AOR AR8000 Operating Manual
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AOR AR8000 Operating Manual

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(1) Introduction & accessories
Thank you for purchasing THE NEW CONCEPT AOR AR8000 World Band
Wide Band all mode receiver.
This operating manual is divided into many sections and presented in a logical
order assuming that it will be read section by section following the examples.
However, if you are familiar with the operations of modern mulit-function
receivers you may proceed directly to section 6. Many phrases are repeated
through the manual, while this may make the text a little repetitious, it should
provide clear instructions if you refer directly to a specific section.
Every effort has been made to make this manual correct and up to date. Due
to continuous development of the receiver and by error or omissions anomalies
may be found and this is acknowledged.
Most apparent faults are usually due to accidental misoperation of the receiver,
carefully read all of the manual before deciding to return the receiver for repair.
Although carefully designed, this receiver (like all receivers) suffers from a
degree of internal noises known as spurii. They are a product of the receiver's
circuitry and do not represent a fault.
This manual is protected by copyright AOR LTD 1994. No information
contained in this manual may be copied or transferred by any means without
the prior written consent of AOR LTD. AOR and the [AOR] logo are trade
marks of AOR, LTD. All other trade marks and names acknowledged. E&OE.
© 1994 AOR LTD.
Operating manual Conventions
Where text appears in [SQUARE BRACKETS] the keys are to be pressed
exactly as shown.
For example: [1] [4] [5] [ENT]
Means press the 1 key followed by the 4 key followed by the 5 key followed by
the enter key.
The arrow keys to the lower left of the keypad are referred to as UP / DOWN or
[UP] [DOWN] keys.
Words contained in speech marks "2VFO" refer to indications displayed on the
Liquid Crystal Display.
Where memory banks etc are empty the indication "- - -" is often displayed.
Sections of "italic text" indicate an advanced function or facility only available
when in EXPERT rather than NEWUSER status, please refer to section 6-3 for
further information.

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Summary of Contents for AOR AR8000

  • Page 1: Introduction And Accessories

    This manual is protected by copyright AOR LTD 1994. No information contained in this manual may be copied or transferred by any means without the prior written consent of AOR LTD. AOR and the [AOR] logo are trade marks of AOR, LTD. All other trade marks and names acknowledged. E&OE.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    1-1 Accessories supplied 4 x AA internal high capacity rechargeable NiCad batteries Mains charger DC power lead with cigar lighter plug 16cm semi-flexible wide band Belt clip with two screws Hand strap Operating manual (2) Table of contents Introduction and accessories .......
  • Page 3 Correcting incorrect frequencies after input ... 35 Changing a frequency using the UP/DOWN keys .. 36 Changing frequency using the [DIAL] ....36 Changing frequency step (AUTO) ......37 6-10 Step offset ............39 6-11 Changing receiver mode (AUTO) ......40 6-12 Attenuator ............
  • Page 4 ........100 18-1 Setting RS232 parameters ........101 18-2 Changing data input to keypad ......101 Clone (copy) data between two AR8000 .... 102 19-1 Clone (copy) in newuser status ......102 19-2 Clone (copy) in expert status ....... 102 Trouble shooting ..........

  • Page 5: Major Features

    (3) Major features General At first glance the AR8000 in it’s static form may look no different to any modern hand-held wide range receiver, but the similarity ends there... just as soon as the receiver is switched on!! Initially you are greeted with the opening welcome message on the AR8000 multi-function liquid crystal display “WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF AR8000 RECEIVER”, in a similar way to a...
  • Page 6 The dot matrix display provides additional information such as frequency readout, S-meter and band scope. When entering data into the receiver (such as frequency), the AR8000 display provides helpful text prompts to ease operation. Band Scope In VFO mode the AR8000 can check adjacent channels for activity (five channels each side of the centre frequency).
  • Page 7 Memories and search banks A total of 1000 memory channels are provided which are divided into 20 banks, each having 50 channels. The AR8000 will search and scan at a very respectable (and fast) maximum speed of approximately 30 increments per second.

  • Page 8: Precautions

    Many other features The AR8000 is truly full featured, among other facilities are keypad beep On/ Off, plus keypad lock. Illumination of the keypad and side panel may be switched and may be set to permanently On for mobile operation or use in low level lighting.

  • Page 9: Looking After Your Receiver

    Always disconnect the charger from the AC mains supply when not in use. If using dry batteries (Alkaline or Manganese), always remove the batteries when exhausted or if the AR8000 is not going to be used for a while. This will avoid leakage which could seriously damage the receiver.

