Vero VR-2200

I got this e-mail from Vero Telecom and others have asked me about the VR-2200, but I don't really know anything about it. Anyone?

"Dear valued customer,Many thanks for your continuous attention!Now, we would like to show you our new products in this year! These products with best value,powerful functions and excellent performance. We have confidence that they will come to be the hottest sellings in current market!

Need offer? Contact us! Need quantity and accessories? We have them in stock!Click here to learn more information about them!"

Baofeng UV-3R: Firmware

I e-mailed Vero Telecom and asked if the end user would be able to update the firmware on the Baofeng UV-3R. Good news - I received a very quick response. Bad news is that it sounds like you are stuck with whatever version was on the radio when you got it.

"Dear Brick,

Have a nice day ! Many thanks for your kindly email.

Unfortunately, now we can not provide the downloadable firmware updates, can not upgradeable by the user. If you want to upgrade the UV-3R radio, you must refund us the radio, and then our engineers will be do.

Any questions please kindly let us know.

Thanks and Best regards
Tina Van
VERO Global Communication Co.,LTD.-- Sales Dept.
3rd floor, No.3 Chongxiang St, Quanzhou, Fujian, P.R.C 362006
T: 86-595-2249 6660 | F: 86-595-8676 1912
W: http://www.verotelecom.com"

I don't think this is the end of the world. It would have been one more selling point if people with older radios could have gotten the new features or fixes.

Baofeng UV-3R: VGC Website and Blog

I'm not sure how I've missed this, but in addition to the Vero Telecom site, there is a VGC site that shows all the radios. It even has a blog page, but no RSS feed unfortunately. Also, you may want to check out the neat on-line product catalog.

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.

TYT TH-9000: Reviews and Notes

This guy (see video) likes his TYT TH-9000. I don't have much interest in 440 or 220, but this doesn't dampen my interest in a 2M version (or the Vero Telecom VR-2200). According to this article, the unit is fairly large - his actual words are "fat piggy size." Lastly, I do know how I missed it, but Ed is selling the 220 version for $224.95. He doesn't say in the description that it is a TH-9000, but one of the comments does.

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).

Baofeng UV-5R: New Baofeng Model

Chris (NH7QH) at Hawaii Radio Sales sent me the following about the new Baofeng UV-5R. (On a side note, Chris is now also selling ham equipment via eBay.)

"Just got this email - looks like it is a TYT TH-F8 - same marks and all mono band, already FCC approved since a TYT."

He also included a couple of pictures - see below. The styling looks more like the UV-3R +. Other obvious features are the charging connectors on the battery pack (so a drop in charger) and the keypad. I am not as familiar with the TYT radios, but it looks like Baofeng is willing to leverage the success of the UV-3R to build its brand by buying radios from multiple companies (Vero Telecom and now TYT). This model also more directly competes with the Wouxun. (I felt like the UV-3R was more of niche radio than a direct replacement for the Wouxun's.) These Chinese radios are keeping it interesting for sure. Maybe Baofeng needs to rebrand a mobile and steal the thunder from the much anticipated KG-UV920R.

Pricing on the TYT TH-F8 is around $50 to $75 on ebay. Here are the specs for the TH-F8.

Single band, dual display, dual standby	■  A/B band independent operation
■  128 groups channels storage	■  FM radio and 25 stations storage
■  Wide/Narrow Band(25kHz/12.5kHz)	■  0~9 grades VOX selectable
■  Chinese/English voice prompt	■  CTCSS/DCS and scanning
■  1750Hz tone	■  PTT & ANI ID
■  Priority transmit selectable	■  0~9 grades squelch level setting
■  LED display mode	■  Keypad beeper setting
■  Transmit over beeper	■  Dual watch/monitor
■  Receive saving function	■  Auto keypad lock
■  Power-on display	■  Battery power voltage
■  Power-on message	■  Repeater offset function
■  Channel name display and setting	■  Reapter shift direction
■  VFO step function	■  Shortcut menu operation mode
■  Emergency Alarm	■  DTMF encoder & decoder(optional)
■  8 groups scrambler(optional)	■  2/5 tone encoder & decoder(optional )
■  Remote skill/stun/activate(optional)	■  High/Low TX power selectable
■  Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)	■  Transmitter time-out timer(TOT)
■  Voice companding	■  Tri-color background light selectable
■  PC programmable	■  Wire clone

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."

