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VX-6r vs VX-8gr

Z

Zoomy

Member
Feb 2, 2012
3
0
11
Hey guys,
Before I start asking, I just want to inform you that I am completely new and looking to get into this great hobby. I have done some research and am a little overwhelmed by all the info that is involved in this. That being said...

I am looking to purchase either a VX-6r or a vx-8gr and mod it to be able to listen and transmit (I will not be transmitting) to my local police, fire, state police, etc...
From my knowledge, all it takes is de-soldering a chip in the back. These are the frequencies that I will need to be open to do this:
NYPD, FDNY & EMS SYSTEMS
and
State Police Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Can either of these radios be programmed to accomplish this and what are the main differences between these two radios? The gentlemen at in my local radio store wants to charge me $450 for the 6r already programmed and said the 8gr can't be done. I don't believe him for some reason. I can get the 6r shipped for $279 and can do it my self (I hope) but for some reason the 8gr grabs my interest for some reason. Not sure why though.

If I am being out of line here or am asking something that does not sit well with this forum, I apologize and will delete.

Thanks,
-Anthony
 

Both radios will recieve the frequencies that you want without having to do the mod. The mod is used to open the radio to be able to transmit out of the ham band. Keep in mind that you must adhear to the rules about ham frequencies and the repercussions of transmitting out of the ham band. I would say there is no need to do the mod yet. Both radios can be modded. Your dealer is wrong. As for which radio to get, you have to figure out what you want to get out of it. The VX-6R is a great little HT at a good price. If you want more bells and whistles liIke APRS then the VX-8GR is great. Figure out what you want, how much of a budget and so on. Also ask yourself is a HT the best for me or should a mobile or base setup be best. Hope that this helps.(y)
 
Thanks for the response.

Well I definitely want a hand held. Correct me if I'm wrong the they say 144-430 MHz for both of them and the freq. that i want are in the 470's. How am I able to listen to this? Wouldn't this be considered out of band?

Also, can either of these radios listen in to other freq. that are narrowband, digital or trunked or these are blocked out?
 
Zoomy said:
Thanks for the response.

Well I definitely want a hand held. Correct me if I'm wrong the they say 144-430 MHz for both of them and the freq. that i want are in the 470's. How am I able to listen to this? Wouldn't this be considered out of band?

Also, can either of these radios listen in to other freq. that are narrowband, digital or trunked or these are blocked out?
Click to expand...

Out of band refers to transmit only. These radios are analog so they can't listen to digital or trunked signals. You can basicly receive 108 MHz - 999.90 MHZ (Cell Blocked) for the VX-8GR and 0.5 MHZ - 999.90 MHZ (cell blocked) for the VX-6R.
 
Both of those HTs will receive the public service UHF bands--neither has trunking, so that may be an issue.

Both can also have memories set up for split-band operation, like for FM Satellites.

The VX-6R includes low power operation on the 222MHz band--a definate asset if you have repeaters close. Here in SoCal we have a number of 222 repeaters, including a couple of linked systems that are really nice. The receiver also runs down to AM and FM broadcast bands (nice to check scores and news without needing an additional radio) and the VHF AM aircraft band.

The VX-8GR has built in GPS and APRS programming, which can be very handy if you use it. The receiver doesn't extend down to the broadcast radio bands, and there is no 222 band transmit, although you can receive it.

Since the VX-6R retails about $100 less, you might want to go that way unless you specifically want APRS functionality. APRS aside, the VX-6R is a better HT in my opinion. Of course mine works great with a Bionics Tiny Track 3+ TNC for APRS--it just isn't built in.

Either way you definately want the programming cable and software. With so many memories it can take a while to program one of these.

Dave_W6DPS
 
Dave_W6DPS said:
Both of those HTs will receive the public service UHF bands--neither has trunking, so that may be an issue.

Both can also have memories set up for split-band operation, like for FM Satellites.

The VX-6R includes low power operation on the 222MHz band--a definate asset if you have repeaters close. Here in SoCal we have a number of 222 repeaters, including a couple of linked systems that are really nice. The receiver also runs down to AM and FM broadcast bands (nice to check scores and news without needing an additional radio) and the VHF AM aircraft band.

The VX-8GR has built in GPS and APRS programming, which can be very handy if you use it. The receiver doesn't extend down to the broadcast radio bands, and there is no 222 band transmit, although you can receive it.

Since the VX-6R retails about $100 less, you might want to go that way unless you specifically want APRS functionality. APRS aside, the VX-6R is a better HT in my opinion. Of course mine works great with a Bionics Tiny Track 3+ TNC for APRS--it just isn't built in.

Either way you definately want the programming cable and software. With so many memories it can take a while to program one of these.

Dave_W6DPS
Click to expand...

Well that pretty much answers my question.
Thanks a lot
 

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