  • Page 10: Nicads And Charging

    4-4 NiCads and charging Before operating, charge the internal NiCad batteries using the supplied charger for approximately 16 hours. The low battery indicator “LOW BATTERY” will provide only a short period of warning of low battery power when used with NiCad batteries due to the characteristics of NiCad cells.
  • Page 11 Of course, except for government listening stations this is totally impractical. For this reason most people choose an externally mounted discone aerial such as the AOR DA3000 aerial. The DA3000 has a usable coverage of 25 to 2000 MHz.

  • Page 12: Controls And Functions

    For further information please refer to sections 22 & 23 of this manual regarding aerial and earth systems. (5) Controls and functions The AR8000 receiver is housed in an attractive grey plastic cabinet. Controls for operation are located on the top, front and left hand side of the cabinet. Top Panel 5-1 Aerial (antenna) input The aerial input is via a high quality BNC 50 OHM socket.

  • Page 13: Earphone Connection

    The squelch control is used to eliminate unwanted background noise when monitoring a normally inactive frequency and is used by the AR8000 microprocessor to determine when a channel is “active” (busy). The receiver cannot scan or search when the background noise is present.

  • Page 14: Power On/Off & Volume Control

    Front panel 5-6 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) - dot matrix The AR8000 uses a revolutionary high contrast new dot matrix LCD. Due to its mechanical construction the LCD is best viewed from directly in front of the receiver, a fairly wide viewing angle is maintained to the left and right hand sides but is quickly reduced from below and particularly from above the display.
  • Page 16 switchable for use in locations of low level lighting. The basic operational description of each key is as follows: [SRCH] - search key When first pressed initiates the search process and “SRCH” is displayed at the top left of the LCD. When [SRCH] is pressed a second time during search, the SEARCH process is cancelled and the current search frequency is left as a single frequency readout on the LCD.
  • Page 17 [2-VFO] [A=B] - twin VFO / equalise memory / manual search key The AR8000 receiver has a 2 VFO system being identified as “A” and “B” on the LCD to the left of the frequency readout. The term VFO historically means “Variable Frequency Oscillator”...
  • Page 18 should a permanently busy channel be encountered. The UP and DOWN keys may be used to force the receiver to continue searching from a busy channel and to reverse the direction of search. While in search or scan modes and stopped on an interesting busy channel, press [FUNC] [2VFO] to transfer the busy channel to the “active”...
  • Page 19 [2] [B] [STEP] Numeric 2 / Bank B / STEP key This key acts as a numeric 2 when entering frequencies via the keypad. In search, scan and memory modes this key is used to identify bank B/b. If the sequence [FUNC] [2] is keyed, the tuning STEP size may be selected.
  • Page 20 [6] [F] [S PROG] Numeric 6 / Bank F / Search program This key acts as a numeric 6 when entering frequencies via the keypad. In search, scan and memory modes this key is used to identify bank F/f. If the sequence [FUNC] [6] is keyed, the SEARCH PROGRAM menu will be activated.
  • Page 21 LCD. If EXPERT status has not been selected then a smaller number of options are available. Note: The RS232C REMOTE control optional interface (CU-8232) and lead will be required to connect two AR8000 receivers together. [.] [Aa] [P.WORD] Decimal separator / Bank select / Password banks This key acts as a decimal separator when entering frequencies via the keypad and signifies the MHz position.
  • Page 22 While the AR8000 is under computer control via the remote RS232C connector, pressing the [LOCAL] key temporarily shifts the data input from the computer keyboard back to the AR8000 numeric keypad. Any input from the remote RS232C connector will revert operation back to the computer.
  • Page 23 There is no second function for this key. Should you experience a programming / operational problem with the AR8000, you may reset the microprocessor by holding the [CLEAR] key while powering up the receiver. Your memory bank and search bank data will remain intact but any linked banks, frequency pass data etc will be lost...

  • Page 24: Internal Loudspeaker

    5-8 Loudspeaker (internal) The AR8000 is fitted with an internal front facing loudspeaker toward the upper front cabinet. When an external earphone, headphone or speaker is connected the internal speaker is automatically disconnected.

  • Page 26: [Func] Function Key

    When in 2ndF setting, the side panel [FUNC] key need only be momentarily pressed then released before pressing a second keypad option. A continually flashing highlight cursor “F” indicates FUNCTION selection. When in FUNC setting, the side panel [FUNC] key must be pressed and held while a second keypad option is pressed.

  • Page 27: Right Hand Side

    (such as to a vehicle 12V cigar lighter socket using the DC lead). The AR8000 may also be connected to a separate regulated DC power supply for use at home. The rating of the regulated power supply must be a nominal...

