AOR AR7000 Wideband Reciever Quick Reference Guide

							 
  1  Introduction 
 
Thank you for purchasing the AR7000 wide band all mode receiver.  The AR7000 is 
designed using DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology to ensure the highest 
levels of performance and reliability.  To get the best possible results from your 
AR7000 we recommended that you read this manual and familiarise yourself with the 
receiver.  Although carefully designed, this receiver (like all receivers) suffers from a 
degree of internal noises known as spurii which are a product of the receiver’s 
circuitry and do not represent a fault.  Apparent faults may be due to accidental mis-
operation of the receiver, if you think there is a problem, carefully read all of the 
manual before deciding to return the receiver for repair. 
 
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 omission anomalies may be 
found and this is acknowledged. 
 
© This manual is protected by copyright AOR Ltd 1998.  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 
 
 
2  Standard supplied accessories 
 
  1 x  Power supply (a.c. to d.c., input voltage dependant on market) 
  1 x  Infrared remote controller 
  1 x  Operating manual (this booklet) 
 
 
3  For your safety 
 
There are no internal operator adjustments.  In the unlikely event of servicing being 
required, please contact your dealer for technical assistance. 
 
The AR7000 is designed for operation from its supplied a.c.-to-d.c. adapter.  
Operation is possible from a d.c. supply of 12 to 14V, which should be able to supply 
up to 2.0A.  Never connect the AR7000 directly to the a.c. supply. 
 
Do not use or leave the receiver in direct sunlight (especially the LCD).  It is best to 
avoid locations where excessive heat, humidity, dust and vibration are expected.  
Always treat the receiver with care.  Take care to avoid spillage or leakage of liquids 
into the receiver and a.c. power supply.  Special care should be taken to avoid liquid 
entering around the controls, through the speaker grille or via the connection jacks.  
 
If fitting a separate external earth rod, consider the implications carefully if your 
buildings’ a.c. supply uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) system.  If in doubt 
consult an expert electrician.  Never earth to a gas pipe! 
 
The AR7000 has a single BNC aerial socket for all frequencies.  This socket is 
intended for connection of a 50 OHM (unbalanced) coaxial fed aerial such as a 
discone, dipole, unipole, yagi etc.  When sighting the aerial, avoid power cables.  A 
telescopic whip may be connected to this socket for local monitoring.  
 
  
						

							 
  4  Index 
 
1  Introduction .................................……….   1 
2  Supplied Accessories .........................….   1   
3  For your safety ...............................……..  1 
4  Index ........................................………….  3 
5  Major features ...............................………  6 
6  Care & maintenance ...........................…   8 
6.1 Power supply ................................…….  8 
6.2 Installation ................................………..  8 
6.3 Colour LCD ..................................……...  8 
6.4 Cleaning.….................................……….  8 
7  Controls & Functions ........................……  9 
7.1  Front Panel .................................……..  9 
7.2  Rear Panel ................................………  10 
8  Before the set is switched on................…  11 
8.1  Connection of the power supply............  11 
8.2  Video format switch.........................…..  11 
8.3  Connection of the aerial....................….  11 
8.4  Power it up.................................……….  11 
9  Keyboard (basic operations).....................  12 
 
AR7000 Basic operation...........................…  13 
* Understanding the basic operation............. 14 
  # Basic operating modes........................…. 14 
  # Audio volume.................................……… 14 
  # Key lock.....................................…………  14 
  # Squelch control..............................……… 15 
A Dial mode......................................……….. 16 
  .......................… 16 
B Memory channel mode.........................….  17 
  .................… 17 
C Search mode....................................…….. 18 
  C-1 Manual search..............................……. 18 
  C-2 Program search.............................…… 19 
D Scan mode......................................…….  20 
  D-1 Manual scan................................……  20 
  D-2 Program scan...............................…..  21 
 
AR7000 Reference manual........................  23 
1 Basic operation................................……..  24 
  1.1 Selection of basic operating mode....…  24 
  1.2 Audio volume...............................…….  24 
  1.3 Key lock...................................………..  25 
  1.4 Squelch control............................…….  25 
  1.5 AGC setting................................……..  25 
  1.6 ATT setting................................…….  26 
  1.7 IF Shift (WFM,AM,CW,USB,LSB only).  26 
2 Dial mode......................................……….  27 
  2.1 Display....................................………..  27 
  2.2 Selection of receive frequency............  27 
  2.3 Selection of step size.....................…..  28 
  2.4 Selection of receive mode....................  28 
  2.5 Selection of IF bandwidth....................  29  
						

							 
    2.6 Transfer data from dial to memory.......  29 
3 Memory mode....................................……  30 
  3.1 Display....................................……….  30 
  3.2 Memory channel.............................…  30 
  3.3 Memory bank................................…...  30 
  3.4 Transfer data from memory to dial.....  30 
  3.5 Memory data edit...........................….  31 
4 Search and Scan mode............................  38 
  4.1 Type of scan/search and definitions....  38 
  4.2 Display and Run/Brk........................….  39 
  4.3 Manual search..............................……  39 
  4.4 Manual scan................................…….  40 
  4.5 Program search.............................……  41 
  4.6 Program scan...............................……  45 
5 Search pass bank...............................…..  49 
  5.1 Common pass bank.............................  49 
  5.2 Program pass bank..........................…  49 
6 Various settings...............................……..  50 
  6.1 Beep.......................................…………  50 
  6.2 Clock......................................…………  50 
  6.3 Timer......................................…………  52 
  6.4 Delay......................................…………  55 
  6.5 Squelch tail...............................……….  55 
  6.6 Priority...................................…………  56 
7 Text edit......................................…………  57 
  7.1 Display....................................………..  57 
  7.2 Keyboard...................................………  57 
  7.3 Key entry..................................……….  58 
8 AV output......................................……….  58 
  8.1 Video output...............................……..  58 
  8.2 Audio output...............................………  58 
9 RS232C.........................................……….  58 
10 AUX...........................................…………  59 
11 Infrared remote controller....................…  59 
12 Useful information............................…..  60 
  12.1 Specification.............................…….  60 
  12.2 Memory default setting......................  61 
  12.3 Trouble shooting..........................….  62 
  12.4 Optional accessories......................…  63 
  12.5 After sales service……………………  63 
 
 
5 Major features 
 
‘
 DSP at 10.7MHz IF stage 
‘
 Built-in colour LCD 
‘
 2-VFO plus 1500 memory channels with text 
‘
 On screen menu driven operation 
‘
 Audio/Video output and IR remote controller 
‘
 RS232C control 
‘
 World clock, one main clock plus four programmable clocks 
‘
 Timer with five independent program on & off events 
 
  
						

							 
  6 Care and maintenance 
 
Look after your AR7000 and you should enjoy many years of monitoring.  There are 
no internal operator adjustments.  In the unlikely event of servicing being required, 
please contact your dealer for technical assistance. 
 
 
 6.1 Power supply 
 
The AR7000 is designed for operation from its supplied a.c.-to-d.c. adapter.  
Operation is possible from a d.c. supply of 12 to 14V, which should be able to supply 
up to 2.0A 
 
The d.c. input socket uses a mini coaxial power connector which is configured 
CENTRE POSITIVE, the chassis of the receiver is at negative ground. The power 
supply provided is pre-wired and provides a regulated nominal 12V d.c. output with 
suitable connectors being fitted as standard for the a.c. power input and connection 
to the AR7000 (for each world market area). 
 
Although the AR7000 has no special rear panel socket for a connection of an RF 
earth, a separate earth may be connected to the chassis ground connectors (RS232, 
video, audio, BNC) then on to a water pipe, central heating system radiator or 
external earth rod.  If fitting a separate external earth rod, consider the implications 
carefully if your a.c. building supply uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) system.  If 
in doubt consult an expert electrician.  Never earth to a gas pipe! 
 
SAFETY NOTICE - Always disconnect the power supply from the a.c. socket 
when not in use. 
 
 
 6.2 Installation 
 
Do not use or leave the receiver in direct sunlight (especially the LCD).  Always 
disconnect and earth any external aerial system if an electrical storm is expected.  
Avoid a rapid disconnection then reconnection of the power supply.  If disconnected, 
leave at least five seconds before reconnecting again.  Ensure that all power 
connections are secure.  Avoid strong RF fields from nearby transmitters. If in doubt, 
disconnect the AR7000 from the aerial and switch the set off. 
 
 
6.3 Colour LCD 
 
Always take care of the LCD screen which is fragile.  Avoid knocking, banging or 
scratching the LCD, do not expose to direct sunlight or high temperatures. 
 
 
6.4 Cleaning 
 
Always keep the receiver free from dust and water.  Use a soft, dry cloth to gently 
wipe the AR7000 clean.  Never use abrasive cleaners or organic solvents which may 
damage certain parts. 
 
 
7  Controls and Function  
						

							 
   
7.1 Front Panel 
 
{figure 1} 
 
 
7.1.1 Power Switch 
 
Press this switch to power the radio on/off.  In addition the separate infrared remote 
controller (supplied) will enable the AR7000 to be switched off.  Note:  The AR7000 
may be switched off and on via the 
infrared remote only if the AR7000 mechanical 
front panel switch remains depressed.  
 
 
7.1.2 Headphone Socket 
 
A 3.5mm headphone jack plug can be connected for personal monitoring.  When 
connected, the built-in speaker will be disconnected (audio automatically cut off). 
 
 
7.1.3 LCD Display 
 
A built-in 3.1 DSTN type NTSC colour LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) shows operating 
conditions.  
 
 
7.1.4 Keypad 
 
Press the keys to enter necessary data/information into the receiver.  Some particular 
keys are assigned with dual functions, press and hold for more than one second to 
access the dual function.  Only valid key(s) will be accepted. 
 
Primary function  “PUSH” - orange lettering, 
quick tap only required. 
 
Secondary function “PRESS” (and HOLD) - white lettering, 
hold for more than one 
second
. 
 
Many functions are also available from the infrared controller. 
 
 
7.1.5 Main Dial 
 
Rotate the main dial to select the receive frequency.  This dial is also used to select 
various receiver parameters via menus. 
 
 
7.1.6 Infrared receive window 
 
Point the infrared hand controller at this front panel window when the receiver is 
operated via the infrared hand controller. 
 
  
7.2  Rear Panel 
  
						

							 
  {figure 2} 
 
 
7.2.1 AUX connector 
 
This 8-pin 270º DIN socket provides output for audio, squelch switching, etc.  Refer 
to section 10 of this manual for pin-out details. 
 
  
7.2.2 Video output switch 
 
This slide switch selects the video format of either PAL or NTSC.  The default 
position is NTSC.  Note: When PAL is selected the built-in LCD is disabled. 
 
 
7.2.3 Video output terminal 
 
This PHONO socket provides a composite video output to the external monitor in 
either NTSC or PAL depending upon selection. 
 
 
7.2.4 Audio output 
 
This PHONO socket provides audio output to external equipment (such as a 
camcorder etc).  The output level is constant irrespective of the volume control 
setting. 
 
 
7.2.5 Aerial (antenna) terminal 
 
A BNC type connector is provided for aerial connection.  A 50 OHM impedance aerial 
is recommended for this receiver.  If wire aerial is connected any suitable Balun may 
be used for optimum results. 
 
 
7.2.6 RS232C Connector 
 
A D-SUB 9-pin connector is provided for straight lead connection with most types of 
PC via an RS232C connection.  Refer to section 9 of this manual for connection 
information. 
 
  
7.2.7 DC socket 
 
Connect the supplied a.c.-d.c. adapter to this socket.  The applicable standard for the 
jack/plug is RC5320A(EIAJ)/IEC13010.  This plug/socket is wired centre positive, if 
using a different power supply, select a unit which is regulated producing 12 to 14V 
d.c. with a current capacity of at least 2.0A. 
 
 
7.2.8 External speaker socket 
  
						

							 
  This 3.5mm jack socket is provided for connection to an external speaker (8 OHMS). 
Audio level is variable via the volume control.  When an external speaker is used, the 
built-in speaker will be disabled. 
 
 
8  Before the set is switched on 
 
8.1 Power supply 
 
Ensure the power switch is in OFF position (switch protruding).  Connect the d.c. plug 
of the standard power supply to the power input socket which is found on the rear 
panel of the AR7000. 
 
 
8.2 Video format switch 
 
Ensure that rear panel NTSC is selected to enable internal LCD operation. 
 
 
8.3  Aerial connection 
 
Connect a suitably terminated BNC aerial to the BNC aerial socket on the rear panel 
of the AR7000. 
  
 
8.4 Power it up 
 
Make sure that all necessary connections are made, and double check that the 
power supply voltage/polarity are correct.  Press the front panel power switch to 
switch the AR7000 on.  The dial mode set-up will be displayed on the LCD following 
the CPU initialising. 
 
 
9 Keyboard (basic operation) 
 
The AR7000 is designed to be operated using the main dial and keyboard.  
Explanation for usage of each key and the main dial follows: 
 
{figure 3} 
 
VOL. UP  [­]  Increase the volume level, move the cursor upward. 
 
VOL DOWN  [¯]  Reduce the volume level, move the cursor downward. 
 
[¬]  Acts as a back space and is used to move the cursor.  It also has the same 
action as rotating the main dial anti-clockwise in many menus. 
 
[®]  Move the cursor. It also has the same action as rotating the main dial clockwise 
in many menus. 
 
[ESC]  Terminate the on-going key sequence returning to the previously selected 
menu. 
  
						

							 
  Main dial is used to tune through the receive frequency.  Also used to select receive 
mode, squelch level, IF BW and AGC. 
 
[ENT]  Determine the selection of data/functions (used to finalise selection). 
 
[STEP 1]  PUSH (tap) with a finger (only momentarily) to enter the numeric data 
which is printed directly on the key in orange (primary function).  PRESS (longer than 
one second) to select the function which is printed above the key in white. 
 
 
Operating the AR7000 is simple if you follow the basic principles:- 
 
1. Press (and hold for more than one second) the key of your intended function such 
as [STEP] and [MODE]. 
 
2. Select your desired value or data using the main dial or [¬] [®] arrow keys. 
 
3. Press [ENT] key to confirm the entry. 
 
 
Understanding the basic operation 
 
 
‘ Basic operating modes 
 
The AR7000 is equipped with the 2 dial modes (VFO-A, VFO-B) and one memory 
mode.  Push the [®] key to scroll from VFO-A to VFO-B to Memory back to VFO-A... 
in sequence.  Push the [¬] key to scroll VFO-A to Memory to VFO-B to VFO-A...in 
sequence. 
 
{figure 4}  Shows Dial mode VFO-A 
{figure 5}  Shows Dial mode VFO-B 
{figure 6}  Shows Memory mode 
 
 
‘ Audio volume 
 
Push the [­] key to increase the audio volume.  Push the [¯] key to decrease the 
audio volume.  The audio volume level is indicated on the LCD as a graphical triangle 
bar meter in the upper right of the LCD. 
 
{figure 7} 
 
 
‘ K.Lock key lock 
 
Press the [K.Lock] key to disable all other keys until [K.Lock] is pressed again.  This 
is useful to prevent accidental movement of receive frequency while monitoring an 
important transmission or receiving data such as NAVTEX. 
 
{figure 8} 
 
 
‘  Squelch control  
						

							 
   
Press the [SQL] key.  The SQ legend on the LCD will reverse to negative image. 
Push the [SQL] key again to toggle “OPN” (open) and “S0 ~ S9, +10, +20 ~ +60” 
(close).  When a range between S0 & +60 is displayed, rotate the main dial to 
change the squelch threshold value.  If you want the squelch open press the [ENT] 
key while the “OPN” legend is displayed. 
 
In order to obtain an optimum squelch threshold level, press the [SQL] key, the “SQ” 
legend on the LCD will reverse to a negative image.  Press the [SQL] key to initially 
select “S0”.  Either rotate the main dial or [¬] [®] keys to vary the squelch between 
S0 and S9, & +10 & +60 until the background noise (in the absence of a signal) is 
quieted, if a transmission is in progress, it may not be possible to close the squelch.  
Press the [ENT] key when you have selected an optimum squelch threshold.   
 
{figure 9} 
 
The squelch threshold level is displayed as a blue horizontal bar meter at the bottom  
of the signal meter (S-meter bar graph).  It is important that the squelch level is not 
set too high or weaker signals will not be audible (as the squelch will remain closed). 
NOTE: The scan/search process will not begin when the received signal is below 
squelch threshold. 
 
{figure 10} 
 
 
A  Dial mode 
 
The AR7000 is equipped with the 2 dial modes, VFO-A and VFO-B. You can 
manually select/enter the receive frequency, receive mode, etc. 
 
VFO is a historical term for Variable Frequency Oscillator, today it is used to describe 
a facility which stores frequency & mode which may be tuned. 
 
 
Manual frequency entry 
 
Example 1 Enter the frequency of 209.75MHz in VFO-A. 
 
1.  Push either the [¬] or [®] key to access VFO-A (upper of the two large frequency 
readouts). 
 
 2.  Press the [MODE] key for more than one second.  Rotate the main dial or push 
the [¬] or [®] keys to obtain the LCD legend “AUT” (automode, where the AR7000 
automatically selects the appropriate receive mode, channel step and IF bandwidth 
for the displayed frequency) followed by [ENT]. 
 
{figure 11} 
 
3. Push [2] [0] [9] [.] [7] [5] [ENT] 
 
{figure 12} 
 
 
Example 2 Enter 954kHz, still using VFO-A.  
						

							 
   
Push [0] [.] [9] [5] [4] [ENT] 
 
From there rotate the main dial to tune around the medium wave band radio stations. 
 
{figure 13} 
 
 
B  Memory mode 
 
The AR7000 is equipped with a total of 1500 memory channels (100 ch x 15 banks). 
Each memory channel can be given an alpha-numeric ident of up to 7 letters for ease 
of identification, the ident is displayed to the upper left of the frequency (under the 
legend “MEMORY”).  Memory channels are useful stores for regularly monitored 
frequencies to save laborious key strokes and repetitiveness, they are also used for 
fast reviewing of channels when automatically hunting for active transmissions - 
“SCANNING”. 
 
To quickly transfer data from dial mode to memory, press the [FREQ] key while in the 
VFO mode, do not hold the key… just a quick tap will do!  The current (top) 
frequency on the LCD will change colour to red.  Press the [ENT] key to transfer the 
receive data (frequency, receive mode, AGC, ATT, SQ setting) to the next available 
memory channel of the present bank.  Refer to section 2.6 of this manual. 
 
Memory data may be entered into each channel & bank using the EDIT facility then 
swapped around and rearranged.  Various frequencies are entered into the AR7000 
memory channels during manufacture & test.  See section 3.5 of this manual for 
information on memory edit. 
 
 
Recall the memory channel 
 
1. Push the [¬] or [®] key to obtain MEMORY mode on the screen (upper of the two 
large frequency readouts). 
 
{figure 14} 
 
 
2. Rotate the main dial to step through the memory channels.  Any memory channels 
which do not have valid data will not be shown.  The channel and bank number is 
displayed at the top right of frequency readout in the format 00 to 99 for channel 
number followed by 00 to 14 for the bank number.  For example, “21/03” represents 
channel 21, bank 03… you may refer to it as 2103 for ease of expression (ch/bk). 
 
3. Press [BANK] (the bank LCD legend will reverse) and rotate the main dial to step 
through the memory banks.  Push [ENT] when the desired memory bank is selected. 
 
{figure 15} 
 
 
C  Search mode 
 
In the search mode, the receiver will step through the frequency spectrum at the 
specified step size looking for active signals.  The AR7000s LCD display will