AOR AR3030 Receiver Operating Manual

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Type of communication -  Semi duplex (no
      receive while
      transmitting)
Baud rate speed   -  4800 or 9600 BPS
     (refer to start-up)
Stop  bit   -  2 Bits
Data bit (length)   -  8 Bits
Parity   -  None
X  parameter   -  None
Timing chart for transmit and receive mode:
7-3 Start up and end
Start-up -  Type either 4800 or 9600 [ENT] to start
         Confirm the correct connections by sending dummy [CR], [LF].
         (Note: No need to send [LF].)
Exit from software -  Type [Q] to end the remote operation via computer.
7-4 Command transmission in terminal mode
Step 1. Transmit one or more of the commands listed in
7-3 and 7-9 followed by [CR], [LF].
Carefully observe the effects of step 2 and step 3 when
commands are continuously sent. (Note: No need to
add [LF].)
Step 2. Confirm that [CR],[LF] are received following data
sent to the receiver,  this being in response to the
commands of step 1.
Step 3. After confirming [CR],[LF], allow a short delay
(approx. 1 msec) before passing subsequent
commands. Go to step 1.
7-5 Monitoring the contents of received serial data
CMDData to be transmittedFORMAT
D [CR] All received data. Go to VFO mode 
						

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from  Memory  mode.       1
Y [CR] Send signal level (64 div 00 - 3F)          2
nn M [CR] Go to Memory mode after sending
data of selected memory channel.       3
- nn = 00 ~ 99 Data of the selected memory channel
- nn = BLANK Data of the present memory channel
7-6 FORMAT 1 - Contents of the received signal
Contents of serial data ==> D Rn Gn Bn Tn Fnnnnnnnn  C [CR] [LF]
Contents of each TXDetails
D - HEADER  D(DIAL)
Rn - ATT position
n = 0 OFF
n = 1 10dB
n = 2 20dB
Gn - AGC position
n = 0 Slow
n = 1 Fast
Bn - Filter position
n = 0 Normal
n = 1 Narrow
Tn - Tone position
n = 0 Low
n = 1 High
Fnnnnnnnn - Receive Frequency Present frequency
(LSD = 10Hz)
- Other than VHF band 0nnnnnnn
- VHF band            nnnnnn00
    C or - Present mode C C  W
    U or U USB
    L or L LSB
    A or A A M
    S or S S.AM
    N or N F M
    X X FAX 
						

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7-7 FORMAT 2 - Reading the receiver’s signal strength
Contents of transmission === nn [CR] [LF]
Contents of TXDetails
n - Send the S-Meter Readings in
64 steps 00 ~ 3F
00 MIN
01
02
 :
3E
3F MAX
7-8 FORMAT 3 - Transmitting the memory contents
Contents of transmission =
Mnn Pn Rn Gn Bn Tn Fnnnnnnnn C [CR] [LF]
Note: Mnn represents HEADER and Memory channel number.
Pn indicates Memory channel Pass position:
n == 0 ... PASS-OFF
   == 1 ... PASS-O N
Details of each TX is same as FORMAT 1
When the selected channel is blank:
. M— [CR] [LF] ... CHANNEL # == “—”
7-9 Change the receiving modes or Make new entries
CMDFunction
nn W [CR] - Write the present contents into a selected
channel and go to the memory mode.
W  [CR] - Search for a blank channel and write the present
memory contents (If no blank channel is found go to the
dial mode followed by [M—]).
0 R [CR] -  Selection of ATT OFF
1 R [CR] 10 dB
2 R [CR] 20 dB
0 G [CR] -  Selection of AGCSLOW
1 G [CR] FAST
0 B [CR] -  Selection of FILTER NORMAL
1 B [CR]NARROW
0 T [CR] -  Selection of TONE LOW
1 T [CR] HIGH 
						

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nnn.nnnn  [CR] -  Enter the frequency (MHz) and go to the dial
   (VFO) mode.
Frequency entry for MHz band must be correct within
the range of receiver. Over-flow digits will be ignored
from higher to lower in order.
C [CR] -  Selection of mode C W
U [CR] USB
L [CR] LSB
A [CR] A M
S [CR] S.AM
N [CR] F M
X [CR] FAX
nn % [CR] -  Removal of memory contents from the
    selected memory channel.
% [CR] -  Removal of memory contents from all
   memory channels ( nn === BLANK )
0 P [CR] -  Selection of PASS status in
    memory mode PASS OFF
1 P [CR] PASS O N
Q [CR] -  Quit the remote control mode of RS232C
Remarks:
The above functions can be set up simultaneously by either one or more
commands.  Frequency entry and mode selection must come at the end of
whole command.
However removal of memory contents or memory channel pass entry can only
be carried out individually.
The last command must be followed by either [CR] or [CR], [LF].
(8) Optional accessories
VHF converters
Two separate optional VHF internal converters are planned for the AR3030 but 
						

