Yaesu VX-8R Operating Manual
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Yaesu VX-8R Operating Manual

50/144/430 mhz triple-band heavy duty submersible transceiver
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50/144/430 MHz
TRIPLE-BAND HEAVY DUTY
SUBMERSIBLE TRANSCEIVER
VX-8R
O
M
PERATING
ANUAL
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan
VERTEX STANDARD
US Headquarters
10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
YAESU EUROPE B.V.
P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands
YAESU UK LTD.
Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.
VERTEX STANDARD HK LTD.
Unit 5, 20/F., Seaview Centre, 139-141 Hoi Bun Road,
Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
VERTEX STANDARD ( AUSTRALIA ) PTY., LTD.
Normanby Business Park, Unit 14/45 Normanby Road
Notting Hill 3168, Victoria, Australia

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  • Page 1 4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan VERTEX STANDARD US Headquarters 10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A. YAESU EUROPE B.V. P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands YAESU UK LTD. Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Keypad Functions ............... 4 Automatic Lamp Illumination on Scan Stop ......71 Accessories & Option ..............6 Band Edge Beeper ..............71 Accessories Supplied with the VX-8R ........6 Bluetooth ® Operation ............. 72 Available Options for your VX-8R .......... 7 Pairing ..................

  • Page 3: Introduction

    NTRODUCTION The Ultra Compact VX-8R (2.4”W x 3.7”H x 0.9”D) is thinner than the previous advanced model - It is packed with advanced technology and features, designed for outdoor operation. It is submersible and shockproof! The compact case combines a rugged die-cast chassis with the clean, tough polycarbonate resin front panel.

  • Page 4: Tuning Dial

    The functions of the keys are described in Some stereo earphone plugs may not details on pages 4 fit this jack, depending on the shape of and 5. the connection plug. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 5: Home Channel Memory

    Active Bell Alarm Active : Key Lock Active : Receiving an FM Stereo Signal Mute Feature Active PERATING : VOX Feature Active NFM: FM : Battery Saver Active WFM: Wide FM : Battery Indicator AM: AM VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 6 Activates the AF Dual Activates the Spectrum Selects the desired transmit ECONDARY UNCTION function while receiving the Analyzer (Spectra-Scope power output level. RESS Broadcast Stations. feature. HIRD UNCTION No Action. No Action No Action RESS AND VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 7 Enters the Broadcast ECONDARY UNCTION key to switch the mode. Reception mode. RESS frequency display be- tween the “Double-size Character” and “Small HIRD UNCTION No Action No Action Character” mode while RESS AND Mono band operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 8 NC-86C (for EXP version: Q9500150) Connector Unit 1 pc (CB4392001) Belt Clip 1 pc (RA1053600) Screws 2 pcs (M3x10SUS: U24310020) Plastic Cap 1 pc (RA1054200) Sheet 2 pcs (RA1066900) Operating Manual 1 pc Warranty Card 1 pc VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 9 Availability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. Consult your Yaesu Dealer for details regarding these and any newly-available options. Connection of any non-Yaesu approved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this ap- paratus.
  • Page 10 Do not over-tighten by use of extreme force. When operating the VX-8R on the 50 MHz band and lower frequencies, disconnect the antenna cap from the base antenna, then screw the Extender Element onto the Antenna Base. Of...
  • Page 11 Pack from the transceiver. NSTALL ATTERY ELEASE The VX-8R battery must be correctly installed, to maintain the waterproof integrity. EMOVE If the battery has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged by connect- ing the NC-86B/C Battery Charger, as shown in the illustration, to the EXT DC jack. If...
  • Page 12 The present battery voltage can be displayed manually on the LCD, by following the instructions on page 119. Battery capacity may be reduced during extremely cold weather. Keeping the radio inside your parka may help preserve the full charge capacity. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 13 The FBA-39 is designed for use only with AA-type Alkaline cells. If you do not use the VX-8R for a long time, remove the Alkaline batteries from the FBA-39, as battery leakage could cause damage to the FBA-39 and/or the trans- ceiver.
  • Page 14 The input level to the VX-8R from the TNC should be adjusted at the TNC side; the optimum input voltage is approximately 5 mV at 2000 Ohms. Be sure to turn the transceiver and TNC off before connecting the cables, to prevent volt- age spikes from damaging your transceiver.

  • Page 15: Operation

    Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many features of the VX-8R. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encour- age you to read the “Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as possible, so you’ll get the most out of this fantastic new transceiver.

  • Page 16: Clock Set

    PERATION QUELCH DJUSTMENT The VX-8R’s Squelch system allows you to mute the background noise when no signal is being received. Not only does the Squelch system make “standby” operation more pleas- ant, it also significantly reduces battery current consumption. The Squelch system may be adjusted independently for the FM and Wide-FM (FM Broad- cast) modes.
  • Page 17 ELECTING THE PERATING In the factory default configuration, the VX-8R operates in the “Dual Receive” mode. During Dual Receive operation, the “A-Band” frequency will be displayed on the upper part of the LCD, and the “B-Band” frequency will be displayed on the lower part. The “Operating”...
  • Page 18 See the discussions on the next page. 1) SW Band and Information Band reception is only possible on the “VFO-A”. 2) The VX-8R has an AM/FM Broadcast band radio. You can receive these bands independently. See page 22 for details.