Baofeng UV-3R: Vero Global Communications (Manufacturer)

Boafeng (and others like Magiksun) are re-sellers of the UV-3R. They purchase the UV-3R from Vero Global Communications.

Vero Global Communication Co., Ltd. Established in 1995, we have vast experience in OEM and ODM services. We design and manufacture telecom products, encompassing a full range of products such as Dual Band Two Way Radios, Business two way radios, Dual Band Mobile Radios, VHF/UHF Mobile Radios,CB-Radios,Two-Way Radio Throat Mics, Wireless Portable Radio Microphones, Accessories And Batteries. Our operations are centered in China, integrated of R&D, production, QC and shipping. These ensure fully controll production lines and fast delivery. Our target buyers of consumer electronics in Middle East, Southeast Asian, Africa to Central-South America and East Europe. We are renowned for offering products with high quality and competitive price.

Our pursuit is“Quality First,Customer Supreme”?This means we supply first-rate qualiy,lowest price and full after-sales for our potential and long-term standing customers.Considering the mutual benefit, we welcome our domestic and international customers to visit our factory for establishing a stable business relationship and consulting long-term business cooperation!

If you are interested in any of our radios,please do not hesitate to contact us for more detailed information.We are looking forward to receiving your kind enquiry at the early date.

Maybe I should order 1,000 with the Brick O'Lore brand on them - in Submarine Yellow or Git 'R Done Camo Green.

FCC IDs for Chinese Manufacturers

Here is a list in case anyone wants to look up some of our favorite Chinese manufacturers on the FCC site.

In the box labeled "Grantee Code," enter the three characters below.

Anytone: T4K

Baofeng: ZP5
Kirisun: Q5E

KYD: VO6 

Puxing: AUJ 

TYT: X24

Vero Telecom: ZVM
Wouxun: WVT

Leave the second box blank and click the "Search" button.

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."

Baofeng UV-3R: Software Version 1.10 (UV-X4)

Mike, G0CVZ, alerted us to version 1.10 of the Baofeng UV-3R/UV-X4 software.

You can go to the Vero Telecom Download page and look for "Dual Band Pocket Radio UV-X4(Dual Watch) New Version" or you can use this direct link.

This version also uses the .3R file type.



The most notable update is the ability to update the FM Broadcast memories. Click "Program" the "FM Freq."

Lots of Radios

I've posted about a lot of radios...


AnyTone
AT-5888UV / AT-588UV

Baofeng
BF-F9
BF-F8
F-11
UV-3R
UV-5R
UV-B5

Baojie
BJ-UV55

Chierda
CD-UV55

Hong Litong
HL-UV8R

Hora
HR-76D

HYS
TC-UV55

INTEK
HR-2040

Kirisun

KYD
NC-5H
NC-UV90A
UV-5H

MYT
MYT-Q1
MYT-Q2

Nanfone
NF-369

NKT
NKT-R3
NKT-R5

Puxing
PX-888K

Quansheng
TG-K4AT(UV)
TG-Q5 (Lucky Stone)
TG-UV2

Ronson
UV-8R

Shi Ying
SR-31

SMP
SMP698

TYT
TH-9000
TH-9800
TH-F8
TH-UVF1
TH-UV3R
TH-UVF9

Vero Telecom
UV-E5
UV-X5
VR-2200

Waccom
WUV-6R

Wouxun
KG-UVD1P
KG-UV920R / KG-UV920P
KG-UV6D
KG-UV2D

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.

KYD NC-5H, KYD UV-5H: Availibility

Steve (K8SAR) e-mailed KYD about the availability of the UV-5H and was told it would be out at the end of July:

"The UV-5H will be ready at the end of this month. Once the goods is ready, you will be informed.
If you have any requirements for this item then, you could contact with me directly.

Hope to have a nice cooperation with you SOON.

Best regards,

Vicky Huang"

I will give the Chinese manufacturers credit. They are very good at responding to e-mails. I have always gotten a quick response from Vero Telecom - usually withing 12 business hours. That's especially good considering the time difference.

Vero Telecom: VR-6600PRO Yahoo Group

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

Vero Telecom HT Mobile Amplifier - VR-P25

I've put HTs in my car, but never felt the need for an amplifier like the VR-P25.

