AOR AR1500 Wideband Reciever Instructions Manual

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Close-up views of the AR1500
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The priority mode is automatically suspended during entry of frequencies from the keypad and
while manually tuning with the rotary control.  This prevents the receiver from changing
frequency while you are busy programming.
Let’s assume you wish to assign memory bank 1 channel 56 as the priority channel, don’t forget
to first program something into the memory channel!
Select MANUAL mode
[AUX] [PROG] [1] [5] [6] [ENTER]
The  indicator appears on the LCD to confirm operation.
To switch the priority facility Off,  first enter MANUAL mode:
press [AUX]  the  indicator disappears to confirm operation.
Next time you wish to activate the 
same priority channel just press [AUX] to toggle the facility
On/Off.  To check which channel is assigned to the priority facility fully open the squelch and
enable the priority facility.  Obviously when the priority channel is checked for activity in after
about 2 seconds it will be found ‘active’ as the squelch circuit is open.  You can now note the
channel number assigned.
It is important to note that priority programming cannot be executed while the unit has stopped
on the priority channel.  If you have previously programmed a priority channel and now wish to
reassign it to another channel, the sequence of key presses including [AUX] will activate the
priority for a brief period before you press the [PROG] key.  If by chance the existing priority
channel is busy at that moment then the receiver will jump to the original priority channel
preventing you from re-programming it.
The first way to avoid this scenario is simply to ensure you press the [AUX] [PROG] sequence
in less than 2 seconds (which is quite easy).  Of course if the priority channel isn’t busy then
there is no problem anyway.
The second method is to activate the priority facility using the [AUX] key before reassigning the
priority channel number,  ensure the  indicator is visible confirming operation.  Because
the priority mode is active when you start programming,  pressing the [AUX] key during the
sequence switches the facility Off instead of On thus avoiding the problem.
8-5 Scanning memory channels and banks
Manually changing frequency is a slow process.  In order to ‘catch’ brief bursts of communica-
tions such as those from air traffic control towers requires a faster method of frequency change.
For this reason and to increase the pleasure of operation,  the memories may be automatically
scanned at a relatively high rate under the control of the receiver’s microprocessor.  The
receiver is capable of scanning a maximum of about 20 channels per second,  this is much faster
than you can achieve manually. 
						

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5-2 Front panel
1. NUMERIC KEYPAD  0 - 9 & [.]
The numeric keypad is located on the front panel underneath the Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD).  The keypad is laid out in a logical manner and is split into numeric and command areas.
The numeric keys are used for entering a frequency, step size (increment),  memory channel
number,  bank number etc.  The [.] key is used as a separator when entering frequency in MHz
or the step size in kHz.
The same keys are used in search mode to select bank number in which case the numbers 0 - 9
correspond to the ranges specified in the search section of this manual or those programmed by
the user.
2. CLEAR & [.]
Press the [.] key once to act as a decimal point separator when entering frequency in MHz or
the step size in kHz
i.e. 1 4 5 [.] 5  ENTER  (MHz frequency entry)
1 2 [.] 5  ENTER  (kHz step entry)
Press the [.] key twice to clear an incorrect entry.
3. ENTER
Used to ENTER (accept) a frequency of step size following input from the keypad.  It is also
used to complete other programming operations such as memory changes.
4. SEARCH
This key is used to start the frequency search facility which will hunt for signals between two
programmed frequency limits in whatever mode and channel step (increment) is programmed.
The key is also used to manually advance the search process if stopped on an unwanted fre-
quency.  (Of course it is possible to lock out unwanted busy frequencies in search mode).
5. SCAN
This key is used to start the memory scan facility which will cause the receiver to rapidly check
the occupied channels of it’s memory content for activity (busy channels).  The key is also used
to manually advance the scan process if stopped on an unwanted memory channel.  (Of course it
is possible to lock out unwanted memory channels to prevent them from being scanned).
