AOR AR1500 Wideband Reciever Instructions Manual

							AR1500 Operating manualAR1500 Operating manual
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(1) Introduction & accessories
Thank you for purchasing the AOR AR1500 compact all mode hand portable receiver.  The
AR1500 is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment using the very latest in electronics design
and technology.  It is important that you carefully read this handbook and familiarise yourself
with the receiver before placing it into operation.
Every effort has been made to make this manual correct and up to date.  Due to continuous
development of the receiver and by error or omissions anomalies may be found and this is
acknowledged.
Most apparent faults are due to accidental misoperation of the receiver,  carefully read all of
the manual before deciding to return the receiver for repair.
Although carefully designed,  the receiver (like all receivers) suffers from internal noises
known as spurii.  They are a product of the receiver’s circuitry and do not represent a fault.
The AR1500 is designed to be particularly sensitive for hand-held operation,  for this
reason strong signal mixing or overload may be experienced if used in strong signal areas
or when connected to an externally mounted aerial such as a discone,  microprocessor
noise may also be audible on certain frequencies and modes.
This manual is protected by copyright AOR (UK) Ltd 1992, 1993.  No information contained
in this manual may be copied or transferred by any means without the prior written consent of
AOR (UK) Ltd.
© 1991, 1992, 1993 AOR (UK) Ltd.
1-1 Accessories supplied
DA900single wide band whip aerial for VHF and UHF
SW-wireaerial wire terminated in a BNC plug for shortwave
AC charger
Internal NiCadrechargeable battery pack
Dry battery case(to house 4 x AAA Alkaline cells)
12V DC leadfitted with a cigar lighter plug for mobile operation
Soft case
Belt hook
Earphone
Operating manual
This manual covers the AR1500, AR1500E
and AR1500EX  models.
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Power requirement... 6V DC from built-in NiCad battery pack or 11 - 18V DC
from CHG jack or 4 x AAA dry cells (dry case provided)
Power consumption... 100mA approx
Size... 55mm (W) x 152mm (H) x 40mm (D) approx excluding
projections
Weight... 360g approx including NiCad pack
Display... Liquid Crystal (LCD) with switchable light for areas of
low level lighting
** Specifications subject to change without notice due to continuous
development of the receiver. E&OE.
(14)   Index
AC mains supply 6
accessories 31
Aerial 8
Aerial connection 8
Aerial input 10
Aerial Tuning Units 8
Airband 16
AM 15, 16
AM/FM 13
Amateur band 16
ANT 10
ARROW 13, 20
attenuator 8, 10
ATU 8
auto memory 19
Automatic memory input 29
AUX 21, 22
BANK 13, 21
Bank 9 26
banks 22
BATT 7
batteries 6
battery compartment 6, 7
Beat Frequency Oscillator 9
BFO 9, 10
breakthrough 8
Broadcast 16
cables 6
Charger 14
charger 6, 7
CHG 14
clean 6
CLEAR 12, 21
Clearing 15
Clearing memories 21
Controls 9
Conventions 14copyright 1
corruption 30
cross-modulation 8
DA3000 31
DA900 8, 10
defaults 26
DELAY 14, 20, 25
DELAY/HOLD 14
DIAL 9, 20, 26
discone 8
DOWN ARROW 13, 20
dry batteries 6
DX 10
EAR 10
Earphone 10
EARTH 6
EEPROM 19
ENTER 12
Entering 15
FM 15, 16
Fr.Err 15
Frequency list 16
Front panel 12
fuse 6
ground 6
HOLD 14, 20, 21, 25
internal NiCad pack 7
jack socket 6 
						

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(2) Table of Contents
(1) Introduction & accessories.................................................................................... 1
1-1 Accessories supplied................................................................................................ 1
(2) Table of contents (this page)...................................................................................  2
(3) Major features........................................................................................................ 4
(4) Precautions.............................................................................................................  6
4-1 Location................................................................................................................... 6
4-2 Look after your receiver........................................................................................... 6
4-3 Power requirements.................................................................................................. 6
4-4 Aerial connection..................................................................................................... 8
(5) Controls and functions........................................................................................... 9
5-1 Top panel................................................................................................................. 9
Close-up views of the AR1500..................................................................................11
5-2 Front panel  ............................................................................................................... 12
5-3 CHG - Charger input socket...................................................................................... 14
(6) Basic operation........................................................................................................ 14
6-1 Background.............................................................................................................. 14
6-2 Conventions.............................................................................................................. 14
6-3 Basic manual operation............................................................................................ 15
1. Entering a frequency through the keypad......................................................... 15
2. Clearing incorrect frequency input................................................................... 15
3a. Changing mode................................................................................................ 15
3b. Frequency list audible from various parts of the UK: ....................................... 16
4. Tuning the receiver........................................................................................... 17
(7) Single Side Band Operation ................................................................................... 18
(8) Scan mode - memories ........................................................................................... 19
8-1 Storing frequencies to memory................................................................................. 20
8-2 Recalling previously stored memory channels........................................................... 21
8-3 Clearing memory contents......................................................................................... 21
8-4 Priority (AUX) channel............................................................................................. 21
8-5 Scanning memory channels and banks....................................................................... 22
8-6 Problems with scanning............................................................................................. 23
8-7 Program bank scan..................................................................................................... 23
8-8 Memory lockout......................................................................................................... 24
8-9 Memory bank lockout................................................................................................ 24
31
Notes:
This procedure resets the microprocessor and clears the contents from the memory channels -
they will now be blank!  The search banks may differ from the defaults shown in this manual,
in this case you will need to reprogramme them.
