diff between vx7r and vx8r

[mparker]

What is the differances? On paper the 8r is quad and the 7r is tri, but realy the 7r can be quad...

Getting ready to take the plunge and narrowed it down to these two... leaning more twards the 7r, its been out longer meaning more online forum support, more aftermarket stuff, I wouldn't ever use the bluetooth of the 8r.

Thanks guys

[tekshogun]

Get which ever one you really want. They both are good handhelds. I can tell you from experience of owning a triband VX-5R that these radios tend to have some funny behavior and intermod but that is expected from a radio with VFO's all over the VHF and UHF ham spectrum.

The bluetooth is not necessary and you have to buy the bluetooth hardware for 8R anyway. I would prefer the newer radio and the fact that it does at least 1.5 watts on 220 is a nice touch. I can tell you, from a friend that owned a VX-3R (another Yaesu ultra-slim HT) that these small form factor radios are easy to lose.

I have a 5 year old VX-5R that works fine still to this day and it has quite a bit of battle damage but it works fine. Another thing to consider is, how much 6 meter (50-54MHz) do you plan on doing? To this day, with all the 6m traffic in my area, I have yet to hear a single QSO on my VX-5R and I have obviously not spoken to anyone.... Why, because of the antenna, it is horrible at 6m work. Now you could hook up a super long HT antenna (impractical) or you can go external and convert to use a dipole or larger vertical antenna.

So get which ever one you like the most.

[prcguy]

I had a VX-7 and its a solid built great performing radio but the menu sucks, if you don't use the radio for a month you'll be looking for the manual just to perform simple functions. The VX-7 only puts out 300mw on 220MHz but I can hit every 220 repeater in my area with the VX-7 as with a 5w radio.

I sold my VX-7 and bought the VX-8 , mostly because I'm a techno slut and have to get the latest thing out there but I'm very happy with the radio. If you forget how to operate the radio just hit the MENU button and its all there, very simple to use. It also puts out 1.5w on 220MHz which is good.

Used VX-7s are out there for very fair prices and the VX-8 will run $350 to $400 new depending on who is having a sale this week. You have to ask yourself how much $ do you want to spend to be cooler than the next hamster.
prcguy

[mparker]

great review... i think ill be looking into the vx-8 just so i am "future proof" at least until there is a vx-9...lol

maybe santa can bring me one

[gewecke]

I have a well used VX-5 as well,and it's a decent radio,but I've never dealt with 6m. that much either but I think the Kenwood TH-F6 bears a real strong look if you like the 220 band and/or the ability to listen to hf.
It's the ONLY one on the market (as far as I know) that has a BFO for sideband!
My next purchase will be a F6 i'm pretty sure.
N9ZAS

[mrweather]

It will depend on whether you need the latest-and-greatest or not.

I picked up a VX-7R about a month ago and love it. I had looked at the 8R but couldn't justify spending the extra $100.

[eorange]

I have the VX-8R, upgraded from an FT-60. Cool gadget points:

- built-in APRS w/ automatic beaconing
- built-in SWL (not the greatest, but it's in there)
- Marine band
- great menu (like prcguy said)
- AM/FM radio, alongside dual band ham bands
- embossed morse code alongside the side buttons spells t*ts, what else could you want

[Nubz]

not to but in to this thread but i wanted to thank you for asking and thank the guys that answered

ive been looking at these ht's myself and got some info out of this post that i was curious about