CANNER EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR MONITORING POST Bob Parnass, AJ9S parnass@megsinet.com http://www.megsinet.com/parnass
Yaesu VR-120 Portable Scanner
he Yaesu VR-120 is a palm-size wide coverage scanner. Its size, frequency coverage, and $200 price place it in direct competition with the ICOM IC-R2 (April 1999 MT). Two simple AA batteries power each model. The IC-R2 is furnished with two NiCd cells and a charger, but none are supplied with the VR-120. Neither radio has a charging jack so batteries must be removed for recharging.

General Features

The VR-120 is made in Japan. It tunes the spectrum from 100 kHz to almost 1300 MHz, but the US version has several undocumented frequency gaps which permit it to pass muster with the FCCs rules on rejection of cellular telephone signals (See table below). ICOM intro- Scanning and duced its IC-R2 before the FCC crackdown and Searching has gaps only at the cell input and output freThe VR-120 can scan combinations of quencies. memory banks, in contrast to the IC-R2s single Users may choose AM, NFM, and WFM bank arrangement. You can scan all channels in reception modes and 11 selectable tuning step the designated banks or only those channels you sizes, ranging from 5 to 100 kHz. The IC-R2 mark as preferential. The upscale VR-500 uses provides CTCSS decoding and CTCSS search, the same arrangement. Yaesus Preferential Scan but the VR-120 does not. is merely an alternative to the more familiar apBattery life can be extended when not scan- proach of locking out channels in other brand ning or searching by enabling the scanners and both schemes acpower saver. A sleep timer function complish the same mission. VR-120 Frequency Gaps is configurable to turn the radio off There are three choices for after 30, 60, or 90 minutes. when to continue scanning (or 542 - 549 Both the VR-120 and IC-R- 340 searching) in the presence of a 558 - 572 use a detent control knob for tun- 351 - 352 signal: Busy, Pause, and Hold. A 605 - 615 ing and navigating through menus 372 - 373 global rescan delay waits for the 384 - - 630 of options. The VR-120 is fitted 396 - 397 signal to drop and is set to 2 sec784 - 798 with conventional volume and 482 - 483 onds. 807 - 820 squelch knobs that are easier to 496 - 497 Instead of a rescan delay, 824 - 849 adjust than the IC-R2. Pushbutton 504 - 505 you can choose to pause the scan 869 - 894 keys control the IC-R2s volume 511 - 512 for 1 to 12 seconds and restart the and its squelch is set using a knob scan after that interval and button in tandem. even if the station is still transmitting. A 1/8" side mounted jack is used for ear- The Hold setting halts the scan the first phone or cloning connection. When not in use, time the VR-120 detects a signal. the jack is protected from dust by a captive rubThe VR-120 provides eight limit ber plug. search ranges and the IC-R2 provides 25 pairs of search limits. The VR-120 can skip up to 64 frequencies during Memory and VFOs Both the VR-120 and IC-R2 have one VFO, limit and VFO searches. Special but different memory channel arrangements. The memory channels are used to store the VR-120 sports 640 channels organized into 10 locked out frequencies, and you can banks. The IC-R2 has 400 channels spread inspect or restore them. The VR-120 includes a Smart among eight banks. Neither radio has a numeric keypad. The Search (a.k.a. auto memory write), antwo models are programmed using a similar tech- other advantage over the IC-R2. You nique. Frequencies are entered into the VFO can program upper and lower freusing a combination of the Band key and the quency limits and a starting frequency. After commencing Smart Search, the top mounted tuning knob. 84

MONITORING TIMES July 2001
To program a memory channel, you first tune the VFO to the right frequency and use menus to select other parameters. Both radios can store the information in the next empty memory channel or you can choose a specific channel instead. Mode and tuning step size can be programmed for each memory channel. Several of the VR-120s memory channels are factory programmed to shortwave broadcast frequencies, but may be overwritten. The VR-120 permits you to program an 8-character label for each channel, an advantage over the IC-R2.
VR-120 will look for signals in that range and store active frequencies in a special 21-channel memory bank. Too bad that the Smart Search capabilities are so limited. The VR-120, like the VR-500, will make only one sweep through the search range before stopping. You get one chance to inspect the search results because you cannot look at them after exiting the Smart Search mode. There are 10 pairs of Dual Watch frequencies. These behave like 10 miniature, non-linkable memory banks of 2 channels each.