You have instructed the operating system of the AR1500 to receive selected bands with selected
Intermediate Frequencies (IF),  if your keystrokes faithfully followed the above then you will
have an unbroken coverage from 500 kHz to 1300 MHz without gaps.  If you receiver a
 message,  you have probably made a mistake - try again.
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.
(12) Optional accessories
DA3000Wide band discone aerial 25 MHz - 2,000 MHz *
WA7000Active wide band compact aerial 30 kHz - 2,000 MHz *
LA320Longwave - shortwave active desktop loop aerial *
NiCad packAdditional internal NiCad pack (State if EX 3-Pin)
ABF125VHF Airband filter *
Service information
* See the notes regarding aerials in section 4-4
(13) Specification **
Model... AR1500
Receiver coverage... 500 kHz - 1300 MHz
Receiving modes... AM, FM(Narrow), FM(Wide) and SSB with the BFO
switched On (USB, LSB & CW)
Number of memory channels... 900 plus 100 reserved for ‘auto-memory’ in bank 9.
1000 total (10 x 100)
Scan rate... 20 channels per second (approx)
Number of scan banks... 10 total.  Bank 9 reserved for ‘auto-memory’
Scan delay time... 2 seconds (approx)
Search banks... 9 standard search banks plus one search bank for the
automatic search pair of bank 9
Search rate... 20 steps per second (approx)
Search step size... Programmable in 5 & 12.5 kHz steps to a maximum of
995 kHz (i.e. 5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50 etc.)
Priority channel (AUX)... Any one of the 1000 memories may be used as priority.
Sampling is every 2 seconds (approx)
Receiver sensitivity... FM(Narrow) 0.5uV or better for 12dB across most of the
range.
AM 3.0uV or better for 10dB S/N across most of the
range.
SSB 1.5 uV or better across most of the range
Note: Reduced sensitivity below approx 2 MHz all modes
BFO range... Continuous -4 ~ +6 kHz (approx)
Aerial connection... One 50 OHM BNC socket on top case
Audio output... >100mW @ 10% distortion 
						

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(9) Search mode ........................................................................................................... 25
9-1 Notes on scan & search ............................................................................................. 25
9-2 Pre-programmed search banks.................................................................................. 26
9-3 Searching all banks................................................................................................... 26
9-4 Problems with searching.......................................................................................... 27
9-5 Program search bank................................................................................................ 27
9-6 Search bank lockout................................................................................................. 27
9-7 Releasing Search bank lockout (or individually locked out frequencies).................. 28
9-8 Re-programming search bank limits......................................................................... 28
9-9 Storing search frequencies into memory................................................................... 28
(10) Automatic memory input....................................................................................... 29
(11) Microprocessor reset............................................................................................... 30
(12) Optional accessories................................................................................................ 31
(13) Specification............................................................................................................ 31
(14) Index......................................................................................................................... 32
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(11) Microprocessor reset
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 battery backup is required.
In the extremely unlikely event you should encounter problems with memory loss or corruption
it may be possible for you to RESET the microprocessor.  This scenario may occur due to static
discharge from mobile operation,  connection to an external aerial,  shipping in plastic &
polystyrene materials or from noise on the power feed to the receiver.
A small RESET slide switch is located in the battery compartment of most (BUT NOT ALL)
AR1500 receivers.  This switch is covered by a protective tape and is connect to a short length
of wire.  If you cannot locate the switch and are not comfortable with ‘lots of button pressing’
please contact your dealer.
1. Switch the AR1500 Off and remove the battery cover and NiCad pack.
2. Remove the protective tape from the slide switch.
3. The switch has two positions,  carefully slide the switch from the first to the second
position.
4. Insert the NiCad pack and switch on the receiver.
5. The display should be blank at this time.
6. Carry out the following key strokes 
very carefully,  take your time.  If you make a
mistake switch the receiver Off/On and start again.  If the first sequence of [BANK]
[PROG] has no effect repeat these key presses as required.  The key strokes should
appear on the LCD as you progress.
