observations, any antenna tightly fastened to the radio connection seems to fit tightly to the base. I'm confident it will do well in a wet environment. I wouldn't take my observation as a guarantee though. I'm sure now that you have the radio, this question has already been answered for you. Thanks for watching!
Good vid mate, I am looking to get a little more prepared in terms of communications just incase we find ourselves in a situation with power outages or mobile network issues. I am totally new to this so not sure how best to go about it. I am UK based and will be using it mainly in the Scottish Highlands where I am based.
I have been recomended to get this particular model as apparently it is reliable, robust, enough features to be usable but not too complicated for someone who has never been into radio gear before. Would you recommend this also or would there be something else you suggest I go with? Many thanks.
I recommend it. In the video I talk about why I like the radio. It's rugged and dependable. I would find a radio club near you and get in contact with them That's the easiest way to get involved in Amateur Radio. Good luck!
Great information! Does the Super Elastic SS antenna have a gasket to keep waterproof integrity?
I just ordered one. They do have a gasket for my FT60 and VX6 but not guaranteed waterproof which is understandable.
Great video, thanks! Is your VX-6R working properly? I could not find a
new one working without issues. 1. Strong noise makes for example
listening AM broadcast on earbuds on low volumes not enjoyable. 2. Burst
of noise every now and then when using the keypad. Also when turning on
the radio. 3. Distorted sound on FM broadcast. 4. The internal
temperature indoor shows as single digit. 5. On FM broadcast I have seen
these radios with 9+ noise almost across the entire FM broadcast band
and with FM broadcast stations strangely in bands under 87 and over 108.
Basically the receiver was overloading, not usable in and around the
town. Some stations completely disappeared in the 9+ noise in the 87-108
band. I wonder if your radio is an exception.
I'm torn between the VX-6R and the FT 60R. Not sure what HT I need to buy yet. Good video, thanks.
Same question… which way did you go?
What radio did you end up purchasing?
I plan to buy one for my new Yaesu VX-6R. I assume that I need to buy the removable washer?
Thanks for taking the time to share this video. I am pondering my next handheld and like the VX-6R A LOT. I have come across various information about a VX-7R and a VX-8R (and various versions of those). HOWEVER...they do not seem to be available any longer. It is curious that the version that is 3 generations lower/older is still available but the newer ones are not. Do you have any information on this scenario? Although the VX-6R seems to be amazing as-is...the other versions have some nice features that would be worth investigating. Take care and again...thanks for posting this video.
-Scott N1KMX
Scott Beers no problem! Thanks for watching! My opinion is that any radio that has proven to work the best and holds up in the field, tends to be the one they keep making. You can see this with for example the 857D. It’s a solid radio that has proven to stand the test of time.
Thanks for the video, I also have a yaesu vx-6. What connector type do I need for the super-elastic signal stick antenna? Thanks once again.
Hot Linias depends on the radio. I believe they offer a yaesu and Baofeng type connection.
SMA male buy a couple of rubber washers also SEST are great antennas!
7:13 What are those streaks in the sky? Chemtrails?
Helloo. how to tune a station so that when I press a key on 446,000 no error occurs
For a radio to use while hiking, do you still recommend? How does shortwave receive work? Any antenna ideas?
Yes! I still recommend for hiking. I use a diamond antenna. The setup is in the previous video I made about this radio. ruclips.net/video/dIYao-IFDpw/видео.html
Can you get 27mhz on it? Uk CB frequency
So I’m new to ham radios. But I deal with electrical all the time. Is it ok to use dielectric grease for the antenna to keep moisture out.
I've never heard anyone use anything like that on antennas. I could be wrong but I think you'll be ok without it.
How do these compare to Baofeng UV-5R and the UV-8R and UV-8RHP . I'm a total newbie, getting confused with all the different brands like Uniden, Woushan, Yaesu, Kenwood, Restek, and the list goes on. I live in Alberta Canada and looking to get my license. Also do you suggest a different antenna like the 4 ft one that looks like a measuring tape. Thanks gentlemen. God bless from Canada. 🇨🇦73
Baofeng is a very low-quality radio. It works and I like the ones I have but they are in no way 100% reliable in my opinion. Also from what I understand, they don't sell them anymore due to an FCC rule that went into effect last year. Not sure if something similar has been done in Canada.
By any chance have you put some electrical tape over the battery contacts and reinstalled the battery? Does the charge then hold when sitting in the radio? I suspect there is a tiny discharge from the radio itself.
I’m addressing this in an upcoming video. Another viewer suggested the same. I would like to include your comment in it but I’ve already voiced it. If I am able to, would you be ok if I feature your comment in the video?
@@lytcomm88 Hi, sure.
