AOR SDU-5500 Operating Manual

							11
Channel scope mode (CHANL)
1 PREV RX PLOT CONT B/W NEXT
2 PREV MODE    - ATT GAIN NEXT
3 PREV SPECT STRES CHANL    - NEXT
4 PREV FREQ    - RBW    - NEXT
5 PREV MKR PEAK CPEAK MK-CF NEXT
6 PREV MAX AVR    -    - NEXT
7 PREV    -     - NEXT
‘Other’ companion radio
1 PREV RX PLOT CONT B/W NEXT
2 PREV    - STEP    - GAIN NEXT
3 PREV SPECT STRES    -    - NEXT
4 PREV CF SPAN RBW FDIR NEXT
5 PRE MKR PEAK CPEAK MK-CF NEXT
6 PREV MAX AVR    -    - NEXT
7 PREV  NEXT
1 11 1
1Menu 1
PREVMove to previous menu
RXCompanion radio type
PLOTToggles between outline and paint
CONTLCD contrast (0 to 160) around 50
is usually best
B/WToggles between an Blue and White
background
NEXTMove to next menu
2 22 2
2Menu 2
PREVMove to previous menu
MODECompanion radio receive mode
(not available in ‘Other’ radio operation)
STEPCompanion radio tuning step size in kHz.
(not available in channel scope mode)
ATTToggles the companion radio attenuator
on/off (not available in ‘Other’ radio
operation)
GAINToggles the SDU5500 gain between
Hi and Low
NEXTMove to next menu
Section 3-2 
						

							12
3 33 3
3Menu 3
PREVMove to previous menu
SPECTPlaces the SDU5500 into spectrum
analyser mode (default)
STRESStep resolution mode
CHANLChannel scope mode (not available
in ‘Other’ radio operation)
NEXTMove to next menu
4 44 4
4Menu 4
PREVMove to previous menu
CFReceive frequency, enter via the
ten keys in MHz.
FREQIn channel scope mode the legend
“FREQ” is displayed.  This is used to
access the sub menu to define
start / end / step setting.
SPANWhen using SPECTRUM DISPLAY
MODE “SPECT”, the viewable
bandwidth may be set.  Input is via
the ten keys using kHz format.
i.e. for 10 MHz bandwidth (+/- 5MHz)
enter 
     
SPAN is not available in channel scope
mode.
STEPWhen using step resolution mode, the
legend “STEP” will be displayed, see
the definition in menu 2.
RBWToggles the input filter Resolution
Band Width between 30 kHz and 5 kHz.
FDIRWhen using ‘Other’ companion radio,
the sweep direction may be reversed,
at other times the key legend will
be BLANK.
NEXTMove to next menu
5 55 5
5Menu 5
PREVMove to previous menu
MKRSelected by default.  Returns the
SDU5500 to ‘marker’ mode.
PEAKFreezes the current spectrum trace to
show signal peaks.
CPEAKAutomatically forces the marker to
move to the highest peak immediately
following a completed spectrum trace,
continuous peak.
MK-CFForce ‘marker frequency’ to equal the
‘centre frequency’ where the trace
may be monitored on the companion
radio.  If step size has been selected
appropriately, the exact frequency will
be corrected to the nearest increment
(most appropriate receive frequency)
NEXTMove to next menu
Section 3-2 
						

