Outdoor Adventure USA

So Yaesu has upgraded the VX-8R and is coining it the VX-8DR...

Here are the additional features as taken from their website. I asked HRO to upgrade mine to the new model and they just laughed...

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VX-8DR – A Devoted APRS Users Version of the VX-8R Series

The VX-8DR APRS®/GPS/Bluetooth® Handheld Transceiver is an additional version of the VX-8R that includes not only its solid features and specifications but also new expanded APRS® capabilities to meet the needs of even the most active APRS® user. The VX-8DR has the same appearance as the VX-8R and uses the very same accessories.

Key Additonal APRS® Features of the VX-8DR compared to our VX-8R include:
• Smart Beaconing ™ Function: When using APRS® for position tracking, the beacon timing is automatically adjusted to your traveling speed and location to plot a smoother trace to match your position and movement on a map.
• The number of Station List memories has increased from 40 to 50.
• The number of APRS Message memories has increased from 20 to 30.
• DIGI-PATH route indication function: The APRS® Packet data includes Digipeater routing info.
• Heads up compass display to the GPS Screen: Your traveling direction is always toward the top of the display. • The Message received LED flashing rate is selectable.
• The number of DIGI-PATH route settings is increased from 1 to 7.

Taken from...
http://yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=Displa ... Archived=0

Hmm... so not simply a firmware update from the VX-8R then?

In the HT market, this radio has put Yaesu at the front of the pack. It would be nice to see them build the gps into the radio instead of the clunky top mounted thing. Maybe that's for next year.

Chazz Layne wrote:Hmm... so not simply a firmware update from the VX-8R then?

Not at this time. Maybe down the road.

I read on the VX8R groups that you can have your radio upgraded for 65 dollars via Yaesu + 3 weeks or longer turnaround time.

DaveK wrote:In the HT market, this radio has put Yaesu at the front of the pack. It would be nice to see them build the gps into the radio instead of the clunky top mounted thing. Maybe that's for next year.

The same GPS module can be used with the new FTM-350 for APRS. It requires a connecting cable. The other option is a GPS module that plugs into the rear of the FTM-350 head unit. Which is better depends on the location of the head unit for reception...

OLLIE wrote:

Chazz Layne wrote:Hmm... so not simply a firmware update from the VX-8R then?

Not at this time. Maybe down the road.

The change from VX-8R to VX-8DR is more than firmware - it requires a change to the board, I've been told, so they can't offer it a a download option. I was told $75 to upgrade the radio at Yaesu, but I prefer Fetus' $65 quote