The Zastone ZT-2R was an interesting find. One question remained: was it a poorly constructed clone, or a genuine Yaesu VX-2R under another name? As it turns out, the latter is true. The Zastone is a Yaesu VX-2R from top to bottom. Even the manual is written in the typical Yaesu style, and programming examples use the word ‘VERTEX’ on a few occasions.

First impressions

This will be a very short review; the Yaesu VX-2R has been out of production for quite a while, and there are more than enough reviews to be found online. I could still find the Yaesu VX-2R here and there for about € 175,00. The Zastone ZT-2R was € 80, which included shipping with DHL and one extra battery (Fuji NP-60 compatible).

Frequency Ranges

0.5-1.8 MHz (BC Band)

1.8-30 MHz (SW Band)

30-76 (59) MHz (50 MHz HAM)

76 (59)-108 MHz (FM)

108-137 MHz (Air Band)

137-174 MHz (144 MHz HAM)

174-222 MHz (VHF TV)

222-420 MHz (ACT1)

420-470 MHz (430 MHz HAM)

470-800 (729) MHz (UHF TV)

(757-774) MHz (UHF TV)

800-999 MHz (ACT2; USA Cellular Blocked)

TX 144-146 (148) MHz

430-440 (450) MHz

For more specifications, go here or to Yaesu.com.

Programming

Being a long time user of the Yaesu VX-170 and VX-177, I found it very easy to program this radio. That won’t be true for everyone, but once you know the logic behind Yaesu menus you’ll feel right at home.

If you don’t like manual programming, all Yaesu cables and software will work.

Harmonic suppression

I couldn’t help myself after the GT-3 and measured harmonic suppression. It was perfect.

Verdict:

If you love these small can-do-it-all radios, get one while you can. Don’t expect the radio to replace a quality LW/MW/SW receiver (you can overload the Yaesu/Zastone quickly), but it does the job.

On the amateur bands the radio performed as expected, no issues with RX or TX whatsoever. Well done, Yaesu Zastone.

Price: around $90 now but varies, Check AliExpress.com for current offers.