Yaesu VR-5000
Ray Erdinc
I am thinking of buying a Yaesu VR-5000. Has any body got one and/or
comments on it?
Ray
Bruce Tyler
wrote:
I have only 2 words to say => Do It.......
Once you get it,,, be sure to come back into here and correspond with the
few VR-5000 owners as the manual is very weak and in here, we pass around
info as we source it........
In all fairness,, I think I would be bound to say that there "may" be
better scanners out there BUT you don't have to pay the huge prices for
them if you buy a VR-5000 and from what I read,,, the VR-5000 may be equal
to or even slightly ahead as an overall receiver, than many of the more
expensive sets.
Again,,, being honest, it has a few shortcomings but then again, what
scanner/receiver doesn't? I bet you can't name the "ultimate
scanner/receiver", as this beast does not exist... Instead, there are many
of them all shooting it out for the "top dog" position, all in their own
separate ways and while they are all so different, there just can't be a
true king of kings. Some people like their scanner because it can scan at
super speeds like 200+ channels/sec. Others like their scanner because it
has all the adjustments/filters that any scanner will ever need. Others,
yet, love their scanner because it can do almost anything that a desktop
scanner can do,, but is a handheld job and so very portable.
I believe that the Yaesu VR-5000 cannot, as yet, be truly classified
compared to others because nobody (except Yaesu) really knows just what it
is capable of. We, in here, are finding out more and more things on this
radio, that the manual has missed out on. As a matter of fact, I would put
the very weak manual, as the number 1 annoyance. It's very incomplete. But
don't fret, as I hear that Yaesu are re-writing a new manual with much more
info in it... I cannot wait to get mine.
I was reading a small review form someone, who suggested that the radio was
not that hard to set up without a manual, as he didn't have one. I beg to
differ. For me, it was a nightmare. Although I have been using scanners for
about 20 years, I was lost when it came to the VR-5000. Reading the manual
will be a "Must" for the average user. I guess some guys are born to be
button pushers as they have a quick mind when it comes to radios etc... Not
me, well at least, not with the VR-5000.
Of course, there are the usual buttons that can be easily used like "step
size",, "mode" etc,, which are pretty self explanatory but this radio is
heavily menu controlled and that's where the breakdown between man and
machine starts with this one. Many of the buttons have multiple functions
and even more when combined with others AND the menu.
Go and buy one and I guarantee you will get to like it. Once you program a
few frequencies into memory and start to play with the thing, you will see
what I mean. It is a very powerful little set.
It is THE best/meanest looking SOB receiver I have ever seen too.. Whoever
designed this baby for looks, did a good job. It is decked out in black
with white writing on the buttons and a large blue LCD screen. When you
walk into the room, it growls at you to turn it on.......
Although, at first, I was a little aprehensive of owning this set, it has
more than revitalized my interest in scanner/receivers...
The VR-5000's true potential has yet to be realized by the scanning
public..... That's a fact....
I.J Jordan
Hello Bruce
As someone looking long and hard at the VR-5000 I would appreciate your
thoughts on a couple of things
> Again,,, being honest, it has a few shortcomings
Could you elaborate a bit on this,the factor that drew my attention to this
particular unit was that it covers the 2GHz+ frequencies and as someone who
is interested in exploring the space transmitions in this range,I am
wondering if this range is just a "selling point" or does it still perform
well at this range?
Also what sort of antenna are you using with it? I rather suspect that at
2+GHz I may well need to consider a dish, but maybe not I don't know hence
my question.
Thanks
Ian & Linda Jordan
Bob Sayers
from Bruce Tyler <t...@bottom.au> contains these words:
> I was reading a small review form someone, who suggested that the radio was
> not that hard to set up without a manual, as he didn't have one. I beg to
> differ. For me, it was a nightmare. Although I have been using scanners for
> about 20 years, I was lost when it came to the VR-5000. Reading the manual
> will be a "Must" for the average user.
Hi, Bruce,
I've had my '5000 for four days, and couldn't agree more about the above. Like
yourself, 20-odd years experience with scanners and even more with
professional radio equipment, but I don't think that I could have worked out
the "store a frequency to a memory channel" sequence without the manual,
and I've got three other current Yaesu radios.
> Of course, there are the usual buttons that can be easily used like "step
> size",, "mode" etc,, which are pretty self explanatory but this radio is
> heavily menu controlled and that's where the breakdown between man and
> machine starts with this one. Many of the buttons have multiple functions
> and even more when combined with others AND the menu.
You may have touched on the cause of some of the "problems" there. As
you say, it's very powerful, and perhaps sometimes a little too "controlled".
Perhaps it wants separate "beginner" and "expert" modes, a little like some
AOR models?
> Go and buy one and I guarantee you will get to like it. Once you program a
> few frequencies into memory and start to play with the thing, you will see
> what I mean. It is a very powerful little set.
> It is THE best/meanest looking SOB receiver I have ever seen too.. Whoever
> designed this baby for looks, did a good job. It is decked out in black
> with white writing on the buttons and a large blue LCD screen. When you
> walk into the room, it growls at you to turn it on.......
That's right! It looks pretty good in the photos (especially Yaesu's own
brochure) but it's still a surprise when you first take it out of the box!
For anyone else interested, I can recommend the "strongsignals" review
of this model. Bear in mind that the review was of an early-production model,
and some features (aka "faults") have been fixed in current-production
units. All in all, though, it's avery comprehensive review and mirrors my own
experience completely. There's also a Yahoo group for the model.
Bob
Bruce Tyler
wrote:
Hi there I & J Jordan.... I will try...
The 2 "very" questions that you have asked of me are infact the 2 areas of
answering for most people who wish to use the higher frequencies you
mention...
I have had almost NO experience in the upper regions of the VR-5000's (or
any other receivers') frequency range... There are a few reasons why I can
only give "opinions" in this area...
In order to use or listen to 2+ gHz, you have to have a receiver which is
capable of actually receiving it along with an antenna system which is
designed specifically for it and a cable (be it coaxial or what have you)
suited to these frequencies. Many of the more available transmission lines
are not suitable for work at such high frequencies. Their loss is way too
high and to get ahold of line which is suited to 2+ gHz, may end up costing
you $/inch as opposed to $/yard. The stuff is usually very well made and
even looks the part. Such things as joins/connections, exposed cable and
line length are a major factor to whether or not you get what you are
chasing. I have only really had the pleasure of seeing such setups for data
transmissions etc in the business world and it is a bit too advanced for me
both in cost and accuracy. Of course, I speak in terms of a professional
setup but I think it is well within many hobbiests/enthusiasts grasp to
listen in too, only on a slightly less par.
I know of only a few hams who have delved into these frequencies and higher
and they can almost be considered professional enthusiasts, such is the
"quality" of their work BUT they have lots of money and time and only buy
the best of equipment..... They would not ever use a scanner for their
work, instead opting for purpose built radio equipment. Most of the
antennna's are home built and boy, they are well made... They use multiple
yagis, all stacked together for maximum gain and as well as dishes and
helicals.
I am only an HF, VHF and low to mid UHF fan and my setup is basic to say
the least. I use a simple Diamond Discone antenna for VHF/UHF and have a
few other antennas for HF and other ham work.
I have never really trusted gain figures quoted by manufacturers especially
when the frequencies are above 1 gHz. You see, in my opinion, most (not
all) scanner owners are not really interested in frequencies above 1 gHz
and these gain figures can be a bit misleading, simply because they only
give half the picture. The other half is, as I said, the antenna setup
needed to cope with this frequency band.
One other thing too..... The VR-5000 uses an SO-239 socket for its antenna
input. These, by nature of their design, are considered not that good for
UHF work. I wont go into it in detail but the SO-239 has too much of an
impedance "bump" which can change an antenna/transmission lines'
characteristics, above VHF. You could have a perfect antenna setup only to
have a huge chunk of it lost at the plug. Once again, the components
"quality factor" rears its head. I think that if Yaesu or any other scanner
manufacturer was serious about 1+ gHz receive, then it would at least have
"N" type connector antenna input, maybe even alongside the usual SO-239
input. Most scanners don't....
No doubt, there are other listeners who tune in to the 2+ gHz and they may
even use a scanner but I am not really in a postition to guide you on this
one. Instead, I try to use my limited knowledge on scanners and antennas on
the "known" side of scanning and listening. Sometimes, I am not in the
perfect position to even answer my own questions but given a few basic
rules, it is not that hard to draw a conclusion.