							13
6 66 6
6Menu 6
PREVMove to previous menu
MAXWhen “MAX” is selected, the maximum
height of traces are frozen on the
display.  This will result in ‘peaks’
where transmissions have taken place,
one side effect is that the baseline will
tend to build-up a 5 to 10dB solid bar
due to random background noise.
This is a useful facility to ‘trap’
occasional transmissions over a long
time-scale and to check on band
allocation for transmission licence
issuers.  Press  MAX a second time to
restore a normal trace.  A reverse
contrast “MAX” legend confirms selection.
AVRWhen “AVR” is selected, the average height of traces are calculated and displayed on the
LCD.  This causes the display to be a little sluggish at detecting transmissions when they
first appear but permits them to remain visible for longer when the transmission stops.  The
effect is a ‘wave’ of activity, useful for assessing band activity in a relatively short period of
time.  Once activated, the buffer size must be allocated between 2 and 32 frames inclusive.
A reverse legend “AVR” is displayed on the LCD to confirm operation.  While the buffer is
loading, the number of frames is indicated until the programmed number has been sampled,
after this point the specified number of frames will be averaged on an on-going basis.  Press
AVR  a second time to restore a normal trace.  A reverse contrast “AVR” legend confirms
selection.
NEXTMove to next menu
7 77 7
7Menu 7
PREVMove to previous menu
Moves the centre frequency upward by half the span.  For example, if the span is set to
10000 kHz (10 MHz), the centre frequency will be increased by 5000 kHz (5 MHz)...
so that a centre frequency of 123 MHz would become 128 MHz.  Not available in channel
scope mode.
NEXTMove to next menu
Section 3-2 
						

							14
3-3  Important considerations
3-3-1  LCD resolution
The LCD provides high resolution of 304 horizontal dots from the left to right edges of screen.
As a result, there are about 30 steps per graticule division with ten divisions making up the total width.
The relationship between frequency and LCD-step is determined by the programmed SPAN width.
Span is set up in menu 4 while in SPECTRUM DISPLAY mode “OP.MODE : SPECT”.  The minimum
displayed bandwidth is 1 kHz (+/- 500Hz) and the maximum displayed width is 10000 kHz (10 MHz)
representing ± 5 MHz.  Numeric entry is in kHz format from 1 to 10000 inclusive.
To calculate the LCD-step, divide the SPAN bandwidth in kHz by 304.  Examples are as follows:
10000 kHz (10 MHz) = 32.894736 which is truncated to 32.89 kHz
5000 kHz (5 MHz) = 16.44 kHz
2000 kHz (2 MHz) = 6.57 kHz
1000 kHz (1 MHz) = 3.28 kHz
500 kHz = 1.64 kHz
100 kHz =  0.32 kHz (320 Hz)
It is possible to force the LCD-step to equal the receive tuning step using a similar process.  Multiply
the receive tuning step size in kHz by 304 (dots) to obtain the required total span width in kHz.
For example, for a 5 kHz tuning and LCD step, 5 x 304 = 1520 kHz span
The following table presents commonly used step sizes:
1 kHz 304 kHz (0.340 MHz)
5 kHz 1520 kHz (1.520 MHz)
6.25 kHz 1900 kHz (1.900 MHz)
9 kHz 2736 kHz (2.736 MHz)
10 kHz 3040 kHz (3.040 MHz)
12.5 kHz 3800 kHz (3.800 MHz)
20 kHz 6080 kHz (6.080 MHz)
25 kHz 7600 kHz (7.600 MHz)
32.89 kHz represents maximum span of 10000 kHz (10 MHz)
3-3-2  Significance of receive STEP size
Due to the necessary calculation of total span width divided by LCD-step resolution of 304 dots, the
marker frequency will usually display an ‘approximate’ frequency only... especially as the total span
width is increased above 1 MHz or so.
However, if an appropriate step size has been set, the SDU5500 / companion radio will automatically
calculate the ‘likely’ exact frequency when the MK-CF (marker to centre frequency) key is pressed.
For example:  If the centre frequency is set to 125 MHz, the span set to 10000 kHz and step size to 25
kHz, the marker position of a strong airband transmission may appear at 126.15131 MHz, clearly not the
‘exact’ wanted frequency.  However by pressing the  MK-CF  key of menu 5 will change the centre &
marker frequency to exactly 126.15000 MHz, this is clearly the correct frequency being the closest 25
kHz multiple to 126.15131 MHz.
Section 3-3, 3-3-1, 3-3-2 
						

