AOR AR8600 Receiver Manual

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PUSH this key to place the AR8600 into 2VFO mode where you may receive spot frequencies and
‘generally monitor activity’.  The LCD displays two lines of frequency readout, the upper (larger) being
the current receive frequency.  The LCD legend “2VFO” confirms selection with each VFO being
identified as “V-A” and “V-B”.
   again to toggle between VFO-A “V-A” and VFO-B “V-B”.
  to initiate VFO search between the two displayed frequency limits set by VFO-A and
VFO-B, the legend “V-SR” confirms selection of VFO SEARCH.
    to access the VFO MODE select menu where the following
parameters may be configured:-
VFO SCAN ON / OFF (default = OFF)
DELAY OFF / HOLD / 0.1s to 9.9s (default = OFF)
LEVEL OFF / 1 to 255 (default = OFF)
VOICE OFF / 1 to 255 (default = OFF)
FREE OFF / 1s to 60s (default = OFF)
AUTOSTORE ON / OFF (default = OFF)
DELETE J (deletes the current data from bank J)
QUICK  MEMORY OFF / 10s to 990s (default = OFF)
PRESS this key to switch the AR8600 on and off as a toggle.  The main PWR/VOL control must be ‘on’
in order for the STANDBY switch to operate.  Hold the 
 key for more than one second for the
press to be registered.
PUSH this key to activate the band scope,  the ,  or  key to return to
normal operation.
&Note: Priority operation is disabled when the band scope facility is in use.
Traces will be overwritten as the band scope is written from left to right on the LCD.  To build up a long
term activity display, 
    to toggle the PEAK HOLD facility on / off, the
LCD legend “HLD” confirms operation.
The key sequence 
    recalls a previously saved band scope trace.
PUSH this key to PASS (lockout) memory channels during memory read & scan mode and to PASS
(skip) unwanted frequencies in search mode.  Also acts as select ON/OFF/DEFAULT toggle in various
menus.
Section 1-5-2 
						

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  in 2VFO mode to access the VFO PASS menu which extends to include the
SEARCH bank pass edit menu.
    in 2VFO, SEARCH or SCAN mode to access the SELECT SCAN
edit menu.
PUSH to abort entry via the keypad.
  to select the optional SLOT CARD when fitted.
 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.
Numeric figure one during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “A” or “a” and search bank
“A” or “a” or “K” or “k”.
    to toggle the attenuator on / off, the LCD legend “AT T” confirms
operation.
    to toggle the noise limiter on / off, the LCD legend “NL” confirms
operation.
Numeric figure two during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “B” or “b” and search bank
“B” or “b” or “L” or “l”.
    to access the tuning STEP size (increment) menu.
Numeric figure three during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “C” or “c” and search bank
“C” or “c” or “M” or “m”.
    to access the receive mode selection menu.
    to select AUTO-MODE where the receiver mode and tuning step
are automatically selected by the AR8600 microprocessor from the pre-programmed band plan data
(this is a short cut to save using the receive mode menu).  The LCD legend “AUT” confirms that
auto-mode is in operation.
Section 1-5-2 
						

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Numeric figure four during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “D” or “d” and search bank
“D” or “d” or “N” or “n”.
    toggles the priority facility on/off (assuming that one has already
been assigned using the priority menu).  The LCD legend “PRI” confirms when priority has been
selected.
    to access the priority menu where the data from a memory
channel may be assigned for priority use.  The interval sampling time may also be specified.
Numeric figure five during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “E” or “e” and search bank
“E” or “e” or “O” or “o”.
    to initiate select scan (assuming that more than one memory
channel has already been tagged for select scan).  The LCD legend “SEL” indicates when select scan is
active.  
  or  or  to exit select scan.
Numeric figure six during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “F” or “f” and search bank
“F” or “f” or “P” or “p”.
    to access the program search menu where upper / lower fre-
quency limits etc for search mode may be entered.
Numeric figure seven during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “G” or “g” and search
bank “G” or “g” or “Q” or “q”.
    to access the configuration menu where the beep, lamp, LCD
contrast, RS232 etc. may be configured.
Numeric figure eight during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “H” or “h” and search bank
“H” or “h” or “R” or “r”.
    to access the edit menu when memory channels and search
banks may be amended and copy protection configured.
Section 1-5-2 
						

