AOR AR7000 User Guide
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the AR7000 wide band all mode receiver. The AR7000 is
designed using DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology to ensure the highest
levels of performance and reliability. To get the best possible results from your
AR7000 we recommended that you read this manual and familiarise yourself with the
receiver. Although carefully designed, this receiver (like all receivers) suffers from a
degree of internal noises known as spurii which are a product of the receiver’s
circuitry and do not represent a fault. Apparent faults may be due to accidental misoperation of the receiver, if you think there is a problem, carefully read all of the
manual before deciding to return the receiver for repair.
Every effort has been made to make this manual correct and up to date. Due to
continuous development of the receiver and by error or omission anomalies may be
found and this is acknowledged.
© This manual is protected by copyright AOR Ltd 1998. No information contained in
this manual may be copied or transferred by any means without the prior written
consent of AOR Ltd. AOR and the AOR logo are trade marks of AOR Ltd. All other
trade marks and names acknowledged. E&OE
2 Standard supplied accessories
1 x Power supply (a.c. to d.c., input voltage dependant on market)
1 x Infrared remote controller
1 x Operating manual (this booklet)
3 For your safety
There are no internal operator adjustments. In the unlikely event of servicing being
required, please contact your dealer for technical assistance.
The AR7000 is designed for operation from its supplied a.c.-to-d.c. adapter.
Operation is possible from a d.c. supply of 12 to 14V, which should be able to supply
up to 2.0A. Never connect the AR7000 directly to the a.c. supply.
Do not use or leave the receiver in direct sunlight (especially the LCD). It is best to
avoid locations where excessive heat, humidity, dust and vibration are expected.
Always treat the receiver with care. Take care to avoid spillage or leakage of liqu ids
into the receiver and a.c. power supply. Special care should be taken to avoid liquid
entering around the controls, through the speaker grille or via the connection jacks.
If fitting a separate external earth rod, consider the implications carefully if your
buildings’ a.c. supply uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) system. If in doubt
consult an expert electrician. Never earth to a gas pipe!
The AR7000 has a single BNC aerial socket for all frequencies. This socket is
intended for connection of a 50 OHM (unbalanced) coaxial fed aerial such as a
discone, dipole, unipole, yagi etc. When sighting the aerial, avoid power cables. A
telescopic whip may be connected to this socket for local monitoring.
4 Index
1 Introduction .................................………. 1
2 Supplied Accessories .........................…. 1
3 For your safety ...............................…….. 1
4 Index ........................................…………. 3
5 Major features ...............................……… 6
6 Care & maintenance ...........................… 8
6.1 Power supply ................................……. 8
6.2 Installation ................................……….. 8
6.3 Colour LCD ..................................……... 8
6.4 Cleaning.….................................………. 8
7 Controls & Functions ........................…… 9
7.1 Front Panel .................................…….. 9
7.2 Rear Panel ................................……… 10
8 Before the set is switched on................… 11
8.1 Connection of the power supply............ 11
8.2 Video format switch.........................….. 11
8.3 Connection of the aerial....................…. 11
8.4 Power it up.................................………. 11
9 Keyboard (basic operations)..................... 12
AR7000 Basic operation...........................… 13
* Understanding the basic operation............. 14
# Basic operating modes........................…. 14
# Audio volume.................................……… 14
# Key lock.....................................………… 14
# Squelch control..............................……… 15
A Dial mode......................................……….. 16
<Manual frequency entry>.......................… 16
B Memory channel mode.........................…. 17
<Recall the memory channel>.................… 17
C Search mode....................................…….. 18
C-1 Manual search..............................……. 18
C-2 Program search.............................…… 19
D Scan mode......................................……. 20
D-1 Manual scan................................…… 20
D-2 Program scan...............................….. 21
AR7000 Reference manual........................ 23
1 Basic operation................................…….. 24
1.1 Selection of basic operating mode....… 24
1.2 Audio volume...............................……. 24
1.3 Key lock...................................……….. 25
1.4 Squelch control............................……. 25
1.5 AGC setting................................…….. 25
1.6 ATT setting................................……. 26
1.7 IF Shift (WFM,AM,CW,USB,LSB only). 26
2 Dial mode......................................………. 27
2.1 Display....................................……….. 27