  • Page 19: Frequency Navigation

    REQUENCY AVIGATION The VX-8R will initially be operating in the “VFO” mode, as just described. This is a frequency step system which allows free tuning throughout the currently-selected operating band. Three basic frequency navigation methods are available on the VX-8R:...

  • Page 20: Scanning

    DIAL knob one click in the counter-clockwise direction while the VX-8R is scanning. The scanning direction will be reversed. To revert to scan- ning toward a higher frequency once more, rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise.
  • Page 21 Once you have set up an appropriate frequency inside one of the three (or four) Amateur bands on which the VX-8R can transmit (50 MHz, 144 MHz, or 430 MHz, plus 222 MHz on the USA version), you’re ready to transmit. These are the most basic steps; more ad- vanced aspects of transmitter operation will be discussed later.

  • Page 22: Vox Operation

    PERATION RANSMISSION 1 ) The VX-8R is smart! You can set up Low power on one band (like UHF), while leaving VHF on High power, and the radio will remember the different settings on each band. And when you store memories, you can store High and Low power settings separately in each memory, so you don’t waste battery power...
  • Page 23 1.5sec 2.0sec 2.0sec 2.5sec 2.5sec 0.5sec 1.0sec 1.5sec 2.0sec 2.5sec “3.0sec 3.0sec 3.0sec 3.0sec 3.0sec”). 5. When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 24: Am And Fm Broadcast Reception

    FM B ROADCAST ECEPTION The VX-8R includes provision for reception of AM and FM broadcasts. FM broadcast reception, utilizes a wide-bandwidth filter and stereo decoder which provides excellent fidelity. The AM and FM Broadcast reception is only possible on “VFO-A”.
  • Page 25 5. When you finish the selection, press the PTT switch to exit from the Menu mode and return to the Broadcast Reception mode. If you wish to output the audio of the FM Broadcast station to the VX-8R internal speaker while using the earphone antenna, select Set Mode Item 90: SPEAKER...

  • Page 26: Af-Dual Operation

    The “Main” band is selected by pressing the key as usual. 1. Set the VX-8R to the desired amateur band frequencies by the VFO or Memory chan- nel selections on both “A-Band” and “B-Band”. 2. Select the “Main” Band you wish to use for transmit by pressing the key.
  • Page 27 AF-D ETTING THE ESUME The VX-8R allows you to select the resume mode of the AF-Dual Operation when a signal is received in the amateur band. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 28 DVANCED PERATION Now that you mastered the basics of VX-8R operation, let’s learn more about some of the really neat features. EYBOARD OCKING In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various keys and switches may be locked out. The possible lockout combinations are:...
  • Page 29 LCD to “toggle” between display of double-size characters and large characters. However, this feature does not work during Dual Receive operation, as two frequencies are displayed in that instance. OUBLE SIZE HARACTERS ARGE HARACTERS VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 30 EYPAD LLUMINATION Your VX-8R includes a reddish illumination lamp which aids in nighttime operation. The red illumination yields clear viewing of the display in a dark environment, with minimal degradation of your night vision. Three options for activating the lamp are provided:...
  • Page 31 The VX-8R’s frequency synthesizer provides the option of utilizing tuning steps of 5, 6.25, 8.33, 9, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50, 100, and 200 kHz per step. The VX-8R is set up at the factory with different default steps for each operating band which are probably satisfactory for most operation.

  • Page 32: Sql S-Meter

    Full Scale on the S-meter, the squelch will only open on signals which are Full Scale on the S-meter. In this case, the Noise Squelch overrides the action of the S-meter Squelch. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 33: Repeater Shifts

    EPEATER HIFTS Your VX-8R has been configured, at the factory, for the repeater shifts customary in your country. For the 50 MHz band, this usually will be 1 MHz, while the 144 MHz shift will be 600 kHz; on 70 cm, the shift may be 1.6 MHz, 7.6 MHz, or 5 MHz (USA version).
  • Page 34 5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. If you just have one “odd” split that you need to program, don’t change the default repeater shift! Enter the transmit and receive frequencies separately, as shown on page 48. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 35 “HM” (for instant switching to the “Home” channel for the band you are operating on). To change the configuration of key, use Set Mode Item 39: HOME/REVERSE. See page 148. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 36 REV TONE DIAL knob in step 3 above. When the Reverse Tone Squelch system is ac- tive, the VX-8R’s receiver is muted when it receives a call from a radio send- ing a matching CTCSS tone. The “RTN RTN” icon will appear on the display when the Reverse Tone Squelch system is activated.
  • Page 37 250.3 254.1 – – – – received. 2) During CTCSS operation, you may set up the VX-8R so a ringing “bell” sound alerts you to an incoming call. See page 42 for details. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 38 CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your VX-8R, and operation is very similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for DCS.
  • Page 39 RX-BOTH, TX-NORMAL Receive both Normal and Inverted DCS Tones and transmit the Normal DCS Tone. RX-NORMAL, TX-INVERT RX-NORMAL, TX-INVERT RX-NORMAL, TX-INVERT RX-NORMAL, TX-INVERT: RX-NORMAL, TX-INVERT Receive the Normal DCS Tone and transmit the Inverted DCS Tone. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 40 This is different from the usual method of restoring normal operation, and it applies only to the configuration of the CTCSS/DCS frequencies. Remember to restore the default setting “R-N.T-N R-N.T-N” (Receive and transmit the Normal DCS Tone) when done. R-N.T-N R-N.T-N R-N.T-N VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 41: Tone Search Scanning

