Fairhaven RD500 User manual

RD500 Radio Database
User manual Version 1.12
Table of contents
1. Introduction
2. Connecting the RD500
a. Power supply
b. Antennas
c. Cassette – see appendix 6
d. PC – see appendix 6
3. Getting started
4. Using the receivers controls
4.1 Auxiliary menu.
Key 1. ATT (HF/VHF Attenuator).
Key 2. AMP (Aerial amplifier).
Key 3. CAS (cassette control).
Key 4. LPF (treble cut low pass filter).
Key 5. AVC (automatic volume control).
Key 6. More (Record counter and memory partition).
4.2 BP (C.W.) filter.
4.3 Variable (Notch and peak) filter.
4.4 AGC setup.
4.5 Noise blanker.
4.6 Pass band shifting.
4.7 VFO selection.
4.8 Step size selection.

4.9 Time clock.
b. Display mode.
a. Setting the clock.
c. Setting the timers.
d. Time zones.
4.10 Connection to a computer and the p.c. software.
4.11 Key lock.
4.12 Scan setup menu.
a. Stop.
b. Continuous.
c. Hold.
d. Pause.
e. Auto memory.
f. Auto tune.
4.13 Frequency entry, fast tuning, fast stepping.
4.14 Audio recording and playback.
a. Reserving memory.
b. Record menu.
c. Editing.
d. Repeat.
4.15 Mode.
4.16 Decode and audio interface.
4.17 Bands. (Scanning between frequency limits)
4.18 Skip frequencies.
4.19 Priority channel.
4.20 The on-board database system.
a. Memory records and group names.
b. Deleting records.
c. Searching records using text.
d. Moving groups
4.21 S.Meter.
4.22 Tuning meter.
4.23 Remote control handset.
4.24 External keyboard.
4.25 Error codes and error messages.
5 ITU country codes.
6 Connection details.
7 Receiver system description
8 CW filter shapes.
9 Specifications.
10 Performance.
11 Guarantee

1.Introduction
The RD500 is a new kind of radio receiver which offers some exciting new features
that may well become commonplace in the future. With the trend towards increasing
chip complexity, and increasing ease of dissemination of information, many
conventional radio memory systems will undoubtedly be replaced by small database
systems that allow the user to find station names and associated information with ease,
and without the inconvenience of complete computer systems.
This manual attempts to show the user how easy it can be to use the RD500 and make
the most of this exiting new radio. We recommend that you read section 3 “Getting
started” which will give a very brief introduction to the RD500’s main features, for
users who are already familiar with receivers. The handbook then describes the
receiver’s functions in detail taking each button in turn. For reasons of safety you
should also read the following chapter.
Accessories supplied
The RD500 is shipped with the following accessories:-
Power supply, normally rated at 230V or 120V.
Remote control with batteries. – For text entry and control.
RS232 lead. – For database upload and download to the receiver, and remote control.
Operating manual.

Compact Disk, containing the Fairhaven database manipulation program, with “The
Virtual Radio” – (PC to RD500 remote control software), and demonstration file. The
Fairhaven File Converter - for importing and manipulating frequency lists, our web
site, and Hamcomm, JVfax and SSTV software.
There are also help files associated with most of the software which can be printed by
the user if required. The File converter has an extensive help and tutorial section.
2. Connecting the RD500
a. Power supply.
The RD500 is designed to operate from a 12V-14V power supply or vehicle battery.
The power supply lead should be inserted into the rear connector labelled 13.8V the
centre connector is positive with respect to ground. A vehicle power lead should be
fused at 1 amp (slow blow), if a larger fuse type is used fault conditions may damage
the receiver’s circuit board fusable link. The mains power supply is designed to be
plugged into a 230V 13A mains socket, or 120V outlet if sold in the USA. Power
consumption is approx. 8W. The maximum current available via the PC keyboard or
cassette socket is 100mA, this should not be exceeded.
b. Antenna connection.
For long, medium and shortwave use, almost any length of wire or whip aerial can be
used with the RD500. Short aerials (less than 5 metres) can be connected to the whip
antenna input and an aerial tuner unit may be useful to get the most out of a random
length of wire. At VHF and UHF, discone type aerials can offer good results, even 2