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Numeric figure nine during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “I” or “i” and search bank “I”
or “i” or “S” or “s”.
    will delete the currently displayed memory channel during memory
read or scan.
    accesses the delete menu where search banks, VFO pass
frequencies, memory banks, select channel tags, channel protect status & memory pass tags may be
deleted.
Numeric figure zero during frequency input.  Selection of memory/scan bank “J” or “j” and search bank
“J” or “j” or “T” or “t”.
    to toggle the AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) facility on/off, the
LCD legend “AFC” confirms selection.
    to access the clone (copy between radio) menu. A special
RS232 male-male, pin-pin lead will be required.
Numeric decimal during MHz format frequency input.  Used in memory and search as a CASE SHIFT
key to toggle between UPPER and LOWER case banks.
    to access the frequency offset menu.
    to access the sleep timer menu.
Used as an ENTER key to accept data entry.
  during VFO operation to write the current frequency to QUICK MEMORY where the
key sequence 
   ð recalls quick memory.  The ïð keys may be used to cycle
through the quick memories, the LCD legend “
«” indicates when a quick memory has been recalled.
  to enter the current frequency in to one of the 1,000 memory channels.
    to access the text search menu.
Section 1-5-2 
						

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1-5-3  Important controls
The bottom row of seven keys are fundamental in the operation of the AR8600.  The  SCAN, SEARCH
and VFO functions are actioned via this set of keys along with the FUNC and CLEAR operations.
FUNCTION KEY 
The function (shift) key (located on the left hand side) is used to select the second function of keypad
facilities.
  to toggle the function status on/off.  A solid reverse legend LCD “FUNC” indicates
when function shift is in operation.  The function status is terminated automatically in the normal course
of entry.
  to initiate double-shift which is used in certain menus as a short-cut.  The reverse
“FUNC” legend flashes when 
double-shift is engaged.
&Note: When the “FUNC” legend is displayed in VFO mode, the tuning speed will be
increased to assist rapid frequency change using the arrow keys and main dial.
The KEY LOCK is intentionally small to reduce the chances of accidental operation.  Key
lock is useful when you do not wish an important frequency to be lost or the AR8600 to be
incorrectly set to a different frequency.  The key lock status is 
not deactivated by switch off
/ on, the 
 and  keys are not affected by key lock.
  to toggle the key lock on /off, an LCD key symbol “” indicates status.
The MONITOR key is used to force the squelch open so that you may manually intervene to ensure that
no weak signals are missed.  
 and hold the  key to defeat the squelch control (saves
turning the squelch control fully anti-clockwise then back to threshold position).
When the “DUP” legend is displayed during frequency offset or VFO SCAN (DUPLEX) operation, the
 key forces the AR8600 to switch to the alternative frequency.
In SCOPE mode, the 
 key enables the reception of the marker frequency.
MAIN DIAL
This large rotary control is intended to be rotated using your fingers and thumb or by
placing your thumb on the edge and rotating using a circular movement.  Primarily this is
the tuning control, clockwise rotation tunes the AR8600 upward in frequency and anti-
clockwise rotation tunes downward in frequency using the selected tuning step size.
When the “FUNC” legend is displayed, the tuning speed will be increased.  The main dial
is also used to move between menus and manipulate input through menus (generally
mimicking the arrow keys).
Section 1-5-3 
						

