AOR SDU5600 Spectrum Display Unit Operating Manual

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2  Connection
2-1  Connection with the power supply
Where possible, use the supplied AC/DC power unit.  Make sure the main switch of the SDU5600 is
in the OFF position before connecting the power supply.
2-2  Connection with the receiver
This hand book is compiled mainly referring to the AR5000A series receiver as the principal
companion receiver.  Any reference to other types of receiver will be made separately when and
where necessary.
Make sure that both the SDU5600 and AR5000A are switched off.  Perform the connection of the
both units referring to the photo shown here, using the IF signal connection patch lead and RX serial
connection lead. The following table shows the correct connection of each plug & socket.
AR5000A SDU5600
IF signal patch leadIF OUT RF IN
RX serial leadREMOTE RX CTR
If you wish to use a receiver other than the AR5000A
proceed to connect the 10.7MHz IF output from the
receiver to the RF IN BNC socket on the rear of the
SDU5600... the AR3000A will require a modifica-
tion in order to provide a suitable signal.  Connect
the RS232 data lead from the receiver to the RX
CTR socket of the SDU5600, the companion
receiver ‘thinks’ it is communicating with a
computer, but is actually communicating
with the SDU5600 (the ICOM ICR7100
requires the optional ICOM CT17
CIV/RS232 interface).
RX Menu Applicable  receiver Requirements
AR5000 AR5000A+3 Configure the IF output
AR5000A
AR5000+3
AR5000
AR3000A AR3000AModifications to the IF output circuit
(AR3000 not applicable)
AR8600  (10M) AR8600MK2 Modifications to the output circuits
on all modes other than WFM
AR8600  (45M) AR8600MK2 Modification of TV converter
AR8200 AR8200MK2 Modification of TV converter and
AR8200MK3 use of 8200PC interface
AR-ONE AR-ONE Configure the IF output
RFU5600 RFU5600
IC-R8500 IC-R8500 Use of batch lead with RCA/PHONO plug
Configure the IF output
IC-R7100 IC-R7100 Use of batch lead with RCA/PHONO plug
Use of CT-17 interface
Section 2, 2-1, 2-2
The SDU5600 offers a RX selection menu
whereby you can select other receivers which
you wish to operate with the SDU5600.
The table here indicates the type of receiver in
the RX selection menu, applicable receivers
and other requirements.  
						

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3  Preparations
3-1 Configuration of the receiver
The SDU5600 is primarily designed to operate with the receiver at 9600bps. The companion
receiver’s baud rate has to be configured to the same rate.  Some type of receivers may require
additional modifications or interface, etc, which are explained as follows:-
AR5000 series:  Configure the selection of external IF output and baud rate as per the following
table (refer to pages 29 & 30 sections 6-18 & 6-19 of AR5000 English language operating manual):
External IF outputSelect [EXT-IF 1]
RS232CSelect 9600bps
After the configurations have been completed place
the receiver in VFO mode.
AR3000A:  The AR3000A has to be modified by
AOR in order to produce a 10.7MHz IF output for
use with the SDU5600. The remote switch on the
rear panel has to be set to ON position, and baud
rate needs to be 4800bps (receiver’s default).
A screened RS232 connecting lead configured for
9-25 pin with male-pins at both ends must be used.
AR8200MK3:  Configure the baud rate to 9600bps
by referring to pages 109 & 110 section 14-6 of the
AR8200 English language operating manual. Place
the receiver in VFO mode. For connection to the
SDU5600 the 8200PC interface lead is required
along with a gender changer. The AR8200MK3 has
to be modified by AOR to produce a 10.7MHz IF
output.
AR8600MK2:  Configure the baud
rate to 9600bps by referring to page
108 section 14-5 of AR8600 English
language operating manual. Place
the receiver in VFO mode. For
connection to the SDU5600 the
supplied connecting leads have to be
used. To enable IF output in ALL
MODES (rather than just WFM), refer
to page 18 for further information on
the modifications required.
3-2  Start-up
ALWAYS switch the receiver on before the SDU5600 and make any necessary adjustment of
communication speed and IF output (assuming the relevant modifications have been carried out and
connecting leads are in place as appropriate). Then switch on the SDU5600 by depressing the
POWER switch on the lower left of the front panel. The SDU5600 will power up, while the operating
system powers up you may notice horizontal lines on the LCD, this is normal.  The SDU5600 will
briefly display the model number and firmware version called the ‘opening message’ before the
standard display.  The SDU5600 is ready for operation.
Section 3, 3-1, 3-2 
						

