LOW BATTERY INDICATION

When the battery voltage becomes too low, the display will indicate Low Battery and the Battery icon will appear, indicating the batteries should be replaced. As battery voltage drops further, the VR-500 will shut off.

Battery Icon

ANTENNA INSTALLATION
r To attach the supplied antenna to the VR-500, grasp the base of the
antenna firmly, and exert a moderate pinching pressure on the base as you press the antenna onto the radio's antenna connector. While exerting this pressure, rotate the antenna clockwise turn to lock the antenna in place. r To remove the antenna from the VR-500, grasp the base of the antenna firmly, and pinch the base of the antenna while rotating the antenna counter-clockwise turn. You may now lift the antenna away from the radio.
Installations of Accessories

BELT CLIP INSTALLATION

To install the Belt Clip, first place the Hand Strap into the hole at the top of the Belt Clip, then insert the mounting screw through the belt clip, and affix it snugly to the mounting hole on the back of the VR-500. Do not install the supplied Belt Clip Mounting Screw if you are not installing the Belt Clip! The screw will cause a short circuit to the internal circuitry, causing serious damage!
AC OPERATION USING THE OPTIONAL NC-60 AC A DAPTER
The VR-500 may be operated from your house current by use of the optional NC-60 AC Adapter. To use the NC-60, turn the radio off, then plug the miniature connector of the AC Adapter into the EXT DC jack on the side of the radio. Now plug the AC Adapter into the wall outlet. You may now turn on the radio.

NC-60 E-DC-5B E-DC-6

If 12 Volt DC power is available, the optional E-DC-5B or E-DC-6 DC Cable may be used for operation. When making DC connections via the E-DC-5B or E-DC-6 DC Cable, be absolutely certain to observe the proper voltage level and polarity guidelines. Do not connect this radio directly to a DC source which exceeds 15.0 Volts DC, nor to AC power of any kind.

Basic Operation

TURNING THE POWER ON/OFF
Press and hold the orange [PWR] Key for two seconds to turn the radio on or off. When you turn on the radio, a Welcome message will appear on the display for two seconds. After this interval, the frequency display will appear. Using the Menu system, you can change the Welcome message yourself; see page 40 for details.

ADJUSTING THE VOLUME AND SQUELCH
Rotate the VOL knob to adjust the receiver's audio volume. Clockwise rotation of the
VOL knob increases the volume level. The VR-500's Squelch system allows you to mute the receiver's audio output when no signals are being received. This reduces battery consumption, and reduces annoying background noise. To set the squelch, turn the SQL knob fully counter-clockwise, then turn it clockwise just past the point where background noise is silenced. Do not rotate the SQL knob much beyond this threshold point; if you do, the receiver will not respond to weak signals.

RF SQUELCH SYSTEM SETUP

A special RF Squelch feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set the squelch so that only signals exceeding a user-defined signal level will open the squelch. To set up the RF Squelch circuit for operation, use the following procedure:
From the VFO mode, press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to
activate the Set (Menu) mode.
Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #19 [RF Squelch]. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [FUNC] key to select the desired signal strength level for the RF Squelch threshold (1 ~ 9 or OFF). Press the [ENT(SET)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to save your new setting and exit to normal operation.

MODE SELECTION

The VR-500 automatically selects a default receiving mode according to the frequency band on which you are operating. However, many bands (especially HF Shortwave) may use a variety of transmission modes in a particular frequency segment. If you want to change the receiving mode, press the [0(MODE)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key. The receiving modes available are: NFM WFM AM LSB USB CW NFM

F REQUENCY NAVIGATION

Tuning DIAL
Rotating the DIAL allows frequency tuning in the steps pre-programmed at the factory. Clockwise rotation of the DIAL causes the radio to be tuned to toward a higher frequency, while counter-clockwise rotation will lower the operating frequency. If you rotate the DIAL while pressing the [FUNC] key, the frequency will change in 1 kHz steps (SSB/CW) or 1 MHz steps (AM/NFM/WFM). This feature is extremely useful for making rapid frequency excursions over the wide tuning range of the radio. This step size (1 MHz) can be changed; see the Changing the Channel Steps section on page 15 for details.
Direct Keypad Frequency Entry
The desired operating frequency may be entered directly from the keypad. To enter a frequency from the keypad:

