AOR AR-one User Guide
® ®
AR-ONE
Ultra Wide Band
Communications Receiver
Operating manual
AOR, LTD.
1
Table of contents
1 Introduction
4
1-1 Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------
4
1-2 Take care of your radio ----------------------------------------------------------------
5
1-3 Attention while operating ---------------------------------------------------------------
6
1-4 Accessories supplied ---------------------------------------------------------------
8
1-5 Controls and functions -------------------------------------------------------------- 9
1-5-1 Keypad --------------------------------------------------------------
11
1-5-2 Summary of keys -------------------------------------------------------------
11
1-6 Computer control -------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
14
1-7 IF output and Spectrum Display Unit (SDU5500, SDU5600) --------------------- 14
2 Getting Started
14
2-1 Making the AR-ONE ready for operation -----------------------------------------------
14
2-1-1 LCD -------------------------------------------------------------
14
2-1-2 Connect the antenna ------------------------------------------------------------
14
2-1-3 Connect power -------------------------------------------------------------
15
2-2 Switching on for the first time ------------------------------------------------------------ 15
2-3 Squelch Circuit -------------------------------------------------------------
15
2-4 VFO selection -------------------------------------------------------------
16
-------------------------------------------------------------
2-4-1 Tuning frequency ------------------------------------------------------------
16
2
2-4-1-1 Entering frequency using the numeric keypad ----------------------------
16
2-4-1-2 Changing frequency using the main tuning dial ---------------------------
16
2-4-1-3 Changing frequency using UP arrow key or DOWN arrow key ---------
17
2-5 Changing receive mode --------------------------------------------------------------
17
2-5-1 Auto mode selection -------------------------------------------------------------
19
2-5-2 Receive mode selection -------------------------------------------------------------
20
2-6 Changing tuning step size -------------------------------------------------------------
20
2-7 IF bandwidth -------------------------------------------------------------
21
2-7-1 Manually selecting IF band width --------------------------------------------------- 22
2-8 AGC (Automatic Gain Control) ------------------------------------------------------------ 22
2-9 ATT (Attenuator) -------------------------------------------------------------
23
2-10 RF Amplifier -------------------------------------------------------------
24
2-11 OFFSET -------------------------------------------------------------
25
2-11-1 Using pre-programmed frequency offset data ----------------------------------
25
2-11-2 Entering new frequency offset data ------------------------------------------------
26
3 Memory channels and banks ---------------------------------------------------------------- 27
3-1 Memory channel overview ---------------------------------------------------------------- 27
3-2 Storing VFO frequency and data into memory ---------------------------------------- 28
3-3 Memory read “M.RD” --------------------------------------------------------------- 30
3-4 Deleting memory channels --------------------------------------------------------------- 31
4 SCAN – scanning memory channels ------------------------------------------------------- 31
4-1 SCAN – outline introduction -------------------------------------------------------------- 31
4-2 Starting SCAN --------------------------------------------------------------
3
32
4-3 Selecting a SCAN bank -------------------------------------------------------------- 32
4-4 Select SCAN -------------------------------------------------------------
32
4-4-1 Adding select scan channels in memory read ------------------------------------ 32
4-4-2 Starting/Stopping select scan --------------------------------------------------------- 33
5 Search mode -------------------------------------------------------------
34
5-1 Search type -------------------------------------------------------------
34
5-1-1 Program search overview ------------------------------------------------------------- 34
5-2 Starting Program search ------------------------------------------------------------- 34
5-2-1 Reversing the direction of search --------------------------------------------------- 35
5-2-2 Forcing the search to resume ------------------------------------------------------- 35
5-2-3 Stopping the search ------------------------------------------------------------
36
5-3 Selection of search bank ------------------------------------------------------------
36
5-4 Programming a search bank ----------------------------------------------------------- 36
5-5 Deleting search banks ------------------------------------------------------------
41
5-6 Locking out unwanted active frequencies (PASS) ------------------------------------- 43
