Re: VR-5000 Users in NJ/PA

--- In [email protected], "recompiler" <recompiler@...> wrote:
>
> I got a VR-5000 few weeks ago and its a little overwhelming, definitely the most complex receiver I ever owned or used. Any experienced users in North NJ/Eastern PA area willing to help out a new user for an hour or so? I'd buy coffee/donuts at panera bread (panera has outlets and free wifi). Maybe we can get a small gathering going?
>Sorry but I'm not in the US at all!
Yes, a new toy as complex as the VR5000 can be daunting. First, we need to know your level of knowledge about scanners and radio in general - then we can pitch our replies at the right level!

First off - Yaesu are famous for writing manuals that are absolute gobbledygook! They seem to give equal or more importance to things you'll use rarely and hide something really useful in the small print! I have a small credit card booklet that I keep near the radio. After I have found how something works I enter the method on to a card and then put it into the booklet. They seem to omit simple things like a table for entering the Alphanumeric figures into the bank and channel names - I made a card for that. Also cards for Clock setting, Frequency into memory banks, turning off the second VFO etc.

I still have'nt sussed out how the bandscope is programmed or supposed to work!

Don't expect miracles on the HF bands (100kHz to 30MHz or so) even if you have an outside wire antenna - you'll get overloading from nearby broadcast stations. VHF/UHF performance is very good with a good antenna - I use a discone.

Keep trying - you'll get there in the end.