Fantastic. I've been waiting for the VX-6 edition of your Operators Series. The VX-6 is my go-to (especially now that I have MARS-modded my unit to operate on GMRS ). This radio is bomb-proof and worth every penny. Can't wait to learn what I don't know (and reinforce what I do). Thanks.
I passed my Tech & General last month and just got this for my first radio. As a super green beginner, I am so grateful for the way you are breaking it down and explaining everything in detail... I appreciate all you put into this!
I’ve been using this radio for the better part of 5 years now. It’s great to see it come to life because of a few popular TH-camrs. The radio is very underrated. Packed full of features and I love its durability. It’s my go to mountain bike radio and I use it 90% of the time for backpacking. I’m using it with a BNC connector and a Super Elastic Signalstick Antenna with BNC. And she’s still watertight. And tactically I carry the Ed Fong Rollup Jpole for the situations when I’m deep into the mountains and need to get my signal out. And because why not I also carry the MFJ Long Ranger. Fully extended that a great antenna
Oh dude - that feature of the moni button - GOLDEN! Some of my radios I have to go into a menu and change it, then change it back - it's a pain in the neck. Having a way to display the freq of a named channel easily is GOLDEN!
What's with the thumbs down..... people can be so ignorant. I've had my VX-6 for several years. However, since I bought my FT5D it's pretty much been redundant. This series has indeed encouraged me to blow the dust of this great little radio and get it back up and running. Thank you for the huge amount of time and effort you put into these training series.....👍👍
I just got my VX-6r in. Will be going through your series on this jewel. Also studying the questions to get my tech and then my general. Great informative series.
Thank you…. I just purchased this radio in 2024. I still love my vx-8dr…. But it’s hard to find anything for it nowadays. I’m afraid of dropping it. Still working fine. I’m loving the vx 6r. I’m getting another one for my son as soon as he gets his tag.
Timing couldn't have been better with this series. I have two of these radios that I bought before I got my tech license in November 2022. I love that it's very rugged plus a tri band, both reasons why I bought this radio. I'm struggling with programing the memory channels and the manual is kinda confusing. Anyway, I'm looking forward to your future videos on this radio and learning more of its capabilities. This video was a perfect intro to the "hardware" of this unit. Great jod. New subscriber.
Perfect timing, Scott! My VX-6 is on order and I can't wait to receive it. This video series will help me master it quickly. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Awesome job as usual Scott thank you. Really enjoy the operators series. I had the same problem with the microphone placement in the FT-3 and FT-5. Sold both radios. My finger would cover the microphone when I gripped it. Poor location of the microphone in my opinion.
You hit a sweet spot here! I love this radio! If yaesu could do fusion, analog, a better battery and IP-65, and all the other bells and whistles in the same form factor it would be a home run!!!!!,
Love all your videos. Planning on a vx-6r soon. One suggestion for your videos: find a way to add close up views of items you are presenting. You can’t really get a sense of what you are describing. Thanks again for great content. 17:09
Another Antenna you might consider is the Smiley tri-band adjustable telescopic antenna. About 20 inches fully extended for 2 meters 1/4 wave. Around 17 inches for 440 5/8 wave. About 12 inches for 220 1/4 wave. And all the way down at 6 inches 440 again 1/4 wave. It receives very well. I have the Diamond SRA320A and to me the Smiley antenna seems work a bit better. You can tailor the connector to your liking. sma or bnc. I chose to go bnc on my VX-6R as well as my other HT's because I use them mobile with a mag mount antenna. Did not want to take a chance of damaging the sma connector on the radio from multiple times of connecting and disconnecting it to a mobile antenna. Maybe I am being overly cautious but the bnc adaptors are easily replaced if it gets damaged. The radio sma connector not so much. 🙂
Thanks for the primer on the physical action. QUESTION: Thoughts on the SRH-320A from Diamond Antenna as of 2024? I got this based on solid reviews, but I've been out of the game since fall 2020 and need to understand the pros and cons (and any recommended alternatives) to consider for this radio.
Are you able to design / manufacture a sling type radio carrier for the VX-6R? Searching the web for an EDC VX-6R carrier that includes a compact / slim design.
