Yaesu VX-6R MARS Mod

In today's video I go over why you should do the MARs modification on your handheld radios as well as how to do the mod on a Yaesu VX-6R.
Please note I do not recommend you do this to your radio as it may damage it or invalidate your warranty.
Modifying the radio is legal. Using it to transmit on frequencies for which it is not type accepted by the FCC is not.
However, in the event of a true life or death emergency you can transmit on any frequency.

[@AZREDFERN]

You are the first person I’ve seen so far using solder wick to do the job properly.

[@punk303]

I love this radio. I am pretty decent at soldering... but I still conned one of the Avionics nerds at work into modding my VX-6R for me..... I am pretty sure this is the only video on YT for this radio. There are several about the mod, and a few on doing it to the VX-7, but not this exact radio. Great video, Thanks for putting this out there

[@crashcootercoot]

I used your video to do my mod. It was one of the first times ever using a soldering iron and definitely the first time desoldering. Your video was really good. I did the mod right and my radio survived! Thank you sir! Crash Cootercoot

[@n3vanradio]

Awesome job! Doing soldering for the first time can be nerve wrecking but it feels great to be able to accomplish a simple, yet useful mod like this. 73!

[@jfgad]

Got the vx-6 today. Newer PCB, can confirm this mod still work. Same places, but it’s tiny metal “jumper plates”. Was able to remove them. But they are really really tiny! Thanks for the video!!

[@n3vanradio]

Glad the video helped you. Yes the new V4 board has the different jumper but same method works well. I may do a video of the newer version. Thanks again!

[@GjermundSkogly]

Do you by any chance have a picture of these new jumpers? I got my brand new VX-6R today, and the jumpers don't look like the ones in the video. I'm a little nervous to start desoldering, when it doesn't look the same as in the video :(

[@n3vanradio]

@@GjermundSkogly I actually did the mod for a friend who has the rev 4 board like you. There is a solid solder jumper on 4 and 5. See this image of his before removing the solid solder jumper: imgur.com/gallery/nLpmXRN Just follow my steps in the video carefully and you will have the same results. I am planning on doing a revised video with the Rev 4 board.

[@GjermundSkogly]

@@n3vanradio It worked perfectly....👏 Thanks a lot😄

[@jfgad]

@@GjermundSkogly I agree that they don't look like in the video. They are microscopic. I had a hard time seeing what i was doing.

[@AZ-sv8ox]

Getting ready to puchase the VX6R and to be safe, will have gigaparts do it. Thanks for the upload!

[@n3vanradio]

The VX-6R is a fantastic radio, you will enjoy it! If you are buying new definitely have them do the mod. Enjoy and thanks for the comment!

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

if you cant solder a couple jumpers there is no way you have a licence to operate it unless usa standards are very very low

[@mrRoverkane]

@@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024 mant have drivers license and don’t change their own oil

[@yv6eda]

Thanks for the video! If you press the moni botton on a memory channel, it display the frequency!

[@n3vanradio]

Forgot about that. Thanks for the tip!

[@jamesholbrook3648]

Wonderful, opening up my radio now

[@markr.1984]

I de-solder things where I work all the time and I have one of these radios coming from DXengineering. I'll just do this right away before I even turn the thing on!! That way no worries about backing anything up at all. I also got a Diamond tri-band antenna coming that's supposed to be head and shoulders better than the stock one, although a good bit longer and thinner.

[@n3vanradio]

The only loss would be the pre-configured SW stations but I plan on making a backup of them for those that lose them and post them possibly in the comments here or when I do a new video for the VX-6R using digital modes. Thanks again and enjoy your VX-6R!

[@markr.1984]

@@n3vanradio I ended up not doing the mars mod right away, I could not find any flux or de-soldering braid, so I went ahead and started playing with it. I already have the programming software and have already figured that out. Far easier to learn than the programming software for my Uniden SDS200 scanner was!! Not in a hurry to do the mod now. As far as the SW stations, that line up is from the early 2000s and many of those stations don't even exist any more after that last solar minimum that put SW broadcast out of business in a lot of places. And you'd have to put on a quite an antenna to be able to pick up SW much and no SSB capability for Ham or utility stations. BTW, mine is horrific when trying to listen to local FM stations. Splatter, harmonics and intermod all over the place.

[@roberttosa2560]

Nice! Thanks !

[@mpsilva90]

excellent video! Do a full test in 6m please!

