Another good way to freeband the radio is download the VX-7R commander software and set the radio settings to freeband and program the radio using the software. I use my radio for search & rescue operations and I programmed it to the fire station we work out of and used a duplex frequency in UHF and it works awesome. I'm able to contact medcom now on that little radio and our team has one extra radio. I have a 12 volt power cord that takes the place of the battery and I can rig up a 12 volt rechargeable battery in my backpack for a couple of days of use.
If you're part of the FD, nobody probably cares which actual unit you use for transmission on their freqs, even if it's not type-certified for commercial use. However, I wouldn't be bragging about it in front of strangers.
Hi, i read about VX-7R commander software and I'm interested in freeband my handheld. Could you tell us how did you do it? I downloaded this program but I haven't got programming cable... Which one did you use to freeband the vx-7r transceiver?? Did you use windows 10? Thanks and I hope you can give us tips!!
Thanks very much for mod Video. It works really great. I picked up similar frequency as you described. GMRS works as well as Air Band and the stored Marine Band transmits now. I won't have to carry 3 HTs just the VX-6R.
Yes, I have a couple friends that just bought new ones that I can do. I also plan on doing the VX-8DR as well. They are pretty easy though, but people like to see the new output range. Thanks for watching.
yes, a couple more of my friends just bought them when the went on sale for black friday. It's coming soon. I am traveling this week and was planning on doing it now, but I forgot my de-solder iron. Thanks for bugging me though...Soon, that's a promise:)
Just remember the factory rubber duck antenna does not resonate well outside the "Ham" bands. I recommend swapping antennas when using the MURS, FRS or GMRS freqs (or the Marine/Air bands).
You can easily mod both the VX6R and the 7R to open up it's transmit range. But it will only transmit FM, not AM which is used on aircraft frequencies. So the modification would have little or no benefit for aviation use.
just to let some of you know this mod does let you transmit on air band I have tested this on 120.400mhz am and used another radio to listen. transmits with clear audio. I only testes this for about 3 seconds as I don't want to transmit on these frequanies.
That's interesting, as it's usually receive only. I have a dedicated Yaesu civil airband transceiver. I listen a lot with it but the only button that I would ever use for transmit would be the distress & emergency button which uses 151.500. It would actually only EVER get used in a life or death emergency, which isn't likely to happen. I'm paranoid about being left on a desert island, daft I know. 😁🏜️
Recommend you use a commercial wideband duck\whip antenna, dont use the HAM stock antenna as found these very narrow banded on VHF on OUT OF BAND. On my VX-6 used a sma motorola VHF much better esp the VSWR figures on commercial freq's.
Hi! for me I did the reverse, I did lock again my VX-7, I saw the two jumpers 4 and 5 in your video, my only had jumper in the 4, after the reset it came back to appear yaesu, thank you.
I did the video, but the quality was so bad I couldn't post it. It would have been worthless. Unfortunately, that was the last un-mod 8G I had access to. So now I'm waiting for my dad to get his. I you pull the sticker (under the battery) off and either de-solder or you can pry it with pliers off, then reset it. It's not too hard. Hopefully in a few months I'll try again. Thanks for watching
Hi all, can someone please confirm if this really allows to transmit TX in aeronautical band 118-137MHz? I'm PPL in Europe and might be interested in this model, but would need also the TX working in this band (not just receiving). Thanks.
Thanks so much for the video. This is my first time removing soldering, and I hate to screw it up. I saw the video bit not quite sure which soldering to remove. Could you show a close up picture? Thanks
Hi sigmaluco Question 1: I've got used european B2 version. The radio came with jumpers 4-5 removed (unsoldering marks), and jumper 2 is still in place. With jumpers 4-5 removed, the radio hasn't been reset by previous owner, or was returned to its original state (somehow). Any chance you know what jumper 2 does? Couldn't figure this out. Question 2: After performing reset action, I get freeband only on MAIN. SUB is still limited to 50-54,137-174,420-470. Is that correct?
