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 different (external) aerial can easily be fitted once you have
established that the AR8600 is operating correctly and you are familiar with operation.
If you wish to monitor MW (Medium Wave bands), plug in the BC ANT - MW bar aerial.   The BC ANT
slot is located centrally on the
rear panel.  With the ‘AOR’
logo of the BC ANT facing
upward, insert the aerial into
the slot, no force
is required... if you feel
resistance, you are probably
trying to insert it upside-down!
The BC ANT is asymmetrical.
With the longer arm of the bar facing
to the right (grooves to the bottom).
If you really press very hard, it is
possible to force the connector in
backwards... the BC ANT will not operate
if connected backwards!
2-3  Connect power
Connect the power to the AR8600 d.c.
socket as detailed in section 1-6 of this
manual.  Either a regulated d.c. power
supply 12 - 14V with capacity of 1A may be
used or a suitable connection to a vehicle
cigar lighter plug, do not connect to a 24V
system such as a HGV.  If the optional
BP8600 battery is fitted, refer to 
section
1-6-1 of this manual.
Section 2-1, 2-2, 2-3 
						

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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 represents ‘what you need to remember most’ !  Refer to 
section 1-5-1 of this
manual
 for the definition of  and  should you not understand the syntax shown here.
2-4-1   ENTER key
Used as an ENTER key to accept data entry.
  to enter the current frequency in to memory (a quick memory facility is also available,
explained 
section 4-1 of this manual).
    to access the text search menu.
2-4-2   FUNCTION key
The function (shift) key is used to select the second function of keypad facilities.
  to toggle the FUNCTION (shift) on/off.  An 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.
2-4-3   PASS key
This key needs special attention as it acts as select ON/OFF/DEFAULT toggle in various menus.
  key to PASS (lockout) memory channels during memory read & scan mode and to
PASS (lockout / skip) unwanted frequencies in search mode.
  in 2VFO mode to access the VFO PASS menu which extends to include the
SEARCH bank pass edit menu.
  PRESS  in 2VFO, SEARCH or SCAN mode to access the SELECT SCAN
edit menu.
Section 2-4, 2-4-1, 2-4-2, 2-4-3 
						

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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 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.
2-4-6   KEY LOCK
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.
2-4-7   Standby key
The STANDBY key is used for every day switching on and off the AR8600.  It is recommended
that the PWR/VOL on/off switch be used only to isolate power from the receiver prior to connection
and disconnection of the power lead... if the AR8600 is switched off using the PWR/VOL switch, the
current VFO data may be lost.
  to switch the AR8600 on and off.
Section 2-4-4, 2-4-5, 2-4-6, 2-4-7 
						

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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 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.  This
is particularly noticeable when recalling memory banks when only a few channels have been stored.
3-1  Switching On for the first timeSet the squelch control to the ‘mid point’ and rotate the PWR/VOL control to the ‘mid
point’, as you start to rotate the PWR/VOL control a ‘click’ will be heard as the power
isolation switch contact switches on.  For future switching on and off, 
 the 
key.  It is never a good idea to switch on any 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.
In the default state, the LCD will show the opening message “WELCOME TO THE NEW
WORLD OF AR8600” across the first four lines, at the same time the microprocessor
generates the ‘boot up data’ required to control the receiver.  When the 
 key is
used, the opening message is bypassed.
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, 
 the  key to
momentarily defeat (open) the squelch so that a comfortable volume level may be set.
It is best to 
 the  key at this time to place the AR8600 in a known state of operation.
The condition of “VFO” (1VFO) or “2VFO” is generally referred to as 
manual mode.  The “2VFO” legend
will be displayed in the upper left of the LCD to confirm selection.
&Note: If the AR8600 has no data input via the keypad or other controls for 90 seconds,
 some menus will time out and the AR8600 will return to its previous task just as if the
 key had been operated.
3-2  2VFO twin VFO selection
The AR8600 receiver has a twin VFO system being identified as “V-A” and “V-B” on the LCD to the left
of the frequency readout.  The term VFO historically means ‘Variable Frequency Oscillator’ and today
refers to a tuneable data store which contains frequency, mode, step, step-adjust, attenuator etc.
Section 3, 3-1, 3-2 
						