  • Page 28: Remote Rs232 Connector

    An optional interface (CU-8232) and lead is available which connects to this point to permit cloning (copying) of data between two AR8000 receivers and computer control of the unit. A separate optional interface (CR-8000) permits tape record connection for both audio and motor switching.

  • Page 30: Basic Manual Operation Of The Receiver

    On or the volume may be accidentally set uncomfortably high. The LCD will show the opening message “WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF AR8000 RECEIVER” across the first four lines, at the same time the microprocessor generates the “boot up data” required to control the receiver.

  • Page 31: Configuration Newuser/Expert Status

    The AR8000 has been preprogrammed with defaults when shipped from the factory. Two parameters (NEWUSER/EXPERT and FUNC/2ndF) greatly affect the way in which the AR8000 microprocessor operates so careful setting is required. This procedure may be skipped should you be happy to accept the default settings.
  • Page 32 NEWUSER. NEWUSER - In NEWUSER mode some facilities are not available or have been simplified. The AR8000 assumes defaults where some decisions need to be made, this greatly simplifies operation while you are familiarising yourself with the operation of the AR8000 receiver.

  • Page 33: Entering Frequencies (Using Keypad) & A=B

    6-4 Entering a frequency through the keypad - VFO (MANUAL) MODE & changing from VFO “A” to VFO “B” and [A=B] The AR8000 receiver has a 2 VFO system being identified as “A” and “B” on the LCD to the left of the frequency readout. The term VFO historically means “Variable Frequency Oscillator”...
  • Page 34 If keying in a whole MHz such as 118.000 MHz there is no need to key in either the decimal point or trailing zeros, they are all added by the AR8000 microprocessor. Example of “MHz round number” frequency entry for 118.000 MHz Press [1] [1] [8] [ENT] While keying in frequency data, the fourth line of the LCD displays “FREQ...

  • Page 35: Correcting Frequency Readout During Input

    Example of frequency entry 1215 kHz (1.215 MHz) Press [1] [.] [2] [1] [5] [ENT] The frequency of 1215 kHz is equivalent to 1.215 MHz. The AR8000 expects frequency entry to be input in “MHz” format. To convert a frequency listed as kHz into MHz simply move the decimal position three places to the left.

  • Page 36: Changing A Frequency Using The Up/Down Keys

    The rotary tuning [DIAL] provides the very best “user interface” with the AR8000 especially for USB, LSB and CW listening. Rotating the [DIAL] clockwise increases frequency while rotation anticlockwise decreases receive frequency.

  • Page 37: Changing Frequency Step (Auto)

    For the above reasons it is necessary to alter the STEP size according to local bandplan conventions. The AR8000 has been preprogrammed at the factory with all the bandplan data (specific to each market area) so that the AR8000 will automatically select the appropriate step size and mode for the frequency chosen.
  • Page 38 For example, select 118.000 MHz [1] [1] [8] [ENT] then select a 9 kHz step size [FUNC] [2] choose “9.00” by rotating the [DIAL] and accept the selection by pressing [ENT]. You will note the frequency has been corrected to 117.9990 or 118.0080 MHz (depending upon the previous direction of tuning / searching) both of which are the closest multiple of 9 kHz to 118 MHz.

  • Page 39: Step Offset

    12.5 kHz channel step but the lower band edge is offset by +6.25 kHz. To ensure that the AR8000 can follow most of these unusual bandplans, the active frequency (in VFO mode) or lower band edge (in search mode) may be offset in a positive (+) direction by half the current step size.

  • Page 40: Changing Receiver Mode (Auto)

    The modes are allocated in order: “AUT NFM AM USB LSB CW AUT WFM”, “AUT” refers to AUTO MODE. When “AUT” is selected, the receive mode and step size will be selected automatically using the preprogrammed AR8000 bandplan data. Note: AUTO-STEP and AUTO-MODE are linked to the preprogrammed bandplan data.
  • Page 41 When listening in VERY strong signal locations especially when using an external aerial, the WFM I.F. amplifier may be overloaded. This will not damage the AR8000 but may result in “apparent signal loss”. Should this be encountered, use the attenuator to reduce signal strength or swap to the standard semi-flexible whip aerial.

  • Page 42: Attenuator

    The AR8000 has two settings for ATT (attenuator), On and OFF. When the attenuator is ON, the legend “A” appears on the top line of the LCD in the seventh position from the left hand side.