							15
It is most important to set up the step size appropriately.  If you are using the AR5000 companion radio
with receive mode set to AUTO, the step size will be taken care of automatically by the receiver’s built in
factory programmed bandplan (specific to each market area)... this is the ideal companion to the
SDU5500.
3-3-3  Significance of RBW (Resolution Band Width)
RBW sets the SDU5500 input filter and ‘sampling’ rate, either 5 kHz or 30 kHz.  Selection of 30 kHz will
provide a faster trace update, 10 MHz being swept in about two seconds... sampling every 30 kHz.
Selection of 5 kHz will provide a slower trace update, 10 MHz being swept in about six seconds...
sampling every 5 kHz.  This provides greater accuracy and lower baseline, making signals easier to see.
The balance between speed / resolution will depend upon the type of operation employed.  Also, with a
wide span of around 10 MHz, each LCD-step is about 32 kHz (refer to the LCD resolution table) which
makes use of the 5 kHz RBW setting of little advantage in real terms.
(4)  Making the SDU5500 ready for operation
It is possible to configure the SDU5500 for operation with a number of companion radios, the following
provides common set-ups.
4-1  Configuration of the AR5000 companion radio
• Connect a suitable power supply
using the d.c. lead provided.
Ensure the correct polarity is
observed, the stripe signifies
positive.  (In certain market areas,
a suitable power supply may be
provided).
• Connect the 9-pin to 9-pin
connection lead between the RX
CTR socket of the SDU5500 and
REMOTE socket of the AR5000.
• Connect the 50 OHM BNC patch lead between
the RF IN socket of the SDU5500 and the IF OUT socket of the AR5000.
Cold start
It is important that the AR5000 (or AR5000+3) is switched on FIRST, press the POWER switch of the
AR5000 so that the display appears on the radio.  The AR5000 must be set to 9600bps baud rate
(FUNC CONFIG UP UP UP SUB DIAL 9600bps ENTER), on earlier production units, check that the
delimiter is set to CR+LF.  Ensure that the AR5000 is in VFO mode (VA, VB, VC, VD, VE).
Now switch on the SDU5500.  The first time the SDU5500 is switched on, or whenever power is
removed from the SDU5500, a COLD START sequence needs to be followed.  This involves selecting
the required receiver via the SDU5500 companion radio configuration menu.  As long as power is not
removed from the SDU5500 (even though it may be switched off with the power feed still connected),
the SDU5500 will remember which companion radio is in use.
& Note: The SDU5500 CPU draws a very small current for backup purposes even though the
SDU5500 power switch is off.
Section 3-3-3, 4, 4-1 
						

