Also known as: VX-8DR, VX-8
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The Yaesu VX-8DR is the quad-bander nobody ever built again: 5 W on 50, 144 and 430 MHz plus 1.5 W on 222 MHz, a submersible IPX57 body, built-in APRS with a 1200/9600 bps modem, dual independent receivers spanning 0.5–999 MHz — even a barometric sensor.1 Discontinued circa 2015, it survives as a cult classic on the used market at roughly $250–400, and its successor line never restored 6 m or 220.
Key takeaways The unrepeated quad-band classic — beloved by SOTA and backpacking operators. The used-market catches are real: GPS and Bluetooth were add-on modules, both long discontinued and now scarce (the BU-1 Bluetooth was flaky even new); waterproofing gaskets are 10–15 years old, so treat IPX57 as expired; batteries are aging; and sold-comp pricing data is thin — verify before you bid. Out of production: eBay, hamfests and the QRZ swapmeet are where it lives. Transmitting needs an FCC Technician license; listening needs none.
Overview
Between 2008 and roughly 2015 the VX-8DR was Yaesu’s do-everything flagship, and its spec sheet still reads like a dare: four transmit bands (very few HTs ever offered 6 m and 220), two genuinely independent receivers, wideband coverage including AM/FM broadcast and air band, submersible construction, and APRS built in — with position data from the optional FGPS-2 GPS mounted in the speaker-mic or at the antenna base. The APRS-flagship torch passed down the FT1DR → FT2DR → FT3DR line to today’s FT-5DR, which added C4FM and a color screen but dropped two bands along the way.
Used-market viability: this is a buy-with-eyes-open radio. Asking prices run roughly $250–400 depending on condition and accessories — a 2022 forum sale at $375 with extras marks the upper band — but recent sold-comp data is thin, so spot-check eBay sold listings yourself. The known failure points: the FGPS-2 and BU-1 modules are discontinued and scarce (and the BU-1 Bluetooth was flaky when new — pairing quirks, limited headset compatibility); submersion gaskets are past their life — assume the IPX57 rating is expired unless the unit has been resealed; FNB-102LI batteries are aging (clones exist); and the proprietary screw-on antenna/GPS connector limits your options. A unit bundled with the modules and cradle is worth the premium.
Modes & features
- TX: analog FM on 50/144/222/430 MHz — 5 W except 1.5 W on 222.
- APRS 1200/9600 bps modem built in (GPS optional via FGPS-2).
- RX: 0.5–999 MHz with dual independent receivers; AM/FM broadcast and air band.
- IPX57 submersible when new (3 ft / 30 min) — treat as expired on any used example; barometric sensor; 900+ memories.
- No digital voice — analog and APRS only.
Programming
Yaesu’s ADMS-VX8 or RT Systems software over the proprietary CT-131/USB cable is the dependable route. CHIRP support is partial — the VX-8 family appears but has historically had clone-mode quirks and doesn’t cover APRS settings, so verify the current driver state before counting on it.
GopherTrunk alternative
GopherTrunk receives only, so it can’t replace the thing that makes a VX-8DR worth hunting — quad-band transmit. But if what draws you is the receiver half (dual wideband RX, broadcast, air band), a ~$30 RTL-SDR running free GopherTrunk does that job better on every axis except portability: waterfall display, digital decode (DMR, C4FM, D-STAR), and recording/logging of everything it hears. Monitor first with the SDR (best SDR for GopherTrunk), and save the used- market hunt for when you specifically need those four transmit bands.
Who it’s for
- Buy a used VX-8DR if you want 6 m and 220 in one pocket radio and accept the aging-hardware realities — ideally a bundle with the GPS/Bluetooth modules included. Find on eBay →
- Buy the Yaesu FT-5DR new (~$380) for the modern APRS Yaesu — C4FM, color screen, current IPX7 gaskets — minus 6 m and 220.
- Consider the Kenwood TH-F6A (~$200–275 used) if 220 MHz matters but 6 m doesn’t — it’s our overall used-classic pick, being cheaper with fewer scarce-parts risks. Full rankings: best handheld ham radios.
Sources
-
Yaesu VX-8DR at Universal Radio and DX Engineering’s VX-8DR reference page — on quad-band output, APRS modem, dual receive, IPX57 submersion rating, and the optional FGPS-2/BU-1 modules. ↩
Frequently asked questions
Why do people still hunt for the Yaesu VX-8DR?
Because its combination — quad-band transmit including 6 m and 220, submersible body, built-in APRS, dual independent receivers — has never been repeated. Yaesu’s own successor line (FT1DR through today’s FT-5DR) dropped 6 m and 220.
What does a used VX-8DR cost?
Roughly $250–400 on eBay depending on condition and whether the coveted accessories (FGPS-2 GPS, BU-1 Bluetooth module, CD-41 cradle) are included — but recent sold-comp data is thin, so check current eBay sold listings before treating any number as firm.
Does the VX-8DR have GPS and Bluetooth?
Only as add-on modules — the FGPS-2 GPS and BU-1 Bluetooth were optional, both are long discontinued, and both are now scarce and expensive used. The BU-1 was flaky even when new, with pairing quirks and limited headset compatibility.
Is a used VX-8DR still waterproof?
Treat the IPX57 submersible rating as expired. The gaskets on any surviving unit are 10–15 years old; unless it has been resealed, don’t dunk it.
Do I need a license to use a VX-8DR?
Transmitting requires an FCC amateur license (Technician class minimum). Listening — including its 0.5–999 MHz dual receive with broadcast and air band — requires none.