Looking to increase airband reception (118.0-137.0 MHz) sensitivity on my Yaesu VX-5R HT.
Internet forums often recommend the following antennas:
Comet Antenna SMA-24 eHam Reviews
Diamond Antenna SRH-999
Any suggestions?
Update: I bought the Comet SMA-24 at HRO and am trying it out. Seems to add 2 or 3 signal bars over the stock antenna. Quite odd seeing 8 bars clipped (max) on my VX-5R for NorCal Approach. 
It is a whip antenna, so whips around. Impractical for long walks or in crowds, and attracts unwanted attention.
Wikipedia: Very High Frequency: USA
Undocumented Yaesu VX-5R Features
I read about the CPU reset feature online, but found the others listed below by playing with the keypad.
- Idiot Mode – Pwr-MR. Only large digits on the display, may be used only in MR mode, user can change only squelch and TX power. VFO, preferences and other features are blocked.
- Screen Test Mode – Pwr-VFO.
- Set Reset – Pwr-MR-VFO.
- All (CPU) Reset- Pwr-Mr-VFO-4.
- Clone Mode – Pwr-F/W.
- Programming 0.0 MHz into a home memory from external cable can cause it to lock up.
Jumper mods available, depending on serial number.
RX:
.53-16
48-728
800-999
TX:
48-66
108-222
305-577
Will not accept 35 MHz as an entered frequency.
Review from a Yaesu VX-7R owner:
“Hint: I liked the Yaesu products so much that when my XYL and 11 year old harmonic both recently passed their Tech licenses, I bought each of them a VX5.”
XYL: Ex-Young Lady (amateur radio)
Modifications for the Yaesu VX-5R
VX-5R Expanded frequency
Yaesu VX 5 R (VX-5 R VX5R)
Yaesu ‘VX-2R’ mods, including USB adapter
Radio manuals online