    Tone Scanning to listen to the (muted) signal from the other station. When you release the key, Tone Scanning will resume after about a second. Tone Scanning works either in the VFO or Memory modes. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 42 AGING QUELCH The VX-8R includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated micro- processor providing paging and selective calling features. This allows you to place a call to a specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice directed only to you (Code Squelch).

  • Page 43: Paging Answer Back

    AGING NSWER When you press the PTT switch to respond to a page call, the VX-8R transmits the same CTCSS tone pair. This tone pair will open the Code Squelch of the calling station. If you prefer, you can have the VX-8R respond to page calls automatically (“transpond”). To enable this feature: 1.
  • Page 44 PERATION CTCSS/DCS/EPCS B PERATION During CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation, you may set up the VX-8R so that a ringing “bell” sound alerts you that a call is coming in. Here is the procedure for activating the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell: 1.
  • Page 45 “SELECT SELECT” notation in SELECT SELECT SELECT the “Operation Mode” slot turns into “DELETE DELETE”. Now, press DELETE DELETE DELETE and hold in the key for one second to delete that beep tone. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 46 PLIT PERATION The VX-8R can be operated in a Split Tone configuration via the Set mode. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 94: SQL...
  • Page 47 The transmitter will automatically be activated, and a 1750-Hz audio tone will be superimposed on the carrier. Once access to key, and use the PTT switch for the repeater has been gained, you may release the activating the transmitter. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 48 EMORY The VX-8R provides a wide variety of memory system resources. These include: “Regular” Memory Channels, which include: 900 “Standard” memory channels, numbered “1 1 1 1 1 ” through “900 900.” 99 “Frequency Skip Memories,” numbered “901 901” through “999 999.”...
  • Page 49 On rare occasions the memorized data may become corrupted by miss operation, or static electricity. When repairs are made the memory data may be lost. Please write down or record the memorized information so you will be able to restore it if needed. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 50 For example, to recall memory channel #14, press 2) You may change the step of the fast channel selection mode ( key + DIAL knob ) via Set Mode Item 52: MEMORY FAST STEP. See page 150 for details. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 51 UHF-TV Band 470.000 MHz 470.000 MHz [ 9 ] Information Band 2 860.000 MHz 860.000 MHz AM Broadcast Band [ A ] 0.540 MHz 0.540 MHz FM Broadcast Band [ F ] 76.000 MHz 76.000 MHz VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 52 During Memory Recall (“MR”) with Mono Band operation, the alphanumeric Tag will appear below the frequency display. The alphanumeric Tag does not appear if you activate the Dual Receive Operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 53 Once you have recalled a particular memory channel, you may easily tune off that chan- nel, as though you were in the “VFO” mode. 1. With the VX-8R in the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode, select the desired memory channel. 2. Now press the key, then press key.
  • Page 54 Watch out! You can manually store data over a “Masked” memory, deleting previous data, if you’re not careful. Use the “next available memory” stor- age technique to avoid over-writing a masked memory. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 55 EMORY PERATION The large number of memories available in the VX-8R could be difficult to utilize without some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the VX-8R includes provision for dividing the memories into as many as 24 Memory Banks, so you can categorize the memories in a manner convenient to you.
  • Page 56 9. If you make a mistake, press the key to backspace the cursor, then re-enter the correct letter, number, or symbol. 10. When you have completed the changes of the label, press the PTT switch to save the label and exit. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 57: Memory Only Mode

    To place the radio into the Memory Only mode, turn the radio off. Now press and hold in key while turning the radio on. To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 58 PECIAL EMORY HANNEL PERATION The VX-8R provides Special Memory Channels, which are made up of: 10 Weather Broadcast Channels. 281 VHF Marine Channels 89 popular Short-wave Broadcast Station Memory Channels. 1) The Special Memory Channels are only recalled on the “A-Band”...
  • Page 59 156.450 157.200 161.800 156.425 157.175 161.775 156.500 157.250 161.850 156.475 157.225 161.825 156.550 157.300 161.900 156.525 157.275 161.875 156.600 157.350 161.950 156.575 157.325 161.925 156.650 157.400 162.000 156.625 157.375 161.975 156.700 156.675 157.425 162.025 156.750 156.725 VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 60 9.780 PORTUGAL Radio Portugal 11.860 JAPAN Radio Japan PORTUGAL Radio Portugal AUSTRALIA Radio Australia 11.630 5.995 15.550 PORTUGAL Radio Portugal 9.580 AUSTRALIA Radio Australia 21.655 PORTUGAL Radio Portugal 9.660 AUSTRALIA Radio Australia AUSTRALIA Radio Australia 12.080 VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 61 VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 62 CANNING ENERAL The VX-8R allows you to scan just the memory channels, the entire operating band, or a portion of that band. It will halt on signals encountered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that frequency, if you like.
  • Page 63 1.0sec - 10.0sec 10.0sec (0.5sec/step). 1.0sec 1.0sec 1.0sec 10.0sec 10.0sec 10.0sec 5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. The default condition for this Set Mode Item is “2.0sec”. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 64 3) You may change the scanner’s method of operation so the VFO frequency will jump to the low band edge of the next band when the VFO frequency reaches the high edge of the current band (or vice versa). See page 159 regarding Set Mode Item 105: VFO MODE. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 65 The VX-8R has 100 VFO Frequency Skip Memory Channels. ETTING THE QUELCH EVEL DURING ACTIVE CANNING OPERATION The VX-8R allows adjustment of the Squelch level “on the fly” while you are scanning. 1. While the scanner is engaged, press the key, then press the key (the current squelch level will appear below the frequency display).

