AOR ARD2 instruction manual
ARD-2 Operating Manual
Table of contents
(1) Table of contents (this page) ............................................................................... 1
(2) Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Supplied accessories .............................................................................................. 3
2.2 Precautions ............................................................................................................. 3
(3) Controls ................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 TOP PANEL - Decode mode indicator .................................................................... 5
3.2 Decode status lamp ................................................................................................ 5
3.3 Decode mode selection keys .................................................................................. 6
3.4 Light ON/OFF key ................................................................................................... 6
3.5 DECODE ST ART key ............................................................................................. 6
3.6 SCROLL UP/DOWN keys ...................................................................................... 6
3.7 LEVEL adjustment Knob ......................................................................................... 7
3.8 VOLUME adjustment knob ..................................................................................... 7
3.9 REAR PANEL - COM connector (RS232) ............................................................. 7
3.10 FRONT P ANEL - PHONE connector ..................................................................... 8
3.1 1 EXT SP connector .................................................................................................. 8
3.12 AF IN connector ...................................................................................................... 8
3.13 DC 12V connector .................................................................................................. 8
3.14 PHONE connector .................................................................................................. 9
3.15 EXT SP connector .................................................................................................. 9
(4) Connections, getting started ............................................................................... 9
4.1 Power supply (batteries & external d.c.) .................................................................. 10
4.2 Connecting audio input from a radio receiver .......................................................... 10
4.3 Connecting to a PC (optional, skip as appropriate) .................................................. 10
4.4 Let’s power it up ...................................................................................................... 1 1
4.5 Selection of Decode Mode ...................................................................................... 12
4.6 Selecting ACARS-1 mode [1] ................................................................................. 12
4.7 Selecting ACARS-2 mode [2] ................................................................................. 13
4.8 Selecting NA VTEX-E mode [E] ............................................................................... 13
4.9 Selecting NA VTEX-J mode [J] ............................................................................... 14
(5) Display ................................................................................................................... 14
5.1 Scroll ....................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Back-light ................................................................................................................ 14
(6) Input of audio signal and adjustment ................................................................. 15
6.1 Audio input level optimal setting ............................................................................. 15
6.2 Level adjustment knob ............................................................................................ 15
6.3 Volume adjustment knob ......................................................................................... 15
(7) Display and serial data output ............................................................................ 16
7.1 Format ACARS-1 Mode [1] .................................................................................... 16
7.2 Format ACARS-2 Mode [2] .................................................................................... 17
7-3 Format NA VTEX-E mode [E] .................................................................................. 18
(8) What is ACARS/NAVTEX ..................................................................................... 20
8.1 Description of ACARS ............................................................................................ 20
8.2 Description of NA VTEX .......................................................................................... 21
(9) Radio receiver and aerial ..................................................................................... 21
9.1 When the AR5000 is used, as an example with notes on AR3030 & AR7030 ....... 2 2
9.2 About the aerial ....................................................................................................... 23
(10) Specification ......................................................................................................... 24
Page 1
ARD-2 Operating Manual
(2) Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the ARD-2 ACARS / NAVTEX decoder and display unit.
This unit is capable of decoding and displaying aircraft ACARS and marine NAVTEX
data transmissions via its built-in LCD display (including NAVTEX-J Japanese character set via a PC which supports this character set), add to this power from internal
batteries or external d.c. plus the capability to link to a computer for enhanced display
and the result is a very flexible transportable unit.
This operating manual is divided into many sections and presented in a logical order
assuming that it will be read section by section following the examples. However, if
you are familiar with the operations of ACARS and NAVTEX, you may proceed
directly to the associated section, missing out the introductions... do however take
note of the precautions section (2.2).
Every effort has been made to make this manual correct and up to date. Due to
continuous development of the unit and by error or omissions, anomalies may be
found and this is acknowledged. Most apparent faults are usually due to accidental
misoperation of the unit, carefully read all of the manual before deciding to return the
unit for repair.
© This manual is protected by copyright AOR Ltd 1997. 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. 1997 AOR Ltd.
