There is a setting on the Yaesu VX-8r that is easily over looked that helps make the HT much more usable as a mobile radio. Even if you're using the radio as a standalone HT, I still think this setting is better than the default.
The standard method of changing the RX volume is to hold the VOL button on the side while rotating the top dial. That works fine if you're using the radio as a handheld, but if you've mounted it for mobile use while driving you'll find that method to be very difficult and dangerous to perform while driving. This is where menu number 107-"VOLUME MODE" becomes important.
Menu 107 - "VOLUME MODE" changes the method for increasing or decreasing the speaker volume setting. If you change it to "AUTO BACK", the radio becomes much more conducive to mobile use. Select this setting and the VOL key changes such that when you press it you can increase or decrease the volume via the top dial for about three seconds without holding any other button.
So to sum it up: Change menu 107 - Volume Mode to "Auto Back". Then to change the overall volume output of the rig, press VOL, let go, and then rotate the top dial within three seconds. This setting will allow you to change the volume by using one hand without fear of wrecking your vehicle.
Hope it helps...
The standard method of changing the RX volume is to hold the VOL button on the side while rotating the top dial. That works fine if you're using the radio as a handheld, but if you've mounted it for mobile use while driving you'll find that method to be very difficult and dangerous to perform while driving. This is where menu number 107-"VOLUME MODE" becomes important.
Menu 107 - "VOLUME MODE" changes the method for increasing or decreasing the speaker volume setting. If you change it to "AUTO BACK", the radio becomes much more conducive to mobile use. Select this setting and the VOL key changes such that when you press it you can increase or decrease the volume via the top dial for about three seconds without holding any other button.
So to sum it up: Change menu 107 - Volume Mode to "Auto Back". Then to change the overall volume output of the rig, press VOL, let go, and then rotate the top dial within three seconds. This setting will allow you to change the volume by using one hand without fear of wrecking your vehicle.
Hope it helps...