It’s always exciting news when OnAllBands learns about a great amateur radio rig made even better. So when Yaesu announced that there was a new and improved speaker microphone available for its VX-6R 2M/220/70cm Heavy-Duty Ultra-Compact FM HT, we couldn’t wait to broadcast the good word.
Yaesu’s compact SSM-17H speaker microphone is fully compatible with the VX-6R, as well as the FT-270. It replaces the MH-57A4B mic and, according to Yaesu, delivers improved audio quality, power, and design at the same price as the discontinued model.
The upgraded speaker mic, sold separately, is just one reason to consider adding the VX-6R to your arsenal of HTs. Here are a few more:
- Wide-band reception, rugged and submersible design, and simple keyboard commands
- Ability to transmit on 222-225 MHz with 1.5W output
- One-touch Direct Memory Recall system that operates just like a car stereo—tune to a frequency and press a numerical key to store the frequency
- 89 shortwave broadcast channels, representing many of the most popular broadcast stations in the world, are pre-loaded and labeled at the factory
- 280 marine channels pre-programmed at the factory, covering all the maritime action in your area
- The U.S. version of the VX-6R includes ten NOAA weather broadcast channels
- The VX-6R can watch for the 1050-Hz “Severe Weather” alert, warning you of dangerous weather conditions
- A host of battery-saving features and scanning functions
- Easy access to the WiRES Internet Linking System via 64 special DTMF memories plus SRG (Sister Radio Group) one-digit access without touching a DTMF key
- CW training feature that can send five character Morse code groups to help you improve your code proficiency
Read more about Yaesu’s VX-6R at DXEngineering.com.
What do Hams think?
5 Stars: I bought one of these about 15 years ago and I’m still using and enjoying it. It is PACKED with features and has literally thousands of memories for you to use. I hook it up to my Diamond Discone when at home, and it gets ALL kinds of SW, emergency, maritime, and more bands. I’ve never had a single problem with it. Battery life is excellent too.
5 Stars: This is the best handheld little demon I have ever owned. I have been a Ham since the early sixties and I have owned many radios, both base stations and handhelds, but this one does the job it was designed for and does it well.
