A couple of general questions about the VR-500

As I understand it, the VR-500 can be run off of a cigar lighter adapter or wall wart instead of having to use the internal batteries?  Correct?

How is the receive vis a vis something like the Kato (sp?). I am looking for a general coverage receiver for monitoring. My base station is a Yaesu FT-817ND, and I need to monitor VHF or HF, while using the other for QSOs. I understand the antenna issue, and have a separate "long wire" for HF, and some various scanner antennas for VHF/UHF.

Audio output -- looks like I want to use a mono cable, or else a stereo cable, and not use the ring, in that case? Not clear from the manual.

Thanks!

/paul W3FIS