Been watching your videos trying to figure out what to buy now for an HT. It's now February 2023, what would you recommend now, the Yaesu FT-60 over the Yaesu V-6? Or the V-6 over the FT-60?
I learned recently you can scan based on the alpha numeric tags. Holding down the scan key, while twisting the select dial will change between 'band, all channel, tag1, and tag2' tag1 and tag2 are based on the first one or 2 characters of the alpha tag. I use it for scanning in the local jurisdiction. FCSH is Frederick County Sheriff, FCFD is the Fire department. I don't have to make that a separate group.
I just got mine on Friday 3/29/24 I have to say this radio is rock solid for the build quality. I was not impressed with my ft3d,this vx6r reflects the vertex standard days! 73 from Chandler Arizona
Hi Scott how good is the warranty offeren on this Radio? Have you ever needed to use it? Thanks for the great information. I will soon pul the trigger on this radio. I just got my technician license and wish to avoid buying a half dozen radios! Spend money once and get quality! Thanks Ron, KK7RXI.
I am brand new to all this and looking for a radio for if things get bad. I have seen good stuff about this radio but I honestly don’t know anything about this type of thing. I don’t have my license yet but i would like to go ahead a purchase a radio before they get hard to find. Would you recommend this radio as a good all around for if things get bad and need comms?
I received a yaesu ft 3dr as a gift last year and was all ready to put my vx-6r on ebay. I'M GLAD I DIDN'T. I realize that the 3dr is digital too, but as far as receiving goes, my vx-6r blows it out of the water. With vx-6r, I receive multiple short wave stations (best after dark of course), while the 3dr will not pick them up. Same goes for NOAA stations. The 3dr receives the, but not as well as the vx-6r. It's for that reason I'm going to sell the 3dr and keep my trusty vx-6r and my ft 70dr if I get into digital territory. The battery life on the 3dr is exceptional, and it scans like a rocket. But need the clarity of receiving over all else.
If they took everything great about the FT-60 and everything great about the VX-6, they'd have the best HT anyone could get, in my opinion. For EDC I still prefer my FT-60, but for EmComms or similar, this takes the edge.
I have a vx-6r and bought a ft 3dr. To be honest, they both have upgraded antennas. I'm actually going to sell the ft3dr for 1 simple reason. Both of these radios have the same broadcast power, but the vx-6r receives so much better. It brings in all frequencies much more crisp, and from further away.
I have a video on the FT-70DR. The FT-70DR doesn't get mentioned here all that often because it's my least favorite Yaesu HT. Unless being able to run Fusion/C4FM is your primary concern, I would recommend the VX-6R over the FT-70DR every time. Because, other than the digital mode capability, it is better than the FT-70DR is every single way.
Get the vx-6r. If you need fusion, then the ft 70dr is great. But I'd highly recommend you invest in the rt software and cable for effortless programming or you'll be pulling your hair out trying to do it any other way.
Fantastic. I've been waiting for the VX-6 edition of your Operators Series. The VX-6 is my go-to (especially now that I have MARS-modded my unit to operate on GMRS ). This radio is bomb-proof and worth every penny. Can't wait to learn what I don't know (and reinforce what I do). Thanks.
I passed my Tech & General last month and just got this for my first radio. As a super green beginner, I am so grateful for the way you are breaking it down and explaining everything in detail... I appreciate all you put into this!
I’ve been using this radio for the better part of 5 years now. It’s great to see it come to life because of a few popular TH-camrs. The radio is very underrated. Packed full of features and I love its durability. It’s my go to mountain bike radio and I use it 90% of the time for backpacking. I’m using it with a BNC connector and a Super Elastic Signalstick Antenna with BNC. And she’s still watertight. And tactically I carry the Ed Fong Rollup Jpole for the situations when I’m deep into the mountains and need to get my signal out. And because why not I also carry the MFJ Long Ranger. Fully extended that a great antenna
Oh dude - that feature of the moni button - GOLDEN! Some of my radios I have to go into a menu and change it, then change it back - it's a pain in the neck. Having a way to display the freq of a named channel easily is GOLDEN!
My VX-6R came in the mail today. I bought it based on your series, and I'll be referencing it frequently. Thanks.