Other Features

The VR-120 contains an internal bar antenna for AM broadcast band listening. A menu item lets you select this bar or an external antenna. Another menu item permits an optional earphone to serve as an antenna for stealthy VHF/UHF monitoring, an innovation also found in the Alinco DJ-X2T (December 2000 MT). The VR-120s Channel Counter feature permits the radio to act as a simple frequency counter. The antenna is disabled while using the counter mode, so you must be located near the transmitter. By default, the counter is limited to a 50 MHz wide frequency range centered on the display frequency, though you can narrow it 5 MHz or widen it to 100 MHz. The results are delayed, sometimes for several seconds; we find our DJ-X2000T Flash Tunes search results are faster and more repeatable. The memory and operating parameters of a VR-120 may be cloned from another VR-120
by using the optional CT-35 cable. The user manual does not document the interface protocol nor mention cloning by personal computer. Yaesu should make the interface public and let the marketplace provide a variety of computer cloning programs. The IC-R2 is more attractive in this regard because you can obtain both free and low-cost computer software for it.
rubberized antenna is a fair performer on VHF/ UHF, though not as good as a wire-thin Pryme RD-9. Our VR-500s antenna has a performance notch near 159 MHz but the VR-120s antenna does not. The stock antenna excels, believe it or not, in shortwave reception. We can receive dozens of foreign shortwave broadcast stations using the stock antenna while sitting in the basement at night.

Performance

After using the VR-120 at home and on a dozen trips, we concluded that the VR-120 and IC-R2 are about evenly matched. Both radios perform comparably, though the IC-R2s sensitivity is more consistent. The VR-120s display is much easier to read and its classic squelch and volume knobs are better suited than the ICR2s pushbutton arrangement. This VR-120s audio and intermod immunity are superior to our VR-500. The IC-R2s audio is a bit crisper and the CTCSS squelch keeps more unwanted signals out. We prefer the VR-120s BNC antenna connector to the IC-R2s SMA style. The VR-120s

Wrap-up

If you require a tiny scanner with good performance, the VR-120 and IC-R2 should be tops on your list. They are loud enough to hear comfortably and can be powered by ordinary AA
batteries. Both scan memory at about the same speed. The IC-R2 provides CTCSS squelch and there are several free and low cost computer programs available for loading frequencies. Its duplex facility lets you monitor repeater inputs with a simple key press. The VR-120s larger display and conventional knobs make it easier to use. It draws less battery current, which implies longer battery life. The alpha labels and multibank scanning are advantages. The internal bar antenna affords better AM BCB reception than our IC-R2. Check the table of frequency gaps to make sure the VR-120 covers the frequencies you want to monitor.

Measurements

Yaesu VR-120 Scanner S/N 1C040130 List price $249 Yaesu USA, 17210 Edwards Rd., Cerritos, CA 90703 Frequency coverage (MHz): 0.1 - 1299.995 except gaps (see table) Frequency steps (kHz): 5, 6.25, 9, 10, 12.5 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 100 Sensitivity: see graphs RF attenuator: 29 dB @ 10 MHz 28 dB @ 40 MHz 15 dB @ 155 MHz 10 dB @ 460 MHz 14 dB @ 860 MHz FM modulation acceptance: 10 kHz Intermediate Frequencies: (MHz) 248.45, 15.0, 0.450 Image rejection due to 1st IF: 54 dB @ 40 MHz 51 dB @ 155 MHz 33 dB @ 460 MHz 58 dB @ 860 MHz A udio output power at earphone jack: 40 mW @ 10% distortion into 8 ohms Practical memory scan speed: 11 ch/sec. Current consumption at 3.0 VDC: off - 0.17 mA manual - 27 mA avg (w/battery saver) scan - 60 mA full volume - 132 mA lamps - 30 mA additional Battery saver: after 5 sec. in Manual Low battery warning: 2.24 VDC Shutdown: 2.08 VDC July 2001 MONITORING TIMES

[3(SCH/SCN)]

Frequency Entry Digit 3

Press Key

Press [F/W] +
Switch to the Memory Mode.

Start scanning.

Press [F/W] + Key for 2 seconds

[4(SW/SC)]

Frequency Entry Digit 4 Store the VFO frequency into the Scan Skip memory, or delete the Scan Skip memory channel data.

[5(S.SCH/PMS)]

Frequency Entry Digit 5

[6(PW)]

Frequency Entry Digit 6
Program and activate Preferential Memory ScanTM operaion.
Activate the Priority Watch feature. Display the operating time and total transmit time since you most recently turned the transceiver on.
Program and activate Smart SearCHTM operation.

[7(DW)]

Frequency Entry Digit 7

[8(ATT)]

Frequency Entry Digit 8

[9(LAMP)]

Frequency Entry Digit 9
Activate the Dual Watch feature. Store the VFO frequency pair for the Dual Watch feature into the Dual Watch Memory channel.
Engage the receiver front-end attenuator.
Activate the backlighting lamp for the display and keypad keys for 5 seconds.

[ (STEP)]

Input of the Decimal Point frequency entry digit ( ).

[B.S(B.W)]

Activate the Band Scope feature.

Transmit.

Select the synthesizer steps to be used during VFO operation.
Select the Band Scope sweep width.
Temporary High Power Transmit.

[0(MODE)]

Frequency Entry Digit 0

[CLR(P.SET)]

Cancel the frequency entry or Menu mode setting. Toggle the operating mode between the Preset Mode and the Normal Mode.
USA version: Disable the Noise and Tone Squelch. European version: Activate the T. CALL.
Select the operating (receiving) mode.
Reverse the transmit and receive frequencies while working through a repeater.