I probably haven't been that much help to you but I hope you can get some
information from this. Amateur radio equipment (what little is available)
designed for 1+ gHz operation starts to get a bit costly simply because
their design and build has to be a lot finer. Even though scanners nowadays
are so much better than earlier stuff, you have to remember one major
factor => They are a compromise of many receivers built into one and a lot
of what you get (or what you pay for) is 'bells and whistles' instead of
extra fine tuning/filtering.
I have had my VR-5000 for about 2 months now. At first I was wondering just
what I got myself into as it is a very complex type of receiver but now, I
am really growing to like it and looking forward to getting ahold of a new
user manual that Yaesu are printing right now, as this set looks a lot more
powerful than the present manual suggests. Yaesu have obviously had lots of
feedback over their very basic manual...
The VR-5000 though, has MANY great selling points for a receiver of this
quality => low cost => great usable frequnecy coverage => good receiving
capabilities => Its aggressive looks (THE best) => dual receive =>
bandscoping (you gotta love this).
It does have one or two drawbacks => complex menu => too basic-a-manual
(Yaesu are addressing this right now) => not the highest scan rate compared
to others...
There may be more on each side of the agument but I have yet to delve
further....
The VR-5000 may well be too new-a-radio to be arguably appreciated yet
whereas say, AOR have been around for a while and have always had a solid
background to fall back on. I haven't owned any new AOR's lately so I can't
give any facts/opinions on them. History is on their side though. Yeasu
haven't had "that" many "scanners" but have had countless successful
transceivers, ham and commercial and they have a very steep reputation of
rugged design and reliabilty and I would almost rate them as second to none
in the amateur radio world - They "are" good.... I have owned many Yeasu
products, still do...
As to whether you should choose a Yaesu, an AOR or any other
scanner/receiver for 2+ gHz operation => think hard on whether you should
base your choice on that "one" area.. You may be disappointed no matter
what you buy... Then again you may not..... Try to think of 2+ gHz as an
extra bonus
Good Luck Ian and Linda.
Bruce Tyler
wrote:
Hi Bob - Glad you agree with me on a few of the points. I sometimes feel
that my scibblings may drive a few potential buyers away but they do have a
right to know and I always express my advice as my "opinions".
Anyway I too am human and now that I have payed my bucks for this receiver,
I am forced to like it, mainly by my pride - Hahahaha.....
It is probably not the most "user friendly" set around but it grows on you
like a noxious weed (you know - the stuff that always grows right next to
railway lines) doesn't it?
I am past that initial "afraid to push the buttons" period. I go through
this period with every new radio I buy and now I am beginning to use more
and more available options and loving it. I am rapidly finding that there
are a lot of them to be used and that Yaesu have covered a few bases with
this set and its options. Well done Yaesu.
The menu, however, is still an area that maintains my respect.... I make
sure I have garlic hanging around my neck and a crucifix in my hand before
I attempt to venture into here alone and in the dark.. I suspect I will
eventually overcome this fear too.. Hahahahaha.
Bob..... keep in touch as I think a few of us in this newsgroup can be of
great value to each other......
Cheers,,,,,
Ray Erdinc
May I thank all you responded to my email. I have since read (and printed)
the Strongsignals review, with some reserve, but it was an earlier model, I
hope!
I have since ordered one and await delivery.
I hope o contribute to the group and VR-5000 users and as Bruce and Bob say
we can learn from each other.
I will post my initial opinions as and when I get it (hopefully by the
weekend).
Kind regards
Ray
PS I am also thinking of the VR-500 for portable use (I have an AOR AR8000),
any comments?
"Ray Erdinc" <nj...@dial.pipex.com> wrote in message
news:3ada2a72$0$12244$cc9e...@news.dial.pipex.com...
Ray Erdinc
Just to say I am in Leeds, UK. Don't know if other guys are UK based or
other?
Ray - (G7POQ - was may have expired)
"Ray Erdinc" <nj...@dial.pipex.com> wrote in message
news:3ada2a72$0$12244$cc9e...@news.dial.pipex.com...
Will Moverley
"Ray Erdinc" <nj...@dial.pipex.com> wrote in message
news:3adc5fd4$0$12246$cc9e...@news.dial.pipex.com...
