[Yaesu] VX-5R questions

[John Geiger]

I am new to this list, so please forgive me if these
questions have been recently dealt with.  Here is my
situation:  I currently own an Icom T2H, which I
really like, and it is a great HT out of the box.  The
stock antenna works, so you don't need to buy a
replacement.  That is how it should be with every HT. 
Anyway, I am looking at buying a Yaesu VX-5R so I can
do some 6 meter FM.  I will use my FT100D at home with
a simplex repeater program to retransmit my signal on
6 FM at 50 watts on a real antenna.  However, I need
the VX-5R for receiving on 6.

So here are my questions:

1. What is the stock antenna like on the VX-5R?  Will
I need to replace it to get decent performance on 2
meter transmit, as well as 6 meter receive?

2. How well does the VX-5R do on 6 meter FM receive? 
Has anyone done much E skip work on 6 meters with a
VX-5R.

3. Can the VX-5R do split frequency operation-transmit
on VFO A and receive on VFO B?  I know my VX150 would
do this.  An can it be crossband splits?

4. Is $169 a good price for a used VX-5R with all
accessories and all antenna pieces?  The HT is in very
good condition

5. Anything else I should know about the VX-5R, good
or bad?

I would really like to get a Kenwood F6A HT so I could
do 6 meter SSB receive, but can't afford that right
now, unless anyone wants to by a UHF all mode amp with
preamp.  Figure that 6 FM is better than nothing.

73s John NE0P

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