2.2 Selection of receive frequency............ 27
2.3 Selection of step size.....................….. 28
2.4 Selection of receive mode.................... 28
2.5 Selection of IF bandwidth.................... 29
2.6 Transfer data from dial to memory....... 29
3 Memory mode....................................…… 30
3.1 Display....................................………. 30
3.2 Memory channel.............................… 30
3.3 Memory bank................................…... 30
3.4 Transfer data from memory to dial..... 30
3.5 Memory data edit...........................…. 31
4 Search and Scan mode............................ 38
4.1 Type of scan/search and definitions.... 38
4.2 Display and Run/Brk........................…. 39
4.3 Manual search..............................…… 39
4.4 Manual scan................................……. 40
4.5 Program search.............................…… 41
4.6 Program scan...............................…… 45
5 Search pass bank...............................….. 49
5.1 Common pass bank............................. 49
5.2 Program pass bank..........................… 49
6 Various settings...............................…….. 50
6.1 Beep.......................................………… 50
6.2 Clock......................................………… 50
6.3 Timer......................................………… 52
6.4 Delay......................................………… 55
6.5 Squelch tail...............................………. 55
6.6 Priority...................................………… 56
7 Text edit......................................………… 57
7.1 Display....................................……….. 57
7.2 Keyboard...................................……… 57
7.3 Key entry..................................………. 58
8 AV output......................................………. 58
8.1 Video output...............................…….. 58
8.2 Audio output...............................……… 58
9 RS232C.........................................………. 58
10 AUX...........................................………… 59
11 Infrared remote controller....................… 59
12 Useful information............................….. 60
12.1 Specification.............................……. 60
12.2 Memory default setting...................... 61
12.3 Trouble shooting..........................…. 62
12.4 Optional accessories......................… 63
12.5 After sales service…………………… 63
5 Major features
DSP at 10.7MHz IF stage
Built-in colour LCD
2-VFO plus 1500 memory channels with text
On screen menu driven operation
Audio/Video output and IR remote controller
RS232C control
World clock, one main clock plus four programmable clocks
Timer with five independent program on & off events
6 Care and maintenance
Look after your AR7000 and you should enjoy many years of monitoring. There are
no internal operator adjustments. In the unlikely event of servicing being required,
please contact your dealer for technical assistance.
6.1 Power supply
The AR7000 is designed for operation from its supplied a.c.-to-d.c. adapter.
Operation is possible from a d.c. supply of 12 to 14V, which should be able to supply
up to 2.0A
The d.c. input socket uses a mini coaxial power connector which is configured
CENTRE POSITIVE, the chassis of the receiver is at negative ground. The power
supply provided is pre-wired and provides a regulated nominal 12V d.c. output with
suitable connectors being fitted as standard for the a.c. power input and connection
to the AR7000 (for each world market area).
Although the AR7000 has no special rear panel socket for a connection of an RF
earth, a separate earth may be connected to the chassis ground connectors (RS232,
video, audio, BNC) then on to a water pipe, central heating system radiator or
external earth rod. If fitting a separate external earth rod, consider the implications
carefully if your a.c. building supply uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) system. If
in doubt consult an expert electrician. Never earth to a gas pipe!
SAFETY NOTICE - Always disconnect the power supply from the a.c. socket
when not in use.
6.2 Installation
Do not use or leave the receiver in direct sunlight (especially the LCD). Always
disconnect and earth any external aerial system if an electrical storm is expected.
Avoid a rapid disconnection then reconnection of the power supply. If disconnected,
leave at least five seconds before reconnecting again. Ensure that all power
connections are secure. Avoid strong RF fields from nearby transmitters. If in doubt,
disconnect the AR7000 from the aerial and switch the set off.
6.3 Colour LCD
Always take care of the LCD screen which is fragile. Avoid knocking, banging or
scratching the LCD, do not expose to direct sunlight or high temperatures.
6.4 Cleaning
Always keep the receiver free from dust and water. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently
wipe the AR7000 clean. Never use abrasive cleaners or organic solvents which may
damage certain parts.
7 Controls and Function
7.1 Front Panel
{figure 1}
7.1.1 Power Switch
Press this switch to power the radio on/off. In addition the separate infrared remote
controller (supplied) will enable the AR7000 to be switched off. Note: The AR7000
may be switched off and on via the
front panel switch remains depressed.
