N9EWO Review :
Japan Radio Co. JRC
NRD-545 DSP Receiver
Below you will find reference guides on a selection of NRD Submissions: AFR ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT: AFR Account Management Best Practices INITIAL SUBMISSIONS. Dual CS 505 1 Service Manual. This is the 11 pages manual for Dual CS 505 1 Service Manual. Read or download the pdf for free. If you want to contribute, please mail your pdfs to [email protected]. View and Download JRC NRD-535 service manual online. NRD-535 receiver pdf manual download.
The discontinued JRC NRD-545 DSP receiver.
The infamous 'mute' issue is also covered in the text below.
What is the best 'Free' Computer Software for the JRC NRD-545 ??
(see bottom of page in the 'green block' for the my view on this).
We feel this is the best 'stand alone' HF receiver JRC ever manufactured.
Including the professional line in this (we have tested those too) , but it's not perfect either.
(Photo : N9EWO)
Discontinued Receiver
N9EWO's Review of the Japan Radio Co. (JRC) NRD-545 DSP (HF) Receiver

User comments have been at the extremes from excellent to 'really poor' with the JRC NRD-545. Of course it has more to do on how sensitive YOU are to the DSP noises (overloading) that this set can emit under certain conditions. Actually it's 'Audio Recovery' , that is pulling a person's spoken word out of the mud, is quite good. This is a DSP receiver , that is DSP is used in the IF / DETECTION / AGC etc. I have owned 2 samples (plus a Sherwood test sample), all being the latest firmware.
A few off the newsgroups have indicated that I do not have my NRD-545 receiver set up correctly, so I'm hearing those noises that I have indicated below. NOT TRUE !!! I have quite enough hours using this set over the years to tell you that these sounds (DSP overloading) are no joke no matter how you adjust it. It very well depends on where you are, what antenna you are using, what time of day you use the set, signal activity/strength around the tuned frequency..etc. Many factors play in this and will not be the same for all. Again, just be aware if you plan on making a 'used' purchase of one.
Aug 09, 2020 We have had few of the NRD-535D's pass through our hands in recent months and we suspect this is due to the fact that owners do not wish to be separated from their beloved 535D units. In addition to the NRD-535D, the buyer will receive: AC power cord; copy of the owner's manual; copy of the service manual in 3 ring binder; copy of the sales. DUST COVER JRC NRD-505 or NRD-515 or NRD-525 or NRD-535 or NRD-545 or JST-135. NDH-93 scanning unit and Manual(in Japanese) Pre-Owned. 302A Receiver 2 Extender.
The last 'new' NRD-545's were made in early 2008. So it's the used market for any purchases of this model. Be sure and read the 'mute' issue text at the bottom of this web page in the 'green' block, it can be a real issue with some used samples.

Three samples were tested for this report
First Impressions
The quality of construction is in the usual JRC tradition, 'excellent' inside and out. The 'internal' power transformer is of good quality too, I think the same one that was used in the NRD-525 / 535. It is very quiet and normal amount of heat. No excessive buzzing sounds (unlike the power transformer in the NRD-301A test sample, which buzzed like a hive of mad bee's, also ran very HOT).
Also JRC did a excellent job with the rest of the power supply as well. They are feeding the input voltage to the 545's regulator's at a perfect level (as was the case in the NRD-525-535 sets), so they run at a very good 'warmish' temperature. I have heard of Drake not doing so well in this area with the R-8 series...you will NOT have to resort of having to use a external DC power supply to run this receiver (as some Drake R-8x owners have done) because of excessive heat and or excessive 'buzzy'noises. UPDATE : JRC changed the power transformer in later production, see green block below.
A mechanical rotary encoder is being used for the 'BWC' control and has a very good feel to it. The tuning knob also has a very good feel to it, no weird play or grizzly feeling. It indeed uses a very good optical type encoder here, and at this price point it should.
Push buttons all have a OK feel and are of the 'tact' switch variety. Thank goodness no 'Rubber/Soft Plastic' key's ! A bit of 'looseness' and key wobble which is normal using this system.Yes, the 545 has the painted pushbuttons just as it was on the NRD-535. I wish manufactures would get away from the use of painting the surface of the actual button that we will be placing our paws on. You know these could show wear and worst case this paint will get removed with use.
General ergonomics are of the usual JRC stature, superb. The “Tuning Knob” speed is much improved over the NRD-525 and 535. I can set it to the speed what I like. It was just too S-L-O-W on these other JRC”s sets. My old NRD-93 also suffered from a even slower “turtle” speed knob. More later on this , but much better JRC..thank you.

As with the NRD-525 / 535 , the NRD-545 is using a nice standard 'computer type' 3-wire AC plug socket for the power input, another great item to see.
The NRD-545's display is a Negative Type LCD and uses a Fluorescent Tube behind it (CCFL) for the backlight. These WILL fail sooner of later in it's old age and parts are no longer available, so be warned. When you first turn on the NRD-545 from a cold start, the display brightness will be dim for the first couple of minutes or so. This is normal for a CCFL backlighting system and is not a fault.
I wish JRC would have included at least a basic set of schematics with the set . It's another 'shame on you JRC thing'. All we get in the owners manual is a lousy block diagram. A step back here in my view as they used to on all other previous sets (except the NRD-345). The excuse 'well just purchase the service manual' does not wash with me !

Internal 'AC Power Transformer' switch made in later JRC NRD-545 samples.

I made a note above that the internal power transformer in the NRD-545 was of high quality and made no detectable buzz/hum noises even with it off (a very light load when off). Well this all may have changed at bit with later production ? John W. has told me that his early 2006 sample's transformer buzzes even with it off. It's a minor issue with him. But it appears that JRC are using a different AC power transformer with later samples, either with the manufacturer or at least the style.
John sent me the picture of what the new transformer looks like in this early 2006 NRD-545 sample (left) and when compared to my picture of my very late 1999 sample on the right in the photo below. The new one has a white color wrap around the body and is is not shaped the same. The older ones have a green color wrap. I cannot say when this change took place (sorry, I do not have this information). Does not affect operation of the receiver that we are aware of at the time this text was being added. The noise we are talking about hereis NOT ripple or a dirty power supply, but is the windings or case of the actual transformer is 'buzzing' (or some would call it a hum), creating a noise within the room.

