AOR AR800 Operating Manual

							AR8000 operating manual
31
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.
It is best to press the [2VFO] key at this time to place the receiver in a known
state of operation.  The condition of “VFO” (1VFO) or “2VFO” is generally
referred to as manual mode.
Note: If the keypad or [DIAL] is not operated for 90 seconds while inputting
data through a selection menu, the operation will time out and the receiver will
return to its previous task just as if the [CLEAR] key had been pressed.
6-3 Defining initial configuration [CONF] BEEP,
FUNC / 2ndF, 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.
To review or revise the initial configuration press and hold the [FUNC] key on
the top left hand side panel.  The legend “F” appears at the bottom left hand
corner of the LCD.  While the “F” indication is flashing (still holding the [FUNC]
key if necessary) press the [LOCAL] key (located toward the lower right of the
front panel keypad).  Release both keys and the “INITIAL SET” menu will be
displayed.
BEEP ON/OFF
The flashing highlight cursor will first appear to the
left of the keypad confirmation “BEEP” on the second
line of the LCD.  The  setting is default ON.  To
switch the keypad confirmation “BEEP OFF” rotate
the [DIAL] (on the top panel) one click, the direction
is unimportant.  The legend “BEEP OFF confirms
selection.
The new setting may be saved by pressing [ENT] at
this point or the [DOWN] pressed once to move to
the next option “FUNC” on the third line of the menu.
FUNC / 2ndF
Background information: Most keys on the front panel have dual functions and
operate either on their own or in conjunction with the [FUNC] key.  The setting
of FUNC / 2ndF affects the way in which the FUNCTION (shift) operates to suit 
						

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the operators preferences.
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 flashing “F” indicates that the receiver is
awaiting another key entry.
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.  The flashing “F”
indicates that the receiver is awaiting another key entry.
If you have selected the FUNC/2ndF option of the third line of the LCD, the
cursor will be to the right of the “2ndF” setting which is the default.  To change
the setting to “FUNC” rotate the [DIAL] (on the top panel) one click, the
direction is unimportant.  The legend “FUNC” confirms selection.
The new setting may be saved by pressing [ENT] at this point or the [DOWN]
pressed once to move to the next option “NEWUSER” on the fourth line of the
menu.
NEWUSER / EXPERT
Background: The AR8000 has been designed with two “user levels”
NEWUSER (new user) and EXPERT.  The default as shipped from the factory
is 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.
It is strongly recommended that NEWUSER mode is used during
familiarisation of the AR8000 receiver.
EXPERT - In EXPERT mode additional facilities become available such as a
wider choice of frequency step size, auto store parameters, RS232C REMOTE
control parameters etc.
Sections of this operating manual in 
”italic text” indicate an advanced function
or facility only available when in EXPERT mode.
If you have selected the NEWUSER/EXPERT option of the fourth line of the
LCD, the cursor will be to the right of the “NEWUSER” setting which is the
default.  To change the setting to “EXPERT” rotate the [DIAL] (on the top
panel) one click, the direction is unimportant.  The legend “EXPERT” confirms
selection.
The new setting may be saved by pressing [ENT] at this point.  If you have
selected “EXPERT” status then further options become available by pressing
the [DOWN] key.  These include AUTO-STORE, POWER-SAVE and
REMOTE.  These options are covered later in the operating manual. 
						

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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” and today refers to a tunable data store which
contains frequency, mode, step, step offset and attenuator information.
Both VFO frequencies are displayed in parallel
format on the LCD one above the other.  The
 “active” VFO (the one which is currently receiving)
is displayed on the second line and the “stand-by”
VFO on the third line below.
Press the [2VFO] key to first select “VFO mode”
(should the receiver be scanning or searching etc).
Each time the [2VFO] key is pressed VFO “A” and
VFO “B” alternate between active and stand-by.
The first time you enter a frequency via the numeric keypad, it is best to first
press the [2VFO] key to place the receiver in a known state of operation.  The
condition of “VFO” (1VFO) or “2VFO” is generally referred to as manual mode.
Press the [2VFO] key so the “A” appears on the left hand side of the second
line of LCD.  This indicates that “VFO A” is the active VFO.  This condition is
referred to as “2VFO” mode with VFO B as stand-by.
If you find the twin frequency display confusing, press
[SRCH] [SRCH] (when no signal is present or
[SRCH] [ENT] if the frequency is active) so that only
a single frequency readout is displayed, this is
referred to as “1VFO” mode.  Both 1VFO and 2VFO
modes may be referred to simply as VFO mode or
MANUAL mode.
Equalising VFO data [A=B]
The contents of the active VFO may be quickly copied into the stand-by VFO
by pressing [FUNC] [2VFO] while in VFO mode.  Equalisation of VFO data in
this manner is useful for bringing both VFO A and B onto the same band and
in the same mode and step size etc.
It is not possible to copy the contents of the stand-by VFO into the active VFO.
Instead press the [2VFO] key to change the positions of the VFOs (active
becomes stand-by and visa versa) then use [FUNC] [2VFO] to equalise the
VFO data.
VFO equalisation (A=B) is also convenient for quickly setting up a manual
search (see section 13-1 of this manual for further information regarding
manual search). 
						