Frequency Range:	400-470Mhz/136-174MHz/222-225MHz/350-40MHz
Power Input:	2-5 Watts (10%)
Power Output :	20-30Watts
Supply Voltage��	12~15V��DC��
Current Consumption��	4.5~5.5A
Input/Output Impedance :	50 Ohm Nominal
RF Connectors��	RF Input (Radio)-SMA* RF Output(Antenna)-SL-16* *RF connectors can be ordered in any configuration of TNC or N-type per customer's
Size:(HxWxD)	35x115x135(mm)
Weight:	800 g

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.

Baofeng UV-3R: Guest Post/Review at AmateurRadio.com

Matt, over at AmateurRadio.com, asked me to do a guest post at his site. The following UV-3R review first appeared there on September 2, 2011. AmateurRadio.com has been a great resource for me - leading me to the likes of Julian and others - check it out.

Baofeng UV-3R Review

Following the success of the Wouxun radios, we have a new Chinese handheld transceiver that has many hams excited – the Baofeng UV-3R. The UV-3R is a dual band (UHF/VHF) 2W “micro” transceiver manufactured by Vero Global Telecom and sold by Baofeng. While the Baofeng brand is the most popular, the radio is also sold as the Comtex UV-3R, the Magiksu UV-3R, and the Zastone ZT-UV3R. (Baofeng also sells the UV-100 and UV-200 models that share common internals with the UV-3R, but have some cosmetic differences. Also, on ebay.com you can find speaker mics for these models that are unavailable for the UV-3R.) One reason the UV-3R is so popular is its relatively low price – less than $50 via ebay and slightly more from the US suppliers. At this price and small form factor, it makes a great back-up radio to keep in a truck glove box or a laptop bag.

Cosmetically, the UV-3R is very similar to the Yaesu VX-3R.   
The dimensions are the same, but the UV-3R is missing a few buttons on the front panel and the functions of the duplicate buttons are not the same as the VX-3R.  The UV-3R, in the fine tradition of Chinese radios, adds an LED flashlight. The radio also is available in red, yellow, blue, and camouflage in addition to the standard black. When holding both the Yaesu and Baofeng in my hand, it is easy to see and feel the superior quality of the Japanese radio.
A quick review of the technical specifications reveals that this radio is dramatically different from the VX-3R. The UV-3R is a 2M/440 MHz transceiver and FM broadcast receiver. An abbreviated list of its features/functions/specs is below. (A full list can be found here.) The radio is built by levering the power of the RDA1846 by RDA Microelectronics. This single transceiver chip provides most of the radio functionality - essentially making it a SDR.


Functions and Features
- 50 CTCSS, 104 CDCSS
- Time-out Timer (Off/30/60/90/120/150/180 secs)
- Shift Frequency
- VOX (Off/1-9 Levels)
- Call Tone (1750 KHz)
- Squelch Set (1-9 Levels)
- Electronic Volume Adjusting (8 Levels)
- Keypad Lock - Backlight (On/Off/Key)
- Tail Tone Elimination
- Battery Save
- Restore to Factory Default
- PC Programming
- FM Radio Channel Storage


Technical Specification - General
Frequency Range | 136-174/400-470 MHz
Channel Capacity | 99
Channel Spacing | 5/6.25/12.5/25 KHz
Operated Voltage | 3.8V
Standard Battery | 1500 mAh
Battery Life | 10 hours
Dimensions | 1.9" x 3.2" X .9" (Approximate)
Weight | 140g

Technical Specification - Transmitter
RF Power Output | 2W

Early adopters were “treated” to a version that appeared to be rushed to market – the units only had twelve menu options, the s-meter was worthless, and it came in a rather plain box. The subsequent version added six more menu options, improved the signal meter, and now comes in a more polished box.