5-6-1 Deleting pass channels -------------------------------------------------------------
43
6 Configuration menu ------------------------------------------------------------
45
6-1 Configure beep ------------------------------------------------------------
45
6-2 Configure lamp ------------------------------------------------------------
46
6-3 Configure dimmer ------------------------------------------------------------
47
6-4 Configure contrast -----------------------------------------------------------
48
6-5 Configure manual AGC ----------------------------------------------------------
48
4
6-6 Configure IF-GAIN (Intermediate Frequency gain) ---------------------------------- 49
6-7 Configure RF-GAIN (Radio Frequency gain) ------------------------------------------ 50
6-8 Configure Remote BPS (Baud Rate) ---------------------------------------------------
50
6-9 Configure RMT-ID (Remote ID) ----------------------------------------------------------- 51
6-10 Configure DELAY (Scan delay and Search delay) --------------------------------- 52
6-11 FREE (Scan free and Search free) ----------------------------------------------------- 53
6-12 Configure SPEAKER -----------------------------------------------------------
53
6-12-1 Configure rear speaker -----------------------------------------------------------
53
6-12-2 Configure front speaker ---------------------------------------------------------- 54
6-12-3 Configure headphones output ------------------------------------------------------ 55
6-13 Configure audio filters (HPF/LPF) ------------------------------------------------------ 55
6-13-1 Configure audio HPF (High Pass Filter) ----------------------------------------- 55
6-13-2 Configure audio LPF (Low Pass Filter) -----------------------------------------
56
6-14 Configure Audio De-emphasis ----------------------------------------------------------
57
6-15 Configure PRIO-CH (Priority Channel) -----------------------------------------------
58
6-15-1 Engaging PRIO channel ---------------------------------------------------------
58
6-16 Configure IF output frequency ---------------------------------------------------------
59
6-16-1 Selecting IF output frequency --------------------------------------------------------
59
6-17 Configure reference signal source --------------------------------------------------------
60
7 Computer control -------------------------------------------------------
61
7-1 How to send an RS-232C command -------------------------------------------------------
61
7-2 Power on the AR-ONE ------------------------------------------------------
61
7-3 Detailed RS-232C Command Listing of the AR-ONE ----------------------------------
5
62
8 Specifications ------------------------------------------------------
75
9 Optional Accessories -----------------------------------------------------
76
10 Limited Warranty ------------------------------------------------------
77
1 Introduction
1-1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing t he AR-ONE Ultra Wide Band Communicat ions receiver .
The AR-ONE is designed using the very latest technology to ensure the highest levels
of
performance and reliabil it y. To get the best possible results from your AR-ONE, w e
strongly recommend you to read this manual and familiarize yourself with t he receiver.
Although carefully designed, this receiver (like all receivers) suffers from a degree of
internal noises known as spuri ous emission. They are a product of the receiver’s
circuitry, and therefore, it does not represent a fault. Apparent faults may be due to
accidental misoperation of t he receiver. If you believe there is a problem, carefully read
6
all of the manual before d eciding to contact your dealer for advice.
It is acknowledged that sect ions of this manual are repetitive, this is to enable the
manual to be used as a reference book (you don’t have to read it all from cov er t o cover
in one go). Due to the internat ional nature of the product, some graphics contain
Japanese characters.
Every effort has been made to make this manual correct and up to date. Due to
continuous developme nt of t he receiver. and by error or omission anomalies may be
found and this is acknowl edged.
© This manual is prote ct ed by copyright AOR, LTD. 2003. No information cont ained 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 trademarks of AOR, LTD. All other
trademarks
and names are acknowledged.
Main features:
z
Super wide coverage: 10 KHz ~ 3. 3 G Hz (cont inuous)
z
1,000 memory channels
z
10 VFOs
z
Monitor AM, NFM, WFM, USB, LSB, CW, Data
z
Ultra-stable reference frequency oscillator
z
Two RS-232C ports plus control head port
z
Control up to 99 AR-ON E Units with one PC
z
Triple conv ersion superheterodyne front end
z
Antenna input level readout
z
Adjustable BFO
z
High intercept
z
IF signal output (10.7 MHz or 455KHz)
z
Excellent sensitivity
z
Detachable control h ead (optional kit required)
7
1-2 Take care of your radio
There are no internal operator adjustments. In the unlikely event of servicing being
required, please contact y our dealer for technical assistance.