[ENT(SET/NAME)]

Enter the frequency entry digit into the VFO. Activate the Set (Menu) mode, or enable programming of the Alpha/Numeric name tag for the current memory channel.

[MONI(LOCK)]

Open the squelch manually

[LAMP]

Illuminate the LCD and keypad for 5 seconds.
Activate Key Lock feature.
Activate the Spectrum Analyzer feature.
Press [F/W] + Illuminate the LCD and keypad until you press Key for 2 the key again. seconds
Accessories & Options
ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED WITH THE VR-500
Antenna Belt Clip Hand Strap Operating Manual Warranty Card
AVAILABLE OPTIONS FOR YOUR VR-500
NC-60 E-DC-5B E-DC-6 CSC-72 CT-35 FNB-59 AC Adapter DC Cable w/Noise Filter DC Cable; plug and wire only Soft Case Cloning Cable Rechargeable Battery Pack
Availability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. Consult your Yaesu Dealer for details regarding these and any newly-available options. Connection of any non-Yaesuapproved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this apparatus.

Press and hold in the [FUNC] key, then press the [1(MEMO)] key, repeatedly if necessary, to recall the VFO Frequency Skip Memory mode (Snn will appear at the left side of the display). Rotate the DIAL knob to select the channel to be re-instituted. Press the [4(SW/SC)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key. The display will indicate Snn CLEAR? as a request for command confirmation (see next step). Now, press the [4(SW/SC)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key again; this action will delete the channel from the VFO Frequency Skip Memory, so as to re-institute the frequency into the VFO Search scanning loop.
Pre-Programmable Frequency Search
The VR-500 allows you to program up to ten band segments within which VFO Search scanning can be limited. This allows your radio's search to be concentrated on the most active band segments in your local area, without wasting time in unused frequency segments. To confine your search within one of the pre-programmed segments, you must first set Menu #12 ([Search Mode]) to the LIMIT option, per the following procedure:
Press and hold in the [FUNC] key; while holding it in, press the [ENT(SET/NAME)] Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #12 [Search Mode]. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key; while holding it in, rotate Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to the VFO mode.
the DIAL knob to select LIMIT as the VFO Search mode. key to activate the Set (Menu) mode.
The VR-500 has been pre-programmed at the factory with default band limits. These are grouped as Search Band Memories per the list below.
Search Band Memory # 4 Pre-Programmed Frequency Range 0.5200 ~ 1.8000 MHz 1.8000 ~ 3.6000 MHz 3.6000 ~ 10.5000 MHz 10.500 ~ 21.0000 MHz 21.0000 ~ 30.0000 MHz Search Band Memory # 9 Pre-Programmed Frequency Range 50.0000 ~ 54.0000 MHz 88.0000 ~ 108.0000 MHz 144.0000 ~ 148.0000 MHz 430.0000 ~ 450.0000 MHz 1240.0000 ~ 1300.0000 MHz
Here is the procedure for initiating VFO Search Scanning within one of the above bands:
Press and hold in the [FUNC] key; while holding it in, press the [3(SCH/SCN)] key;
the radio will begin VFO Search Scanning (at this point, the frequency range is unimportant). While VFO Search is active, press (momentarily) the key corresponding with the Search Band Memory as shown above. The VFO Search will now shift to the band segment within the Pre-Programmed Frequency Range associated with that memory number. For example, if you press [7] after initiating VFO Search Scanning, the search will be limited to the frequency range 144.0148.0 MHz. While VFO Search Scanning is in progress, you may change ranges by just pressing one of the numbered keys momentarily; the radio will jump to that range instantaneously, and will immediately begin VFO Search Scanning inside the new range. Other aspects of the VFO Search feature within the pre-programmed band limits, such as the Resume mode, are the same as during regular VFO Search Scanning. Press the [CLR[P.SET)] key to halt the search and return to manual tuning via the DIAL knob.