7. Execute 
exactly as shown! (ignore the  - separator):
AR1500 & AR1500E
BANK - 1 - PROG - 0.5 - LIMIT - 1.995 - SEARCH - 556.325 - ENTER
2 - PROG - 2 - LIMIT - 299.995 - SEARCH - 556.325 - ENTER
3 - PROG - 300 - LIMIT - 419.995 - SEARCH - 249.125 - ENTER
4 - PROG - 420 - LIMIT - 606.995 - SEARCH - 249.125 - ENTER
5 - PROG - 607 - LIMIT - 797.995 - SEARCH - 58.075 - ENTER
6 - PROG - 798 - LIMIT - 1105995 - [DOWN KEY] - 249.125 - ENTER
7 - PROG - 1106 - LIMIT - 1300 - [DOWN KEY] - 556.325 - ENTER
AR1500EX (its slightly shorter)
BANK - 1 - PROG - 0.5 - LIMIT - 95.995 - SEARCH - 556.325 - ENTER
2 - PROG - 96 - LIMIT - 299.995 - SEARCH - 556.325 - ENTER
3 - PROG - 300 - LIMIT - 512.995 - SEARCH - 249.125 - ENTER
4 - PROG - 513 - LIMIT - 797.995 - SEARCH - 58.075 - ENTER
5 - PROG - 798 - LIMIT - 1105995 - [DOWN KEY] - 249.125 - ENTER
6 - PROG - 1106 - LIMIT - 1300 - [DOWN KEY] - 556.325 - ENTER
8. Switch Off the receiver and remove the NiCad pack.
9. Carefully slide the switch into it’s original position and replace the protective tape.
10. Insert the NiCad pack once again and switch On.
11. Test the receiver 
fully. 
						

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(3) Major features
The AR1500 is the World’s first true hand-held wide range receiver offering SSB as standard
from the factory.  Coverage is from 500 kHz all the way to 1300 MHz without any gaps in the
range.
Channel steps are programmable in multiples of 5 kHz and 12.5 kHz up to 995 kHz,  the BFO
will allow tuning between these steps for SSB operation.
All popular modes are provided NFM,  WFM,  AM and SSB (USB,  LSB & CW)  with the BFO
switched on.  A rotary tuning control is fitted to the top panel to further increase operating
pleasure,  convenience and versatility.
SSB (Single Side-Band)
SSB is a general term given to two additional modes of operation.  SSB is used by many
services especially those on shortwave (including oceanic airband) to increase the operational
coverage of their radio transceivers.
It’s inclusion on the AR1500 adds a new dimension in listening potential to the receiver.  The
two forms of SSB are Upper Side Band (USB) and Lower Side Band (LSB),  it is also possible
to receive Morse code (CW) using this method.  The BFO control allows selection of either side
band and tuning in between the 5 kHz channel steps.
All Mode
As well as SSB,  the AR1500 can receive all other popular modes:  AM (Amplitude Modula-
tion) used by broadcast stations airband and some other services.  NFM (Narrow band
Frequency Modulation) used by VHF Marine band,  Amateur band and most other services.
WFM (Wide band Frequency Modulation) used by Band-2 VHF broadcast stations and TV
sound.  Any mode can be selected on any frequency within the receiver’s operating range.
High sensitivity
The AR1500 has been designed to provide maximum VHF-UHF sensitivity in a hand-held
format.  The unit should easily compare or better other hand-held wide band receivers on the
market place today in this respect.
A top panel attenuator is provided to help combat cross-modulation and mixing effects in areas
of strong signals (such as built-up areas or hill top locations).
Memories,  Scan and Search
There are 1000 memories in total arranged in 100 memories x 10 banks, there are also 10
additional programmable search banks.  Each memory will store frequency and mode (NFM,
WFM or AM - not SSB),  the search banks will also store the step increment.  There is a
massive EEPROM store for all memories and search banks so that no memory backup battery is
required.  The memories may be over-written time and time again.
Automatic memory
The AR1500 has a new ‘automatic memory’ feature which automatically stores busy channels
found when hunting for activity using search bank number 9 into the 100 memory channels of
scan bank number 9 (900 - 999).
29
Press [ENTER] the bank indicator will flash
[6] the channel indicator will start flashing
[73]  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.
(10) Automatic memory input
The AR1500 features an Automatic memory function.  Search and Memory Bank 9 is reserved
for this special function.  For this reason you should not manually enter frequencies into bank
number 9.
To perform the automatic memory function,  you first need to program a pair of frequencies,
mode and step size into bank 9 as shown in section 9-8.
Carefully set the squelch threshold to allow the receiver to search then press [SEARCH] [9].
As soon as an active frequency is detected the AR1500 stops searching and automatically writes
the frequency to the first (indexed) channel of memory bank 9.  The receiver waits for about 2
seconds then resumes searching even if there is still activity on the frequency and continues
until another active frequency is located.  When all of the 100 memory channels of bank 9 are
filled,  the process starts all over again.
As the receiver will search in this mode even if there are constant signals,  the unit may be left
unattended building a library of activity.  The same busy frequency may however be ‘Auto
saved’ a number of times.
When you are sure plenty of active channels have been located,  you may place the receiver into
SCAN mode and select bank number 9.  All the active frequencies located during automatic
mode will be quickly scanned to ensure that nothing is missed.
Lockout may be used to remove unwanted channels from the list of channels to be scanned.
