Hey I have an unlocked AR-1500 that I bought some years back but Im having some problems with it picking up local channels. It almost seems as though its too sensitive to pick up close channels. The other day I was watching some firefighters talk and I was tuned into their frequency but nothing. I know that there is a button on the top that changes it from local to long distance, but this does nothing. Any ideas??
Aor Ar-1500
- Thread starter emt_531
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Halfpint
Member
Schlepp on over to RatShaft and pick yourself up one of those little *shorty* `race antennas' as a start. *If* that starts to reduce the signals enough then consider getting youself some `lumpsum' attenuators (-1bd, -2db, -5db, & -10db) and start stacking them between the radio and the antenna to find out just how much total attenuation you need so that you can try and find a single attenuator with the needed value. You can start with cable TV types and a couple adapters but I would consider, after finding what you need, trying to find one with BNC connectors for your final one.
Just an `Olde Fart's' 2¢ worth.
Just an `Olde Fart's' 2¢ worth.
Fast1eddie
Member
The 1000 and 1500 prone to overload in urban areas, mine never gave me any problems. Is the frequency programmed correctly??? Might need to be serviced-AOR should be able to support it. Are you in the correct mode???
Yeah as far as correct mode, do you mean like FM, AM etc. If so, they are in the correct mode. When I listen to AM Aircraft frequencies, they sound fine. It almost seems as though the urban overload is the case. I can get it to work sometimes just messing with the squelch, keeping it just a hair above the point where it stays on all the time.
Fast1eddie
Member
Ok, tighten the squelch further-commercial/public safety signals are very strong and keeping the squelch loose invites problems. Adjust until the
rushing noise just disappears, then continue turning about a quarter, maybe halfway and see how she plays. Are you using the stock antenna or something somebody tossed you??? Have you tried monitoring the National Weather Service freqs??? If so, can you receive them ok??
rushing noise just disappears, then continue turning about a quarter, maybe halfway and see how she plays. Are you using the stock antenna or something somebody tossed you??? Have you tried monitoring the National Weather Service freqs??? If so, can you receive them ok??
If I turn the squelch up just passed the rushing noise, I am able to get the transmission, however, If I turn it up passed that, no more transmission comes through. It makes it very frustrating when I am mobile because of the constant static. It will work fine in the house with one setting and as soon as I go mobile, forget it. I am using the stock telescoping antenna folded all the way down.
Fast1eddie
Member
That's the problem, using it mobile inside the ambulance (a metal framed vehicle) with the rubber duck, a marginal antenna at best. Can you use a outside mag mount??? Think Scanner Master sells a portable wire antenna that holds with suction cups. Give it a shot....
mike_s104
Member
I have one. I bought it a LONG time ago. I have never really used it since the overload from pagers back then was so bad, I put it in the box and still have yet to really use it. I did find out the SSB "decoded" the freq. inverted cordless phones.
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