YES! After your Modification the Original Vertex-Firmware is working in my Radio but now are all Bandwidth NFM and WFM are to small and to wide. If i transmit in NFM(12,5kHz) the other Staion can't read my signal because it have a to weak Signal for a 25kHz Reciver. I change to WFM now the Reciving Station can hear my Signal better but now i can't hear the other Station only half so loud and a lot of noise in the Radio. So how i can fix this problem - i batch my Radio back to the Yaesu Firmware and have only 50-52MHz, 144-146MHz and 430-440MHz here in Europe. Is it possible to expand the Band in RX and TX and configure the Bandwidth? Best Regards Volker
I did exactly as said, and the solder jumper are cleanly broken, tried the reset thing but when i tested mine like you did yours i still get a tx error. is there something im missing here?
Hello, friend, okay? When taking jumpers VX-7r, it receives and transmits in the range of 46-50 Mhz? For I saw in a forum that only light transmission kindled, and that nothing would be transmitted. Could you confirm this information as tou thinking of buying this radio, but I had to make sure it would pass on that track. Thank you!
he only did it just to show u that the mod worked..!!! he's not going to risk transmitting with the antenna on out of band freqs, that's why he just tapped the PTT instead of holding it down n burning out his ht....
I've never done anything with radios, but have always wanted to get into it. My question on this video is this: I've heard it's illegal to modify radios like this (I already know it's illegal to transmit on a lot of those frequencies). If it's illegal to modify these radios, why do the manufacturers make it so simple to do so? Why are those jumpers so easy to get to? Thanks for fielding a noob's question. :)
No problem asking the question. It's not illegal to modify amateur radio equipment. FCC Part 97 explains all of that, so dive into it to actually see the black and white. The question then comes if it's legal to transmit on the frequencies you've opened up your radio to transmit on. That falls under the FCC codes for those particular services. For instance, the VHF business band (~140-170MHz) is covered by Part 90 which says it's illegal to use modified equipment on those frequencies. Most FCC code, however, has explicit statements about allowing users to use what ever means are available to them in the event of life threatening emergencies. So that's why I have it, just in case I'm out there and something goes wrong.
Thanks for the video! One question: do you know why I cannot transmit on PMR446 band, even after the mod? When I try to transmit, the frequency always changes to 441.*
+rpcomms1 You mean the "split tone"... this one I do. But anyway I was able overcome the issue by storing the PMR channels' frequencies like they had independent tx frequencies, thus programming manually the tx/rx just like they were different but imputing the same frequency. A little bit awkward but it worked fine.
+Álvaro Branco What rpcomms1 was referring to was the Automatic Repeater Shift. If it's on, when you push to talk, it will automatically 'downshift' to a normal repeater in put freq. So for 446, it will automatically shift down 5 MHz to 441. Thanks for watching.
+sigmaluco yes correct if it is a usa spec radio will auto shift rpt on 446mhz.If its euro spec radio it may not as not ham freq there is still difference even when export mod done on radio depending on where you bought radio country. I program radio manual via PC on tx and rx thru software its easier and no mistakes with shift and tones. Most LMR\PMR are narrow (2.5khz dev or half dev in yaesu case)PMR 446mhz is not ham in uk\EU.Glad you sorted problem.
Is this possible with a VX5r radio? I'm not great with a soldering iron but I'm sure that I could find someone to do it if I gave them the right instructions.
I had a 6r and it was modified to to the same thing. It got just over 1.5 watts on 6, 5 on 2 and 440 and 1/3 on 222... that 1.5 on 6 with a mag mount antenna mobile was incredible!
WHY? It is illegal to transmit on these frequencies, and you’ve just voided your warranty. Are you willing to take responsibility for hams who screw up the pointless mod?
Great question. No, you don't have to hold those three buttons down every time you turn it on. Just the one time to reset the unit. Thanks for the comment.
