I by no means take credit for all the information in here.
Nor do I accept any responsibility for it's accuracy.
Furthermore I accept no responsibility for what you do (or don't do) with the information.
With all that in mind here is my attempt at a VX-5 FAQ.

Q. What is a VX-5 (the 'R' is optional)
Q. How does the VX-5 compare to the VX-1?
Q. How do I tune the calling frequency on 6m? (52.525)
Q. Are there mods for it yet?
Q. Is there computer software available?
Q. Will I need a cable?
Q. Where do I get the accessory connector.
Q. Where can I find out more?



Q. What is a VX-5 (the 'R' is optional)
A. It's a small black box with magic inside. It should be respected and feared. (come on, you know what one is)

Q. How does the VX-5 compare to the VX-1?
A. It doesn't! They are completely different radios.
Excluding the 6m transmit the closest comparison would be the Yaesu FT-50.

Q. How do I tune the calling frequency on 6m? (52.525)
A. As you have discovered the 5 KHz step is not available in 6m. The solution is to change to 12.5 or 25 KHz and then tune it.
Do a little math and you can get anywhere you want.

Q. Are there mods for it yet?
A. Yes! both hardware and software. 
check here:
 http://www.icongrp.com/~sllewd/
or here:
 http://www.geol.com/vx5
for information how and what is gained.

Q. Is there computer software available?
A. As of 25 Feb 99 No. I spoke to RT Systems (makers of the ADMS Software) on Mon 18 Jan 99 and they said ADMS-1E is not available yet and could only say it would be "Soon".
However there is a free program called EVE that can be downloaded from here:
 http://www.geol.com/vx5 EVEv???.zip
 
Q. Will I need a cable?
A. Yes unfortunately the IR interface was not included in this version.
You have several alternatives at this point.
.You can wait for ADMS-1E

.You can buy a copy of ADMS-1D, download EVE, use it now, and upgrade to ADMS-1E later. For a charge of $20.00

. You can modify another ADMS-xx Cable to be used.
All the ADMS cables have the same hardware inside. The only difference is the Radio connector. Only two wires are used. Data and Ground.
Look here:
 http://www.icongrp.com/~sllewd/pcware.htm#micplug
For VX-5 Connector pin-outs.
Connector for 8000 series radios...
-                              O [] O
-  Brown Clone/Data wire====> O  []  O
-                               O  O <======White/Gnd

. You can buy a third party (forth really at this point) Programing cable.
Here is a Nice one:
 http://home.t-online.de/home/Maki-GmbH/indexe.htm

. You can make your own cable from scratch.
here is the schematic:
http://www.icongrp.com/~sllewd/pcware.htm
This is for the VX-1 but they are exactly the same.
It's been reported that changing R4 122k to 10k was needed.
Keep this in mind when building it.

Note: Everything except 'waiting', requires downloading EVE.


Q. Where do I get the accessory connector.
A. You can order one from Tower Electronics - Orders 1-800-662-3422 Tech Info 1-920-435-3359 Fax Line 1-920-435-2980  Email KB9AMM@juno.com
They are a straight, molded, pre wired connector with about 20 inches of 4 conductor wire and cost about $8

or (A much better idea)

Go to your local 'Candy' (Amateur Radio Supply) Store, Buy the Yaesu CT-27 Cloning cable, Cut it in half and you have two for $10.


Q. Where can I find out more?
In Print:
 If you have an early version there is an updated manual
  that is free for the asking from Yaesu.
  yaesuparts@worldnet.att.net
  (562) 404-2700
  (562) 404-4828 FAX

 There is also a very nice Pocket reference available for the VX-5
   Look here:
     http://www.bigwave.ca/~janus/hrm/vx5/

On Line:
  check here:
    http://www.icongrp.com/~sllewd/
  or here:
    http://www.geol.com/vx5
  or (of course) here:
    http://yaesu.com/yaesu.html


----------------------------------------------------------
   73
  -Ed-
 KF4FDT

 Everybody's equal in the glow of radiation - Cheryl Crow