meter band whips for example, can work well across most of the VHF and UHF
spectrum, but for best results a
specific aerial should be used for each band, especially at higher frequencies.
Antennas should be suspended outside of buildings, as high as possible (unless a
specific aerial to ground distance is specified), and away from power lines. To
minimise the slight amount of interference produced by the receiver’s processor and
display it is recommended to use a few metres of screened cable between the receiver
and the aerial.
Take care when erecting aerials in the vicinity of overhead power lines.
Rear panel connections
3. Getting started. – Read This!
Connect an HF aerial into the main antenna socket or a VHF/UHF antenna into the
upper N-Type sockets. Connect the power supply to the receiver and plug it into a
suitable mains supply. (See chapter 2 for more information on power supplies and
aerials).
Switch on the receiver by rotating the squelch control clockwise until it clicks. The
receiver will perform a self check and set itself to the last used frequency, memory or
band.
The receiver can be tuned with the tuning wheel and you may like to try
entering frequencies via its keypad, followed by enter. To change mode Press the

<MODE> key (top left) followed by one or more numerical key presses on the main
keypad area. The S-meter can be switched on and off with the <SHIFT> button (at
bottom of keypad) then <S.METER> (top right), the angled brackets used in this
manual refer to buttons on the radio.
Check out the recorder by pressing <SHIFT> then <ENTER>. Press 1 to
record then 2 to play back <CANCEL> returns to the main screens, so remember to
use <CANCEL> whenever you feel lost or out of your depth and the receiver will
return to its normal tuning mode.
The receiver is factory shipped with a database of stations which all have a
name of up to 20 characters. It is possible to find any of these stations by using the text
searching facility. So to find a name such as “Moscow” or a type of station like
Volmet, first chose a group which contains entries by pressing <GROUP> and
pressing the up and down keys, top right), then press <MEM> to put the receiver into
memory mode, finally press <SHIFT><FIND> and enter a word using the handset,
press <ENTER> followed by 2 for “search all groups”. The receiver will search for
a while then set itself to the first match, use the up and down keys to see the other
matches.
Scanning
To scan from the current frequency, turn the squelch control clockwise until the
receiver is silenced, then press <SCAN> and the receiver will scan up in frequency,
the down button can be pressed to scan down. The step size can be altered by pressing
<SHIFT><STEP> and using the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons, return the step size to
“Normal” after use.
To scan between two frequency limits, use the <BAND> key (see section 4.17). To
scan memories chose a group by pressing <GROUP> and use the up and down keys
followed by <MEM> to select the chosen group of memories, adjust the squelch level,
then press <SCAN>. The receiver will stop when the first active channel is
encountered but different scan modes can be selected by pressing <SHIFT><SCAN>
see section 4.12
You may now like to try out some of the other facilities, these are accessed by
pressing <SHIFT> followed by any other button. Use <CANCEL> to return to the
basic operating mode. Do not attempt re-allocate memory space at this stage,
<SHIFT> 1,6,1, will erase all database entries.

4. Using the receiver’s controls.
The design of the receiver allows easy access to most functions without having to use
a lot of menus. There now follows a more detailed description of all the facilities,
starting with key 1.
4.1 Auxiliary menu
<SHIFT><1>
Pressing SHIFT-1 reveals the auxiliary settings menu, individual functions can be
selected by pressing the corresponding number, active functions are indicated with
square brackets. The auxiliary settings can be individually specified for each
memory, band or VFO, except for AMP and ATT settings which are set
universally.
1 [ATT] 2 AMP 3 CAS
4 LPF 5 [AVC] 6 MORE
ATT (Attenuator)
Aux Key 1.
Inserts a 20dB attenuator into the main HF aerial path to reduce the receiver’s
sensitivity when the receiver is likely to be overloaded by strong signals.
AMP (HF Aerial amplifier).
Aux Key 2.
This control connects the HF aerial amplifier, and its associated selector switch, (on
the back panel) into the aerial path. The high impedance (HI-Z) whip aerial input is
designed to give extra sensitivity for short HF aerials, although it does not have the
large signal handling ability of the main antenna input. The AMP facility also provides
gain to the MAIN aerial input when selected on the rear panel, but should be used with
caution as it can degrade the wanted signal due to overloading from other, off-channel
signals.
CAS (cassette control)
Aux Key 3.
This key switches on the cassette recorder which can be connected to the Din socket
marked CASSETTE. The cassette is activated when CAS is selected and the squelch is
raised. The socket can be configured to provide a 12 volt output that is switched by the
squelch. See appendix for connection details.
LPF (treble cut low pass filter)
Aux Key 4.