  • Page 66: Memory Scanning

    MS ERR MS ERR MS ERR 5. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or key. You may initiate the scanning in the previously selected Memory Scan Mode by pressing and holding either key for one second. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 67 5 above (the “Skipped” channel will, of course, still be accessible via manual channel selection methods using the DIAL knob in the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode, whether or not it is locked out of the scanning loop). VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 68: Preferential Memory Scan

    REFERENTIAL EMORY The VX-8R also allows you to set up a “Preferential Scan List” of channels which you can “flag” within the memory system. These channels are designated by a blinking “ ” icon when you have selected them, one by one, for the Preferential Scan List. When you ini- tiate memory scanning on a channel with the blinking “...

  • Page 69: Memory Bank Scan

    Bank scan, the Memory Bank number (“B x”) in- dication turns into “bx” (capital “B” turns into small “b”). “E ” 2) You may enable/disable the Memory Bank scan via Set Mode EMORY NABLED Item 7: BANK LINK. “D ” EMORY ISABLED VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 70 8. 50 pairs of Band Limit memories, labeled L1 U1 through L50 U50 are available. L1/U1 L50/U50 You therefore can set upper and lower operation limits on a number of bands, if you like. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 71 CANNING ATCH The VX-8R’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which allows you to operate on a VFO or Memory channel, while periodically checking a user-defined Memory Channel for activity. If a station is received on the Memory Channel which is...
  • Page 72 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ON ON”. 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. To disable Priority Revert operation, select “OFF OFF” in step 4 above. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 73 UTOMATIC LLUMINATION ON The VX-8R will automatically illuminate the LCD Lamp whenever the scanner stops on a signal; this allows you to see the frequency of the incoming signal better at night. Note that this will, of course, increase battery consumption, so be sure to switch it off during the day (the default condition for this feature is “ON”).
  • Page 74 7. Bring the BH-1 ( or BH-2 ) close to the VX-8R, then press and hold in the POWER switch of the BH-1 ( or BH-2 ) until the LED indicator blinks red/blue alternately (approximately five seconds).

  • Page 75: Activation

    ® 7. If you wish to turn the Bluetooth unit off to conserve transceiver battery power ® when you are not operating the Bluetooth function, perform the following proce- dures, otherwise, skip to next step. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 76 1. When the BH-1 ( or BH-2 ) is correctly recognized by the VX-8R, “ ” icon will appear on the display of the VX-8R and the LED indicator of the BH-1 ( or BH-2 ) will blink blue. 2. Adjust the receiver audio level using the [ VOLUME ( + )] / [ VOLUME (–)] switches on the BH-1 ( or BH-2 ) .
  • Page 77 VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 78: Gps Operation

    GPS O PERATION The VX-8R allows the display of your position (Longitude/Latitude) when using the op- tional FGPS-2 GPS Antenna Unit. 1. Make sure that the transceiver is off. 2. Connect the optional FGPS-2 GPS Antenna Unit to the MIC/SP jack of the trans-...
  • Page 79 5. Align the mounting guide to the transceiver’s depression, then affix the Mount- ing Plate to the CT-136 using the supplied two screws. 6. Connect the antenna to the antenna jack. 7. The installation is now complete. Align the mounting guide to the depression. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 80 “UTC +0:00 UTC +0:00” is assigned, the time is the same as UTC. UTC +0:00 UTC +0:00 UTC +0:00 6. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit from the APRS/GPS Set Mode. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 81 Japan, Tokyo Korea Japan Tokyo Korea Tokyo Korea Tokyo Okinawa Tokyo Okinawa Tokyo Okinawa. Japan Japan Tokyo Korea Tokyo Okinawa 6. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit from the APRS/GPS Set Mode. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 82 APRS ® PERATION The VX-8R is equipped with a 1200/9600bps AX.25 Data Modem to enable APRS (Au- ® tomatic Packet Reporting System) operation. The Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS ) is a software program and registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.
  • Page 83 Digipeater Digipeater Digipeater HF to VHF Gateway IGate (not Home Station) Operation via Satellite Hand-held Transceiver, such as VX-8R Maritime Mobile Mobile Operation via Internet APRS touch-tone User (and the Occasional Ballooes) Portable Units, such as Laptops, Camp Sites etc.
  • Page 84 You may memorize your current position as plotted by the GPS (up to ten points can be saved). See page 165 for details. The VX-8R provides many convenient functions for the APRS operation. Refer to the “APRS/GPS Set Mode” chapter beginning with page 161 for details.
  • Page 85 79: SAVE RX 79: SAVE RX 79: SAVE RX 79: SAVE RX. When the Receiver Battery Saver is turned on, the VX-8R can not reliably receive an APRS Beacon. 3. Press the key several times until the “STATION LIST” screen appears on the display. The “STATION LIST” screen will save up to 40 stations.
  • Page 86 6. Repeat above steps and select “OFF OFF” to any other filters you wish to exclude. 7. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to the STATION LIST screen. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 87: Transmit An Aprs Beacon