Memory contents may also be ‘copied’ to other memory banks for later scanning,  this reduces
the risk of them being accidentally over-written.
For example,  let’s say memory channel 912 has an interesting frequency which we wish to copy
to memory channel 123.  First recall memory channel 912 [MANUAL] [BANK] [9] [1] [2] then
copy it [PROG] [1] [2] [3] .... easy!  This will save hours of searching and button pressing.
Note:  Auto memory only operates in AM and NFM (not WFM). 
						

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For example,  imagine you wish to store all active VHF airband channels automatically into
memory.  First program search bank number 9 with the lower and upper frequency limits of the
VHF airband (118 - 138 MHz),  the required step size (25 kHz) and mode (AM).  Press search
then key number 9,  the AR1500 quickly locates active channels and automatically stores them
into the 100 memory channels of scan bank number 9 (900 - 999).
After a short while you need only scan the contents of scan bank number 9 knowing that all
active local channels have been automatically stored there for you.  This makes the job of
locating and storing active channels easier and the use of the receiver more pleasurable.
Of course you can choose to search any frequency range you wish by simply reprogramming the
parameters of search bank number 9.  If you prefer,  you can still locate and store frequencies
into the receivers vast memory store using conventional manual methods.
Lockout
Memories and search banks may be ‘locked out’ for the days when you don’t wish to listen to
something you have previously programmed. The search banks may be programmed time and
time again by the user.  In search mode up to 1000 continuously occupied frequencies (100 in
each of the 10 search banks) may be locked out so that annoying noises and unwanted signals
can be eliminated.  Should you encounter noise,  mobile control signals or beacons,  they can be
locked out with a single press of a button so that the frequency will be skipped when next
searched.
Versatility
The AR1500 can meet a number of requirements to satisfy Airband or Marine enthusiasts,
Professional off air monitoring and of course casual listening too.  The World’s shortwave and
Amateur bands can be monitored,  even the longer range Oceanic Airband and ship to shore.
The AR1500 is supplied with all the accessories required to enable you to start listening straight
away.
The AR1500 is powered from an internal NiCad rechargeable battery pack (supplied).  This
pack can be recharged using the supplied AC charger or 12V DC lead and may be used over and
over again.  Spare NiCad packs may be purchased and the internal pack replaced by a fully
charged pack within a few moments adding to the operational time when away from the home or
vehicle.
When connected to a nominal 13.8V DC power source using the supplied lead (in the car or at
home) the AR1500 may be operated with the NiCad pack still fitted.
A dry battery case is provided as a standard accessory.  4 x AAA Alkaline cells may be fitted
and carried with you as an assurance against flat batteries just when you need to use the receiver
most.
Aerial input
The aerial input is of the standard BNC type allowing straight forward connection to almost any
VHF / UHF aerial.  There is also a top panel switchable attenuator to increase versatility in areas
of strong signals.
28
9-7 Releasing Search bank lockout (or individually locked out frequencies)
Search bank lockout functions by locking out the first frequency in the search bank.  To release
the lockout status requires this frequency to be released.
Note the frequency you are looking for (if still using defaults,  refer to the table in section 9-2).
The following process allows you to scroll through the list of locked out frequencies,  the first
locked out frequency in the bank may be easily located:
[SEARCH] [BANK] [PROG] [LOCKOUT]
The first of the locked out frequencies will appear on the display.  The  indicator will
be flashing on the LCD to show the status.  You must unlock frequencies one-by-one.
To unlock a frequency press [LOCKOUT].  To skip over the frequency without altering it’s
lockout status press [ENTER].  Locate the first frequency of the desired search bank and unlock
it.  To escape from this procedure,  press [MANUAL].
9-8 Re-programming search bank limits
Before you change the pre-programmes search bank limits,  it is a good idea to note the existing
data (section 9-2) so that they may be re-programmed back to their original defaults at a later
date.  In fact you may be happy with the defaults,  in which case you may choose not to alter
their content.
Let’s assume you wish to re-programme SEARCH BANK 2 to cover a specific part of the 2m
Amateur Band:
145.600 - 145.775 MHz,  25 kHz steps in NFM
The format is:
[SEARCH] [PROG] [START FREQUENCY] [LIMIT] [END FREQUENCY] [ENTER] [STEP]
[ENTER] [MODE] [ENTER] [BANK NUMBER] [ENTER] [SEARCH]
Example:  [SEARCH] [PROG] [1] [4] [5] [.] [6] LIMIT] [1] [4] [5] [.] [7] [7] [5] [ENTER]
     [2] [5] [ENTER] [FM] [ENTER][2] [ENTER]
The previous stored frequency will be permanently over-written.  Press [SEARCH] [2] to start
searching the new programmed band.
9-9 Storing search frequencies into memory
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: 
						

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(4) Precautions
4-1 Location.
Do not use or leave the receiver in direct sunlight.  It is best to avoid locations where excessive
heat,  humidity,  dust and vibration expected.  Always treat the receiver with care.
Take care to avoid spillage or leakage of liquids into the receiver and AC charger.  Special care
should be taken to avoid liquid entering via the power jack.