Don't key up without an antenna. I AM a ham radio geek and modifying the radio ISN'T the problem. That's not even illegal I don't think. It's transmitting on those other frequencies, that is a no no. But if everything collapses someday, so do the FCC laws. Then it would be nice to have a capable radio. But until then, everyone obey the law.
+Farid Farhan I have heard it can be done,but antenna need changing for airband and not sure on performance as good as a real airband txer,i suggest avoid and use a proper aircraft radio thats approved and built for 118-136mhz spec.If my life depended on it i would not use a modded ham set for airband tx.
Some have, but I have asked to see the "black and white" and then they go away:) There are things you can't do with it opened (communicate on FRS channels, etc...), but there are many catches about "using any means at your disposal in emergencies" within most FCC codes. Thanks for watching and commenting.
+sigmaluco In Canada it is pretty simple when it is a genuine emergency - any frequency can be used and no power limit applies - an SOS or mayday is no joke. All other stations within range have to cease unnecessary transmits and listen unless they are committing assistance to the emergency at hand. Ref: every study guide for various radio services that IC offers licenses for (the HAM one specifically has this as a question on the test though). So yes there is good reason to open up your radio if you are heading into the back country and need redundancy in communication, but now you have to be cognizant of your radio's settings to avoid interference to other licensed services. These devices are made for the novice ham that got their most basic ticket... the more advanced/tech tickets permit home-building of radios. Any home-built HAM radio is essentially an open radio for the bands the builder designed it for.
FCC "rules and regulations" are, in fact, laws, i.e., they have the force of laws under statutes enacted by Congress, including possible criminal fines and incarceration for violators. The fact that Part 97 says "No provision of these rules..." certainly does not extend to "any other rules, regulations or laws", any of which could certainly limit such uses as well, particularly outside of ham bands.
Are you pushing the PTT without an antenna? That's probably not a good idea.
I'm sure he's smart enough to have the radio turned off while doing the mod
Another good way to freeband the radio is download the VX-7R commander software and set the radio settings to freeband and program the radio using the software. I use my radio for search & rescue operations and I programmed it to the fire station we work out of and used a duplex frequency in UHF and it works awesome. I'm able to contact medcom now on that little radio and
our team has one extra radio. I have a 12 volt power cord that takes the place of the battery and I can rig up a 12 volt rechargeable battery in my backpack for a couple of days of use.
So you were able to freeband w/o removing the solder? Just with the software? What tx range do you have now?
If you're part of the FD, nobody probably cares which actual unit you use for transmission on their freqs, even if it's not type-certified for commercial use. However, I wouldn't be bragging about it in front of strangers.
Hi, i read about VX-7R commander software and I'm interested in freeband my handheld. Could you tell us how did you do it? I downloaded this program but I haven't got programming cable... Which one did you use to freeband the vx-7r transceiver?? Did you use windows 10? Thanks and I hope you can give us tips!!
This was extremely helpful. I was able to make the modification to my VX-7R in no time. Thanks very much for posting!
have you lost your mind? DONT key any radio without the antenna~!
Yeah, no crap... dumb is dumb does
You do realize that he has the radio off don't ya pay attention to the damn video
@@leewilliams7443 3:07 for example, radio is surely on, and in TX state. Maybe I'm not paying attention too?
never transmit when your antenna is disconnected with radio ! it can burn or damage output transistor easly.
Look we found a sad ham
Thats not being a "sad ham" its basic radio knowledge, you can easly destroy your equipment transmiting without abn antenna. @ragheadand420roll
Thanks very much for mod Video. It works really great. I picked up similar frequency as you described. GMRS works as well as Air Band and the stored Marine Band transmits now. I won't have to carry 3 HTs just the VX-6R.
Yes, I have a couple friends that just bought new ones that I can do. I also plan on doing the VX-8DR as well. They are pretty easy though, but people like to see the new output range. Thanks for watching.