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Entering a frequency using the numeric keypad
Example of frequency entry 145.800 MHz
Press [1] [4] [5] [.] [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 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
SET” to indicate what sort of data input the receiver is expecting.  Similar
helpful messages are displayed at other times during data input.
If for some reason you do not wish to complete the frequency data input, press
[CLEAR] 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 second line of the LCD momentarily displays the
error message “FREQ ERROR” then returns to the
previous frequency prior to frequency input.
Note: If the keypad or [DIAL] is not operated for 90
seconds while inputting data through a selection
menu, the operation will time out and the receiver
will return to its previous task just as if the [CLEAR] key had been pressed.
Example of frequency entry 954 kHz (0.954 MHz)
Press [.] [9] [5] [4] [ENT]
The frequency of 954 kHz is equivalent to 0.954 MHz.
When entering frequencies below 1 MHz, there is no
need to proceed the decimal point with a zero as this
is added by the microprocessor during frequency
entry then removed when the [ENT] key is pressed to
ensure the display appears neat and tidy.
You will note that frequencies below 1.6 MHz (1600
kHz) will not have a decimal point displayed to the 
						

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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
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.
6-5 Correcting frequency readout during input
Should an error be made while entering frequency data (by pressing the wrong
numeric key), it may be corrected using the BACKSPACE facility.  This facility
enables rapid correction of errors prior to the completion of entry by the [ENT]
key.
Example of frequency data correction while keying 433.250 MHz
Press [4] [3] [3] [.] [2] then assume [7] by mistake
Press [UP>] and the number “7” clears from the LCD
Press [5] [ENT] to finalise the correct entry.
6-6  Correcting incorrect frequencies after input
If for any reason the currently displayed active VFO frequency is incorrect, it
may be changed by two methods:
Firstly the correct frequency may be input to replace the currently displayed
incorrect frequency, there is no need to clear the VFO data first.
Secondly the frequency data may be “edited” by means of a highlight flashing
cursor.
Example of frequency data correction using the cursor
Start by keying in a frequency to start with:
Press [8] [1] [.] [8] [ENT] to input 81.8 MHz
For this example let’s assume that the actual frequency required is 82.9
MHz
Press [FUNC] and then either the [UP] or [DOWN] key to call the
highlight cursor.  Initially the flashing highlight cursor appears in the MHz
position. 
						