Simple Storage While operating in the VFO mode, select the desired frequency and reception mode
(AM, NFM, etc.) for the station to be memorized. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key, then press the [2(MW/MC)] key momentarily. The microprocessor will automatically select the next-available open memory channel (a memory register on which no data has been stored). On the left side of the display, a three-digit number will appear, indicating the chan- Open Memory Channel nel number which will be used for channel data storage. On the right side, MW/NAME? will appear (MW stands for Memory Write). If you wish to append an alpha-numeric label (name) to the channel, press and hold in the [FUNC] key, then press the [ENT(SET/NAME)] key. Now skip to step of the Labeling Memories section below, and perform steps through. Now, press the [2(MW/MC)] key once more while still holding in the [FUNC] key. This stores the frequency into the memory. WRITE! will appear on the right side of the display, to confirm that the frequency data was successfully stored. Note: You must press the [2(MW/MC)] key per this step whether or not you are appending an alpha-numeric label to a memory.
Designated Memory Storage
If you wish to store the frequency into a particular memory channel number, use the Designated Memory storage procedure:
While operating in the VFO mode, select the desired frequency and reception mode
(AM, NFM, etc.) for the station to be memorized.
Press the [2(MW/MC)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key. If you wish to append an alpha-numeric label (name) to the channel, press and hold in the [FUNC] key, then press the [ENT(SET/NAME)] key. Now skip to step of the Labeling Memories section on page 20, and perform steps through. Now enter the three-digit memory channel number to be stored from the keypad.
When you touch the third digit of the memory channel number, Write! will appear at the right side of the display, confirming that the frequency data has been stored into the designated memory channel. Example: Store 162.550 MHz into Memory Channel 005:
Use the keyboard to enter the desired frequency.
Press [1] [6] [2] [ ] [5] [5] [ENT(SET/NAME)]. Press the [FUNC] key, then press [2(MW/MC)]. A channel number will appear at the left side of the display, and MW/Name? will appear at the right side. Now press [0] [0] [5]. The display will indicate 005 Write! momentarily, after which the display will revert to 162.550 MHz, which is the current VFO frequency. Memory storage into channel #005 is now complete. Example: Store 162.450 MHz into Memory Channel 010, and append the label "NOAA 450 to the channel data: Use the keyboard to enter the desired frequency. Press [1] [6] [2] [ ] [4] [5] [ENT(SET/NAME)]. Press the [FUNC] key, then press [2(MW/MC)]. A channel number will appear at the left side of the display, and MW/Name? will appear at the right side. Press the [FUNC] key, then press [ENT(SET/NAME)]. You may now release the [FUNC] key. You will observe a space blinking on the LCD; this indicates that you are in the alpha-numeric label entry mode. Press [6 MNO] [6 MNO] to enter N as the first character. Now press the [FUNC] key; while holding it in, rotate the DIAL one click clockwise to move on to the next digit. Press [6 MNO] [6 MNO] [6 MNO] to enter O as the next character. Rotate the DIAL one click clockwise while holding in the [FUNC] key to move on to the next character.

Press [2 ABC] to enter A as the next character. Rotate the DIAL one click clockwise while holding in the [FUNC] key to move on to the next character. Press [2 ABC] to enter A as the next character. Now rotate the DIAL two clicks clockwise while holding in the [FUNC] key to insert a space and to move on to the next character. We now need to change from letters to numbers, so release the [FUNC] key, and then rotate the DIAL one click so that 123 appears in the upper right-hand corner of the display. Press the [4 GHI] key to enter 4 as the next character. Rotate the DIAL one click clockwise while holding in the [FUNC] key to move on to the next character. Press the [5 JKL] key to enter 5 as the next character. Rotate the DIAL one click clockwise while holding in the [FUNC] key to move on to the next character. Press the [0] key to enter 0 as the final digit of the alpha-numeric label. Press [ENT (SET/NAME)] to save the alpha-numeric information. Finally, press and hold in the [FUNC] key; while holding it in, press [0] [1] [0]. The display will indicate 010 Write! momentarily, after which the display will revert to 162.450 MHz, which is the current VFO frequency. You still are operating in the VFO mode, and you may store other channel frequencies into other memory channel registers in the same manner. To recall these memories, proceed to the next section.

MEMORY RECALL

Recall of memorized channels is very simple:
Press the [1(MEMO)] key momentarily while pressing the
[FUNC] key. You may now release the [FUNC] key. MR will appear in the bottom left-hand corner of the display, indicating that you are now operating in the Memory Recall mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired memory channel, or enter the desired threedigit memory channel number from the keypad. To return to the VFO mode from the Memory mode, just press the [CLR (P.SET)] key. VFO will appear in the bottom left-hand corner of the display.

LABELING MEMORIES

You may wish to append an alpha-numeric Tag (label) to a memory or memories, to aid in recollection of the channel frequency's significance (such as a Broadcast Station name, etc.). Alpha-numeric labels may be appended at the time of storage of the frequency data, or at a later time. In either case, the storage process is basically identical. An example of alpha-numeric label programming was presented earlier in summary form. The section to follow will describe the process in more detail. To label a previously-stored memory channel:

Recall the memory channel on which you wish to append a label. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to
enable programming of the name tag. You will notice the first entry's place blink. In the upper right-hand corner of the LCD, you will also observe either ABC or 123. If ABC is present, this indiBlinking cates that you are set up to enter letters; if 123 is present, this indicates that you are set up to enter numbers. Rotate the main tuning DIAL so that ABC or 123 appears, based on the label you wish to program. Press the keyboard to enter the desired letter or number. Example 1: If you selected ABC in the previous step, press the [2(MW/MC)] key repeatedly to toggle among the six available characters: ABCabcA Example 2: If you selected 123 in the previous step, press the [2(MW/MC)] key to enter the digit 2.
Rotate the DIAL knob clockwise while pressing the [FUNC] key to move the next
character. Repeat steps to to program the remaining letters or numbers of the desired label. A total of eight characters may be used in the creation of a label. When you have completed the creation of the label, press the [ENT(SET)] key momentarily to save the label.

