Back on Saturday when I was having coffee with Tyler VA3DGN and Harold VA3UNK after Peter VE3HG left to return to his hotel (see what you miss when you leave early) this little gem was mentioned and it took me by suprize.
Once I found a few spare minutes (thats why its being posted today rather than on Saturday) I went over to the Universal Radio Website and did some looking around. What you see below is what I found and to be honest I am really impressed with this one.
A stand alone APRS radio (everything there and working) is just what we needed for public service, ARES and SAR work. It sends and receives APRS data, most likely this will include the APRS text messages and it also functions as a working GPS. Completely Plug and play… Edit in your callsign and your good to go.
This could be the best of both worlds as most people want the APRS and they are not so interested in the 6m side of things and now the GPS is not an option but included so its really turnkey
There are two points to be made at this time… first I have no connection to Universal Radio and unless I get to go to Dayton one year I don’t ever see me being a customer even but they do have a fantastic website that is always updated so I don’t mind saying nice things about them.
The 2nd would be that my speculation on the new radio are just that. I have not seen the owners manual or any other real information. This time I have decided to stay away from the Yahoo Groups as last time when they brought out the original VX8R there was more confusion added by all the different experts that this time I have decided just to look at one after they become available in Canada and go from there…
So here is the basic infomation I have so far:
VX-8GR
The Yaesu VX-8GR is the newest member of the proud VX-8 family. The VX-8GR dual-bander only covers 2 meters and 440 MHz and receive coverage is 108-999 MHz (less cellular frequencies). Strong performance specifications are combined with intuitive operation This version has a built-in GPS unit right out of the box! It is not Bluetooth capable. It is however APRS capable (B band only) with Smart Beaconing™. DCS/CTCSS encode/decode is included. Supplied with 7.4V 1100 mAh Lithium ion battery. 2.4 x 3.7 x 1.1 inches (without knobs or antenna).
A variety of optional accessories will be available
If any of my readers has hands on information on this one I would appreciate an update in the comments sections please…
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And of course thanks to Universal Radio for the information
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73bob
Tags: amateur radio, YAESU Radios, Yaesu VX-8GR
May 4, 2010 at 2:58 am |
Hi Bob,
Greetings! This new radio looks great; just awaiting for ICOM to deliver on an HT with true APRS!!
73
de James, VE2KHC
May 4, 2010 at 4:58 am |
Hi James…
I believe that ICOM has DAPRS that links into the APRS System via DSTAR.
To be honest I don’t think ICOM will be doing anything with AX25 style APRS as they are using DSTAR for their digital mode.
73bob