							16
The SDU5500 LCD will display various details.  Under the item “RX” (third line down from the top left of
the LCD), “Other” radio will be displayed with the CF (centre frequency) of 10.7 MHz.
Ensure that menu item “1” is displayed in the lower left corner of the LCD, if not use the  PREV
(previous) and  NEXT  keys.  Press  RX  to display the COMPANION RADIO configuration menu.
Use the spin wheel dial to highlight “AR5000” then press .  The legend “AR5000 Connected” will
briefly be displayed then the CF readout will display the current receive frequency of the AR5000 and
the RX readout will confirm AR5000.
Should any fault occur in connection with the AR5000 at this stage, the SDU5500 CPU will identify the
companion radio as “Other”.  In this case check the AR5000 baud rate setting (which should be
9600bps) and connection lead.
Warm Start
Once the SDU5500 has been configured for the AR5000 companion radio following a cold start (or any
other receiver in use), it will not be necessary to enter the receiver details again as long as the SDU5500
remains connected to power (presuming that you wish to continue using the same receiver type)... even
after the SDU5500 has been switched off and back on again.
AR5000 auto switch on
Once the SDU5500 is capable of operating from a warm start, the AR5000 will be switched on
automatically when the SDU5500 is powered up.  The SDU5500 will attempt communication twice, the
first time the AR5000 will be switched on, the second will establish communication.
Cold start / Hot start
The initial display which appears on the LCD after switching on depends on whether the SDU5500 has
remained connected to a power supply since last use.  When the cold start is performed (if power has
been removed), the SDU5500 will start with menu page 1 while menu page 4 will appear when the
SDU5500 is hot-started.  Either way, shuttling from page-to-page is possible.
General operational notes
The AR5000 will now be operated from the front panel of the SDU5500, receive frequency, mode,
attenuator & tuning step size may be controlled.  Only the MAIN DIAL, SUB DIAL, VOLUME, SQUELCH
and POWER controls of the AR5000 will be available during inter-connect with the SDU5500.
In order to keep the SDU5500 and AR5000 frequency readout in unison, the AR5000 is ‘polled’ once per
second, this is called “automatic renewal of centre frequency” (the poll may be paused during certain
menu conditions).  In early AR5000 production, a small flick in s-meter may be noted during the ‘poll’,
should this present an annoyance on a particular transmission, consider temporarily selecting “Other”
receiver and using the SDU5500 as a passive bandscope with the AR5000.
The minimum specified tuning step size when used with the SDU5500 is 10 Hz (even though the
AR5000 can independently tune in 1 Hz steps).  Any digits below 10 Hz will be ignored, the acceptable
step sizes being in the range 10 Hz to 999.95 kHz inclusive.
Section 4-1 
						

							17
Receive mode
When the AR5000 receive mode is set from the SDU5500, the following results:
SDU5500 setting AR5000 display IF bandwidth
WFM FM 220 kHz
NFM FM 15 kHz
AM AM 6 kHz
LSB LSB 3 kHz
USB USB 3 kHz
CW CW 3 kHz
AUTO AUTO Depends upon bandplan
& Note: The AR5000 does not have a specific legend for WFM, IF bandwidth beyond 30 kHz
becomes WFM.
IF output
The AR5000 IF output setting is automatically configured when the SDU5500 & AR5000 communicate
for the first time, thus overwriting any manual setting.
Step adjust
The step adjust facility does not operate with the AR5000 when step-up or step-down is activated from
the SDU5500.
Attenuator
The attenuator selects 0dB or -10dB, -20dB cannot be selected.  The relationship between attenuator
and CENTRE FREQUENCY of the SDU5500 is as follows:
Centre frequency Attenuator On Attenuator Off
Below 1000 MHz (1GHz) 10dB 0dB
1000 MHz and above 0db (ignored) 0dB
Passive band scope
Should you prefer to operate the AR5000 from it’s own front panel, it is possible to configure the
SDU5500 for “Other’ companion radio and use the display unit as a band scope only.  The Centre
Frequency will then always be displayed as 10.7 MHz but an OFFSET will be displayed making the
measurement of interesting traces possible.
4-2  Configuration of the AR3000A companion radio
Operation is possible with the AR3000A receiver.  However a small modification is required in order to
provide a suitable 10.7 MHz IF output from the AR3000A.  The modification requires special skills and
proper tools, some suppliers offer the AR3000A with this modification already carried out.  Please
contact your supplier for technical assistance, failing this contact your closest AOR distributor:
Japan:  AOR Ltd, 2-6-4 Misuji, Taito-Ku, Tokyo 111-0055, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3865 1695  Fax: +81 3 3865 1697
e-mail: [email protected]    www.aorja.com
Europe:  AOR (UK) Ltd, 4E East Mill, Bridgefoot, Belper, Derbys DE56 2UA, England
Tel: 01773 880788  Int’l: +44 1773 880788    Fax: 01773 880780  Int’l: +44 1773 880780
e-mail: [email protected]    www.demon.co.uk/aor
America:  AOR USA INC., 20655 S. Western Ave, Suite # 112, Torrance, CA 90501, USA
Tel:  310 787 8615    Fax: 310 787 8619
e-mail:  [email protected]    www.aorusa.com
Section 4-1, 4-2 
						

