VX-1R
ULTRA COMPACT DUAL BAND HANDHELD
REVIEW RATING 1 LOWEST
10 HIGHEST IN RED.
The world
has never seen a dual-band amateur hand-held transceiver which provides
such an incredible small size combined with ultra-wide frequency coverage
until now...
Sporting
dimensions of 81H x 47W x 25D mm (3.2" x 1.9" x 1"), weighing just over
4 ounces. The VX-1R provides superb local communications at a power level
of 500 mW or 1 Watt, while including impressive memory and scanning capabilities
in addition to wideband receive capability which includes VHF and UHF
TV audio, AM broadcast, FM broadcast, AM aircraft band, and public safety
channels. The world of Dual Band performance has just got smaller...much
smaller.
UP TO
1 WATT POWER!
Power output of 500 mW with the standard battery, and up to 1 Watt with
external DC power! THE EXTERNAL WALL WART CHARGER
THAT IS SUPPLIED, PROVIDES THE 6 VOLT DC. I RATE THIS A 10. The VX-1R’s power amplifiers are new technology
MOSFET devices which allow for high power output while using low input
voltage. When using the standard 3.6 volt lithium ion battery, the VX-1R
transmits at 500 mW. When the optional E-DC-15 cable is attached, the
power output is increased to 1 Watt. And for short duration operation
the optional FBA-20 alkaline battery adapter allows for a power output
of 100 mW using a single "AA" alkaline cell. THIS
IS A GREAT FEATURE IN AND EMERGENCY. RATED 10. I GET 4 TO 6 HOURS OF USE
WITH A AA NI MH BATTERY. I HAVE NO WAY TO MEASURE THE POWER, BUT IT DOES A
GREAT JOB EVEN IF IT IS VERY LOW POWER, I THINK DO TO THE HIGH QUALITY OF
THE TRANSMIT AUDIO IT JUST GETS OUT GREAT.
 |
LITHIUM-ION
BATTERY!
High capacity
Lithium-Ion Battery provides long life without charging "memory" problems!
The supplied FNB-52LI
Lithium Ion battery is a breakthrough in DC power technology in the amateur
radio industry. While occupying the same space as a standard "AA" alkaline
cell, the FNB-52LI provides 3.6 Volts at an incredible 700 mAh of current
capacity! This voltage is approximately the same as that provided by three
"AA" size Ni-Cd cells and allows the VX-1R to transmit at a full 500 mW.
Longer battery life and immunity from charge capacity memory is yours
with the VX-1R! RATED 10.
10+ HOURS
OF OPERATION! RATED 10
11 Hours of operation. Use the VX-1R for more than eleven hours on a single
battery charge The high capacity (700 mAh) lithium ion battery yields
operating times in excess of 11 hours per charge. What’s more, the
NC-66B/C/U Charger/AC Adapter provides re-charge time of two hours or
less, so you can be back on the air quickly. GREAT
FEATURE RATED 10. And if your battery is already
charged, you can receive using the NC-66B/C/U and conserve the charge.
BATTERY
DOES NOT CHARGE WHEN RADIO IS TURNED ON.
WIDE BAND
RECEIVE!
The VX-1R provides continuous receive coverage from 76 MHz to 999 MHz!
Besides being a full-featured Dual-Band amateur transceiver, the VX-1R
provides extraordinary wide frequency coverage which includes AM BC, FM
BC, public safety, and audio from most TV channels. The operating mode
(AM, FM-Narrow, FM-Wide) is automatically preset on each band (with easy
mode change via Menu), and you’ll marvel at the great audio of the
FM broadcast band! RECEIVE QUALITY ON THE
BROADCAST BAND VARIED CONSIDERABLY AS YOU MOVE AROUND. RATED 5.
BATTERY
CONSERVATION!
Extensive battery-saving features promote long operating times! The VX-1R’s
microprocessor includes several important battery-saving features which
may be enabled by the operator. These include: l Receive Battery Saver
which puts the transceiver into "sleep" mode, checking the receive frequency
periodically (0.2/0.3/0.5/1/2 seconds) for activity. l Automatic Power
Off (APO) feature, which will turn the VX-1R off after a programmable
interval of non-use (0.5/1/3/5/8 hours). l TX/Busy lamp off feature allows
the operator to disable the TX/Busy LED, thus conserving battery life.