    RANSMIT AN EACON To transmit your APRS Beacon, just press the key. The VX-8R allows you to transmit your APRS Beacon automatically and repeatedly via the APRS/GPS Set Mode. 1. Press the key several times until the STATION LIST screen appears on the display.
  • Page 88 IGIPEATER ETTING The VX-8R allows you to set up to eight digipeaters for the APRS Packet Path. The VX-8R is preset to WIDE1-1 and WIDE2-1 digi-path to insure that your transmitted APRS Beacon is received over wide area. We recommend that you use this setting by default.
  • Page 89 10. If you make a mistake, press the key to backspace the cursor, then re-enter the correct character. 11. When you have completed your entry, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to the STATION LIST screen. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 90 79: SAVE RX 79: SAVE RX 79: SAVE RX. 79: SAVE RX When the Receiver Battery Saver is turned on, the VX-8R cannot reliably receive APRS Messages. 3. Press the key several times until the APRS MESSAGE screen appears on the display.
  • Page 91 Repeat for each column to complete the message (up to 9 characters) or bulletin (up to 5 characters). 8. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to the APRS MESSAGE screen. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 92 APRS message transmits five times, the “ ” icon (on the APRS MESSAGE screen) or “TXOUT TXOUT” nota- TXOUT TXOUT TXOUT tion (on the Detailed Message screen) will appear on the display, instead of the remaining number of transmissions. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 93 RANSMIT AN ESSAGE TORE THE IXED ESSAGE The VX-8R allows you to store five fixed form messages (up to 16 characters for each message). 1. Press the key several times until the APRS MESSAGE screen appears on the display. 2. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the APRS/ GPS Set Mode.
  • Page 94 ARTS in order to resume normal operation. This is a safety feature designed to prevent accidental loss of contact due to channel change, etc. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 95 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired polling interval (25sec 25sec or 15sec 25sec 25sec 15sec 15sec). 15sec 25sec 15sec 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 96 Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired ARTS Beep mode (see above). 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 97 1 - 3 above, then press the key. 2) You may adjust the monitoring tone (CW sidetone pitch) via Set Mode Item 28: CW PITCH. Available selections are 400 - 1000 Hz (50 Hz/step). VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 98 The display indicates the relative signal strength on channels immediately adjacent to the current operating frequency. The Spectrum Analyzer feature can be activated only on the “A-Band” while the VX-8R is in the “Mono” band operation. Three basic operating modes for the Spectrum Analyzer are available: In this mode, the transceiver sweeps the current band once.
  • Page 99 VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 100: Channel Counter Operation

    The VX-8R performs a high-speed search within a ±5 MHz range from the frequency displayed on the LCD. When the strongest signal in that range is identified, the VX-8R displays the frequency of that (strongest) signal, and writes it into the special “Channel Counter”...
  • Page 101 Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired bandwidth (see above). 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 102: Smart Search Operation

    One-Shot searching; if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, however, the radio will continue sweeping until they are all filled. The Smart Search feature can only be activated while the VX-8R is operating in the Mono band mode.
  • Page 103 Smart Search is a great tool when visiting a city for the first time. You don’t need to spend hours looking up repeater frequencies from a reference guidebook…just ask your VX-8R where the action is! VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 104 ESSAGE EATURE ENERAL The VX-8R provides a message feature, which sends a message (up to 16 characters) instead of sending a voice. 20 different messages can be programmed, any one of them can be selected and transmitted with your ID.
  • Page 105 ID. 6. Press and hold in the key for two seconds to clear the previously stored personal ID, if desired. 7. Rotate the DIAL knob or press the keyboard to set the first VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 106 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the member box (1 1 1 1 1 ~ 20 where your ID is stored. 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 107 MSG” notation will appear on the display. 10. Press the PTT switch again (without speaking into the mi- crophone) to transmit the selected message on the coordina- tion frequency. It takes approximately 6 seconds to transmit the message. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 108: Receiving A Message

    To disable the Message feature, repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “OFF OFF” in step 3 above. If you enable the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell feature (described previously), you can tell that you are receiving a message by the ringing “bell” sound alert. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 109: Emergency Feature

    MERGENCY HANNEL PERATION The VX-8R includes an “Emergency” feature, which may be useful if you have someone monitoring on the same frequency as your transceiver’s UHF “Home” channel. See page 49 for details on setting the Home channel. The “Emergency” feature is activated by pressing and holding in the key for one second.

