Setting Up a VX-6 Ham Radio for the Beginner

Materials:
Amateur Radio License (required to legally operate the radio)
Yaesu VX-6 radio
These Instructions

Time: 2-5 minutes

Programming and using a Yaesu VX-6 handheld can be a complex task as the radio is almost entirely menu driven. These instructions will cover three of the main tasks to operate the radio: selecting a frequency, setting the repeater tone, and saving to memory.

Image from page 1 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 1: Selecting a Frequency

Power on the radio by pressing and holding the power button on the center left. The Unit will turn on and display the battery voltage. The battery is fully charged at 8.3 volts and fully discharged at 7.3 volts.


Image from page 12 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 2:

If the main display shows letters as well as numbers, press the V/M button on the lower right side of the keypad to switch manual entry (VFO) mode. See first image

The VX-6 has two main modes of operation: manual entry (VFO) and memory. In VFO mode frequencies can be entered directly and are displayed onscreen whereas memory mode can only scroll among the saved objects with the lower top knob.


Image from page 1 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 3:

Type in the desired frequency on the keypad.

Step 4: Setting the Repeater Tone (Optional)

Some amateur radio repeaters require a special tone to use while others do not. If you are using simplex or a repeater that does not require a tone than you can skip this step.

Step 5: Setting the Repeater Tone

Pres the red F/W then the Mode (SQ TYP) button to enable selection of the CTCSS mode.

Image from page 22 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 6:

Rotate the dial on the top right of the radio until "TONE" appears on the display. This activates the CTCSS encoder for repeaters that require a tone.

Image from page 12 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 7:

Press the black rubber PTT button on the left side of the radio to exit the menu.


Image from page 13 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 8:

Press the red F/W key then the 2 (CODE) button to enter the tone frequency adjustment menu.


Image from page 13 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 9:

Use the dial on the top right corner of the radio to select the desired frequency.

Image from page 12 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 10:

Press the black rubber PTT button on the left side of the radio to exit the menu.


Image from page 13 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 11: Saving the Settings to Memory

Press and hold the F/W button for one second.


Image from page 13 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 12:

The microprocessor automatically selects the next unused memory channel so unless you want to change this proceed to the next step. To change the memory channel that your selection will be stored in rotate the dial on the top right of the radio. Note, this menu only stays open for a brief period.

Step 13:

Press the red F/W key again to store the frequency and repeater information in memory.

Image from page 13 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 14: Done

You have finished programming a single frequency or repeater into the radio. The VX-6 is now back in VFO mode so you can enter frequencies directly or save more by following the instructions again.

Step 15: Notes

If you wish to access your saved channels from VFO mode press the V/M key then rotate the dial on the top right of the radio to scroll through the selections.


Image from page 1 of the Yaesu VX-6R Operating Manual.
Copyright 2007 by Vertex Standard Co.

Step 16:

The official VX-6R operating Manual has a lot more information about how to operate the radio and its more advanced features. An english version of the manual is available for download at. www.yaesu.co.uk/files/VX-6R%20Operating%20Manual.pdf