Ray Erdinc
I am from Sheffield originally, all my family in Sheffield.
Ray
"Will Moverley" <ad...@digital-sync.net> wrote in message
news:9g1D6.231$CI5....@news2.cableinet.net...
Ray Erdinc
IT ARRIVED THIS MORNING. got jobs to do today but tonight will be playing.
Got Watson Scan King need to put it up outside. Any tips for mounting it, I
am just going to get a 201 pole or so and bolt to side of house, is this a
good idea?
Regards
Ray
"Ray Erdinc" <nj...@dial.pipex.com> wrote in message
news:3ada2a72$0$12244$cc9e...@news.dial.pipex.com...
Bruce Tyler
Two answers/cooments....
1) Patience
2). The higher, the better
Have patience with you new scanner. It may not be like other scanners you
may have owned previously. It will require that you first read the manual
THEN start to "fiddle". This is a good sequence to follow. Don't jump in
and fiddle first or it may confuse you. Of course, by the time you read
this, it will have already happened.
As for the Scan King (I take it that this is an antenna) - put it up as
high as possible yet not so high that it may need bracing or a mile of coax
to reach it. The more coax,, the more loss. Yet, the lower it is,, the more
you miss out on, to an extent => Get what I mean?? You'll have to make the
best compromise. Rooftop is usually a good place to start.
Keep in contact now, OK...
On Wed, 18 Apr 2001 14:14:20 +0100, "Ray Erdinc" <nj...@dial.pipex.com>
wrote:
>Guys
Ray Erdinc
Stuck a piee of wire in the back, adapted psu (not UK model Yaesu to sedn UK
when in stock?), and fired up. BL***Y brill!
As it happens I am one of the sad few (perhaps) that like to read the manual
and not play with my new toys straight away.
Well, I've fiddly with audio wave meter, signal meter and I like it scanning
and displaying the band scope at the same time, nice moving diplay.
Dual receive is good not had that before, pre set is good as is short wave
pre-prog.
Well it's shut eye now will be in touch.
Ray
"Bruce Tyler" <t...@bottom.au> wrote in message
news:ovvrdtc94vli9ubh2...@4ax.com...
Salereo
Mike
With regard to "scanning" frequencies above 2GHz, it might be worth
considering frequency converters. For example, receive converters for 2.4GHz
range down to the 2M, the major advantage is that the converter can be
mounted at the antenna/dish so received signals aren't lost in the feeder.
The following URL's show what can be achieved,
http://www.din.or.jp/~m-arai/sband/convmode.htm
http://www.gbonline.com/~multiplx/wireless/2.4rxconv-pics.html
http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/phase.htm
UK sites,
http://www.g3wdg.free-online.co.uk/index.htm
I use a G1MFG boards for transmitting & receiving ATV on 2.4GHz. I have them
mounted in a weather proof box and the coax length is less than 250mm from
the antenna into the boards. In this case it isn't a converter so I use
multi core alarm cable for tuning and screened cable for the video and sound
feed into the shack.
Have a look at www.g1mfg.com for further details, the engineering receiver
can be useful to receive outside broadcast besides other things.
Ray Erdinc
"Salereo" <sal...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20010420131838...@ng-fk1.aol.com...
> ITS TO Expensive!!!!
Chuck Cheese
i.jo...@btinternet.com says...
I haven't touched the 2+ Ghz range yet, But i have had great success in
the 1.5+ Ghz range by aiming my 3 meter dish at inmarsat.
I overall am very impressed with the receiving characteristics of the
VR-5000.
I have changed the SO-239 style adapter on my VR-5000 to an "N" type
connector.
My gripes of the receiver so far:
The hidden antenna switch is just about as dumb an idea i think
possible.
I do suffer some strong FM broadcast intereference in some of the
aircraft bands. I have effectivly cleaned up most of this with
the use of the notch filter on the DSP unit ( Yaesu option) and some
tinkering of the RF-Tune.
Yup.... the manual sucks...
I still have a long way to go understanding the radio. It appears that
most of the menu options aren't mentioned in the manual. I still don't
know what the "LO shift" option is in the menu. anyone ?
But yes I really like the radio and will like it even more when i get to
know it better. Being able to tune signals effectivly from the MW bands
straight through inmarsat has me very pleased.