MEMORY CHANNEL SCAN

While using the Memory (MR) mode, press the [3(SCH/SCN)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to initiate Memory Channel Scanning. As with VFO Search, the scanner will halt on any signal encountered that is strong enough to open the squelch; it will then resume scanning according to the setting of the RESUME mode, described previously. While Memory scanning, you can initiate Memory Bank Scanning, whereby only the channels in one of the ten Memory Banks will be scanned. To do this, start Memory Scanning per the above procedure, then press one of the numbered keys (e.g. press [3] to scan in Memory Bank 3 channels 300 ~ 399).
Preferential Memory Scan (PMS)
This radio also allows you to set up a Preferential Scan List of channels which you can flag within the memory system. These channels are designated by a P icon when you have selected them, one by one, for the Preferential Scan List. Here is the procedure for setting up the Preferential Scan List: Press the [1(MEMO)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to enter the Memory mode, if you are not using memories already. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the channel which you wish to add to the Preferential Scan List. P Icon Press the [5(S.SCH/PMS)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key. The P icon will appear at the top of the display, indicating that the channel is now in the Preferential Scan List. To remove a channel from the Preferential Scan List, repeat the above procedure: rotate the DIAL knob to select the channel which you wish to delete from the Preferential Scan List, then press the [5(S.SCH/PMS)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key (the P icon will disappear).
Press the [3(SCH/SCN)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to begin Memory Channel Scanning. Once you have engaged Memory Channel Scanning, press the [5(S.SCH/PMS)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to initiate Preferential Memory Scanning. Only the channels which have a P icon appended to the channel number will now be scanned. To return to normal Memory Channel Scanning, just press the [5(S.SCH/PMS)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key (the scanner will again scan all memory channels).

DELETING MEMORY CHANNELS

You may wish to delete a certain Memory Channel's data, when you no longer have a reason to recall that channel. To delete a channel's data:
Recall the Memory Channel to be deleted. Press the [2(MW/MC)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key.
You will observe Clear? on the display.
Press the [2(MW/MC)] key again while pressing the [FUNC]
key to delete the Memory Channel. Important Note: Deleted Memory Channel data can not be restored.
ALPHA-NUMERIC MEMORY RECALL
You can use the VR-500's powerful microprocessor system to search for Memory Channels according to their alpha-numeric label. In the example below, we shall set up the VR500 to find all channels programmed with POLICE as an alpha-numeric label (e.g. POLICE 1, POLICE 2, etc.).
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key. Press the [ENT(SET/NAME)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to activate the
Set (Menu) mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #15 [Find Name]. Rotate the DIAL knob one click while pressing the [FUNC] key to enable setup of Alpha-Numeric Memory Recall. Program the alpha-numeric label which you wish to recall using the DIAL knob and keypad, as described previously. In this case, program POLICE as the label. Now press the [ENT(SET/NAME)] key (do not press the [FUNC] key in this step). Now press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to normal operation. Press the [1(MEMO)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to return to the Memory mode. Rotate the DIAL knob. You will observe that only channels beginning with POLICE are now appearing on the display. To return to normal Memory Recall operation, re-enter the Set (Menu) mode, select Menu #15, then clear the alpha-numeric Tag. The easiest way to do this is to enter [ (STEP)] (from the ABC selection option) for each digit in the alpha-numeric label within Menu #15.
Important Note: You can recall Memory Channels alpha-numerically using just one or two letters of a label within Menu #15. In the above example, if you programmed PO in Menu #15 instead of POLICE, you could then recall channels such as PONTIAC, PORTER, PORTLAND, and POWER in addition to POLICE. But it you set POR in Menu #15, only PORTER and PORTLAND would be recalled.

MEMORY CHANNEL COPYING

This feature allows to copy and paste the Memory Channel data between any two desired Memory Channels.

Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key. Press the [ENT(SET/NAME)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to activate the Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #30 [Copy CH]. Rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise while pressing
the [FUNC] key to enable the setup of Memory Channel Copying. Key in the Source Memory Channel number (three digits) from the keypad, then key in the Destination Memory Chan- Source Memory Destination Memory nel number (three digits) from the keypad. Memory Channel Copying is now complete. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to normal operation. Set (Menu) mode.

MEMORY CHANNEL SWAP

This feature allows you to swap (exchange) Memory Channel data between any two Memory Channels.
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key. Press the [ENT(SET/NAME)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to activate the Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #31 [Swap CH]. Rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise while pressing the
[FUNC] key to enable the setup of Memory Channel Swap. Key in the two Memory Channel numbers (each three digits) to be swapped from the keypad. Memory Channel Swap is now complete. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to normal operation. Set (Menu) mode.

MEMORY BANK COPY

This feature allows you to copy and paste the all Memory Channels in a particular Memory Bank to a different Memory Bank.
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to activate the Set (Menu) Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #27 [Copy Bank]. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [FUNC] key to en Key in the Source Memory Bank number (one digit) from
the keypad, then key in the Destination Memory Bank number (one digit) from the keypad. Source Bank Destination Bank Memory Bank Copy is now complete. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to normal operation. able the setup of Memory Bank Copy. mode.