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4  Basics
This section describes the front panel controls, detail of LCD display and introduces the method of
operation employed by the SDU5600 prior to further configurations and monitoring operations. It is
advisable that you read this section carefully before proceeding to explore the full capability of the
SDU5600.
4-1  Control
Power switch:  Press once to latch the switch in, switching on the SDU5600.  To
switch off the SDU5600, press the switch a second time, the switch latches outward.
When switched on, the LCD briefly displays the model and firmware numbers.
Soft function keys: Each one of these three ‘soft keys’ has
multiple roles as indicated on the LCD screen depending on the
circumstances in operation. Throughout this manual, physical
keys and ‘soft keys’ are not differentiated when describing key
sequences.
Special function keys: These three keys positioned to the left of the DIAL are to be
used solely for specific purposes such as to enter a centre frequency, frequency span,
display increment and input sensitivity.
Dial: The DIAL is a rotary control and is used to move the cursor, to make a selection or to
move the marker/centre frequency.
Main keypad: Used to enter numeric information, to control the companion receiver, etc.
Section 4, 4-1
BACKUP
The SDU5600 is configurable in various ways to the requirements of the operator. All configuration data is
stored into FLASH ROM when the SDU5600 is switch off.  However, in the event of failed connection /
communications with the companion receiver, a beep will be sounded and the SDU5600 will revert to the
factory default parameters.      
						

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4-2  Display
This section explains what you can expect to see on the SDU5600’s monitor screen
using Spectrum Mode as a typical example.  The screen will appear differently when
switched to other operating modes.
(1) Centre frequency - CF: The centre frequency reading is shown in MHz, providing
a minimum resolution of up to 10Hz.
(2) Frequency span - SPAN: The centre frequency appears in the middle of the display
with frequency extending to the left and right.  The total frequency spread from the left
through centre to the right is referred to as the total SPAN and is indicated in MHz.
The maximum span is 10MHz and minimum is 0.160MHz (160kHz). The horizontal
scale is divided into 320 increments.
(3) Start frequency - SF: Displays the start frequency on the left of the graticule for
calibration purposes. Usually the start frequency is calculated based on the centre
frequency and bandwidth selected, but in certain menus can be directly programmed.
(4) End frequency - EF: Displays the end frequency on the right of the graticule for
calibration purposes. Usually the end frequency is calculated based on the centre
frequency and bandwidth selected, but in certain menus can be directly programmed.
(5) Resolution band width - RBW: The sampling filters may be selected from four
bandwidths of 4kHz, 32kHz, 64kHz and 128kHz. The smaller bandwidths will provide
greater detail of individual signals but wanted transmissions are easier to initially
identify using a wider filter.
Section 4-2
Relationship between Frequency span and Frequency step
The LCD provides high resolution of 320 steps from the left to right edges of the screen (x-axis). A frequency bandwidth
represented by one step is calculated as STEP EQUALS SPAN DIVIDED BY 320, this being automatically done by the
SDU5600 in the Spectrum Mode. Refer to item (6) ‘Frequency step’ on page 15.  
						

