AOR ARD9900 User manual

®
ARD9900
FAST RADIO MODEM
Multi-Mode and Digital Voice Interface
Operating manual
AOR, LTD.

1
Thank you for purchasing the AOR ARD9900 Multimo e an Digital Voice Interface.
The ARD9900 is esigne to convert your HF ra io equipment to a multi mo e an igital voice
capable ra io without performing any mo ifications to your transceiver.
Please rea through this instruction manual an familiarize yourself with the operation of the
ARD9900.
We suggest you keep this instruction manual for future reference.
We believe the ARD9900 will become a powerful tool to your communication capabilities.
AOR, LTD.

2
Features
 Digital voice communications using existing analog 2 way radios with encryption.
The ARD9900 uses the same au io frequencies (300 Hz ~ 2500 Hz) as microphone
au io to mo ulate the voice signal. This allows you to use an analog ra io as a igital
voice transceiver.
 Digital voice communications in the Single Side Band (SSB) mode.
The automatic frequency clarifier function a justs frequency rift automatically in the
SSB mo e. (Approximately up to +/- 125 Hz).
 Utilizes the ODF ( ulti Carrier odulation) circuit that is effective against ulti-path or
Selective Fading.
 Automatic digital receive
Automatic voice signal etector recognizes the receive signal as analog or igital,
automatically switching to the appropriate mo e.
 Digital Slow Scan TV (SSTV)
 Built-in video-capture function (NTSC or PAL depending on version)
Compresses the signal into our original a aptive JPEG format. Sen an receive
images in the Digital mo e. Built-in vi eo output connector allows viewing the picture on
an external monitor.
 Built–in high grade Vocoder (A BE)
Utilizing high gra e igital voice compression; elivers quality igital voice
communications.
 Built-in FEC error correction
A powerful error correction circuit elivers stable an reliable communications.
 Data communications on the HF band
Data communication is possible on the HF (High frequency) ban s at no extra cost.
(Spee may be limite by regulations in certain juris ictions.)
 Small and compact unit. Easy to operate.
Simply connect the ARD9900 to the microphone jack an the speaker out jack. No
complicate or risky ra io mo ifications are necessary.
 Utilizes a uniquely designed high performance DSP (Digital Signal Processor) engine
 Battery operation for field use.

3
Information to the Digital Device user
This equipment uses an can generate ra io frequency energy an , if not installe an
use in accor ance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to ra io
communications. However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment oes cause harmful interference to ra io or
television reception, which can be etermine by turning the equipment off an on, the
user is encourage to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
 Increase the separation between the equipment an receiver.
 Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit ifferent from that to which the
receiver is connecte .
 Consult the ealer for technical assistance.
Precautions
To prevent fire, personal injury, or unit amage, please observe the following precautions:
 Do not attempt to a just this unit unless instructe to o so by this manual.
 Do not expose the unit to irect sunlight or place the unit close to heating
appliances.
 Do not place the unit in excessively usty, humi , wet areas.
We are not responsible for any amages to the ra io equipment ue to improper settings
or interface.
We are not responsible for any loss of communications ue to an unexpecte change of
propagation or operating environment.

4
Table of Contents
Page
Supplie Accessories ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5
Controls an functions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Front Panel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Rear Panel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Top Panel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
Internal View ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
Bottom View -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Interfacing the ARD9900 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Connection to a Ra io ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Connection to a Microphone --------------------------------------------------------------------12
Connection to a PC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Connection to a Power supply ------------------------------------------------------------------ 13
Connection to an External speaker ------------------------------------------------------------ 13
Level A justment ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
Microphone level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
Ra io Input level -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Co e Setting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Master Key Co e Setting -------------------------------------------------------------------------15
User ID Co e Setting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
Air Key Co e Setting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------16
Channel Switch Setting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------16
Operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
Voice Communication -----------------------------------------------------------------------------18
Digital Voice Communication ----------------------------------------------------------------18
Analog Voice Communication ---------------------------------------------------------------18
Force Receive -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
Data Communication ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Receive -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
Transmit ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19
Digital Image Communication ------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Receive -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
Transmit ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
Specifications --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21
Type of Communications an their respective features --------------------------------------22
Communication Selection Gui ance --------------------------------------------------------------23
Communication Mo e Setting -----------------------------------------------------------------------24
Detaile functions of communication mo e ------------------------------------------------------25
Control Comman s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------28
Interfacing to a PC -----------------------------------------------------------------------------28
Terminal Settings -------------------------------------------------------------------------------28
Comman format -------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
Entering the System Management Screen ----------------------------------------------29
Operator’s Comman List --------------------------------------------------------------------30
Operator’s Comman Details-----------------------------------------------------------------31
Comman List for the System Manager --------------------------------------------------33
Comman Details of the System Manager ----------------------------------------------34

