AOR AR8200 Protocol Listing Manual

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    RS232 protocol listing for the AR8200 (accompanies the CC8200) Documentation release V1.3
Every effort has been made to make this manual correct and up to date.  Due to continuous development of the product and by
error or omission anomalies may be found and these are 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.
© 1998 AOR LTD. Japan.
Index
1 General  ................................................................. 1
2 Supplied accessories  ............................................ 1
3 Connection for RS232 operation  .......................... 1
4 Use of Microsoft Terminal & Hyper Terminal  ........ 2
5 How to send a command  ...................................... 5
6 Command index  .................................................... 5
7 Detailed command list  ........................................... 6
8 AOR control software  ............................................ 18
9 Acknowledgements  ............................................... 18
10 Contact details  ...................................................... 18
(1)  General
The AR8200 is designed to be connected to a computer using the optional CC8200 lead with built-in level shift conversion, this will
enable computer control via the RS232 serial port of a computer.  An additional piece of software will usually be required in order to
address the computer’s serial port with the correct set of parameters.  If using an IBM-PC or clone (with 80386 processor or higher)
Microsoft Hyper Terminal (or WINDOWS TERMINAL on Windows 3.1x) may be used to address the computer’s serial port.
In order to gain the greatest flexibility, a specialist software package is desirable.  For this reason a Windows based PC package is
supplied FREE on the CD-ROM accompanying the CC8200 (this may also be made available from the AOR web site
WWW.AORJA.COM).
For those wishing to compile their own software (for computers other than the PC etc) or for basic terminal control, please refer to
the following command protocol.
(2)  Supplied Accessories
Please check that the following items are included in the package:
CC8200 lead with built-in level shift (9-pin D type connector) One
CD-ROM containing protocol listing and PC software One
(3)  Connection for RS232 operation
The option socket is mounted on the right hand side of the cabinet underneath the 12V d.c. input socket.  The socket is protected
from dust by a grey rubberised case stopper which is hinged toward the front of the cabinet.  Gently lift the stopper from the rear
edge to reveal the D-shaped metallic socket.  Be careful to keep dust and dirt from this socket and to prevent liquid entering the
AR8200 via this socket.  Ensure that no conductive material is allowed to short circuit the socket which may damage the receiver.
&Notes:
 Switching the receiver On, setting of volume and adjustment of squelch cannot be achieved via the RS232 port.
Computers “always” generate RF noise which may interfere with the AR8200 reception if the standard helical rubber aerial is used.
To reduce the effects of noise, use of a remote aerial is highly recommended with good quality 50 OHM coaxial cable employed.
The following signals are available via the option socket including detector output, mute and AGC.  This pin-out assumes
connection using the AOR optional OS8200 or CC8200 leads (refer to page 117 of the English language operating manual):-
RED+4.2V
BLACKRXD
BLUEGROUND
BROWNMUTE
ORANGEAGC
SHIELDGROUND
WHITETXD
YELLOWGROUND
GREENAUDIO OUT
GREYDETECTOR OUT
PURPLEGROUND
®
&Note:TXD + RXD (levels to drive a level shift converter)
The voltage output level to drive external RS232 is
deliberately below ‘H’ level.  If connecting to an
external I.C., you must be aware of latch status. 
						

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Connect the optional CC8200 computer control lead to the option socket and connect to a computer.
The RS232 parameters may be defined using the CONFIG menu.  Baud rates (transfer speed) may
be set to 4800, 9600 or 19200bps.  It is also possible to set an ‘address’ to facilitate connection of up
to 99 AR8200 to a single port for custom operation, the addresses may be set between the limits of
01 to 99 with 00 representing single radio operation.
When operating from external RS232, the legend ¤ will be displayed on the LCD.  Please refer to 
page
109 section 14-6
 of the English language operating manual for information on the CONFIG menu settings.
