AOR AR1500 sensitivity

[emt_531]

I have an unlocked AOR 1500 that is way too sensitive. Its set to local, BFO off and the squelch is just above continuous. I can pick up far away frequencies great, but it wont pick up local stuff, it drives me nuts. Ive tried changing antennas, etc. with no luck. This thing can pick up CHP GREAT!!!! which is the only benefit, I have a Pro96 with an outside antenna in my car and this thing picks up CHP (not dispatch) frequencies for miles, whereas the 96 keeps scanning.

Any ideas?

 

[natrixgli]

That's a common issue with the AR-1500, and many other AOR units. It's both a gift and a curse; on the one hand it is a handy little rig for DX, on the other the front end will overload easily in urban areas.

One thing I did was bought a little stubby duck for it which helped. Also turning on the attenuator helps somewhat.

I considered it a purpose-built rig for stalking long range stuff, and some light HF work. It has SSB and a VFO which really makes it more of a communications receiver than a scanner. Though it's hot rx, combined with it's susceptibility to intermod/overload means that you have to stay away from crowded bands.

Like you said, for long range stuff it makes other more common scanners seem deaf.

For similar functionality with much better performance, see if you can score a Yupiteru MVT-7100 used on eBay.