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.
You can customize the Pre-Programmed Frequency Range for any of the bands shown on the previous page, so as to allow you to scan just the band segments you want. To program the Pre-Programmed Frequency Ranges :
Select the Lower Frequency Limit for the Pre-Programmed Frequency Range using Press and hold in the [FUNC] key; while holding it in, press the [3(SCH/SCN)] key

[FUNC]+DIAL Step

Press the [ (STEP)] key (momentarily) while pressing the [FUNC] key. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired frequency step side for normal tuning via the DIAL knob. DIAL Step If you want to change the frequency digit which changes during Fast tuning, press and hold in the [FUNC] key; while holding it in, rotate the DIAL knob to select the blinking digit to be changed during fast tuning.* Press the [ (STEP)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. * To verify the new Fast step setting, complete the above procedure. Now press and hold in the [FUNC] key; while holding it in, rotate the DIAL knob; the digit selected in step above will change with each click of the DIAL knob.

PRESET MODE

Operation of the VR-500 can be greatly simplified by utilizing the PRESET mode. The PRESET mode provides ten starting point frequencies (one frequency in each of ten popular listening bands), from which you may then begin manual tuning. To operate in the PRESET mode:
Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key (momentarily) while pressing the [FUNC] key to change
the VR-500 operating mode to PRESET.
Now just press one of the numbered keys on the keypad to recall the Pre-Programmed
Frequency corresponding to that key, as shown below.
Channel Number 9 Pre-Programmable Frequency 0.5200 MHz (AM) 3.5000 MHz (LSB) 7.0000 MHz (LSB) 14.0000 MHz (USB) 50.0000 MHz (CW) 88.0000 MHz (WFM) 144.0000 MHz (CW) 430.0000 MHz (NFM) 1240.0000 MHz (NFM) Weather Channel This is a special PRESET key which toggles through the Pre-Programmed Frequencies, per the following selections:
Once you have chosen a PRESET band segment, you can move off of the Pre-Programmed Frequency by rotating the DIAL knob. However, you cannot perform direct frequency entry, as each keystroke will select a new Pre-Programmed band segment. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key again, while pressing the [FUNC] key, to disable the PRESET mode and return to normal operation.

Memory Mode

The VR-500 provides 1000 standard memory channels, numbered 000 through 999. Memory channels may be used to store frequencies of particular interest, for convenient recall without the need to scan through an entire operating band. Memory Bank 4 These memories are partitioned into ten Memory Banks, each holding up to 100 memory channels. The Memory Bank number is the first digit of the Memory Channel number, so Memory Channel 005 is in Memory bank 0, while Memory Channel 425 is in Memory Bank 4.

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).
To initiate Preferential Memory Scan:

Memory Bank Scanning

This feature allows you to scan one or more Memory Banks during Memory Channel Scanning, while ignoring other banks. For example, you may wish to load broadcast stations into certain Memory Banks for convenient recall, but ignore them during scanning (as they are always active, the scanner will halt on every such station). To set up scanning of certain Memory Banks: If you are in the Memory mode, change 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 #18 [Bank Link]. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [FUNC] key to select the Memory Bank which you wish to include while scanning. Now release the [FUNC] key. Rotate the DIAL knob a few clicks; you will observe an underline (_) icon toggling on and off below the Memory Bank number. The _ indicates that the Memory Bank is now in the Preferential Bank Scanning List. Underline (_) Icon Now again press and hold in the [FUNC] key, and rotate the DIAL knob to select other Memory Banks to be included in (or excluded from) the Preferential Bank Scanning List. Release the [FUNC] key, and rotate the DIAL knob to apply or remove the underline from the selected Memory Bank. Press the [ENT(SET)] key when all selections have been made. Now rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #17 [Bank Scan]. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [FUNC] key to set this Menu Item to ON. Press the [CLR (P.SET)] key to exit to normal VFO operation. Press the [1(MEMO)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to enter the Memory mode. Press the [3(SCH/SCN)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key to initiate Memory Bank Scanning. Only the channels in the Memory Bank which have an underline (_) below the Memory Bank number will be scanned. To return to normal Memory Channel Scanning, first press the [CLR (P.SET)] key to return to the VFO mode, then re-enter the Set (Menu) mode by pressing the [ENT(SET/NAME)] key while holding in the [FUNC] key. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #17, and set Menu #17 to OFF by pressing the [FUNC] key and rotating the DIAL knob one click. Press the [CLR (P.SET)] key to exit the Menu mode.

