Digital FM Stereo Tuner AJ-1510

Heathkit (Brand), Heath Co.; Benton Harbor (MI)

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  • Year
  • 1972
  • Category
  • Broadcast Receiver - or past WW2 Tuner
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 367687
    • alternative name: Heath Company

 Technical Specifications

  • Number of Transistors
  • Semiconductors present.
  • Semiconductors
  • Main principle
  • PLL, Phase-locked loop
  • Wave bands
  • FM Broadcast Band Only
  • Details
  • Hi-Fi equipment
  • Power type and voltage
  • Alternating Current supply (AC) / 117 Volt
  • Loudspeaker
  • - For headphones or amp.
  • Material
  • Metal case
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Digital FM Stereo Tuner AJ-1510 - Heathkit Brand, Heath Co.;
  • Shape
  • Chassis only or for «building in»
  • Dimensions (WHD)
  • 16.375 x 6 x 14.75 inch / 416 x 152 x 375 mm
  • Notes

  • The Heathkit AJ-1510 (and its successor, the AJ-1510A) is a landmark in high-fidelity history, recognized as one of the first digital frequency-synthesized FM stereo tuners introduced in the early 1970s. Unlike standard tuners of its time, it featured a keypad for direct frequency entry and no tuning knobs. 

    Technical Specifications:
    According to a May 1972 review in Audio Magazine, the AJ-1510 was a high-performance unit with the following specifications: Sensitivity (IHF): Less than 1.8 µV. Selectivity: Greater than 95 dB (alternate channel). Distortion: Harmonic distortion is rated at less than 0.3%. Frequency Accuracy: Better than ±0.005%. Dimensions: 16 3/8" Wide x 6" High x 14 3/4" Deep. Weight: Net weight of approximately 15.75 lbs. 

    Key Features:
    Digital Interface: Tuning is performed via a 10-key keyboard, auto-scanning, or specialized pre-programmed punch cards. 
    Memory Cards: The unit includes three slots for plastic "programming cards" that allow users to save favorite stations by cutting notches into the cards to represent frequencies in Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD). 
    Display Technology: The original frequency readout uses four RCA Numitron incandescent tubes, which glow behind a green filter. 
    Internal Build: It utilizes a pulse-counter detector for low distortion and features two five-pole IF filters for high selectivity. 

    Maintenance & Modern Upgrades:
    Because of its age and the early digital technology used, certain components often require attention:
    Display Failures: The original Numitron tubes are fragile and now difficult to source. Modern LED display replacement kits, such as the AJA-1510-1 from Heathkit, are available to replace these tubes with more reliable LEDs. 
    Restoration Kits: Complete recap and restoration kits are frequently sold on sites like eBay to address aging electrolytic capacitors and other drifting components. 
    Programming Cards: For those missing the original station-select cards, reproduction programming cards can be found through vintage electronics specialists. 

    Kit AJ-1510, Tuner less cabinet, 23 Ibs., mailable $539.95 USD.
    AJA-1510-1 , Pecan cabinet, 6 Ibs., mailable. $24.95 USD.

     

     

  • Net weight (2.2 lb = 1 kg)
  • 15.75 lb (15 lb 12 oz) / 7.151 kg
  • Price in first year of sale
  • 539.95 USD
  • Mentioned in
  • -- Original prospect or advert (Heathkit 1972 800-40 cat page 63 "New")
  • Author
  • Model page created by Glen Orriss. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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