What's with the thumbs down..... people can be so ignorant. I've had my VX-6 for several years. However, since I bought my FT5D it's pretty much been redundant. This series has indeed encouraged me to blow the dust of this great little radio and get it back up and running. Thank you for the huge amount of time and effort you put into these training series.....👍👍
Thank you so much. Just bought a radio after watching your videos. Can’t wait to see what’s coming in the future.
Same with me. Mine came in the mail today. I'm brand new, and having the series to reference will be very helpful.
New Extra here!! I've had my VX-6R almost 2 years and it's a tough little stud-rocket of a radio.
congrats on the ticket !
I just got my VX-6r in. Will be going through your series on this jewel. Also studying the questions to get my tech and then my general. Great informative series.
Thank you…. I just purchased this radio in 2024. I still love my vx-8dr…. But it’s hard to find anything for it nowadays. I’m afraid of dropping it. Still working fine. I’m loving the vx 6r. I’m getting another one for my son as soon as he gets his tag.
Comprehensive information, thank you! Looking to hearing more about its advanced features.
Just bought this radio, waiting on delivery. Looking forward to watching the rest of your series. THANK YOU! 73, N3TBJ
Timing couldn't have been better with this series. I have two of these radios that I bought before I got my tech license in November 2022. I love that it's very rugged plus a tri band, both reasons why I bought this radio. I'm struggling with programing the memory channels and the manual is kinda confusing. Anyway, I'm looking forward to your future videos on this radio and learning more of its capabilities. This video was a perfect intro to the "hardware" of this unit. Great jod. New subscriber.
Perfect timing, Scott! My VX-6 is on order and I can't wait to receive it. This video series will help me master it quickly. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Glad you made videos on almost all the radios I own, you go deep into details, thanks for this content.
As a newly-licensed Technician this will be my first HT, can't wait for it to arrive!
Packed with details and items I would never have thought about. Great video.
Awesome job as usual Scott thank you. Really enjoy the operators series. I had the same problem with the microphone placement in the FT-3 and FT-5. Sold both radios. My finger would cover the microphone when I gripped it. Poor location of the microphone in my opinion.
Glad to see you have started this series. I love this radio and it is my daily carry. Looking forward to optimally work this thing!
Thank you for not rushing through the video. Gary N0VBD
You are on fire Scott…another great series!
Fantastic vid. Thank you.
Great Radio!
You hit a sweet spot here! I love this radio! If yaesu could do fusion, analog, a better battery and IP-65, and all the other bells and whistles in the same form factor it would be a home run!!!!!,
When using the Diamond antenna does the radio retain it's IP7 rating? If not, how do we get it back?
Love all your videos. Planning on a vx-6r soon. One suggestion for your videos: find a way to add close up views of items you are presenting. You can’t really get a sense of what you are describing. Thanks again for great content. 17:09
But what if I need/want all the videos in this series today?
I love your content. Don’t wait too long to get this series done! Thank you!
Another Antenna you might consider is the Smiley tri-band adjustable telescopic antenna. About 20 inches fully extended for 2 meters 1/4 wave. Around 17 inches for 440 5/8 wave. About 12 inches for 220 1/4 wave. And all the way down at 6 inches 440 again 1/4 wave. It receives very well. I have the Diamond SRA320A and to me the Smiley antenna seems work a bit better. You can tailor the connector to your liking. sma or bnc. I chose to go bnc on my VX-6R as well as my other HT's because I use them mobile with a mag mount antenna. Did not want to take a chance of damaging the sma connector on the radio from multiple times of connecting and disconnecting it to a mobile antenna. Maybe I am being overly cautious but the bnc adaptors are easily replaced if it gets damaged. The radio sma connector not so much. 🙂
Thanks for the primer on the physical action. QUESTION: Thoughts on the SRH-320A from Diamond Antenna as of 2024? I got this based on solid reviews, but I've been out of the game since fall 2020 and need to understand the pros and cons (and any recommended alternatives) to consider for this radio.
Are you able to design / manufacture a sling type radio carrier for the VX-6R?
Searching the web for an EDC VX-6R carrier that includes a compact / slim design.