  • Page 110: Emergency Automatic Id (Eai) Feature

    The Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature has two operating modes: (1) Interval mode and (2) Continuous mode. In the Interval mode (when the VX-8R receives the CTCSS tone pair), the radio will automatically transmit a brief (0.5 second) beep tone every 2.5 seconds until the EAI timer expiration.
  • Page 111 “OFF OFF” in step “4” above. The VX-8R will ignore the EAI feature when (1) the squelch is open, (2) there is an incoming signal on the operating frequency, (3) the operating frequency is the same as the frequency which is stored in the Memory Chan- nel “EAI,”...

  • Page 112: Att (Front End Attenuator)

    3. Press and hold in the PTT switch for five seconds. If the EAI signal is received by a VX-8R transceiver programmed with matching EAI CTCSS tones the EAI feature will activate. The lost operator’s radio will beep loudly, and its transmitter will re- spond repeatedly.

  • Page 113: Internet Connection Feature

    EATURE ENERAL The VX-8R can be used to access a “node” (repeater or base station) which is tied into the Vertex Standard WIRES™ (Wide-Coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System) net- work, operating in the “SRG” (Sister Radio Group) mode. Details may be found at the WIRES-II Web site: http://www.vxstd.com/en/wiresinfo-en/.
  • Page 114 DTMF string. 14. If you make a mistake, press the key to backspace the cursor, then re-enter the correct letter or number. 15. Repeat steps 12 through 14 until you have completed the access code (“#1101D”). VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 115 DTMF string (to establish the link to the desired Internet-link node). 9. To return to the WIRES™ SRG mode, repeat steps 1 - 5 above, selecting “SRG SRG” in step 4. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 116: Dtmf Operation

    DTMF O PERATION The VX-8R’s keypad allows easy DTMF dialing for Autopatch, repeater control, or Internet- link access purposes. Besides numerical digits [ 0 ] through [ 9 ] , the keypad includes the [ ] and [ # ] digits, plus the [ A ] , [ B ] , [ C ] , and [ D ] tones often used for repeater control.
  • Page 117 Item 31: DTMF SPEED, see page 146 for details. 2) You can also set a longer delay between the time your transmitter is keyed and the first DTMF digit is sent, using Set Mode Item 28: DTMF DELAY, see page 146 for details. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 118: Cw Learning Feature

    CW L EARNING EATURE The VX-8R provides a CW learning feature, which sends the designated Morse Code via the sidetone (heard in the speaker) to help your CW learning. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 119 CW L EARNING EATURE The “CPM” selection is based on the international “PARIS” standard, which stipulates five characters per word. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 120: Cw Training Feature

    CW T RAINING EATURE The VX-8R provides another CW learning feature; call it a CW Training feature, which sends random Morse Code via the sidetone (heard in the speaker), so you can improve your CW proficiency. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

  • Page 121: Sensor Mode

    ENSOR The VX-8R always displays the “Battery Voltage” and “Current Time” while the VX-8R is operating in the “Mono” band mode with the Large characters, the VX-8R can display various information provided by internal sensors. Available se- lections are “Battery Voltage”, “Temperature”, “Audio Wave- form”, “Current Barometric Pressure”, “Current Altitude”, and...
  • Page 122 ENSOR ENSOR PTIONS LOCK The VX-8R has a 24-hour clock with a calendar which covers all dates from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2099 (accuracy: ±30 sec/month). To set the clock: 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 123 OFFSET 3. Press the key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the VX-8R display to the calibrated barometer value. Note: The offset value appears in an “OFST OFST” row. OFST...
  • Page 124 2) If you forget the password number, you may turn on the transceiver by performing the “Microprocessor Resetting” procedure (see page 134). However, the VX-8R will clear the password, as well as all memories, and will restore all other set- tings to factory defaults.
  • Page 125 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal op- eration. Now, briefly pressing of the key will immediately recall the selected Menu Item. You must press the key again to exit to normal operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 126 1) When the attenuator is activated, the “ ” icon will appear on the display. 2) The attenuator does not activate on the AM/FM Broadcast Bands. 3) The attenuator can be set independently on each operating band of the “A-Band” and “B-Band”. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 127 AVER ETUP An important feature of the VX-8R is its Receive Battery Saver, which “puts the radio to sleep” for a time interval, periodically “waking it up” to check for activity. If somebody is talking on the channel, the VX-8R will remain in the “active” mode, then resume its “sleep”...

  • Page 128: Disabling The Busy Indicator

    ( PWR ) switch for 2 seconds to turn the transceiver back on Just press and hold in the after an APO shutdown, as usual. To disable the APO, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “OFF OFF” in step 4 above. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 129 Alert bell will provide an audible warning from the speaker. 2) Since brief transmissions are the mark of a good operator, try setting up your radio’s TOT feature for a maximum transmission time of 1 minute. This will sig- nificantly improve battery life, too! VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 130 ETTING ON/OFF P RESET IMER The VX-8R includes the capability to turn itself on/off at preset time. If you use these features, you must first set the VX-8R’s clock, as described previously (page 120). ON T IMER 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 131 In such operating environments, it is often required that operators use reduced deviation levels, to reduce the potential for interference to users on adjacent chan- nels. The VX-8R includes a simple method of accomplishing this: 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 132 OWER ETER YMBOLS The VX-8R has four types of S- (Signal Strength) and TX Power Meter symbol formats available. You may change the default setting to any of the available symbols. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 133 LEVEL 4 LEVEL 1 LEVEL 4 LEVEL 4 LEVEL 4 LEVEL 4). LEVEL 4 LEVEL 4 5. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 134 For example, if you do not need the reception of the SW and Air bands, you may skip (omit) these bands from the band selection loop. My Bands Setup 1. Set the VX-8R to the VFO mode. 2. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 135 AUTO BACK AUTO BACK AUTO BACK AUTO BACK mately three seconds after pressing the key. 5. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 136: Reset Procedures

