Sony AIR-7 PLL Synthesized Receiver

Operating Instructions

Introduction

This instruction manual covers the Sony AIR-7 portable receiver, designed to receive air traffic control frequencies (108-136 MHz), standard FM and AM broadcasts, and, for specific models (Type 1 and 2), the Public Service Band (PSB) from 144-174 MHz. The receiver utilizes a quartz-controlled PLL synthesizer system for precise tuning, with a digital display of the tuned frequency.

The manual is intended for future reference and should be read thoroughly before operating the set. It refers to various illustrations marked [A] through [L] on pages 3 to 5 for component identification and operational guidance.

Features

Reception of Air Band (108-136 MHz), FM (76-108 MHz or 87.6-108 MHz depending on model), AM, and PSB (144-174 MHz for Type 1 and 2 models).
Quartz-controlled PLL synthesizer with microcomputer for pinpoint tuning.
Digital frequency display.
Choice of tuning methods: Direct, Scan, Manual, or Memory.
Memory capacity for up to 40 stations (Type 1 & 2) or 30 stations (Type 3 & 4).
Enhanced Air Band and PSB reception with Memory Scan, Program, Priority, and Delay functions.
Squelch control to suppress background noise.
Key Protect function to prevent accidental operation.
High-sensitivity helical antenna with BNC connector, and an external AM antenna jack.
Multiple power sources: batteries, house current, rechargeable battery pack, or car battery.

Precautions

Operate only on 6V DC with four R6 (AA) batteries or recommended power adapters/cords.
Use within a temperature range of 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).
Avoid heat sources, direct sunlight, excessive dust, moisture, rain, and mechanical shock.
Remove batteries if liquid or solid objects enter the set and have it checked by qualified personnel.
Clean the case with a soft cloth and mild detergent; avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
Reception may be difficult in vehicles or buildings; try listening near a window.
Disconnect AC power adaptor during lightning storms and never touch the antenna wire.
Reception of certain frequencies (e.g., 109.875 MHz) may be difficult due to internal spurious signals.

Location and Function of Controls

Refer to Photo [A] on page 3 for control identification.

(4) POWER switch: Turns the receiver ON/OFF.
(5) VOL (volume) control: Adjusts volume; can be depressed for easier SQL adjustment.
(6) Helical antenna (supplied): For Air Band, PSB, and FM reception.
(8) ANT (antenna) connector: Connects helical or optional external antenna.
(9) SQL (squelch) control: Suppresses noise. Can be set to AUTO (depressed) or MANUAL (released) for adjustment.
(1) Earphone jack: For private listening, external speaker, or recording.
(1) AM EXT ANTENNA jack: Connects an optional external antenna for AM reception.
(1) Band selector: Selects the desired band (AIR, PSB, FM, AM).
(2) Display (LCD): Shows frequency, band, and function status.
(1) Counter keys (0-9): Input frequencies, memorize stations, and recall memorized stations.
(1) EXECUTE key: Confirms direct tuning after frequency input.
(1) SCAN keys (+/-): Used for scan tuning and manual tuning.
(1) LIGHT switch: Illuminates the display.
(1) KEY PROTECT key: Locks/unlocks front panel keys.
(1) DC IN 6 V jack: For external power input.
(1) Speaker: Built-in speaker.
(1) ENTER key: Used to memorize a frequency.
(1) Battery compartment (rear): Contains the 5 kHz/10 kHz selector for MW tuning interval.
(1) DIRECT key: Initiates direct tuning.
(1) RECEIVE indicator (LED): Lights up when a signal or noise is received.
Keys for AIR BAND and PSB reception (green):
(1) MEMORY SCAN key: Initiates memory scan tuning.
(1) PROGRAM key: Initiates the program function.
(1) DELAY key: Initiates the delay function.
(2) PRIORITY key: Initiates the priority function.

Power Sources

The receiver can be powered by:

Batteries: Four IEC R6 (AA) batteries. Ensure correct polarity and replace within 3 minutes to retain memory.
Rechargeable battery pack: Sony BP-23 (optional), charged via AC power adaptor.
House current: Using an optional AC power adaptor (e.g., AC-9 for Canada, AC-456C for Europe, AC-4A for other countries).
Car battery: Using an optional car battery cord (e.g., DCC-127A, DCC-120 for 12V; DCC-240 for 24V).
Battery case: Optional EBP-6 battery case using four IEC R14 (C) batteries.