  • Page 43: Band Scope

    This can be a useful feature if the “exact” frequency of a specific service is not known. There will be a brief interruption to the active monitored station (centre frequency) every five seconds as the AR8000 scans adjacent channels to update the display.

  • Page 44: Memory Banks & Channels

    To deactivate the bandscope, repeat the key sequence [FUNC] [7] or press the [2VFO], [SRCH] or [SCAN] keys. (7) Memory banks & channels It is very convenient to store commonly used frequencies into a memory bank along with mode and attenuator status, this saves having to key the data in over and over again.

  • Page 45: Storing Receive Data Into Memory

    [2VFO] to place the receiver into VFO mode [8] [8] [.] [3] [ENT] to select the desired frequency, the mode and step size will be automatically set by the AR8000 microprocessor. Press and hold the [ENT] key for more than one second to enter memory input mode.

  • Page 46: Memory Recall

    If you are happy with the alphanumeric description press [ENT] and the display will return to VFO mode. At any time you may abort the memory input by pressing the [CLEAR] key, the display will return to VFO mode. 7-2 Memory recall (M.R) - Recalling receive data from memory Once receive frequency and mode data has been stored into a memory location, its retrieval is quick and simple.

  • Page 47: Transfer Of Memory Channels To Vfo

    Note: If you have activated the PASSWORD protection, it is not possible to access memory banks a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j until the password has been keyed in each time the set has been switched On. Please refer to the PASSWORD section (9) of this manual for further information.

  • Page 48: Set Edit-Ch, Copying, Moving & Editing

    [9] [2] [.] [7] [ENT] to select the desired frequency, the mode and step size will be automatically set by the AR8000 microprocessor. Press and hold the [ENT] key for more than one second to enter memory input mode. Press [1A] [0] [0] [ENT] [ENT] to over-write the previous data.
  • Page 49 “COPY-MODE” to indicate that a sub menu has been selected. The cursor will be positioned over the memory bank identifier (LETTER). Use the [DIAL] or keypad to select the memory channel which you would like to copy (like the original of a photo copier!). The third line will alternate between MODE and STEP while the fourth line will alternate between TXT and FREQUENCY so that easy identification of the desired memory channel may be made.

  • Page 50: Memory Copy Alternative Method

    8-4 MEMORY CHANNEL COPY - alternative method using memory recall Other AR8000 facilities may be manipulated in order to achieve data copying of memory channels. In particular memory recall and memory input may be used to copy frequency, mode and step data but not alphanumeric comment to another memory location.

  • Page 51: Memory Swap Mode

    The third line will alternate between MODE and STEP while the fourth line will alternate between TXT and FREQUENCY so that easy identification of the desired memory channel may be made. Once you have chosen the desired memory channel to be moved press [ENT]. The “original”...
  • Page 52 Enter memory data Switch On. Press [2VFO] to enter 2VFO mode. Type in the first frequency [8] [8] [.] [3] [ENT]. Press and hold the [ENT] key for more than one second to access the memory input sub menu. Enter the first memory location [A] [0] [0] [ENT] then press [ENT] again to ignore the “TXT”...

  • Page 53: Memory Change Mode

    Press [FUNC] [8] to access the “SET EDIT-CH” menu. Move the cursor to the left of the “SWAP-MODE” option using the UP/DOWN keys or [DIAL] then press [ENT] to access the “SWAP-MODE” sub menu. Key in the “first” channel number which you wish to SWAP using the keypad [A] [0] [0] or rotate the [DIAL] to locate the channel number “A00”.
  • Page 54 Note: If AUTO is selected, the “STEP SET” menu option will be skipped as the data will be taken from the AUTO-MODE bandplan data programmed into the AR8000 microprocessor. STEP SET: The highlight flashing cursor moves to the third line of the LCD over the legend “STEP”...
  • Page 55 If specifying your own channel step remember that the receive frequency must be divisible by the step size. If it is not, the receive frequency will be automatically recalculated by the AR8000 and the closest divisible frequency later displayed. Should you make a mistake while entering the new frequency, the UP arrow key will act as backspace edit to correct frequency input.

  • Page 56: Deleting Memory Channels & Banks

    8-9 Deleting individual memory channels First place the AR8000 into “M.RE” mode. Switch On the receiver and press the [SCAN] key once (unless it is in SCAN mode in which case you should press [2VFO] followed by [SCAN]).

  • Page 57: Password Protection Of Banks

    The top line of the LCD will display “MEMO-DATA” the second line will display “DELETE” and the fourth line will display “BANK SET” to ensure that you are aware of the sub menu selected so that accidental memory bank deletion is not possible.

