On Wed, 02 Jun 2004 02:20:41 +0000, MullinJJ wrote:


1. Can I switch mode in every frequency? Eg. I'm tuning 463 Mhz and I want to
switch to AM mode rather than the standard FM mode.

Yes, the VR-500 is quite flexible in this regard.

2. What is your impression with speaker volume? I've heard it sounds "tinny."

It is anemic (weak). I like my VR-500 in most respects, *except* for the
speaker audio and limited dynamic range of the front end on shortwave.

3. Finally, I have a choice of purchasing this unit from US or UK. What are
the pros and cons besides cost? Eg. better quality product etc.

The UK version will probably provide you with full frequency coverage.
The USA version omits the cell phone bands and other slivers
of spectrum:

620.9 to 629.3
784.6 to 797.195
807.1 to 819.695
824.0 to 849.0
869.0 to 894.0 MHz


If you live in the USA and your UK version VR-500 needs Yaesu
service, you probably have to ship it back to the UK for repair.

You are welcome to use tk500, the free, open source software
I developed for the VR-500. Check it out at http://parnass.com
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Bob Parnass, AJ9S GNU/Linux User http://parnass.com