Just ensure that you have an antenna that resonates at the frequencies that you transmit on!
yes, a couple more of my friends just bought them when the went on sale for black friday. It's coming soon. I am traveling this week and was planning on doing it now, but I forgot my de-solder iron. Thanks for bugging me though...Soon, that's a promise:)
Just remember the factory rubber duck antenna does not resonate well outside the "Ham" bands. I recommend swapping antennas when using the MURS, FRS or GMRS freqs (or the Marine/Air bands).
You can easily mod both the VX6R and the 7R to open up it's transmit range. But it will only transmit FM, not AM which is used on aircraft frequencies. So the modification would have little or no benefit for aviation use.
You wouldn’t happen to have the same info for the VX 6R perhaps? Thanks.
Good to hear. I had a feeling the two had similar "insides".
just to let some of you know this mod does let you transmit on air band I have tested this on 120.400mhz am and used another radio to listen. transmits with clear audio. I only testes this for about 3 seconds as I don't want to transmit on these frequanies.
That's interesting, as it's usually receive only. I have a dedicated Yaesu civil airband transceiver. I listen a lot with it but the only button that I would ever use for transmit would be the distress & emergency button which uses 151.500.
It would actually only EVER get used in a life or death emergency, which isn't likely to happen. I'm paranoid about being left on a desert island, daft I know. 😁🏜️
But what was the distance between the radios while you testing airband
Recommend you use a commercial wideband duck\whip antenna, dont use the HAM stock antenna as found these very narrow banded on VHF on OUT OF BAND.
On my VX-6 used a sma motorola VHF much better esp the VSWR figures on commercial freq's.
Hi! for me I did the reverse, I did lock again my VX-7, I saw the two jumpers 4 and 5 in your video, my only had jumper in the 4, after the reset it came back to appear yaesu, thank you.
looks so cool this model, sadly no longer available, i dont like the sound click of the buttons however,
Was really curious if this is the same process for the vx-6r. Is it the same jumpers that have to be removed?
yes
I did the video, but the quality was so bad I couldn't post it. It would have been worthless. Unfortunately, that was the last un-mod 8G I had access to. So now I'm waiting for my dad to get his. I you pull the sticker (under the battery) off and either de-solder or you can pry it with pliers off, then reset it. It's not too hard. Hopefully in a few months I'll try again. Thanks for watching
Hi all, can someone please confirm if this really allows to transmit TX in aeronautical band 118-137MHz?
I'm PPL in Europe and might be interested in this model, but would need also the TX working in this band (not just receiving).
Thanks.
Good question, I'm not sure. I have a friend that has a 6R, so I'll see if he knows what the frequencies are before and after the mod are.
poor radio. transmitting without antenna
Can you tell me why the sub bands do not mod? Or would it if you special started the radio while on the sub band?
There's a program that overrides it. No breaking anything off. Vx commander software unkocks it.
Maybe I missed it, What buttons did you hold down?
Can a Yaesu VX-5R be expanded to a 40-225 MHz & 300-580 MHz?
Thanks so much for the video. This is my first time removing soldering, and I hate to screw it up. I saw the video bit not quite sure which soldering to remove. Could you show a close up picture? Thanks
just open jumper 4 and 5 they are clearly numbered. don‘t forget to press the buttons 4, band, v/m and (then) power all together.
does anyone know what #5 is? Can you tx on those frequencies too?
TY!
Hi sigmaluco
Question 1:
I've got used european B2 version. The radio came with jumpers 4-5 removed (unsoldering marks), and jumper 2 is still in place.
With jumpers 4-5 removed, the radio hasn't been reset by previous owner, or was returned to its original state (somehow).
Any chance you know what jumper 2 does? Couldn't figure this out.
Question 2:
After performing reset action, I get freeband only on MAIN.
SUB is still limited to 50-54,137-174,420-470. Is that correct?
What de soldering tool did you use ? Also, does the desoldering vacuum up the solder?
