Reddit reviews Yaesu VX-8DR Quad-Band Submersible VHF/UHF Amateur Radio Transceiver
We found 6 Reddit comments about Yaesu VX-8DR Quad-Band Submersible VHF/UHF Amateur Radio Transceiver. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Ultra-Rugged Polycarbonate resin front panel with aluminum die-cast chassis. Submersible It is waterproof 3Ft (1m) for 30 minutes. Enjoy up to 5 hours operation on 144/440MHz, or up to 5.5 hours on 50MHz with the supplied FNB-101LI battery. The optional FNB-102LI high capacity battery will provide up to 8.5 hours operation on 144MHz, 9 hours on 50MHz, and 8 hours on 440MHz.1.3"W x 0.8"H, the large LCD display provides clear, easy-to-read indication of both Main and Sub-band frequencies, operating mode, and S-meters for both bands.The optional GPS Antenna Unit FGPS-2. You may display your exact current position (latitude / Longitude), heading direction, moving speed, altitude etc. Hands-Free Operation using the optional Bluetooth headsetCovers from 500kHz to 999.990MHz, continuous reception for Short-wave, FM/AM broadcasts, analog TV stations, audio aircraft, public service channels, etc. (Cellular band blocked)Built-in Barometric Pressure and Temperature Sensor. The radio can monitor and display the temperature, pressure, altitude or any combination of these- Emergency Strobe/Beep and Busy strobe LED functions *** Note: Note: The VX-8DR is a true Quad-Band Radio but Yaesu advertises the unit as a Triple-Band cause you can only transmit 0.5 Watt on 220 MHz. Transmit Power: 50MHz = 1 Watt, 144 MHz = 5 Watts, 220MHz = 0.5 Watt, 440 MHz = 5 Watts ***
It's very important to remember that AA NiMH batteries are not 1.5V batteries. In fact, a fully charged AA NiMH battery will rarely read over 1.2-1.3V. This can render NiMH batteries useless for some types of devices. For instance, a 5V microcontroller will run just fine on 4xAA alkaline batteries (4 1.5 = 6V) with a voltage regulator, but 4xAA NiMH (4 1.2 = 4.8V) provides a lower voltage that may not be sufficient for some devices. Many will do just fine with 4.8V; others will experience sporadic behavior or outright refusal to function. For low-drain devices, alkaline batteries will also last much longer than NiMH batteries.
As far as NiMH goes, I've used both Eneloops and Energizers and have had equally good experiences with both. Of course you run into some a bad one now and then, but they've both been good to me.
I do not rely solely upon NiMH batteries, though. I have a bulk pack of alkaline batteries I keep in a small otterbox in my BoB. I have another larger otterbox containing a Raspberry Pi, touchscreen, a 5V buck converter, a 6600mAh 3.7V Li-Ion battery, and a Li-Ion/LiPo charger that accepts 5V-12V. I also carry a USB-powered AA NiMH battery charger and an Anker 14W fold-up solar panel with USB output. USB is 5V, so between all the battery types, chargers, and converters, I should be pretty well equipped to charge and/or power a wide array of mobile devices. Particularly key to me is the ability to charge from a 12V power source, which means any serviceable vehicle battery is a good power source for me. I carry a submersible Yaesu VX-8DR radio with the rechargeable pack as well as the FBA-39 3xAA battery pack. If I have to be mobile or am stranded, having an operable multi-band radio and the ability to charge or power it or similar mobile devices seems of paramount importance to me.
I've researched a little bit about comms. I am on my way to spending much of 2014 in the wilderness of the west coast of the US, in the mountains for 30 days between resupply. It would be nice to have a chat once in a while, report any garbage dumping / fires / what-have-you, and have the radio as a backup lifeline. In my dream set-up, I'd have this radio and get this license. Funding is the issue on that one, but I can be patient. I started spending time in the wilderness with just a Sony Walkman radio, now I have Android smart phone, two different ways to get photos and video, an awesome e-ink tablet reader, a better pocket radio, and 7 watt solar collector to power it all.
At my blog you can see what I've set up to share what I experience and learn along the way. I'll be posting from afield within 2 weeks. I don't want to blog spam, but I thought I'd post the links above since the SHTFjournal post doesn't talk about how a simple hand radio would work with repeaters and on what frequencies, links to study materials, etc. When I can raise a few hundred more $ I will explain the process on my blog.
I find it easiest to teach by sharing what I'm learning. By approaching this body of knowledge from the aspect of a non-expert who is dedicated to showing the skills as I learn them, I can share what it takes to learn an off-grid, bushcrafting, survivalesque lifestyle today, before the shit hits the fan.
Radio
GPS module
GPS adapter
High capacity battery
Antenna
Paracord
Got any of these yet?
Folding solar:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/
Bigger folding solar (laptops, car batteries):
http://www.amazon.com/ALLPOWERS-Charger-Technology-Portable-Battery/dp/B00G6C5NR6/
Compact folding bolt cutters:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00582WQA2/
FuBarForcible Entry Tool (check other sites for a better description - it's an amazing first-responder tool):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LS4HZC/
Yaesu radios, in different price brackets:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BFAANC/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MAKK7W/
Pocket chain-saw:
http://www.amazon.com/Chainmate-CM-24SSP-24-Inch-Survival-Pocket/dp/B0026OOS60/
USB powered charger, NiCad, NiMH, Li-Ion, multiple cell sizes that also acts as a USB power source(!):
http://www.amazon.com/ThruNite-Charger-1x3400mAh-Multifunction-Portable/dp/B00WFXWUOE/
Setting all that aside, you could ask her for a gift certificate to "Archery Tag," "Axe Throwing," or an escape room with friends. Then you aren't getting more "stuff" you may not need or want but you get to have a great time. :)
Apparently it's available for 360 on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Yaesu-VX-8DR-Multi-Band-Submersible-Transceiver/dp/B004MAKK7W
When you say the volume could be louder, is it something one could hear while driving? Or as in it's hard to hear what's going on when you have even a little background noise?
Here is the mobile version of your link