Due to be launched in the UK during the autumn, Yaesu's new VX-8R is the first handheld transceiver to feature bluetooth hands free operation.
Like the VX-7R it replaces, the VX-8R retains the triple band set up on 6m, 2m and 70cm, will deliver a full 5w power from the included battery pack and continues to meet the IPX57 submersible specifications so it can stay submerged in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes and still be operational. However, the new model moves the goal posts considerably in terms of features and functionality - this is the ultimate handheld.
In addition to the BU-1 and BH-1/BH-2 bluetooth accessories there will also be an optional GPS unit and antenna with loads of features. For data buffs, the transceiver will support 1200/9600 bps APRS data communication and, the previously optional, barometric sensor is now included. The general broadcast receiver has been attended to too - the receive coverage is wider than it's predecessor and there is now an independent AM/FM broadcast receiver circuit.
Further specifications include a powerful 7.4 V 1100 mAh Lithium Ion battery with the availability of an optional 3 x AA battery cell case. The unit is thinner than VX-7R, measuring just 2.36 x 3.74 x 0.92 inches. It supports simultaneous independent 2-signal dual receive function with both V + V or U + U and you can even operate Amateur radio while receiving FM broadcasts! The dot matrix LCD display provides Memory tag up to a maximum of 16 characters and you get a high-resolution Spectrum Analyzer with +/- 60 channels indication with wave monitoring of received/modulated signal! DCS and CTCSS encode and decode are also included.
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