YES! After your Modification the Original Vertex-Firmware is working in my Radio but now are all Bandwidth NFM and WFM are to small and to wide. If i transmit in NFM(12,5kHz) the other Staion can't read my signal because it have a to weak Signal for a 25kHz Reciver. I change to WFM now the Reciving Station can hear my Signal better but now i can't hear the other Station only half so loud and a lot of noise in the Radio. So how i can fix this problem - i batch my Radio back to the Yaesu Firmware and have only 50-52MHz, 144-146MHz and 430-440MHz here in Europe. Is it possible to expand the Band in RX and TX and configure the Bandwidth?
Best Regards
Volker
I did exactly as said, and the solder jumper are cleanly broken, tried the reset thing but when i tested mine like you did yours i still get a tx error. is there something im missing here?
Great mod, thanks much for sharing. I'm a private pilot and need Air band. Can this be done on on VX-6R as well?
The VX6 has the airband as standard, usually they can receive only.
Simpler to do it over software, less risk too.
what software did you use?
Nice Video - Thanks. What is brand of that solder iron? 73
you burned the radio transmitting part by turning on the radio to transmission without an antenna!
49.830 - 49.890 and have fun with your neighbors baby monitors
Hello, friend, okay? When taking jumpers VX-7r, it receives and transmits in the range of 46-50 Mhz? For I saw in a forum that only light transmission kindled, and that nothing would be transmitted. Could you confirm this information as tou thinking of buying this radio, but I had to make sure it would pass on that track. Thank you!
Do you have a mod for the Standard Horizion HX 500S? It's a marine radio. Thanks.
he only did it just to show u that the mod worked..!!! he's not going to risk transmitting with the antenna on out of band freqs, that's why he just tapped the PTT instead of holding it down n burning out his ht....
The word is SoLder, not sodder HI
Thanks for the mod!
I've never done anything with radios, but have always wanted to get into it. My question on this video is this: I've heard it's illegal to modify radios like this (I already know it's illegal to transmit on a lot of those frequencies). If it's illegal to modify these radios, why do the manufacturers make it so simple to do so? Why are those jumpers so easy to get to?
Thanks for fielding a noob's question. :)
No problem asking the question. It's not illegal to modify amateur radio equipment. FCC Part 97 explains all of that, so dive into it to actually see the black and white. The question then comes if it's legal to transmit on the frequencies you've opened up your radio to transmit on. That falls under the FCC codes for those particular services. For instance, the VHF business band (~140-170MHz) is covered by Part 90 which says it's illegal to use modified equipment on those frequencies. Most FCC code, however, has explicit statements about allowing users to use what ever means are available to them in the event of life threatening emergencies. So that's why I have it, just in case I'm out there and something goes wrong.
Thanks for the video! One question: do you know why I cannot transmit on PMR446 band, even after the mod?
When I try to transmit, the frequency always changes to 441.*
+Álvaro Branco Have you got the split - on?
+rpcomms1 You mean the "split tone"... this one I do.
But anyway I was able overcome the issue by storing the PMR channels' frequencies like they had independent tx frequencies, thus programming manually the tx/rx just like they were different but imputing the same frequency. A little bit awkward but it worked fine.
+Álvaro Branco What rpcomms1 was referring to was the Automatic Repeater Shift. If it's on, when you push to talk, it will automatically 'downshift' to a normal repeater in put freq. So for 446, it will automatically shift down 5 MHz to 441. Thanks for watching.
+sigmaluco yes correct if it is a usa spec radio will auto shift rpt on 446mhz.If its euro spec radio it may not as not ham freq there is still difference even when export mod done on radio depending on where you bought radio country.
I program radio manual via PC on tx and rx thru software its easier and no mistakes with shift and tones.
Most LMR\PMR are narrow (2.5khz dev or half dev in yaesu case)PMR 446mhz is not ham in uk\EU.Glad you sorted problem.
@@rpcomms1 12.5 kHz spacing on PMR.
who would want to transmit on these channels that are in operation.. lower hz? I just want to monitor.. cant I transmit above 400?hz
Is this possible with a VX5r radio? I'm not great with a soldering iron but I'm sure that I could find someone to do it if I gave them the right instructions.
@@scottw.harriger4527 how do you master reset
Its the same to the vx6?
