VX-7r experience?

[Pedro]

:ylsmoke:Has anyone on here used the VX-7R? I am looking for a HT, and would like a waterproof unit so I won't have to worry about my investment as much. :snorkel:

My father is a diehard Kenwood guy, and is not fond of the Yaesu because of programming complexity. I am not sure that I disagree with him on that, but the price and specs are right.

Talk me in or out of this thing.

Please & Thank you.

 

[cnynrat]

We have a VX-7R. It's a solid radio.

Like most handhelds programming the VX-7R via the radio keypad is difficult. There are just too many functions per button to make this easy. However, programming it via a PC using the software works well and is relatively easy. I think that's the only way I would attempt to program any of my radios, so it doesn't bother me too much.

FWIW, I run a Kenwood for my mobile unit, so it's not like I am a diehard Yaesu guy.

 

[xtatik]

It's all a matter of what you know and are comfortable with. Each mfr. has their own way of navigating through the menus. But, regardless of brand, they all amount to requiring the same number "keystrokes" or button pushing in order to program or pull up a particular function. Some will require more for some functions and less for others.
I considered a couple of the vx-series HT's for a while. That is, until I started getting advice from a few "old salts" in radio. The first thing they pointed out was the durability of some of the more inexpensive HT's. The second thing they pointed out was how much more I was paying for circuitry and bands I would likely never use...especially with an HT.
In the end, I opted for the FT60. It has everything I need, and nothing I don't...unlike the VX-7.
I have two of them and they've both been rained on numerous times. As a flyfisher, they've both gone "swimming" with me very unexpectedly, and they just keep on tickin'.
The only feature they don't provide in comparison, is the ability to dual-monitor frequencies. But, I've never needed this from an HT.

 

[Pedro]

Great advice. I do would use the dual monitor for one of our events, so that may be the tipping point.

I head the extrication crew for Rally America's New England events (NEFR & Team O'neil). I do like the ruggedness of this unit, as they tend to get beat on while setting up rigging.

I am fairly new to this all. I just recently passed my technician test, but I have had my father as my co-driver/radio operator for the last decade or so for these events.

 

[mrlocksmith]

VX-7R .. one word... Bombproof. I have put mine through alot. The only thing I have to complain about is the broadcast radio reception and the AA Aux Bat pack does not give you a full 5W out. You will do better If you make an external batt. pack for extended event use. Check out the out-of band mod for it too, that way you can use it for FRS. (Of course the FCC has not type certified the VX-7R for FRS radio so do it at your own risk.)

Mark

 

[HenryJ]

I have beat my VX7R around for quite a few years. The one Achilles heel for it is the control knob. I dropped mine to a concrete floor and bent the shaft for the knob to the point it did not function correctly. Out of warranty, I sent it in for repairs and $75 later it was back in service.

I too use the dual band functions for monitoring. I keep a telescoping antenna in my pack for when I need a good antenna. Most of the time I can get away with a short ducky.
I hike the canyons with mine and use it to hit the truck which is set up for crossband repeating. I can honestly say I trust this little HT.
My next HT is going to be the dual band Woxoun. Under $100 and good reviews. I must check it out.

 

[1911]

I have a VX-7R that I bought second-hand and it is a great little radio. Batteries (Lithium-ion) last forever; excellent range for an HT, more features than I'll ever use.
Indispensable for radio service projects.

Like most handhelds programming the VX-7R via the radio keypad is difficult. There are just too many functions per button to make this easy.

+1, I have to carry a "Nifty! Mini-manual" in my pocket when I use mine to remember how to do even basic stuff like changing power levels.

 

[rusty_tlc]

If you get the VX-7R get a programming cable and VX commander software. Programming via the key pad sucks. It's not so much the complexity, as mentioned every MFG has their own soft ware architecture so once you get use to one MFG you tend to stay with them. The problem is the key board is small and you need to use a lot of multifunction keys to get where you want to go.

The FT-60 is also a good suggestion. The first radio I used was an FT-60 loaner.

FWIW the Wouxun radios got a pretty good review in QST.

I'd never spend as much as I did on my VX-7R for an HT again. Buy the Chinese radio or find a used HT.

 

[KenR]

We use the VX-7r's for our primary SAR team radios. They are, as mentioned earlier, bomb proof. Mine has been dropped, dunked, smashed and swung by its antenna more times than I should admit but it keeps on working. We use the standard rechargeable batteries but everybody is issued the AA battery packs as backup since all the rest of our stuff is AA (flashlights/headlamps, GPS, etc.). Great life out of the regular battery packs.

Our radios are issued already programmed via computer, but I can see how it would be a PITA to program these things through the keypad.

I'm impressed enough with the Yaesu equipment that I'll be installing a mobile version in my Land Rover soon. Icon is also good stuff from what I hear.

 

[xtatik]

We use the VX-7r's for our primary SAR team radios. They are, as mentioned earlier, bomb proof. Mine has been dropped, dunked, smashed and swung by its antenna more times than I should admit but it keeps on working. We use the standard rechargeable batteries but everybody is issued the AA battery packs as backup since all the rest of our stuff is AA (flashlights/headlamps, GPS, etc.). Great life out of the regular battery packs.

Our radios are issued already programmed via computer, but I can see how it would be a PITA to program these things through the keypad.

I'm impressed enough with the Yaesu equipment that I'll be installing a mobile version in my Land Rover soon. Icon is also good stuff from what I hear.

What SAR team do you work with?

 

[KenR]

What SAR team do you work with?

Summit County Sheriff Search and Rescue, northern Utah.

 

[DarioCarrera]

I operate a vx7r and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It has assisted me a lot in the 3 years I have owned it and it is still strong!!! I do recognize that of its bands are sort of useless but I believe it to be a very good piece of equipment none the less! I would recomend it!

 

[Pedro]

Thanks for the information. I ended up picking up the VX-6R as I was in a time crunch for our next event (Mt Washington Hill Climb).