AOR AR-2700 Wideband Reciever Operating Manual

							AR2700 operating manual
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Should you prefer, it is possible to switch “musical notes” to most of the
keypad keys when the keylock is On.  This may be accomplished by holding
down the [4] key while switching On the receiver by the [PWR] key.
The musical notes are arranged as follows:
[1] FA F3
[2] SO G3
[3] LA A3
[4] TI B3
[5] DO C4
[6] RE D4
[7] MI E4
[8] FA F4
[9] SO G4
[0] LA A4
[PASS] TI B4
[PRIO] DO C5
[DOWN] RE D5
[CLR] MI E5
[ENT] FA F5
While this may be fun, remember that although very hard wearing, there
is always a degree of aging with mechanical devices such as keypads.
It is not too difficult to make up tunes as a party piece... try Twinkle Twinkle
Little Star !!!
[9] [9] [DOWN] [DOWN] [CLR] [CLR] [DOWN]
[PRIO] [PRIO] [PASS] [PASS] [0] [0] [9]
[DOWN] [DOWN] [PRIO] [PRIO] [PASS] [PASS] [0]
[DOWN] [DOWN] [PRIO] [PRIO] [PASS] [PASS] [0]
[9] [9] [DOWN] [DOWN] [CLR] [CLR] [DOWN]
[PRIO] [PRIO] [PASS] [PASS] [0] [0] [9]
[PRIO] [PRIO/SET] Priority key
The [PRIO] key is used to select the priority frequency, select the
sampling interval and toggle the priority watch On and Off.
To toggle the priority watch On and Off press [PRIO], a “PRIO” legend appears
on the LCD to confirm operation and the priority frequency will be periodically
checked for activity.
The priority frequency is selected in manual mode using the key sequence
[2ndF] [PRIO], this is referred to as PRIORITY SET.
The priority sampling interval is programmed with the key sequence  [2ndF]
[PRIO] with the [PRIO] key held for more than 1.5 seconds.  The range is
01 to 19 seconds with the default being 05 seconds.  The value may be
changed in one second increments by using the UP / DOWN keys or [DIAL] or
by keying in a two digit number via the numeric keypad.  The new value is
accepted by pressing [ENT]. 
						

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[CLR] - Clear entry key
This key will cause data entry to be cancelled should a mistake be
accidentally typed and forces an escape “back to search, scan or manual
mode” whichever had been previously selected.  The [CLR] key is also used to
escape from the frequency pass menu.
There is no second function for this key.
Should you experience a programming / operational problem with the AR2700,
you may “soft” reset the microprocessor by holding the  [CLR] key while
powering up the receiver.  Your memory bank and search bank data will
remain intact but any linked bank settings etc will be lost.  This has the same
effect as the external soft reset switch on the left hand cabinet... use only as a
last resort.
A FULL MICROPROCESSOR reset is accomplished by holding both the
[CLR] and [ENT] keys while switching On the unit using the [PWR] key.
All memory channels, search banks, pass channels etc will be lost and blank.
As a result the search and scan facilities will not operate until new data has
been entered.  Note: It is quite normal for the set to take about 30 seconds
to recover from a FULL reset as all data is being deleted !!!
[ENT] - Enter key
The enter key is used to finalise the entry of frequency and other data inputs.
While in manual mode, press and hold the [ENT] key for more than 1.5
seconds to add the currently displayed frequency into memory.
While in SEARCH mode and stopped on a busy channel, press the [ENT] key
to write the current displayed frequency into memory.
The [ENT] key is also used during a FULL microprocessor reset.
5-8  Loudspeaker (internal)
The AR2700 is fitted with an internal front facing loudspeaker toward the
lower front cabinet.  When an external earphone, headphone or speaker is
connected, the internal speaker is automatically disconnected.
Side panel - left hand side
5-9  [2ndF] Function key
The AR2700 uses a multi-function keyboard.  The second function
[2ndF] (shift) key is used to access the second key functions as listed
underneath the keypad keys.  Other functions may also be accessed
using the function key. 
						