7.1.2 Headphone Socket
A 3.5mm headphone jack plug can be connected for personal monitoring. When
connected, the built-in speaker will be disconnected (audio automatically cut off).
7.1.3 LCD Display
A built-in 3.1" DSTN type NTSC colour LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) shows operating
conditions.
7.1.4 Keypad
Press the keys to enter necessary data/information into the receiver. Some particular
keys are assigned with dual functions, press and hold for more than one second to
access the dual function. Only valid key(s) will be accepted.
Primary function “PUSH” - orange lettering,
Secondary function “PRESS” (and HOLD) - white lettering,
second
Many functions are also available from the infrared controller.
7.1.5 Main Dial
Rotate the main dial to select the receive frequency. This dial is also used to select
various receiver parameters via menus.
7.1.6 Infrared receive window
Point the infrared hand controller at this front panel window when the receiver is
operated via the infrared hand controller.
7.2 Rear Panel
.
infrared remote
quick tap
only if the AR7000 mechanical
only required.
hold for more than one
{figure 2}
7.2.1 AUX connector
This 8-pin 270º DIN socket provides output for audio, squelch switching, etc. Refer
to section 10 of this manual for pin-out details.
7.2.2 Video output switch
This slide switch selects the video format of either PAL or NTSC. The default
position is NTSC. Note: When PAL is selected the built-in LCD is disabled.
7.2.3 Video output terminal
This PHONO socket provides a composite video output to the external monitor in
either NTSC or PAL depending upon selection.
7.2.4 Audio output
This PHONO socket provides audio output to external equipment (such as a
camcorder etc). The output level is constant irrespective of the volume control
setting.
7.2.5 Aerial (antenna) terminal
A BNC type connector is provided for aerial connection. A 50 OHM impedance aerial
is recommended for this receiver. If wire aerial is connected any suitable Balun may
be used for optimum results.
7.2.6 RS232C Connector
A D-SUB 9-pin connector is provided for straight lead connection with most types of
PC via an RS232C connection. Refer to section 9 of this manual for connection
information.
7.2.7 DC socket
Connect the supplied a.c.-d.c. adapter to this socket. The applicable standard for the
jack/plug is RC5320A(EIAJ)/IEC13010. This plug/socket is wired centre positive, if
using a different power supply, select a unit which is regulated producing 12 to 14V
d.c. with a current capacity of at least 2.0A.
7.2.8 External speaker socket
This 3.5mm jack socket is provided for connection to an external speaker (8 OHMS).
Audio level is variable via the volume control. When an external speaker is used, the
built-in speaker will be disab led.
8 Before the set is switched on
8.1 Power supply
Ensure the power switch is in OFF position (switch protruding). Connect the d.c. plug
of the standard power supply to the power input socket which is found on the rear
panel of the AR7000.
8.2 Video format switch
Ensure that rear panel NTSC is selected to enable internal LCD operation.
8.3 Aerial connection
Connect a suitably terminated BNC aerial to the BNC aerial socket on the rear panel
of the AR7000.
8.4 Power it up
Make sure that all necessary connections are made, and double check that the
power supply voltage/polarity are correct. Press the front panel power switch to
switch the AR7000 on. The dial mode set-up will be displayed on the LCD following
the CPU initialising.
9 Keyboard (basic operation)
The AR7000 is designed to be operated using the main dial and keyboard.
Explanation for usage of each key and the main dial follows:
{figure 3}
VOL. UP [↑] Increase the volume level, move the cursor upward.
VOL DOWN [↓] Reduce the volume level, move the cursor downward.
[←] Acts as a back space and is used to move the cursor. It also has the same
action as rotating the main dial anti-clockwise in many menus.
[→] Move the cursor. It also has the same action as rotating the main dial clockwise
in many menus.
[ESC] Terminate the on-going key sequence returning to the previously selected
menu.
Main dial is used to tune through the receive frequency. Also used to select receive
mode, squ elch level, IF BW and AGC.
[ENT] Determine the selection of data/functions (used to finalise selection).
[STEP 1] PUSH (tap) with a finger (only momentarily) to enter the numeric data
which is printed directly on the key in orange (primary function). PRESS (longer than
one second) to select the function which is printed above the key in white.