If your computer has a 9-pin ‘D’ type connector then simply connect to the computer’s serial port, if however the computer input is
25 way, either a 9-pin male - 25-way female adaptor (ensure all pins are connected through) or patch lead will be required.  If a
lead is used, the following connections are suggested:-
CC8200 9-pin male PC 25 way female
23
32
5 7 GND
74
85
The following RS232 parameters are employed:-
Interface Built in level shift within the CC8200 lead
Connections  used TXD, RXD, GND
Flow control Software X flow
Baud rate 19200, 9600, 4800 (selectable)
Data 8 bit, 2 stop bits
Parity None
RS232 command set ASCII text,  or  delimeter
&Note: The ñòïðarrow keys and remote ID
command (^A) are non-printable
Both the computer and AR8200 must use the same parameters for correct operation.  If data is regularly lost or corrupted, try using
a slower speed such as 4800 baud.  Use of a slower baud rate should not greatly reduce overall communications transfer rate
since the processing time within the receiver as PLL lock-time ultimately restricts the whole process.
&Note: When changing BAUD rate, switch the AR8200 Off/On to ensure the new speed is selected.
(4)  Use of Microsoft WINDOWS ‘Terminal’ and ‘HyperTerminal’
Windows 3.1x uses TERMINAL in a similar way using TERMINAL in the program Manager group.  If the terminal program has not
been configured an error message will appear (depending upon the serial port / mouse configuration).  Click on [OK] to continue.
TERMINAL will open and appear on the screen.  You may re-size or maximise the screen at this point. Click on the 
Settings
heading toward the top of the screen so that the communications and terminal parameters may be configured.  Click on
“TERMINAL EMULATION” then select “ANSI” then click on [OK].  Click on the 
Settings heading toward the top of the screen so that
the communications and terminal parameters may be re-configured.  Click on “TERMINAL PREFERENCES” then select the
required options.  Finally click on [OK].  Click on the 
Settings heading toward the top of the screen so that the communications and
terminal parameters may be re-configured.  Click on “COMMUNICATIONS” then select the options as required.  The choice of COM
port (COM1, COM2 etc) will depend upon your computer serial port and mouse configuration.  Finally click on [OK].  Click on the
File heading toward the top of the screen and select SAVE_AS.  This will enable the chosen parameters to be saved in a file which
may be OPENED next time TERMINAL is selected so that the parameters will not require future re-configuration (.TRM being the
default extension).  The file is saved in the main WINDOWS sub directory.  For further information regarding WINDOWS
TERMINAL and configuration, please refer to the operating manual supplied with Microsoft software and the computer.  Click on
“COMMUNICATIONS” then select the required options.  The choice of COM port (COM1, COM2 etc) will depend upon your
computer serial port and mouse configuration.  Finally click on [OK].
Assuming you have Windows98 loaded on an IBM-PC compatible computer (Windows95 setup is virtually identical) click on the
START button:
Next scroll up through PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES, COMMUNICATIONS and onto HYPER TERMINAL (click): 
						

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The following screen will be displayed:
Double click the HYPERTRM.EXE icon, the following screen will be displayed (this may take quite a few seconds as Windows
checks your hardware:
Enter an identifying name, such as AR8200 then click on OK.  The CONNECT TO screen will be displayed:
Select the required communications port (serial port).  By default, Com1 is selected, this is correct for most lap-top computers but
Com2 is more usual for a desktop computer (especially when a serial mouse is used on Com1).  Click on OK. 
						

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Input the required communication parameters as shown above (this example shown 9600 baud but you can select 4800 or
19200), whichever has been configured on in the AR8200 receiver... they MUST be the same.  Click on OK.
Select the ‘PROPERTIES’ icon (finger pointing at a written page), select ‘SETTINGS’ then click on ‘ACSII Setup’.
Click on the fields indicated to add carriage returns to outgoing and incoming text.  Echo displays your keyboard strokes input on
to the computer screen.  If incoming text is double-spaced, remove the tick box for ‘ASCII Receiving’.  Click OK.
Refer to the command listings later in this section... to try out the link, ensure that the AR8200 is in 2VFO mode (if not type VA
[ENTER] ) then type the command RX [ENTER] via the computer keyboard.  The AR8200 should respond with the current
frequency displayed on the AR8200.  To change frequency type RF123 [ENTER], the AR8200 should change to 123.000 MHz. 