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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).
Each time the 
 key is pushed VFO “V-A” and VFO “V-B” alternate between active and standby.
The first time you enter a frequency via the numeric keypad, it is best to  the  key to
place the receiver in a known state of operation.  
 the  key so the “V-A” becomes the
active VFO (upper and largest of the two frequency readouts).  This condition is referred to as ‘
2VFO’
mode with VFO-A active and VFO-B as standby.  If you find the twin frequency display confusing,
    or use the key sequence    
(while no signal is present) 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.
Section 3-2 
						

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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 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 AR8600 microprocessor.
Example of ‘MHz round number’ frequency entry for 808.000 MHz
       
While keying in frequency data, the bottom line of the LCD displays “FREQ SET” to indicate what sort of
data input the AR8600 is expecting.  Similar helpful messages are displayed at other times during data
input.
Example of frequency entry 954 kHz (0.954 MHz)
         
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 
 key is pushed to ensure the display appears neat
and tidy.
You will note that frequencies below 3.0 MHz (3000 kHz) will be automatically displayed in kiloHertz
format (the letter “k” will be displayed to the right of the frequency readout) and the decimal point
Section 3-2, 3-3 
						

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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 will time out
and the AR8600 will return to its previous task just as if the 
 key had been operated.
Aborting frequency input
If for some reason you do not wish to complete the frequency data input, 
  before
completing the input sequence with 
3-4  Correcting frequency input
Should an error be made while entering frequency data (by pressing the wrong numeric key), it may be
corrected using the ð BACKSPACE facility.  This facility enables rapid correction of errors prior to the
completion of entry by the enter key.
Example of frequency data correction while keying 433.250 MHz
         
then   (as if you have made a mistake)
 ð, the number “7” clears from the LCD
    to finalise the correct entry.
3-5  Changing frequency using the ñ and ò keys
The ñ and ò 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.  In AUTO the step size, receiver mode etc is taken from the factory pre-programmed band plan
but may be overridden at any time.
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, 8.33 kHz, 9.00 kHz, 10.00 kHz, 12.50 kHz, 20 kHz, 25.00
kHz, 30 kHz, 50 kHz, 100.00 kHz.  The tuning step size may also be programmed in multiples of 50
Hz (via the keypad) so that unusual step sizes other than stated are possible.
 the ñ key to tune the receiver upward in whichever step size is selected, use the ò to tune the
receiver downward in frequency.  You may 
 and hold either key to continuously tune the
receiver in whichever direction is desired, tuning will stop when the key is released.
Section 3-3, 3-4, 3-5 
						

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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 when auto-mode is selected and a tuning
step change has automatically taken place, one PUSH up or down
may take several pushes to arrive back to the starting place again.
1 MHz tuning
While the “FUNC” legend is displayed (achieved by a 
 of the  key,  again to
deactivate as a toggle), the tuning rate for the ñ and ò keys is 1 MHz per increment.
3-6  Changing frequency using the main dial
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 main dial which is mounted on the right hand side of
the front panel.  You may rotate the control between your fingers or place your thumb near the edge and
rotate using a circular motion... use whatever is most comfortable.
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 short wave
broadcast.  The rotary tuning main dial provides the very best ‘user interface’ with the AR8600 especially
for USB, LSB and CW listening.
Rotating the main dial ‘clockwise’ increases frequency while
rotation ‘anti-clockwise’ decreases receive frequency.
The speed at which the main 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, 8.33 kHz, 9.00 kHz, 10.00 kHz, 12.50 kHz, 20 kHz,
25.00 kHz, 30 kHz, 50 kHz, 100.00 kHz.  The tuning step size may also be programmed in multiples of
50 Hz (via the keypad) so that unusual step sizes other than stated are possible.
While the “FUNC” legend is displayed (achieved by a 
 of the  key,  again to
deactivate as a toggle), the tuning rate for the main dial is TEN TIMES FASTER than the selected step
size.  This means that when a step size of 10 kHz is selected, tuning will be in 100 kHz steps, this
provides a convenient method to quickly tune up and down frequency bands.
Section 3-5, 3-6 
						