							18
& Note:  Although the earlier AR3000 (not AR3000A) may be modified to provide a 10.7 MHz IF
output, the microprocessor is not capable of communicating with the SDU5500, this limits its
effectiveness.
The RS232 baud rate of the AR3000A is set to 4800bps at the factory.  However a ‘dip switch’ is
provided on the reverse of the AR3000A microprocessor / display PCB, tucked in the corner directly
behind the x10 TUNING button.  There are two switches in this PCB area, the momentary action switch
is for CPU reset (do not touch it), the slide switch is for baud rate control.  Remove the lower case of the
AR3000A (2 screws next to the front feet and 2 screws on the rear cabinet, use the correct size cross-
head screwdriver).  The switch will currently be pushed toward the edge of the PCB (4800bps), slide it
toward the centre of the PCB (9600bps).  The AR3000A will need to be switched off / on for the change
to take effect.
& Note: Although the AR3000A will operate satisfactorily with the SDU5500, stable operation of the
AR3000A at 9600bps is not guaranteed.
• Connect a suitable power supply using the d.c. lead provided.  Ensure the correct polarity is
observed, the stripe signifies positive.  (In certain market areas, a suitable power supply may be
provided).
• Connect the 9-pin to 9-pin connection lead between the RX CTR socket of the SDU5500 and
REMOTE socket of the AR3000A, an RS232 adapter from 9-pin to 25-pin will be required or procure
/ make up a suitable lead (see section 2-2 item 2 of this manual for pin-out information).
• Connect a 50 OHM BNC patch lead between the RF IN socket of the SDU5500 and the IF OUT
socket of the AR3000A (following modification of the receiver).
Cold start
It is important that the AR3000A is switched on FIRST, press the POWER switch of the AR3000A so
that the display appears on the radio.
Place the AR3000A into REMOTE mode by sliding the rear REMOTE switch upward, the legend “RMT”
confirms operation on the front panel of the AR3000A receiver.
Now switch on the SDU5500.  The first time the SDU5500 is switched on, or whenever power is
removed from the SDU5500, a COLD START sequence needs to be followed.  This involves selecting
the required receiver via the SDU5500 companion radio configuration menu.  As long as power is not
removed from the SDU5500 (even though it may be switched off with the power feed still connected), the
SDU5500 will remember which companion radio is in use.
& Note: The SDU5500 CPU draws a very small current for backup purposes even though the
SDU5500 power switch is off.
The SDU5500 LCD will display various details.  Under the item “RX” (third line down from the top left of
the LCD), “Other” radio will be displayed with the CF (centre frequency) of 10.7 MHz.  Ensure that
menu item “1” is displayed in the lower left corner of the LCD, if not use the  PREV (previous) and
NEXT  keys.  Press  RX  to display the COMPANION RADIO configuration menu.
Section 4-2 
						