Page 2
ARD-2 Operating Manual
Operating manual Conventions
Where text appears in [SQUARE BRACKETS], the keys are to be pressed exactly as
shown. For example: [LIGHT ON/OFF] means press the LIGHT ON/OFF key.
Words contained in speech marks “MODEL ARD-2” refer to indications displayed on
the Liquid Crystal Display.
2.1 Supplied accessories
1 ARD-2 main unit
1 d.c. power lead with a fuse, approx 1.8m in length.
Note: in some market areas the ARD-2 may be supplied
with an a.c. power supply providing 12V d.c. output
1 audio connecting lead fitted with 6.3mm mono and 3.5mm
mono plug at each end, approx 1.6m in length
1 serial interface cable for connection to a computer, approx
1.6m in length
1 user operating manual (this booklet)
4 AA size cell batteries
2.2 Precautions
Location
Do not use or leave the unit in direct sunlight (especially the LCD). It is best to avoid
locations where excessive heat, humidity, dust and vibration are expected. Always
treat the unit with care.
Take care to avoid spillage or leakage of liquids into the unit (and a.c. power unit if
supplied, dependant on market area). Special care should be taken to avoid liquid
entering via the power jack and audio sockets. Always remove batteries if the unit is
not going to be used for a while.
Avoid connecting / disconnecting the power connection or batteries with the unit
switched On, first switch off using the On/Off switch located on the left side of the unit
and avoid a rapid switch On/Off sequence. If switched Off, leave at least two seconds
before switching On again.
Looking after the ARD-2
Always keep the unit free from dust and water. Use a soft dry cloth to gently wipe the
unit clean. Never use chemicals such as benzine or thinners which will damage
certain parts.
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ARD-2 Operating Manual
Power requirements
The ARD-2 is designed for operation from internal AA batteries, alkaline batteries are
recommended for longevity and to minimise the chances of battery leakage which
would otherwise prove harmful to the ARD-2. When using batteries always select a
quality brand, 4 x AA size 1.2 or 1.5V cells are required. If not being used for a long
period of time, remove any batteries to reduce the chances of leakage.
It is possible to use NiCad batteries, however you will need to charge them externally
from the ARD-2 as the ARD-2 does NOT have a charging circuit. Access to the
battery compartment is via a removable sub-panel on the underside of the ARD-2
using a sliding motion. Always switch the receiver Off when inserting or removing
batteries.
An external d.c. supply may also be connected, it should be regulated and provide a
minimum current capacity of 300mA. NEVER CONNECT THE ARD-2 DIRECTLY TO
THE a.c. WALL SUPPLY. Always switch the unit Off when connecting or disconnecting power.
WARNING: Always remove internal fitted batteries when connecting
to an external d.c. supply, otherwise the battery cells in the battery
compartment may get hot resulting in permanent damage to the unit,
there is also a risk of fire and personal injury.
The d.c. input socket uses a specialised dual concentric connector. This connector
is CENTRE POSITIVE (which is the RED terminal of most DC power supplies).
The outer connector is NEGATIVE = ground.
WARNING: Safety statement, Always disconnect the power unit
from the a.c. wall supply when not in use.
Page 4
(3) Controls
Top panel
ARD-2 Operating Manual
3.1 Decode mode indicator
Directly underneath the LCD is a row of five LEDs, the first four (counting from the
left) are GREEN and used to indicate which of the four data modes provided by the
ARD-2 is currently selected. The default is ACARS-1:-
ACARS-1 mode (far left)
ACARS-2 mode (second from the left)
NAVTEX-E mode (third from the left)
NAVTEX-J mode (fourth from the left)
3.2 Decode status lamp
Directly underneath the LCD is a row of five LEDs, the far right LED is coloured RED
and flashes to indicate when ACARS or NAVTEX data has been detected by the
ARD-2, the ARD-2 will start to decode the data and display the result on the LCD
simultaneously passing the decoded information to the RS232 port.