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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 tuning step size have been pre-programmed into the AR8600
auto-mode bandplan data at the factory to simplify operation of the receiver, especially while you
familiarise yourself with all the facilities.  Should you wish, the defaults may be manually overridden at
any time so that you may select an alternative receive mode and tuning step on any frequency.
3-7-1  Auto-mode selection
When auto-mode is in operation (so that receive mode and tuning
step size are automatically selected for you by the AR8600
microprocessor), the reverse legend “AUT” is displayed toward
the top right of the LCD.
To activate auto-mode or reconfirm its selection while in VFO
mode, 
   
Alternatively “AUTO” may be selected from the “MODE SET”
menu accessed with the key sequence 
 
 
The  key acts as a short cut to “AUTO”, alternatively use
the main dial or ï ð keys.  When the reverse “AUTO” legend has
been selected, 
  to accept the data input.  The
LCD will revert to VFO mode with the “AUT” legend confirming selection.
&Note: Auto-mode is cancelled as soon as the receive mode, tuning step or other
related data is changed.  Remember that auto-STEP and auto-MODE are linked, reselect
AUTO-MODE if either have been adjusted and you require the auto bandplan selection.
3-7-2  Receive mode selection menu
Any receive mode may be selected at any frequency within the receiver’s frequency coverage.
To access the receive mode menu 
   , the following modes are
available: AUTO, WFM, NFM, SFM, WAM, AM, SAM, USB, LSB, CW.  Use the main dial or ï ð ñ ò
keys to make selection, the 
 key acts as a short cut to “AUTO”.  To accept the selection
 
As a further short cut to AUTO MODE,     .  The reverse LCD legend
“AUT” confirms selection.
Section 3-7, 3-7-1, 3-7-2 
						

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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 strong signal locations especially when using an external aerial, adjacent
channel interference may be observed due to the wide nature of the IF filters.  Should interference
be encountered, use the attenuator to reduce signal strength or swap to the standard telescopic whip
aerial.
NFM
Narrow band Frequency Modulation - this provides high quality communication for relatively short
distance operation.  NFM uses a greater frequency bandwidth than other point-to-point modes such as
SSB so is less efficient.
NFM is the most common mode used above 30 MHz with the exception of the airbands (which use AM).
NFM is widely used on the VHF bands: VHF Marine band, 2m amateur Band (145MHz), 70cm amateur
band (433 MHz), PMR (Private Mobile Radio) and utilities.
In the absence of a signal, the background white noise may appear quite loud.  For ease of listening the
squelch control should be rotated clockwise until the background noise just disappears, this should be
carried out when no signal is present.  The point where the background noise is cancelled is known as
‘threshold point’.  Do not advance the squelch control more than necessary or the receiver will appear to
be desensitised and weaker signals will be missed.
SFM
Super Narrow band Frequency Modulation - this mode is specific to the AR8600.  Essentially this is the
same mode as NFM but uses a narrower IF filter for added selectivity when monitoring crowded bands
such as PMR utilities.
WAM
Wide Amplitude Modulation - this mode is specific to the AR8600.  It is essentially the same as AM but
uses a wider IF filter, particularly useful for monitoring parasitic airband transmissions when ‘repeater
transmissions’ are employed.  Provides good broadcast quality for MW (medium wave band) listening to
strong local signals when adjacent channel transmissions are not encountered.
AM
Amplitude Modulation - Used by broadcast services throughout the world on medium wave and short
wave.  AM is also used by VHF civil airband, UHF military airband and some PMR (Private Mobile
Radio) and utility services.
NAM
Narrow Amplitude Modulation - this mode is specific to the AR8600.  It is essentially the same as AM
but uses a narrower IF filter for added selectivity when monitoring crowded bands such as short wave.
Due to the narrower bandwidth employed, the audio quality will be compromised.
USB
Upper Side Band - is a form of Single Side Band (SSB).  USB is used commercially and by radio
amateurs on frequencies above 10 MHz (below 10 MHz radio amateurs tend to use LSB to assist the
separation of commercial and amateur users on traditionally shared bands, this prevents them from
attempting to communicate with each other… which is prohibited).
Section 3-7-2