Operating the AR7000 is simple if you follow the basic principles:-
1. Press (and hold for more than one second) the key of your intended function such
as [STEP] and [MODE].
2. Select your desired value or data using the main dial or [←] [→] arrow keys.
3. Press [ENT] key to confirm the entry.
Understanding the basic operation
Basic operating modes
The AR7000 is equipped with the 2 dial modes (VFO-A, VFO-B) and one memory
mode. Push the [→] key to scroll from VFO-A to VFO-B to Memory back to VFO-A...
in sequence. Push the [←] key to scroll VFO-A to Memory to VFO-B to VFO-A...in
sequence.
{figure 4} Shows Dial mode VFO-A
{figure 5} Shows Dial mode VFO-B
{figure 6} Shows Memory mode
Audio volume
Push the [↑] key to increase the audio volume. Push the [↓] key to decrease the
audio volume. The audio volume level is indicated on the LCD as a graphical triangle
bar meter in the upper right of the LCD.
{figure 7}
K.Lock key lock
Press the [K.Lock] key to disable all other keys until [K.Lock] is pressed again. This
is useful to prevent accidental movement of receive frequency while monitoring an
important transmission or receiving data such as NAVTEX.
{figure 8}
Squelch control
Press the [SQL] key. The SQ legend on the LCD will reverse to negative image.
Push the [SQL] key again to toggle “OPN” (open) and “S0 ~ S9, +10, +20 ~ +60”
(close). When a range between S0 & +60 is displayed, rotate the main dial to
change the squelch threshold value. If you want the squelch open press the [ENT]
key while the “OPN” legend is displayed.
In order to obtain an optimum squelch threshold level, press the [SQL] key, the “SQ”
legend on the LCD will reverse to a negative image. Press the [SQL] key to initially
select “S0”. Either rotate the main dial or [←] [→] keys to vary the squelch between
S0 and S9, & +10 & +60 until the background noise (in the absence of a signal) is
quieted, if a transmission is in progress, it may not be possible to close the squelch.
Press the [ENT] key when you have selected an optimum squelch threshold.
{figure 9}
The squelch threshold level is displayed as a blue horizontal bar meter at the bottom
of the signal meter (S-meter bar graph). It is important that the squelch level is not
set too high or weaker signals will not be audible (as the squelch will remain closed).
NOTE: The scan/search process will not begin when the received signal is below
squelch threshold.
{figure 10}
A Dial mode
The AR7000 is equipped with the 2 dial modes, VFO-A and VFO-B. You can
manually select/enter the receive frequency, receive mode, etc.
VFO is a historical term for Variable Frequency Oscillator, today it is used to describe
a facility which stores frequency & mode which may be tuned.
Manual frequency entry
Example 1
1. Push either the [←] or [→] key to access VFO-A (upper of the two large frequency
readouts).
2. Press the [MODE] key for more than one second. Rotate the main dial or push
the [←] or [→] keys to obtain the LCD legend “AUT” (automode, where the AR7000
automatically selects the appropriate receive mode, channel step and IF bandwidth
for the displayed frequency) followed by [ENT].
{figure 11}
3. Push [2] [0] [9] [.] [7] [5] [ENT]
{figure 12}
Example 2
Enter the frequency of 209.75MHz in VFO-A.
Enter 954kHz, still using VFO-A.
Push [0] [.] [9] [5] [4] [ENT]
From there rotate the main dial to tune around the medium wave band radio stations.
{figure 13}
B Memory mode
The AR7000 is equipped with a total of 1500 memory channels (100 ch x 15 banks).
Each memory channel can be given an alpha-numeric ident of up to 7 letters for ease
of identification, the ident is displayed to the upper left of the frequency (under the
legend “MEMORY”). Memory channels are useful stores for regularly monitored
frequencies to save laborious key strokes and repetitiveness, they are also used for
fast reviewing of channels when automatically hunting for active transmissions “SCANNING”.
To quickly transfer data from dial mode to memory, press the [FREQ] key while in the
VFO mode, do not hold the key… just a quick tap will do! The current (top)
frequency on the LCD will change colour to red. Press the [ENT] key to transfer the
receive data (frequency, receive mode, AGC, ATT, SQ setting) to the next available
memory channel of the present bank. Refer to section 2.6 of this manual.