I've had 2. Both purchased from HRO. I WANTED to love it. So much that I took the hit on the restocking fee, then ordered ANOTHER one. Sadly, I had to return it as well. NO WAY, I'm going to pay that much for an HT, then have it outperformed by Baofeng and Wouxon radios...both TX and RX. Too bad, I really wanted it to work, as I needed a waterproof ht. Just not at this price, and sub par performance. N4ZN
Please explain the lack of performance 🙏
@@jplacido9999 Compared the transmit signal, and the received signal, against a wouxon and a baofeng radio....using the exact same antenna. Both the wouxon, and the baofeng, out performed the yaesu, hands down....ON 2 YEASU RADIOS. Tried this in different locations, as well. In some instances, both chicom rigs worked, where the yaesu was unusable. In a few instances, the chicom rigs would receive a signal that wasn't even breaking the squelch of the yaesu. And yes, the squelch was set JUST HIGH ENOUGH to quiet the background noise. Before anyone goes hating on me....I WANTED THE YAESU TO WORK, believe me! I was very let down by this, and surprised....as I've always had a lot of respect for yaesu products. But lately....I've been losing faith. Take, for instance, the SDR radios of late. Yaesu STILL hasn't incorporated averaging into their spectrum scopes. I sure wish they would. I believe yaesu has a nicer receive than icom. But, what's the sense of a spectrum scope that has lack of rx averaging in the display. I hate listening to noise, I sure don't want to have to miss weak signals on a scope, because they're buried in the displayed hash. C'mon, yaesu.....let's try to keep up.
I just got a vx-6r and a signal stick, and I'm not picking anything up on the 2m/70cm band. I'm a newbie. Can you think of anything I should try or settings to check? Thanks
Have you tried a local active repeater? My issue when I started Ham Radio was similar. I found that the best way to test my setup in my area was to find a local net on a local repeater. There I was able to hear traffic and check-in/ask for a signal report.
Dear friend,
do you use software for programing end do you also use Barometric Pressure Sensor ?
I do not use software or barometric pressure sensor.
What's the carrying case you are using?
Are you referring to the backpack? It’s a Maxpedition. Not sure the exact model.
These radio's are as tough as nails. Mine has been dropped , kicked and dragged. Still perfect.
Yes! Thanks for watching!
Like the radio, but not crazy about the clip. Probably going to a pouch of some sort.
Do signalstuff post antennas to Australia ?.
I'm not sure. They don't provide those details on their website. Maybe you could email them.
@@lytcomm88 ok thanks for the reply.
Which connector is required for the Signal Stick antenna? A BNC, SMA female, or SMA male?
signalstuff.com/product/super-elastic-signal-stick-sma-male/
I'm still torn on picking this up as a hobby, partly because I'll never push myself to take the test without first getting a radio - knowing I can't (legally) transmit without licensure. That said, I'm a rather private person. Seems kind of weird knowing everyone with a radio can hear what I'm saying. What do you people talk about other than, "can you hear me now?" Politics? Rights, broadly speaking? Life?
It's hard to explain the hobby in a few short words but topics are usually kept to the hobby itself. There are thousands of different things you can do in amature radio. From worldwide contacts to talking through satellites. Politics, religion, and any controversy topics are generally frown upon. Most stations keep it clean and fun by yes chatting about what you did for the day, local weather, etc. There are also a couple of well organized groups of operators (ARES, RACES, SKYWARN) that are focused on emergency communications during disasters and extreme weather events. As a 22 year veteran in the hobby my suggestion to you would be to buy a cheap or used handheld radio, tune in to your local repeaters and listen to what people are talking about. You can also find several live streams online and hear activity that way. www.winsystem.org is a group of about 30 repeaters all over California and the western united states that is active 24/7. There is also several world wide talk groups that are connected together via the internet using VIOP technology. I talk to stations in Alaska, The Netherlands, and other parts of Europe all the time on Echolink (Android, Iphone, PC based app). I hope this helps ya out some and look forward to you joining the community. Will - KC8JUD
@@williamspicer3844 Yes, except religion and politics there are thousands of interesting topics discussed among Hams over the air waves. Very well explained!
73s
Sorry for the late response. If anything you can keep your conversations technical if you want to remain private. Getting signal reports and exchanging ham knowledge. CW (morse code) would be a good thing to get into if you want to stay private. The exchanges are short. The excitement is in the low power used and long distance contacts that are made. It's also fun to learn the code, at least for me it was.
I don't see the video with i depth info on the YAESU vx 6r
:)
DOES IT HAVE AM ,FM, AIR BAND, SW ?
I know for sure it has FM and Air. Not sure about the others
does the battery last?
literally covered in the video
How much the price ?
Around 250 USD
Why didn't you get the vx7 which is a bit better for not much more money?
The VX-7R is discontinued along with the VX-8R
It’s what was available at HRO at the time.
William Spicer they may have stopped production but they sell them everywhere
Yaesu just came out with the Yaesu. Ft3D. I just got that one. I have both of these now
@@W6MDE that is a different type of radio. This question was not about digital radios. just curious, cheers.
Does the yaesu take a male or female super elastic stick
signalstuff.com/product/super-elastic-signal-stick-sma-male/.
If you scroll further down it gives the info to verify.
@@lytcomm88 got it thanks
Civil Air Band Rx capable..?
Yes it receives air band. I listen sometimes while monitoring a flight tracking app.
@@twoisone599 thank you ..!
73 from kb2uew
Is it made in Japan?
Yes made in Japan.
@@AustinPetDetective Will this pick up police scanners? Thanks
@@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241 NO
@@AustinPetDetective One more question, Fusion/Digital? Thanks !!!
Steven Penny no fusion digital on this one.
Those radios are brilliant one of a best Yaesu but in this model battery sucks.I have ft4x brilliant radio and battery last ages
Apparently they are just a rebranded baofeng
Great video and well thought out review. I sold my HT last year that I never used and found I want one as we travel the country now. I’m pretty much HF CW only and these things look overly complex. You just outlined a few accessories that I think I’d need should I go this route. Thanks. de W1ND