LPF is a steep, low pass filter circuit which can improve signals that are subject to a
high degree of noise.
AVC (automatic volume control)
Aux Key 5.
This facility acts as an audio compressor, which can reduce audio level variations
when listening to signals that are subject to fading. It works by augmenting the AGC
system (which is carrier derived), by feeding back the audio signal level to the AGC
system.
MORE
Aux Key 6.
Provides access to the next part of the menu.
Option 1. Reserve memory
This allows the receiver’s memory to be partitioned to provide space for audio
recording, see section 4.14
ALTERING THE MEMORY PARTITION WILL ERASE ALL MEMORIES.
Option 2. Free record count
The free record counter shows the remaining number of empty records that are
available for use.
We now return to the main shift key facilities on the receiver, press cancel.
4.2 BP (stereo CW) filter
<SHIFT>Key 2
These filter options are active when CW is selected from the mode menu. If BP
(bandpass) is selected the filters spread the audio spectrum into a stereo panorama,
which gives spatial separation to C.W. signals. This makes it easier to focus upon
individual signals, those that are lower than the filter frequency appear to the left, and
frequencies that are higher than the filter roll off appear to the right. The filter can be
peaked at 850Hz in 3 selectable bandwidths (Keys 4,5 and 6).
A low pass filter option (LP) is also provided this gives mono audio which is
rolled off at 850Hz, peaking the filter by selecting narrower bandwidths, gives a
conventional band pass filter shape. See appendix for filter shape table (section 8).
CW filter display
CW F i l t 1 [LP] 2 BP

4[F l a t] 5 M i d 6 P k
4.3 Variable Notch and peak filter.
<SHIFT>Key 3.
This filter is provided to eliminate tones caused by adjacent signals (in notch mode),
or it can be used to select C.W. signals in peak mode. The filter frequency is
controlled by the knob marked 'filter'. In order to eliminate an interfering tone, it is
usual to start with the filter set to “peak” so that the frequency of the filter can be set
to the pitch of the tone. Once this has been done select notch and tune the filter or the
tuning wheel carefully until the interfering tone disappears.
VARIABLE FILTER . . .
1 [OFF] 2 NTCH 3 PK
4.4 AGC (Automatic gain control)
<SHIFT><Key 4>
The receiver’s A.G.C. response is tailored to give a good response to ssb signals i.e.
a fast attack and a short hold period followed by a fast decay. The timing of the
response is user presettable for each mode. Select the mode (Keys 4 to 6), then select
the required speed (keys 1 to 3) the set-up will be permanently stored when the menu
is left. A slow response is recommended for SYNC modes, a fast response is useful
in AM modes, when tuning or scanning, and in SSB the user can choose a slow
response, which will reduce background noise between pauses in speech. A very fast
response is provided when the receiver is in FM mode to allow the receiver to scan
effectively. Selecting a very slow speed may make the receiver appear insensitive.
AGC Setup menu.
SLOW [1] 2 3 FAST
4 [A M] 5 S S B 6 SYNC
4.5 Noise blanker
<SHIFT><Key 5>
The RD500 noise blanker has a separate 455KHz I.F. which amplifies wideband
impulse noise and provides blanking pulses. This system is very effective at reducing
car ignition noise and electrical switching noise. Press SHIFT - Key 5 to see the
status of the noise blanker, pressing Key 5 again will switch the Noise blanker on and
off.