6. MANUAL
This key is used to engage the manual mode of the receiver.  In this mode and interesting
frequency may be directly entered into the keypad or memory channel directly recalled.
When the receiver is first switch On,  it is a good idea to press this key so that the receiver enters
a ‘known state’ of operation.
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When in search mode, you may find an interesting frequency which you wish to store for later
listening.  Let’s assume that the receiver has stopped on 133.700 MHz AM during search and
you wish to store the information to memory bank 6 channel 73:
Press [ENTER] the bank indicator will flash
[6] the channel indicator will start flashing
[7] [3]  you don’t press enter - that’s it.
It is sometimes worth pressing the [DELAY/HOLD] key so that  is indicated on the
LCD,  this prevents the set from continuing it’s search and gives you plenty of time to enter the
memory details.
8-2 Recalling previously stored memory channels
It is possible to store frequencies into any memory location,  however it is only possible to recall
frequencies from banks which are included in the list to be scanned.
Let’s assume while in MANUAL mode, we wish to recall the contents (frequency & mode) of
bank 0 channel 23,  you must have something stored in the memory first!
[BANK] [0] [2] [3]
You cannot recall memories from memory banks which are locked out.  If this represents a
problem at this time,  refer to section 8-6.
8-3 Clearing memory contents
Although you may ‘lockout’ specific memory channels so that they will not be scanned,  you
may wish on occasion to remove the contents of a memory channel completely.  This procedure
is carried out while in MANUAL mode.
Let’s assume you wish to clear the contents of bank 1 channel 23:
[CLEAR] [ENTER] [PROG] [1] [2] [3]
8-4 Priority (AUX) channel
This feature enables you to carry on scanning,  searching or monitoring another frequency while
the AR1500 checks one of the 1,000 memory channels every 2 seconds (approx) for activity.  If
this channel is found to be active the AR1500 will stop it’s current function and switch to the
priority channel until the channel clears or you instruct it to do something else.
The priority facility is particularly useful for keeping an eye on a distress frequency while
scanning or searching another frequency band.  Depending on the frequency and mode stored in
the priority channel,  an audible ‘click’ may be heard when the facility is active,  this is quite
normal and is caused by the internal switching of circuitry. 
						

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7. DOWN ARROW
Initially,  the receiver searches and scans from lower to higher frequencies or from low channel
numbers to higher.  If when searching or scanning the down arrow key is pressed,  the search or
scan stops and the down arrow is displayed on the LCD.  Subsequent short presses on the down
arrow key will step the search or scan downward by one increment.  If the down arrow key is
depressed for more than approx one second,  the search or scan will re-start but in a downward
direction.
8. LIGHT
Pressed momentarily,  this key activates a light behind the LCD.  This light in intended for
night-time operation or when the unit is located in areas of low-level lighting.  The lamp
automatically switches Off after about six seconds in order to reduce battery drain.
9. PROG
This key is used to select memory input while in manual mode and to initiate the programming
of banks while in search mode.
10. LIMIT
This key is used in manual mode to select the AUX (priority) function.  It is also used in
conjunction with the PROG key while programming search banks.
11. BANK
This key is used in manual mode to recall a memory channel.  It is also used to select the desired
bank when in search or scan mode.
12. STEP
This key is used in manual mode to select the required step (increment) for the rotary tuning
control.  The steps may be in multiples of 5 kHz or 12.5 kHz to a maximum size of 995 kHz.
Possible choices being 5, 10, 12.5, 25, 50 kHz etc.
13. W-FM
Used to select the receiving mode of WFM (Wide band Frequency Modulation) while in
manual,  search (or scan) modes.  This mode is used mainly by VHF FM broadcast stations and
TV sound transmissions.
14. AM/FM
Used to select the receiving mode of AM (Amplitude Modulation),  this being used by
shortwave broadcast services,  VHF-UHF airband and some PMR services.  It is also used for
SSB reception in conjunction with the BFO.  Pressing a second time toggles FM (narrow band
Frequency Modulation) used by most point-to-point communications.