5
Supplied Accessories
The following items are provi e in the box:
Accessory Quantity
----------------------------------------------------------------
Microphone 1
PC interface cable 1
Speaker Cable 1
DC Power cable 1
Microphone Connector 1
Instruction manual 1
Controls and functions
Front Panel
a. Power on/off switch
b. TX switch
There are two (2) functions with this switch.
1. Digital Image Communication mo e
Set the mo e switch to [10101] ( igital mo e). Press this switch to capture
an sen an image.
Note: When the Video Through Function is activated (AVT command is ON),
pressing this switch will enable output of the video signal connected to the Video
Input to also be sent to the video output port, so that you can monitor the
transmitted video image.
Press this switch again to capture and send the image through the radio
equipment. When the Video Through Function is de-activated (AVT command is
OFF), pressing this switch will automatically capture the video image and then
transmit it through the radio equipment.
(Refer to: Operation -- Digital Image Communication at page 18 for details.)
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6
2. Digital Voice Communication mo e (non encryption or fixe scramble co e
mo e)
Set the mo e switch to [~] (analog mo e). Press an hol this switch to
force the ARD9900 to eco e igital voice signals.
Caution: Frequency tolerance for both parties must be in the range of +/-125 Hz.
(Refer to: Operations -- Digital Voice Communication force receive at page 17
for details.)
c. BUS LED (Busy LED)
Stea y re
The unit is in the transmit mo e
Flashing re
Flashes re while the hea er information is being sent, when in the igital
communication mo e. (Approximately one secon ).
Green
The unit is in the receive mo e
Not lit
The unit is in the stan by receive mo e or in the analog voice receive
mo e.
. STA LED (Status LED)
In the ata communication mo e, lit while unsent ata is in the memory. It
isplays orange when the Vi eo Through Function is activate (Digital
Image Communication mo e). When the Vi eo Through Function is e-
activate (AVT comman is OFF), this LED will not be lit.
e. Speaker volume a justment
A justment for the internal speaker output level (or the external speaker
output level when it is connecte .)
f. MODE LED (Operation Mo e LED)
In icates the current operation mo e:
Lit in green ----- Digital Voice mo e
Lit in re ----- Analog Voice mo e
Lit in orange ----- Data Communication mo e
Not lit ----- Digital Image Communication mo e
g. CHANNEL switch
Select preloa e encryption co e.
(Refer to: Channel Switch Setting at page 15 for details.)
h. Overloa in icator
Lit when the microphone input is overloa e (too high).
A proper microphone input level will cause the LED to flash from time to
time when speaking into the microphone at a normal level.
The microphone level can be a juste with the microphone level controller.
(Refer to: Level Adjustment at page 13 for details.)

7
i. Mo e switch
Select the Digital voice mo e [10101] or the Analog voice mo e [~].
When the Analog voice mo e [~] is selecte , or inary analog voice
communications will be ma e. In the receive mo e, however, the ARD9900
will automatically etect the mo e of the incoming signal an eco e signals
accor ingly. The LED in icates the respective operation mo e.
j. Microphone connector
Connect the supplie microphone to this connector.
Below are the pin assignments of the connector.
1. Speaker output -- Monitor output signal is present at this pin.
2. BIAS -- Power source for an electret con enser type of
microphone. 5V DC through 2.2KΩ resistor.
3. GND -- Chassis groun
4. TX -- Groun ing this pin will enable the transmit
mo e.
(Same operation as the TX switch on the front
panel.)
5. D/A -- Groun ing this pin will force the unit to the
igital voice communication mo e. When this pin is
left open, the operation mo e will be set by the mo e
switch on the front panel.
6. MIC PTT -- PTT (Push To Talk) input.
7. MIC GND -- Microphone groun signal
8. MIC IN -- Microphone signal input
Rear Panel
k. Communication Connector (mini DIN 8 pin) for PC (RS-232C)
Pin Number Signal Signal Direction
1 TX ARD9900  PC
2 DTR ARD9900  PC
3 DSR ARD9900  PC
4 GND GND
5 RX ARD9900  PC
6 RTS ARD9900  PC
7 CTS ARD9900  PC
8 NC No Connection
Shell FG Frame groun
SP
DC IN
AOR,LTD.
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VIDEO
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8
Bau Rate: 9600
Data bit: 8
Start bit: 1
Stop bit: 1
Parity: None
Synchronization: Asynchronous
Flow control: Har ware
l. VIDEO - IN connector (75Ω) (RCA type connector)
Connect a vi eo signal source such as a igital camera.
m. VIDEO – OUT connector (75Ω) (RCA type connector)
Connect a vi eo monitor to this connector to monitor a receive image or a
picture to be sent.
n. RADIO Connector
Using the supplie 8 pin connector, connect the ARD9900 to your ra io equipment.
You will nee to wire a cable accor ing to the microphone connector specifications
of your ra io.
Below are the pin assignments of the connector on the ARD9900.
Pin number Signal Details
1 MIC GND Microphone groun
2 MIC OUT Microphone Output
3 PTT PTT (Push To Talk) output
4 GND PTT groun
5 NC No connection
6 NC No connection
7 GND Groun
8 NC No connection
(Caution: IC GND and GND must not be connected together in the ARD9900
connector, or RF feedback will result.
o. SP IN Connector (3.5 mm mono jack)
Connect to the ra io equipment’s external speaker jack.
(Input level: 0.5 V – 5 V p-p)
p. SP OUT Connector (3.5 mm mono jack)
Connect an external speaker to this jack to isable internal speaker.
q. DC IN Connector (EIAJ Type 4)
Connect to a regulate power supply. (10.7 ~ 16.0 V DC, Center pin – positive)
For lower voltage battery operation, set the internal jumper terminal for battery
operation, an then connect external batteries .

9
(Caution: If you have changed the internal jumper for low-voltage battery operation,
battery voltage must be within the range of 5.6 ~6.5 VDC.
DO NOT apply 12.0V or severe damage will result, and the warranty will be
void!)
Note: No low battery voltage detector is built-in the ARD9900.
r. FG
Frame groun
Top Panel
Internal Speaker
Internal View
(PCB design subject
to changes.)
t. Factory setting jumper
Must be set between 2-3. (Do not change this setting at any time.)
v. Battery operation selector
Place the jumper between 1 – 2 (NOR) for normal operation.
Change it between 2-3 (BATT) for battery operation.
If you have change the internal jumper for low-voltage battery operation,
battery voltage must be within the range of 5.6 ~6.5 VDC.
DO NOT apply 12.0V or severe damage will result, and the warranty will e
void!
(Note: No low battery voltage detector is built-in the ARD9900.)
s