4.6 Pass band shifting.
<SHIFT><Key 6>
Pass band tuning allows reduction in the receiver’s I.F. bandwidth for reducing
adjacent channel interference such as overlapping ssb signals. It will also work in
SYNC-AM or CW modes.
Control is provided by selecting <SHIFT> Key 6. (PBS) and pressing the up and
down keys. This simultaneously varies the BFO frequency in steps, whilst
automatically correcting the receiver tuning. The receiver can still be tuned while this
display is active. The quality of the audio will be degraded as the bandwidth is varied,
due to a reduction in the upper or lower audio frequencies.
Pass band shift menu.
14.12345 USB
PBS+1.1kHz Use DN/UP
4.7 VFO selection.
<SHIFT><Key 7>
There are 26 VFO’s selections which give spot frequencies with definable
mode, name and auxiliary settings. These are used as temporary “scratch pad” or
favourite memories and are also useful where two stations are in conversation on
different frequencies, in the way that conventional A/B VFO’s are used. Typically the
user may set a VFO on each band.
<SHIFT><Key 7> places the cursor below the vfo letter, the alphabet letters on
the key pad can then be used to change the vfo, for example repeatedly pressing key 2
gives vfo’s A, B, and C, and key 3 gives vfo’s D,E,F, etc. The tuning wheel and up
and down buttons will also change the selected vfo whilst in this mode. A text search
can be carried out to find a specific vfo name, by pressing press <SHIFT> <TEXT>,
and entering a search word, followed by <ENTER>. Finally press enter to tune the
selected vfo. The vfo text line can be cleared by pressing
<TEXT>,<SHIFT>,<CANCEL>
Pressing cancel from any menu will always put the receiver back into normal
vfo tuning mode.
A: 14.12345 AMW
… VFO T e x t f i e l d…
4.8 Step size selection
<SHIFT><Key 8>
Tuning step size selection can be altered by pressing SHIFT - Key 8, the up and down
keys are used to scroll through the step size options and the chosen step size is also
used when scanning. The step size should usually be set for “Normal” which allows

the receiver to automatically set a step size that is appropriate to the mode that is being
used, for example:
SSB Modes – Step size = 5Hz
NBFM - Step size = 12.5kHz
AM - Step size = 100Hz
If a band is programmed (see 4.17), any step size can be set for each individual band.
Step size menu
Step Size = Normal
4.9 Time clock.
<SHIFT><Key 9>
The receiver’s time clock display gives the current time in hours minutes and seconds
and the date and month. It also provides a means of timing the receiver to switch on
and off, to record up to 4 programs or events up to one year ahead and with an setting
accuracy of one second. It also has a sleep timer which can be programmed to turn the
receiver off automatically.
<SHIFT> Key 9 (Clock) reveals the clock display, Pressing Key 9 a second time
reveals the setup screen.
1. mode 2. set 3. Timer
4. activate timer
a. Clock display mode.
Key 1 gives the clock display menu. Pressing key 1 on this menu sets the time display
format, which can be either 12 hour format with an am/pm indication or 24 hour
format. Key 2 allows the date and month to be swapped according to the format that
you are used to.
Clock display format menu
1. Time= 24hour Format
2. Date=MM/DD Format
b. Setting the clock.
Press enter to return to the main clock display and press key 9 then key 2 (set) to set
the clock display. The cursor can be moved along the display and the time and date
can be set by use of the numeric keys, in 12 hour format the am/pm indication is
changed with key 2 (a) and key 7 (p). The clock is halted until enter is pressed to allow
synchronisation to a known time standard.

Set time menu
UTC 10 : 59 : 30 AM 12 / 6
c. Setting the timers.
Key 3 on the main menu gives access to the five timers. Timers 1 to 4 can be set to
switch the receiver on and off at any time up to one year ahead.
Select the first timer by pressing 1 and then set up the time and date in the same way
that the clock is set.
Press enter, then use the up and down keys to set the duration of the on period. Finally
press enter again and then CLOCK(key9) and 4 to activate the timers.
Timer No. 1 2 3 4
5. Sleep Timer
When the timers are active, the cassette output will be switched on for the duration of
the timers so that a recording can be made. The first four memory positions of group
Z9 are reserved to store the frequency that the receiver will be tuned to during these
periods.
Timer 5 is the sleep timer, this allows the receiver to switch off after a preset period,
UP and DOWN keys are used to set the period before shut down. Press Key 9 (clock)
and key 4 to activate the timer.
d. Time zones
Time zone information, relative to GMT, is shown in the lower part of the display.
The standard country abbreviation is displayed to the left, followed by winter time and
the summer time of the country to the right of the display. The country code can be
changed by rotating the tuning wheel or by pressing the up and down buttons. A list of
countries and their ITU codes is given in and appendix at the back of the manual.
UTC 10:59:30a m 12 / 06
ABW -04:00 -04:00
4.10 Connection to a computer
<SHIFT><COMMS>
<SHIFT><COMMS> activates the RS232 port to enable downloading and uploading
of databases, and control and signal decoding with a PC computer, a Pentium running
Windows 98 or later is recommended. Connect the receiver to the PC using the lead
provided. The radio is supplied with a CD ROM containing a large amount of software
including the database program which is in a folder called ‘Database and Virtual
Radio’. Open this folder, click on the file called ‘setup.exe’ and follow the instructions