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ARROW KEYS
The arrow keys 
ïðñò are laid out as a group of four keys (up, down, left and right).
This format is particularly convenient being placed directly above the main dial.
ð
The right arrow key is used as a backspace when entering frequency via the keypad.
Also selects bank in memory read mode, moves the cursor position (especially during
text input), tunes the receiver and changes values in menus.
ï
The left arrow key selects bank in memory read mode, moves the cursor position (especially during text
input), tunes the receiver and changes values in menus.
ñ
The up arrow key increments to next memory channel in memory read mode, tunes the receiver in VFO
mode, selects menu items, changes values in on-screen menus and forces scan & search to resume
when stopped on a busy channel.
ò
The down arrow key increments memory channel in memory read mode, tunes the receiver in VFO
mode, selects menu items, changes values in on-screen menus and forces scan & search to resume
when stopped on a busy channel.
&Note: Ensure that the arrow keys are operated cleanly and one at a time.
1-6  Power supply
The AR8600 is designed for operation using a good quality regulated d.c. supply of 12
to 14V, which should be capable of supplying 1A.  Never connect the AR8600 directly
to the a.c. supply.
The d.c. input socket uses a mini 2.1mm power connector.  This connector is configured CENTRE
POSITIVE, the chassis of the receiver is at negative ground. If a power supply has been provided with
the AR8600 (depending upon world market area), it is pre-wired and provides a nominal 12V d.c. output
with suitable connectors being fitted as standard for the a.c. power input and connection to the AR8600.
&SAFETY NOTICE - Always disconnect the power supply  from the a.c. socket when
not in use.
1-6-1 Optional internal battery
(BP8600)
The AR8600 has the provision for fitting a dedicated
internal NiCad rechargeable battery pack BP8600.
This pack comprises of 8 x AA NiCad high capacity
700mAhr sealed in a shroud with suitable connecting
cable and plug.  The BP8600 is primarily intended for
emergency use or for applications away from an
alternative power supply.  Fitting and removal of the
optional BP8600 is recommended to be carried out in
a workshop... once fitted, the batteries must be used
Section 1-5-3, 1-6, 1-6-1 
						

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on a regular basis, if you are not going to use the AR8600 with the BP8600 for extended periods
(several months), it may be worth considering removing the batteries from the radio (to prevent the cells
deteriorating).  It is most important that they are charged before placing them into storage and reusing
them within at least three months, ideally NiCads should be fully cycled not less than once every month
after they have been placed into use, always charge NiCads before placing them into storage.
These BP8600 is not charged at the factory before shipping, so you will need to charge it for 48 hours
before use.  Dry cells such as Alkaline or Zinc / Manganese cannot be used, the AR8600 charging
circuit is not designed to recharge dry cells or NiMHi batteries.
Fitting batteries
The optional BP8600 battery pack must be fitted in a workshop.
1-6-2  Charging the optional BP8600 battery
The optional BP8600 is intended to be charged while inside the AR8600 while connected to an external
12V d.c. power supply.  Switch the AR8600 to STANDBY by pressing the 
 key for more than
one second (or switching off the AR8600 using the PWR/VOL control).  It will take 48 hours for the
BP8600 to fully charge, the BP8600 will not successfully charge when the AR8600 is in operation.
The AR8600 will provide around 2 hours of continuous
operation with one third volume and constant reception
with the backlight switched off.  The operational time
between charges will be dependant upon volume level
and operating parameters, the power save facility will
also extend operating time.
If connected to an external power supply, the AR8600
many be used for continuous operation regardless of
the charge status of the NiCad battery (the charge
current being at a very low level).
When the NiCads near discharge, three states will be encountered:-
1.  A battery symbol will appear in the extreme top right of the LCD a couple of minutes before the
NiCads completely discharge.  The operational cut-off point is difficult to determine making advance
warning brief.  The legend will have one diagonal bar representing minimal charge left.
2.  The LCD battery legend will become an empty outline... operation will cease almost immediately.
3.  The NiCads will expire and the set will power off (the VFO frequencies and last stored memory
may be lost).  Connect a 12V d.c. power supply to continue operation or recharge the battery.
Section 1-6-1, 1-6-2 
						

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1-6-3  Battery considerations
The optional BP8600 battery is not factory charged.  When the BP8600 has been fitted, charge the
battery for 48 hours.  After this time the NiCads should never be left in a flat condition or internal
filaments will form (inside the NiCads) shorting its terminals rendering it useless.  If you are not going
to use the NiCads for a few months, charge them before placing them into storage.  NiCads have a
memory effect, for longevity, once a month flatten them completely then fully charge them again.
Avoid excessive ‘topping up’, when possible, it is best to charge NiCads when they are totally flat.
If you have not used the cells for a long time, it may be difficult the battery to accept a charge, to help
‘bring them back to life’, first ensure they are COMPLETELY discharged then charge for a longer period
of time, perhaps 72 hours.  It is common practice to force complete exhaustion by leaving the squelch
open and volume set to half until the AR8600 stops working, carry this out once a month to ensure best
battery longevity.
Do not continuously charge (forever) without some use of the radio, this may shorten the life span of the
NiCads.  Although the charge current is of a very low level, where batteries are concerned, permanent
charging leads to a small chance of explosion due to the build up of heat.  If you intend permanently
using the AR8600 from an external power supply, remove the BP8600 battery.  Do not short NiCads as
they can provide high current levels.  The BP8600 will typically provide around 300 charge / discharge
cycles.
1-6-4  Cigar lighter lead
It is possible to power the AR8600 from a vehicle using the
optional DC8600 cigar lead, this will power the AR8600 in
exactly the same manner as the a.c. power supply (except
that it is connected to a vehicle 12V d.c. supply).  Ensure
that the vehicle has a 12V d.c. battery, do not connect to a
truck / H.G.V. 24V battery.
The tip on the cigar plug must be positive (+), the vehicle must be negative ground.  A 1A fuse should be
fitted inside the cigar lead, should this fuse blow for some reason, ensure it is replaced with the correct
type.  Avoid short circuits.
Switch off the AR8600, connect the cigar lead to the AR8600 12V d.c. input socket THEN connect the
cigar plug to the vehicle and switch the AR8600 on.  It is advisable to switch the AR8600 off when
starting the vehicle as the starter motor often causes power surges.  Some vehicles require their ignition
to be ON for the cigar socket to operate.
Section 1-6-3, 1-6-4 
						

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Section 1-7
1-7  IF output and Spectrum Display Unit (SDU5500)
The rear panel has a 10.7MHz i.f. output designed to drive the SDU5500 optional Spectrum Display Unit.
The AR8600 must be enabled in order to provide the i.f. output, this operation should be carried out in a
workshop.  The WFM circuit of the AR8600 becomes permanently active to achieve a wide bandwidth
(irrespective of receive mode employed), however the usable bandwidth remains smaller than the total
10MHz provided by the SDU5500.  The i.f. output varies depending upon receive frequency and receive
mode.
The SDU5500 provides an excellent tool
for locating elusive transmission with a PEAK
capability to ‘freeze’ the briefest of transmissions
for later measurement of frequency and level after
the event.  A free supporting PC software
package provides a virtual on-screen display of
the SDU5500 with AVI video recording to disk so
that events may be replaced at varying speeds for
historic analysis.
The firmware of the SDU5500 is FLASH upgradable.  It may be necessary to upgrade the SDU5500
firmware to support for the AR8600, other models and new features may be added to the SDU5500
in the same manner.  Details are published on the AOR web site including the HEX data and full
instructions (plus computer control), no workshop equipment is required for firmware update and you
do not need to remove the case of the SDU5500, all data is sent via the RS232 connection via a
terminal program. 
						

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(2)  Making the AR8600 ready for operation
2-1  LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
All relevant operational information is provided via the central LCD.  To see all the available LCD
legends, and to test the LCD, an LCD test routine has been provided.  
 and hold the 
key then switch the AR8600 on, (then turn the PWR/VOL control clockwise to provide power or if already
switched on 
 .  When the sign-on message has been displayed all LCD graphics will
be displayed.  To exit the LCD test 
 .  The LCD contrast is adjustable using the
configuration menu as is the rear LCD & keypad illumination.
1  Priority
2  Search hold / band scope peak hold
3  Voice squelch
4  Free search / scan
5  Level squelch
6  Low battery (if optional BP8600 is fitted)
7  Auto store
8  Attenuator
9  Automatic Frequency Control
10  Step-adjust
11  Duplex
12  Sleep
13  Key lock
14  Function
15  Pass (lockout)
16  Select scan
17  Noise limiter
18  RS232 remote
19  Band scope peak
      search / quick memory
20  Auto-mode
21  Operating mode
     (2VFO, SRCH, SCAN etc)
22  Receive mode
23  Tuning step size
24  Active receive frequency
25  Squelch open legend
26  Signal meter
Typical examples of LCD:-
   
Section 2, 2-1