4-2 Look after your receiver.
Always keep the receiver free from dust and water.  Use a soft dry cloth to gently wipe the set
clean.  Never use chemicals such as benzine of thinners which will damage the plastic outer case
and parts.
4-3 Power requirements.
The AR1500 is designed for operation only from an internal battery pack or a regulated DC
supply connected to the charge jack socket (11-18V DC).  Always use the supplied charger,
supplied DC lead or regulated DC power supply.
Note:  The charger jack socket (1.3mm dual concentric) is wired positive centre.  The chassis
of the receiver is negative ground.  The supplied DC lead is fitted with a cigar lighter plug
ready for mobile operation.  For  you information the cable is colour coded,  the plain black wire
being negative while the stripe signifies the positive connection.
If powered from a regulated DC power supply,  the output should be a nominal 13.8V DC with a
current capacity of 300mA or greater.  The acceptable input voltage is 11-18V DC.
The UK charger has two cables attached.  One is terminated in the appropriate power jack plug
to fit the charging socket of the AR1500.  The second has two bared wires ready for connection
to a standard 3-pin mains plug.  A 3 Ampere fuse should be used in the plug and the cable is
colour coded as follows:
Brown: Live
Blue: Neutral
There is no connection to the EARTH connection of the mains plug.
Always disconnect the charger from the AC mains supply when not in use.
Warning:  Never connect the AC charger or DC power supply when dry batteries are fitted in
the receiver.  Dry batteries cannot be charged,  serious damage may occur if this point is
ignored.
Always remove dry batteries when the set is not being used to avoid leakage which could
seriously damage the receiver.
NiCad pack
The AR1500 is fitted with an internal 6V NiCad pack.  The battery compartment is located on
the lower rear side of the cabinet and may be easily accessed by sliding open the compartment
cover using a downward sliding motion.
27
9-4 Problems with searching
If for some reason your receiver refuses to search the bank you select and jumps to another
bank,  you have probably accidentally used PROGRAM SEARCH BANK.  To clear the
apparent problem key in the following:
[SEARCH] [BANK] [PROG] [0] [LIMIT] [8] [ENTER]
Search 
all banks (except bank 9 which must be searched individually)!
It is also worth checking that all the frequencies are not locked out (section 9-7) and that the
start and end programmed frequency limits are different (section 9-8).
9-5 Program search bank
When you grow tired of searching all search banks,  you may program the receiver to search
only one bank or a range of banks by programming a start and finish bank.
For example,  if you wish to search banks 5 to 8 inclusive:
[SEARCH] [BANK] [PROG] [5] [LIMIT] [8] [ENTER]
Using the same method you may program the receiver to search bank 2 only without actually
locking out the other banks,  this being the preferred method.
To search only bank 2 over and over:
[SEARCH] [BANK] [PROG] [2] [LIMIT] [2] [ENTER]
9-6 Search bank lockout
Should you wish to lock out a specific search bank,  it is best to first ‘open’ the squelch control
to stop the set from searching.
The format is:
[SEARCH]  [BANK]  [BANK NUMBER]  [BANK]  [LOCKOUT]
For example,  to lockout search bank 3
[SEARCH] [BANK] [3] [BANK] [LOCKOUT]
Note:   To release this facility requires the preview and unlocking of frequencies,  it is
preferable to use program search bank to restrict the search process where required. 
						

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The NiCads are NOT factory charged and will have little or no energy when shipped from the
factory.  The NiCads may be charged using the supplied AC charger or DC lead.
Note:
The AC charger should 
NOT be regarded as a power supply.  It is intended only to charge the
NiCad battery pack while the set is switched Off and not to power the receiver.  Should you wish
to use the set via the 12V DC input socket,  an additional regulated 11-18V DC regulated power
supply should be used,  the current capacity should be 300mA or greater.
A full charge (from when the NiCad pack is fully drained) will take approximately 15 hours with
the receiver switched Off.  A fully charged NiCad pack should provide a few hours of average
use,  this will depend operational parameters, settings such as volume will have great effect.
If an external regulated power supply is used (or the DC lead supplied),  the set may be operated
while the NiCads are still fitted.  If used only in the home or vehicle,  the AR1500 internal NiCad
pack may be removed as long as an external regulated power supply (or car battery) is in use,
however the supplied AC charger cannot be used as a power supply.  The NiCad will only
charge with the power switch turned Off.  Note: Depending on tolerances,  the AR1500EX
may require the NiCad to be left in place while the set is powered via an external DC supply...
if the set fails to power up,  re-fit the NiCad pack.
The low battery indicator  will provide little or no warning when used with the NiCad
pack due the characteristics of NiCad cells.  Adequate warning should be provided when using
Alkaline batteries.  Background noise may still be heard from the loudspeaker even though the
batteries are exhausted,  usually the Liquid Crystal Display fails to operate in this condition.
