Yaesu: VX-3R programming cable

[KK4JUG]

I pulled my old Yaesu VX-3R out of the drawer yesterday, charged the battery and it still works like a champ. The two extra batteries work, too. One problem: the programming cable has disappeared. I still have the computer program and that's the only way to input anything in this particular unit. Any workarounds or do I put it back in the drawer?

It was my first amateur radio. I bought it locally while I was waiting for the brown truck to deliver the big boy radio. The eBay price on it now is $300. I think I paid $100.

 

[vagrant]

I purchased my cable from RTSystems. Save the money and just sell me your radio for $100.

As a visual joke I put the Diamond SRH999 20” antenna on it, but hid the antenna behind my arm as I slowly pulled out the radio. I think Diamond sells a 27” handheld antenna now.

 

[AK9R]

I've always had good luck with cables from Valley Enterprises.

Yaesu USB FTDI Radio Programming Cable FT-60, VX-1, VX-2, VX-5

Yaesu USB FTDI Radio Programming Cable FT-60, VX-1, VX-2, VX-5 - Aftermarket Programming CableFTDI USB chipsetTX and RX Led indicatorsCable Length: 1M (3.Yaesu USB FTDI Radio Programming Cable FT-60, VX-1, VX-2, VX-5 - Aftermarket Programming Cable FTDI U

www.valley-ent.com

 

[KK4JUG]

I checked Valley's web site and they show everything but VX-3R cable. Even a search of their site came up with a blank page.

 

[palmerjrusa]

I pulled my old Yaesu VX-3R out of the drawer yesterday, charged the battery and it still works like a champ. The two extra batteries work, too. One problem: the programming cable has disappeared. I still have the computer program and that's the only way to input anything in this particular unit. Any workarounds or do I put it back in the drawer?

It was my first amateur radio. I bought it locally while I was waiting for the brown truck to deliver the big boy radio. The eBay price on it now is $300. I think I paid $100.

What software did you use for the VX-3R?

 

[KK4JUG]

RT Systems.

 

[palmerjrusa]

RT Systems.

Just purchase a replacement cable:

VX-3 Radio Programming Software | Yaesu Radio Software | Cloning Software

 

[vagrant]

Why spend $30 when you can make $100? I wonder if Bluemax49 or something like that on eBay sells one too….yep $18 w/free shipping. I have purchased cables from him as well. Oh…will the software work with his cable? Hmmmm…

USB Yaesu Programming Cable VX-1R VX-2R VX-3R VX-5R CT-106p | eBay

The third problem is finding the latest programming software to download. It is essential to know that programming cables use fewer signal pins than a microphone, so the pinouts are typically more straightforward than your microphone cable.

www.ebay.com

 

[AK9R]

I checked Valley's web site and they show everything but VX-3R cable.

Did you click on the link I provided? If you had, you would have seen this:


BlueMax49ers also has a cable: Yaesu VX-3R FTDI Programming Cable CT-106

 

[KK4JUG]

Did you click on the link I provided? If you had, you would have seen this:
View attachment 155279

BlueMax49ers also has a cable: Yaesu VX-3R FTDI Programming Cable CT-106

My bad. I only looked at the description at the top of the page. But, $24 is a lot of money but I try to buy from established businesses. Most of what I saw on eBay was individuals or from China. I'm cautions with the individuals and don't want to wait on a shipment from China.

 

[FKimble]

RTS is in GA, Lagrange !!

Frank

 

[KK4JUG]

RTS is in GA, Lagrange !!

Frank

Yeah. I've been there a couple of times. The folks are cordial and helpful.

 

[k6cpo]

My bad. I only looked at the description at the top of the page. But, $24 is a lot of money but I try to buy from established businesses. Most of what I saw on eBay was individuals or from China. I'm cautions with the individuals and don't want to wait on a shipment from China.

Exactly. In this hobby, more than any other I've been involved in, you definitely "get what you pay for."

 

[radiotweester]

If you have any of the old scanner programmers with the TTL to Serial converter in the DB9 shell, these just have data and ground to a 4 conductor 3.5mm plug. 2nd ring from the tip is Data and end is Ground.
Off the top of my head this will work on the VX-1/2/3/5/6/7/8/10, VX-131/150/160/180/410/420, VXA220, HX-270/370, FT50/FT60
. Also mobiles VX-2500/3200/4100/4200 and others by using an RJ45 instead of a 4c 3.5mm. On some of those radios with the screw in microphone (VX7, VXA220, HX370) you'll need to shave the plastic on the plug to ensure correct contact or buy the threaded connector.
Hope this helps and saves you some $$.
VX-3 is a nice radio. 73s