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
keep
the AR-ONE free from dust and moisture. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the set
clean, never use abrasive cleaners or organic solvents which may damage certain
parts.
Treat the AR-ONE with care, avoid spillage or lea kage of liquids into the receiver and
associated power supply. Special care should be taken to avoid liquid entering around
the controls, through the speaker grille or via the connection jacks.
The AR-ONE is designed for operation from a good quality regulated DC supply of 12
to
14 V, which should be capabl e of supplying 1.5 amps. Never connect the AR-ONE
directly to the AC outlet.
The DC input jack is conf i gured Center Positive, the chassis of the rece iver is at
negative ground. Where p r ovided (depending upon world market location), the power
supply is pre-wired and prov ides a nominal 12 V DC output with suitabl e connectors
being fitted as standard for the AC power input and connection to t he A R-O N E.
SAFETY NOTICE – Always disconnect the power supply from the AC outlet when
not in use. If used m obi le, it should be noted th at the AR-ONE has NOT been
manufactured or tested to meet any speci fi c mobile safety requirements.
The AR-ONE has no internally user adjustable parts.
If using the AR-ONE in a base st at ion situation, the best short wave reception is usually
achieved by the fitting of a separate external earth rod, however, consider the
implications carefully if your AC building supp ly uses a Protective Multiple E a rth (PME)
system. If in doubt consult an expert electrician. Never earth to a gas pipe!
The AR-ONE has a single N t ype antenna connector for all frequen cies. This is intended
for connection to a 50 ohm (unbalanced) coaxial fed antenna such as a discone, dipole,
8
unipole, Yagi, etc. When sighting the antenna, avoid pow er cables. Ensure that you do
not confuse the antenna and ot her I F out put connectors as they are closely locat ed.
Operating anomalies
Should the AR-ONE appe ar t o behave strangely, normal operation may be ea sily
achieved by resetting the microprocessor. Two scenarios may be encountered due to
power transients etc:
1. Symptom: LCD remains on, no control of the keypad.
Action: Remove any connection to external power and leave it for
approximately 30 seconds. Reconnect power and switch on again.
Normal operation should be restored but the last used frequency will be lost, the
AR-ONE will restore the last but one frequency to
display.
2. Symptom: The AR-ONE fails to power up.
Action: Try the suggestions given in (1) then hold the ESC key while
powering up the AR-ONE to ‘Soft reset’ the microprocessor.
1-3 Attention while operating
1. Certain key operation are acted upon when the key is RELEASED, not w hi le it
is pressed. Allow time for t he AR-ONE to register such actions before pressing
another key.
2. The keylock (LOCK) is intentionally made to be difficult to operate to prevent
accidental operation. To release keylock, t he LOCK key has to be held for more
than one second, the key icon on the LCD confirms operation. The LOCK is
disabled during keying seque nces (such as when entering frequencies).
3. If a key sequence is not completed, the microprocessor will automatically
abort
most operations after about 90 seconds of keypad inactivity.
4. Currently displayed VFO dat a is saved at power down (to increase speed o f
operation and to reduce writ e cycles). For this reason, if the AR-ON E is powered
down using the PWR/VOL control or external power is removed, t he last
displayed frequency w ill be lost and the frequency used prior to this will be
displayed when next powered up.
Terminology – Search & Scan
9
If you have not used a wide band receiver before or not familiar with the terminology used,
it
is very important to understand the difference between SEARCH and SCAN modes.
SEARCH: The AR-ONE provides several operations where transmissions (active
frequencies) may be automatically located by sweeping the receiv er over a wide
frequency range, either fr om the currently displayed frequency t r aveling upwards
(or downwards) in a specified tuning increment (step) or by sweeping
over-and-over between two specif ied frequency limits. This proces s is known as
SEARCHING, as t he little implies, it can take a long time to find transmissions due
to their ‘often intermittent’ and brief nature. For this reason it is best to slice large
frequency ranges into small er, more manageable pieces where they may be
intensively studied.
