Yaesu VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL
COMMUNICATIONS
RECEIVER
VR-500
OPERATING MANUAL
YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD.
1-20-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-Ku, Tokyo 146-8649, Japan
YAESU U.S.A.
17210 Edwards Rd., Cerritos, CA 90703, U.S.A.
YAESU EUROPE B.V.
P.O. Box 75525 1118 ZN, Schiphol, The Netherlands
YAESU UK LTD.
Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.
YAESU GERMANY GmbH
Am Kronberger Hang 2, D-65824 Schwalbach, Germany
YAESU HK LTD.
11th Floor Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Rd.,
Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Contents
Introduction ........................................................... 1
Controls & Connections ........................................ 2
Display Icons & Indicators ................................... 3
Keypad Functions .................................................. 4
Accessories & Options ........................................... 6
Installation of Accessories ..................................... 7
Battery Installation ............................................... 7
Low Battery Indication ......................................... 7
Antenna Installation ............................................. 7
Belt Clip Installation ............................................ 8
AC Operation using the
optional NC-60 AC Adapter ............................ 8
Basic Operation...................................................... 9
Turning the Power On/Off ................................... 9
Adjusting the Volume and Squelch ...................... 9
RF Squelch System Setup .................................... 9
Mode Selection .................................................... 9
Frequency Navigation ......................................... 10
Tuning DIAL ..................................................... 10
Direct Keypad Frequency Entry ......................... 10
VFO Search ....................................................... 11
Changing the Direction of VFO
Search Scanning ....................................... 11
How to Skip (Omit) a Frequency
During VFO Search .................................. 12
Pre-Programmable Frequency Search ............ 13
Changing the Channel Steps .............................. 15
Preset Mode ....................................................... 16
Memory Mode...................................................... 17
Memory Storage................................................. 17
Simple Storage ............................................... 17
Designated Memory Storage .......................... 18
Memory Recall................................................... 19
Labeling Memories ............................................ 20
Memory Channel Scan ....................................... 21
Preferential Memory Scan (PMS) .................. 21
Memory Bank Scanning................................. 22
Mode Scan ..................................................... 23
Deleting Memory Channels................................ 23
Alpha-Numeric Memory Recall ......................... 24
Memory Channel Copying ................................. 25
Memory Channel Swap ...................................... 25
Memory Bank Copy ........................................... 26
Memory Bank Swap ........................................... 26
Clearing of a Memory Bank ............................... 27
Memory Channel Check..................................... 27
Band Scope ........................................................... 28
To Activate the Band Scope ............................... 29
Dual Watch........................................................... 30
Priority Monitoring ............................................. 32
Smart Search ................................................... 33
TM
Reset .................................................................. 35
System Reset ...................................................... 35
Function/Menu Reset ......................................... 35
Set Mode ............................................................... 36
Specifications........................................................ 43
Introduction
The VR-500 is a high-performance miniature communications receiver providing general coverage
reception from 100 kHz to 1300 MHz on the CW,
SSB (LSB and USB), AM, and FM (Wide and
Narrow bandwidths) modes (this coverage includes
the AM and FM broadcast bands, HF Short-wave
Bands up to 16 MHz, VHF and UHF TV bands,
the VHF AM aircraft band, and a wide range of
commercial and public safety frequencies!) .
The VR-500's small size allows you to take it anywhere - hiking, skiing, or while walking around
town, and its operating flexibility brings the user
many avenues of operating enjoyment.
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.
We appreciate your purchase of the VR-500, and
encourage you to read this manual thoroughly, so
as to learn about the many exciting features of your
exciting new Yaesu communications receiver!
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL 1
Controls & Connections
ANTENNA Jack
Connect the supplied rubber flex antenna (or another
antenna presenting
a 50 Ω impedance)
here.
[FUNC] Key
Press and hold in this
key, while pressing
one of the keypad's
buttons, to activate
the “Secondary” key
mode.
[MONI(LOCK)] Key
Press this key momentarily to “open”
the squelch manually ,
allowing you to listen
for very weak signals.
Press this key
pressing the
key
to activate the
“Key Lock” Feature.
[PWR] Key
Press and hold in this
key for two seconds
to toggle the radio's
power on and off.
while
[FUNC]
VOL Knob
This control adjusts
the receiver's audio
volume level, and
also the keypad's
Beeper level.
Clockwise rotation
increases the audio
volume level.
KEYPAD
These 14 keys select many
of the most important operating features on the VR-
500. The functions of the
keys are described in detail
on pages 4 and 5.
DIAL Knob
This 20-position
detented rotary
switch is the main
tuning dial for the radio. It used for most
tuning, memory selection, and function-setting tasks on
the radio.
SQL Knob
This control sets
the threshold level
at which received
signals (or noise)
open the “Squelch.”
It should be advanced clockwise
just to the point
where background
noise is silenced,
so as to provide the
best sensitivity to
weak signals.
SP Jack
This 2-conductor, 3.5mm miniature phone
jack provides audio
output for an earphone. The internal
loudspeaker is disabled when this jack
is used.
Note: The protective
rubber cover over this
jack must be pulled up
to access it. Press it
back over the jack
when not in use, to
protect the inside of
the radio from dust
and water.