The VX-1R’s LCD includes a convenient low battery warning indicator,
which alerts the operator of a low battery condition. GREAT
FEATURE THAT I HAVE LIKED FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS ON MY OTHER YAESU HT'S
RATED 10.
AUTO MEMORY!
For quick setup of TV and FM station memory channels, use the VX-1R’s
Auto Memory! The VX-1R includes a handy operating feature whereby all
local FM Broadcast and TV stations can be automatically loaded into memory
via an automatic search. With Auto-Search, you don’t have to try
to remember what the actual frequencies are for all the TV channels -
the VX-1R will load them for you automatically! RATED
10.
DUAL WATCH!
Dual
Watch enables you to check sub-band activity while receiving on another
frequency! The VX-1R’s Dual Watch feature lets you monitor a main
operating frequency while periodically checking a second frequency for
activity. If a station appears on the "Dual Watch" frequency the transceiver
will lock onto that frequency so that you can respond to the calling station.
I USE THIS ALL THE TIME. RATED 10.
 |
291 MEMORY
CHANNELS!
TheVX-1R’s
extensive memory system provides as many as 291 memory channels with 6-digit
alpha-numeric label capacity! Included in the VX-1R’s memory system
are two main channel groups with different levels of capability, depending
on your operating needs. Group 1 (52 channels) can store simplex or semi-duplex
frequencies ("odd splits"), CTCSS/DCS tone mode and frequency, power output
level, and alpha-numeric labels. Group 2 (142 channels) stores frequency
plus standard repeater offsets, CTCSS/DCS tone mode, power output level,
and alpha-numeric labels. Additionally, 31 Smart Searchª memory channels,
ten pairs of band-limit memories and ten dedicated AM broadcast memories
bring the total memory capability to 291 channels (including 31 Smart
Searchª memories). PLENTY OF CHANNELS. RATED 10
YAESU SCAN LIMITS REVIEW
 I
use the optional software to program all my Yaesu radios. On the vx1r
it makes it extremely fast to change the MEMORY CHANNEL configuration if
you are traveling to a different area. THIS
I RATE AS A BIG 10 READ
MY SPECIAL SOFTWARE REVIEW HERE:
 |
EMERGENCY
FEATURE
One touch Emergency button can be used for quick access to your home channel!
The emergency button automatically changes the VX-1R’s operating
frequency to your selected home channel, increases the Volume to a very
high level, and causes the transceiver to emit a loud "Alarm" beeping
tone. Press the PTT switch, and this alarm sound will be transmitted on
the UHF Home channel, alerting family or friends to an emergency condition.
RATED 8.
AUTOMATIC
RANGE FINDER!
The Automatic Range Transponder System (ARTSª) provides one-touch "in-range"
confirmation! The ARTS system provides an audible confirmation of your
communication range. When activated, the ARTS system sends out a periodic
transponder tone (including DCS code) so that you and one other ARTS equipped
station will always know that you are within simplex communication range.
The ARTS system will also send a CW identification of you call sign if
desired. THIS IS A NEAT FEATURE AND IT WORKS VERY
WELL. I WISH IT WOULD CW ID AS A STAND ALONE FEATURE. RATED 9.
 |
VERSATILE
TONE SYSTEMS! RATED 10.
CTCSS and DCS Encoder/Decoder Built In! The VX-1R incorporates a wide
variety of tone encoding and decoding systems for today’s active
Ham! l 39-tone subaudible CTCSS encoder/decoder for east repeater access
and/or silent monitoring. l 104-code Digital Code Squelch (DCS) for advanced
repeater systems or simplex operations where maximum immunity from "falsing"
is required. l Menu-driven 1750-Hz Tone Burst system for repeater access.
l Bell Alarm to alert the operator that a call is being received. l Tone
Search, in both CTCSS or DCS modes, for emergency situations where you
need to know the tone code required for access to an unfamiliar repeater.
l DTMF Auto dialer with eight digit memories, for autopatch use.
THE AUTO DIALER IS GREAT. THIS IS NOT FOUND ON OTHER RADIOS OF THIS
COMPACT SIZE. THIS IS
ONE OF THE MAIN REASON I BOUGHT THIS RADIO. RATED 10
SMART
SEARCHª
Automatically load active frequencies into Smart Searchª memories!
When Traveling to a city for the first time, loading memories can be
a time-consuming task. With the VX-1R, just use the Smart Searchª feature,
which automatically scans a portion of the band that you define, loading
frequencies on which there is activity into special Smart Searchª memories.