Pictures of the 2 internal AC power transformers that have been used in the JRC NRD-545.
The newer one on the left is reported to buzz more with even a very light load (radio off).
The one in my late 1999 sample is as quiet as dead mouse and generally low heat.
NOTE : We have not tested a sample with one of these new AC transformers.
(2006 photo via John W., 1999 picture via N9EWO)

Being I have not tested one of these new samples to 'hear' how bad this buzz may be, I have to stand neutral on this one. I guess look for a used sample for sale that has the older 'green' transformer if this is super important to you ?
Issues with noisy power supply transformers in a receiver are a real sticking point with me and is totally unacceptable. Don't get me wrong, I love having a GOOD internal power supply in a receiver, but not if it's going to create a nasty buzz within the room. Caveat Emptor if this is important to YOU !! ...Dave N9EWO

CHE-199 Converter Blues !!!
On my first NRD-545 sample, I purchased the CHE-199 VHF/UHF Converter Unit. It installed very easy with no real tools. Just a slide in board and one little coax connector that pops on fast. Well after doing the required reset, It did indeed come to life, on the display that is. As far as RF performance, it was as deaf as a french fry. This was connected to high performance antenna’s as well. It barely received my local 20 kw FM broadcasting station . For any local amateur radio signals..Nothing !!..Nada. I have heard of others with this same problem. But good news is for most folks the replacement did indeed work just fine (I did not get another one to find out for myself).
It seems that JRC just had an above average “dud” rate with the CHE-199 converter ? So if you experience “Nada” instead of your Local PD..you could have one of those bad ones ?? I hear the performance is nothing to scream about when it does work right, and I would rather not tie up a HF receiver to listen to VHF/UHF signals anyway. Better with a separate radio or scanner for this frequency coverage. Forget the CHE-199 in my view !!!

I will NOT be held responsible for any info that is listed here
ALL DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK !

CGD-197 TCXO, Beep Level and Adjustment.
First job I wanted to tackle after dealing with the converter DOA business , was to install the CGD-197 TCXO option (Temperature Compensated Crystal 'Reference' Oscillator) . Be sure to remove the little foam strip that all JRC owners all know about which hold the boards in place during shipment. But what hit’s you the fastest is the fact that ”where are innards” ? It certainly has fewer boards than previous JRC receivers. More of the sets power is being done within the DSP so the parts count is much less.
I found that the 'Beep' level was too loud for my ears. There is a 'Beep Level Volume' adjustment (RV3) located on the top of the CGK-160 REF/DDS board. Of course you must have the set powered on and connected to an external speaker to make this 'tweak'. This is covered in the owners manual as well. Yes, I wish to have a beep feedback, but not so loud.
NOTE : If you do make this adjustment, be very careful NOT to adjust with the 2 'line output' trimmer controls by mistake that are right next to this 'Beep' adjustment. Will be very hard to get these back to factory specs without test equipment. Use a flashlight and be sure that your are on the right control in the first place !!

View of the NRD-545 with top cover removed
(before I installed the CGD-197 TCXO).
(Photo : N9EWO)

“Frequency Display a bit off...out of the box”
This is a gremlin with tabletop HF receivers that drives me nuts, and was the first item I corrected before I put the set to real use.
On the 2 samples that I have owned , both were off out of the box by around 20 to 30 Hz. This is not a nasty problem, but if you are off by 20 hz at 5 MHz, it will be worse at 15 MHz. So if you are dead on at 15 MHz..will should also be so at 5 MHz (well it should work that way). So if you are off a bit and wish to be at least closer to dead on you need to adjust CV-1 on CGK-160 board (as indicated on page 31 of the manual). Note: The higher you do go up in frequency the more touchy the adjustment (CV-1) gets. But try and adjust using WWV at 15 MHz.
WARNING: You want to pass on this adjustment if you do not have lots of patience. It can be very time consuming and end up with it even being worse !! As usual..Doing ANY of these adjustments are done at YOUR OWN RISK !!!
I use a bit different method to achieve this adjustment than listed in the owners manual. You must use a 'Strong' signal on WWV on 15.000.000 MHz as they are transmitting those nifty tones (don't try if it's weak or during a quiet periods in the hour), being selected at the 'Local' SSB shift (default anyway), and using USB / LSB (NOT CW as in the manual), I turn the BWC to a W-I-D-E bandwidth of at least 6 KHz or above (might as well open it up and use 9.99 KHz). Then you are able to hear the 'off beat' tones real well. Makes adjusting CV-1 much easier. Allow the set warm up at least 1 hour before you do this. Of course use a hi-fi pair of headphones or external speaker to hear the output. You should hear NO difference what-so-ever between USB and LSB when it's adjusted correctly. If you cannot hear WWV (or WWVH) well at your location.sorry to say I don't have any other idea's for you.

I will NOT be held responsible for any info that is listed here
ALL DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK !

'Adding the CGD-197 TCXO'
Now you might say well, just add the CGD-197 TCXO option and that should clear up that problem..well not quite. I have installed a couple of these and both were off, a bit closer to the stock installed reference crystal..but not by much. Still about 20 Hz off (high). I can understand how this can happen.too many factors that can throw off a part like this and it's going to vary from set to set that it is installed into, bounced around in transit as well as normal aging of the crystal itself . Remember the TCXO was standard in the old NRD-525 .
As you can see in the picture below, there is indeed a trimmer cap on the CGD-197. But how do you get to it ?? CV-1 trimmer only works on the internal reference crystal. Well it can be done (I do not have any test equipment or the extension board) , but it's the old ..PULL THE POWER PLUG FROM THE WALL SOCKET EVERY TIME !!! (THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT)..pop the CGK-160 board out.do your adjustment with the proper tool. Stick it back in and see how you did. Of course allow say 10 minutes here for the crystal to reach correct temp. You of course have to keep doing this until you get it right..huffda.!!! Time consuming is right.
Another WARNING here..this is a VERY VERY touchy variable capacitor. Again this can be a very time consuming and mind straining procedure. Avoid this if you have problems with ventures like this, leave it with it being a bit OFF.

The CGD-197 TCXO option, it's trimmer adjustment is backwards from logic.
(Photo : N9EWO)

Nrd 505 service manual free

After installing a 2 CGD-197's and these adjustments..on the second time around I had it 'Dead On' in a record 15 minutes. Now if I select 10,000.000 MHz , I actually get it. This is a big plus tuning manual ECSS (using USB/LSB), provided the station is on frequency. And of course I can check a station's frequency quickly and really see if they are off which can help to ID a station.
But alas, even after an additional time period (a number of years since I installed it), it has again moved up in frequency (10 hz), so it appears a touch up every once in awhile may still be needed).
1000 Memories, 32 User Defined Functions, Memory Battery, User Defined entries a bit tricky to the novice, Speed up the BWC step.
We have 1000 memory channels available on the NRD-545. Each memory channel stores: Frequency, mode, IF Filter Bandwidth (what you have stored in the WIDE, INTER or NARROW preset buttons), AGC, ATT and Tuning Steps. It does NOT store the ECSS function. The bandwidths can also be adjusted on the fly, not having to default in the menus either (unlike so many other DSP receivers and transceivers).

A CR2032 lithium battery backs these up. I have to wonder why JRC used a outdated battery backed system at it's release and not EEPROM, but perhaps for reasons that I do not totally understand ? If (when) the CR2032 dies, the receiver will no longer store memory channels nor the user defined functions. It 's fairly easily replaced but requires partial removal of the front panel (thank goodness the battery is in a socket). See the owners manual for detailed instructions.

For the “IF Filter Bandwidth” presets in each memory entry, it will store the WIDE, INTER or NARROW button. So what you have entered in these 3 presets is what will end up in the memory channels.
You can easily change these from default for the 3 bandwidth presets. My favorites are listed in the charts at the bottom of this report (no suprise that they are on the wider side). See page 9 of the owners manual for the details, but remember every mode has different default settings.

IMPORTANT USER TIP : To make the Bandwidth knob 'steps' move at a faster rate (100 hz steps vs 10 hz default) by pressing the FUNC button and then BWC. Whew, now that's much better.
These Bandwidths defaults are changed by hitting the FUNC key then push the BANDWIDTH button that you wish to change (WIDE, INTER or NARROW), next rotate the BWC knob to your desired bandwidth and finally push ENT/kHz to seal the deal. Again, every mode has it’s own settings.
32 'User Defined' functions are found on the NRD-545. The chart at the bottom of this page covers what these are and my recommended settings . But these can be a bit confusing for PROPER entry in the NRD-545 for the “novice”. The manual is a bit confusing (at least it was to me for the first time), and if one does not do this in the correct procedure, the entries will not take. It’s a piece of cake once you get use to it.
1. First press the FUNC button, followed by ENT/kHz. You will see 001 FLASHING on the left and what ever number is stored in this User Defined entry in the middle-right.

2. Next rotate the AGC/BWC knob to the desired entry number (number at left, it should be flashing as you rotate it).

3. Press the ENT/kHz button again, now the flashing number with move to the Middle (ok lets call it to the right).

4. Rotate the AGC/BWC knob to the desired number.

5. Press ENT/kHz again. The Left number will be flashing again (this is what will be changed when your rotate the knob).
Repeat for other entries, but when you are finished be sure to end up with the left entry numbers flashing.

6. NOW the important part, hit the CLR button when totally finished. Maybe this is not totally correct, but is what works for me.
IMPORTANT NOTE : With any entry like this (either “user defined” other entries) on the NRD-545, one needs to keep in mind is if you go 15 seconds without a keypad “press” or knob rotation, it will revert back to a normal display and you will need to start over. If you allow this to happen, none of the entries that you have made may not take?
“# 32” User Set-Up Function (DSP Filter)
One item that you might wish to change in the “User Set-Up Functions” right away ?
On # 32 Filter setting I made the selection as 1: DSP LOOSE filter. It is set out of the box (Default) as..0: DSP SHARP filter..I found the audio more harsh, more so with fading distortion (even with ECSS) in default '0'. However 'SHARP' does give slightly better audio recovery to my ears. So depends on what type of signals you are listening to? With broadcasting stations (MW or SW) 'LOOSE' was better for me in the AM or ECSS modes. Using the wider bandwidths this is less of an issue.“# 8” User Set-Up Function (Number of tuning knob pulses)

User Set-Up Function # 8, selects the number of pluses the optical 'tuning encoder' produces (main tuning knob). We use the 250 pulses per turn (#2 the slowest selection), as otherwise it's too touchy to operate.