When examining large frequency bands, it is common to find t hat 90% of
frequencies are inactive and only a small number of t he rema ining constitute what
you really want. Searching still remains the best way to initially locate active and
interesting transmissions (in conjunction with a good frequency listing and band
plan).
SCAN: Once active tr ansmission have been identified (either by searching or by
using a good frequency guide), it is more efficient to store the dat a int o memories
which can be rapidly and automatically monitored in succession stopping whe n
activity is encountered. Th is f orms a much more efficient means of mon it ori ng the
most wanted frequencies as you have targeted 100% what you most want t o hear,
by contrast searching is very inefficient for say-to-day monitoring.
: It is very important that the squelch is advanced to cancel background
Note
noise for the search & scan fu nctions to operate. This is because the
AR-ONE believes that it has found a n active frequency when the squelch
opens and “S” ‘squel ch open’ icon is displayed to the left of the signal meter.
Advance the squelch control clockwise until the backgr ound noise is just
cancelled, this is known as the threshold position. If the squelch control is
advanced too far, weaker signals may be missed .
No noise and no “S” icon displayed (with squelch advanced clockwise
10
passed threshold) = squelch cl osed.
Signal received or ‘noise’ emanating from speaker (squelch fully
counterclockwise, below thresho ld) with “ S” icon displayed = squelch open.
1-4 Accessories supplied
The following items are provided in the carton box:
1 AR-ONE receiver
1 AC power supply (may be supplied in some world market areas and in a separate
carton)
1 DC power cable
1 Operating manual (this booklet)
1-5 Controls & functions
Controls are located on th e front with most connectors on the rear of the AR-ONE, a brief
identification is given here:
11
Front Panel
1. Volu me co nt rol plus isolate power On/Off
2. Squelch control
3. Phones jack (3.5 mm mono or stereo may be used)
4. Escape key
5. Key Lock key
6. Monitor key
7. Function key
8. LCD (Liquid Cryst a l Display)
9. Main keyboard (ten keys plus decimal and enter)
10. Main tuning dial (frequency change and menu manipulation)
11. Arrow keys (frequency change and menu manipulation)
Rear Panel
12
12. Antenna connector (N type)
13. Standard signal (10 MHz) input connector
14. IF output connector
15. Main power switch
16. DC power input connector
17. Remote control connector (RS-232C) -- 1
18. Remote control connector (RS-232C) – 2
19. External signal output connector (when used, t he internal speaker is disabled.)
20. Audio output connector (speaker output without disabling the internal
speaker.)
21. Signal output connector (0 – 4.5 V DC maximum)
RS-232C connecti on requirements:
The REMOTE RS-232C connector (16 & 17 above) is designed for connection directly to
an
RS-232C serial port of a PC. By daisy chain of the units, you can cont rol up to 99 AR-ONE
with one PC. No interface is requ ired, just a standard RS-232C straight cab le. Connections
for a PC are as follows:
AR-ONE DB-9 RS-232C cable DB-25 RS-232C cable
Pin # 2 Pin # 2 Pin # 3
Pin # 3 Pin # 3 Pin # 2
Pin # 5 Pin # 5 (Ground) Pin # 7 (Ground)
Pin # 7 Pin # 7 Pin # 4
Pin # 8 Pin # 8 Pin # 5
13
1-5-1 Keypad
Keypad conventions
Most keys have secondary functions , their functions are printed on the panel. However,
due
the restriction of availabl e size, not all functions can be shown on t he keypad printing.
For the secondary functio ns of t he AR-ONE, they are indicated w ith w hite characters above
each key. T o access t he secondary function, push the FUNC key, and then push the
respective key.
1-5-2 Summary of keys
ESC
Push this key to cancel ent ry from the keypad.