[@n3vanradio]

Thanks! Will do!

[@lawrencecheung73]

Wow... thank you so much for your info vid !!!!

[@BR20276]

Just realize that when the mars mod is done, out of band tx will be somewhere in the range of 1 to 2 watts. So you will not get the full 4 to 5 watts out of band. It will be fine on the regular vhf uhf bands and you'll get 4 to 5 watts.That's Yaesu for you!!

[@proudtex]

It does do 6 meters at a low output, but can be effective with a proper antenna. There are tri-band 2m/70cm/6m antennas available. It's also broadbanded enough to transmit on Air and Marine frequencies. K4TXN

[@mpsilva90]

what is the power in 6m?

[@proudtex]

@@mpsilva90 0.5 - 1 watt

[@mpsilva90]

Thanks

[@caerffili_callin]

Yes you are correct and in fact mine came with a Yaesu tri band antenna as I bought the VX-6R, B3 version from 409shop Hong Kong, works well on 6m without having to mod it.

[@markr.1984]

It can't transmit in AM modulation for the air band. It can only listen in AM. You'd likely have to be a pilot to operate in the band anyway, or at least someone that works at an airport that needs to talk to pilots, such as a UNICOM. It would work as a marine radio okay but it's not type certified to be used for that. Would be hard to get caught doing that though if you were boating.

[@jerryfallin7808]

I work with Coast Guard Aux and want to modify the radio so I can easily switch between HAM and Marine, comes in handy when I'm the only one that can hit multiple bands. My radio skills are always welcomed.

[@infantryski11b64]

You're going to sprain your wrist patting yourself on the back so hard.

[@StefanBruegeman]

17-6 here in Florida.

[@dennis8309]

Skills? lol

[@tykrollstudios1142]

@@StefanBruegeman35-06 Chicago!

[@YayaOrchid]

Great video. Very informative. My Question is once the MOD is done can you still use the same dual band antenna for GMRS?

[@n3vanradio]

Yes you can. I have done so when at a friends cabin and we are out in the woods. Although I did purchase a Diamond quad-band antenna to get 6m.

[@MJ-lm7ne]

Ur amazing

[@markhuisinga1698]

Love the video. I'm wondering if removal of the plastic panel effects the "submersible" part of the radio. I love kayaking and have been looking for a good waterproof radio to take with me. I've only found baofeng 9r plus as waterproof and able to use for marine and gmrs as well as 2m & 70cm. I also don't want to modify an expense radio only to discover that it's not waterproof anymore. A software modification would be more desirable if that's the case.

[@n3vanradio]

Thank you! The thin plastic panel does not provide any waterproofing What protects the radio is the rubber gasket on the battery. That prevents water egress into the radio. Also why it pays to get OEM or quality third party batteries. Regarding software modification, as far as I found, that only works with the European version of the VX-6, not the VX-6R.

[@markhuisinga1698]

@N3VAN Amateur Radio ok good news. Thank you.

[@Quentyn73]

What are the other jumpers for?

[@Bill-qc4yd]

I can't find a reliable answer to the MARS mod. Will a MARS modded VX6 TX on airband?

[@HardcoreFourSix]

what are the nylon probes that you are using called? Where did you get them? The look like fine tipped auto-trim removal tools.

[@n3vanradio]

It is from the Tekton Everybit Tech Rescue Kit (amzn.to/3jcAolO) that I use daily in the IT field.

[@bestrestproducts648]

VX6R with V4 board. At first glance my pins 4 and 5 are NOT soldered. I used a magnifier and even then I didn't see any solder bubble (looking straight at them). Then I used a jeweler's loupe and headlamp, and looked at those pins from the side... they are slightly raised and are connected by a tiny black bridge (resistor???), so they ARE actually soldered together. Unless you look closely you'd swear those pins are not connected. I will do the mod and report results.

[@n3vanradio]

Yes, the new V4 board is very hard to tell. I did the mod on my friend's who had the V4 board. It almost looked like tinned metal across the contacts but it is actually solder. Good luck with the mod and let us know! See picture of his: imgur.com/gallery/nLpmXRN

[@bestrestproducts648]

@@n3vanradio wonder of wonders, the MOD worked! Not bad considering that my sausage-sized fingers have the same dexterity as a manatee's flippers. Getting that soldering iron where it belonged was a challenge. Yes, I used the solder wicking tape. The black bridges on top of the solder tabs were recovered and saved for mounting on the wall of the shack.

