[K3PZN-List] A Pretty Darned Good Little Radio

Thu, 21 Nov 2002 13:57:41 -0500

Eric,KB3HKG, and I each have VX-5R's.  Both worked flawlessly right out of 
the box.  The only two 'un-good' things we noticed were the difficulty in 
programming the radio from the keypad, and the absence of SSB.  We purchased 
the software wich makes life a whole lot easier.  And, we are able to live 
without the SSB for now.  We paid $249.00 for each unit.

We have since purchased flexible whip antennas for increased gain on 2m and 
on 440.

Although we are relatively new to the hobby, we found it to be a well built 
and very flexible HT.  I'd reccomend it.

I also own a Yeasu 1500M I use in the car.  It's good, compact and, at 50 
watts, powerful.   The biggist drawback is the lack of a manual squelch 
control knob.  Squelch and RF squelch must be independently set by soft key 
programming.  Even so, at $129.00, its a great first mobile rig.

Keith Krichinsky, KB3HHK

----Original Message Follows----
From: "Al Bisasky" <[email protected]>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: "CCARC" <[email protected]>
Subject: [K3PZN-List] A Pretty Darned Good Little Radio
Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 12:37:51 -0500

Those of you who know me, know that I am not a big fan of Yaesu.  I have
owned two Yaesu radios, neither of which I was particularly fond of nor
satisfied with.  The FT-727 HT that I owned was one of the first examples of
a dual-band HT.  Over a period of two years, the radio was sent back to
Yaesu four times for repair.  Twice, the radio had to be sent back because
even though the original problem was fixed, the unit was returned to me with
yet another trouble.  Fix one, break two more.  I finally just gave up on
the thing and bought a Kenwood.  The FT-757 HF rig that I bought on a
dealers "special" (I may have the model number incorrect) was DOA and
promptly sent back to the dealer.

The turn around time for repairs was terrible.  The last time that I send in
the HT, it took over four months to get it back.  Telephone calls to the
service center were fruitless.  I found the Yaesu personnel to be rude and
technically incompetent.  After that, I didn't have a warm and fuzzy feeling
about Yaesu.  I have heard the war stories from various and sundry hams
about the DOA's, lack of quality control, flawed designs, and problems with
service.  I swore that I wouldn't have another Yaesu radio if someone gave
it to me.

As luck would have it (or not), I won the door prize at our hamfest this
past October.  It was a Yaesu VX-5R Tri-band HT, although I'm not so sure
that it was a "lucky win" in view of all the teasing and harrassment that
I've had to put up with because of it.  I was not initially impressed with
the unit, especially since it had no RF output on two meters.  Brand new and
I had to send it back for repair!  So much for Yaesu quality (or lack
thereof) control.  I expected to get in back in no less than 3 - 6 months.
I sent it back by priority mail.  Much to my surprise, a mere 12 days later,
I received the radio back from Yaesu.  The repair ticket stated that they
had replaced a diode at a labor cost of $70.00.  There was no actual charge
for the repairs under warranty.

Am I pleased?  Have I softened my stance on Yaesu?  Yes and no.  The
incident is proof positive that Yaesu still hasn't gotten their quality
control act together, but it is reassuring to see that their customer
service has improved.  I must admit that after the two times that I have
operated WX3B's Yaesu FT-1000MP, I'm mightly impressed with this rig as a
true top-of-the-line DX/contest machine.

What do I think of the VX-5 now that it works properly?  I have to admit
that I am more than a little impressed.  It is very compact and full
featured.  The construction is robust.  It's receiver is "hot" for an HT.
The Lithium-Ion battery delivers a long operating period and recharges in a
few hours.  The unit allows for both receive and transmit power saver
options.  I do like the fact that the antenna (with SMA connector, no less)
can be shortened from 6m-2m-70cm to just 2m and 70cm. There is a plethora of
our little features/options that increase the radios versitility.

The quality of the audio output is surprising good for an HT; even at high
volume levels there is very little distortion. Once you get the hang of the
thing, programming is relatively easy. I find it to me easier to set up than
my Kenwood TH-79A.  The manual for the rig is better than average and on par
with the manuals from Icom, although in my opinion, fall short of those from
Kenwood.  I would suggest that even tyros take the time to read the manual
in detail.  The radio is PC programmable, if you are willing to spend $40+
for the software and cable.

I have found that the mic gain is a little too hot for my preference and you
have to be careful of how you "talk" the thing.  The Li-Ion battery is a big
improvement over Ni-Cads and NiMH units, although it does make the radio a
bit heavy for its size.  A spare 7.2V, 1100ma Li-Ion battery will cost you
$80.00 and no after market third party units are available as yet.

Overall, I'd give it a "7" on a scale of "10".  It seems to be a darned good
little radio.  Had I actually been in the market for an HT and chosen a
Yaesu, it would have been the VX-5R's big brother, the VX-7R.  My opinion of
Yaesu has changed, although not with regard to their quality control.

I would like to hear other thoughts/opinions of other Yaesu owners in
general and VX-5R or VX-7R owners in particular.  Or, you could just send me
e-mail harrassing me about winning the thing at the hamfest.

73,

Al, K3ZE

-----------------------------------------------------BREAK-------------------------------------------------

Next meeting is the CCARC Holiday Dinner Sunday, December 8, 5-8 PM at 
Boulevard & Beyond (Wilhelm's.)
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