On Sat, 13 Mar 2004 02:14:45 -0500, "Dustin"
wrote:

Hello, I was thinking of buying a Yaesu VX-5R handheld, but finances are
kinda tight and I was thinking of a VX-150, I pretty much am just going to
be transmitting on the 2 meter band. What do you guys think of the VX-150? I
know the 5R is a better Radio, but would you waste your money with a VX-150
or would you just wait? Thanks.

It is a very nice rig. I have been very happy with mine, using it for
hiking and for PS events. I know a number of people who have one for
similar uses.

Seems to have a clear signal, in and out, and it will put out the full
5 watts even with the alkaline battery pack (not true of every model).

Not that I abuse it, but it does seem quite capable of dealing with
harsh uses.

Two thoughts, though:

As with most HTs, a upgrade aftermarket antenna will do better than
the stock rubber duck. I use a flexible 1/4 wave on an SMA-BNC
adaptor.

With 200 memories, I would question the sanity of anyone who tries to
program them via the keypad. Get the software and cable (I would
recommend the RT Systems over the Yeasu version).

The only improvement I would ask for is if they made a dual band one.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
------------------------------------------------
at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom