AOR AR800 Operating Manual
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AR8000 operating manual 21 [9] [I] [DEL] Numeric 9 / Bank I / Data delete This key acts as a numeric 9 when entering frequen- cies via the keypad. In search, scan and memory modes this key is used to identify bank I/i. If the sequence [FUNC] [9] is keyed the data delete options menu and sub menus may be accessed. Initially the legend “SELECT DEL” is displayed on the first line of the LCD. Delete mode enables search, frequency pass, memory and select scan data to be deleted easily. [0] [J] [COPY] Numeric 0 / Bank J / Copy (clone) between sets This key acts as a numeric 0 when entering frequencies via the keypad. In search, scan and memory modes this key is used to identify bank J/j. If the sequence [FUNC] [0] is keyed the clone data (copy) between sets options menu is accessed and display legend “SET COPY” appears on the 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. i.e. For 133.7000 MHz the entry would be: [1] [3] [3] [.] [7] [ENT] There is no need to input the trailing “0” after the decimal as they will be added automatically by the AR8000 microprocessor. In search, scan and memory modes this key is used to change between the two main blocks of banks signified by upper and lower case letters. Standard banks are A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J and banks which may be password protected are a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j. The password facility prevents preying eyes from accessing and reviewing your bank data. If the sequence [FUNC] [.] is keyed the bank PASSWORD menu is accessed
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AR8000 operating manual 22 and the legend “SET P.WORD” is displayed on the first line of the LCD. If the numbers “0000” are displayed then no password is set and all memory banks are accessible. If “****” is displayed then the password is set and only the upper case banks may be accessed. To access the password protected banks, press [FUNC] [.] followed by your four digit password then [ENT]. To change the password press [FUNC] [.] followed by your current password then [ENT]. Next press [FUNC] [.] followed by your new password then [ENT]. Switch the set Off/On and the new password will be in effect. Note: Ensure that you are not in a password protected bank when you switch the set Off or the password protection will be partially defeated. Make a careful note of your password or you may find yourself locked out !! Should you become locked out, 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. [LOCAL] [CONF] LOCAL-REMOTE / Configuration new user - expert 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. If the sequence [FUNC] [LOCAL] is keyed the configuration menu is accessed and display legend “INITIAL SET” appears on the LCD. The three main options are: BEEP ON/OFF Keypad “beep” and “boop” confirmation tones. These tones may be selected or deselected by use of the UP/DOWN keys and [DIAL]. FUNC / 2ndF This affects the way in which the FUNCTION (shift) operates to suit the operators (your) preferences. When in 2ndF setting, the side panel [FUNC] key need only be momentarily pressed then released before the 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. The flashing highlight cursor “F” indicates FUNCTION selection. The default setting is “2ndF”.
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AR8000 operating manual 23 NEWUSER / EXPERT The default setting is NEWUSER (new user), this is the initial recommended setting. If EXPERT status has not been selected then a smaller number of options are available which simplifies operation when first exploring the features and facilities of the AR8000. [CLEAR] - Clear entry key This key will cause data entry to be cancelled should a mistake be accidentally typed and forces an escape from the menu “back to search, scan of VFO mode” whichever had been previously selected. 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... use only as a last resort. [PASS] [S SET] Frequency-channel pass (skip) / Select Scan / Step offset This key has many operations depending upon the condition of the receiver at the moment it is operated: In Search mode When the search process stops on an unwanted busy channel (noise etc) press the [PASS] key to register the frequency as a PASS (lock out) frequency. Any subsequent search of the search bank will not stop at this frequency, it will be skipped. To edit the search pass frequencies press [FUNC] [PASS]. In MEMORY RECALL or SCAN mode PASS - In the “M.RE” (memory recall) mode or when the scan stops on a channel, press [PASS] to register the memory channel as a “PASS CHAN- NEL”. The letter “p” will be added to the left of the frequency to indicate the channel will be passed (skipped). To release the pass status, press [PASS] again while in M.RE mode, this will remove the letter “p” and reinstate the channel so that it may be scanned along with other channels in the memory bank. Note: If you PASS a memory channel which is currently “tagged” for SELECT SCAN, the letter “p” will be hidden behind the letter “s” for select scan. SELECT SCAN - In the “M.RE” (memory recall) mode or when the scan stops on a channel, press [FUNC] [PASS] to “tag” (register) the memory channel as a “SELECT SCAN CHANNEL”. The letter “s” will be added to the left of the frequency to indicate the channel has been added to the current SELECT
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AR8000 operating manual 24 SCAN list. To toggle the status of select scan, press [FUNC] [PASS] again while in M.RE mode. Select scan only scans those specific channels which have been tagged (registered) using the [FUNC] [PASS] select scan procedure. This is very useful to allow the rapid selection of a mixture of memory channels irrespective of memory banks for specific scanning applications. In 2VFO mode PASS - While in 2VFO mode, press [PASS] to edit the search pass frequencies (just as with [FUNC] [PASS] while in search mode). SELECT SCAN - While in 2VFO mode, press [FUNC] [PASS] to quickly review, locate and edit the contents of select scan in a “similar” manner to using [FUNC] [PASS] while in M.RE mode to tag channels for select scan. [ENT] - Enter key The enter key is used to finalise the entry of frequency and other data inputs. While in 2VFO mode, press and hold the [ENT] key to add the currently displayed frequency into memory through a small menu. While in SEARCH mode and stopped on a busy channel, press the [ENT] key to cancel search and remain on the currently displayed frequency. 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. Side panel - left hand side 5-9 [FUNC] Function key FUNC / 2ndF The AR8000 uses a multi-function keyboard. The function (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. When the function key is operated, a flashing highlight cursor “F” in the lower left of the LCD indicates activation. There are two ways in which the [FUNC] key may be operated to suit the operators preferences. The setting of [FUNC] is made in the CONF-configura- tion menu accessed in 2VFO mode by pressing [FUNC] [CONF].
