AOR ARD9000MK2 Instruction Manual

®

Digital Voice Modem

ARD9000MK2

Instruction Manual

AOR, LTD.

Authority On Radio

Communications

Thank you for purchasing the AOR ARD9000MK2 Digital Voice Modem.

All over the world, amateur radio operators have been discovering how
much fun it is to work HF without background noise.

AOR set the pace in this breakthrough technology with its ARD9800.
In response to worldwide demand, AOR had developed the ARD9000 which
makes digital voice communications even more affordable. Now, we have
developed the new ARD9000MK2.

AOR’s digital voice technology delivers audio quality you have to hear to
believe. Whether you are working digital voice across state lines of across
an ocean, amazing doesn’t seem strong enough to describe it.

With an ARD9000MK2, it’s easy to convert existing HF analog transceivers
to work digital voice with NO transceiver modifications. The ARD9000MK2
automatically detects a digital signal and decodes it, so you also maintain
full analog capabilities. Whether a contact comes in as digital or analog, the
ARD9000MK2 can handle it. Digital voice could be the biggest revolution in
HF radio since SSB!

Please read through this instruction manual and familiarize yourself with the
operation of the ARD9000MK2. We suggest you keep this instruction manual
for future reference.

We believe you will enjoy using the ARD9000MK2 as an enhancement to your
enjoyment of amateur radio.

AOR, LTD.

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Features:

z No transceiver modifications needed.
The ARD9000MK2 uses the same audio frequencies (300Hz~2500Hz) as
microphone audio to modulate the voice signal. This allows you to use an analog
radio as a digital voice radio.

z Works on Single Side Band (SSB) mode.
The Automatic frequency clarifier function adjusts frequency drift automatically in
the SSB mode. (Approximately up to +/- 125Hz). Utilizes the OFDM (Multi Carrier
Modulation) circuit that is effective against Multi-path or Selective Fading.

z Automatic digital receive
Automatic voice signal detector recognizes the received signal as analog or digital,
quickly switching to the appropriate mode.

z Built-in high grade Vocoder (AMBE)
Utilizing high-grade digital voice compression delivers quality digital voice
communications.

z Built-in FEC error correction
A powerful error correction circuit delivers stable and reliable communications.

z Small and compact unit. Easy to operate.
Simply connect the ARD9000MK2 between the microphone jack and microphone.
No complicated modifications necessary. Optional interface cables for most
popular transceivers are available or you can build your own connectors.

z Wide range of operation voltages
Operates on 11 to 16V DC from an external power source.

z Utilizes a uniquely designed high performance DSP engine.
z Uses established G4GUO open protocol.

The use of an open digital protocol means use of the ARD9000MK2 is permitted
on US Amateur Radio Bands (non-USA users should check applicable
regulations.)

ARD9000MK2 vs. ARD9800

You may already be familiar with our ARD9800 Multi-Mode and Digital Voice
Interface. The main difference between the ARD9000MK2 and the ARD9800 is
that the ARD9000MK2 is a VOICE ONLY modem. However,
compatible for voice use.

Caution: Signal conditions vary greatly, as such; no warranty can be made on how the
ARD9000MK2 will perform in every circumstance.

both models are fully

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Information to the Digital Device user required by the FCC

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation.

This equipment generates, uses and can generate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct interference by
one or more of the following measures:

z Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
z Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
z Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

z Consult the dealer for technical assistance.

Precautions

To prevent fire, personal injury, or unit damage, please observe the following
precautions:

z Do not attempt to adjust this unit unless instructed to do so by this manual.
z Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight or place the unit close to heating

appliances.

z Do not place the unit in excessively dusty, humid or wet areas.
z AOR is not responsible for any damages to the radio equipment due to

improper settings or interface.
z AOR is not responsible for any loss of communications due to an unexpected
change in propagation or the operating environment.

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Table of Contents

Page

Supplied & optional accessories ---------------------------------------------------------- 5

Magnetic mount ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

Controls and functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6

Front panel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6

Microphone connector ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

Overload indicator -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

Status LED ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Mode switch ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Synchronization switch -------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Speaker volume adjustment with the switch ----------------------------------------- 8

Rear panel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8

DC IN connector --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Speaker OUT connector ----------------------------------------------------------------- 9

Speaker IN connector -------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Radio connector --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

Initial setting --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

Microphone level -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

Output level to radio ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

Input level from radio --------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

Installation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

Connection of the speaker-microphone -------------------------------------------------- 12

Connection to the radio (for microphone input) ----------------------------------------- 13

(for speaker input) ---------------------------------------------- 13

(for external speaker) ------------------------------------------ 13

Connection to a power supply --------------------------------------------------------------- 13

Operation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

Operating hints ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

Duty cycle ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------14

Operating frequencies --------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

Specifications -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

Limited Warranty ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

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Supplied Accessories

The following items are provided in the package:

Accessory Quantity
Speaker Microphone 1
Speaker Cable 1
DC Power cable 1
8 pin metal plug (for radio output) 1
Instruction manual (this booklet) 1
Magnetic mount base (CR25) with screw (M3) 1

Optional Accessories

A pre-wired microphone interface cable for most popular transceivers
D-6MY for YAESU® transceiver with 6 pin modular microphone connector

D-8MY for YAESU® transceiver with 8 pin modular microphone connector
D-8MI for ICOM® transceiver with 8 pin modular microphone connector
D-8MK for KENWOOD® transceiver with 8 pin modular microphone connector
M-8MY for YAESU® transceiver with 8 pin metal microphone connector
M-8MI for ICOM® transceiver with 8 pin metal microphone connector
M-8MK for KENWOOD® transceiver with 8 pin metal microphone connector

Magnetic mount

The supplied magnetic mount base holds the ARD9000MK2 in place against a
metal surface. Simply screw it to the bottom panel’s center hole.

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