15. LOCKOUT
Press once to lockout the currently displayed memory channel or frequency.  You may unlock
the channel at a later time,  refer to the scan and search sections of the manual.
Up to 100 frequencies in each of the 10 search banks may be locked out,  a total of 1,000
frequencies.
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During scan and search,  when a busy frequency is found the scan or search will stop.  What
happens next will depend upon the setting of the DELAY/HOLD facility.  The [DELAY/
HOLD] key toggles between the two settings and the status in indicated on the LCD as
 or .
If set to DELAY,  the scan or search will stop on a busy frequency but will automatically
resume scan or search approximately 2 seconds after the frequency has become quiet (when the
squelch closes).
If set to HOLD,  the scan or search will stop on a busy frequency and stay there until you tell
the receiver to move on by pressing the [SCAN] or [SEARCH] keys depending upon which you
are using.
If the [DOWN ARROW] key is pressed during scan and search,  the process stops.  Further
presses of the [DOWN ARROW] causes the receiver to step one channel backward,  this is
particularly useful for taking a second look a channel which has just been passed.
Turning the [DIAL] (rotary tuning control) while scanning or searching causes the process to
stop but leaves the receiver in memory select mode so that you may manually step through the
memory channels using the rotary tuning control.  This is a very convenient feature.
Note:  To ensure the best microprocessor stability never delete ALL  memory
channels from a scan bank, it is a good idea to leave at least one active channel in
each bank... i.e. 000, 100, 200 etc.  Do not limit the scan range to a memory bank
which is totally empty.
8-1 Storing frequencies to memory
While in MANUAL mode, it is possible to store the currently displayed frequency and mode
into memory by using the PROG (PROGRAM) key.
For example,  let’s assume the current display is 126.65 MHz AM and you wish to store it into
memory bank 2 channel 41:
[PROG] [2] [4] [1]     you do not press ENTER
You will note that after pressing the [PROG] the bank number started flashing,  after pressing
[2] the channel number started flashing to prompt your input of information.
Any memory band and channel may be entered in this way.
To store a totally new frequency and mode into memory, you first select the frequency,  then
mode and finally the memory location.  For example,  enter 145.600 MHz FM into memory
bank 0 channel 23.
[1] [4] [5] [.] [6] [0] [0] [ENTER] [FM] [PROG] [0] [2] [3]
or[1] [4] [5] [.] [6] [ENTER] [FM] [PROG] [0] [2] [3]  as the zeros’ trailing the
decimal-six will be automatically entered by the microprocessor. 
						

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It is possible by miss-operation to inadvertently lock out an entire search bank instead of a
single frequency.  Once a complete search bank is locked out,  it’s release requires a degree of
further key pressing!  use sparingly.  There are other ways to limit the banks omitted in search
and scan mode,  please refer to the respective sections.
16. DELAY/HOLD
This key toggles between DELAY and HOLD while in search and scan modes.  When HOLD is
displayed,  the search and scan process stops on a busy channel and remains there even when the
channel becomes clear.  When DELAY is displayed,  the search and scan process stops on a
busy channel and but automatically resumes approximately 2 seconds after the channel becomes
clear.
5-3 CHG - Charger input socket (left-hand side)
This 1.3mm dual-concentric is located on the left hand side of the cabinet.  Connect the supplied
AC charger or DC lead to this socket.  The socket is wired centre positive and is negative
ground,  the acceptable input voltage range is 11 - 18 V DC.  Please refer to section 4-3 of this
manual for further information.
(6) Basic operation
6-1 Background
After unpacking the receiver,  the NiCad pack will require charging.  You may alternatively
connect the receiver to an external DC regulated power supply using the supplied DC lead.
The receiver should be switched On by rotating the volume control in a clockwise direction
from the ‘Off’ position.