    68: PAGER CODE-TX, 75: RPT SHIFT, 76: RPT SHIFT FREQ, 95: SQL TYPE, 99: TONE FREQUENCY, APRS /GPS Set Mode 6: APRS MSG FLASH, 15: DIGI PASS, ® 19: MSG FILTER, 20: MY CALLSIGN, 21: MY POSITION, 22: MY SYMBOL VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 137: Cloning

    The VX-8R includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and con- figuration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another VX-8R. This can be particularly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public service opera- tion.

  • Page 138: Set Mode

    HANGING THE ISPLAY ORMAT OF THE By factory default setting, the VX-8R displays the Set Mode Item with “List” format in a Set Mode. You may change the display format of the Set Mode to the our traditional “Item” format.
  • Page 139 ENERAL HANGING THE URSOR The VX-8R has nine types of cursor symbol formats for the Set Mode operation. You may change the default setting to any of the available symbols. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 140 Selects the channel step for the fast channel selection mode while in the Memory Recall 10CH / 20CH / 50CH / 100CH mode. 53: MEMORY NAME Stores “Alpha-Numeric” tags for the Memory channels. 54: MEMORY PROTECT Enables/Disables the Memory Write Protector. ON / OFF VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 141: Correcting The Sensor Unit

    Selects the Wave-Form display while indicating the Wave-Form via Set Mode Item 84: SEN- ALL / RX SIGNAL / TX MODULATION SOR DISPLAY. 111: WX ALERT Enables/Disables the Weather Alert Feature ON / OFF 1: Depends on the transceiver version. 2: Depends on the operating band and transceiver version. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 142 Pin Code. BLUETOOTH P-CODE 0000 - 9999 (6111) ® Select the operating mode of the optional BH-1/BH-2 Bluetooth ® Headset. BLUETOOTH SET VOX: PTT / HIGH / LOW, MODE: MONO / STEREO, SAVE: ON / OFF VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 143 OFF / HIGH / LOW Enables/Disables VOX operation; sets VOX sensitivity. 109: VOX DELAY 0.5sec / 1.0sec / 2.0sec Selects the VOX delay (“hang”) time. 111: WX ALERT ON / OFF Enables/Disables the Weather Alert Feature VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 144 Use both the internal Bar Antenna and the Rubber Flex Antenna. BAR ANTENNA: Use the internal Bar Antenna only. Note: The Bar Antenna is directional; rotate the VX-8R for best reception. 2: ANTENNA FM Function: Select the antenna to be used for the FM Broadcast listening.
  • Page 145 Available Values: KEY & SCAN / KEY / OFF Default: KEY & SCAN KEY & SCAN: The beeper sounds when you press a key or when the scanner stops. KEY: The beeper sounds when you press a key. OFF: The beeper is disabled. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 146 Headset. If there has been no signal or key activity for 20 seconds, the Battery Saver automatically puts the BH-1/BH-2 Bluetooth ® Headset to “sleep”, to conserve life. When signal is received or the PTT switch is pressed, the BH-1/BH-2 Bluetooth Headset will be active again. ® VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 147 Function: Select the CW tone pitch for the CW Learning, CW Training, and CW Identi- fier functions. Available Values: 400 ~ 1000 Hz (50 Hz/step) Default: 700Hz 24: CW TRAINING Function: Enables/Disables the CW Training feature. See page 118 for details. 25: DC VOLTAGE Function: Indicates the DC Supply Voltage. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 148 Available Values: MANUAL / AUTO Default: MANUAL 30: DTMF SELECT Function: Programming of the DTMF Autodialer. See page 114 for details. 31: DTMF SPEED Function: Selects the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed. Available Values: 50mS / 100mS Default: 50mS VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 149 Emergency message. Here’s how to program the Emergency Message: 1. Press the key to display any previously-stored emergency message. 2. Press and hold the key for two seconds to clear any previous emergency mes- sage, if desired. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 150 Function: Selects the function of the key. Available Values: HOME / REV Default: REV HOME: Pressing the key instantly recalls a favorite “Home” channel. REV: Pressing the key reverses transmit and receive frequencies during repeater operation. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 151 Available Values: FRG / SRG Default: SRG 45: INTERNET SELECT Function: Programming of the Access Number (DTMF code) for the FRG station of the WIRES (or non WIRES Internet Link System) access. See page 112 for details. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 152 Available Values: KEY / DIAL / KEY&DIAL / PTT / KEY&PTT / DIAL&PTT / ALL Default: KEY&DIAL 52: MEMORY FAST STEP Function: Selects the channel step for the fast channel selection mode while in the Memory Recall mode. Available Values: 10CH / 20CH / 50CH / 100CH Default: 10CH VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 153 See page 104 for details. 59: MESSAGE SELECT Function: Programming a Message for the Message feature. See page 102 for details. 60: MIC GAIN Function: Adjusts the microphone gain level. Available Values: LEVEL 1 ~ LEVEL 9 Default: LEVEL 5 VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 154 3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter, number, or symbol of the message, then press the key to enter the first letter, number, or symbol and move on to the next character. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 155 Available Values: ON / OFF Default: OFF 72: PRI TIME Function: Selects the time between the Priority (Dual Watch) channel checks, when the feature is active. Available Values: 0.1sec ~ 0.9sec (0.1sec/step) or 1.0sec ~ 10.0sec (0.5sec/step) Default: 5.0sec VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 156 Function: Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver interval (“sleep” ratio). Available Values: 0.2sec ~ 0.9sec (0.1sec/step) or 1.0sec ~ 10.0sec (0.5sec/step) Default: 0.2sec 80: SAVE TX Function: Enables/Disables the Transmitter Battery Saver. Available Values: ON / OFF Default: OFF VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 157 BARO: Indicates the Barometric Pressure and relative changes in the pressure (two bars per hour). ALTI: Indicates the Altitude. OFF: Disables the sensor information (Indicates the “Current Time” only). 85: SENSOR INFORMATION Function: Indicates the information of the internal sensors. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 158 Available Values: AUTO / SPEAKER Default: AUTO AUTO: The FM Broadcast audio output is selected automatically depending on the connection of the earphone antenna. SPEAKER: Routes the FM Broadcast audio output to the internal speaker and the ear- phone. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 159 (the “T-D” icon will appear during operation) D CD-TONE SQL: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS Tone (the “D-T” icon will appear during operation) Select the desired operating mode from the selections shown above. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...