MEMORY BANK SWAP

This feature allows to swap (exchange) all the Memory Channels in any two Memory Banks.
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to activate the Set (Menu)
mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #28 [Swap Bank]. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [FUNC] key to enable the setup of Memory Bank Swap. Key in the two Memory Bank numbers (each one digit) to be swapped from the keypad. Memory Bank Swap is now complete. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to normal operation.

CLEARING OF A MEMORY BANK
This feature allows to mask (clear) the all memory channels in the desired memory bank at the same time.
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to activate the Set (Menu) Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #26 [Clear Bank]. Rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise while pressing the Key in the memory bank number (one digit) to be cleared
from the keypad. The display will now indicate Clear. for about four seconds. Thereafter, clearing of the prescribed Memory Bank will be complete. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to normal operation. Important Note: A cleared Memory Bank can not be restored. All data for that bank will have to be re-entered. [FUNC] key to enable the setup of Memory Bank Clearing. mode.

MEMORY CHANNEL CHECK

This feature allows you to view the number of Vacant Memory Channels in the each Memory Bank (or all Memories).
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to activate the Set (Menu)
mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #29 [Vacant Memory]. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [FUNC] key to review the number of Vacant Memory Channels in the each Memory Bank. The total number of available Memory Channels will also be displayed after the display of Bank #9's available space. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to normal operation.

Band Scope

If you have to be away from your radio for a while, the Band Scope allows viewing of operating activity on channels above or below the current operating channel (in the VFO mode). Mode Center Frequency The display will indicate the relative signal strengths of signals on channels immediately adjacent to the current operating frequency. A convenient Channel marker can then be used to zero in on one of the stations displayed; when you turn off the Band Scope, the VR-500 will be set to the frequency set by the Channel Marker.

Sweep Step

Sweep Range
Channel Marker Center Frequency Position
While the Band Scope is engaged, reception is not possible, as the incoming RF energy is diverted to the Band Scope. Two basic operating modes for Band Scope are available: A Mode:
Sweep range is selectable (300 kHz or 600 kHz), Sweep steps are selectable (9/10/12.5/20/25/50 or 100 kHz). Therefore, the Sweeping channels are flexible (e.g. 3 channels @ [Sweeping range: 300 kHz, Sweeping step: 100 kHz] + 60 channels @ [Sweeping range: 600 kHz, Sweeping step: 10 kHz]).

Range 540 kHz Step 9 kHz 10 kHz 12.5 kHz 20 kHz 25 kHz 50 kHz 100 kHz Channels 6 Range 270 kHz Step 9 kHz 10 kHz 12.5 kHz 20 kHz 25 kHz 50 kHz 100 kHz Channels 3

600 kHz

300 kHz

B Mode:

Sweeping channel capacity is fixed (60 channels), Sweeping Steps are selectable (50/100/1k/5k/6.25k/9k/10k/12.5k/15k/20k/25k/30k/50k or 100 kHz). Therefore, the Sweeping range is flexible (e.g. 3 kHz @ [Sweeping step: 50 Hz] + 6 MHz @ [Sweeping step: 100 kHz]).
Step 50 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 5 kHz 6.25 kHz 9 kHz 10 kHz Range 3 kHz 6 kHz 60 kHz 300 kHz 375 kHz 540 kHz 600 kHz Step 12.5 kHz 15 kHz 20 kHz 25 kHz 30 kHz 50 kHz 100 kHz Range 750 kHz 900 kHz 1.2 MHz 1.5 MHz 1.8 MHz 3 MHz 6 MHz
While the Band Scope mode is engaged (see next section), press the [0(MODE)] key while holding in the [FUNC] key to toggle the Band Scope mode between A MODE and B MODE.
TO ACTIVATE THE BAND SCOPE
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key, if necessary. Press the [B.S(B.W)] key momentarily.
When the Band Scope is activated, rotate the DIAL knob to move the Channel Marker. When the Band Scope is activated, you can select the Sweep steps by the rotating the DIAL knob while pressing the [FUNC] key. The Sweep range may be set by pressing the [B.S(B.W)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key (A mode only). Two methods of turning off the Band Scope are available:
Press the [B.S(B.W)] key to turn the Band Scope off and operate on the channel which
the Channel Marker has marked. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to turn the Band Scope off and operate on the centered (and displayed) channel (with no effect from the Channel Marker).

Dual Watch

The Dual Watch feature allows you to monitor two frequencies, with the radio rapidly switching between the two channels, looking for activity. As with scanning operation, the VR-500 will halt when one of the channels becomes occupied by a signal strong enough to open the Squelch. The Dual Watch system includes special memories which can store up to ten pairs of Dual Watch frequencies. These memories are pre-programmed at the factory, but can quickly be programmed by you for monitoring of your favorite frequencies on a priority basis. To activate Dual Watch:
Press the [7(DW)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key. The radio will begin Dual

Watch operation.