  • Page 58: Password Access To Banks

    When the password facility is first used the numbers “0000” are displayed to indicate that no password has been set and all banks are accessible. If “****” is displayed then the password has already been set and only the upper case banks may be accessed.

  • Page 59: If You Forget Your Password

    The password code will be set to “0000” disabling the password protection. (10) SCAN - scanning memory channels & banks The AR8000 has a SCAN mode whereby the contents stored in the MEMORY CHANNELS ARE AUTOMATICALLY RECALLED AND MONITORED very quickly for activity - scanned.

  • Page 60: Outline Of Expert Facilities

    Another special form of scanning is “PRIORITY” where a special channel (default to “A00”) is scanned for activity every five seconds. “SELECT SCAN” enables you to make a single short list of interesting memory channels from all memory banks to be scanned as a separate function.

  • Page 61: Scanning

    Keep your memory banks tidy - for best scan speed In order to achieve the maximum scanning speed, it is advisable to keep all similar frequencies and modes grouped together within the memory banks. The greater the frequency change between memory channels, then the further the receiver’s VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) has to travel and the slower the scan rates.

  • Page 62: Scanning A Single Memory Bank

    The memory bank identifier (such as “A”) will be displayed on the left of the third line of the LCD and memory bank “A” will be scanned with channel numbers changing. When an “active” channel has been located (busy so the squelch opens) the scan process will temporarily pause on the active channel and the full memory location (such as “A03”) will be displayed on the left of the third line of the LCD with any identifying accompanying text to the right.

  • Page 63: Specifying Memory Bank Linking

    on the top left of the LCD, if it is not in SCAN mode then press [2VFO] [FUNC] [SCAN] which should achieve SCAN regardless of what the receiver is doing). While in SCAN mode press [FUNC] [SCAN]. The legend “SET M-SCAN” confirms selection.

  • Page 64: Scanning Unlinked Banks

    BANK LINK. 10-9 SCAN channel PASS (lockout) Should the AR8000 stop on an active channel while scanning and for some reason you do not wish to monitor it any longer, simply press the UP/DOWN keys or rotate the [DIAL] to force the SCAN process to resume in the direction selected.

  • Page 65: Expert Scan Options

    The receiver will display a memory channel, mode, frequency, text and scan PASS status. If the desired memory channel to be PASSED (locked out) is not immediately displayed, the [DIAL] may be rotated to review specific memory scan channels. Alternatively the memory channel location may be quickly recalled by keying in the required location using the keypad.
  • Page 66 It is strongly recommended that NEWUSER mode is used during familiarisation of the AR8000, use EXPERT status only if you have fully familiarised yourself with all operations. To select EXPERT configuration the CONFIGURATION menu is used. To access the menu press [FUNC] [LOCAL] and the “INITIAL SET” menu will be displayed.
  • Page 67 Either use the [DIAL] to change the value or key in a two digit number through the numeric keypad. [0] [0] is accepted as 0.0 seconds (OFF) and [5] [3] as 5.3 seconds. The decimal point is automatically added by the AR8000. The [ENT] key toggles the setting of DELAY between OFF and 2.0 seconds (default).
  • Page 68 Either use the [DIAL] to change the value or key in a two digit number through the numeric keypad. [0] [0] is accepted as 00 seconds (OFF) and [4] [1] as 41 seconds. To accept the changes to FREE scan press [ENT] to return to SCAN mode. Alternatively you may move to the next option (LEVEL SCAN) by pressing the [DOWN] key.

  • Page 69: Select Scan

    (11) SELECT SCAN - special “select scan list” overview While scanning memory banks, you may decide that some memory channels are MORE INTERESTING than others and become frustrated at having to manually force the SCAN passed uninteresting but active channels. Of course it is possible to PASS these uninteresting channels but you will need to reinstate them at a later time.

  • Page 70: Select Scan While In Scan Mode

    11-1 SELECT SCAN - while in SCAN MODE (tagging and un-tagging) While the receiver is scanning it will stop on active frequencies and you will soon decide that some are “interesting” and some “uninteresting”. To build up your select scan list of interesting channels, start to “tag” the interesting channels while the scan sequence pauses on active memory channels by pressing [FUNC] [PASS].

  • Page 71: Select Scan Using The Menu

    Each time the sequence [FUNC] [PASS] is keyed then the SELECT SCAN status “s” is toggled so that the channel may be “tagged” (chosen / registered) and “un-tagged” at will. Note: If memory channels are set as “PASS” (with a lower case “p” being displayed), the letter will be over-written by the letter “s”...