With the squelch control turned fully anti-clockwise to allow sound from the speaker,  the
volume should be adjusted to a comfortable level.  It is never a good idea to switch on the
receiver with an earphone connected,  there may be an audible click when the unit is switched
On or the volume may be set uncomfortably high.
The squelch control should be rotated clockwise until the background noise is just cancelled.
This is known as ‘threshold’ and is the most sensitive setting for the squelch control.  Do not
rotate the control too far clockwise or only the stronger local signals will be heard.  If you find
setting the squelch control difficult,  try removing the aerial from the receiver.
It is best to press the MANUAL key at this time to place the receiver in a known state of
operation.
6-2 Conventions
Where text appears in [BOLD UPPERCASE] the keys are to be pressed exactly as shown.
Characters are separated by the symbol [].
For example:  [MANUAL]  [BANK] [1] [7] [6]
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increases the received frequency by up to about + 6 kHz while anti-clockwise rotation
lowers the received frequency by a maximum of about - 4 kHz.
It does take a bit of getting used to:
USB - Clockwise rotation of the tuning and BFO control increases frequency but lowers the
pitch
LSB - Clockwise rotation of the tuning and BFO control increases frequency and pitch
If a signal sounds particularly distorted and impossible to clarify,  rotate the BFO control 1 or 2
divisions in each direction and try again.  Some practice will be necessary.
You should be very liberal with the use of the attenuator control to prevent signal overloading
(sections 4-4 & 5-1 item 4).
It is not possible to store SSB frequencies into memory.  You may store them as AM but fine
tuning and switching On/Off of the BFO control will be required each time they are recalled.
(8) Scan mode - memories
The AR1500 has 1,000 memory channels arranged as 100 memories x 10 banks.  The 100
memory channels of bank number 9 are reserved for a special ‘automatic memory’ facility
described later in this manual.
The information stored in the memory channels (scan banks) and search bank is permanently
held in a ‘chip component’ called an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory).  No backup battery is required.  In the extremely unlikely event you should encounter
problems with memory loss or corruption please refer to section 11.
It is possible to enter both frequency and mode into memory (AM/FM/WFM but not SSB).
Memory banks are numbered from 0 to 9 and memory channels from 00 to 99 i.e. 00, 01, 02...
99. This provides effective channels from 000 to 999,  bank 0 channel 00  to bank 9 channel 99.
Note:  Memory bank 9 is reserved for ‘auto memory’,  for this reason you should not
manually enter memories into this bank (channels 900 - 999).  Refer to section 10.
The memory location is displayed (on the left hand side of the LCD) as a single three digit
number from 000 to 999.  The first digit is the bank number and the last two digits the channel
number so that bank six, channel seven is shown as 607.
During the manufacture and testing of the receiver,  various test frequencies are entered into the
receiver’s memory banks,  the memory locations are unlikely to be blank.
Note - scan & search
It is important to understand the difference between scan and search modes.  In scan mode,  the
contents stored in the memory channels may be reviewed very quickly for activity - scanned.  In
search mode,  the bottom and top frequency limits are specified along with the mode and search
step.  When the search key is pressed,  the receiver starts ‘stepping’ through the frequency range
between the specified limits in the programmes step size looking for active frequencies. 
						

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Means press the MANUAL key followed by the BANK key followed by the three numeric keys
1, 7, and 6.
Words contained in angular brackets  refer to indications displayed on the Liquid
Crystal Display.
Where a mode of FM is referred to,  this indicates NFM (Narrow FM).  WFM (Wide FM) is
referred to as WFM.
6-3 Basic manual operation
1. Entering a frequency through the keypad
When the word  is displayed,  you may enter frequencies directly into the receiver
via the keypad,  if the word  is not displayed,  press the [MANUAL] key now
(section 5-2 item 6).
Enter the desired frequency via the keypad (section 5-2 item 1) ensuring you enter the decimal
point 
after the MHz position.  You don’t have to enter any trailing zeros’ as they will be
automatically added by the microprocessor once you have selected the decimal point followed
by the enter key.