Been watching your videos trying to figure out what to buy now for an HT. It's now February 2023, what would you recommend now, the Yaesu FT-60 over the Yaesu V-6? Or the V-6 over the FT-60?
I learned recently you can scan based on the alpha numeric tags. Holding down the scan key, while twisting the select dial will change between 'band, all channel, tag1, and tag2' tag1 and tag2 are based on the first one or 2 characters of the alpha tag. I use it for scanning in the local jurisdiction. FCSH is Frederick County Sheriff, FCFD is the Fire department. I don't have to make that a separate group.
Just ordered a VX-6. Thanks for the instructional video. AD8DU
I just got mine on Friday 3/29/24
I have to say this radio is rock solid for the build quality.
I was not impressed with my ft3d,this vx6r reflects the vertex standard days! 73 from Chandler Arizona
Hi Scott how good is the warranty offeren on this Radio?
Have you ever needed to use it?
Thanks for the great information. I will soon pul the trigger on this radio. I just got my technician license and wish to avoid buying a half dozen radios!
Spend money once and get quality!
Thanks Ron, KK7RXI.
I am brand new to all this and looking for a radio for if things get bad. I have seen good stuff about this radio but I honestly don’t know anything about this type of thing. I don’t have my license yet but i would like to go ahead a purchase a radio before they get hard to find. Would you recommend this radio as a good all around for if things get bad and need comms?
Do you know if they still make the Diamond srh320a or did something replace it? Can’t seem to find one.
I am on the fence!!! It is between the anytone 878 and the yaesu vx-6....???
If you use that diamond antenna, or a signal stick, doesn't that make it not waterproof?
is it superhat? what is better Wouxun KG-UV9D vs Yaesu VX-6R ???
Just getting into radios, where would be the best place to pick one of these up?
I received a yaesu ft 3dr as a gift last year and was all ready to put my vx-6r on ebay. I'M GLAD I DIDN'T. I realize that the 3dr is digital too, but as far as receiving goes, my vx-6r blows it out of the water. With vx-6r, I receive multiple short wave stations (best after dark of course), while the 3dr will not pick them up. Same goes for NOAA stations. The 3dr receives the, but not as well as the vx-6r. It's for that reason I'm going to sell the 3dr and keep my trusty vx-6r and my ft 70dr if I get into digital territory. The battery life on the 3dr is exceptional, and it scans like a rocket. But need the clarity of receiving over all else.
I use this radio only on 144.000 frequencies. For best performance would you recommend SRH77CA antenna or SRH320A?
If you don't use 1.25m, the SRH77CA works just as well, is less expensive and also a good bit more durable.
I've got one and it's fantastic
Hey, what is the difference between vx-6, vx-6r and vx-6r/e?
Hey Scott like your video I got rid of 220 they didn't give you enough power
If they took everything great about the FT-60 and everything great about the VX-6, they'd have the best HT anyone could get, in my opinion. For EDC I still prefer my FT-60, but for EmComms or similar, this takes the edge.
Recently found out this is a quad band radio when MARS modded, adding the 6 meter band. Too cool.
🏆👍
I have a vx-6r and bought a ft 3dr. To be honest, they both have upgraded antennas. I'm actually going to sell the ft3dr for 1 simple reason. Both of these radios have the same broadcast power, but the vx-6r receives so much better. It brings in all frequencies much more crisp, and from further away.
Yeah well they need to come out with 5 Watts for 220 Hertz band
I agree. I have no idea why they went reduced power on 1.25m.
This is very good! So many information, great job KS6DAY!
~9w2gzx~
I can't make up my mind between the vx-6r and the ft 70dr. Any help you could pass along that could differenciate why I'd choose one over the other?
I have a video on the FT-70DR. The FT-70DR doesn't get mentioned here all that often because it's my least favorite Yaesu HT. Unless being able to run Fusion/C4FM is your primary concern, I would recommend the VX-6R over the FT-70DR every time. Because, other than the digital mode capability, it is better than the FT-70DR is every single way.
Get the vx-6r. If you need fusion, then the ft 70dr is great. But I'd highly recommend you invest in the rt software and cable for effortless programming or you'll be pulling your hair out trying to do it any other way.