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ARD-2 Operating Manual
3.3 Decode mode selection keys
Toward the centre of the front panel are four keys labelled [1], [2], [E] and [J]. These
keys are used to select the desired data mode, confirmation of data mode is provided
by LEDs positioned above the keys:-
[1] ACARS-1 mode
[2] ACARS-2 mode
[3] NAVTEX-E mode
[4] NAVTEX-J mode
(far left)
(second from the left)
(third from the left)
(fourth from the left)
3.4 Light ON/OFF key
When first powered up, the back light for the LCD is activated to provide best visibility.
However, it is recommended that the LCD back light is switched off while operating
from internal batteries in order to conserve power from the battery cells (saving about
35mA). Use the [LIGHT ON/OFF] key to toggle the back light Off/On.
3.5 DECODE START key
When first powered, the ARD-2 will start to decode received data immediately (if a
valid signal is presented). However, if the SCROLL UP/DOWN keys are used to
review received data, it is necessary to press the [DECODE START] key to reactivate
the decode process (or no new data will be decoded). Use of the scroll keys temporarily disables decode until the [DECODE START] key is pressed.
3.6 SCROLL UP/DOWN keys
When data has been received and decoded, only the last two lines will be visible on
the LCD, to review previously decoded data, press the [SCROLL UP] key to view the
message up to 32 characters at a time from the buffer memory which can contain up
to a maximum of 512 characters. While scrolling, the [SCROLL DOWN] key may be
used to move forward through the data.
Note: Decoding is temporarily suspended while the buffer is being
scrolled. The scroll keys cannot cause data displayed on an external
computer to be scrolled. These keys are invalid when the buffer memory
has no data.
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ARD-2 Operating Manual
3.7 LEVEL adjustment Knob
This knob is used to obtain the optimum level to distinguish the
audio signal (encoded signal) from the noise. Normally this control
should be centred at the 12 o’clock position.
3.8 VOLUME adjustment knob
Rotate this knob to vary the audio volume from the built-in speaker.
This is useful to determine if data is present on the selected
frequency and to help fine tune the receiver and set the level
adjustment knob. When monitoring for long periods, it is often
most comfortable to reduce this control to zero (7 o’clock position).
When the ARD-2 is switched off, audio is passed straight through
the unit making the position of this control irrelevant (reducing the
requirement to keep adjusting the control).
Rear panel
3.9 COM connector
This 9-pin male D-type socket is used to pass data to a computer via RS232. Refer
to section 4.3 for connection and properties.
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ARD-2 Operating Manual
3.10 PHONE connector
This 3.5mm mono jack socket is provided so that a mono headphone of 8 to 32
OHMS may be connected for personal monitoring (reduced level for comfort), an
identical socket is mounted on the front panel.
3.11 EXT SP connector
This 3.5mm mono jack socket is provided so that an external 8 OHM loudspeaker
may be connected for improved audio fidelity for normal monitoring reducing the
necessity to unplug the ARD-2 from the radio receiver. An identical socket is mounted
on the front panel.
3.12 AF IN connector
This 3.5mm mono jack socket is used to connect audio input to the ARD-2 from the
external speaker socket of your receiver. The standard accessory lead is supplied to
fit into this 3.5mm mono socket, however the other end of the lead should be suitably
terminated to match your radio receiver. Usually the radio receiver’s volume should
be set to about 40% (11 o’clock) but if course will vary from set-to-set.
3.13 DC 12V connector
An external d.c. supply may be connected to this connector using the supplied fused
d.c. lead. An external 12V d.c. regulated supply should be used which has a minimum current capacity of 300mA. The ARD-2 may also be connected via a cigar
lighter plug to your 12V vehicle supply.
NEVER CONNECT THE ARD-2 DIRECTLY TO THE a.c. WALL SUPPLY.
Note: Remove the batteries when using an external d.c. supply.
The d.c. input socket uses a specialised dual concentric connector. This connector is
CENTRE POSITIVE (which is the RED terminal of most DC power supplies). The
outer connector is NEGATIVE - ground.
Page 8
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