EXT DC Jack
This coaxial DC jack allows connection to an
external DC power
source (9~16 Volts DC).
The center pin of this jack
is the Positive (+) line.
Note: The protective
rubber cover over this
jack must be pulled up to
access it. Press it back
over the jack when not in
use, to protect the inside
of the radio from dust
and water.
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL2
Display Icons & Indicators
Frequency
Attenuator Activated
Mode Scan Activated
Preferential Scan List Activated
Memory Channel Scan Activated
Busy Scan and Search Activated
Hold Scan and Search Activated
Scan Skip Memory Activated
Key Lock Activated
Battery Save Activated
ON and OFF Timer Activated
Low Battery
Operating Mode
Data Field
S-Meter and Band Scope
VFO Mode Activated
Memory Mode Activated
VFO Search Activated
Memory Channel Scan Activated
Dual Watch Activated
Priority Monitoring Activated
Memory Channel Number
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL 3
Keypad Functions
Press Key
Press [F/W] +
Press [F/W] +
Key for 2
seconds
Press Key
Press [F/W] +
Press [F/W] +
Key for 2
seconds
[1(
MEMO
Frequency Entry
Digit “1”
Switch to the
“Memory” Mode.
[4(
SW/SC
Frequency Entry
Digit “4”
Store the VFO fre-
quency into the “Scan
Skip” memory, or
delete the “Scan Skip”
memory channel data.
)] [2(
None
)] [5(
None
[7(DW)] [8(
MW/MC
Frequency Entry
Digit “2”
Store the VFO
frequency into the
memory, or delete the
current memory
channel’s data.
None None
S.SCH/PMS
Frequency Entry
Digit “5”
Program and activate
Preferential Memory
TM
Scan
Program and activate
Smart SearCH
operation.
)]
operaion.
TM
)]
ATT
)]
[3(
SCH/SCN
Frequency Entry
Digit “3”
Start scanning.
)]
[6(PW)]
Frequency Entry
Digit “6”
Activate the Priority
Watch feature.
Display the operating
time and total transmit
time since you most
recently turned the
transceiver on.
[9(
LAMP
)]
Press Key
Press [F/W] +
Press [F/W] +
Key for 2
seconds
Frequency Entry
Digit “7”
Activate the Dual
Watch feature.
Store the VFO
frequency pair for the
Dual Watch feature
into the Dual Watch
Memory channel.
Frequency Entry
Digit “8”
Engage the receiver
front-end attenuator.
None None
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL4
Frequency Entry
Digit “9”
Activate the back-
lighting lamp for the
display and keypad
keys for 5 seconds.
Keypad Functions
[ • (
Input of the “Decimal
Point” frequency entry
digit (“ • ”).
Select the synthesizer
steps to be used
during VFO operation.
[0(
Frequency Entry
Digit “0”
Select the operating
(receiving) mode.
STEP
None
MODE
)]
)]
[
B.S(B.W
Activate the Band
Scope feature.
Select the Band Scope
sweep width.
[
CLR(P.SET
Cancel the frequency
entry or Menu mode
setting.
T oggle the operating
mode between the
“
Preset Mode
“
Normal Mode
)]
None
)]
” and the
.”
Press Key
Press [F/W] +
Press [F/W] +
Key for 2
seconds
Press Key
Press [F/W] +
[
]
PTT
Transmit.
Temporary High Power
Transmit.
Transmit.
[
]
MON
USA version:
Disable the Noise and
Tone Squelch.
European version:
Activate the T. CALL.
Reverse the transmit
and receive frequen-
cies while working
through a repeater.
Press [F/W] +
None
None
Key for 2
None
seconds
[
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.
None
)]
[
MONI(LOCK
“Open” the squelch
manually
Activate “Key Lock”
feature.
None
)]
Press [F/W] +
Press [F/W] +
Press Key
Key for 2
seconds
[
]
LAMP
Illuminate the LCD and
keypad for 5 seconds.
Activate the Spectrum
Analyzer feature.
Illuminate the LCD and
keypad until you press
the key again.
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL 5
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 AC Adapter
•
E-DC-5B DC Cable w/Noise Filter
‚
E-DC-6 DC Cable; plug and wire only
ƒ
CSC-72 Soft Case
„
CT-35 Cloning Cable
…
FNB-59 Rechargeable Battery Pack
†
•ƒ‚
„…
A vailability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local
requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. Consult your Y aesu Dealer
for details regarding these and any newly-available options. Connection of any non-Y aesuapproved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited W arranty on this apparatus.
†
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL6
Installation of Accessories
BATTERY INSTALLATION
r Referring to Figure 1, slide the Battery Cover toward the bottom to remove it.
r Referring to Figure 2, insert 2 fresh AA batteries into the Battery Holder. When in-
stalling batteries, insert the (–) end first, then press in the (+) end so the battery snaps
into place. Always replace two batteries at the same time.
r Replace the Battery Cover, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
Note: If you do not use the VR-500 for a long time, remove the batteries from the radio,
as battery leakage could cause damage to the VR-500.