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(6) Step frequency - STEP: This value is displayed in kHz and indicates how wide one step
represents out of the 320 steps across the X-axis. The example of page 14 shows 31.250kHz as one
step which is obtained by taking the SPAN of 10MHz and dividing it by 320, the result is 31.250kHz -
since the X-axis is 10MHz wide in this example. In the Step resolution mode, it is possible to specify
the frequency bandwidth to be ‘one step’ rather than an often seemingly arbitrary value.
(7) Operation mode - OP.MODE: This legend indicates which one of three operating modes is
selected, there are three possibilities:
SpectrumSpectrum analyser mode
StepResoStep resolution mode
ChannelChannel scope mode
(8) Marker + (9) Marker information: The marker (8) is a vertical line drawn on the LCD which can
be moved across the horizontal axis.  The marker is capable of providing the instantaneous reading of
information where the marker is placed such as (9) frequency or signal strength of marker location.
In the marker menu, in addition to the instantaneous reading of marker information, the peak
search facility is provided. Any signals which are out of scale cannot be read.  It is necessary to
adjust the gain for input signal level, the displayed signal appears vertically while the calibration lines
of the graticule are represented horizontally.
(10) Valid indicator: This indicates which method of data input is valid. When a DOT ˜ is shown, the
main dial is operational whereas when SQUARE ¢ is displayed, entry through the keypad is
operational.
(11) Receiver information: This section of the LCD provides various operating conditions of the
companion receiver such as receiving frequency, modulation mode, tuning step and ATT on/off.
The information can be toggle on and off via the key sequence FUNC 5 (DISP)
(12) Signal indicator + (13) Level indicator: The X-axis (horizontal line) indicates frequency, and
Y-axis (vertical line) indicates signal strength, so the frequency spectrum of the received signal
is indicated on the screen.
The Y-axis (vertical line) is split into six segments with each segment representing a 10dB.  The level
indicator reads the input sensitivity which is shown along the Y-axis and the level is adjustable in four
levels by altering the built-in amplifier (AMPLITUDE).  The  X-axis is split into eight segments
indicating the frequency span (bandwidth) in use. The marker is designed to move across the one
segment by ONE full rotation of the main dial. To move the marker from one edge to another requires
EIGHT rotations of the main dial.
4-3  Main key layout
The main key pad consists of 20 individual
keys, each conveniently located for ease of
operation:
   ê Function key (FUNC) on the top right
   ê Receiver control keys (RX CTRL)
        on the right
   ê Enter key (ENT) on lower right
   ê Clear key (CLR) on bottom left
The FUNC key enables activation of the second function keys. When pressed the ‘FUNC’ legend
appears in the top left corner of the LCD in reverse contrast YELLOW text.
Section 4-2, 4-3 
						

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4-4 Clear (CLR) key
The clear key (CLR) acts as back-space key to cancel each proceeding key
entry of numeric information (1 to 0, decimal-point) during entry of the start
/end frequency, entry of input sensitivity / trigger level or the marker and
numeration in the calculation mode. Pressing the clear key with no proceeding
key entry will abort the sequence. Pressing A.CLR (FUNC + CLR) will clear all
proceeding numeric entries and end the sequence.
Pressing the clear key (CLR) repeatedly in the calculation mode, marker mode
(except the instantaneous reading) and waterfall display mode will eventually
return operation to the default mode, see below.
4-5  Default mode and clear mode
The SDU5600 is configurable with a wide range of parameters. It is possible to
bring the SDU5600 to the default mode as described in the table by repeatedly
pressing the clear key.
Definition of the default mode
Marker mode            Instantaneous reading
Calculation mode      None
Waterfall mode         No display
Pressing the clear key (CLR) will not affect the proceeding key entry in the
monitoring mode (spectrum analyser mode, step resolution mode, channel
scope mode), frequency span / frequency step, marker frequency and
demodulation mode.
4-6 When the communication with the companion receiver has failed
The SDU5600 will try to re-establish the communication with the receiver for a
couple of seconds. If unsuccessful the SDU5600 will revert itself to the default
mode as 4-5.
Default mode in the monitoring mode
When the communication between the SDU5600 and the companion
receiver has been disrupted while operating in the channel scope mode
the SDU5600 will automatically switch itself from the channel scope
mode to spectrum analyser mode, ending up in the default mode.
Section 4-4, 4-5, 4-6  
						

