[Yaesu] VX5R question

[Mark]

John Geiger wrote:

> Can someone tell me how long it takes the charge the
> battery in the VX5R, using the radio's charger.  

I picked up a VX-5R at a hamfest two weeks ago.
Recharging the 1100mAh Lithium-Ion takes about 2.5 to 3
hours using the wall charger that is packaged with the
VX-5R. The battery has been reported good for about 300
charge cycles, so I am planning to pick up a couple
more.

> Also, how does the stock antenna perform on
> 2 meters and 70cm?  I am going to need to 
> get a better aftermarket antenna just to use 
> around town?

Using the 6m loading coil extension and 5W transmitting
power, I can make good contact on 2m with a 100W
repeater 5.5 miles away from inside my car, inside my
office and from my apartment balcony (which is located
on the opposite side of the building from the
repeater). With the metal vertical blinds closed over
the windows, I can get the repeater to read my DTMF
keypad fine from inside my apartment but transmitting
on voice won't work. From the car and other locations,
the signal has been reported as strong and full
quieting. An after market antenna is certainly worth
the extra money -- I plan to purchase one soon -- but
you can probably get by on the stock antenna for light
use around town.

R. Mark Jones, KB3JAC
Washington DC