Once you have initiated Dual Watch operation, press the key corresponding to the
Dual Watch Memory as shown below. Dual Watch will cause the radio to switch back and forth (rapidly) between the PreProgrammable Frequency pair selected (for example, if you press [8], Dual Watch will switch every 0.2 second between144.000 MHz and 430.000 MHz.
Search Band Memory Pre-Programmable Frequency Pair 0.5200 MHz 1.8000 MHz 3.6000 MHz 10.5000 MHz 21.0000 MHz 30.0000 MHz 88.0000 MHz 50.0000 MHz 144.0000 MHz 430.0000 MHz (AM) / (AM) / (LSB) / (AM) / (USB) / (NFM) / (WFM) / (CW) / (CW) / (NFM) / 1.8000 MHz 3.6000 MHz 10.5000 MHz 21.0000 MHz 30.0000 MHz 50.0000 MHz 108.0000 MHz 144.0000 MHz 430.0000 MHz 1240.0000MHz (AM) (LSB) (AM) (USB) (NFM) (CW) (AM) (CW) (NFM) (NFM)

Dual Watch will halt when the VR-500 receives a signal strong enough to break through
the Squelch threshold. The radio will then hold on that frequency according to the setting of the RESUME mode, described previously. To stop Dual Watch manually, just rotate the DIAL knob one click. If you like, you can then tune manually back and forth between the two Dual Watch memories by rotating the DIAL knob. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to cancel Dual Watch operation and return to the previous operating mode (VFO or Memory).
You can change any or all of the Dual Watch frequency pairs in accordance with your operating preferences. To program a Dual Watch Memory frequency pair:
Select one of the frequencies you wish to utilize for Dual Watch, using the keypad or Press and hold in the [7(DW)] key for 2 seconds while pressing the [FUNC] key. Now select the second frequency you wish to utilize for Dual Watch. Press and hold in the [7(DW)] key for 2 seconds while pressing the [FUNC] key.
DWB Write! (Dual Watch Channel B) will appear on the display. Press the [7(DW)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key, to activate Dual Watch between the above frequency pair. Now, store this frequency pair into one of the ten available Dual Watch Memory registers. Just press and hold in the key corresponding to the Dual Watch Memory into which you want to store this Frequency Pair (e.g. press [5] to store this pair into Dual Watch Memory #5). DWA Write! (Dual Watch Channel A) will appear on the display. main DIAL.

Priority Monitoring

The Priority feature, which is somewhat similar to Dual Watch, allows you to monitor a VFO frequency while checking a Priority Memory channel every five seconds for activity. If the Priority Memory channel becomes active with a signal strong enough to open the Squelch, the radio will halt on that frequency and will hold there in accordance with the setting of the RESUME mode, described previously. To set up Priority Monitoring:
Select the frequency you wish to be the Priority frequency, using the keypad or main
Press and hold in the [6(PW)] key for 2 seconds, while pressing the [FUNC] key, to
store the frequency into the Priority Memory Channel. Select the desired main monitoring frequency on the VFO. Press the [6(PW)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to Main Monitoring Frequency activate Priority Channel monitoring. The display will show both the VFO frequency and the Priority Memory Channel frequency, with a small arrow indicating the frequency being monitored. Every five seconds, you will notice the arrow jumping to the Priority Memory fre- Priority Frequency quency. If activity appears on the Priority Memory, the radio will hold on that frequency per the programming of the RESUME mode. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to cancel Priority Monitoring operation.

Smart SearchTM

The Smart SearchTM feature allows you to load frequencies automatically according to where activity is encountered by your radio. The radio includes a special 31-channel Smart SearchTM Memory Bank which is separate from the main memory system. To set up Smart SearchTM operation:

Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key, if necessary. Tune the radio to the lower frequency limit for the Smart SearchTM sweep. Press and hold in the [5(S.SCH)] key for 2 seconds while
pressing the [FUNC] key, then press the [1(MEMO)] key to store the Lower frequency limit into the Smart SearchTM L memory. Tune the radio to the Starting frequency for the Smart SearchTM sweep. Press and hold in the [5(S.SCH)] key for 2 seconds while pressing the [FUNC] key, then press the [2(MW/MC)] key to store the Start frequency into the S Smart SearchTM memory. Tune the radio to the Upper frequency limit for the Smart SearchTM sweep. Press and hold in the [5(S.SCH)] key for 2 seconds while pressing the [FUNC] key, then press the [3(SCH/SCN)] key to store the Upper frequency into the Smart Search TM U memory.
To initiate Smart Search operation:
Press and hold in the [5(S.SCH)] key for 2 seconds while
pressing the [FUNC] key, then press the [ENT(SET)] key. Smart Search scanning will now begin. All channels where activity is present (up to 15 in each direction) will be loaded into the Smart SearchTM memories. Whether or not all 31 memories are filled, the Smart SearchTM scan will stop after one sweep in each direction. Now you can turn the DIAL to select the Smart SearchTM memories. To disable Smart SearchTM operation, press the [CLR(P.SET)] key. Note: You can display the Lower/Start/Upper frequencies for the Smart Search feature. To do this, press and hold in the [5(S.SCH)] key for 2 seconds while pressing the [FUNC] key; now turn the DIAL, which will cause the underline bar (_) to move among the three choices. The corresponding frequency will simulUnderline Bar _ taneously displayed.
The Smart SearchTM feature has 31 channels available as a default channel capacity. Several other channel capacity values are available, using the Menu system:
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [CLR(P.SET)] key, if necessary. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to activate the Set (Menu)
Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #2 [Smart Search]. Rotate the DIAL while holding in the [FUNC] key to review
the number of channels allocated for Smart Search operation. You may select 11, 21, 31, or 41 channels. When you have made your selection, press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to normal operation.