What's that 'Serial Number' business again ??
NRD-545's with a serial number of RG 04665 and above have the latest ROM firmware (both DSP and operation EPROMS). The earlier samples had dreadful audio quality. What you read in this report/review were with 2 sets that have serial numbers above RG 04665, and of course the latest firmware.
'Audio in the Ruff”..DSP Limitations?
But the first time I really listened to the audio of this set..I was pretty sad indeed. But now that I’m more used to it’s different traits, it’s not as much of a factor and not a major quirk (but it still can be annoying depending).
The 2 types of weird sounds that the NRD-545 emits are a bit hard to explain. One being more of a burp sound, the other is of a “Tick Tick” sound.
A comment made by Chris Lobdell explains a bit more on this:
'Another flaw--and I have no idea what the cause is--is a 'clicking' sound that occurs while listening in the AM mode. It does not occur on all signals, but tends to show up on signals that are moderate in strength. The clicks tend to be about two per second, and are loud enough to detract from the enjoyment of listening'
Now to be fair, these gremlins only appear on .oh I would say 1 in 20 signals, not on all . But when it does, the DSP garbage really shows it's ugly head. 2 types of 'weird' sounds !!! There was NO local interference at all when I heard thee noises and again NO NB or Notch filters were on !! ECSS was off as well. Most important..if you switch over to ECSS (manual or Auto).most of the time (but not always) the gremlins can sometimes go away. So depending, maybe a way around it..but really should we have to hear this at all coming out of near $ 2000. communications receiver ??
“More Audio Gremlins” / Overall FAIR Audio Quality

Adding to the audio blues in the virgin AM mode..fading distortion sounds very harsh than with others receivers I have ever used. Another 'hard to explain' problem which I can only notice on stronger signals (and still only once in awhile) with a certain fading patterns, is what sounds like an overloaded audio signal for a second or two. Manual or Auto ECSS modes usually (but not always) clears up these problems.
So for any AM Broadcast signals , you need to use ECSS (manual or automatic)..otherwise it can be very irritating indeed. There is slight hiss coming from the audio amp in the set too. This can be a bit annoying depending on the speaker (or headphones) being used, but does not creep out of the line outputs.
The (Sync) auto ECSS circuit in general works well, only looses lock for a split second on the worst of fades.not very often. But the best Sync-ECSS in a JRC set. As you might remember the auto ECSS circuit in the NRD-535 'D' was a awful performer. The 'Sync' (Auto ECSS) in the NRD-345 is another poor circuit.
IMPORTANT USER TIP : The closer you are to the 'CENTER' of the carrier, the better it will hold lock. Do not try and use the Sync-ECSS mode if you are not tuned correctly tuned to the center of the signal.
After a bit more experience using the Sync-ECSS on the 545, it can indeed loose lock for a split second on strong signals very deep 'sharp' fades.It seems that the stronger the signal, it will have more of a chance to loose lock for that split second ?? Weird is right. This is not a serious flaw..but can be annoying on certain strong signals. More times than not, it works just fine. Sync-ECSS is still better than any previous JRC receiver.
In general the audio quality is no great shakes (fair at best). Better than ANY other JRC receiver mind you (and I have tested most major JRC receiver models) , but that is not saying much even with a better speaker attached (see below).
AGC is NOT Adjustable in AM or Sync-ECSS Modes
The AD's that JRC had floating around on the NRD-545 when being sold new, indicated that the AGC decay rate was adjustable in the Sync-ECSS mode. Well if they are talking about the auto 'ECSS' button/mode.they are DEAD WRONG , as it most certainly is not. It is fixed (not adjustable) just as it is in the AM mode. Yes, this is correct..you are NOT able to adjust the ACG decay rate in the AM mode with the NRD-545.
Slight Sync-ECSS 'OFF' Gremlin
One note I need to pass along in regards to the Sync-ECSS mode.
IN SOME CASES, when you turn off the Sync-ECSS and start to tune with the knob, you may notice that it may not be totally OFF (you may hear heterodynes). So once in awhile it can take about 5 seconds for other circuits in the ECSS circuit chain to totally turn off. So 2 or 3 'Mississippi's' you will hear the 'het's' go away. This is not a fault and is totally normal.
What is the 'AMS' button for ?? (for you first time folks to the NRD-545), SW stereo
On the 'AM' mode button, you see AMS printed along side of it. The owners manual gives very little information on what this function really does. Well first it appears to give a even wider IF bandwidth over what the normal BWC control gives at max (10 kHz). I would say about 12 kHz here, but that's a guess as no real spec's exist.
If you are tuned to stronger 'in the clear' signal with no fading (say a MW station) it can make for a real aural treat. If not , well that break up distortion can create a painful experience. Also the Sync-ECSS does not work when AMS is on, so no way to tackle the problem other than to turn it off.
But the real reason for the AMS button is the fact that it toggles the AM STEREO function (Motorola C-Quam system) Again, you have no Sync-ECSS function when the AMS button is on, so is not always good news here.
Overall it's fun. However, to hear this Stereo output (also goes for FM stereo when the converter is installed), you MUST connect the L and R line outputs to a EXTERNAL amplifier (or amplified computer speakers will work too).
Of course this was intended for MW stations, but IF a SW broadcast station broadcasts a C-QUAM signal , the NRD-545 will be able to decode it. A North American pirate has actually used C-QUAM on SW from our own monitoring and works good as expected (listen here as recorded using the NRD-545). But this the only example we have heard this used so don't look for much use on SW.
Tone Control affects “Line” Output
The 'Tone' control affects the 'Line' audio outputs. Yes.you could have knocked me over with a slight breeze when I first discovered this. Not a bad thing here..if you have a signal in the mud and are trying make a recording of it.this can be a big plus. Now that I see after doing a bit of reading in the brochure, the tone control is indeed adjusted via the DSP chip. Good idea here and works well.
General “Volume” quirk
One little minor quirk is that on certain 'Broadcast' stations that are low in the audio dept the NRD-545 seems to have a hard time keeping up . That even with the volume control at 3 o'clock, you still may not have enough audio to hear it right. So the comment we have seen made by other users (see bottom of this page)..'It can run out of volume control'.seems to be a very true statement. The very expensive (and also discontinued) JRC NRD-301A 'Super Set' that I have also tested has this same trait. This is the first 2 receivers that I have ever encountered that is weird in this way ?? Again, only a minor problem that should not make you shy away from this receiver..but for the record, you now know about his.
Is that 4 or 8 ohms with the speaker output ?? , Realistic Minimus-77 External Speaker
Well could be a part of the above 'volume' problem ?? Just about all JRC receivers are rated 1 Watt at 4 OHMS . Yes 4 Ohms !!! Using a 8 ohm speaker is not going to hurt a thing (other way around could be). Matter of fact the matching (and suboptimal) NVA-319 speaker is using a 8 ohm speaker inside . But the output might be cut back at least a bit using a 8 ohm speaker, where a 4 ohm might give a extra kick ?? I have not tested this, but could be something to look into ??
The only JRC set that I have noticed that is NOT listed at 4 ohms is the NRD-345. It is listed as 8 ohms. Weird to sat the least, and I'm not sure how much I want to believe this ??
But could be one of the reasons why some JRC owners (me included) have had sour luck in making some external speakers work right ??
I use a SMALLER OLDER 2-way die-cast hi-fi speaker. For me it's the Realistic Minimus-77 cat # 40-2054 from the early 90's. The tweeter helps very much here along with the larger woofer over the smaller Minimus 7 cousin. NOTE: I have tried all of Radio Shack's (including the RadioShack branded RCA ones) more later metal die-case 2-way speakers and they all required too much audio power to drive them (so that was a total bust). These older 40-2054's do not have this problem for some reason. Tip : If you hunt for one these speakers on the used market , watch out for the foam deterioration on the woofer.