NiCads are prone to ‘memory effect’,  as a result they may have to be cycled (fully charged then
used until flat) 3 or 4 times before they provide a satisfactory period of operation.  Once first
charged,  you should never again leave the NiCads in a flat condition.  Although you may charge
the NiCads in order to ‘top up’ their capacity if you have only used the set for an hour or two,  the
NiCads should be cycled at least once per month to ensure continued long term reliability.
Important!
Do not over-charge the NiCad pack, 15 hours is sufficient from flat.  In severe cases of over-
charging high temperatures may can be generated,  this can result in damage to the NiCads and to
the receiver.  If this point is ignored,  there is a small but potential danger of personal injury due
to explosion.  Never short circuit NiCad batteries,  the effect is similar to over-charging but
happens very quickly.  Never attempt to charge dry batteries.
The internal NiCad pack is located in the battery compartment on the rear lower half of the
receiver.  The NiCad pack connects to the receiver by a small cable and connector affixed to the
NiCad pack (although the connector is polarised,  be careful not to force reverse the connection).
An additional NiCad pack may be purchased and carried with you.  The internal pack may be
replaced by a fresh pack or dry battery case within a few moments when the first pack becomes
depleted,  this will enable extended operation when away from the home or vehicle.  The battery
compartment cover is removed by a downward sliding motion.
Caution:  Do not attempt to “charge & operate the receiver” if the NiCad is
totally flat...  you must allow at least 
five minutes of charging before switching the
receiver on even if you are using an external regulated power supply.  Failure to
comply with this point may cause damage to the sets power regulator.
26
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.
SEARCH BANK 9 can only be searched on its own,  it cannot be added to a group.
9-2 Pre-programmed search banks
For your convenience,  the AR1500 search banks have been pre-programmed at the factory so
that you may use the facility without delay.  Of course you may reprogramme the limits and
modes anywhere with in the coverage of the receiver 500 kHz - 1300 MHz.
The factory defaults are as follows: (some sets may vary from the table shown below)
Bank 1 Shortwave 2 - 30 MHz 5 kHz step    AM
Bank 2 VHF FM 88 - 108 MHz 50 kHz step    WFM
Bank 3 VHF Air 108 - 138 MHz 25 kHz step    AM
Bank 4 UHF Air 225 - 400 MHz 50 kHz step    AM
Bank 5 VHF Amateur 144 - 146 MHz 12.5 kHz step    NFM
Bank 6 UHF Amateur 433 - 435 MHz 25 kHz step    NFM
Bank 7 VHF Marine 156 - 163 MHz 25 kHz    NFM
Bank 8 VHF PMR 165 - 174 MHz 12.5 kHz step    NFM
Bank 9 *C-Mobile 890 - 905 MHz 12.5 kHz step    NFM
Bank 0 C-Base 935 - 950 MHz 12.5 kHz step    NFM
* Bank 9 reserved for automatic memory facility.
Should you choose,  the programming of these search banks need not have any relationship to
the factory defaults,  this ensures maximum flexibility.
As you can see from the above list,  each search bank can store lower and upper frequency
limits,  step size used for searching and mode (AM/NFM/WFM - not SSB).  The step size may
be programmed in multiples of 5 or 12.5 kHz to a maximum of 995 kHz i.e. 5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20,
25, 37.5, 50, 100 kHz etc.
9-3 Searching all banks
To search all search banks (excluding those locked out and excluding bank 9)
press [SEARCH]
The receiver will start searching all search banks,  it will not try to search those locked out.
Searching all search banks may still take quite a while even though the receiver’s scan process is
very rapid.
You need to set the squelch control to cancel the background noise before the set can search.
The receiver may find it difficult to differentiate between weak signals and background noise so
careful and occasional re-adjustment of the squelch control may be necessary.
To start searching at a particular bank,  let’s say search bank 3,  press [SEARCH] [3] 
						

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4-4 Aerial connection
The aerial input is of the standard BNC type allowing straight forward connection to almost any
VHF / UHF aerial.  There is also a top panel switchable attenuator to increase versatility in areas
of strong signals.
Two aerials are supplied with the receiver.  One is the highly acclaimed DA900 wide band
VHF-UHF flexible whip.  The second aerial supplied is a 5m (approx) length of wire terminated
in a BNC plug,  this is intended for reception on the shortwave bands.
The AR1500 is designed to offer maximum sensitivity in the hand-held format and performs
exceptionally well using the supplied aerials.  However in areas of strong signals or when
connected to external aerial such as a discone,  cross-modulation and overloading may be
encountered.  Overloading of this nature will not damage the receiver’s circuitry,  the top panel
attenuator should help reduce these effects.
Active aerials and preamplifiers are not recommended,  the extra gain offered by these aerials
can easily overload the AR1500.
Should you encounter ‘breakthrough’ when using an external aerial (and the attenuator does not
help) a simple 
stub-filter placed in the coaxial cable may help.  This comprises of a ‘T’ connec-
tor with an open circuit 50 OHM cable length (the stub) attached to the ‘T’ piece.
