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.
Ultra Compact
Measures a mere 2.4"W x 3.7"H x 0.9"D for comfortable in the palm use.
Heavy Duty...Yet Easy to Operate
The large main dial and the four durable independant key buttons on the side permit easy operation...even when wearing gloves!
Ultra-Rugged
Polycarbonate resin front panel with aluminum die-cast chassis - absolutely tougher than tough.
Submersible
Take your VX-8DR out with you wherever you go. It is waterproof 3Ft (1m) for 30 minutes. The radio is designed to meet commercial grade standards in every aspect, including its battery terminals, external microphone jack etc.
Powerful Li-Ion battery
Enjoy up to 5 hours operation on 144/440MHz, or up to 5.5 hours on 50MHz with the supplied FNB-101LI battery. The optional FNB-102LI high capacity battery will provide up to 8.5 hours operation on 144MHz, 9 hours on 50MHz, and 8 hours on 440MHz.
Large Dot Matrix Display
Measuring about 1.3"W x 0.8"H, the large LCD display provides clear, easy-to-read indication of both Main and Sub-band frequencies, operating mode, and S-meters for both bands. Display can be customized to include pictorial icons or the input voltage. Engaging the Spectrum Scope function, the high-resolution display will indicate relative signal strengths on adjacent channels up to +/-50 channels!
Integrated APRS Operation
APRS ® allows you to communicate your location to other APRS® stations with your location, speed, and heading displayed on your radio! The VX-8DR supports 1200/9600bps APRS ® data communications (B band only).
Access the worldwide standard APRS® system to exchange your positions and messages. The optional FGPS-2 unit is required automatically display your station information.
When you receive signals and information from other APRS stations, the VX-8DR displays their positions, heading directions, messages, distances, icons (43 available), weather information, object etc.
*APRS® is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga WB4APR
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. SmartBeaconing™ from HamHUD Nichetronix is able to modify its own beacon rate in response to the motion of the vehicle that carries. Since the APRS network has limited bandwidth, SmartBeaconing™ transmits an optimal amount of position information with a minimal amount of QRM to other network users - making VX-8DR users some of the most "efficient" on the network.
Read more about this very useful feature at
http://www.hamhud.net/hh2/smartbeacon.html Optional GPS Operation
The optional GPS Antenna Unit FGPS-2, which is based on a 12-channel receiver, provides GPS data. You may display your exact current position (latitude / Longitude), heading direction, moving speed, altitude etc. The optional FGPS-2 can be attached to the radio using the microphone input jack so that you may simultaneously enjoy total Hands-Free Operation using the optional Bluetooth headset, even though your radio is attached to your backpack, belt, etc.
Dual Band AF Dual Monitor
Listen to AM or FM radio stations while monitoring two HAM frequency channels! Two independant Amateur Band Receivers will allow you to listen to your favorite AM or FM broadcast station and monitor two different amateur bands ("Band A" and "Band B") at the same time.
Bluetooth® Capabilities
The Bluetooth® capabilities widely know and utilized among users and enthusiasts of our VX-8R, FTM-10R/SR and FTM-350R radios, are also available with the VX-8DR. The optional Bluetooth® Unit BU-1 makes it possible to operate hands-free with the optional water Bluetooth® headset BH-1A (stereo) or BH-2A (monaural). Also enjoy your favorite FM broadcasts in stereo with the optional Bluetooth stereo headset (BH-1A) and earphone (FEP-1)!
Heads-Up Compass Display on the GPS Screen
Your traveling direction is always toward the top of the display.
DIGI-PATH Route Indication Function
The APRS® Packet data includes Digipeater routing information.
Real Dual Ham Band Operation (V+V/U+U/V+U)
With two independant Amateur band recievers, listen to either the same or different bands simultaneously.
Wide Band Receiver
Covers from 500kHz to 999.990MHz, continuous reception for Short-wave, FM/AM broadcasts, analog TV stations, audio aircraft, public service channels, etc. (Cellular band blocked)
AM and FM Reception
The VX-8DR has a completely independant AM/FM broadcast receiver and an internal bar antenna for better AM broadcast broadcast reception. Listen to FM broadcast in stereo with your stereo headset/earphone!
Built-in Barometric Pressure and Temperature Sensor
The radio can monitor and display the temperature, pressure, altitude or any combination of these.
Additional features
- Memory stations may be displayed with 16 digit Alpha-numeric tags
- CW Training
- Emergency Automatic ID system
- Emergency Strobe/Beep and Busy strobe LED functions