LOCK
This key is intentio nally small to reduce the chances of accidental operation. Key lock is
useful when you do not wish an i m port ant frequency to be lost or the AR-ONE to be
incorrectly set to a diff erent frequency.
MON
The monitor key is used to force the squelch open so that you may manua l ly intervene to
ensure that no weak signals are missed.
FUNC
The function key is used to select the secondary function of keypad.
SCAN
Push this key to initiate SCAN.
MEMO
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to go into the me mory read mode.
SRCH (SEARCH)
Push this key to initiate SEARCH.
14
VFO
Push this key to select
AR-ONE.
VFO
mode. There are 10
STEP
Push the
MODE
Push this key to select the desired receive mode.
[FUNC]
key, and then push to select the desired frequency step.
WIDTH
Push the
menu.
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key to select t he desired IF band width selection
ATT
Push this key to activate the
parameter. The
AUTO
RF ATT
selection will work best for most of cases.
(Attenuator). Move the cursor to select the desired
VFO
VFO-A
s (
through
VFO-J
) with the
AGC
Push this key to select the
Move the cursor to select the desired
MEDIUM
CW,
desired parameter (betwe en 0 – 255) can be selected for manual gain co nt rol.
for AM and FM, and
AGC
(Automatic Gain Control) time constant of the receiver.
AGC
SLOW
time constant. Usually,
for SSB mode. When
FAST
MANU
is used to receive
is selected, any
dBm
Push this key to toggle a unit of the incoming signal strength in betwe en
ordinary S unit.
dBm, dBuV,
0 ~ 9 , .
Numeric key
S. SET
Push the
scan
in the
[FUNC]
SELECT SCAN
key, and then push this key to select the desired memory channels to
mode.
or
15
S.SCAN
Push the
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key to initi a t e
DEL
Push the
and pass frequency.
PRIO
Push the
[FUNC]
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key to delete t he me mory channel, search bank,
key, and then push this key to initi a t e
RF AMP
Push the
function (
[FUNC]
ON/OFF/AUTO
key, and then push this key to activ at e/ deactivate the
S PROG
Push the
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key to set the search bank.
CONF
).
SELECT SCAN
PRIORITY CHANNEL RECEIVE
.
RF amplifier
.
Push the
setting beep sound, backlit function, etc.
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key to access
SQL
Push the
level squelch mode.
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key to select eit her t he noise squelch mode or
PASS
Push the
mode.
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key to set the pass frequency in the search
OFFSET
Push the
the duplex mode.
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key to activ at e/ deactivate the frequency offset i n
AFC
Push the
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key to activ at e/ deactivate the
CONFIGURATION
AFC
mode such as
(Automatic
Frequency Control) funct i on.
16
ENT
Push this key to accept da ta entry .
M. in
In the manual receive mode or search mode, push the
to enter the frequency into memory.
[FUNC]
key, and then push this key
1-6 Computer control
Connect the AR-ONE to the serial port of a computer using an RS-232C serial cable
terminated in a 9-pin male connector. The RS-232C parameters may be defined using the
CONFIG
two independent RS-232C port with the AR-ONE, it is possible t o set an ‘ address’ to
facilitate connection of up to 99 AR-ONE to a single PC.
The RS-232C parameters are as follows:
menu. Baud rates (transfer speed) set t o ei t her 4800 or 9600 bps. Since there are
Baud Rate: 4800 or 9600 bps
De-limiter: CR, LF
Data bit: 8 bit
Stop bit: 2 bit
Parity: None
X parameter: ON
1-7 IF output and Spectrum Display Unit (SDU5500, SDU5600 )
The rear panel has a 10.7 MHz I F out put designed to drive the optional SDU5 500 or
SDU5600 Spectrum Disp lay Unit. The SDU5500 or SDU560 0 provides an excellent tool for
locating elusive tr ansmission with a PEAK capability to ‘freeze’ the briefest of transmissions
for later measurement of fr equency and level after the event.
(Note: The IF output frequ ency is selectable in the
CONFIG
menu. (10.7 MHz or 455KHz ) .