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When the function key
is operated, a legend
“2ndF” appears in the
upper left of the LCD.
The function key should
be 
momentarily
pressed only (so that
the legend “2ndF”
appears in the top left
corner of the LCD)
before another numeric
key is pressed... do not
hold the function key
in while pressing
other keys.
5-10  [MONI] monitor
(squelch defeat) key
This key is
used to defeat
the squelch
(open it) to
allow the monitoring of
very weak or fluttering
signals.
5-11  [K.LOCK]
keypad lock key
The [K.LOCK]
slide switch
has two
positions and
is designed to prevent
accidental operation of
the keypad when
carrying the receiver in
a pocket or bag.
When the switch is in the down position the keylock is Off.  When the switch is
slid upward position the keylock is On and the keypad and [DIAL] is disabled
(except for the [MONI] key).  A special “KEY” graphical legend on the LCD
indicates when keylock is On.
5-12  RESET switch
Should you experience a programming / operational problem with the
AR2700, you may “soft” reset the microprocessor by momentarily
pressing the reset switch located on the left hand cabinet using a pointed 
						

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utensil such as a pin, small screwdriver, sharp pencil etc.  It does not matter
whether the receiver is switched On or Off at the time.  This has the same
effect as switching the receiver On by the [PWR] key while holding the
[CLR] key.
Your memory bank and search bank data will remain intact but any linked
bank settings, etc will be lost.  This has the same effect as the external soft
reset switch on the left hand cabinet... use only as a last resort.
Side panel - right hand side
5-13  DC 12V Charging / external power
connection
This is a standard 1.3mm dual concentric
DC socket.  The wiring of this socket is
CENTRE POSITIVE, negative ground.
THE AR2700 MUST NEVER BE
CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO THE
MAINS SUPPLY.
The DC socket is used to charge the
internal NiCad batteries using the charger
provided.  The receiver may also be
connected to an external 12V DC supply for
powering away from home (such as to a
vehicle 12V cigar lighter socket using the
DC lead).
The AR2700 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 12V to
13.8V DC @ 300mA or higher current
rating.
Rear cabinet
The battery compartment cover (which is located to the lower section of the
rear case) may be removed using a downward sliding motion.  Underneath the
battery compartment cover are two user accessible parts, the RS232 REMOTE
connector and the BATTERIES. 
						

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5-14  RS232C REMOTE connector
This is a very small connector located in the
battery housing, the batteries need to be
removed to permit access.  For this reason the
use of the REMOTE CONNECTOR demands
the use of an external regulated power supply.
The connector is partially hidden from view by
the lower battery near the serial plate and by the
angle of the cabinet.  An optional adaptor
(IF-ADP) and interface (CU8232) is available for
cloning (copying) of data between two AR2700
receivers and an RS232 lead plus software is
required for computer control.
5-15  BATTERY compartment
Inside the battery compartment is
a cradle designed to accept 4 x
UM-3 (AA size) batteries.
Carefully note the polarity of the
cells (which way around they fit).
Either the supplied rechargeable
NiCad batteries or high quality
dry batteries may be used.
However, never attempt to
charge the receiver or connect to
an external power source when
dry batteries are fitted.
Always remove dry batteries
when they have expired (run
down).  Should you plan not to
use the receiver for a period of
time and have dry batteries fitted,
remove the batteries to avoid
leakage.
Note: The memory channel
data is held by an internal
EEPROM which does not
require batteries or connection 
						