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Key in [2] to correct the current incorrect display (which is showing 81.8
MHz rather than 82.8 MHz).  Alternatively use the [DIAL] to scroll through
the digits just like a tuning dial.
When the correct frequency is displayed press [ENT] to accept the
corrected frequency data.
6-7 Changing frequency using the [UP] [DOWN] keys
The UP / DOWN keys provide a convenient method of frequency change.
The speed at which the receiver steps up or down depends upon the STEP
SIZE which is default to AUTO.  Examples of tuning step include: 0.05 kHz (50
Hz), 0.1 kHz (100 Hz), 0.2 kHz (200 Hz), 0.5 kHz (500 Hz), 1.00 kHz, 2.00 kHz,
5.00 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 9.00 kHz, 10.00 kHz, 12.50 kHz, 20 kHz, 25.00 kHz, 30
kHz, 50 kHz, 100.00 kHz, 200.00 kHz, 250 kHz, 500.00 kHz.  In EXPERT user
mode the tuning step size may also be programmed in multiples of 50 Hz so
that unusual step sizes other than stated are possible.
Should you press and hold either the [UP] or [DOWN] key for more than
one second, the squelch will be defeated and the receiver made to tune
automatically either upward or downward depending upon the key in use.
Tuning will stop when the key is released.
6-8  Changing frequency using the [DIAL] (tuning control)
While in VFO mode, the active VFO frequency may be “tuned” in a similar way
to a domestic receiver or other specialist receivers using the rotary tuning
[DIAL] which is mounted on the top cabinet.
This 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
AR8000 especially for USB, LSB and CW listening.
Rotating the [DIAL] clockwise increases frequency while rotation anticlockwise
decreases receive frequency.
The speed at which the [DIAL] tunes the receiver depends upon the STEP
SIZE which is default to AUTO.  Examples of tuning step include: 0.05 kHz (50
Hz), 0.1 kHz (100 Hz), 0.2 kHz (200 Hz), 0.5 kHz (500 Hz), 1.00 kHz, 2.00 kHz,
5.00 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 9.00 kHz, 10.00 kHz, 12.50 kHz, 20 kHz, 25.00 kHz, 30
kHz, 50 kHz, 100.00 kHz, 200.00 kHz, 250 kHz, 500.00 kHz.  In EXPERT user
mode the tuning step size may also be programmed in multiples of 50 Hz so
that unusual step sizes other than stated are possible. 
						

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The speed of tuning may be increased by a factor of x10 while the “F” function
legend is displayed (by using the [FUNC] key).
6-9 Changing frequency STEP size (AUTO)
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
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.  This greatly simplifies operation of the receiver while you are
familiarising yourself with all the facilities.
The preprogramming 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 [FUNC] [2].
The third line of the LCD will flash the current default
size (perhaps “25.00” kHz) and the word “AUTO” to
indicate default operation.
The fourth line of the LCD has the legend “STEP
SET” to indicate that the AR8000 is expecting you to
change the step size.
In NEWUSER mode, the [DIAL] is used to alter the
STEP size.  The sizes available being: 0.05 kHz (50 Hz), 0.1 kHz (100 Hz), 0.2
kHz (200 Hz), 0.5 kHz (500 Hz), 1.00 kHz, 2.00 kHz, 5.00 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 9.00
kHz, 10.00 kHz, 12.50 kHz, 20 kHz, 25.00 kHz, 30 kHz, 50 kHz, 100.00 kHz,
200.00 kHz, 250 kHz, 500.00 kHz.
When the desired step size is displayed press [ENT] to accept the new step
size.
Active frequency must be divisible by step size
There is just one small point to bare in mind, 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 (especially when in EXPERT
mode) you may notice the active frequency change automatically to the
nearest multiple of step size as the AR8000 calculates automatically for you,
there is no need to carry a calculator! 
						

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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.  On occasion the display may not
immediately update to indicate the multiple frequency in order to provide an
opportunity for you to enter the “STEP SET” menu to change the step size.
However within a short time the frequency readout will automatically update,
just keep watching the LCD.  The displayed frequency will be immediately
updated with when the [DIAL] is used.
Note: AUTO-STEP and AUTO-MODE are linked to the preprogrammed
bandplan data.  When one of the parameters is changed from the default
“AUTO” the bandplan will be ignored.  This is useful for tuning through bands
with unusual modes and channel steps.
To reinstate AUTO step size, the receive MODE must be returned to
“AUTO” using the “MODE SET” menu which is accessed by pressing
[FUNC] [3].
When a new step size has been selected, the MODE will move automatically
from AUTO to whatever is currently being used.  A hash symbol “#” to the left
of the mode indicates the current setting.  The right arrow symbol “>” indicates
the new mode choice which is altered by using the [DIAL] control on the top
panel of the cabinet.  To return the STEP and MODE to default, select “>AUT”
and press [ENT].  The display returns to VFO mode.
In EXPERT user mode the tuning step size may also be programmed in
multiples of 50 Hz (between the limits of 50 Hz to 999.95 kHz) so that unusual
step sizes other than stated are possible.  Refer to section 6-3 of this manual
regarding NEWUSER/EXPERT configuration.
Press [FUNC] [2] to enter the “STEP SET” menu.  The [DIAL] is used to alter
the STEP size for any value from the standard list: 0.05 kHz (50 Hz), 0.1 kHz
(100 Hz), 0.2 kHz (200 Hz), 0.5 kHz (500 Hz), 1.00 kHz, 2.00 kHz, 5.00 kHz,
6.25 kHz, 9.00 kHz, 10.00 kHz, 12.50 kHz, 20 kHz, 25.00 kHz, 30 kHz, 50 kHz,
100.00 kHz, 200.00 kHz, 250 kHz, 500.00 kHz.
When the desired step size is displayed press [ENT] to accept the new step
size.
To program a different step size (in multiples of 50 Hz) enter the “STEP SET”
menu as before, press [FUNC] [2] then key in the desired step size followed by
[ENT].
For example, to program a 300 Hz step size press [.] [3] [ENT] there is no
need to proceed the [.] key with a zero nor is it necessary to add the trailing
zeros,  these are added by the microprocessor automatically.
Should an attempt be made to enter an incorrect step size such as 0.06 kHz or 
						