Internal batteries back up the microcomputer; keep them installed even when using external power sources.

Changing the MW Tuning Interval

The MW tuning interval can be set to 9 kHz or 10 kHz using the selector inside the battery compartment. After changing the interval, wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting batteries and re-memorize stations and functions.

Antenna Installation

For Air Band, PSB, or FM reception, attach the supplied helical antenna to the ANT connector by inserting and turning clockwise until it clicks. For AM reception, the built-in ferrite bar antenna is used, or an optional external antenna can be connected to the AM EXT ANTENNA jack.

Tuning Procedures

Direct Tuning

Input the desired frequency using the counter keys after pressing the DIRECT key, then press EXECUTE. The receiver tunes to the station.

Scan Tuning

Press and hold the SCAN (+ or -) key for at least 0.5 seconds to scan frequencies. Scanning stops automatically at a received station. Pressing the key momentarily fine-tunes the frequency.

Manual Tuning

Hold down the SCAN (+ or -) key until the desired station is approached, then press the key momentarily for precise tuning.

Memory Tuning

Tune to a desired station, then press and hold the ENTER key while pressing a counter key to memorize it. A beep confirms memorization.

Memory Scan Tuning

After memorizing stations, press the MEMORY SCAN key to scan through the memorized stations sequentially. Scanning stops at received signals.

Program Function

Allows customization of the memory scan sequence or scanning only specific programmed stations. Activate by holding PROGRAM and pressing counter keys in the desired order.

Priority Function

Designate a station as priority. The receiver checks for this station every 3 seconds, even while receiving another station. Activate by holding PRIORITY and pressing the corresponding counter key.

Delay Function

Keeps the current station tuned for approximately 2 seconds after a signal stops during memory scanning, allowing for intervals between communications. Activate/cancel by holding DELAY and pressing the counter key.

External Antenna Connection

For improved reception in challenging environments, connect a commercially available external antenna to the ANT connector (for Air/PSB/FM) or the AM EXT ANTENNA jack (for AM). Ensure proper lightning protection for outdoor antennas.

Recording a Broadcast

Tune to the desired station, adjust volume, and connect the receiver's earphone jack (③) to a recorder's microphone input using the optional RK-64A connecting cord. Set the recorder to record mode. Note that the recorded sound is not audible from the receiver's speaker.

Specifications

Circuit System: Dual conversion superheterodyne (AIR/PSB/AM), Superheterodyne (FM).

Frequency Ranges:

PSB (Type 1 & 2): 144-174 MHz
AIR: 108-136 MHz
FM (Type 1 & 3): 76-108 MHz
FM (Type 2 & 4): 87.6-108 MHz
AM (SW): 1603-2194 kHz
AM (MW): 531-1602 kHz
AM (LW): 180-530 kHz

Antennas: Helical (AIR/PSB/FM), Ferrite bar (AM), BNC connector (AIR/PSB/FM external), minijack (AM external).

Speaker: Approx. 7-3.5cm, 400mW.

Power Requirements: 6V DC (four R6 batteries, BP-23 pack, AC adaptor, car battery cord, or EBP-6 case).

Battery Life: Approx. 9 hours (AIR/PSB/AM), 10 hours (FM) with new SUM-3(NS) batteries.

Dimensions: Approx. 90 x 179 x 50 mm.

Weight: Approx. 600g (including batteries, strap, antenna).

Supplied Accessories: Helical antenna, battery holder, earphone, shoulder strap.

Optional Accessories: AC power adaptors, BP-23 pack, car battery cords, connecting cords (RK-69A, RK-64A), LW/MW/SW antenna (AN-1), battery case (EBP-6), VHF antenna (AN-3).

Troubleshooting Guide

No sound: Check VOL, SQL, earphone connection, battery polarity.
Memory scan not starting: Check SQL setting, program function status.
Memory scan not stopping: Adjust SQL control for weak signals.
No power: Check batteries, battery polarity.
Dim display: Check batteries, operating temperature/humidity.
Weak/interrupted sound or poor reception: Check batteries, antenna adjustment, signal strength, listening location.
Frequency input error: Ensure keys are pressed within 5 seconds.
Frequency not memorizing: Verify ENTER and counter key procedure.
Memorized station not received: Check correct button pressed, memory erasure due to battery removal.

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