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

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.

SYSTEM RESET

Turn the radio off. Press and hold the [FUNC] and [MONI(LOCK)] keys while turning the radio on. Press the [1(MEMO)] key. Press the [ENT(SET)] key to reset the all settings to their factory defaults (press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to cancel the Reset procedure).

FUNCTION/MENU R ESET

(To reset the Function mode and Set mode settings to their factory defaults)
Turn the radio off. Press and hold the [FUNC] and [MONI(LOCK)] keys while turning the radio on. Press the [2(MW/MC)] key. Press the [ENT(SET)] key to reset the Function mode and Set mode settings to their factory defaults (press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to cancel the Reset procedure).

Set Mode

The VR-500 Set mode is an easy-to-use Menu system, which allows customization of many VR-500 configuration parameters. Use the following generic procedure to engage the Set (Menu) mode:
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. The Menu Item number and a brief title for the Menu Item will appear on the display. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Menu Item you wish to work on. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [FUNC] key to change the value or condition for the selected Menu Item. Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. Set Item 1 [Receive Mode] Function: Select the Receiving mode Available Values: AUTO/ MANUAL AUTO: The VR-500 automatically selects the optimum mode according to the frequency band where the frequency is set. MANUAL: You select the receiving mode manually by repeatedly pressing the [0(MODE)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key. Default: AUTO Set Item 2 [Lock Mode] Function: Enable/disable the DIAL Lock during keypad lock feature active Available Values: Key: Only the keypad's keys will be locked out. Dial/Key: The keypad's keys and the DIAL will be locked out. Default: Key+Dial Set Item 3 [Key Lamp] Function: Enable/disable the keypad's illumination when the LCD's Lamp is active. Available Values: ALL: Both the keypad and the LCD will be illuminated. Display: Just the LCD will be illuminated. Default: ALL Set Item 4 [Lamp Mode] Function: Select the LCD Lamp Mode Available Values: AUTO/TOGGLE AUTO: Pressing the [9(LAMP)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key illuminates the LCD/Keypad for 5 seconds. TOGGLE: Pressing the [9(LAMP)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key toggles LCD/Keypad lamp On/Off. Default: AUTO

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.

CANNER EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR MONITORING POST Bob Parnass, AJ9S parnass@megsinet.net www.megsinet.com/parnass
Yaesu VR-500 Portable Scanner

Basic Features

The Japanese-made VR-500 detects NFM, wide FM, AM, USB, LSB, and CW signals. There are 13 step sizes ranging from 50 Hz to 100 kHz. Like most of the competition, the VR-500 sports an S-meter. It employs rotary volume and squelch knobs and a numeric keypad. The plastic belt clip fastens to the rear with a single screw which loosened a few times. The VR-500s adjustable contrast display and keypad can be backlit for easy night viewing. Lighting is triggered by pressing any key. You can configure the backlighting to latch on or time out after 5 seconds. Both the VR-500 and IC-R2 are powered by two AA batteries. The IC-R2 is sold with 800 mAH NiCd cells and a 7 hour charger, but none are furnished with the VR-500. Our VR-500 consumes only 73 mA while scanning, a 33% savings over our IC-R2. On the other hand, our VR-500 consumes more current while turned off. The VR-500 is fitted with an external power jack so the radio can be powered by a 9 - 16 VDC source.
The VR-500 supports both VFO and limit searches with 10 pairs of frequency limits. You can designate a step size or have the VR-500 choose an Auto step size based on the frequency. Up to 100 frequencies may be skipped during a search and they are stored in separate memories which are retained until you clear them. Smart Search resembles the auto store feature in other models but is quite limited. Program upper, lower, and start frequencies and the VR-500 will search for signals, storing active frequencies into temporary memory locations. We find the Smart Search to be dumb for these reasons: The scanner makes only one sweep through the designated spectrum. Smart Sweep memories can be read only after the sweep, become inaccessible when exiting the Smart Sweep mode, and are erased the next time you enter Smart Sweep mode. Unlike the IC-R2, the VR-500 can scan various combinations of memory banks. The global rescan delay can be set from 1 to 12 seconds. Each channel has a preferential flag instead of lockout. You can option the VR-500 to scan all channels in selected banks or only channels with the preferential bit set. It sounds complicated but works well in actual use. The VR-500 supports a mode scan, but we cant think of a good use for it. The VR-500 has a Dual Watch mode which is simply a way to scan pairs of channels. There are 10 dedicated pairs of Dual Watch memories which you can program with different frequencies and modes.