If you attempt to enter a frequency which is ‘out of range’,  a frequency error message is
displayed .
For example,  if you wish to select 131.000 MHz carry out the following keystrokes,  first
ensure the word  is displayed (see above):
[1] [3] [1] [.] [0] [0] [0] [ENTER]
or[1] [3] [1] [.] [ENTER]
or even[1] [3] [1] [ENTER]
2. Clearing incorrect frequency input
If you make a mistake while entering frequencies,  you may clear the input by pressing the [.]
key twice,  this key has a dual operation both of decimal and clear (section 5-2 item 2).
3a. Changing mode
Mode may be changed while in MANUAL or SEARCH modes when either the  or
 indicators are displayed.
Most of the time you will want to change mode while in the MANUAL mode when tuning or
entering frequencies into memory.  Ensure the word  is displayed,  you may
change mode between AM/FM (narrow) by pressing the [AM/FM] key (section 5-2 item 14).
The selected mode is indicated on the display  or .
To select WFM mode,  press the [WFM] key,  the  indicator appears on the LCD.
To select SSB mode,  press first select AM by pressing the [AM] key.  Now depress the BFO
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(7) Single Side Band Operation
This advanced mode is a special form of communication used for point-to-point contact mainly
on shortwave,  this includes long range Oceanic Airband, Marine and Amateur Band.  Amateur
Band radio enthusiasts use SSB to increase the distance covered (DX=long distance) on the
shortwave,  VHF 144 MHz (2m band) and 432 MHz (70cm) band.
SSB is divided into two main types,  Upper Side Band (USB) and Lower Side Band (LSB).
Morse code,  which is sometimes referred to as continuous wave (CW) may also be received
while in the SSB mode.  Received audio may sound a little strange at first (many people
comment that it sounds like Micky Mouse or Donald Duck),  this is normal.  With a little
practice you will soon get used to the tone,  results can be very surprising so stick with it!
A Beat Frequency Oscillator (BFO) is used in AM mode.  The BFO rotary tuning control
(section 5-1 item 2b) is used to clarify the received signals once the BFO switch (section 5-1
item 6) is depressed.  Although the receiver features no specific SSB filters,  the results can be
very good especially on the less crowded Oceanic Airband frequencies.
1. Press the [MANUAL] key to select manual tuning mode.  The  indicator
will appear on the LCD.
2. Ensure the BFO rotary control is centred in the 12 o’clock position.
3. Select AM mode using the [AM] key.  The  indicator will appear on the LCD to
confirm operation.
4. Depress the BFO switch on the top panel.  There is now indicator to confirm the selec-
tion of the BFO,  the tone of the background noise will change though.
5. Key in the required frequency (to the nearest 5 kHz).  A good place to start listening is
the 20m Amateur band (14.000 to 14.350 MHz USB as there is usually plenty of
activity).  Although you may not be able to enter the exact frequency (such as 5.616
MHz,  you must select 5.615 or 5.520 MHz),  the BFO rotary control will enable you to
fine tune by approximately - 4 ~ + 6 kHz to effectively tune in between the gaps to
provide continuous coverage throughout the receiver’s range.
6. Program a 5 kHz step size for tuning,  this is the smallest increment possible for the main
tuning control.
[STEP] [5] [ENTER]
7. Open the squelch control (section 5-1 item 2a) by rotating fully anti-clockwise until
background noise is audible through the speaker.
8. Use the main rotary tuning control to tune as close to the desired frequency as possible.
Clockwise rotation increases the displayed frequency,  anti-clockwise rotation decreases
the displayed frequency (in this example by 5 kHz with each click).
9. Rotate the BFO rotary control until a near-natural pitch is achieved.  Clockwise rotation 
						

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switch on the top panel (section 5-1 item 6).  Ensure the BFO rotary control (section 5-1 item
2b) is centred at the 12 o’clock position.  
There is no BFO indication on the LCD.