2 Getting started
2-1 Making the AR-ONE ready for operation
2-1-1 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
All relevant operational information is provided via the LCD. The LCD contrast is
adjustable.
17
2-1-2 Connect the antenna
For reception on the all bands, connect the antenna to the N connector on the rear panel of
the AR-ONE. An option al SA7000 Super Wideband Receiver is provided for this purpose.
A receive frequency range of the SA7000 is 30 KHz ~ 2000 MHz.
2-1-3 Connect power
Connect the power to the DC pow er j ack on the rear panel of the AR-ONE. Use either a
supplied AC power adapter. Or a regulated DC power supply (12 ~ 14 V with capacity 2A)
may be used. Do not connect t o a 24 V system.
Main Power Switch ___| |___ DC Power Jack
2-2 Switching On for the first time
Set the squelch control to t he ‘ mid point’ . Turn the power sw itch on the rear panel of the
AR-ONE. This is a main power switch. The Green LED lit on the switch. Then rotate the
PWR/VOL control to the ‘ m id point’, as you start to rotate the PWR/VOL control, a ‘click’ w ill
be heard as the power isolation switch contact switches on. Please be careful NOT to
switch
on any receiver with an earphone connected, there may be an audible cl ick when the unit is
switched on or the volume may be accidentally set too high.
Power/VOL control
•
•
Squelch cont r ol
The AR-ONE will take approximately 1 - 2 seconds before the information appears on the
18
LCD. It is normal, for the micropr ocessor of the AR-ONE generates the ‘boot up data’
required to control the receiver.
2-3 Squelch Circuit
In normal use,
search and scan operations. The
check the signal strength of
above a preset level (which is programmable).
To select
NOISE SQUELCH
LEVEL SQUELC H
1. Push the
FUNC
is used. However,
LEVEL SQUELCH
active
frequencies and to only st op when the signal strength is
, perform the following steps:
key.
LEVEL SQUEL CH
parameter causes the AR-ONE to
can be selected for
2. Push the “8” key.
3. On the bottom of the LCD, a bar will be displayed. Using the
adjust the desired signal level.
4. Push the
5. Squelch will open only when the input signal strength is ab ove this set level.
6. To select
ENT
key to confirm entry.
NOISE SQUEL CH
, repeat above steps.
SQL
control,
2-4 VFO selection
The AR-ONE has ten (10) VFOs being identified as “V-A” through “V-J” on the top left of
the
LCD. The term VFO historically means
to
a tuneable data store which cont ains frequency, step, step-adjust, attenuator etc. Pushing
VFO
the
AUTOMODE setti ng, and therefore, in most cases a proper receive mode and frequency
key each time will select the one VFO out of 10. The AR-ONE has an
‘Variable Frequency Oscilla tor’
and today refers
19
step are automatically sel ect ed.
2-4-1 Tuning frequency
2-4-1-1 Entering a frequency usi ng the numeric keypad
While in VFO mode, enter the required frequency using MHz format followed by the ENT
key.
Example of frequency entry of 80. 8 MHz
Push the [8] key. Push the [0] key. Push the [.] key. Push the [8] key. Push the [ENT] key.
Example of frequency entry of 954 KHz (0.954 MHz)
Push the [.] key. Push the [9] key. Push the [5] key. Push the [4] key. Push the [ENT] key.
Aborting frequ ency input
If for some reason you do not wish to co mp let e t he frequency data input, push t he ESC key
before completing the input sequence with the ENT key.
2-4-1-2 Changing fr equency using the main tuning dial
While in VFO mode, the active VFO frequency may be ‘tuned’ in using the rotary main
tuning
dial which is mounted on the right side of the front panel. You may rotate the dial ‘clockwise’
to increase frequency or t urn ‘counterclockwise’ to decrease frequ ency.
2-4-1-3 Changing fr equency using UP arrow key or DOWN arrow key
The UP arrow key and DOWN arrow key provide a convenient method of frequency
change.