  • Page 72: Select Scan "New" Channels Using The Menu

    11-4 SELECT new “SELECT SCAN” channels using the menu To access the “SELECT SCAN” EDIT menu place the receiver into VFO mode then press [FUNC] [PASS]. The “SELECT SCAN” menu displays the legend “SELECT SCAN” to confirm operation. The left side of the second line of the LCD displays “CH-00” with the highlight cursor flashing on the first “0”.

  • Page 73: Deleting Individual Select Scan Channels

    11-5 DELETE individual “SELECT SCAN” channels To access the “SELECT SCAN” EDIT menu place the receiver into VFO mode then press [FUNC] [PASS]. The “SELECT SCAN” menu displays the legend “SELECT SCAN” to confirm operation. The left side of the second line of the LCD displays “CH-00” with the highlight cursor flashing on the first “0”.

  • Page 74: Priority Operation

    (12) Priority operation The PRIORITY feature enables you to carry on scanning, searching or monitoring while the AR8000 checks a frequency taken from one of the 1000 memory channels (A00 default) every 5 seconds (default) for activity. The priority checking is accomplished by momentarily moving to the priority frequency to see if it is “active”.

  • Page 75: Changing Priority Channel Parameters

    To cancel priority operation press [FUNC] [4], the legend “P” will be removed from the top line of the LCD. 12-2 Changing PRIORITY channel parameters The default channel used for PRIORITY is “A00” and the frequency and data copied from the channel is checked for activity every 5 seconds. You may select a different memory channel from which the data will be copied or may vary the sampling time for priority activity checking.

  • Page 76: Search

    (13) SEARCH - search banks and frequency pass The AR8000 has a SEARCH mode whereby an upper and lower frequency limit may be defined and the receiver instructed to look for activity on all frequencies in predetermined step size in an upward or downward direction.

  • Page 77: Manual Search

    Searching using the mode of WFM may not be possible in certain frequency bands due to the level of background noise and adjacent channel activity. 13-1 Manual SEARCH between the twin VFO frequencies The simplest form of SEARCH is achieved by programming different frequencies into VFO “A”...
  • Page 78 To restart the manual search process from the start To start the manual search from the original frequency press [2VFO] to return to 2VFO mode than press and hold [2VFO] for more than one second to restart manual search over again. To resume manual search from the current frequency Once you have pressed [ENT] to place the active frequency into VFO mode, you may resume manual search from the current frequency.
  • Page 79 The legend “BANK” is displayed on the left of the third line with a memory location to the right. Either key in the desired memory location for storage via the keypad or use the [DIAL] (the UP/DOWN keys change the cursor position if you make a mistake).

  • Page 80: Program Bank Search

    163.400 to 225.000 VHF PMR Assuming that the AR8000 is preprogrammed with similar data to that shown above, to initiate PROGRAM SEARCH press [SRCH]. The legend “SRCH” appears on the top left of the LCD to confirm selection. To select a specific search bank press the key corresponding to the desired search bank identifier.

  • Page 81: Program Search - Saving Active Frequencies

    13-3 Program search facilities & saving “active” frequencies to memory Starting manual search to initiate PROGRAM SEARCH press [SRCH]. The legend “SRCH” appears on the top left of the LCD to confirm selection. Changing the direction of manual search The direction of search may be reversed by rotating the [DIAL] or using the UP/DOWN keys.

  • Page 82: Programming Search Banks

    The legend “BANK” is displayed on the left of the third line with a memory location to the right. Either key in the desired memory location for storage via the keypad or use the [DIAL] (the UP/DOWN keys change the cursor position if you make a mistake).
  • Page 83 Note: If AUTO is selected, the “STEP SET” menu option will be skipped as the data will be taken from the AUTO-MODE bandplan data programmed into the AR8000 microprocessor. ATTENUATOR SETTING: The highlight flashing cursor moves to the attenuator selection point on the second line of the LCD with the legend “ATT”...
  • Page 84 If specifying your own channel step remember that the receive frequency must be divisible by the step size. If it is not, the receive frequency will be automatically recalculated by the AR8000 and the closest divisible frequency later displayed. Should you make a mistake while entering the new frequency, the [UP] arrow key will act as backspace edit to correct frequency input.