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5. Configuration of the SDU5600
The SDU5600 is designed to configure a wide range of parameters for ease of operation.
5-1-1 Configuration (CONF)
This section explains how to configure the operating environment under which the SDU5600 is used.
Selection of the receiver, Plotting pattern and Frequency direction are to be configured. Press
the FUNC key followed by the 4 (CONF) key to assign the soft keys as the following diagram.
For selection of the receiver press the RX key.
The box where the type of receiver is shown will be in reverse contrast. Rotate the
main dial to scroll through applicable receivers one after another. Press the ENT key
(kHz key or MHz key) to determine the companion receiver. There are no other features
of the RX configuration menu.
For selection of the plot pattern press
PLOT key.  The present pattern is shown
either as Paint or Outline. If you wish to
change the pattern from the one to
another press the PLOT key. There are no
other features of the PLOT configuration
menu.
For selection of the frequency direction
press the F-DIR key.  The present
selection is shown either as Reverse or
Normal.  Press the F-DIR key to toggle
between Reverse and Normal. This
configuration is valid only when the
companion receiver has been selected as
Other(10M) or Other(45M), it is not
applicable when a ‘known’ valid radio is
connected.  There are no other features of
the F-DIR configuration menu.
This illustration shows PAINT mode:
This illustration shows OUTLINE mode:
Section 5, 5-1-1    
						

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5-1-2  Applicable receivers
This is a list of compatible receivers which are selectable from the SDU5600
companion receiver menu:
Receiver Selection menu Applicable receiver Remarks
AR5000 AR5000/+3 Use of EXT-IF port
AR5000A/+3
AR3000A AR3000A 10.7MHz IF mods required
Use of 4800bps
AR8600(10M) AR8600MK2 IF mods required if used
in all modes
AR8600(45M) AR8600MK2 45MHz IF mods
(TV mods) required
AR8200 AR8200MK3 45MHz IF mods
(TV mods) required
AR-ONE AR-ONE
RFU5600 RFU5600 Built-in RF adaptor
IC-R8500 IC-R8500
IC-R7100 IC-R7100 CT-17 required
Other(10M) Receiver with Frequency direction
10.7MHz out selectable
Other(45M) Receiver with Frequency direction
45.05MHz out selectable
Non-AOR receivers are excluded from our terms and condition which are applicable
to AOR receivers in respect of electrical performance and specifications.
For modifications, please contact AOR:
Japan
AOR Ltd, Tel: +81 3 3865 1695   www.aorja.com
Europe
AOR (UK) Ltd, Tel: +44 1773 880788  www.aoruk.com
Americas
AOR USA INC., Tel: 310 787 8615  www.aorusa.com
Section 5-1-2 
						