A rough calculation for the stub length is as follows:
(234 / Freq in MHz) x 0.67 = Stub length in feet
i.e. To reduce the strength of BBC Radio 2 on Band 2:
(234 / 88.3) x 0.67 = 1.77 feet (or 1 foot 9 inches approx)
ABF125
A VHF commercial AIRBAND FILTER is now available from AOR to help minimise the
potential level of breakthrough when listening to VHF airband in high signal areas or when
connected to external aerials.  Please request the descriptive leaflet for further details.
Aerial Tuning Units (ATU) can greatly benefit the shortwave section of the receiver when
connected to long wire aerial other than the 5m of aerial wire provided.  Valuable extra
selectivity is provided by the ATU enabling the receiver to ‘single out’ one band of frequencies
while rejecting unwanted transmissions.
This type of ATU is usually constructed in a small box with about three controls on the front
panel.  The disadvantage is the need to constantly retune the ATU when changing frequency.
An ATU of this type has no active circuitry,  it is known as a 
passive device.
Active desk-top loop aerials for the shortwave bands (such as the AOR LA320) have the
advantage of small size when compared to long wire aerials.  As the loop is within easy reach of
the operator it can be rotated to provide directivity.  The circuitry offers a small level of gain
with the advantage of selectivity similar to an ATU.
25
Unlocking memory bank lockout
The locked-out memory bank may be re-instated using a similar method to lockout.
For example,  to unlock memory bank 5 which has been locked out using memory bank lockout:
[MANUAL] [BANK] [5] [0] [0] [LOCKOUT]
The  and  indicators disappear from the LCD to confirm the process has
been successful.
(9) Search mode
There are 10 search banks available,  search bank 9 has a reserved function of ‘automatic
memory store’.
9-1 Notes on 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.
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. 
						

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9
(5) Controls and functions
The AR1500 receiver is housed in an attractive strong plastic cabinet.  Controls for operation are
located on the top and front face of the cabinet.
A soft case is provided as a standard accessory to help protect the receiver while in use.
5-1 Top panel
1. VOL & PWR - Volume control & power switch
The volume control and power switch is located on the top face of the cabinet next to the aerial
input.  It is used to set the required audio output from the receiver.  When turned fully clockwise
the volume is at maximum,  when rotated fully anti-clockwise the volume is reduced to mini-
mum.  At the fully anti-clockwise position the power On/Off switch is activated with a ‘click’.
2. SQL & BFO - Squelch control & BFO
2a.  The Squelch control and BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) is located on the top face of
the cabinet.
The SQL - squelch control is the outer knob of the dual concentric rotary controls.  The control
is used to eliminate unwanted background noise on unoccupied frequencies.  It is also used by
the receiver’s microprocessor to decide when to stop during scan and search modes.
The squelch control needs careful setting to achieve optimum operating performance.  Rotate
the control clockwise until the background noise just disappears (threshold),  this is the most
sensitive setting of the control.  In practice the control is usually rotated a little further clockwise
beyond the threshold point to prevent the receiver from stopping on noise or very weak and
unreadable signals.
If the control is rotated too far clockwise then weaker signals will be totally lost and only local
strong signals will be heard.
2b.  The BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) control is the inner knob of the dual concentric rotary
controls.  The knob only functions in AM mode when the BFO mode switch (6) is depressed.
The control is used to clarify SSB (Single Side Band) transmissions by Radio Amateur,
Oceanic Airband,  Marine and other services mainly found on the shortwave bands.  Without
this control the audio from these services may sound very distorted - this is quite normal.
The usual position for this control is ‘12 o’clock’.  The control shifts the BFO by approximately
- 4 kHz ~ + 6 kHz.  Please see the section on 
SSB operation for further information.
3. DIAL - tuning control
The DIAL or rotary tuning control is located on the top face of the cabinet.  This control
changes the received frequency up and down in manual & search mode and changes the channel
in scan mode.  The control has a convenient ‘click-style’ operation,  the tuning step size may be
programmed from the keypad.
24
Using the same method you may program the receiver to scan the contents of 1 memory bank
only without actually locking out the other banks,  this being the preferred method.
To scan only memory bank 3 over and over:
[SCAN] [BANK] [PROG] [3] [LIMIT] [3] [ENTER]
8-8 Memory lockout
If you wish to lock out a specific memory channel,  this may be achieved by two methods:
1. When scanning and the receiver stops on an unwanted busy channel press
[LOCKOUT].  The receiver will immediately move onto the next channel and continue
scanning.
2. Select the memory channel in MANUAL mode as per section 8-2 then press
[LOCKOUT].  i.e. to select memory bank 1 channel 23
[BANK] [1] [2] [3] [LOCKOUT]
Take note of the  indicator.  A steady  indicator and  means
that the channel is locked out,  no indicator means the channel is not locked out and may
be scanned.  This is different from that of a specific locked out frequency which uses a
flashing  indication.  Pressing the [LOCKOUT] key toggles the status.
Each time [MANUAL] is pressed,  the memory channel advances by one channel.  This
is particularly useful for rapidly locking out or unlocking a number of channels within a
bank.