						

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(5)  How to send a command
Each command comprises of two upper case letters (header) along with options as required.  All commands use ASCII code which
MUST BE IN UPPER CASE (except for the ñòïð arrow keys and remote ID command (^A) which are non-printable and use the
control codes of ASCII).
A multiple command entry is only valid where specified.  Where a multiple command entry is allowed, each command MUST be
separated with a space “h20” (HEX DECIMAL).  Each command is completed with a [CR] or [CR] [LF].  Although there is no local
echo, either [CR] or specified response should come back from the receiver after confirming the correct command.
If no response has been gained after a short while, the receiver has failed to receive the command properly.  Send a [CR] then
re-send the command.  Should problems persist, check your connections and try reducing the RS232 baud rate.
AR8200 remote indication
When the AR8200 has received a command via the RS232C port the receiver’s LCD will display the ž symbol.  The AR8200 will
appear frozen while RS232 operation is in progress.  To return operation to the radio keyboard, 
  on the AR8200.
(6)  Command index
^A Remote ID
AF Automatic Frequency Control
AM Bandscope analyser
AP Auto power off
AS Search auto store
AT Attenuator
AU Auto mode
BM Scan bank linking
BP Search bank protect
BS Search bank linking
CF Bandscope centre frequency
CN CTCSS operation
DA Dial (VFO) audio squelch
DB Dial (VFO) level squelch
DC Bandscope date centre frequency
DD Dial (VFO) delay
DP Dial (VFO) pause
DS Bandscope ****
DT Display frequency (on/off)
EX Exit RS232
GA Select scan
GD Release select scan channels
GM Scan parameter selection
GR Select scan recall
GS Search parameter selection
GV VFO status list
LB LCD contrast
LC Frequency & level status
LM Signal meter reading
LS Tone eliminator frequency
(requires optional TE8200 slot card)
MA List a block of memory channels
MC Monitor control (forced squelch)
MD Receive mode
MF Bandscope set marker frequency
MP Set memory channel pass
MQ Delete memory channel or bank
MR Memory recall
MS Scan mode
MW Memory bank resizing
MX Memory write
NL Noise limiter
OF Frequency offset
OL Set and list frequency offset
OM Opening message
PA Power save
PC Protect memory channel
PD Delete pass frequency
PH Bandscope peak hold
PI Power save intervalPP Priority channel
PQ Wait time for LC2
PR List pass frequencies
PW Write search pass frequency
QM Quick memory
QP Power off
QS Delete search bank
RF Set receive frequency
RX Respond with current data
SA Search audio squelch
SB Search level squelch
SC Voice invertor frequency
(requires the optional VI8200 slot card)
SD Search hold / delay time
SE Set search data
SH Set offset step
SI Voice invertor on/off
(requires the optional VI8200 slot card)
SL Lower search frequency limit
SM Start select scan
SP Search pause time
SR Recall search parameters
SS Start search
ST Tuning step size
SU Upper search frequency limit
SW Bandscope span width
TB Set text description for bank
TI Set priority interval
TM Memory text
TS Text search
TT Search bank text
VA Set VFO A
VB Set VFO B
VF Select 1-VFO mode
VL Beep volume
VR Firmware version
VS VFO search
VT VFO auto-store
VV VFO scan
WM Write protect bank
WP Write protect enable
XA Scan audio squelch
XB Scan level squelch
XD Memory scan delay time
XM Mode scan
XP Scan pause setting
UP/DOWN Tuning arrows 
						

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(7)  Detailed command listing for the AR8200
^ARemote ID Hex value 0x01
Accepts a value 
nn in the range 01-99
AFAFC To set: AF
n
n=0 (off), n=1 (on)
To read: AF
Response is AF
n
Note: Not valid in WFM, USB, LSB or CW
AMBandscope Analyser Mode AM starts bandscope mode
AM repeated when in bandscope mode generates a report
in the following format:
AM PH0 CF0091000000 MF0091000000 SW1
APAuto Power off AP
nn
nn=00 (off)
nn=05-95 (sets 0.5 - 9.5 hours to power off following last active transmission)
To read: AP
Responds with AP
