Hi Bob, Yes, I have a vx5r, and I like it very much. It definitely takes some learning, and without the computer software, I'd classify it as pretty inaccessible. You can certainly easily key frequencies in it manually and do some other basic things, but I do all of the programming of it through the very accessible software. I use JFW, and the software works fine. Using it, you can set numerous parameters for the radio, such as pl tone frequencies, lock-out, squelch settings, etc., along with memories. The radio is very small, and it seems very rugged. I've had mine now for about 6 months, and I'm still happy with it.