VR-5000

Name: Yaesu VR-5000 receiver
Brand: Yaesu
SKU: VR-5000
Price: 445.00 USD
Availability: OnlineOnly

Specifications

Prices

Wide-band desktop / mobile scanner, frequency range 0.1-2600 MHz all-mode. It combines the functionality of a basic HF receiver with those of a traditional VHF-UHF scanner, features a band scope function and dual-watch operation. Ideated in Japan, year of introduction 2000.

Reference market : amateur-radio

VR-5000 specifications

General

Frequency coverage
0.1000 ~ 2600.0000 MHz
Mode
CW / LSB / USB / AM / FM / WFM
Tuning step
20 / 100 / 500 Hz / 1 / 5 / 6.25 / 9 / 10 / 12.5 / 20 / 25 / 50 / 100 / 500 KHz

Receiver

Sensitivity
SSB / CW	4.8 uV (0.2~0.5 MHz, 10dB S/N) 1.0 uV (0.5~1.8 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.6 uV (1.8~4 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.3 uV (4~2000 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.5 uV (2000~2600 MHz, 10dB S/N)
AM	10.8 uV (0.2~0.5 MHz, 10dB S/N) 4.0 uV (0.5~1.8 MHz, 10dB S/N) 2.5 uV (1.8~4 MHz, 10dB S/N) 1.1 uV (4~30 MHz, 10dB S/N)
FM	0.35 uV (28~30 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.45 uV (30~2000 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.8 uV (2000~2600 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
WFM	1.5 uV (30~2000 MHz, 12dB SINAD)

Features

Memory
2000 regular memories 50 for programmed scan limits 5 priority channels
Display
100 Hz frequency resolution 5-segments signal meter bar
Antenna
SO239 50Ω Terminal jack 500Ω (0.1~1.8 MHz)
Power supply
13.5 VDC external VAC power adapter
Power consumption
700 mA typ
Audio power
1 W

Mechanical and environmental data

Dimensions
180 (W) x 70 (H) x 203 (D) mm
Weight
1.9Kg

VR-5000 description :

The Yaesu VR-5000 is a relatively compact desktop receiver and therefore also suitable for mobile / vehicle use. Essentially, the radio is aimed at listeners who wish to cover over a wide range of frequencies but which do not require articulated control functions on the signal. The front panel over the tuning control has in fact adjustments via knobs only for volume, tone and squelch. The remainder of the interface rests on a set of buttons not too dissimilar to those commonly found in a portable scanner. It operates in dualwatch, that is, integrates two independent receivers that can be made active at the same time.

VR-5000 other features :

Panoramic real-time spectrum analyzer, selection of different bandwidths on IF filter for AM mode, DNR / notch / digital audio filter (with optional DSP-1 unit), noise-blank, VCS function to unlock scanning in the presence of an unmodulated RF carrier, input attenuator, RF-tune function for input filters, squelch, digital audio recorder (with optional DVS-4 unit). Multiple search options: between band limits, within the memories, on a priority channel, with auto-storing. Wide range of general memories, 5 priority channels, customizable locations with alphanumeric characters. Clock with local time representation or UTC. Large multi-function display. CAT connection for the memory contents cloning and PC control.

VR-5000 performance and practical notes :

It is stressed that the apparatus has undergone changes over time in both the electronics and the firmware, the initial versions have indeed highlighted drawbacks and then requiring improvements. This justifies, but only partially, the discordant opinions that accompanying the VR-5000 being some negative tips related more to a single version than to the definitive production of the receiver. On the other hand there are also two concrete reasons that make it difficult to express a judgment on the behavior of this model. A first point is identified in the union between susceptibility to intermodulations and spurious responses, in other words the RF dynamics and the effectiveness of the filters in the front-end. These factors are very variable depending on the frequency and therefore lead to different qualification of the apparatus that in fact has a non-homogeneous yield between HF, VHF and UHF. A second aspect emphasizes a lack of the producer who does not univocally declare the selectivity values for the various modes. Overall, the price / performance ratio is not excellent and while the wide frequency range satisfies the operators looking for a multimode scanner, those who practice a demanding radio-listening find limits of use.

VR-5000 price

We have collected for your convenience the Yaesu VR5000 sale price (US Dollar) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price	Date	Condition
USD 445.00	2020-jan	Second Hand Perfect condition. Looks like it just came out of the box
USD 583.00 (449GBP)	2020-jan	Second Hand Good condition. Boxed, with manual and AC Power Supply

VR-5000 review

Sensitivity
Selectivity
Dynamic range
Spurious response
Audio
Signal functions
Control functions
User friendly
Stars: 1=insufficient \| 2=just sufficient \| 3=mediocre \| 4=good \| 5=excellent

Angelo Pacorig, IV3-SWL547

January-4 2024

I've had it for several years and I'm very happy with it. I use it at home with 2 antennas at 25 meters high: 1 vertical ASAY KD6 loaded for the Amateur Radio and Broadcasting bands, 2 DIAMOND A5A for VHF/UHF and Aeronautical / Maritime bands.

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Tanis

August-12 2021

I have the YAESU VR-5000 for several years, bought in the second-hand market. In the first period the use did not satisfy me completely. On frequencies below 30 MHz it seemed difficult to judge. Compared to my other receiver (IC-R71) sometimes it doesn't look bad at all. Other times, especially when listening to AM stations disturbed by a nearby signal, it fails to express itself at its best. On the VHF and UHF, on the other hand, you must first learn how to manage the different commands. Only in this way does listening become relaxing even though it often moves in frequency.

At first glance the operating settings, to perform frequency scans or to use memories for example, may seem like a difficult game. With practice, however, you can get a lot out of the VR-5000 on these bands. Being a fairly light receiver I also took it with me on my holidays, it was a good choice that gave me several interesting radio tips. If you can find it at an honest price, I definitely recommend buying it.

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D. Dal Mas

In the HF frequencies, as reference I bring the 7 MHz inherent to the important 40 meter radioamateur band, operating in the LSB or USB mode sometimes it is difficult to clearly understand the speech even if sometimes it is perfect - for me it depends also on who transmits but it is not the only factor, however. Always remaining to this type of listening there is a non-optimal selectivity that leads to hearing fragments of strong modulations coming from the near frequencies. The sensitivity to the truth is good, working weak stations is not a problem.

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