MARS mod a Yaesu VX-6R

Shows the viewer how to user stranded copper wire as a solder wick to desolder resistors on a Yaesu VX-6R otherwise known as a "MARS mod".

[@TorontoPopulistConservative]

My VX-6R has that same blemish in the plastic to the lower right of where the sticker covers. At first I thought it was some adhesive. I was always under the impression that it was solder bridges we're removing, and I was surprised to see these same surface mount components in the location when I checked earlier.

[@avy_alert9973]

You arent wrong really... rather than just solder its a 0 ohm resistor to ensure continuity

[@albertl6963]

The Japan version has same mod?

[@dont4450]

After performing the mod, will you loose the pre-programmed shortwave stations?

[@RyanKitchen]

Yes, post mod you have to perform a full radio reset for it to take affect. These radios are super fast and easy to program with a data cable. Create a backup before resetting.

[@GilesEvans1]

If you are asking about the pre-programmed memories WX, Marine & Shortwave Radio in the special banks [FW] [9], then those memories remained unaffected after I performed the MOD.

[@czgunner]

I've heard that the newest version of the VX-6R requires a different mod. Any thoughts on that? How old is your radio?

[@RyanKitchen]

I have no reason to believe these two radios from Ham Radio Outlet are old. You heard? What does that even mean? List a source! Provide information. I'm looking at two radios that freeband on multiple frequencies for emergency transmission. I heard different.

[@czgunner]

@@RyanKitchen Not sure why you're getting fired up. Just asking a question. I read that the boards have changed in the newest version of the radio. I think it was on a radio forum, but I don't quite remember. That's the reason I asked.

[@RyanKitchen]

@@czgunner not fired up, just stating facts. Feel free to find the information and share it.

[@czgunner]

@@RyanKitchen From the modsdk forum: "This modification is for the version 4 board (photo is of version 3). I had a difficult time locating instructions for a board with NO solder jumpers and eventually had to experiment to get it to work. I initially closed the #4 pad since most older radios referenced the 4 slot for the mod, but it was to remove the jumper. After the radio reset it wiped out the extra features and would only operate on the three ham bands, and would not receive anything else. Frustrated, I removed the solder and tried again. It would still did not work properly and I thought I bricked the radio. After scanning the schematic, I went into experiment mode. I soldered the fifth pad and did the reset. All the features came back but still no extended transmit. I then soldered the third pad, reset the rig and it worked. Full normal operation and extended transmit. Apparently there are programmed feature sets in memory and when you assign the jumpers it simply recall the preset for each path to the cpu (after reset). It’s possible that only jumper three needs to be in place, but I would suggest doing the following: Close jumper five and do a reset. Then close jumper three and do a reset. You could just do both at once, but I am sharing what worked for me."

[@RyanKitchen]

@@czgunner Yaesu does build different radios for the EU. Depending upon which market it is intended for there are firmware and hardware variants. Since you posted from a European forum it does make more sense that the pcb layouts are not the same.

[@autoadjuster]

I have found info that only #4 needs to be removed. You failed to confirm that the mod worked.

[@avy_alert9973]

Hi Phillip. I suppose that depends upon what frequency you are after. Jumper 4 is 6m, 2.25m and 70cm freebanding. I'm glad you found info. I also found info, that indicated jumper 5 gets you frequencies above 800... which few people use but is helpful in a pinch for the MARS licensed. I failed?! Hah! You deserve love and have a large beautiful penis.