[@n3vanradio]

@BestRest Product Very pleased it worked out for you! Check the other video I did on the output power after the MARS mod. I was surprised that the 6m band was transmitting at almost 3 watts.

[@kenroberts4767]

If you have the version 4 board, then the reset method described here will not work.

[@NAPELAKAPU]

I have a VX6 from Japan. Will this mod allow the radio to use USA ham frequencies?

[@n3vanradio]

Yes, this mod will work on the Japan version. It will not work on the EU version though.

[@Justcause8869]

How powerful is your soldering iron? I have a 30 watt and it just will not melt the solder in the Yaesu.

[@n3vanradio]

I use a Weller 70w WE1010NA station in the video. I also have a Hakko station that I use mainly for building antennas. Have you tried using solder wick?

[@anonymous_friend]

Have you tested the SRH999 antenna with the vx6r? Curious if it works well on 6m. I've got a signal stick currently, do you think the SRH320a would be a significant improvement? Thanks!

[@n3vanradio]

I have tested the SRH999 and the Comet HT-224. Both work for 6m although the SWR on the SRH999 is better than the Comet. The Signal Stick is a very nice antenna and I plan to get one. Not sure about the SRH320A but I just ordered one on HRO and will give it a try, maybe make a video with a variety of antennas. I also want to use the NanoVNA to measure SWR on the HT antennas to compare them. Stay tuned! PS. Will be doing a 6m VX6R video very shortly!

[@anonymous_friend]

@@n3vanradio That sounds great! Glad you are doing the testing! Thanks

[@joe-kb9rcr]

I hope you'll be doing a video on that using the nano-vna. It will be interesting to see how it's done.

[@79attaboy]

Yes please let us know if you can get this to work on 6meter?

[@hardwired3640]

Yes 1w FM

[@brotherjohndavid]

After you do this MOD do you have to reprogram all your other frequencies that you had in your radio. Like having the MOD plus your other frequencies that you had in the radio?

[@n3vanradio]

Yes, after the modificaton you lose your programming and need to reupload using Chirp or other software. It is good to back them up if you can prior to doing the modification.

[@RepomanGP]

There are other Internet references that just remove the solder blob on 4 for this mod. Have you tried the mod by just removing the solder on 4? I'm wondering what the 5 jumper does and if it's necessary for the mod.

[@n3vanradio]

From my research you need to unsolder both jumpers BUT I do have a new, unmodded VX-6R with the V4 board with solder bridge bars that I will be doing a video on and will also test unsoldering just jumper #4. Stay tuned!

[@DonzLockz]

Good easy mod.👍 I have seen videos of the VX7R being difficult to navigate through the menus's and buttons. Do you think that is the same for the VX6R?

[@markr.1984]

I just got one and there is a combination of buttons to push for about everything, sometimes as many as five or six in a sequence. But if you get the programming software, it all gets much easier.

[@DonzLockz]

@@markr.1984 oh geez, that's alot. I hear that some people keep a manual handy but yeah, I'd use software to set it up initially. Hope it's ok to navigate once that's done. Thnx. ;)

[@BilfordCommons]

Great instructions! Jumpers have been removed on my vx 6. Radio reset. Radio then connected to computer and reprogrammed using RT Systems. All memory and banks correct. Gmrs channels still read error when keying mic. Wanting ability to use my gmrs lisc in emergency. Ideas? Thanks

[@n3vanradio]

Hmm. Reconfirm the jumpers were removed and then reset the radio. Before reprogramming test a standard GMRS frequency for TX. Let me know. Thanks N3VAN

[@brianwheeler68]

Thanks. I’ll try it and let you know

[@brianwheeler68]

Cleaned up jumper removal some more. They look good- I can send a pic as well if you’d like. Reset radio. Tried several gmrs immediately after reset still get error. Hm.

[@n3vanradio]

Yes, please send picture(s) to my email that is on QRZ. Will see if something missed. Also are you using V4 board? TY & 73

[@dont4450]

Will you looses all of the factory channels like the short wave band?

[@n3vanradio]

Without backing up, any saved frequencies they will be lost until you reprogram them. But you can reprogram the short wave band frequencies that were factory on there.

[@robbygill1]

Just got my VX-6R a couple weeks ago, new from HRO. I noticed there is no solder on those points. Reset the cpu anyways and still cannot xmit outside of bandplan. Any advice?