20
The speed at which the receiv er st eps up or down depends upon the STEP SIZE which is
default to AUTO. In AUTO the step size, receiver mode etc. is taken from the factory
pre-programmed band plan but may be ov erridden at any time.
Push the UP arrow key to tune the receiver upward in whichever step size is selected, use
the DOWN arrow key t o t une t he receiver downward in frequency.
2-5 Changing receive mode
Due to the necessities of signal bandwidth, channel occupancy and transmission efficiency.
Different receive modes are used by various services. I n addit ion to this specification for
tuning step and receive mode are allocated by departments of Govern ments following
international discuss ions so are not consistent throughout t he w orl d. For this reason, it is
necessary to change receiv e mode in order t o monitor various transmissions.
For your convenience, receive mode and tuning step size have been pre-prog rammed i nto
the AR-ONE auto-mode b and plan data at the factory to simplify operat ion of the receiver,
especially while you familiarize yourself with all functions. Should you wish, the defaults
may
be manually overridden at anytime so that you may select an alternat ive receive mode and
tuning step on any frequency.
AM
Amplitude Modulation – U sed by broadcast services throughout the world on long wave,
medium wave and shortwave. AM is also used by VHF airband, UHF mi litary airband and
some PMR (Private Mobil e Radio) and utility services.
FM
There are two common types of FM (Frequency Modulation, these are:
NFM – Narrow Band Frequency Modulation – this provides high quality communication for
relatively short distance operation. FM uses a greater frequency bandwidth than other
modes such as SSM so is less efficient.
NFM is the most common mode used above 30 MHz with the exception of the airbands.
NFM is widely used on the VH F bands: VHF marine band, 2m amateur ba nd, 70 cm
amateur band, PMR (Priv at e Mobi le Radio) and utilities.
21
In the absence of signal, the background white noise may appear quite loud. For ease of
listening, the squelch control should be rotated clockwise until he background noise just
disappears, this should be carried out while no signal is present. The point where the
background noise is cancelled is known as threshold point. Do not advance the squelch
control more than necessary or the receiver will appear to be desensitized and weaker
signals will be missed.
WFM – Wide Band Frequency Modulation – used by VHF and UHF broadcast stations as
excellent audio quality is available due to the relatively wide frequency bandwidth
employed.
Used only for local services such as VHF band stereo (received as mono on the AR-ONE)
and UHF TV sound channels.
LSB – Lower Side Band – is form of SSB (Single Side Band). LSB t ends not to be used
commercially but is extensively used by Radio Amateurs on frequencies below 10 MHz.
This assists the separatio n of Commercial and Amateur users on trad it ionally shared bands
and prevents them from speaking to each other .
SSB is a very efficient method of transmission as the unwanted second sideband and
carrier
have been removed. This allow s t he f ull transmitter power to be employed in c arrying
useful information within the wanted sideband. As a result, greater distances are possible
on
SSB and a smaller frequency bandwidth is required than most other modes.
USB – Upper Side Band – The same comments apply as for LSB. By convention, Radio
Amateurs also use USB above 10 MHz.
CW - Continuous Wave – Often referred as Carrier Wave or Morse Code. Commonly
used
on the short wave bands by radio a mateurs toward the lower end of each band all ocation.
Some commercial use is still made by shipping etc although its use is being phased out
due
to the introduction of automated stations.
2-5-1 Auto-mode selection
22
When auto-mode is in operation, receive mode and tuning step s iz e are automatically
selected for you by the AR-ON E microprocessor .
To activate auto-mode or reconfirm its selection w hi l e in VFO mode,
Push and hold the MODE key for more than 2 seconds.
The AUT icon appears on the top right portion of the LCD.
Note: Auto-mode is cancelled as soon as the receive mode, tuning step or other related
data
is changed. Remember th at aut o-STEP and auto-MODE are linked, reselect AUTO-MODE
if either have been adjust ed and you require the auto bandplan select ion.