Memory data may be entered into each channel & bank using the EDIT facility then
swapped around and rearranged. Various frequencies are entered into the AR7000
memory channels during manufacture & test. See section 3.5 of this manual for
information on memory edit.
Recall the memory channel
1. Push the [←] or [→] key to obtain MEMORY mode on the screen (upper of the two
large frequency readouts).
{figure 14}
2. Rotate the main dial to step through the memory channels. Any memory channels
which do not have valid data will not be shown. The channel and bank number is
displayed at the top right of frequency readout in the format 00 to 99 for channel
number followed by 00 to 14 for the bank number. For example, “21/03” represents
channel 21, bank 03… you may refer to it as 2103 for ease of expression (ch/bk).
3. Press [BANK] (the bank LCD legend will reverse) and rotate the main dial to step
through the memory banks. Push [ENT] when the desired memory bank is selected.
{figure 15}
C Search mode
In the search mode, the receiver will step through the frequency spectrum at the
specified step size looking for active signals. The AR7000's L CD display will
graphically show such radio activities while the search is in progress (rather like an
aeroplane vapour trail). It is possible to tune the radio by tracing a cursor onto the
frequency you want to monitor (using the main dial). There are two types of search,
Manual search and Program search.
C-1 Manual search
When the AR7000 is in the “DIAL” mode (either VFO-A or VFO-B on the upper line of
the large frequency readout) the manual search can be used.
1. Push the [RUN/BRK] key while in dial mode to initiate the manual search.
“M.SEARCH” is shown along with “Run” on the LCD while the search is in progress.
{figure 16}
Resultant spectrum analysis will be shown as the search progresses. When a signal
above the squelch threshold is received, the search will stop at that point until such
signal has disappeared and squelch closes.
2. You can force the manual search to resume by rotating the main dial (whichever
direction you desire, up or down).
3. Press the [RUN/BRK] key to stop the search, the legend “Brk” confirms brea k
(pause) on the LCD.
{figure17}
While the search is stopped in this situation, you can tune to other frequencies within
the display window by rotating the main dial, a cursor foll ows the frequency spectrum
on the screen. Active signals will be audible, the squelch may be adjusted as
required.
4. Press the [ENT] key in the manual search mode if you wish to return to the dial
mode still retaining the present frequency.
Press the [ESC] key in the manual search mode if you wish to return to the dial mode
but with the frequency you were originally receiving before you switched to the
manual search mode.
C-2 Program search
In the program search mode, the AR7000 will step through the pre-programmed
frequency spectrum in the specified increment size. The AR7000 is equipped with 8
program search banks, number 0 to 7.
1. Press the [SEARCH] key while in the dial mode or memory mode, the program
search menu will then be displayed on the LCD.
{figure 18}
2. Rotate the main dial to select the desired program search bank number 0 to 7.
3. Push the [RUN/BRK] key to start the program search process, the LCD displays
the legends “P.SEARCH” (in light blue) and “Run” (in red) to confirm selection.
{figure 19}
Remember, the squelch must be advanced high enough to cancel the background
noise or the search process will not progress as the AR7000 will
found a busy frequency. Press [SQL] and rotate the main dial clockwise until
background noise in cancelled then press [ENT] to accept the new value.
Resultant frequency spectrum analysis will be displayed on the lo wer section of the
LCD (in green) as the search process advances. Strong signals appear as high
vertical bars and weak or no signal as low bars. When a signal above the squelch
threshold is received, the search process will stop on the active frequency and you
will hear the transmission (if the volume is high enough) until the busy signal has
disappeared (or in case of time controlled search is selected, after the specified time
has elapsed). Rotate the main dial to force the search onward.
When the search reaches the top frequency limit, the search jumps back to the
lowest frequency limit then advances forward again (depending on setting of forward,
reverse, loop or link in the configuration menu).
4. Push the [RUN/BRK] key while the program search is in progress to stop the
search. The legend “Brk” will be will be displayed in place of “Run” on the LCD.
{figure 20}
You may manually tune around by rotating the main dial, a cursor (vertical dark band
through the spectrum display) follows your movement through the limits of the display
window.