'Quick Toggle' of Front End Filters
Something that I discovered that was NOT indicated in my 545's owners manual. This was on my NRD-545 with a serial number a bit over RG 06400 and may or may not exist on older or latest versions (not sure) ??
On # 24 of the 'User Setup Functions', we have a selection for front end filtering . This allows you to bypass the front end filters for perhaps a bit more sensitivity in cases where you need every bit to pull a signal out of the mud. Normally front end filters (preselector filtering) can give a few db's of signal loss. But of course you should NOT leave this in the bypassed mode for normal listening. The NRD-525's and 535's also have the same 'pass' switch.
But during 'scan' (scanning of the memories) function, leaving these filters on and as it chuffs over the memory channels..well it makes the filter relays chatter like a old car on it's last legs.
So to switch off the front end filters you have to dread to the 'user setup function' mode. Select it down to # 24, and then switch it to 0. Of course after you are done with your scanning, you have to do this chore all over again.
Well here is the 'quick toggle' that I discovered. Press the 'FUNC' (function) key then the 'ATT' key. You will hear one beep (not the usual error beeps). You will see NO indication on the display anywhere, even if you drop into the user setup mode and peek at # 24 after you do this, it will not show it correctly. To toggle it back, just repeat 'FUNC' and 'ATT' again.
If you turn off the set and turn it back on again, it will default to whatever you have set in # 24. This quick toggle operation will not change this setting in any way.
I miss the 'pass' indication on the display with the NRD-545. The NRD-525 and 535 had this of course.
(N9EWO with another neat finding on a JRC receiver. Remember the 99.999.99 entry with the NRD-535 ,as listed in October 1991 Monitoring Times page 107 ..'Display Test Mode' . The NRD-545 display mode is selected by while pressing and holding the FUNC + DIMMER buttons , then power the receiver up. To switch back to normal mode, just rotate the tuning knob.)
I love the IF bandwidths adjustable up to 10 kHz (or more). I hate receivers that stop at 6~8 kHz which seems to be the trend these days !

So what's the word /Discontinued Receiver / CCFL Failure Possibility
The AGC configuration and adjustments with the 545 is excellent for SSB signals. AM mode with the 'lone' fixed AGC is not as stellar , but is most usable for the most part. SSB audio actually sounds much cleaner and less hisser than with the AOR AR7030. Overall audio quality is still a disappointment in our view.
After reading these comments you are wondering if I'm totally against this set ? No. I actually enjoy the NRD-545, just getting used to it's strange traits ? If I hear the DSP gremlins getting into a signal I'm really trying to hear right or even more important 'record' , and depending how serious it's destroying a signal..I might have to switch over another set. But really why should I have to do this right ?
Reliability, quality of construction , most parts used (with the exception of the VCO trimmer capacitor failures for some owners) and of course the general overall design were all well above any other consumer tabletop set at time this receiver was released on the market. With all of the problems the AOR AR7030 has had over the years (and was until the end of it's production), it's just a more refreshing experience even with the audio (DSP) issues and general audio quality.

Nrd 505 Service Manual Download

I have had my hands on many JRC receivers over the years (including the professional models, see the main page for my limited review list) and in our view the NRD-545 'overall' is the king of all JRC manufactured HF receivers (at the time this report was updated). The excessively hissy NRD-525 and the NRD-535 with its awful ECSS and other strange noises , the NRD-545 was a major improvement over those.
Be sure and read the important note in regards with a change made with the AC power transformer in later production in the above text if you have not already. Also covered below is the 'mute' issue that as been a problem with some samples (VCO trimmer capacitor failures). These may very well be important for any used NRD-545 purchase ? Last but not least please we WARNED with the CCFL backlight failure possibilities and no easy repair (if at all as parts are no longer available). We have received a number of reader reports of this happening now as samples age.
Dave N9EWO
© N9EWO, all rights reserved
 Ver 14.1
Discontinued Receiver

I will NOT be held responsible for any info that is listed here
ALL DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK !


A nagging issue that has plagued the Japan Radio Co. NRD-545 over the yearshas been with the receiver going into a muted state. Either across it's entire range or just certain segments in the HF coverage of the receiver. In some cases when the CHE-199 option board is fitted it fails to operate too (mutes) making it appear that the converter board may be defective (which it still could be in addition to what is covered below ??). Serial numbers that are having this issue seem to be all over the place , right to the end of production in early 2008. It appears that it can happen to any sample that has ever been made ??.
From reading the internet postings over the years on this bug, it appears that one POSSIBLE repair might be with one or more of the 4 plastic case 'Murata' VCO trimmer capacitors on the CGA-184 Loop1Unit that have gone sour ?? This would be CV1, CV2 , CV3 and CV4. Yes, this is just like with many ICOM models over the years that used the same lousy low grade Murata trimmer capacitors in the VCO circuits and elsewhere (models include : IC-745, IC-751 , IC-781, IC-R9000 , IC-970 , IC-275 , IC-475.etc). Sometimes one can rotate these trimmers slightly to make the set come back to life for awhile , but to only fail again later. Other times it's a total lost cause and all 4 should be replaced with a better grade trimmer capacitor. NOTE : The actual Murata trimmer capacitors that were used are no longer made (now discontinued thank goodness). The value is 2.7 to 10 pf . Alignment might be the tricky part of this POSSIBLE repair without the extension board that is almost impossible to obtain , the proper test equipment / service manual and of course the required skill to do it.
I'm not saying this may be the 'only' possible repair with any 'muting issue' , however it may be a place to start ?? 'Caveat Emptor' again for any NRD-545's in the used marketplace...Dave N9EWO
IMPORTANT : I never had this bug happen to me and what information given here is for general reference only.
Dave N9EWO
©N9EWO, all rights reserved
 Ver 4.1


The now discontinued Murata TZ03Z100FR “Blue Case” Trimmer Capacitor as found in NRD-545's VCO circuit.
Value: 2.7 to 10 pf


Photo of the upper left section of the NRD-545’s “CGA-184” Loop1 board with the shield cover removed.
Shows the 4 VCO trimmer capacitors in question. (CV1 , CV2 , CV3 and CV4)
(Photo Edit : N9EWO)
(See OLDER Murata ceramic trimmer catalog T13E-4 for more information. August 1999)

Rear view of the NRD-545.
(Photo Edit : N9EWO)
JRC NRD-545 DSP Differences ??: Not that the following is of any real use, but a possible historical part of the JRC NRD-545 receiver ?? A reader to this page has informed us that JRC used 2 different “Analog Devices” DSP chips in the NRD-545’s lifetime. But the slower one appears to have been used with very early serial numbers (under 06000 ??), but I don’t know ?? I don’t have much info to go on here and I have NOTHING more to add on this one. Most JRC NRD-545 owners are aware the audio was downright BAD with serial numbers before 04665. Looks like the DSP change may have taken place a bit after the major firmware did (weird is right) ??

Appears that two different “Analog Devices” DSP IC’s were used in the JRC NRD-545 receiver in it’s lifetime on the market :

#1 - ADSP-21062, on-chip 2 Mb S-RAM, 40 MIPS, 25 ns instr rate (serial 0503x and 0487x in Japan)
#2 * - ADSP-21061, on-chip 1 Mb S-RAM, 50 MIPS, 20 ns instr rate (serial 0614x in Germany and 0935x in Japan)

* - Seems newer samples have the faster ADSP-21061 DSP chip. As our reader says , this information is much more difficult to obtain because the sets need to be opened up of course to have SOLID information. (NOTE: The ADSP-21061 is the same DSP chip that was used in the old Icom IC-756 PRO, PRO II and PRO III Transceivers)

JRC NRD-545 DSP IC change was made in it's life on the market ?? It appears so. (Click on photo for Japanese link)

Dave's JRC NRD-545 Bandwidth Settings
(I changed from 'out of the box' settings, 'What did Dave use for his preset bandwidth settings ?')

kHz

AMSSB
WIDE9.904.002.40
INTER8.003.001.00
NARROW5.002.400.50
#JRCNRD-545 User Defined FunctionsValues
(MY Normal Settings in BOLD)
(n9ewo chart)
1.1 Hz tuning(SSB/CW/RTTY/AM frequency of less than 30 MHz)0: 1Hz not added to tuning step OFF
1: 1Hz added to tuning step
2.10kHz tuning(SSB/CW/RTTY/AM frequency of less than 30 MHz)0: 10kHz not added to tuning step
1: 10kHz added to tuning step
3.1 kHz tuning(SSB/CW/RTTY/AM/FM frequency of less than 30 MHz)0: 1KHz
1: 5kHz
2: 6.25kHz
3: 9kHz tuning step
4.100Hz tuning(FM mode/AM Frequency of more then 30MHz)0: 100Hz not added to tuning step
1: 100Hz added to tuning step
5.5kHz tuning(Frequency of more then 30MHz)0: 5kHz
1: 6.25kHz
2: 9kHz tuning step
6.10kHz tuning0: 10kHz
1: 12.5kHz
2: 20kHz
3: 25kHz
4: 30kHz
5: 50kHz tuning step
7.Tuning step automatic selection0:Automatic tuning step OFF
1:Automatic tuning step ON
8.Number of tuning knob pulses0: 1000 pulses/turn
1: 500 pulses/turn
2: 250 pulses/turn
9.Meter indication0: Single Display
1: Bar display
2: Peak Hold Display
10.Beep tone0: Beep OFF
1: Beep ON
11.Scan auto stop 0: AUTO STOP OFF
1: AUTO STOP ON
12.Unwritten channel skip0: Skip OFF
1: Skip ON
13.Timer relay operation0: Timer relay OFF
1: Timer relay always ON
2: Controled with Squelch
14.CW mode BFO offset frequency-2550 to +2550(Hz) (10 hz steps) (0800)
15.RTTY baud rate (baud)37-75(baud) (45)
16.RTTY shift width0: 170Hz
1: 425Hz
2: 850Hz
17.RTTY polarity0: Reverse
1: Normal
18.SSB display frequency0: Display shift
1: Local shift
19.Display time colon blinking0: Colon blinking OFF
1: Colon blinking ON
20.Scan rate0.3-5.0(sec.)0.5 sec./CH (0.5)
21.Sweep rate0.05-0.5(sec.) 0.05sec./step (0.05)
22.Scan auto stop time setting0 to 10 seconds (0.5sec.steps) (3.0)
23.RTTY decoding output0: Do not output
1: Output
24.Input tuning circuit0: Pass
1: Use
25.RTTY unshift ON space0: OFF
1: ON
26.RTTY error display0: Display space
1: * Display
27.Filter Hold of Noise Reduction
(change in text from earlier manual--was called 'Line Enhancer')		0: ON
1: OFF
28.Panel lock0: Lock tuning knob
1: All dials and buttons
29.Noise reduction next number change0.0000 (effect) to 0.0255 (No effect) in 0.0001steps
(0.0200)
30.Beat canceller next number change0.0000 (effect) to 0.0255 (No effect) in 0.0001steps
(0.0005)
31.Squelch LED lighting change0: Lights when squelch is closed
1: Lights when squelch is open
32.Digital IF Filter setting slope0: DSP SHARP filter
1: DSP LOOSE filter