[@n3vanradio]

Did you pay for the MARS mod? It sounds like you did not. On the new VX-6R there are solder bars, not the normal blobs. If you can send me a picture to my QRZ email address and I will let you know. 73 N3VAN

[@robbygill1]

You are right. To the naked eye, there appeared to be a gap between the solder points. I just used my camera to zoom in on those points and found black bars across them. I will be removing them as you've shown. I appreciate your reply.

[@n3vanradio]

You are very welcome. I plan to make an updated video on that new V4 board. Good luck and enjoy this great radio!

[@jaysonallen3100]

Well shoot! All the other info I've found only mentions removing #4 jumper. Now I'm super confused!

[@n3vanradio]

That is what originally confused me as well. I initallly did the one jumper but on my VX-6R board version it didnt work. You can easily remove one jumper and see if it works after the processor reset but it not just remove the second one. Hope this helps.

[@jaysonallen3100]

@n3vanradio Yeah, thanks for taking the time to reply! There seems to be some inconsistency in the version 4 boards on these vx6r's.

[@owenmonaco7817]

He ain't wrong. Life or death situation? I'll take the fine. I've watched a couple of these mod videos now. The Mars mod is technically illegal from what I've gathered, or the manufacturer would just build them that way. But every radio I've seen, the manufacturer seems to make the jumpers or diodes incredibly accessible. Almost like they know you're going to do it anyway.

[@ragheadand420roll]

F the govt Fjb ✌🏻

[@owenmonaco7817]

@@ragheadand420roll I concur

[@spacecoyote6646]

Once you make this mod, what are the final transmit frequencies?

[@cchtx7]

Would like to know this as well.

[@n3vanradio]

I was able to get 2m/1.25m/70cm and 6m. I dont know the ranges of the frequencies but I can check.

[@demy8784]

I'm sorry for asking, but what is about this modification? I'm a newbie

[@n3vanradio]

The modification allows for out of band transmission in case of an emergency. Also allows you to use your radio with FRS/GMRS and MURS radios in an emergency situation. Good to have in my opinion.

[@Alex-fs6kz]

My radio appears to have resistors on 4 & 5. It does not look like the solder in the video. Does this mod still apply for my vx6r?

[@n3vanradio]

Hi Alex, does it look like this? imgur.com/gallery/nLpmXRN Is so those are actual solder bridge. This was of a friend of mines that I modified but did not video record. Only took pictures as i noticed it looked different.

[@Alex-fs6kz]

@@n3vanradio Yes! Exactly like this. When you modified this board, did you do the same steps as above? I just want to confirm that removing the bridge and solder would do the trick. By the way, thank you for making this video. You're the only one who made these detailed instructions here :)

[@n3vanradio]

Yes, this version 4 board has the solder strips. I used the exact same steps in this video to remove them using the solder wick to remove them. I actually have a brand new unmodified VX-6R with the new board and might do a very quick video on it in the near future. Thank you for the feedback, I greatly appreciate it!

[@Alex-fs6kz]

@@n3vanradio Thank you for the confirmation. I really appreciate it, and you have my gratitude. I'll attempt this modification soon.

[@YouTubeDoxedMyRealName]

I believe you can just hit a key combo and or enter a code to do this with no soldering...

[@n3vanradio]

Thank you. On the VX-6R's I own I had to remove the solder jumpers to fully mod it.

[@brucesinclair9628]

I've been looking at what frequencies this mod inlocks and I'm looking to see if it unlocks 154.000 - 169.000 thanks in advance

[@n3vanradio]

Hey Bruce, I just took the VX-6R out of my vehicle comms bag and gave it a try and yes it does unlock 154.000 to 169.000. 73 Matt N3VAN

[@brucesinclair9628]

@@n3vanradio Thanks for getting back to me, mod done and working as expected !!

[@lglagos2571]

Thanks for the vid. This is for a VX-6R with rev 3 board- 012380D. My version purchased less than a month ago is a VX-6R with rev 4 board- 012380E. My version has no jumpers, but is def not modded. Still searching for the solution on my version. Please let me know if anyone has had success with this version.

[@n3vanradio]

Thanks for the comment. I actually did the mod for a friend who has the rev 4 board like you. There is a solid solder jumper on 4 and 5. See this image of his before removing the solid solder jumper: imgur.com/gallery/nLpmXRN Just follow my steps in the video carefully and you will have the same results. Hope this helps.

