Product Review
VX-8DR - A Devoted APRS Users Version of the VX-8R Series The VX-8DR APRS®/GPS/Bluetooth® Handheld Transceiver is an additional version of the VX-8R that includes not only its solid features and specifications but also new expanded APRS® capabilities to meet the needs of even the most active APRS® user. The VX-8DR has the same appearance as the VX-8R and uses the very same accessories. Key Additonal APRS® Features of the VX-8DR compared to our VX-8R include: • Smart Beaconing TM Function: When using APRS® for position tracking, the beacon timing is automatically adjusted to your traveling speed and location to plot a smoother trace to match your position and movement on a map. • The number of Station List memories has increased from 40 to 50. • The number of APRS Message memories has increased from 20 to 30. • DIGI-PATH route indication function: The APRS® Packet data includes Digipeater routing info. • Heads up compass display to the GPS Screen: Your traveling direction is always toward the top of the display. • The Message received LED flashing rate is selectable. • The number of DIGI-PATH route settings is increased from 1 to 7.
- Ultra-Rugged Polycarbonate resin front panel with aluminum die-cast chassis. Submersible It is waterproof 3Ft (1m) for 30 minutes. Enjoy up to 5 hours operation on 144/440MHz, or up to 5.5 hours on 50MHz with the supplied FNB-101LI battery. The optional FNB-102LI high capacity battery will provide up to 8.5 hours operation on 144MHz, 9 hours on 50MHz, and 8 hours on 440MHz.
- 1.3"W x 0.8"H, the large LCD display provides clear, easy-to-read indication of both Main and Sub-band frequencies, operating mode, and S-meters for both bands.
- The optional GPS Antenna Unit FGPS-2. You may display your exact current position (latitude / Longitude), heading direction, moving speed, altitude etc. Hands-Free Operation using the optional Bluetooth headset
- Covers from 500kHz to 999.990MHz, continuous reception for Short-wave, FM/AM broadcasts, analog TV stations, audio aircraft, public service channels, etc. (Cellular band blocked)
- Built-in Barometric Pressure and Temperature Sensor. The radio can monitor and display the temperature, pressure, altitude or any combination of these- Emergency Strobe/Beep and Busy strobe LED functions *** Note: Note: The VX-8DR is a true Quad-Band Radio but Yaesu advertises the unit as a Triple-Band cause you can only transmit 0.5 Watt on 220 MHz. Transmit Power: 50MHz = 1 Watt, 144 MHz = 5 Watts, 220MHz = 0.5 Watt, 440 MHz = 5 Watts ***