n.n (where n.n is the delay time in hours or 0.0 = off)
Note: nn must be in multiples of 0.5 hours
ASSearch auto-store on/off To set: ASn
n=0 (off),
n=1 (on - write frequency into bank J),
n=2 (on - same as 1 but erase previous channels to create space
for new entries),
To read: AS
Response is either 
n=0 (off) or n=1 (on)
Note: Stores into the search group nominated by GS
ATAttenuator To set: ATn
n=0 (off),
n=1 (on)
To read: AT
Response is AT
n, where n=0 (off) or 1 (on)
AUAuto mode To set: AU
n
n=0 (off), n=1 (on)
To read: AU
Response is AU
n MDm
BMScan bank link setting To read: BM
Responds with: BM 
nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn,
where 
n = character corresponding to linked bank (A - J or a - j), or - (not linked)
Example: BM-BCD---------------- indicates that banks B, C & D are linked
To set: BM 
nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Where 
n is a character which specifies a bank which will have its link status
toggled (A - J or a - j). There is no need to enter a “-” to avoid changing a
bank link
BM%% clears all link settings
BM%% 
nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn clears all links except those specified
Examples: BM abc toggles the link status for banks a, b & c
BM%% bc clears the link status for all banks except b & c
Note:  As defined by GM.
BPSearch Bank Protect To set: BPn
n
=0 (off), n=1 (on)
To read: BP
Response is BN
n
BSBank link search To read: BS
Responds with: BS 
nnn...n, where n = character corresponding to linked bank,
or - (not linked). The search bank indicators range from A - T and a - t
(40 search banks in all)
Example: BS-BC---F-HIJ-------R--a---e--h-j----no---st
Indicates that the banks shown are linked. 
						

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To set: BS nnn...n
Where 
n is a bank indicator in the range A-T or a-t
BS%% clears all link settings
BS%%
nnn...n clears all link settings except those listed
Examples:
BSABRabcmp toggles the link state for the banks shown
BS%% BFT clears all links except for the banks B, F & T
Note: As defined by GS.
CFBandscope centre frequency To read: CF
Responds with CF
nnnnnnnnnn
To set: CFnnnnnnnnnn or CFnn.nnn
Set the bandscope centre frequency to the specified frequency
(expressed in Hz or MHz depending on format)
Note: Maximum resolution is 10kHz for spans 10MHz - 500kHz; maximum
resolution is 2kHz for spans 200kHz-100kHz.  Frequencies below 2kHz are
not accepted.
CNCTCSS operation Requires CT8200 option
To read: CN
Responds with CN
nn nn=0 (off), nn=01 (auto), nn=06-37
(a frequency from the following table)
nnfreqnnfreqnnfreqnnfreq
00off10136.520241.830177.3
01auto11141.321250.331183.5
12146.22267.032189.9
13151.42371.933196.6
14156.72474.434199.5
15162.22577.035206.5
0694.816167.92679.736229.1
07100.017173.82782.537254.1
08103.518179.92885.4
09107.219186.22988.5
0A110.91A192.82A91.5
0B114.81B203.52B97.4
0C118.81C210.72C69.4
0D123.01D218.12D159.8
0E127.31E225.72E165.5
0F131.81F233.62F171.3
To set: CN
nn, where nn is a two digit value from the table
DADial (VFO) audio squelch To set: DA
nnn
nnn=000 - 255 (where 000=audio squelch off)
To read: DA
Responds with DA 
nnn or DA+nnn (+ = current audio squelch level >= nnn)
DBDial (VFO) level squelch To set: DB
nnn
nnn=000 - 255 (where 000=level squelch off)
To read: DB
Responds with DB 
nnn or DB+nnn (+ = current level >= nnn)
DCData centre Frequency To read: DC
Responds with DC 
nnn
Example:  DC000
Note: Valid only when bandscope is on
Note: Refer to the LM command
DDDial (VFO) delay To set: DDnn
Where 
nn = 00 - 99 or FF (indicating 0.0 - 99 seconds or FF=hold)
To read: DD
Responds with DD
n.n
DPDial (VFO) pause To set: DPnn
Where 
nn = 00 or 01 - 60 (indicating 1 - 60 seconds or off)
To read: DP
Responds with DD
nn 
						

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DSData analysis (bandscope) DS
Responds with wave form data from the bandscope.  This is valid only when the
bandscope is functioning.  Data is output on completion of each sweep over the
span, data is not continuous so response will not be instantaneous.