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1.08 kHz (which are not divisible by 50 Hz), the last digit will not be accepted so
may be corrected simply by typing [5].
In fact should you wish, even frequencies listed in the standard STEP list may
be entered directly through the numeric keypad once in the “STEP SET” menu.
For example, to program a step size of 25 kHz using the numeric keypad:
Press [FUNC] [2] [2] [5] [ENT]
The display will return to VFO mode with the new step size programmed.
6-10 STEP OFFSET facility
As reported in section 6-9 of this manual (changing step size), the bandplan
may not always be adhered to or for some reason you may wish to tune or
search using a different format.
Examples of this are European cell phones which are allocated in 25 kHz
channel steps but the lower band edge does not start on a round MHz such as
917 MHz but 12.5 kHz higher at 917.0125 MHz (in other words it is offset by
+12.5 kHz).  Also European VHF utility services sometimes operate using a
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.
For example, to tune from 71 MHz in 12.5 kHz steps offset by 6.25 kHz carry
out the following key sequence:
[7] [1] [ENT] to select 71.000 MHz
[FUNC] [2] to enter the “STEP SET” menu
Press [PASS] to select STEP OFFSET the legend “+” appears to the right
of the word “STEP”
Rotate the [DIAL] on the top cabinet until the “12.50” kHz step
size is displayed
Press [ENT] to select the data input
The receiver will return to VFO mode and the
frequency displayed will be updated to read 71.0062
MHz (the actual frequency is 71.006250 MHz but the
LCD does not show the 50 Hz digits).  This means
that the displayed frequency has been offset by +6.25
kHz.
Rotating the [DIAL] clockwise will increase the frequency by 12.5 kHz so that
the new frequency will be displayed as 71.0187 MHz (the actual frequency 
						

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being 71.018750 MHz).  The receiver is now tuning in 12.5 kHz steps with a
step offset of +6.25 kHz.
Note: The STEP OFFSET is always in a positive direction (+) when selected
and is calculated as being HALF of the STEP SIZE.  STEP OFFSET is only
available when the step size is 10 kHz or more.
By this measure, a 25 kHz STEP size will have a STEP OFFSET of 12.5 kHz.
A 30 kHz STEP size will have a STEP OFFSET of 15 kHz.
SET OFFSET is available in VFO and search modes.  The default bandplan
data may already contain STEP OFFSET in its default programming for certain
market areas.
6-11 Changing receive mode (AUTO)
As mentioned earlier (section 6-9 of this manual), the specification for step and
mode are allocated by departments of  Government following International
discussions.  Like step size, the receive mode has been preprogrammed at the
factory to simplify operation of the receiver while you familiarise yourself with
all the facilities.
Should you wish, the defaults may me manually overridden at any time should
you wish to select an alternative receive mode on any frequency.
To change the receive mode press [FUNC] [3].
The third line of the LCD will indicate the current
mode in use.  A hash symbol “#” to the left of the
mode indicates the current setting.  The right arrow
symbol “>” indicates the new mode choice which is
altered by using the [DIAL] control on the top panel
of the cabinet.  To return the STEP and MODE to
default, select “>AUT” and press [ENT].  The display
returns to VFO mode.
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.  When one of the parameters is changed from the default
“AUTO” then the bandplan will be ignored.  This is useful for tuning through
bands in unusual modes and channel steps.
To reinstate AUTO step size, the receive MODE must be returned to
“AUTO” using the “MODE SET” menu which is accessed by pressing
[FUNC] [3].
Any receive mode may be selected at any frequency within the receiver’s
frequency coverage.  Generally speaking the following modes will apply: