Vertex vx-6000l

[Edarmstrong]

Hi folks,
I enjoy listening to low band, in my neck of the woods hear a variety from local companies to fire depts. Wondering how far these VX 6000l mobile radios can transmit mobile to base for folks??

Thx
Ted

 

[radiotweester]

I've been happy with the series over the years (4000/5500/6000). Not all the bells and whistles of a VX4200 or Motorola XTL/APX, but solid. Channel capacity could be more. Easy to modify for 50MHz HAM radio if desired.
Distance is going to depend on frequency, antenna type, terrain and atmospheric conditions. A lower frequency (30-40MHz) has a greater chance of skip/absorption, as happens with CB, when atmospheric conditions get energized. With a good base antenna and a location not in a hole, I'd guess a radius of 60-75 miles on a normal day 43-50Mhz.

 

[Edarmstrong]

Thank you radiotweester, appreciate the comments. Yes, from what I can tell they do pretty well for distance, national grid and the power companies in rural areas claim to get up to 100 miles with their low band mobile trucks back to their base station offices.

 

[Edarmstrong]

Need to program a couple of frequencies in for monitoring, you think I’d be better off buying the software and interface cable or just bringing to a moto dealer for programming? I’m somewhat computer savy, somewhat 😳. Thx

 

[radiotweester]

If you have any computer/radio knowledge, software and after market cable work great. If you ever decide you want to add or modify anything, you can without an another shop fee (if a Moto shop even still has the software to support it). I run an older machine that has a real serial port, but I think USB converters should work ok. The CE-49 was free and still can be found on online. It makes me mad when I see people ripping others off for an "authentic" programming CD for $40-$50. There is a "Vertex Group" that is fee for membership deal and says it offers software, firmware and manuals. Not an endorsement! I just have seen it exists.
The mic connector to DB-9 programming cable were $20ish years back on ebay, but I've not looked recently.
This is also one of the softwares that allows for the "-m" modification.

 

[Edarmstrong]

Thanks for the info. I’ve found the CE 49 software which I’ll download and use (with some help). I’m confused though as to which additional cable(s) I would need? Is it only the FIF-12, or the FIF-12a, and/or the CT-105?

Again, appreciate all the help!👍

Ted

 

[Edarmstrong]

Wanted to order the correct cables

 

[radiotweester]

Looking around, I THINK the info you have is right...
It use to be the VPL1 (serial to TTL) and an adapter cable (CT70). The CT-71 was a kit of both.

 

[Edarmstrong]

Ok thx, may inquire a bit further before I order . I believe the CE49 and the FIF-12a are required, not sure of the CT-105???
Thx