VHF/UHF Performance

Memory and Such
The VR-500 has one VFO and 1000
The supplied antenna uses a BNC connector and appears to be base loaded. Our an-

MONITORING TIMES

February 2000
he Yaesu VR-500 is a multimode, wide coverage receiver small enough to fit in ones palm. Its array of modes, wide frequency coverage, and 1000 memory channels with alpha labels, competes with the Alinco DJ-X10T (Nov. 1998 MT), ICOM ICR10 (Mar. 1997 MT), and AOR AR8200 (Oct. 1998 MT). Its diminutive size is in the same class as the ICOM ICR2 (Apr. 1999 MT) and AOR AR16 (Aug. 1999 MT). All of these models can exchange frequency information with a computer when used with optional software and cable. The VR-500 is advertised in the USA as covering 0.1 - 1299.9995 MHz, excluding cellular phone bands. Our VR500 (s/n 9G031495) has three additional gaps above 600 MHz (see Measurements section). This is a compromise which permits the VR-500 to comply with new FCC regulations mandating a minimum 38 dB rejection of cellular phone signals.

memory channels in 10 banks. You can program an 8 character label for each channel, and both the label and frequency are displayed while scanning or stopped. The VR500 label scheme works better than the ICR10 in which the label is only visible for a few seconds in manual mode. The VR-500s RF attenuator is global to all channels and the VFO. The IC-R10s attenuator may be programmed on a perchannel basis.
tenna has a deep null centered near 159 MHz which extends a few MHz on either side. A local 159.15 MHz repeater barely produces an S-meter reading. The S-meter springs to almost full scale when using the antenna from a Uniden/Sportcat SC200.
MEASUREMENTS YAESU VR-500 SCANNER S/N 9G031495
List price $399 Yaesu USA, 17210 Edwards Rd., Cerritos, CA 90703 Frequency coverage (MHz): 0.1 - 1299.9995 except gaps at cell phone bands and 620.9 - 629.3, 784.6 - 797.195, 807.1 - 819.695 Frequency steps (kHz): 0.05, 0.1, 1, 5, 6.25, 9, 10, 12.5 15, 20, 30, 50, 100 Sensitivity: see graphs RF attenuator: 20 dB @ 40 MHz, 21 dB @ 155 MHz, 14 dB @ 460 MHz, 23 dB @ 860 MHz, 15 dB @ 1200 MHz FM modulation acceptance: 11 kHz Intermediate Frequencies (MHz): 429.1 / 248.45, 10.7, 0.455 Image rejection: 58 dB @ 40 MHz, 46 dB @ 155 MHz, 61 dB @ 460 MHz, 56 dB @ 860 MHz Noise floor: -129 dBm at 14.02 MHz 2 tone IMD dynamic range: 49 dB @ 14.02 MHz, 20 kHz spacing, CW mode Audio output power at earphone jack: 46 mW @ 10% distortion into 8 ohms Practical memory scan speed: 9 ch/sec. Search speed: 11 steps/sec. Current consumption at 3.0 VDC: off - 0.64 with peaks of 0.91 mA manual - 66 mA scan - 73 mA full volume - 111 mA lamps - 37 mA additional Battery saver: after 5 sec. in Manual Low battery warning: 2.02 VDC Shutdown: 1.97 VDC

