Yaesu VX-8R, GPS, and Battery

[kc0zps]

Does anyone know if the VX-8R keeps the GPS "alive" even when its not in use (when I'm monitoring a repeater, for example). If so, is there a way to disable the GPS without removing it? The reason I ask this is because I monitor a local repeater on my HT while at work. Before installing the FGPS-2, I used to have plenty of battery life when I took the unit home. Now, the battery is dead when I pull into my house.

 

[Codejockey]

Does anyone know if the VX-8R keeps the GPS "alive" even when its not in use (when I'm monitoring a repeater, for example). If so, is there a way to disable the GPS without removing it? The reason I ask this is because I monitor a local repeater on my HT while at work. Before installing the FGPS-2, I used to have plenty of battery life when I took the unit home. Now, the battery is dead when I pull into my house.

I don't think there is anyway to disable it. I have found that it definitely drains the battery more quickly. The only way I know to do it is to remove the GPS unit.

 

[ke7vvt]

Agreed. Don't think the GPS can be turned off. Kinda sucks. You might have to try saving battery via other settings. APRS modem, RX Save, TX Save, etc...

 

[Moleculo]

There is no setting that I've found to turn it off. If it's plugged in, it's active.

 

[kc0zps]

Bummer. It seems like a waste having the GPS run all the time without having a way to disable it; especially when battery life is important. I guess I'll just have to unplug the mic whenever I'm simply monitoring.