Example 1: If you select the ABC character type in the previous step, press the [2(MW/MC)] key repeatedly to toggle among the six characters: A B C abc A Example 2: If you select the 123 character type in the previous step, press the [2(MW/MC)] key to enter the digit 2.
Rotate the DIAL knob clockwise while pressing the [FUNC] key
to move to the next character. Repeat steps to to program the remaining letters or numbers of the desired message. A total of eight characters may be used in the creation of a message. When you have completed the creation of the message, press the [ENT(SET)] key momentarily to save the message.
Set Item 26 [Clear Bank] Function: Clear (mask) all the Memory Channels in a particular Memory Bank.
After selecting Set Item 26, rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise while pressing the [FUNC] key to enable the Memory Bank Clear function. Key in the Memory Bank number (one digit) to be cleared (masked) from the keypad. You will see Clear. on the display for a few seconds. The selected Memory Bank is now cleared out. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to exit to normal operation. Set Item 27 [Copy Bank] Function: Copy all Memory Channels in a particular Memory Bank and paste them to another (different) Memory Bank. To do this:
After selecting Set Item 27, rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise while pressing the [FUNC] key to enable memory clearing.
Key in the Source Memory Bank number, then key the Destination Memory Bank number (each one digit) from the keypad. Memory Bank Copy is now complete. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to exit to normal operation. Set Item 28 [Swap Banks] Function: Swap the all Memory Channels in the desired Memory Bank. To do this:
After selecting Set Item 28, rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise while pressing the [FUNC] key to enable the Memory Bank Swap. Key in the two Memory Bank numbers (one digit each) to be swapped, using the keypad. Memory Bank Swap is now complete. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to exit to normal operation.
Set Item 29 [Vacant Memory] Function: Display the nunber of vacant Memory Channels in each Memory Bank (and total vacant Memories in all Banks.) To do this:
After selecting Set Item 29, rotate the DIAL knob while pressing
the [FUNC] key to display the number of vacant memories. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to exit to normal operation. Set Item 30 [Copy Channel] Function: Copy and paste the desired memory channel To do this:

After selecting Set Item 30, rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise while pressing the [FUNC] key to enable the Memory Channel Copy. Key in the Source Memory Channel number (three digits) from the keypad, then key in the Destination Memory Channel number (three digits) from the keypad. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to exit to the normal operation. Set Item 31 [Swap Channels] Function: Swap the Memory Channel data between the desired Memories. To do this:
After selecting Set Item 28, rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise while pressing the [FUNC] key to enable the Memory Channel Swap. Key in the two Memory Channel number (each three digit) to be swapped from the keypad. Memory Channel Swap is now complete. Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to exit to normal operation. Set Item 32 [Meter Symbol] Function: Select the S meter symbol Available Values: n n / n n n / >>> nn Default:

Specifications

Frequency Range: Receiving Mode: Antenna Impedance: Channel Step: Operating Temp.: Sensitivity: 0.1000 MHz ~ 1299.9995 MHz (Cellular Blocked) NFM/WFM/AM/SSB/CW 50 unbalanced, BNC receptacle 0.05/0.1/1/5/6.25/9/10/12.5/15/20/30/50/100 kHz 10 C ~ +50 C 0.1 ~ 5 MHz: AM 1.5 V (10 dB S/N) SSB/CW 0.6 V (10 dB S/N) 5 ~ 370 MHz: AM 1.0 V (10 dB S/N) SSB/CW 0.5 V (10 dB S/N) NFM 0.5 V (12dB SINAD) WFM 1.5 V (12 dB SINAD) 370 ~ 520 MHz: SSB/CW 0.5 V (10 dB S/N) NFM 0.5 V (12dB SINAD) WFM 1.8 V (12 dB SINAD) 520 ~ 1300 MHz: SSB/CW 0.8 V (10 dB S/N) NFM 1.2 V (12dB SINAD) WFM 3.0 V (12 dB SINAD) Memory Channels: Regular Memories: 1000 Channels Skip Memories: 100 Channels Search Band Memories: 10 Channels Dual Watch Memories: 10 Channels Priority Memory: 1 Channel Supply Voltage: 2.2 ~ 3.5 V DC; Inner Battery (Nominal: 3.0 V DC) 9.0 V DC ~ 16.0 V DC (EXT DC) Current Consumption: 115 mA (Receive) 55 mA (Standby, Saver off) 15 mA (Standby, Saver on) 90 mW (@Battery) AF Output: 125 mW (@EXT DC) 30 mm (W H D) w/o knob Case Size: Approx. 220 g w/battery & antenna Weight: Specifications are subject to change without notice.