  • Page 160: Memory Offset Tuning

    5) 5.0 kHz steps are not available for use on 250 - 300 MHz, nor above 580 MHz. 97: STEREO Function: Enables/Disables the stereo output while receiving the FM Broadcast band. Available Values: STEREO / MONO Default: STEREO 98: TIME SET Function: Sets the Clock time. See page 120 for details. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 161 (or vice versa). BAND: When the VFO frequency reaches the high band edge of the current band, the VFO frequency will jump to the low band edge of the current band (or vice versa). VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 162 Displays the RX Audio wave form and TX Audio modulation wave form. RX SIGNAL: Displays the RX Audio wave form. TX MODULATION: Displays the TX Audio modulation wave form. 111: WX ALERT Function: Enables/disables the Weather Alert Feature Available Values: ON/OFF Default: OFF VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 163 Committed / Special / Priority / Custom 0 ~ Custom 6 / EMERGENCY! 24: TIME ZONE Set the time offset between the local time and UTC. UTC -13:00H ~ UTC +13:00H (0.5H / step) (UTC + 0:00H) VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 164 Function: Enables/Disables audio output of the “B-Band” during APRS operation. Available Values: ON/OFF Default: OFF APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 8: APRS RINGER MSG Function: Enables/Disables the alert ringer when the APRS message is received. Available Values: ON/OFF Default: ON VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 165 11: BEACON INTERVAL 11: BEACON INTERVAL 11: BEACON INTERVAL. 11: BEACON INTERVAL MANUAL: The VX-8R does not transmit the APRS beacon automatically. To transmit the APRS beacon, just press the key. APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 15: DIGI PATH Function: Sets the APRS packet path you wish to path through.
  • Page 166 Default: Position: .MMM’, Speed: mph, Altitude: ft Note: The “Position” item selects the coordinate system. When the “Position” item is set to “.MMM’ .MMM’”, the VX-8R displays the location (Lat/Lon) in “ddd° mm. mmm ddd° mm. mmm” (Decimal .MMM’ .MMM’...
  • Page 167 Function: Select your icon which will be displayed on the monitors of other stations as you. Available Values: more than 180 symbols Default: YY: Yaesu Radios APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 23: POSITION COMMENT Function: Selects position comment depending on your situation.

  • Page 168: General

    Operating Temperature: –20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F) Case Size (W x H x D): 60 x 95 x 24.2 mm (2.4” x 3.7” x 0.9”) w/o knob & antenna Weight (Approx.): 240 g (8.5 oz) with FNB-101LI & antenna VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 169 200 mW @ 8 Ohms for 10 % THD (@ 7.4 V DC) 400 mW @ 8 Ohms for 10 % THD (@ 13.8 V DC) Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within the 50/144/222/ 430 MHz amateur bands only. VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 170 BU-1 with the connector of the Connector Board and gently press the BU-1 into place (Figure 2). 5. Affix the new (supplied) Caution Seal, and replace the battery pack. 6. Installation is now complete. BU-1 Connector Board Figure 1 Figure 2 VX-8R O PERATING ANUAL...
  • Page 171 1. Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by VERTEX STANDARD could void the user’s authorization to operate this device. 2. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions; (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 172 Copyright 2008 Printed in Japan VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the permission of VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. 0810S-0M...

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