Yaesu VX8DR for SSB?

[Hermanns]

I am new to SSB and HAM radios - was looking for a handheld solution vs. the $2K+ installation for our boat.

The Yaesu VX-8DR actually looks like it could fit the bill, but wanted to get other feedback.

Note: I searched the forums for 'Yaesu VX8DR', 'Yaesu VX-8DR', and 'Yaesu V X 8 D R' with no success, so apologies if this is a duplicate post.

[westsail42]

That model is not really an SSB (in the traditional sense). That is a VHF/UHF/6Meter radio. Entirely different beast.

If you are looking for HF SSB and HAM, handhelds really do not exist.

You could get a nice used mobile like an ICOM IC-706 on ebay, with tuner for around $600 if you wait long enough.

[tbodine88]

I used a Yaesu VX-8DR for a few years until the battery or charger died. It was pretty handy. I could hear all kinds of things but only talk to people about 100-300 miles away. I think if you want to talk to people far off like on the nets something like a regular ham rig with an antenna on the back stay would be better,

[denverd0n]

Definitely not the radio you want. It cannot transmit on any of the marine or ham HF frequencies. And if you only want it for the receiver, then there are many, much less expensive, options.

My advice would be, first, decide if you want a ham or a certified marine radio. Then, look for a used radio of the type you want. I've seen decent older marine HF radios on ebay in the $400-$500 range.

Search around here for many discussions about the differences between, and pros/cons, of ham radios and certified marine radios.

[Hermanns]

Thanks for the advice everyone gonna keep looking for a decent used rig as recommended!