The menu options are:

Menu #	Name	Description	Options
1	RXCODE	Receive Tone	Off, CTCSS, DCS
2	TXCODE	Transmit Tone	Off, CTCSS, DCS
3	SQL	Squelch	0-9
4	LIGHT	LCD Illumination	Off, On, Key
5	K TONE	Keypad Beep	Off, On
6	VOX	VOX/Handsfree	Off, 1-9
7	POWER	RF Output Power	High, Low
8	DW	Dual Watch/UHF & VHF	Off, On
9	STEP	Freq Size Step	12.5/25KHz
10	OFFSET	Repeater Offset	0-37.995, 0-69.995M
11	SHIFT	Repeater Shift	0,+,-
12	STE	Squelch Tone Elimination	Off, On
13	W/N	Wide/Narrow Receive	Wide/Narrow
14	SAVE	Battery Save	Off, On
15	TOT	Timeout Timer	Off, 30, 60, etc.
16	SCANM	Scan Memory	TO Time based – time out/ CO Carrier (present) based – carrier out
17	RELAYM	Relay Message
18	BCLO	Busy Channel Lock	Off/On (No Tx when receiving)

In addition to the cost and size, hams give the UV-3R favorable reports for both transmitted and received audio. On July 20, 2011, the UV-3R became Type 90 accepted by the FCC. The FCC documents can be found here.

The UV-3R is easy to use in spite of a somewhat confusing manual. ZL2GVA mitigated that short-coming by releasing an easy to use cheat-sheet.  While most folks find it easy to program the memories from the radio itself, the UV-3R can be programmed from a computer using a USB cable and software from Baofeng. In addition to the factory software, the UV-3R is also supported by the CHIRP cross radio programming application. (CHRIP may not program all features for all radios; it is intended to allow hams to transfer memories from one device to another with little effort.)

In addition to the USB programming cable, the radio has several accessories. It comes with the manual, charger, a charger adaptor (if needed), a charging stand, wrist strap, an UHF antenna, a VHF antenna, an ear bud/mic combo, and a belt clip. The shorter antenna (with a red ring) is for UHF. The longer antenna is for VHF. The UV-3R requires an antenna with a SMA-M connector. The antennas perform well, but many folks have wished for a dual band antenna. The Nagoya NA-701 and Nagoya NA-666 both seem to be popular choices. The antenna connector is fairly close to the LED, so some trimming may have to be done to get a good fit.

Car chargers, cases, and the USB programming cable are available as options or sometimes included as a bundle with the radio. The battery is a common NP-60 (FUJI compatible), so picking up an extra one is easy to do. Also, with a slight modification to account for the belt clip mount, the AA battery pack (FBA-37) for the Yaesu VX-3R can be used to run the UV-3R. For me, the car charger and the AA battery pack are the must have accessories for the UV-3R in its role as a backup radio.

The radio is not without some minor problems and quirks. For example, one oddity is that it uses the less common negative tip for the power plug. As for the problems, hams have reported issues with fit and finish – specifically plugs/sockets that result in loose connections. If pushing the plug with all your might doesn’t work, then try backing it out a little. Also, hams have found spurious emissions on harmonic frequencies.  There was a lot of debate about the severity of this issue on the UV-3R Yahoo group – bench vs. real world, letter vs. spirit of the FCC regulations, Type 90 Acceptance impact, etc. Whatever the severity of the emissions, it did not prevent the UV-3R from meeting the requirements of the FCC. Another common complaint was with the loud receive volume. Even at the lowest setting, the radio is quite loud. For that reason, I don’t like using it where it will bother others.

One of the advantages of an inexpensive radio is that you don’t risk much when trying to modify it. Disassembly mostly involves removing screws, but you will have to unsolder the antenna connector. Two mods seem to be the most common as they address some of the issues mentioned above. The first adds a capacitor to reduce spurious emissions on the harmonics.  The second also involves adding a resistor to reduce the loud receive volume issue.  More frivolous mods include turning the LCD blue – but then you can have a blue radio with a blue screen.

For me, this little radio has provided a great learning experience as well as a good value for my money. It may not be the best radio ever, but the price, size, and overall good performance make it a good choice for backup radio or even one for a new ham to get on the air. It also has been interesting to see:

• the debates that sprung up around the severity of the spurious emissions,
• the wisdom (or not) of using a dual band antenna,
• the variety of applications from simple transceiver to APRS and tracking satellites

Credit goes to a lot of the guys on the UV-3R Yahoo group  – I don’t have the knowledge, tools, or time to do a lot of the research/testing/playing that they have done. I highly recommend the Yahoo group – although it has now reached a point where a lot of the same questions are being asked.


Editor's note: I personally follow Brick's blog and find it very worthwhile. While not all content is Amateur Radio related, I encourage you to check it out. -Matt W1MST Brick O'Lore wrote this guest post and blogs regularly about a variety of topics at http://www.brickolore.com. Contact him at brickolore@gmail.com.