5. Push the [ENT] or [ESC] key to return to the program search menu to make
changes or to select a different search bank.
6. Push the [ESC] key to return to the operating mode before the program search
process began.
D Scan mode
D-1 Manual scan
1. While in the memory mode (p ress the [←] or [→] key until “MEMORY” is
displayed) press the [BANK] key. The bank number legend will reverse contrast on
the LCD. Rotate the main dial to select the desired bank number, there are 15 scan
banks numbered 0 to 14, accept the selection by pressing [ENT].
{figure 21}
2. Push the [RUN/BRK] key, the legend “M.SCAN” will appear on the LCD to confirm
selection and the scan process will start.
{figure 22}
think
that it has
Remember, the squelch must be advanced high enough to cancel the background
noise or the scan process will not progress as the AR7000 will
a busy channel. Press [SQL] and rotate the main dial clockwise until background
noise in cancelled then press [ENT] to accept the new value.
Resultant frequency spectrum analysis (representing channel activity) will be
displayed on the lower section of the LCD (in green) as the scan process advances.
Strong signals appear as high vertical bars and weak or no signal as low bars. When
a signal above the squelch threshold is received, the scan process will stop on the
active channel and you will hear the transmission (if the volume is high enough) until
the busy signal has disappeared. Rotate the main dial to force the scan to resume in
whichever direction you choose.
3. While the scan is stopped, rotate the main dial to force the scan resume. When
the scan reaches the top channel number, it reverses back progressing toward the
lowest channel number, then advances forward again.
4. Push the [RUN/BRK] key while scanning. The scan will stop and the legend “Brk”
will be displayed on the LCD. Rotate the main dial to step through the memory
channels, a cursor (vertical dark band through the spectrum display) follows your
movement through the limits of the display window.
{figure 23}
5. Push the [ENT] key while scanning. The receiver will return to the memory mode
retaining the present frequency. Push the [ESC] key to go back to the memory
channel used prior to the selection of manual scan mode.
D-2 Program scan
1. Press the [SCAN] key while in dial mode or memory mode. The program scan
menu will appear on the LCD.
{figure 24}
2. Rotate the main dial to select your desired program scan group number. There
are eight program scan groups 0 to 7. These are not the same as the 15 memory
banks, but are special program scan groups where start / stop memory banks &
channels may be nominated along with direction of scan, time controlled scan value
etc. Any number of adjacent memory channels and banks may be nominated for
start / stop limits for each of the eight program scan groups.
3. Push the [RUN/BRK] key, the legend “P.SCAN” will be displayed along with the
legend “Run”. The program scan process will commence for the chosen memory
group (providing memory channels contain data).
The scan will stop when the active signal above squelch threshold is received. The
scan resumes either when such signal has disappeared, or in case of time controlled
scan, when the pre-determined time has elapsed. Rotate the main dial to force the
scan to resume.
{figure 25}
think
that it has found
4. Push the [RUN/BRK] key while scanning to pause the scan process. The scan will
stop and the legend “Brk” will be displayed on the LCD. Rotate the main dial to step
through the memory channels, a cursor (vertical dark band through the spectrum
display) follows your movement through the limits of the display window.
{figure 26}
5. Push the [ENT] or [ESC] key to return to the program scan menu to make changes
or to select a different scan group.
6. Push the [ESC] key to go back to the operating mode in use prior to program scan
selection.
AR7000 Reference manual
1. Basic operation
1.1 Selection of the basic operating mode
Push the [→] key to advance the operating mode clockwise, VFO-A to VFO-B to
MEMORY to VFO-A..., push the [←] key to select anti-clockwise.
{figure 27}
{figure 28}
{figure 29}
1.2 Audio volume
Push the [↑] key to increase the audio volume, push the [↓ ] key to decrease (lower)
the audio volume level.
{figure 30}
1.3 Key lock
Push the [K.Lock] key to lock the keypad of the radio, this is useful to prevent
accidental frequency change, the LCD legend “Lock” confirms operation. Push the
[K.Lock] key again to disengage the lock as a toggle.
{figure 31}
1.4 Squelch control
To set the squelch permanently open
Press the [SQL] key so that the “OPN” legend appears on the LCD followed by
[ENT].
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