Each datum is assigned a number totalling 1024 with 16HEX.
The minimum value of each datum is [2] and maximum [F] by 16HEX.
[0] = not measuring, out of span (not 10MHz or 200kHz span).
[1] = out of specification of receive frequency.
Note: When the span has been narrowed while measuring takes place, only the
newly selected span range will be renewed with fresh data.  Care must be taken
when the marker frequency is replaced with the centre frequency.
Example of data analysis response:
DS
DS1023 : 2222222222222222 2222222222222222
DS0991 : 2223344433222222 2233322334432233
DS0959 : 2223AFB722223322 2222354222222233
DS0927 : 22222222248A9632 2222222498532222
DS0895 : 2232222456522222 2389A64223344322
DS0863 : 2222222233343222 2222442222333222
~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~
DS0095 : C862222552224652 2222235422222222
DS0063 : 2238B96322255222 2233322233223332
DS0031 : 23345F9654222222 3334334332222222
Note: 
Data is always sent 32 lines at a time.
Frequency is obtained from the data of the centre frequency.  Even if the span is
selected as 5MHz, 500kHz or 100kHz, the response is always based on 10MHz
or 20kHz.
When the marker is moved, the data between the centre frequency and the new
marker frequency will be renewed.
Frequency data is still obtainable from the centre frequency.
Note: When a centre frequency is entered, all figures (numbers) except the
sweep range (upper and lower frequencies) will be void.
ò  centre frequency
DS1023 : 2222222222222483 224535AD83332142
ñ  centre frequency
There are 1000 pieces of data over a 10MHz span in 10kHz steps, plus 24 pieces
in reserve.
Note: Data is sent continuously, either buffer memory is required or high speed
processing is required in order not to miss data.
DS0543 : 345354339AFD9633 59564323433379AD
DS0511 : 8634345443369642 2532423333458423
ò -10MHz
DS0031 : 233459A654222222 3334334332222222
All figures are data number (marker frequency = centre frequency)
Span 10MHz 5MHz 2MHz 1MHz 50kHz
Upper frequency1023 800 620 572 545
Centre frequency512 512 512 512 512
Lower frequency12 260 410 442 482
Each one represents 10kHz
Span 200kHz 100kHz
Upper frequency118 92
Centre frequency64 64
Lower frequency00 29
Each one represents 2kHz
DTDisplay frequency text To set: DTn
n
=0 (off), n=1 (on)
Note: Frequency display is blank when n=1
To read: DT
Response is DT
n
EXExit RS-232 EX
Terminates remote operation via the RS-232 and restores normal operation
from the radio’s front panel. 
						

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GASelect Scan on/off To set: GAn
n=0 (off), n=1 (on)
GDRelease select scan channel To set: GD
nn
nn = channel (00-49)
To clear all memory select scan settings, use GD%%
To read: GD
Response is GD
nn
Note: A select scan channel number will be incremented each time select scan
channel has been released. Confirmation is via the GR command
GMScan parameter selection/status To set: GMn
Tags the current memory with label 
n = 0 (fixed presets only) - 9 (user definable)
To read: GM
Example:
GM
GM0 XD2.0 XB 000 XA 000 XP00 XMF
BM --------------------
Note: Refer to individual commands for details of each field.
GRRecall tagged channels
for select scan GR
Lists selected channels from those available for select scan.
Response is of the form:
GR
nn MXmnn RFnnnnnnnnnn STnnnnnn AUn MDn ATn TMxxxxxxxxxxx
Note: Refer to individual commands for details of each field.
GSSearch parameter selection/status To set: GSn
Where 
n=0 (fixed presets only) - 9 (user definable)
To read: GS
Example:
GS
GS0 SD2.0 SB 000 SA 000 SP00 AS0
BS ----------------------------------------
Note: Refer to individual commands for details of each field.