							19
Use the spin wheel dial to highlight “AR3000A” then press .  The legend “AR3000A Connected” will
briefly be displayed then the CF readout will display the current receive frequency of the AR3000A and
the RX readout will confirm AR3000A.  Should any fault occur in connection with the AR3000A at this
stage, the SDU5500 CPU will identify the receiver as “Other” being connected.  In this case check the
AR3000A baud rate setting (which should be 9600bps) and connection lead.
Warm Start
Once the SDU5500 has been configured for the AR3000A receiver following a cold start (or any other
receiver in use), it will not be necessary to enter the receiver details again as long as the SDU5500
remains connected to power (presuming that you wish to continue using the same receiver type)... even
after the SDU5500 has been switched off and back on again.
Cold start / Hot start
The initial display which appears on the screen after switching on depends on whether the SDU5500 has
remained connected to a power supply since last use.  When the cold start is performed (if power has
been removed), the SDU5500 will start with menu page 1 while menu page 4 will appear when the
SDU5500 is hot-started.  Either way, shuttling from page-to-page is possible.
General operational notes
& Note: The AR3000A will now be operated from the front panel of the SDU5500, receive mode,
frequency, attenuator etc may be controlled.  All controls of the AR3000A will be locked while in
REMOTE mode.
The minimum specified tuning step size when used with the SDU5500 is 50 Hz , any digits below 50 Hz
will be ignored, the acceptable step sizes being in the range 50 Hz to 999.95 kHz inclusive.
Step adjust
The step adjust facility does not operate with the AR3000A when step-up or step-down is activated from
the SDU5500.
Passive band scope
Should you prefer to operate the AR3000A from it’s own front panel, it is possible to configure the
SDU5500 for “Other” companion radio and use the display unit as a band scope only.  The Centre
Frequency will then always be displayed as 10.7 MHz but an OFFSET will be displayed making the
measurement of interesting traces possible.
4-3  Configuration of an ICOM companion radio
Operation is possible with a number of ICOM wide band receivers.  Depending upon the model, the
ICOM optional CT17 (RS232/CIV) converter may be required.
Models supported
R7100 CT17 required
R8500 Direct RS232
R9000 CT17 required
The following set-up is required:
Baud rate 9600 bps
Frequency data 5 Byte
Transceive ON
Address default IC-R7100 34h
IC-R8500 4Ah
IC-R9000 2Ah
Section 4-2, 4-3 
						

							20
4-3-1  Example set-up for the ICOM IC-R7100 receiver
Step 1. For transceive ON
On the ICOM receiver, press and hold both “3” and “ENT” keys and switch the power switch ON.
Switch the receiver OFF again.
Step 2. For baud rate of 9600
On the ICOM receiver, press and hold both the “5” and “ENT” keys and switch the power switch ON.
Switch the receiver OFF again.
4-3-2  Example set-up for the ICOM IC-R8500 receiver
Set the R8500 by accessing the ICOM initial set mode as per page 30 of the ICOM operating manual.
Set the baud rate to 9600 and address to 4Ah.  No interface is required.
The receiver must be configured and switched On before the SDU5500 in order to provide a valid
connection via the RS232.
& Note:  The output level of the ICOM receiver(s) is about 10 - 15dB below that of the AOR receiver(s)
and may be more liable to AGC effect as signals reach the centre of companion radio passband.
•Connect a suitable power supply to the SDU5500 using the d.c. lead provided.  Ensure the correct
polarity is observed, the stripe signifies positive.  (In certain market areas, a suitable power supply may
be provided).
•When using an IC-R8500, connect an RS232 lead between the receiver and RX CTR socket of the
SDU5500 (see section 2-2 item 2 of this manual for pin-out information).  If using the IC-R7100 or
IC-R9000, connect and power the optional ICOM CT17 interface.
•Connect a 50 OHM patch lead between the RF IN socket of the SDU5500 and the IF OUT socket of
the receiver (ICOM use a phono socket, the input of the SDU5500 uses a BNC).
Cold start
It is important that the companion radio is switched on FIRST.
Now switch on the SDU5500.  The first time the SDU5500 is switched on, or whenever power is
removed from the SDU5500, a COLD START sequence needs to be followed.  This involves selecting
the required companion radio via the SDU5500 configuration menu.  As long as power is not removed
from the SDU5500 (even though it may be switched off with power still connected), the SDU5500 will
remember which companion radio is in use.
& Note: The SDU5500 CPU draws a very small current for backup purposes even though the
SDU5500 power switch is off.
The SDU5500 LCD will display various details.  Under the item “RX” (third line down from the top left of
the LCD), the ICOM radio type will be displayed.  Ensure that menu item “1” is displayed in the lower
left corner of the LCD, if not use the  PREV  (previous) and  NEXT  keys.  Press  RX  to display the
companion radio configuration menu.
Section 4-3-1, 4-3-2