[@lglagos2571]

I stand corrected, my version does have solid solder jumpers on 4 and 5.

[@lglagos2571]

@@n3vanradio thanks for the clarification. i see what you mean with the solid jumpers. i went ahead and removed them and reset like in the video but no luck. i tried posting before and after pics but youtube won't let me.

[@WD3FOT]

This is the style that I have. I VERY carefully picked at the 2 jumpers with an exacto knife until they both broke out. Radio works perfectly now! Thank you!

[@londonambulance4050]

Can you her police ambulance doorman how many channels mate

[@n3vanradio]

Yes I can hear most local county traffic with the VX-6R however many municipalities are now using digital trunking.

[@raysamuels1]

Can you use chirp or rat systems to do the same?

[@raysamuels1]

Oops! RT system not rat

[@n3vanradio]

I dont believe software modding gives the range that the hardware mod does.

[@prodgon1]

Same procedure for VX-6E?

[@n3vanradio]

No, unfortunately the VX-6E only allows for a soft mod using key commands and does not have the solder on the jumpers like the VX-6R.

[@prodgon1]

@@n3vanradio Ok, and do you know which are those commands? Thanks a lot.

[@Vincent13997]

Mine had an actual metal jumper soldered across.

[@n3vanradio]

You must have received a new VX-6R with the V4 board.

[@lifetraveler3894]

How to connect international space station on vx6r

[@n3vanradio]

I would recommend a Yagi antenna like an Arrow. At 5 watts it would be a fun challenge. Good luck!

[@randykitchleburger2780]

Very high gain yagi, try 10+dB

[@randykitchleburger2780]

Why does this mod work? Im curious.

[@RKingis]

It's basically like turning off a switch.

[@keanudeleon7933]

Can someone explain the mod?

[@n3vanradio]

The modification is to open transmit on other bands and frequencies that were not original enabled by default from Yaesu. It is a simple modification by removing solder jumpers and not a resistor jumper like other radios (VX-8**, etc). MARS stands for Military Auxilary Radio Service and they use a variety of frequencies that this radio by default cannot do (basically just outside of the bands). However, those involved in MARS needs though frequencies to communicate and provide the contingency communications for the Department of Defense during national emergency. Now the modification on handhelds, such as the Yaesu VX-6R and others, allows you to also transmit on FRS/GMRS and MURS. Hope this helped answer your question. 73, Matt N3VAN

[@keanudeleon7933]

​@n3vanradio Just looking back to this mod again, thanks for all the info. If I may ask one more question, what antenna would you recommend for the yaesu vx6r?

[@ragheadand420roll]

Fjb

[@KINGSTONSPRIDE]

4:00

[@anthonymarino4260]

will a solder sucker too

[@n3vanradio]

Yes a solder sucker would work :)

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

you realise this mod can be done using chirp software? no solder required for mars/cap or freeband

[@n3vanradio]

I thought that the soft mod was only for the Yaesu VX-6E, not the VX-6R? Do you happen to know what you do to do the mod with Chirp?

[@lglagos2571]

yes, could you explain what you do specifically in the software to make this work?

[@wdsracer]

More information please

[@briancorty4348]

6m does work on the mod very low power

[@n3vanradio]

During my testing of the 6m band after the Mod I am getting a little shy of 2.5 watts of power. Not too bad in my opinion!

[@justsayingforafriend7010]

Don't Remove the solider.... Just use a dental tool or a razer blade. Just snap it off. It's so tiny it comes right off...

[@raylaux8295]

But the radio is not GMRS/MURS compliant LOL SAD HAM'S

[@darylnd]

Except in actual emergency, it's illegal to use ham radios on FRS/GMRS *PERIOD* (*EDIT* Ham equipment certified under Part 95 may be used on GMRS for routine communications. Not many ham radios are so certified). FCC fines start at $10k. So, no, I don't recommend you use a MARS modded ham unit to "talk to your hunting buddies with their little blister pack radios," even if you do have a GMRS license. Those little blister pack radios, or even something a step up, are cheap. 73 de KN6NPZ

[@tedundercarriage8183]

you're actually wrong

[@darylnd]

@@tedundercarriage8183 You are correct. Ham equipment certified under Part 95 may be used on GMRS for routine communications. Not many ham radios are so certified. Thank you for the correction.

[@Eric10179]

No that’s not how anything works. Do some more research

[@RKingis]

​@@darylndIf ham radios are never certified for Part 97, how are they certified for 95?