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 ¼ turn to lock the
antenna in place.
r To remove the antenna from the VR-500, grasp the base of the an-
tenna firmly, and pinch the base of the antenna while rotating the
antenna counter-clockwise ¼ turn. Y ou may now lift the antenna away
from the radio.
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL 7
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 ADAPTER
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 minia-
ture 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 mak-
ing 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.
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL8
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
ƒ
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 se-
ƒ
lect 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 è WFM è AM è LSB è USB è CW è NFM • • •
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL 9
Basic Operation
FREQUENCY 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:
Enter the “MHz” portion of the frequency on which you wish to operate.
•
Enter the decimal point after the “MHz” portion by pressing the [ • (STEP)] key.
‚
Enter four more digits to complete the frequency.
ƒ
If there are “zeroes” at the end of the frequency, you may press the [ENT (SET/NAME )]
„
key after the final non-zero digit.
Examples:
To enter 146.5200 MHz: Press [1] è [4] è [6] è [ • ] è [5] è [2] è [0] è [0].
To enter 810 kHz: Press [ • ] è [8] è [1] è [0] è [0].
To enter 445.4000 MHz: Press [4] è [4] è [5] è [ • ] è [4] è [ENT].
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL10
Basic Operation
VFO SEARCH
The VFO Search feature causes the radio to scan the band, looking for active frequencies.
Before initiating a VFO Search, set the Squelch so that background noise is silenced. If
you are hearing background noise, the VFO Search feature will not initiate scanning.
From the VFO mode, press the [3(SCH/SCN)] key while press-
ing the [FUNC] key. The radio will initiate a VFO Search, tuning
toward a higher frequency, and will stop when it receives a signal
strong enough to break through the Squelch threshold. The radio
will then hold on that frequency according to the setup of the “RESUME” mode.
To verify and/or modify the “RESUME” mode, again press the [3(SCH/SCN)] key while
pressing the [FUNC] key. The current “RESUME” mode is indicated at the top of the
Display (except for “Pause,” which is the default setting).
The following “RESUME” modes are available:
Pause è Busy è Hold è Pause è • • •
Pause (Default): In this mode, the VFO search will halt on a signal it encounters, and will
hold there for 5 seconds. If you do not take action to disable the VFO
search within that time period, the VFO search will resume even if the
station is still active.
Busy: In this mode, the VFO search will halt on a signal it encounters. Two sec-
onds after the carrier has dropped because the other station(s) ceased transmission, the VFO search will resume. In this mode, the “BS” (Busy Search)
icon will appear at the top of the display.
Hold: In this mode, the VFO search will halt on a signal it encounters. It will not
restart unless you re-initiate a VFO search. In this mode, the “HS” (Hold
Search) icon will appear at the top of the display.
To stop the VFO search manually, just rotate the DIAL one click.
Changing the Direction of VFO Search Scanning
If you wish to reverse the direction of the scan (i.e. toward a lower frequency, instead of a
higher frequency), rotate the DIAL one click to stop the VFO search, then rotate the DIAL
one click in the counter-clockwise direction. The VFO search direction will be reversed.
Note: If VFO Search has “paused” on a busy channel, it is only necessary to rotate the
DIAL one click in the counter-clockwise direction.
To revert to VFO search toward a higher frequency once more, rotate the DIAL one click,
then rotate it one click clockwise. If paused on a busy channel, just rotate the DIAL one
click clockwise.
Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to cancel the VFO search.
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL 11
Basic Operation
How to Skip (Omit) a Frequency During VFO Search
If the VFO search stops on a frequency or frequencies that you do not need (such as a
spurious radiation from a television), such frequencies can be “skipped” during VFO Search
scanning. This is accomplished by storing these frequencies in a special “Frequency Skip
Memory Bank” reserved for this purpose.
To skip a frequency during VFO Search scanning:
While VFO Search is stopped on the frequency that you do
•
not need, press the [4(SW/SC)] key while pressing the
[FUNC] key. The display will indicate “Snn WRITE?” as a
request for command confirmation (see next step).
Now, press the [4(SW/SC)] key while pressing the [FUNC] key again, to store the
‚
frequency into the VFO Frequency Skip Memory (VFO Frequency Skip Memory
Write), it is to be ignored during VFO search.
Note that the VR-500 has 100 VFO Frequency Skip Memory Channels (channel number “S00 ~ S99”).
To re-institute the frequency into the VFO search loop:
Press and hold in the [FUNC] key , then press the [1(MEMO)] key, repeatedly if neces-
•
sary, 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.
ƒ
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.
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL12
Basic Operation
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)]
•
key to activate the “Set” (Menu) mode.
Rotate the DIAL knob to select Menu #12 [Search Mode].
‚
Press and hold in the [FUNC] key; while holding it in, rotate
ƒ
the DIAL knob to select “LIMIT” as the VFO Search mode.
Press the [CLR(P.SET)] key to exit to the VFO 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 #
0
1
2
3
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 #
5
6
7
8
9
Pre-Programmed Frequency
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
Range
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 Scan-
ning, the search will be limited to the frequency range 144.0-
148.0 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
ƒ
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.
VR-500 OPERATING MANUAL 13
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