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only one may be fitted at a time.  It’s fitting is recommended in a workshop.
The frequency limits of the VHF converters are:
108.00000 MHz to 139.99999 MHz
or
140.00000 MHz to 169.99999 MHz
Optional SSB filter
USB/LSB/FAX modes use a 2.4kHz Murata ceramic filter.  An optional
Collins 2.5kHz eight resonator mechanical filter ((526-8635-010) of higher
specification may be fitted into the normal position replacing the 2.4kHz filter
(workshop fitting).
Optional CW filter
CW mode uses the 2.4kHz Murata ceramic filter in the Normal position.  An
additional optional 500Hz Collins seven resonator mechanical filter (526-8634-
010) may be optionally fitted (workshop fitting) in the narrow position.
Service information
We acknowledge that many listeners like to have service information available
if purely for interest.  For this reason a service manual should be available
through dealers as an option.
DC3000
For connection to a separate external power supply or car battery,  an optional
DC lead is available. 
						

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Computer control software
A hands off IBM-PC computer program is planned to control the AR3030 via
the RS232C port.  A separate serial connecting lead will also be required.
LA320 loop aerial
Desktop active loop aerial for portable operation away from a base aerial such
as when while travelling on business or holiday.  Frequency coverage is 1.6 to
15MHz with optional elements to cover 0.2 to 0.54MHz and 0.54 to 1.6MHz.
WA7000 wide band active whip aerial
Compact aerial designed for installation where space is a problem.  The
WA7000 is active on the lower frequency band 30kHz to 30MHz and passive
on the higher band between 30MHz to 2000MHz.
DA3000 VHF-UHF discone aerial
Ideal for use when an optional VHF converter has been fitted.  Frequency
coverage is nominally 25 to 2000MHz.
CR400 tape record lead
This lead comprises an 8 pin DIN plug on one end for connection to the
AR3030 with a 3.5mm audio plug on the other for connection to a tape
recorder with a 2.5mm plug for control On/Off of the tape motor.
WX2000 weather facsimile decoder / printer
Purpose designed and built to decode and print high quality facsimile pictures.
For use on both shortwave and UHF Meteorsat with a suitable receiver.
(9) Trouble shooting - Microprocessor reset
Should you experience problems with the receiver “apparently doing something
unexpected”,  simply switch Off the receiver using the main power switch and
leave it for about 10 seconds.  Switch the receiver back on again and check if
the problem has been cleared.
If this does not appear to solve the problem disconnect all connections and
peripherals such as tape recorders, weather facsimile printers, aerials and the
power supply.  Switch the receiver off and leave for one minute.  Reconnect the
power supply and test again.
Should the receiver still refuse to operate correctly,  turn the set up-side-down 
						

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and locate a small hole in the bottom cabinet close to the main rotary tuning
control.  This hole provides access to the microprocessor reset switch.
With the AR3030 connected to it’s power supply and switched On,
momentarily press this switch and release using preferably a non conductive
thin probe such as a cocktail stick or cotton bud.  This action will reset the
microprocessor.
Should the receiver fail to power up,  check the power supply and mains fuse.
The AR3030 does contain an internal DC power fuse but should it blow we
suggest you contact your dealer for advise and service...  there must be a
reason for the fuse to blow!
If the above does not help,  please contact your dealer for assistance.
We acknowledge that many listeners like to have service information
available if purely for interest.  For this reason a service manual should
be available through dealers as an option.
(10)  Aerials (Antennas) and earth systems
The subject of aerial choice and earth can be quite complex. There are many
advantages and disadvantages to consider before connecting an external aerial
to your receiver.
Theory and practice
One interesting phenomena is that aerial theory and practice can be
surprisingly different.  Keeping common sense in mind it is one of the
few remaining areas for listeners to easily experiment and often achieve
fantastic results.
Mounting location
It is important to mount any aerial as high as possible and in clear space
although this is more important at VHF frequencies than for shortwave.  If
possible the aerial should have a clear path to the horizon.  Results are usually
disappointing when an installation is in a loft space.
Telescopic whip aerials
Whip aerials may be connected to the 50 OHM BNC aerial input of the AR3030
and the whip aerial switch position selected.  The selection of “WHIP” adds a
small preamplification to the receiver’s input stages and matches the very high
impedance of the whip to the receiver’s circuitry.
Although whip aerials allow you to start listening without delay they should only
be considered as a temporary aerial or for portability.
Of course a whip aerial may be connected directly to the VHF BNC 50 OHM 
						

