AOR AR8600 Receiver Manual

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2-2  Connect the aerial (antenna)
Two aerials are supplied with the AR8600:
l BNC mounted whip aerial with swivel
l BC ANT - MW bar aerial
For general reception on the VHF/UHF bands, connect the
supplied whip aerial to the BNC socket on the rear panel of
AR8600.  This is a bayonet connector, line up the slots, press
down firmly and twist clockwise, the guides will position, then let go.
Position the right-angle and swivel for the most convenient position with the whip
generally pointing upward.  A...

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2-4  Keypad and knobs... what you need to know ‘most’
Several of the keys have special characteristics, a summary was given in section 1-5-1 of this manual
where it was explained that several keys have two of three functions associated with them.
&IMPORTANT Note: Make sure you understand the PASS (LOCKOUT / SKIP) operation
before using the PASS facility, this applies to the PROTECT facility too, make sure both
facilities are understood 
before you attempt to use them.
The list presented here...

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2-4-4   CLEAR key
  to abort entry via the keypad... if in doubt,   to return to the previous
display menu or operating mode.
  to select an option when an optional SLOT CARD is used.
 and hold the  key while powering on the AR8600 to soft reset the
microprocessor should the AR8600 appear to behave strangely... no memory contents will be lost.
2-4-5   MONITOR key
The MONITOR key is used to force the squelch open to manually intervene ensuring that no weak
signals are missed.  
 and hold the  key to...

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(3)  Basic manual operation of the receiver
The following information explains how to tune to a specific frequency, change receive mode etc.
&Note: When the AR8600 is switched OFF USING THE  STANDBY KEY, all VFO
data will be automatically stored into flash-ROM memory storage.  No battery or capacitor is
required for memory backup.  If the AR8600 is switched off using the PWR/VOL control prior to
use of the 
 key, the VFO data may be lost.  If the optional BP8600 battery is fitted and
becomes...

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In 2VFO mode 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 using a large font centrally on the
LCD, the ‘standby’ VFO is shown on a lower line using a smaller font size (when using VFO SCAN it is
possible for the lower line frequency to be active, in this case a larger text size is employed for clarity).
 the  key to first select ‘VFO mode’ (should the receiver be scanning or searching etc)....

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Transfer to active VFO
When the AR8600 has stopped on an active frequency in memory read, scan or search mode, use the
key sequence 
    to transfer the frequency to the active (upper VFO).
The AR8600 will revert to 2VFO mode where the frequency may be monitored.
3-3  Entering a frequency using the numeric keypad
While in VFO mode, enter the required frequency using MHz format followed by .
Example of frequency entry 80.8 MHz
         
There is no need to key in the trailing zeros to the right of the...

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displayed to the right of the kHz position.  This is to ensure easy recognition of short wave frequencies
which are often listed as ‘kHz’ in frequency guides.
If an attempt is made to enter an ‘out of range’ or invalid frequency (such as 2345 MHz or 0.09 MHz) the
error beep will sound (if beep is enabled) and the LCD returns to the previous frequency prior to
frequency input.  Acceptable input range is 0.1 MHz to 2040 MHz.
&Note: If you pause during frequency input for more than 90 seconds, the menu...

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&Note: When tuning, reception may occasionally be momentarily
interrupted while tuning and the “S” squelch legend will flash as tuning
progresses, some noise may accompany tuning, this is normal.
Fast tuning
The ï and ð keys may be used to tune the receiver at a rate TEN TIMES
FASTER than the selected step size.  This means that when a step size
of 25 kHz is selected, tuning will be in 250 kHz steps, this provides a
convenient method to quickly tune up and down frequency bands.
&Note: Be aware that...

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3-7  Changing receive mode
Due to the necessities of signal bandwidth, channel occupancy and transmission efficiency, different
receive modes are used by various services.  In addition to this the specification for tuning step and
receive mode are allocated by departments of Governments following International discussions so are
not consistent throughout the world.  For this reason, it is necessary to change receive mode in order to
monitor various transmissions.
For your convenience, receive mode and...

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With regard to receive mode, generally speaking the following modes will apply:
AUTO
Receive mode and tuning step will be selected automatically using the pre-programmed auto
bandplan data.
WFM
Wide band Frequency Modulation - used by VHF and UHF broadcast stations as excellent audio quality
is available due to the relatively wide frequency bandwidth employed.  Used only for local services such
as VHF Band-II stereo (received as mono on the AR8600) and UHF TV sound channels.
When listening in VERY...