that will appear on the pc. If you wish to download from the PC to the RD500, Select
“file” and choose a database file. The CD contains a demonstration file with a ‘.mdb’
file extension, and it’s locking file labelled ‘.ldb’, these will first have to be copied
from the CD to the hard drive on the PC and the files should have their “read only”
attributes removed, so that they can be written to. A backup is also provided in the
website directory as a zip file. Select the appropriate comms port from the comms
menu (on most computers this will be com 2), then select Download from the comms
menu, the user can now choose whether to download all the entries on the database
including band set-ups VFO’s, group names and memories, or just those entries that
are required.
Press <SHIFT><COMMS> on the receiver and select 1. Serial Link [On] Click
download on the pc and a moving row of dots will appear in the bottom of the comms
screen on the receiver and the red and green transmit and receive status indicators will
become active on the PC database screen. This confirms serial link activity. A
message will appear on the PC when the download is complete.
1. serial link [on]
……………………… .
Information can be uploaded to the PC, from the receiver, for example, when a
receiver has been used to gather information in the field, and a backup of its entries are
required.
First select “new” from the file menu and name the new database with the mdb
extension, for example “April.mdb” then the same process can be followed as with
“download” except that “upload” should be selected from the comms menu. The
uploaded database is saved under the new file name.
Remote control of the radio is provided by selecting the desired radio type on the left
of the menu bar. Two types are currently available providing an easy to use keypad
and tuning interface, and the full control version, which gives access to most of the
settings on the RD500. More versions will become available in time. Operation of
these panels is the same as operation of the receiver itself, so please refer to section 4
of the manual with regard to their use.
The File Converter is an additional piece of software that can be used to gather
information from document scanners or the Internet etc. This program is similar to a
word processor and it has many automated facilities to process data into RD500
format. A help file and tutorial is provided by means of the help menu which can be
accessed when the File Converter has been installed, a brief help file is also included
on the CD but it is beyond the scope of this manual.
Decoding using your PC – see section 4.16
4.11 Key lock.
<SHIFT><Key 0>
Pressing <SHIFT> <LOCK> prevents inadvertent operation of the receiver’s controls
and tuning wheel, pressing <SHIFT> <LOCK> a second time will allow use of the
receiver again.

4.12 Scan setup menu.
<SHIFT><SCAN>
<SHIFT><SCAN> (SET) allows the scan settings to be chosen for each of the VFO,
bands, and groups by means of this menu.
1. Mode = Stop 2 Skip
3 Prio 4 more
Pressing Key 1 steps through the scan modes in the following sequence:-
Stop
Stops the scan when a signal is encountered.
Continuous
Allows the receiver to auto tune up or down with the squelch lifted.
Hold
Waits on a channel while it is active and for a period, after the signal has gone, before
moving on, to avoid missing part of a two-way conversation.
Pause
Only waits on an occupied channel for a short time (defined by the user) before
continuing to scan.
Hold and pause times are set by selecting 4.More, 3.More and using keys 1 and 2 to
select the time duration’s.
1. Pause = 0. 5
2. Hold=0. 5
Auto memory.
In this mode a memory will be allocated each time the squelch is activated during
scanning. A record of frequency, mode and current text is recorded in the currently
selected group. First select an appropriate step size, e.g. 10kHz for C.B. frequencies,
(don’t make it too small otherwise multiple entries will be made for each signal),

select a new group unless you need to add to an existing one. A scan can now be made
using the VFO frequency as a start point, or alternatively a band can be used, where
the start and stop frequencies are specified. Up to 999 entries will be added to the
current group, the records can then be renamed or deleted if not required. Entries of
the same frequency will be made where signals have appeared many times, while this
is useful to see the level of activity on a particular frequency the user may wish to
delete this type of multiple entry after the scan.
Auto memory is selected by pressing -
<SHIFT><SCAN>
4. More, 2. Automem.
Autotune.
Auto tuning is enabled by selecting <SHIFT><SCAN> 4. More and selecting 1.
Auto tune.
Autotune ensures that the signal is always properly tuned to, and the receiver will
track drifting signals. The progress of autotuning is displayed on the tuning meter.
(Autotune does not work with SSB modes).
4.13Frequency entry, fast tuning and fast stepping.
The receiver’s keypad can be used for direct entry of frequencies unless a menu,
memory or band etc. has been selected. Any menu can be escaped from by pressing
<CANCEL> to get back to the normal tuning mode. When entering frequencies the
first part of the entry will be in MHz, then the decimal point should be pressed and the
remaining frequency can be entered. If the frequency is less than 1 MHz, it should be
prefixed with 0. For example 0.12345
Fast stepping
If a decimal point is entered without prefixing it with a zero, the cursor will appear
below the frequency display and the frequency can be incremented at the position of
the cursor. The cursor can be moved up and down to allow frequency steps from 10
Hz to 10MHz. Enter returns to normal tuning mode. Alternatively,
<SHIFT><STEP>, (the step size facility) would be used for permanently setting the
receiver to a conventional step size.
Fast tuning
Pressing <SHIFT> increases the manual tuning rates by a factor of 10, to allow a
quick means of checking a large frequency range for signals. “F” is displayed at the

tens of Hz position on the display. Turning the tuning wheel quickly will give a further
ten fold increase in tuning speed. Press <SHIFT> again to return to the normal tuning
speed.
4.14 Audio recording and playback
a. Reserving memory for recording.
The receiver’s memory can be formatted to allow part of the memory to be used for
station memory storage and part of the memory for audio recording. To alter the
memory formatting, press <SHIFT><AUX> 6. More, 1. Reserve memory
All memory records must be backed up to a p.c. before making any changes.
The UP and DOWN keys give the user the option to choose how much memory is
used for sound recording, and the time is displayed in seconds. The remaining
maximum number of memory records is shown in the lower half of the display.
Altering the memory formatting will cause a total loss of sound recordings and
memory records, Cancel will exit from this display. Press enter to format the
memory.
b. Recording menu
To start recording press SHIFT - REC/P.B., select 1. Rec then 4. stop and
press 2. Play to replay the
recording. To make a shorter recording, or to add a second recording without
overwriting the first select 5. Edit to reveal the start and end counters and turn the
tuning knob to move the start position for the next recording. Option 3, (Repeat) will
cause the recording to continuously loop between the counter positions. Having
“repeat” enabled during recording enables the receiver to record continuously, the user
can then stop the recording after something of interest has occurred, this avoids
missing the start of an event.
Record menu
1 Rec 2 Play 3 Rpt
4 [S t o p] 5 Edit
4.15 Mode selection

Pressing mode brings up the mode menu, and pressing the associated key e.g. 1. For
LSB allows access to that mode, a second key press will give its counterpart, for
example-
1. LSB-USB, 2. CWL- CWU.
Option 4. gives ASD (AM synchronous double sideband), and further key presses
gives selection of the upper or lower sidebands whilst in sync mode. Using the
synchronous modes will give an improvement to the reception of AM signals that are
subject to fading and can reduce the enormous distortion during deep fading caused by
the selective reduction in received carrier level caused by multi-path propagation.
In sync mode the receiver’s BFO (beat frequency oscillator) is locked to the frequency
of the station’s carrier and will “fill in” when the received carrier reaches a low level.
In use it is preferable to first tune into the station in AM mode and if fading is
experienced, select ASD and slowly tune the receiver until zero beat is heard. By
tuning around slightly you will notice that the receiver is locked to the station over a
small tuning range. Leave the tuning set in the middle of the lock range, and if
interference is noticed to be coming from an adjacent station, ASU (upper sideband
synchronous) or ASL (lower sideband synchronous) can be used to select the side of
the signal with least interference. Selecting the AVC facility, (automatic volume
control), in the aux menu will give a further reduction in level variation of fading
signals.
DSB (non syncing) is also catered for, it is sometimes used as an amateur mode and is
useful to find the exact centre of carriers for frequency logging.
CW modes.
When CW is selected the user can press <SHIFT><BPFILT> to select the required
stereo or mono filter and filter bandwidth. See section 4.2
FM modes
The FM mode selection (button 3) can be pressed 5 times to give FMN (narrow band
FM), FMV (Very narrow FM), for use in congested bands, FMW (Wideband
broadcast FM), FMS (Stereo broadcast WBFM), and TVS (TV sound). When TVS is
selected television sound can be received with its correct 6MHz subcarrier offset and a
PAL video monitor or recorder can be connected to the sockets on the rear panel
marked video output and TV sound.
EXT allows an external input to the receiver and its sound recorder, via the rear din
socket at line level (0.7 volts).
See appendix for connection details.
Mode menu
1 [LSB] 2 CWL 3 NFM
4 ASD 5 AMW 6 EXT