Method number 2 is used to unlock a memory channel.
8-9 Memory bank lockout
You may lock out an entire memory bank in one go.  This can be particularly useful for tempo-
rarily removing banks from the list of available banks to scan.  Banks locked out in this fashion
may be easily reinstated.
The format is:
[MANUAL]  [ANY CHANNEL NUMBER IN BANK]  [BANK]  [LOCKOUT]
For example,  to lockout memory bank 5
[MANUAL] [BANK] [5] [0] [0] [BANK] [LOCKOUT]
The  and  indicators appear on the LCD to confirm operation.  Bank number
5 will now be skipped when the [SCAN] key is pressed. 
						

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10
4. LOCAL/DX switch (attenuator)
The attenuator switch has two positions marked LOCAL and DX.  For most situations the DX or
long distance position is used (switch Up) where the receiver is at it’s most sensitive.
When operating in the presence of strong signals such as TV or FM broadcast,  Amateur Radio,
CB, PMR some interference may be experienced.  This is also true when the receiver is used in
lofty locations such as hill tops or in built up areas.  This interference may manifest itself in
many forms such as an increase in background noise,  desensitising of the receiver or mixing of
many stations together.  The attenuator switch may help in many cases to reduce or eliminate
these effects.  Place the switch into the LOCAL position where the receiver is less sensitive
(switch Down).  This reduces the level of signals reaching the receiver’s circuitry and helps the
receiver cope with strong signals.
Reference is made earlier in this manual to the use of ‘stub filters’,  should you encounter
interference or breakthrough of this type please refer to the earlier section (4-4).
5. KEY LOCK switch
This switch disables the keypad and rotary tuning control.  This prevents accidental change of
frequency while the receiver is being carried around but is still in use.
Press once to activate,  the word LOCK appears on the LCD to confirm operation.  Press a
second time to de-activate the lock facility.
6. BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) switch
This switch only operates in the AM (Amplitude Modulation) mode and is used to resolve SSB
(Single Side Band) transmissions.  SSB is used mainly on the shortwave bands by commercial
services (not broadcast) such as Oceanic Airband,  Ship-Shore and Amateur Band.  SSB
generally enables longer range service than AM and is used for voice communications.
The switch as two positions Off (switch Up) and On (switch Down).  Please refer to the 
SSB
section for a fuller explanation.
7. EAR - Earphone socket
This socket is located on the top face of the cabinet.  The socket accepts a standard 2.5mm mono
jack plug.  Either an earphone (one being supplied as a standard accessory),  headphone or small
external speaker may be connected,  the impedance should be 8 OHMS or greater.  When the
socket is used,  the internal speaker is automatically disconnected.
8. ANT - Aerial input socket (Antenna)
The aerial input is via a high quality BNC connector.  It’s operation is like a bayonet (push and
twist) and is mounted on the top face of the cabinet.
Two aerials are supplied with the receiver as standard accessories:
DA900wide band VHF-UHF flexible whip
SW-wireaerial wire terminated in a BNC connector for use on the
shortwave bands.
Please refer to section 4-4 of this manual for further information and suggestions regarding
aerial connection.
23
It is usually convenient to ‘group’ all similar frequencies and modes together within a memory
bank.  This has two positive benefits,  firstly it enables you to select one range of frequencies
(memory channels) separately from other programmed channels.  Secondly,  it ensures the
receiver has as little work to do as possible moving a relatively small frequency from channel to
channel and only changing more occasionally.  This will ensure the fastest possible scanning
rate.
Occasionally when changing mode,  the receiver will appear to hesitate before moving on even
though no signal is present.  This characteristic is quite normal and does not constitute a fault,
the effect is greatly limited by bearing the above points in mind when programming the memory
channels and banks.
Memory channels and banks may be ‘locked out’ if for some reason you do not wish to scan
them.
To scan all memories (excluding those locked out)
press [SCAN]
The receiver will start scanning all 1,000 memory channels,  it will not try to scan unoccupied
channels or those locked out.  Scanning all 1,000 memory channels could still take quite a while
even though the receiver’s scan process is very rapid.
You need to set the squelch control to cancel the background noise before the set can scan or
search.  The receiver may find it difficult to differentiate between weak signals and background
noise so careful and occasional re-adjustment of the squelch control may be necessary.
To start scanning at a particular bank,  let’s say memory bank 4,  press [SCAN] [4]
8-6 Problems with scanning
If for some reason your receiver refuses to scan the bank you select and jumps to another bank,
you have probably accidentally used PROGRAM BANK SCAN.  To clear the apparent problem
key in the following:
[SCAN] [BANK] [PROG] [0] [LIMIT] [9] [ENTER]
Scan 
all banks!
8-7 Program bank scan
When you grow tired of scanning all memory channels, you may program the receiver to scan
only one memory bank or a range of banks by programming a start and finish bank.
For example,  if you wish to scan banks 1 to 5 inclusive:
[SCAN] [BANK] [PROG] [1] [LIMIT] [5] [ENTER]