A total of 31 Smart Searchª memories are provided, and you can instruct
the VX-1R to make either (1) a single sweep of the defined frequency sub-band,
or (2) a continuous sweep of the sub-band until all 31 memories are filled.
RATED 9.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
FEATURES FOR EVERYDAY OPERATION
 | Automatic
Repeater Shift Cloning
from one VX-1R to another via optional CT-27 Cloning Cable |
| Computer
programming via optional ADMS-1D Programming Kit THIS
IS THE 2 ND. REASON I BOUGHT THIS RADIO. RATED 10 |
| Back-lighting
of LCD BACKLIGHT WAS POOR ONLY OUTER EDGES WERE
BRIGHT. RATED 3. l TOT (Time-Out-Timer) to prevent interference due to "locked
mic" condition R 10 |
| BCLO (Busy
Channel Lock Out) to prevent interference to others during Tone Squelch
operation R 10| |
| Quick
Check for repeater uplink frequency R 10
|
| Selectable
channel steps: 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz per step THIS
IS A MUST RATED 10. |
| Optional
Speaker/Microphone (MH-34B4B) and VOX Headset (VC-25) available. |
CONTROLS
AND COMMAND KEYS
|
SPECIFICATIONS
|
| 0 |
| GENERAL
|
0 |
|
Frequency
Range RX:
|
0.5
- 1.7 MHz (“BC BAND”) |
|
0
|
76
- 108 MHz (“FM”) |
|
0
|
108
- 137 MHz (“AIR”) |
|
0
|
137
- 170 MHz (“V-HAM”) |
|
0
|
170
- 222 MHz (“VHF TV”) |
|
0
|
222
- 420 MHz (“ACT 1” Ð Action Band 1) |
|
0
|
420
- 470 MHz (“U-HAM”) |
|
0
|
470
- 800 MHz (“UHF-TV”) |
|
00
|
800
- 999 MHz (“ACT 2” Ð Cellular Blocked) |
|
Frequency
Range TX:
|
144
- 148 MHz |
|
0
|
430
- 450 MHz |
|
Channel
Steps:
|
5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100
kHz |
|
Frequency
Stability:
|
±5
ppm (-10¼C - +60¼C) |
|
Repeater
Shift:
|
±600
kHz (VHF) |
|
0
|
±1.6/5.0/7.6
MHz (UHF) |
|
Emission
Type:
|
F3
(G3E), F2 |
|
Antenna
Impedance:
|
50
Ohms, unbalanced |
|
Supply
Voltage:
|
Nominal:
3.6 V DC, negative ground |
|
Operating:
|
3.2
- 7.0 V, negative ground (EXT DC jack) |
|
Current
Consumption:
|
150
mA (Receive) |
|
0
|
50
mA (Standby, Saver Off) |
|
0
|
16
mA (Standby, Saver On) |
|
0
|
200
µA (Auto Power Off) |
|
0
|
0.4
A (500 mW TX, VHF/UHF) |
|
Operating
Temperature:
|
-20°C
to +60°C |
|
Case
Size:
|
47
(W) x 81 (H) x 25 (D) mm (w/o knob & antenna) |
|
Weight:
|
125
g. (Approx., w/ant. & battery) 4
OUNCES PLUS R 10 |
| 0 |
| RECEIVER
|
0 |
|
Circuit
Type:
|
Double-conversion
superheterodyne (VHF/UHF) |
|
0
|
Superheterodyne
(0.5 - 1.7 kHz) |
|
IFs:
1st:
|
41.45
MHz (VHF/UHF) |
|
0
|
455
kHz (0.5 - 1.7 MHz) |
|
IFs:
2nd:
|
450
kHz (Narrow FM) |
|
0
|
10.7
MHz (Wide FM)) |
|
Sensitivity:
|
0.16
µV for 10dB SINAD (144 - 148 MHz) |
|
0
|
0.18
µV for 12dB SINAD (430-450 MHz N-FM) |
|
Selectivity
(-6dB/-60dB):
|
15
kHz/35 kHz (Narrow FM) |
|
AF
Output:
|
50
mW @ 8 Ohms for 10% THD (@ 3.6 V DC) |
|
AF
Output Impedance:
|
8
Ohms |
| TRANSMITTER
|
0 |
| 0 |
|
RF
Power Output:
|
1W
(@ 6 V EXT DC Input) |
|
0
|
500
mW (@ 3.6 V DC) |
|
Modulation
Type:
|
Variable
Reactance |
|
Maximum
Deviation:
|
±5
kHz |
|
Spurious
Emission:
|
At
least 50 dB below carrier |
|
Microphone
Impedance:
|
2
k Ohm |
| 0 |
| Specifications
are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within amateur
bands only. |
| Frequency
ranges and repeater shift vary according to transceiver version; check
with your dealer |
| USERS COMMENTS |
| I was doing some work on a 440MHz repeater our club is putting up
and was using the TS-2000 to xmit to the repeater and maximize the
audio response of the repeater. As it
turns out the TS-2000 was not nearly as good in audio response as my
Yaesu VX-1R or FT-817. The microphones used on the
TS-2000 were the MC-60 with amp on and off, and the TS-2000 hand
mic. There was a truely remarkable improvement using the Yaseu
equipment. The audio quality from the Kenwood has a very
mid-range response. I did try all of the TX EQ settings and
none came close to the Yaesu equipment. The repeater was used
in all cases so that was not a limiting factory. I was able to
transmit and listen with all equipment used. It was a fair
comparison.