FUNCTION +
(Repeat To Reverse Setting)

JRCNRD-545 'Function' Button Operations
(n9ewo chart)

BWC

Changes BWC Encoder Step (either 10 or 100 Hz)

ATT
(not listed in manual)
First discovered by N9EWO

Quick toggle of # 24 above 'Input tuning circuit',
Useful when scanning memories.no relay chattering. (May not work on all samples, unknown ??)

ENT/kHz

Enter User Defined Functions (Above)

Adobe encore cs5 mac. CH

Memory Channel Save

FM/WFM

Turn Stereo Mode ON/OFF (FM Wide Mode with CHE-199 Option Installed)

CLOCK

Set Sleep Time

VFO

Transfer Memory Information to VFO
PUSH AND HOLD
AT POWER UP
(Power OFF and Repeat To Reverse Setting)		JRCNRD-545 'Power Up' User Defined Functions
(n9ewo chart)

'.'
(Period on Keyboard)

Unknown. The the display will show a number like '12 46 13' (varies).
Will not receive while in this mode. Just rotating the main tuning knob will restore the set to normal.

ENT/kHz

Toggles 'Low End' Receive Range Down To 10 kHz.

USB/LSB
+
CW/RTTY

Allows USB/LSB and CW/RTTY Modes To Be Selected When CHE-199 Converter Is Installed.

CLR

Memory Channel RESET (WARNING: Clears All Memories) and
User Defined Functions To Default Settings.

CLR
+
CH

Resets User Defined Functions To Defaults.(Keeps Memory Channels As They Were)

CLOCK
+
ENT/kHz

Toggles Seconds Display in Clock mode

FUNC
+
DIMMER

Display Test Mode, entire display lights up. Rotate tuning knob to restore to normal.
Best 'Free' Computer Software for theJRCNRD-545
(link below is subject to change without notice)
There are a number of 'windows' based computer programs around for the JRC NRD-545. This the BEST one I have used (in my view) and it's now freeware . It requires a 'Null Modem' cable or adapter between the receiver and host computer (as all programs connected to the NRD-545 do). It does not store the 'tuning step' in the memory channels, so you will have to do a touch up if you wish that (yes , the memories on NRD-545 you can store the tuning step on each memory channel..this is neat indeed).
The 'NRD-545 Controller' program from Interfair Laboratory was written by H. Yamamoto in Japan. In was in Japanese only and also required registration with payment. Without it you could only start the program 30 times before it went bye-bye. The authors hard drive crashed and he has lost all source code for the program. Any additional improvements to the software are gone, so he decided to make it 'freeware'.
J. Schimmele in Germany (with the OK from Mr. Yamamoto), has converted this program to English and is still 'freeware'. Again I feel it's the best out of lot tested and it allows for memory channels to be either uploaded or downloaded. Follow the instructions, you will have to type in the values shown in the registration as you bring it up for the first time. There is no installation garbage, it just runs in a directory that you place it in. Yes ran OK for me in Windows XP home and PRO, and even Windows 7 '32 or 64 bit' just fine.
IMPORTANT NOTE : THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE PROGRAM CANNOT BE CHANGED, USE IS 'AS IS', AND AT YOUR OWN RISK !! NO WARRANTY OR SUPPORT, YOU ARE TOTALLY ON YOUR OWN ! PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME !
NOTE : SOFTWARE WILL NOT WORK ON 'WINDOWS 8 or 10' (sorry) !!
Download English Version 'N545Pro' here, zipped size approx 400K (via radioscanner.ru web site)
Dave N9EWO
© N9EWO, all rights reserved
 Ver 3.0

Display failures are now becoming very common with the JRC NRD-525, NRD-535 Receivers and even with the JRC JST-135 Transceiver. These radios all use a LARGE 'custom made' florescent type display and now being quite aged are suffering from ever weakening brightness and then just failing completely in time. They have not held up well with age. One could TRY and replace the 4 high voltage (35 to 50 volt) electrolytic capacitors in the display DC-DC converter circuit, but usually when these go out...that's it (it turns into a great doorstop or computer controlled only set). Sorry..no new parts are available anymore. So a 'MAJOR' Caveat Emptor (buyer beware) if you are considering any used sample for purchase !!
 The later NRD-545 Receiver (plus the JST-145 and JST-245 Transceivers) uses a negative LCD with a 'CCFL' (cold cathode florescent tube) back light. With it's ever increasing age are also subject to become weak and in time total failure. Just as with the more elder JRC sets , parts and repair from JRC are no longer available. So once this tube fails, it becomes a computer controlled only receiver.
A general reminder, as it goes with all vintage 'solid state' radio receivers / transceivers one should be aware any major ills of any certain used model before a purchase. Check it out throughly before and then cross your fingers after.
The 'Sherwood Engineering' Roofing Filter Modification
Via the newsgroups from Jim Valle in regards to the Sherwood Engineeringroofing filter modification (NRD-545). I'm actually totally against this modification as it degrades AM audio in wider bandwidths in my testing of a 3rd borrowed sample that had this filter installed. Sorry ! N9EWO
'The 8kHz filter mod has really improved things for me on MW and SW frequencies. Utility monitoring has been GREATLY improved. I have found much less monkey chatter and significantly less spillover from stations close by on all SW bands. The real test is when I listen to utility and can get so much more out of the passband tuning. A perfect example would be listening to AFN in USB. Before the filter replacement there was quite a bit of spill-over from data signals on LSB. This filter along with some narrowing of the filter setting (about 2.2 to 2.4) and using the passband tuning cleans audio up significantly. On MW I have found no noticeable difference in fidelity. I live in an RF rich environment and utilize the Dressler ARA-60 (superb antenna, by the way) so I'm even more impressed by this filter mod. By the way, you only need to send in the board, not the entire rig. Saves on shipping. Bob turns things around very quickly. He is also a very knowledgeable, professional and courteous individual which to deal. All the best, Jim Valle '