Im in the US. Will this mod work on the VX6R?
зачем на передачу без антенны включаешь?! ты же сожжёшь рацию! вернее уже сжёг передающий тракт.. теперь она только на приём работать будет..
он похоже еще и заблокировал ее на пониженной мощности. убрав подряд перемъ4ки
I like this radio but I need shortwave coverage..
Would this work for the vx150?
Is this the same mod for the VX-6R ? Thanks for the video.
I had a 6r and it was modified to to the same thing. It got just over 1.5 watts on 6, 5 on 2 and 440 and 1/3 on 222... that 1.5 on 6 with a mag mount antenna mobile was incredible!
WHY? It is illegal to transmit on these frequencies, and you’ve just voided your warranty. Are you willing to take responsibility for hams who screw up the pointless mod?
How many watts do the opened up bandwidth transmit on?
+riingram I've experience the full 5 watts.
can this model programmed to frequencies 30.000-88.000??
o vx6 γινόταν.λογικά ναι!
@@athanasiostachos6707 ευχαριστώ φίλε για την ενημέρωση, κάτι έχω ακούσει γι'αυτό το μοντέλο, και μ το επιβεβαιωσες ✌
Hey, just wondering if you have had a chance to do this yet?
question do u always have to push those button all the time after u do the mod ?
Great question. No, you don't have to hold those three buttons down every time you turn it on. Just the one time to reset the unit. Thanks for the comment.
After this mod can you transmit in the frs/ gmrs bands?
Yes
Air band on AM mode ??
Yes. VX-7R receives AM no problem.
transmitting without an antenna??? NOT SMART AT ALL!
Don't key up without an antenna. I AM a ham radio geek and modifying the radio ISN'T the problem. That's not even illegal I don't think. It's transmitting on those other frequencies, that is a no no. But if everything collapses someday, so do the FCC laws. Then it would be nice to have a capable radio. But until then, everyone obey the law.
Drink a coffee ...nurrah. Naresh nurrrehehe.
can transmit TX at Airband ? 118-120 Mhz ?
+Farid Farhan I have heard it can be done,but antenna need changing for airband and not sure on performance as good as a real airband txer,i suggest avoid and use a proper aircraft radio thats approved and built for 118-136mhz spec.If my life depended on it i would not use a modded ham set for airband tx.
@@scottw.harriger4527 7r will tx on am or FM on air band
How is this any different than a Baofeng running OOB?
"Make sure your authorized to operate on these frequencies." they are outside ham band. Your not authorized.
But if you are using the marine band on a vessel less that 300 tone, you are authorized to operate in the marine VHF is the US.
Surprised some obnoxious ham radio geeks haven't commented on how it's illegal to broadcast on non-ham channels.
Some have, but I have asked to see the "black and white" and then they go away:) There are things you can't do with it opened (communicate on FRS channels, etc...), but there are many catches about "using any means at your disposal in emergencies" within most FCC codes. Thanks for watching and commenting.
+sigmaluco In Canada it is pretty simple when it is a genuine emergency - any frequency can be used and no power limit applies - an SOS or mayday is no joke. All other stations within range have to cease unnecessary transmits and listen unless they are committing assistance to the emergency at hand. Ref: every study guide for various radio services that IC offers licenses for (the HAM one specifically has this as a question on the test though).
So yes there is good reason to open up your radio if you are heading into the back country and need redundancy in communication, but now you have to be cognizant of your radio's settings to avoid interference to other licensed services. These devices are made for the novice ham that got their most basic ticket... the more advanced/tech tickets permit home-building of radios. Any home-built HAM radio is essentially an open radio for the bands the builder designed it for.
FCC "rules and regulations" are, in fact, laws, i.e., they have the force of laws under statutes enacted by Congress, including possible criminal fines and incarceration for violators. The fact that Part 97 says "No provision of these rules..." certainly does not extend to "any other rules, regulations or laws", any of which could certainly limit such uses as well, particularly outside of ham bands.
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