Yaesu VX-6R Review
The Yaesu VX-6R is quite an impressive piece of technology when you take a close look at everything it has to offer. It is a very popular model among beginners and experienced ham radio users alike.
Pros
- Rugged design: The tough water-resistant design of this ham radio device makes it very durable and able to stand the test of time.
- Large display: This device has a fairly large and bright LCD display that is always highly visible in any lighting environment.
- Intuitive design: The intuitive design of this ham radio makes it easy for virtually anyone to use.
- Comfortable: You will quickly discover that this radio is comfortable to hold in your hand, even for long periods of time.
- Lots of channels: There are a wide variety of channels to choose from, so you should have no problems getting your needs met.
Cons
- This ham radio’s loudspeaker could be a little more powerful.
- While the illuminated keypad is nice, it is fairly small.
You’ll definitely want to learn more about this device before making a decision on anything in particular.
Measuring 2.3 by 1.1 by 3.5 inches with a weight of 2.88 ounces, this ham radio device is very compact. This makes it easy to take with you on the go without any inconvenience whatsoever.
It is capable of transmitting the 144, 220, and 430 megahertz amateur ham radio bands. It can also receive 0.5 to 999 megahertz.
With a power output of 5 watts on 2 meters and 70 centimeters, and 1.5 watts on 222 megahertz, Yaesu VX-6R has numerous lower power settings to choose from. This makes it a very versatile overall device. (Best power supply options on this page)
When you buy the Yaesu VX-6R, you will also get a tri-band transceiver, rechargeable battery, wall charger, YHA-67 antenna, belt clip, manual and warranty card. The battery lasts a while on a single charge, so you won’t have to keep plugging it in.
It only takes a few minutes to fully assemble and set up this device to your liking. The instruction guide that is included will be sure to help if you run into any issues. This ham radio offers a total of 18 buttons, including standard numeric keys and function keys.
The LCD screen on the front of this ham radio device is very bright and easily visible at any time of the day or night. It is designed in such a way that it’s very easy to hold (for right-handers), so you shouldn’t have any problems there.
The overall layout of the buttons is incredibly intuitive, making this radio a good choice for people of all experience levels.
You will find that the entire keypad is illuminated for easy nighttime use. You will be able to set up the illumination so that it comes on for five seconds when you press any key.
The dial knob on the top of this device makes changing frequency and menu selection simple. Pretty much anyone will be able to get used to this device very quickly.
One of the great things about this ham radio device is that it has a submersible design that allows you to get it wet without any damage. This is something that you’ll definitely be grateful for if you are out on the water.
Features
Shortwave Broadcast Channels
There are a total of 89 different shortwave broadcast channels for you to choose from. You should be able to find some of the more popular stations across the globe.
Maritime Channels
There are 280 unique channels that you will be able to access for listening in to maritime activity nearby.
Automatic Power Off
Yaesu VX-6R has an Automatic Power-Off feature that turns itself off after a programmed period of keystroke inactivity. This will help you with conserving battery life, which is always a good thing.
Password Protection
You will be able to assign a four-digit password to this radio to prevent any unauthorized people from using it. This too will allow you to extend the battery for as long as possible.
Channel Counter
This device’s channel counter function will let you determine the frequency of nearby stations for an added level of convenience.
Customer Reviews
Most people who review this ham radio are very impressed by Yaesu VX-6R’s overall durability and ruggedness. Reviewers also tend to comment on how easy to use this device is. It has one of the best reputations of any ham radio on the market right now.
Beginners who have just passed their licensure exams would appreciate the device’s intuitive design. Don’t have your license yet? You can easily review your knowledge on ham radios online so that you can pass the test with flying colors.
You will find lots of reviews that also mention how this device offers a ton of channels. There aren’t very many people who complain about its actual performance, hence RRD’s positive Yaesu VX-6R review.
You will be hard-pressed to find a ham radio with a more positive overall reputation among customers online. We have a collection of the best handheld ham radio options too, for other alternatives to this ham radio.
Yaesu VX-6R vs. Kenwood TH-F6A
The Yaesu VX-6R and Kenwood TH-F6A do share some things in common, but they are two very different devices in many ways.
The fact is that the Kenwood radio doesn’t have nearly as bright of a display as its Yaesu counterpart. You will also find that it doesn’t offer as many channels, which is a huge drawback.
The TH-F6A is also considerably heavier than the VX-6R. While these products might share some things in common, there is no question that the Yaesu radio is the superior overall choice.
For another ham radio that’s perfect for a beginner, see this article: https://www.ratedradardetector.org/radio/ham/tyt-md-380-review/.
FAQS
Q: Is the Yaesu VX-6R capable of picking up CB channels?
A: Yes. However, it is unable to transmit signals on the same frequency.
Q: Where is the Yaesu VX-6R manufactured?
A: The ham radio is manufactured in Japan. The company Yaesu is based in Tokyo and is named after the neighborhood where it is founded.
Yaesu VX-6R Review Conclusion
When you are looking for a reliable, easy to use and durable ham radio, the Yaesu VX-6R is an incredible choice as a whole.
This device has a nice compact design and is easy to hold onto, provided you are right-handed. It is also highly water-resistant, which you will be sure to appreciate for outdoor use.
There aren’t a lot of other ham radios on the market right now that can match up to this one on multiple levels. It is not the cheapest option available, but it’s also far from being the most expensive.
This is ultimately a great option to consider regardless of your experience level. Check out another great option from Yaesu for beginners in this review.
To learn more details about ham radios, hop on over to this article: https://www.ratedradardetector.org/radio/ham/about/.
William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.