Comment below was from when the NRD-545 first hit the market.

'Well... Black ops zombie mods xbox 360 usb download. I've had one for about 4 months and I am rather disappointed with it. In 40 years of SW I've never met a radio which runs out of AF gain before,but this one does. The 'TONE' control has a very peculiar action, at one end sound sounds like a telephone, at the other treble boost. Receiving NAVTEX on 518 causes the AGC and BW LEDS to flicker in sympathy to signal. VLF gain falls off rapidly below about 70 kHz. At no settings can I get decent AM reception with good signal. Awesome it aint.'
Mike G3IJE
M.J.Powell.
(I will totally agree with Mike on the NRD-545 'running out of volume control' . But only with under-modulated AM signals. The NRD-301 also suffers from this trait.N9EWO)

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Nrd 505 Service Manual


JRC NRD-505 HF Receiver (1977~79)
'Is it the great lost perfect set ? Probably not, but it sure is fun to use'.....Paul Bigelow
(N9EWO Photo Edit)

The Japan Radio NRD-505 receiver was built between 1977 and 1979 and was not produced in large numbers (about 1000). For those days the steep price tag of almost $ 2300.00 USD was very hard for any consumer to afford. It's matching NVA-505 speaker and 4 channel memory board (CD4-8) unit were both options. No internal speaker. It used a PTO tuning circuit, just as the Drake R-7/TR-7 sets of that day did . But the PTO used in the 505 put the Drake's to shame (MUCH better built) ! And of course the drift factor in the Drakes were nasty..505's had no such of a excessive problem.
The 4 channel memory option stored frequency only. A collectors set theses days as any more modern device will be a MUCH better deal (and performance) then any overpriced used NRD-505's. But for it's day it was a most interesting set. I have never had the chance to even see one of these in person, however Paul Bigelow fill us in with his comments below.
Keep in mind, with the NRD-505 being as old as they are now, problems with the set are very common, and the custom made parts needed to repair can no longer be purchased (well at least easy).
Enjoy...Dave N9EWO


Top view of the JRC NRD-505 innards, you can easily see the PTO unit.
ALL PC Boards are of a high quality glass epoxy type.
(N9EWO Photo Edit)
Information from Paul Bigelow on his NRD-505. Thank You Paul.
Physical - Constructed like other JRC receivers. Robust, solid and with vertical cards that plug into a motherboard. Each card is separated by a shield. All aluminum construction for panels and chassis. Knobs are plastic. The VFO is (probably) permeability tuned much like the old Collins equipment.
Reception - (compared with AOR AR7030):
Sensitivity - about equal, the JRC has slightly reduced sensitivity below 1600kc. The JRC may be a bit better on SW bands.
Selectivity - good, the AOR is a bit better but the narrow mechanical filter of the JRC works well. The narrow CW filter works very well. The filters can be adjusted so the JRC performance may be improved upon. All in all though, the AOR is better.
Sound - JRC, but not horrible. It is a bit hissy but the noise is NOT coming from the amplifier but the IF amp, I think. Since someone mis adjusted the IF gain to maximum gain (not good) the noise can be reduced with proper IF gain adjustment. The AOR AR7030 wins (of course).
Overload - A bit of overload on Longwave from AM stations and on the 14MC band from STRONG 7MC stations. Again, proper adjustment of the mixers may help in this regard. Still, not bad. The AOR AR7030 is better.
Birdies - A few small ones but have not tried a REAL test yet. The JRC will probably win in this regard.
Tuning smoothness -- very smooth in places, 10 revolutions for each 1MC band. It uses nylon gears fitted with anti-backlash gears.
One big BEWARE concerning the construction of the NRD-505. The connections from the chassis to the front panel is not by ribbon cable (like the NRD-525) but rather by flexible ribbon film found today in camcorders and cameras. VERY high-tech for the day (1977) but with age it can get fragile and is difficult to repair. Mine has no problems but the slightest nick in the film or a wayward drop of solder could lead to a BIG headache.
The 4-channel memory seems to work well, if a bit crudely by today's standards. It only stores the frequency -- no mode information. It does have a provision for keeping the memory when the set is unplugged via a battery (on the circuit board, like the NRD-525).
The bandwidths are:(3 filter slots)
- 6kc - Ceramic filter AM-wide. Sounds pretty good -- not the highest sound quality but not too bad either.
- 2.2kc - Mechanical filter SSB and AM-narrow. Works well with SSB. AM is pretty muffled but intelligible.
- .6kc -(option) Mechanical filter CW. Works well with Morse code and provides a quiet background.
There is also an audio filter that switches in during CW mode and maybe SSB that restricts the audio highs and lows and reduces the hiss.
The mode selects the filter but there are positions for AM-Wide, AM-Narrow, USB, LSB, CW-Wide, CW-Narrow, RTTY.
Found the correct battery for the memory card. $8.50 -- ouch! Silver oxide camera battery.
Is it the 'great lost perfect set'? Probably not, but it sure is fun to use.

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