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AR8000 operating manual 26 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. The flashing highlight cursor “F” indicates FUNCTION selection. The default setting of the [FUNC] key is “2ndF”. 5-10 [MONI] monitor (squelch defeat) key This key is used to defeat the squelch (open it) to allow the monitoring of very weak of fluttering signals. 5-11 [LAMP] lamp - LCD, keypad & side panel illumination Attractive green rear illumination of the LCD (and keypad / side panel) is switchable for use in locations of low level lighting. Press the [LAMP] key to activate. The illumination will be active for about five seconds then will automatically switch Off in order to conserve battery power (use the lamp facility sparingly when powered from batteries). Should data be keyed in, the five second timer will count from the last key press... this eliminates any requirement to rush data input. The five second illumination may be cancelled by pressing [LAMP] a second time. It is possible to switch the illumination On permanently for mobile operation etc. The input regulator is deliberately overrated to allow for permanent illumination. To activate permanent illumination press [FUNC] [LAMP]. The illumination may still be switched Off by pressing [LAMP] which returns the facility to timer operation. The lamp is driven by an internal voltage inverter circuit so that the level of lighting should not drop as battery voltage changes due to exhaustion (should not dim). Of course the lamp illumination will cease to function when the batteries are fully exhausted requiring recharging. 5-12 [K.LOCK] Keypad lock The keypad and [DIAL] may be electronically locked during use to prevent accidental change of frequency, mode etc. This is useful when one particular frequency is being monitored (such as an airshow) and the receiver is in a pocket. To activate keylock press [K.LOCK]. The legend “KLCK” appears in the upper left corner of the LCD to confirm keylock operation. To deactivated keylock for normal operation press [FUNC] [K.LOCK].
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AR8000 operating manual 27 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 AR8000 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 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 12V DC @ 300mA or higher current rating.
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AR8000 operating manual 28 Rear case 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 RS232C- REMOTE/TAPE connector and the BATTERIES. 5-14 RS232C REMOTE connector This is a very small connector located at the very lowest point of the rear cabinet below the battery housing. It may not be immediately obvious that this is a connector, a channel of about 10mm wide by 3mm high houses the 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. 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 to external supply. However, always switch the receiver Off when changing batteries or connecting / disconnecting external power. Should you remove the batteries while the set is switched On the last memory data will be lost. * Please refer to section 4-3 POWER REQUIREMENTS for further details and charging information.
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AR8000 operating manual 30 (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 “2VFO” refer to indications displayed on the Liquid Crystal Display. Sections of “italic text” indicate an advanced function or facility only available when in EXPERT rather then NEWUSER (new user) mode. 6-1 Before starting Before operating, charge the internal NiCad batteries using the supplied charger for approximately 16 hours. Connect the supplied flexible 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. Should the NiCad (or dry batteries if in use) cells become completely exhausted, the last stored memory channel or last VFO data “may” be lost. CURSOR The CURSOR may apparently “go to sleep” at times when menus are called. This is because of the many tasks called by the microprocessor, it is simply doing something else at the time you call it. Should this happen, press [CLEAR] to escape the menu and re-select the menu again. 6-2 Switching On Set the squelch control to the 12 o’clock position. Rotate the volume control to the 12 o’clock position, this action will also switch the set on (a click will be heard / felt as the control passes the 9 o’clock position). 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. 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.