4.16 Decoding
<SHIFT><DECODE>
This key sequence gives access to decoding facilities. A full explanation will be given
in the associated handbook which will be provided with the firmware upgrade.
A data slicer interface is provided in the receiver which converts the audio into a bi-
polar square wave output on the din connector. (pin 3) this output is suitable for
Hamcom and Jvfax type PC programs which use DSR for data transfer. COMMS has
to be enabled by pressing <SHIFT><COMMS> to activate the output, and a special
lead will be necessary to connect to a PC. Pin 3 on the receiver can be connected to
DSR within the RS232 lead but this can cause problems with database use and should
be connected via a switch if this method is to be used.
4.17 Bands (Scanning between frequency limits)
<BANDS>
In band mode 99 band set ups can be stored which allows the user to scan defined
frequency ranges with individual mode, scan type and any step size.
A band can be selected by pressing <BAND> and using the <UP> and <DOWN>
keys or the tune wheel. <SHIFT><TEXT> can be used to find a band by its name
when in band mode.
Pressing <BAND> again gives the start frequency and another key press gives the end
frequency, a final key press displays the step size. At each stage a frequency can be
entered from the keypad, and mode and the scan type can be set by pressing
<SHIFT><SCAN>. Having set up a band pressing <SCAN> will scan through the
specified frequency range, <UP> and <DN> reverses the scan direction, and the band
can also be manually tuned within the specified range.
Automem (see section 4.12) can be used in band mode to add active frequencies to a
group.
4.18Skip frequencies
<SHIFT><SKIP>
When SKIP is selected in the scan setup menu, (option 2, shown highlighted with
square brackets), a bank of user definable frequencies are checked by the scanner
each time a signal is encountered, if the frequency corresponds with a frequency
within the skip bank the scan will continue. This means that a band can be searched
for new frequencies whilst ignoring spurii or signals that are already known about.
Skip frequencies are added to the skip list by first tuning to the required frequency and
then pressing <SHIFT><SKIP> and selecting 1. Add to skip list. The skip list can be
viewed by pressing key 2 and pressing <UP> and <DOWN> to scroll through the
entries. Entries are deleted by pressing option 1. Delete entry. Remember to switch
skip off if not required, by pressing <SHIFT><SCAN> option 2.
4.19 Priority channel
<SHIFT><PRIO>

When “Prio” is activated in the <SCAN><SET> menu (option 3), the receiver
alternates between its normal scanning routine and the priority channel in order to
switch the receiver to the priority frequency as soon as the it becomes active. This
avoids having to wait for the frequency to occur in the scan sequence, which may take
some time to cycle through.
The priority channel is initially set up by pressing <SHIFT><PRIO>. Frequency,
mode and a name can then be entered.
Pr 12.34567 FMN
4.20 The database system.
a. Memory records and group names
The database system provides 234 groups (A1 to Z9) which can each hold between 1
and 999 records although the maximum total number of records is limited to 13,290
with the standard 512K of RAM and 54,681 with the maximum of 2 Mbytes. These
figures are further reduced when the memory is partitioned for sound recording
(Section 4.14).
A memory can be created from a VFO frequency, (the normal tuning mode after
cancelling any other operation) as follows:
First select the desired group into which the memory is to be entered. This is done by
pressing GROUP, and using the up and down keys or the tuning wheel to change the
group number. Return to VFO mode by pressing <CANCEL>
Set the frequency, mode and text field of the current VFO. Then press <SHIFT>
<MEM> (i.e. SAVE) and the record will be saved in the next available memory in
the current group.
The memories can be selected by pressing <MEM> and using the up and down keys
or the tuning wheel to move through the group. Pressing <ENTER> allows the
memory to be tuned, <MEM> returns to memory selection mode. <GROUP> can be
visited to show the group title.
Memory records
A1:1 14.12345 AMW
…Memory Text field…
Group names
A1:1 999 Entries
…Group Text Field…
Hint on use of memories…