2-5-2 Receive mode selection
Any receive mode may be selected at any frequency within the receiver’s frequency
coverage. To access the receive mode menu, push MODE, the following modes are
available: AUT O , WFM, NFM, USB, LSB, CW. Use the main tuning dial or arrow key to
make selection. To accept the selection, push the ENT key.
2-6 Changing tuning STEP size
The specification for channel occupancy, step (separation) and mode are decided by and
allocated by departments of G overnments following internat ional discussions.
Not surprisingly the allo cation of frequency bands are not the same all over the world and
channel separation (st ep) varies from band to band. As an example, the channel separation
(step) for the MW (medium wave) band in the U.S.A. is 10 KHz while in Europe and Japan
they are 9 KHz.
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For above reasons it is necessary t o alt er the STEP size according to local bandplan
conventions. The AR-ON E has been pre-programmed at the factory w ith al l the bandplan
data (specific to each market area) so that the AR-ONE will automatically select the
appropriate step size and mo de f or t he frequency chosen. This greatly si mp li f ies operation
of the receiver while y ou are familiarizing yourself with all functions.
The pre-programming of step size may be manually over-ridden so you may choose
alternative settings at wi ll or when band plan are updated.
Should you wish to chang e t he def ault tuning step size, push the FUNC key and then push
the VFO key.
The third row of the LC D will display the current default size.
The bottom line of the LC D displays the icon “STEP SET” to indicate that the AR-ONE is
waiting you to change the step size.
Use the main tuning dial or arrow key to select the desired step size. To accept the
displayed
tuning step size, push the ENT key.
The tuning step size may also programmed in 1 Hz (via the keypad) so that unusual step
sizes other than stated are possible. The acceptable step size range is less than 1 MHz in
1
Hz steps.
2-7 IF Bandwidth
The IF bandwidth select s how SELECTIVE the receiver will be when monitoring signals off
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air. However, it is not simply a case of using the narrowest filter at all times, particular
modes
require differin g amounts of bandwidth in order to operate otherw ise the receive system
simply will not produce intelligible sound.
Correct receive mode and I F bandw i dt h must always be selected for optimu m recept ion. If
the bandwidth selection is too narrow, distortion or signal break-up may occur. If the
bandwidth selection is t oo wide, adjacent interference may be encountered.
For this reason, a selection of IF filter bandwidths are fitted as standard. Typical examples
of
receive mode and IF bandw idth are:
300 KHz -- VHF FM broadcast (220 KHz may be also be used – mono only)
200 KHz -- VHF FM broadcast (110 KHz may be also be used – mono only)
100 KHz or 30 KHz – Wireless mic, etc. (30 KHz for satellite FAX, too)
16 KHz – PMR, amateur band, etc. FM 6 KHz may also be used
8.5 KHz or 6 KHz – VHF/UHF a irband, short wave broadcast, medium & long w ave, PMR,
etc.
3 KHz – Short wave amateur band, short wave utility such as ocea nic airband etc.
0.5 KHz – Morse code used by radio amateurs and some marine traf fi c on short wave
An appropriate IF filter is aut omatically selected when auto mo de i s engaged. However any
combination of IF filter a nd receive mode is possible in the manual mode. When you have
manually selecte d an I F f il ter bandwidth, automode will be disengaged, but the receive
mode, step size, et c w ill be retained until they are chang ed manually.
2-7-1 Manually selecting I F bandwidth
Push the FUNC key, and then push the MODE key.
Selecting a new bandwidth from the list of 300, 200, 100, 30, 16, 8.5, 6, 3, and 0.5 KHz by
rotating the main tuning di al or arrow key . To accept the new bandwidth selection, push the
ENT key.
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2-8 AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
To change the
Selecting a new
main tuning dial or arrow key. To accept the new
AGC
parameter setting, push the
AGC
parameter from the list of
FUNC
key and then push the
MANU, FAST, MID, SLOW
AGC
parameter, push the
ATT
key.
by rotating the
ENT
key.
When
Configuration Menu.
MANU
is selected, a desired par ameter can be entered between
2-9 ATTENUATOR
0 ~ 255
in the