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to external supply.  However, always switch the receiver Off when
changing batteries or connecting / disconnecting external power.  The
receiver may switch On by itself when fitting batteries, this is quite
normal.
(6)  Basic manual operation of the receiver
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.
Words contained in speech marks “BANK” refer to indications displayed on the
Liquid Crystal Display.
6-1  Before starting
Before operating,  charge the internal NiCad batteries using the supplied
charger for approximately 16 hours.  Connect the supplied telescopic
whip aerial to the BNC connector.
Note: When the receiver is switched OFF, all VFO data will be automatically
stored into EEPROM memory storage.  No battery or capacitor is required for
memory backup.
6-2  Switching On
Set the squelch control to the 12 o’clock position and rotate the volume control
to the 12 o’clock position.  Press and hold the  [PWR] key for more than 1.5
seconds, this will switch the receiver On.  It is never a good idea to switch On
the receiver with an earphone connected, there may be an audible click when
the unit is switched On or the volume may be accidentally set uncomfortably
high.
In normal use, the squelch control should be rotated clockwise until the
background noise is just cancelled.  This is known as “threshold” and is the
most sensitive setting for the squelch control.  Do not rotate the control too far
clockwise or only the stronger local signals will be heard.  If you find setting the
squelch control difficult, try removing the aerial from the receiver.
Should you encounter problems in setting the volume level, press the [MONI]
key on the left hand panel to momentarily defeat (open) the squelch so that a
comfortable volume level may be set. 
						

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It is best to press the [MANU] key at this
time to place the receiver in a known state
of operation... MANUAL MODE.
Note: If the keypad or [DIAL] is not
operated for approximately 30 seconds
while inputting data through a selection
input option, the operation will time out
and the receiver will return to its previous
task just as if the [CLR] key had been
pressed.
6-3  Entering a frequency through the keypad - VFO (MANUAL) MODE
When the [MANU] key is pressed, the receiver enters manual mode ready for
input of a frequency or other data.  The receiver may also be tuned using the
[DIAL] just like a VFO.  The term VFO historically means “Variable Frequency
Oscillator” and today refers to a tunable data store which contains frequency,
mode, step and attenuator information.
Press the [MANU] key to first select “MANUAL” - VFO mode (should the
receiver be scanning or searching etc).
Example of frequency entry 145.800 MHz
Press [1] [4] [5] [MHz] [8] [ENT]
There is no need to key in the trailing
zeros to the right of the decimal point as
they are automatically added by the
microprocessor.
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 automatically by the AR2700
microprocessor.
Example of “MHz round number” frequency entry for 118.000 MHz
Press [1] [1] [8] [ENT]
If for some reason you do not wish to complete the frequency data input, press
[CLR] before completing the input
sequence with [ENT].
If an attempt is made to enter an out of
range or invalid frequency (such as 1929
MHz or 0.09 MHz) the set will not receive
and invalid frequencies may appear on the
LCD, you may also see error messages
such as “PLL Err” (PLL error) or similar. 
						

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Remember, the frequency coverage is 500 kHz to 1300 MHz with frequencies
accepted by the microprocessor from 0.1 MHz (100 kHz).
Note: If the keypad or [DIAL] is not operated for approximately 30 seconds
while inputting data, the operation will time out and the receiver will return to
its previous task just as if the [CLR] key had been pressed.
Frequencies may also be entered as kHz which is convenient when inputting
data from a short wave frequency listing.
Example of frequency entry 945 kHz (0.945 MHz)
Press [0] [MHz] [9] [4] [5] [ENT]   MHz input
Press [9] [4] [5] [kHz] [ENT]     kHz input
The frequency of 945 kHz is equivalent to
0.945 MHz and data may be entered in
either format.
You will note that frequencies below 1.6
MHz (1600 kHz) will not have a decimal
point displayed to the right of the “MHz”
position, this is to ensure easy recognition
of frequencies which are often listed as
“kHz” in frequency guides.  Instead, the
decimal point is positioned to the right of the kHz position
Another example of frequency entry 1215 kHz (1.215 MHz)
Press [1] [2] [1] [5] [kHz] [ENT]
The frequency of 1215 kHz is equivalent to
1.215 MHz.
PROG: If the frequency display
changes when the [ENT] key is
pressed, then an inappropriate step
size has been selected.  The AR2700
has an automatic bandplan lookup
table so that an appropriate step size and mode should be selected.
It is possible to override this PROGRAM data by simply selecting a
different step size or mode.  As a rule of thumb, the displayed frequency
must be exactly divisible by the step size.
6-4  Correcting frequency input
Should an error be made while entering frequency data (by pressing the wrong
numeric key), you may abort the entry by using the [CLR] key and typing the
frequency again followed by [ENT]. 
						

