Vero Telecom (VGC) VR-6600PRO

Click here for a review of the VR-6600PRO:

"Executive Summary

• No serious problems or deal breakers.  All problems were “Beta Testing” grade problems.

• Great Factory Support

• Hardware fit and finish is fine.

• On the air operation is fine

• Manual programing is overly complicated.

• Software programing is overly limited.

One Line Review:

• Great radio if you are technically inclined and want some advanced features, not a great radio for those just starting out in Amateur Radio."

Vero Telecom (VGC) VR-6600PRO: Scan Speed

Thanks to BuyTwoWayRadios for loaning me the Vero Telecom (VGC) VR-6600PRO. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to play with it - work, life, etc. But here is a video demonstrating the scan speed. There are just a few channels programmed in, but you can get a sense of the scan speed.

Vero Telecom VR-6600PRO: Adding a Repeater to Memory

Thanks again to BuyTwoWayRadios for the loan of the Vero Telecom (VGC) VR-6600PRO.



A few notes...

At about 55 seconds, I'll point out the you his the "V/M" button to actually store the frequency in memory. I kept wanting to just push the knob or use the "SEL" button.

Right after storing it, the radio reverts to main screen. I wish it would give a confirmation that the frequency was stored.

That lack of confirmation is why I go back and double-check.

Vero Telecom VR-6600PRO: On the Air

I finally got the VR-6600PRO on the air tonight. (Thanks again to BuyTwoWayRadios for the loan!) I programmed in a few repeaters and checked into the 470 net. No problems reported with my TX. I need to listen some more and play around, but I felt like I had to turn the volume up quite a bit to hear the RX.

I got used to moving around the menus and navigating. You can't turn the knob too fast or you'll end up somewhere you didn't mean to be. On the other hand, as Hans mentioned, you can't be to slow or it will kick you back to the main menu. One other suggestion I would have is for there to be positive feedback (like a "memory saved" message) instead of just taking you back to the main menu.

Vero Telecom VR-6600PRO: Unboxing

Danny of BuyTwoWayRadios.com walks through an unboxing of the Vero Telecom (VGC) VR-6600PRO. It looks like he did the video and then put the radio in the mail to me.

Vero Telecom VR-6600PRO

Hope to be back posting more tomorrow - been a busy couple of days with work, life, etc. Heck, I think we are the only family that didn't leave town on spring break. We're cat sitting and picking up the mail for three of our neighbors.

A bit of good news, a package showed up today - thanks to BuyTwoWayRadios.com for sending me a Vero Telecom (VGC) VR-6600PRO to test!

Vero Telecom VR-6600PRO: APRS Software and Info

Andy's still waiting on his test unit, but he got some information about the APRS software.

Vero Telecom VR-6600PRO

Hans starts his review of the VR-6600PRO. Initial impressions seem to be good with a few speed issues (scanning slow, menus exit quickly, sluggish response to commands).

Vero Telecom: VR-6600PRO Pricing

Grapevine Amateur Radio has the VR-6600PRO listed with a price of $419.99. Jason adds this comment on the Chinese Ham Radio Equipment Google+ site:

"I agree. I think the price-point is too high. I had the radio listed at $389, and VeroTel emailed me and told me I had to change it to $420. Their MSRP is $460. I told them I thought that was too high for a Chinese Amateur Radio, but they swear the quality is very high. However, I can't verify this because they won't send me a model for testing (unless I want to pay $55 to ship 1 radio, plus the price of the radio itself) so I am waiting to see if I gain any interest in my pre-order page. Then if I actually get orders (which isn't looking likely at this point) I can get my hands on a unit and review it."

Vero Telecom: VR-6600PRO Yahoo Group

And there is a new Yahoo Group for the VR-6600PRO.

Vero Telecom: VR-6600PRO and FTM-350 Differences

First, Vero Telecom has a blog. Second, they lay out the differences between the FTM-350 and their VR-6600PRO:

- The size of the microphone and the buttons on the mircophone is different.VGC VR-6600Pro has a bigger size than Yaesu FTM 350.
- The bracket of VR-6600Pro can firmly suck on different rough plane,not just the smooth plane.
- You can easily split up the bracket and the control head of VR-6600Pro without using screwdriver.
- The bracket of VR-6600Pro can turn 360°.
- You can adjust the brightness of the button light of VR-6600Pro.
- The VR-6600Pro has the automatic backlight setting function.
- There is a fan on the main body radio of VR-6600Pro.It can automatic make the mail body be cool when it’s too hot while you use.

When I saw the title, I was expecting a list of technical differences.

A video:

Via Hans

Vero Telecom: VR-6600PRO

Hans is back! And he confirms that the VR-6600P is dead and has been replaced by the VR-6600PRO.

The VR-6600PRO has some "super features":

1. The VR-6600P with the DOUBLE RF MOSFET MODULE, and can provide very smooth power from the V band to U band.
2. 8 colors LCD backlight to choose, you will be safer because you can freely adjust the brightness of the backlight and button light, as well as automatic backlight setting
3.The handsfree function is realized with the mini-microphone built in the panel.
4、Clear Voice.
The stereo speakers built in the panel helps the automatically identify the signal.Thespeaker sounds simultaneously when receive single signal,and it sounds respectively when receive dual signal.
5. With high performance and convenience, the turn 360°new suction cup mounting bracket can firmly suck on different rough plane, and makes it easy to remove without screws.
6.With the dual speaker installed, you can freely choose the microphone connectors whether on the mainframe or panel.
7.The mainframe is solid and break-resistant. Passive cooling adopted, the longevity of mainframe will not be affected by the dust absorbed on it.
8. A data jack is uniquely installed in the mainframe.
9.Three speaker system(two in panel and one in main frame ) allows you to have more options.
10. Multi-functional DTMF microphone is ergonomically designed, which makes you feel well and operate more conveniently. etc.