Searching and Scanning

Birdies above 30 MHz strong enough to open squelch (MHz) 70.84 75.12, 76.0, 78.45, 91.225, 96.575, 104.6, 125.215, 130.55, 132.335, 193.175, 195.825, 201.175, 203.85, 264.665, 271.835, 305.775, 320.01, 324.29, 327.415, 330.47, 332.975, 340.48, 340.555, 340.595, 344.14, 344.855, 347.71, 348.175, 364.435, 371.84, 389.115, 394.185, 398.485, 402.6875, 406.7, 453.9875, 454.0875, 466.1375, 468.3625, 475.5, 475.575, 475.675, 521.5625, 526.9125, 531.25, 578.325, 579.25, 581.0, 581.425, 585.0125, 586.35, 589.025, 596.625, 602.1875, 631.825, 634.5, 635.8375, 638.5125, 639.85, 642.525, 660.95, 676.7375, 676.8, 679.475, 681.15, 683.9375, 689.0, 694.2375, 695.4875 Our VR-500s VHF/UHF reception is good with two exceptions. There are 20 birdies in the 225 - 400 MHz military band (see inset) and our receiver is prone to intermodulation in the 860 MHz range. We hear cellular phone and mixes of other signals when traveling in RF-rich areas. Our 3rd order IMD (intermodulation) measurements show our VR-500 and IC-R2 roughly in the same league except in the 860 MHz range, where the IC-R2 has a significant advantage. The squelch threshold remains the same for all modes except wide FM and there is a noise burst at the end of each NFM transmission. Our VR-500s audio is acceptable for a radio its size better than our AR-16 with

less treble than our IC-R2. You can disable the audio amplifier when the radio is squelched. This is designed to save current but produces a popping sound when the squelch opens so we leave the amplifier enabled.

Shortwave Performance

Our VR-500 is sensitive on shortwave and we measured a noise floor of -128 dBm (near 14 MHz). The IF bandwidth is fixed and it is wide for listening in a crowded band, especially on USB, LSB, and CW. The VHF/UHF antenna supplied with our radio permits shortwave reception of high power transmitters and is hearing impaired for everything else. Better shortwave performance requires a different antenna and a 6 foot length of wire makes all the difference. A 132 foot dipole overloads our VR-500 and comparable models we tested when tuning shortwave. This is consistent with our VR500s IMD (intermodulation) dynamic range measurement of only 49 dB (see Measurements). Our VR-500 behaves better on shortwave when 40 dB or more of attenuation is added between the radio and the 132 foot dipole. The internal attenuator can furnish only about 20 dB. The bottom line is that our VR-500 and IC-R2 are quite usable for casual listening below 30 MHz if fitted with an antenna scaled to their signal handling abilities. Tuning across a carrier in CW or LSB modes using.05 or 0.1 kHz steps produced a second, weak response.
bandscope or memory manipulation functions. A CTCSS/DCS decoding squelch would be more useful than the band display and mode scan facilities. For everyday, nontrunking use, we think the VR-500 and IC-R2 are tops. Theyre great for low profile, stealth scanning when hidden in a shirt pocket. The numeric backlit keypad, squelch and volume knobs, multibank scanning, and text labels make our VR-500 easier to use than the smaller IC-R2. Our VR-500s susceptibility to intermod in the 860 MHz band could be a problem for some listeners. We prize the ICR2s CTCSS squelch and smaller size, but it hears signals it shouldnt in the 480 - 520 MHz range. The VR-500s small size and long battery life are significant advantages over the DJX10T. As one VR-500 owner remarked, it seems to run forever on a pair of AA alkaline batteries.
The Yaesu VR-500 is available for $339.95 plus $12 shipping from Grove Enterprises (800-438-8155 or order@grove-ent.com)

RadioMap

Transmitter sites in your area are researched and marked on a beautiful 8-1/2 x 11 full color plot. See FCC licensed sites from VLF through microwave including police, fire, cellular phone sites, business, industrial, broadcasters and selected FAA transmitter sites. Callsigns, frequency assignments, and names provided. Ham radio stations not included. You choose the map center locationyour neighborhood, near your office, around sports stadiumsanywhere within the United States. We adjust map coverage for best readability, depending on transmitter site density. Invaluable to radio professionals and hobbyists for identifying towers, sources of radio interference etc. Send nearest street intersection and check for $29.95 payable to Robert Parnass. Robert Parnass, M.S. Radio Electronics Consulting 2350 Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543

Opinion(s)

We dont have the space to describe the