Hi Eric, sounds like a good deal.  I think I paid at least $300 
or more for mine when it was new.  I didn't buy the rechargeable 
pack, just use Alkaline  batteries.  Regarding the cracked case, 
no it wasn't the back that slides off, it was actually the side 
of the case by the battery contacts that cracked.  I would 
actually have to squeeze the case for the radio to work, not a 
very pleasant way to operate the radio but I guess it would 
conserve battery life over time.  I don't really have any further 
information but would be interested in your observations of the 
rig.  I did use mine last summer when we went to Nevada to listen 
to 40 meters and I heard Chris AI6U from Carson City running the 
swap net.  It's a far cry from the receiver in the TS590 but I'm 
glad I have that little rig.  73, Jim WA6EKS

 ----- Original Message -----
From: Eric Clegg <[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Sat, 14 Mar 2015 09:34:52 -0700
Subject: Re: Yaesu Vr-500

HI Jim,
The Yaesu vr500 from Universal Radio was $129.95.

By the time I accessorized it with a battery and charger with 
shipping it
was $163.00

The next day I bought a telescopic antenna and a Nifty reference 
card for
the radio.

Thanks for the tip about not leaving the batteries in it.

When you refer to the cracked case do you mean the back cover to 
the battery
compartment?

Thanks for the file.

I have something like this that may have been posted on the list 
before but
this one is more extensive.

If I have any more questions I'll get back to you.

On my other previous radio I had to get sighted help to access 
the hidden
menu I think it was 33 to switch the radio to narrow mode.

Thanks once again for the help.

73,

Eric
KU3I