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5-2-1  Configuration of  the Receiver
This section explains how to configure the
companion receiver itself.  Note that this section
will not apply when Other(10M) or Other(45M)
has been selected in the receiver selection
menu, or communication has not been correctly
established between the SDU5600 and companion
receiver.
On the right of the main keypad there are three
control keys which directly affect the operation of
the companion receiver, these are MODE (receive
mode), STEP (tuning step) and AT T (attenuator).
Their operation in companion with the SDU5600
is described below.
Receive (Demodulation) mode - MODE
This key is used to select the receive mode of the companion receiver (NFM, AM etc). Press the
MODE key to activate the RX.MODE menu, the corresponding LCD legend flashes in reverse
contrast. Rotate the main dial to scroll the various receive modes. Press the ENT key to accept the
displayed the receive mode.
Frequency step - STEP
This key is used to select the tuning step size of the
companion receiver . Press the STEP key to
activate the RX.STEP menu, the corresponding
LCD legend flashes in reverse contrast. Tap in the
step size via the ten-keys then press the ENT key.
Any step size which is not supported by the
companion receiver will be rejected by the
SDU5600 and the LCD will revert to the previous
step size.
Attenuator - ATT
This key is used to activate or deactivate the attenuator of the companion receiver as a toggle, each
push of the AT T key will alternate On/Off and the corresponding LCD legend RX.ATT will confirm the
status.
AUTO mode of the companion receiver
When the companion receiver is equipped with an auto mode feature where the IF filter bandwidth
and receive mode can be changed independently (such as the AR5000A), the SDU5600 cannot
make changes to the IF bandwidth.  For this reason, it is suggested that auto mode be used or the
bandwidth selected manually if only one receive mode is to be used while operating with the SDU5600
in the current session.
Section 5-2-1
Revert to the parameters which have been previously configured
ê Press FUNC + S.MODE/MODE to revert to the previously selected receive mode.
ê Press FUNC + S.STEP/STEP to revert to the previously selected receive tuning step size.
ê Note, these facilities do not operate once the SDU5600 has been switched off and on.
Value of the attenuation (amount of attenuation)
The amount of attenuation is determined by the attenuator of the companion receiver. With the AR5000
series receiver the attenuation can be manually selected from the receiver’ front panel. However when the
attenuator is switched on from the SDU5600’s front panel it will select only the AUTO position of the
receiver.   
						

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5-2-2  Selecting the receive frequency
This section will explain how to select and monitor the receive frequency of the companion receiver.
It must be noted that the SDU5600 employs the following principle:
Spectrum / Step Resolution - Receive Frequency (RX.FREQ) = Centre Frequency (CF)
Method 1: While the SDU5600 is in SPECTRUM MODE (default when first switched on) or STEP
RESOLUTION MODE, use the ten keys to directly enter the desired centre frequency, followed by
the kHz or MHz key to complete the sequence.
Method 2: Usually the main dial changes the position of the marker, however press the
CENTRE FREQ. soft key to display the 
CF legend in reverse contrast (as diagram
below), now you can alter the centre frequency by turning the main dial as well as via
the keypad. The frequency step in use is as selected by the SDU5600 (not the
frequency step selected in the receiver), 20kHz in the example below.  While tuning the
receive frequency or CF by rotating the main dial there may be up to approx. 2
seconds of delayed response between the SDU5600 and the companion receiver.
Notes: If the companion receiver is of interactive type such as the AR5000 series the centre frequency can be operated
via the receiver’s tuning dial (or keypad depending on level on inter-operability). The frequency step in such use is as
selected by the receiver (the diagram below shows a tuning step of 100kHz).
Receive frequency cannot be adjusted  when the companion receiver has been selected as Other(10M) and Other(45M),
the soft keys change colour to dark blue and the main keypad will not initiate frequency entry... producing an error beep
if the feature is enabled.  This is also true when communication between the SDU5600 and the companion receiver has
been disrupted.
Pressing the ten keys to enter the centre frequency in the following instances will be void:
 ê When the FUNC legend is shown in reverse contrast.
 ê When the companion receiver has been selected as Other.
 ê  When the SDU5600 is in the marker mode following the key press of FUNC + MK.F keys.
 ê While the SDU5600 is in a process of entering calculation data.
Once the entry by the ten-keys has been made, entry by the main dial is invalid. To resume the entry by the main dial press the CLR
key once followed by the CENTRE FREQ. key.
Centre frequency and Receive frequency step:
 ê The frequency step shown on the SDU5600’s screen is valid when operated by the main dial.
 ê The frequency step selected by the companion receiver is valid when the SDU5600 is being controlled by the
            companion receiver.
FUNC + 1
Spectrum
mode
FUNC + 2
Step
Resolution
mode
Section 5-2-2