For example,  to set the receiver to 131.050 MHz AM mode:
[1] [3] [1] [.] [0] [5] [ENTER] [AM]
Notes:
AM is used by broadcast services through medium and shortwave,  it is also used by VHF and
UHF airband and some PMR (Private Mobile Radio) and public utility services.
FM (narrow) is used by most PMR and utility services,  VHF-UHF Radio Amateurs’ and
mobile phones.
WFM (wide) is used by VHF broadcast services between 88 - 108 MHz and TV sound in the
UHF band.
SSB (Single Side Band) is used mainly in the shortwave bands between 1.6 MHz - 30 MHz by
point-to-point (non broadcast) services such as Oceanic Airband,  Ship to Shore, Information
Services (VOLMET), Search and Rescue,  Radio Amateurs’ etc.  The AR1500 is capable of
resolving USB (generally used by commercial non-Radio Amateur services),  LSB used by
Radio Amateurs’ below 10 MHz - Radio Amateurs use USB above 10 MHz by International
convention, CW which is used by many organisations - CW is continuous wave or Morse
Code... dah dah di dah etc. (section 5-1 item 2b & 6).
3b. Frequency list audible from various parts of the UK:
AM
Airband
118.85  119.10  119.20  119.50  119.40  120.225 121.50  123.75  125.55  125.875  126.65
128.85  129.55  129.90  131.05  131.325  131.80  132.60  132.80  133.70  133.60  134.75
231.625  243.00  249.475  275.475  292.525  299.975  383.475
Broadcast
5.975  5.995  6.005  6.045  6.075  6.110  6.125  7.135  7.160  9.505  9.555  11.805  15.160
17.835  21.590
FM
Marine
156.000  156.050  160.650  156.100  160.700  156.300  156.800  156.375
2m Amateur band
145.450  145.475  145.500  145.525  145.550  145.575  145.600  145.625  145.650  145.675
145.700  145.725  145.750  145.775
70cm Amateur band
433.000  433.050  433.100  433.150  433.200  433.250  433.300  433.325  433.350  433.375
433.450  433.500  433.525
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WFM
VHF broadcast
88.300  92.700  97.900  98.900  99.500  etc.
SSB
Airband
4.742  5.505  5.516  5.649  8.824  8.864  10.051  11.200
Amateur band
3.600 - 3.800   7.050 - 7.100   14.150 - 14.325   21.250 - 21.450   28.450 - 28.550   144.300+/-
432.200+/-  432.3+/-
Many good frequency books and guides are available from dealers.  Of course theoretically
many services are not intended for general reception by the public.  Further information regard-
ing the legality of listening in the UK (such as RA169 ISBN 1855 69 071 3) can be obtained
from:
Licensing Section,
Radiocommunications Agency,
Waterloo Bridge House,
Waterloo Road,
London.  SE1 8UA.
ENGLAND.
4. Tuning the receiver
In MANUAL mode,  you may tune the receiver (much like a conventional receiver) by use of
the rotary control on the top face of the cabinet (section 5-1 item 3).
Rotating the control clockwise advances the displayed frequency while anti-clockwise operation
lowers the displayed frequency.  The display will show an Up or Down arrow as appropriate.
It is possible to select the size of the channel step used by the tuning control,  this being selected
via the keypad.  The step size (increment) may be selected between the limits of 5 kHz - 995
kHz in multiples of 5 or 12.5 kHz steps,  i.e. 5,  10,  12.5,  15,  20,  25,  37.5  50,  100 kHz etc.
The step size may be selected in MANUAL and SEARCH modes.  The MANUAL default is a
12.5 kHz step size for most of the range of the receiver, however you may change the current
size at will.  First ensure you are in manual mode.
For example,  to select a 25 kHz step size:
[STEP] [2] [5] [ENTER]
The selected step size is indicated on the left hand side of the LCD.
When selecting 12.5 kHz steps,  you must use the decimal point in the appropriate position:
[STEP] [1] [2] [.] [5] [ENTER]