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aerial input should the VHF converter option be fitted.
Long wire aerials
For shortwave reception a random length of long wire approximately 10 to 20
metres in length forms a good compromise.
The wire should be fed into the high impedance aerial input of the AR3030
receiver.  If possible try to locate the receiver close to a window so that the
wire has the shortest and most direct run from the rear of the receiver to the
outside World.
Never attach the wire aerial directly to a support or wall.  Instead attach a
small length (one metre) of insulating material such as nylon to each support
(house or tree for example) and then onto the aerial wire.  Allow the wire aerial
to drop diagonally into the window and receiver rather than straight down the
wall.
Keeping the aerial away from supports and building will reduce the loss of
signal from the wire aerial and prevent unwanted noise from entering the aerial
system.
Magnetic balun long wire aerials are becoming very popular as they allow
coaxial cable to be used as the down-lead from the wire aerial into the receiver.
The balun transforms the impedance to a low level suitable for 50 OHM coaxial
cable.  In this instance the path of feeder is unimportant and chances of noise
entering the aerial system reduced.  The 50 OHM BNC aerial input of the
AR3030 should be used and selected accordingly.
Dipoles
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 
						

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receiver like the AR3030 is that for the ultimate results many dedicated aerials
are required to cover the whole spectrum.  This may involve complex aerial
switching and reduces the ability to quickly monitor many bands.
As a compromise it may be worth making up a dipole aerial for a band of
particular interest and have a 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 should you have the optional VHF converter fitted.
It is worth noting that dipoles are also quite effective on two and three times
their design frequency so you can cover a few bands at once.  Reception using
a half wave dipole is best at 90 degrees to the direction the aerial is laying,
however if used at two or three times it’s fundamental design frequency,
reception is best closer to the direction the aerial is lying.
A dipole has two legs running in opposite directions and can be mounted
vertically or horizontally (most VHF activity is vertical). One leg is connected to
the centre conductor the coaxial feeder cable while the other leg is connected
to the outer screen of the coaxial feeder cable.  If mounted vertically the centre
of the coaxial feeder should be connected to the leg facing upward.
A simple formulae can be used to calculate the required length of each leg for
a half wave dipole:
     75
———————— =  Length of each
leg in metres
                       Frequency in MHz
i.e.  For 14.2 MHz
      75
——————— =  5.28 metres (i.e. the total length of
    14.2                             the aerial is twice 5.28m.)
Coaxial cables
When constructing dipole aerials or connecting VHF aerials 50 OHM coaxial
cable should be used.  For shortwave or short runs of VHF URM43, URM76 or
RG58U is ideal,  for longer runs of VHF feeder it may be worth considering a
heavier URM67 or RG213.
ATU
Aerial tuning units (ATU) may improve the shortwave section of a wide range
receiver by rejecting unwanted signals and only allowing a specific band of
frequencies through.  These ATUs are normally constructed in small boxes
with about 3 controls on the front. The disadvantage is the need to constantly
re-tune the ATU when changing frequency. An ATU of this nature is “passive”,
this means that no power is required to operate the ATU and no extra circuit- 
						

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noise is introduced into the receiver.
Loop Aerials
Desk-top loop aerials have the advantage of small size (such as the AOR
LA320).  They too have tuning controls to reject unwanted signals.  As the
loop is within easy reach of the operator it can be rotated to provide directivity.
They can be particularly useful for DX’ing the lower bands.
Generally speaking they offer excellent portability but cannot compare on the
higher bands with a well sighted long wire aerial.
Active aerials
Active aerials are normally quite compact (AOR WA7000) and combine a wide
coverage aerial with a preamplifier mounted within the aerial its-self.  They
require power to enable them to operate.  Not all designs allow you to switch
the preamplifier off although some have a gain control.
As with loop aerials they tend to provide good results on the lower bands when
compared to poorly sighted short’ish wire aerials.  Overload can be a problem
on the busy 7 and 9 MHz bands.  If you have a small garden space,  an active
aerial may be worth considering.
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 elements.
Typical usable coverage starts from about 25 MHz and extends continuously to
500 MHz 1300 MHz or even 2000 MHz.  The coverage peaks and dips
throughout it’s range as the elements interact to provide the widest possible