  • Page 85: Search Facilities

    At default when shipped from the factory and while in “NEWUSER” status, the receiver will remain on the active frequency until the received signal disappears and the squelch closes. The AR8000 will then wait an additional 2 seconds in case a reply is audible (such as aircraft and air traffic communications) then will resume searching.
  • Page 86 the search bank identifier via the numeric keypad (“A”, “B”, “C” etc). This is the usual way in which program search banks would be used. When in SEARCH MODE, the program search banks are referred to as “SEARCH BANK A”, “SEARCH BANK B”, “SEARCH BANK f” etc rather than using the full title “PROGRAM SEARCH BANK A”, “PROGRAM SEARCH BANK B”...

  • Page 87: Searching Unlinked Banks

    * It is possible to mix combinations of all four parameters. * It is strongly recommended that NEWUSER mode is used during familiarisation of the AR8000, use EXPERT status only if you have fully familiarised yourself with all operations. To select EXPERT configuration the CONFIGURATION menu is used. To access the menu press [FUNC] [LOCAL] and the “INITIAL SET”...
  • Page 88 [0] is accepted as zero seconds (OFF) and [5] [3] as 5.3 seconds. The decimal point is automatically added by the AR8000. The [ENT] key toggles the setting of DELAY between 2.0 seconds (default), HOLD and OFF.
  • Page 89 The AUDIO search parameter affects the way in which an “active” frequency is determined. When the AUDIO search is “ON”, the search process will only stop on active channels which have modulation (voice) present. The AR8000 will then not remain on unmodulated frequencies (such as blank carriers).

  • Page 90: Deleting Program Search Banks

    To accept the changes to FREE search press [ENT] to return to SEARCH mode. Alternatively you may move to the next option (LEVEL SEARCH) by pressing the [DOWN] key. SEARCH - LEVEL search LEVEL search causes the receiver to check the signal strength of “active” frequencies and only stops when signal strength is above a predetermined level which is programmable in 7 steps plus OFF.

  • Page 91: Frequency Pass (Lockout)

    The receiver will return to 2VFO mode. (14) FREQUENCY PASS (lockout) Should the AR8000 stop on an active frequency while in program search mode and you do not wish to monitor it any longer, simply press the UP/DOWN keys or rotate the [DIAL] to force the search process to resume in the direction selected.

  • Page 92: Frequency Pass Menu

    14-2 FREQUENCY PASS (lockout) using the “FREQ PASS” edit menu New frequencies may be manually added to the frequency pass list and existing frequencies edited or deleted. The “FREQ PASS” menu is accessed while in SEARCH mode using the sequence [FUNC] [PASS]. The “FREQ PASS”...

  • Page 93: Editing A Pass Frequency

    14-4 Changing (editing) a PASS frequency It is possible to edit a frequency contained in the pass list. To edit a frequency in the pass list (a pass channel) select the corresponding pass channel location (in search mode [FUNC] [SRCH] select letter [ENT] rotate [DIAL] to select frequency which you wish to change).

  • Page 94: Deleting All Pass Frequencies From A Bank

    This may be useful when carefully evaluating frequency bands using manual search and specifically selecting pass frequencies before moving on to automatic program search. During search mode the receiver may stop on an unwanted frequency, carefully note the frequency and if necessary write it down on a piece of paper. Press [PASS] to directly access the “FREQ PASS”...

  • Page 95: Auto Store

    (15) AUTO STORE - automatic memory write from program search mode The AR8000 features an Automatic memory write facility. AUTO STORE automatically writes the frequency, mode, step, step offset, attenuator and comment of the first 50 “active” frequencies located in any program search to memory bank “J”.
  • Page 96 AUTO STORE, it is not absolutely essential. As long as some empty channels are available then auto store will operate. To delete a few selected channels only, first place the AR8000 into “M.RE” mode by switching on the receiver and pressing the [SCAN] key once (unless it is in SCAN mode in which case you should press [2VFO] followed by [SCAN]).

  • Page 97: Auto Store In Expert Status

    (16) POWER SAVE programming in EXPERT status The AR8000 has a POWER SAVE facility to enable the receiver to operate for longer periods of time between battery recharging. Power save is default OFF in NEWUSER status to save any possible confusion while the receiver is in a “dormant”...
  • Page 98 DELAY: This parameter determines how soon the receiver will become “dormant (then cycle)” and is timed from when the squelch last closed or keypad was used. The available range is 1 to 99 seconds plus OFF selected by rotating the [DIAL] (default is OFF in NEWUSER mode).

  • Page 99: Special Functions

    (17) SPECIAL functions There are five “special” programmable functions available so that you may further optimise the receivers performance. THESE ARE FACTORY SET SO ONLY ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THEM IF YOU ARE CONFIDENT OF THEIR EFFECT. MAKE A CAREFUL NOTE OF THEIR CURRENT POSITIONS BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THEM AS THE DEFAULTS SHOWN LATER ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

  • Page 100: Audio Level

    Press [CLEAR] to abort the menu and return to normal display. (18) Remote control using a computer (RS232C) The AR8000 is capable of remote control using a computer such as an IBM compatible and control software.

  • Page 101: Setting Rs232 Parameters

    AR8000. 18-2 Changing data input between computer and keypad When data is received via the AR8000 remote port, operation is transferred to the computer. In order to transfer manual “LOCAL” operation to the AR8000 keypad press [LOCAL].

  • Page 102: Clone (Copy) Data Between Two Ar8000

    (19) Clone (copy) data between two AR8000 receivers It is possible to clone (copy) selected or ALL data from one AR8000 to another AR8000 receiver. This is a useful facility when two friends each have the AR8000 receiver and wish to share data.

  • Page 103: Trouble Shooting

    “RCV-MODE” for the receiver which will RECEIVE the data. There are three options for copy: ALL-DATA: To duplicate an exact copy of one AR8000 with another. This is identical to using NEWUSER mode and takes about 5 to 6 minutes.

  • Page 104: Other Possible Apparent Operating Problems

    DO NOT USE THIS KEY SEQUENCE UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Search / scan data will need to be manually keyed into the receiver unless the SYS-DATA has been previously cloned (copied) to another AR8000 so may be cloned back. If this does not appear to solve the problem disconnect all connections and peripherals such as tape recorders, computers, aerials.

  • Page 105: Other Lcd Indications & Error Messages

    (you can usually remove the aerial to determine this). Alternatively the AR8000 (like all receivers) will produce spurii in certain places such as 76.8 MHz and 49.725 MHz as examples. You may use the PASS and AUDIO SCAN/SEARCH facilities to reduce their annoyance to a minimum.

  • Page 106: Optional Accessories

    CU-8232 interfaces. Computer control software A hands off IBM-PC computer program is planned to control the AR8000 via the remote connector using the optional CU-8232 interface. A separate serial connecting lead will also be required to connect to your computer.

  • Page 107: Aerials (Antennas) & Earth Systems

    A longer wire aerial or telescopic whip should be considered for listening to the shortwave bands. The AR8000 has an internal ferrite bar aerial for medium wave reception. For best signal rotate the receiver as the bar aerial is directional.
  • Page 108 For the very best results you should consider a dedicated aerial such as a single or multi-band dipole or similar aerial. The problem with a wide coverage receiver like the AR8000 is that for the ultimate results many dedicated aerials are required to cover the whole spectrum. This may involve complex aerial...
  • Page 109 As a compromise it may be worth making up a dipole aerial for a band of particular interest and have a VHF-UHF discone plus second random wire for general listening. It is quite easy to make a dipole for shortwave, for that matter one can be easily made up for VHF or UHF too.
  • Page 110 Discone For wide coverage in the VHF-UHF bands a compromise has to be met and the most popular aerial is a discone (AOR DA3000). Their appearance is like a large spider or umbrella without the covering material, the better models have about 16...
  • Page 111 URM43, URM76 for short runs or URM67 or RG213 for longer runs) shorted inner to outer at the earth rod end with only the centre core connected to the outer of the AR8000 BNC plug, the outer braid being cut back and insulated.

  • Page 112: Propagation - Shortwave Bands

    This provides a screen for potential incoming interference and passes any noise down the cable away from the receiver and toward the earth rod. (23) Propagation - shortwave bands VHF and UHF transmissions generally only propagate relatively short distances when compared to short wave signals. For all intensive purposes they may be considered as line-of-sight plus a bit.
  • Page 113 If the transmitted frequency is too high for to be reflected by the ionosphere, or the angle too steep, transmissions will simply pass straight though the ionosphere without being reflected and will travel upward to the next ionosphere layer. “E” layer Above the “D”...
  • Page 114 You will note that large areas of the Earth’s surface lays between the point of transmission and reflection, in this area there will be little or no reception. For this reason “F” layer propagation is often referred to a “SKIP” and the reflected signal as “SKY WAVE”.

  • Page 115: Specification

    (24) Specification Frequency Range: 500 kHz to 1900 MHz Receive Mode: AM, NFM, WFM, USB, LSB, CW Frequency Step Size: 50, 100, 200, 500 Hz, 1, 2, 5, 6.25, 9, 10, 12.5, 20, 25, 30, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500 kHz or any multiple of 50Hz up to 999.995 kHz Receive Sensitivity: 500 kHz to 2.0 MHz...

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