Now the questions. Not having a deviation meter to
determine if the response is limited to sub-standard deviation on
the TS-2000, I would like to try adjusting the deviation. Is there
an adjustment that does not require the calibration firmware to
adjust? Are the microphones used a limiting factor?
Does the sub-band not use the TX EQ?
The unit will satisfactorily TX audio to carry on a QSO.
However, it is somewhat disconcerting that a $125 handheld is a
clear improvement on audio.
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Rob - WR1N |
|
| I read your review of the VX-1R and have heard you on many of the
local repeaters and on simplex and I just decided I had to have one
also. I can not live without it. I drop it in my shirt pocket and
leave it on all day. The VX-1R has rekindled my love of Ham Radio
and I have now become more active than ever. I purchased the hand
mike and use it bicycle mobile also. I recommend to everyone that
they need a Yaesu VX-1R. You will just
never be out of touch, its just the greatest. Joe,
KCØFDC, Omaha, Ne. |
|
| The issue that got my goat is when the fellow ham I was working
with on the repeater told to "put away that over priced tin can
( KENWOOD TS2000 ) and go
back to the VX-1R".
However, when I was on the receive end listening to the VX-1R it
does have very good audio quality for an inexpensive HT. In
fact in my opinion it's impressive but, I am easliy assumed.
Thanks again, Rob - WR1N |
USER COMMENT: I
HEAR JIM, N0UQZ ON THE RADIO ALL DAY WITH HIS YAESU VX-1R WORKING A
VARIETY OF REPEATERS ALL AROUND TOWN AND WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH THE
TRANSMIT AUDIO QUALITY THAT I JUST HAD TO HAVE ONE. AFTER GETTING IT
I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH THE YAESU QUALITY THAT I ORDERED A YAESU
DUAL BAND MOBILE ALSO. THANK YOU N0UQZ FOR YOUR INFORMATIVE REVIEWS
THAT I CAN RELY ON IN MY DECISION MAKING WHEN I PURCHASE NEW
EQUIPMENT.
CECIL, W0RMB |
| USER COMMENT: I
USE MY YAESU FT 530 EVERYDAY. I HAVE HAD IT SINCE THEY CAME OUT. I
AM ON MY 3 RD BATTERY. I AM HOME CONFINED IN A WHEELCHAIR AND IT IS
MY FAITHFUL COMPANION I GIVE IT MANY HOURS OF ATTENTION EVERY DAY. I
THINK BECAUSE I EXERCISE THE BATTERY SO MUCH IS WHY THEY LAST OVER
SO MANY HUNDREDS OF RECHARGING CYCLES. THANK YOU YAESU FOR SUCH A
GOOD PRODUCT. I READ JIM, N0UQZ REVIEW ON THE YAESU VX-1R AND HOW
WELL HE LIKED IT AND IT SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT THAT I JUST ORDER ONE OF
THEM ALSO. IT WILL BE MY NEW SHIRT POCKET RADIO. 73 CHARLIE ON
CHARLES STREET, K0QVL |
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|
VX-1R SOFTWARE REVIEW |
|
COMPARE YAESU VX-1R, VX-5R, VX-7R REVIEW |
|
YAESU SCAN LIMITS REVIEW |
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