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6-5  Changing frequency using the [UP] [DOWN] keys and [DIAL]
The UP / DOWN keys provide a convenient method of frequency change,
alternatively the [DIAL] may be rotated.
The speed at which the receiver steps up or down depends upon the STEP
SIZE which is default to PROG (automatically set from the lookup table).  It is
possible to override the PROGRAM default using the [STEP] key.  Available
step sizes are:
NFM & AM: 5kHz, 6.25kHz, 9kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 20kHz, 25kHz,
30kHz, 50kHz & 100kHz.
WFM: 50kHz & 100kHz.
If the STEP SIZE / MODE is set to PROGRAM, the mode and channel step will
automatically change as you tune through the various amateur, broadcast and
utility bands.
The [DIAL] method of frequency selection is the most traditional approach to
locating signals particularly on the short wave and medium wave bands.  It
provides an easy method to locate new or previously unknown frequencies or
to check activity within certain frequency bands such as amateur or shortwave
broadcast.  The rotary tuning [DIAL] provides the very best “user interface”
with the AR2700.
Rotating the [DIAL] clockwise increases frequency while rotation
anti-clockwise decreases receive frequency.  Being a mechanical device, it is
not unusual for the [DIAL] to miss
occasional tuning increments when
rotating.
Should you press and hold either the
[UP] or [DOWN] key for more than 1.5
seconds while the squelch is closed, the
receiver will begin to MANUALLY
SEARCH from the displayed frequency
looking for active frequencies.  Press
[MANU] to cancel the process.
6-6  Changing frequency STEP size (PROGRAM)
The specification for channel occupancy, step (separation) and mode are
decided by and allocated by departments of Government following
International discussions.
Not surprisingly the allocation of frequency bands are not the same all over the
world and channel separation (step) varies from band to band.  As an example
the channel separation (step) for the medium wave band in Europe is 9 kHz
while in the U.S.A. it is 10 kHz.
For the above reasons it is necessary to alter the STEP size according to local 
						

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bandplan conventions.  The AR2700 has been pre-programmed at the factory
with all the bandplan data (specific to each market area) so that the AR2700
will automatically select the appropriate step size and mode for the frequency
chosen.  This greatly simplifies operation of the receiver while you are
familiarising yourself with all the facilities.
The pre-programming of step size may be manually overridden so you may
choose alternative settings at will or when bandplans are updated.
Should you wish to change the default step size press [2ndF] [2].  The legend
“STEP kHz” will flash on the LCD to indicate that the receiver is expecting a
change of step size.  If the legend “PROG” is displayed on the top row of the
LCD then the step size is currently set to the automatic PROGRAM default.  It
is possible to override the PROGRAM default.  Available step sizes are:
NFM & AM: 5kHz, 6.25kHz, 9kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 20kHz, 25kHz,
30kHz, 50kHz & 100kHz.
WFM: 50kHz & 100kHz.
Use the UP / DOWN keys or [DIAL] to change the step size selection which is
displayed to the left of the flashing “STEP kHz” legend.  When you have made
the new selection press [ENT].  Should you choose not to change the setting,
press [CLR].
Once you have changed the step setting
from PROGRAM it may only be reinstated
by selecting “PROG” in the mode input
using the sequence  [2ndF] [3] (mode).
There is just one small point to remember,
the active frequency must be divisible by
the step size...  in 99% of cases they
will be.  However, should you start
experimenting with different step sizes you
may notice the active frequency change automatically to the nearest multiple of
step size as the AR2700 calculates automatically for you, there is no need to
carry a calculator!
For example, select 118.000 MHz [1] [1] [8] [ENT] then select a 9 kHz step
size [2ndF] [2] choose “9.00” by rotating the [DIAL] and accept the selection
by pressing [ENT].
You will note the frequency has been corrected to 117.99900 or 118.00800
MHz (depending upon the previous
direction of tuning / searching) both of
which are the closest multiple of 9 kHz to
118 MHz.
Note: PROGRAM-STEP and
PROGRAM-MODE are linked to the
pre-programmed bandplan data.  When
one of the parameters is changed from the
default “PROG” the bandplan will be