GVVFO set list To read: GV
Reads current status of the VFO as a list of parameters
Example:
GV
GV DD0.0 DB 000 DA 000 DP00 VT0
Note: Refer to individual commands for details of each field.
LBLCD contrast To set: LBnn
nn=00 - 31
To read: LB
Responds with LB
nn
LCRespond with frequency
and level when squelch opens To set: LC
n
n=0 (off), n=1 (on), n=2 (special mode)
To read: LC
Responds with LC
n
When active, data in the following format is returned when the squelch opens:
LC
nnn Vx RFnnn...n
or
LC
nnn SRx RFnnn...n
or
LC
nnn Mnxx RFnnn...n
When inactive, the radio returns LC data indicating the end of the transmission
as follows:
LC%
nnn Vx
or
LC%
nnn Vx
or
LC%
nnn Vx
Notes:
1.  Receive frequency and S-meter level are output when squelch opens (range
of nnn reported by LC is 120-220 approx but varies from set to set)
2.  Response is made automatically every time squelch opens or closes and is 
						

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affected by squelch parameters such as level and voice scan
3.  Special mode (LC2) enables a continuous stream of frequency data to be
output when squelch is open. This allows shift to next frequency after a
pre-defined delay specified by PQ in search/scan. This also allows for high
resolution spectrum analysis.
4.  Signal level values may be specified 000-255, but only 100-255 is used. The
AGC voltage is processed in 256 steps internally.
Note: Refer to individual commands for details of each field.
LMRespond with S-meter
reading To read: LM
Responds with a 256-level s-meter sample in hexadecimal, LM
mnnn,
where nnn = 128-256 and m is either “ “ (squelch open) or “%” (squelch closed)
LSTone eliminate frequency Requires TE8200 option
To set: LS
nnn (000-255) (000=off)
The following mapping is used between 
nnn and tone frequency:
Tone Freq
nnnTone Freqnnn
0.4 (kHz) 0-60 2.6 (kHz) 230-235
0.6 70-110 3.0 237-240
1.0 160-170 3.4 240-245
1.4 190-200 3.8 245-248
1.8 210-220 4.2 248-250
2.2 220-230
To read: LS
Responds with LS 
nnn or LS+nnn (for mute on)
MAList a block of ten memory
channels To read: MA or MA
n (n= bank A-J or a-j)
Example:
MA
MXA00 MP0 RF0101100000 ST100000 AU0 MD0 AT0 TM
MXA01 MP0 RF0460900000 ST010000 AU0 MD1 AT0 TMTest 2
MXA02 MP0 RF0085900000 ST100000 AU0 MD0 AT0 TMTest 3
MXA03 MP0 RF0085900000 ST020000 AU0 MD1 AT0 TMTest 4
MXA04 MP0 RF0085900000 ST020000 AU0 MD6 AT0 TMTest 5
MXA05 MP0 RF0085900000 ST020000 AU0 MD7 AT0 TMTest 6
MXA06 MP0 RF0085900000 ST010000 AU0 MD2 AT0 TMTest 7
MXA07 MP0 RF0085900000 ST001000 AU0 MD8 AT0 TMTest 8
MXA08 MP0 RF0085900000 ST000050 AU0 MD4 AT0 TMTest 9
MXA09 MP0 RF0085900000 ST000050 AU0 MD3 AT0 TMTest 10
Note: Refer to individual commands for details of each field.
MCMonitor Control To set: MCn
0 normal squelch operation
1 squelch forced closed
2 squelch forced open
MDReceive mode To set: MD
n
0 WFM
1 NFM
2AM
3 USB
4 LSB
5CW
6 SFM
7 WAM
8 NAM
To read: MD
Responds with mode value as above
MFSet Marker Frequency To read: MF
Responds with MF
nnnnnnnnnn
To set: MFnnnnnnnnnn or MFnn.nnn
Set the bandscope marker frequency to the specified frequency
(expressed in Hz or MHz depending on format)
Note: Maximum resolution is 10kHz for spans 10MHz - 500kHz; maximum
resolution is 2kHz for spans 200kHz-100kHz