AOR AR-ALPHA User manual

AR-ALPHA
Digital Processing
Communications Receiver
Operating Manual v.2.4
AOR, LTD.

1
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
1-1 Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
1-2 Caring for our radio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
1-3 Please note these operating procedures ---------------------------------------------------------- 7
1-4 Accessories supplied ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
1-5 Controls and functions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Front Panel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
1-5-1 Ke pad ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
1-5-2 Summar of ke s ----------------------------------------------------------------------13
Rear Panel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------28
. Getting Started ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
2-1 Preparing the AR-ALPHA for operation ----------------------------------------------------------31
2-1-1 Connecting the antenna ----------------------------------------------------------31
2-1-2 Connecting power ----------------------------------------------------------------------32
2-2 Switching on for the first time ----------------------------------------------------------------------32
2-3 Squelch Circuit ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
2-4 VFO selection ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
2-4-1 Tuning frequenc ----------------------------------------------------------------------34
2-4-1-1 Entering a frequenc using the numeric ke pad ----------34
2-4-1-2 Changing frequenc using the main tuning dial ----------35
2-4-1-3 Changing frequenc using the arrow ke s ----------------------35
2-5 Changing receive mode ----------------------------------------------------------------------36
2-5-1 Auto mode selection ----------------------------------------------------------------------37
2-5-2 Receive mode selection ----------------------------------------------------------37
2-5-3 Additional decoding modes ----------------------------------------------------------39
2-6 Changing tuning step size ----------------------------------------------------------------------41
2-7 IF bandwidth ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------42
2-7-1 Manuall selecting IF band width ----------------------------------------------43
2-8 Attenuator ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------43
2-9 Offset ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------44
2-9-1 Using pre-programmed frequenc offset data ----------------------------------44
2-9-2 Entering new frequenc offset data ----------------------------------------------45
2-9-3 Activating frequenc offset ----------------------------------------------------------46
2-9-4 Monitoring the offset frequenc ----------------------------------------------46
2-9-5 Deactivating frequenc offset ----------------------------------------------------------46
3. Spectrum Display ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------47
3-1 LCD Displa Screen (in VFO spectrum anal zer mode) ----------------------------------47
3-1-1 Operation mode displa ----------------------------------------------------------47
3-1-2 Basic operation displa ----------------------------------------------------------48
3-1-3 Spectrum displa (example) ----------------------------------------------------------49
3-2 Displa span setting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------50
3-2-1 Setting the displa span ----------------------------------------------------------52
4. Memory channels ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------53
4-1 Memor Bank and Memor Channel ----------------------------------------------------------54
4-2 Storing VFO frequenc and data into memor ----------------------------------------------55
4-3 Memor read “M.RD” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56

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4-4 Memor Mode ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------57
4-4-1 From Bank List screen to MemBank screen or Browser ----------------------58
4-4-2 From Bank List to MemCh List ----------------------------------------------60
4-4-3 From MemCh List to MemCh **.** Browser ----------------------------------61
5. SCAN – scanning memory channels ----------------------------------------------------------------------64
5-1 SCAN – outline introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------64
5-2 Starting SCAN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------64
5-3 SCAN operation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------65
5-3-1 Changing scan direction ----------------------------------------------------------66
5-4 Selecting a SCAN bank ----------------------------------------------------------------------66
5-5 Bank link ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------67
5-5-1 Setting Bank link ----------------------------------------------------------------------67
5-6 Select SCAN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------67
5-6-1 Adding select scan channels in memor read ----------------------------------67
5-6-2 Start select scan ----------------------------------------------------------------------68
5-7 Channel Pass ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------69
5-7-1 Setting channel pass ----------------------------------------------------------69
6. Search ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------70
6-1 Search setting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------70
6-1-1 Setting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------70
6-1-2 Search Bank Browser setting ----------------------------------------------------------71
6-1-3 Start search ----------------------------------------------------------------------71
6-2 Search Group ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------73
6-2-1 Setting Search Group ----------------------------------------------------------73
7. FFT Search ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------75
7-1 FFT Search setting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------75
7-7-1 FFT Search Screen ----------------------------------------------------------------------76
8. Miscellaneous Settings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------78
8-1 Soft ke registration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------78
8-1-1 Operation of soft ke s ----------------------------------------------------------78
8-1-2 Soft ke registration ----------------------------------------------------------------------79
8-2 Voice Recording ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------79
8-2-1 Recording ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------80
8-2-2 Stop recording ----------------------------------------------------------------------80
8-2-3 Pla back audio ----------------------------------------------------------------------80
8-2-4 Changing record channel ----------------------------------------------------------81
8-3 Data Editor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------81
8-3-1 Moving memor bank ----------------------------------------------------------82
8-3-2 Cop ing memor bank ----------------------------------------------------------83
8-3-3 Moving search bank ----------------------------------------------------------------------83
8-3-4 Cop ing search bank ----------------------------------------------------------84
8-3-5 Moving memor channel ----------------------------------------------------------85
8-3-6 Cop ing memor channel ----------------------------------------------------------85
8-3-7 Cop ing scan group data ----------------------------------------------------------86
8-3-8 Cop ing scan group data ----------------------------------------------------------87
8-3-9 Moving search group data ----------------------------------------------------------88
8-3-10 Cop ing search group ----------------------------------------------------------88

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8-3-11 Moving recorded voice data ----------------------------------------------------------89
8-3-12 Deleting memor bank ----------------------------------------------------------89
8-3-13 Deleting search bank ----------------------------------------------------------90
8-3-14 Deleting memor channel ----------------------------------------------------------90
8-3-15 Deleting memor pass channel ----------------------------------------------91
8-3-16 Deleting all search pass channels ----------------------------------------------91
8-3-17 Deleting all memor banks ----------------------------------------------------------91
8-3-18 Deleting all search banks ----------------------------------------------------------91
8-3-19 Deleting voice record channel ----------------------------------------------92
8-3-20 Deleting all voice record data ----------------------------------------------92
8-4 Configuration settings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------92
8-4-1 Configure backlight ----------------------------------------------------------------------93
8-4-2 Configure beep ----------------------------------------------------------------------94
8-4-3 Configure RF-Gain (Radio Frequenc Gain) ----------------------------------94
8-4-4 Configure reference signal input ----------------------------------------------95
8-4-5 Video displa & format ----------------------------------------------------------95
8-4-6 Configure I/Q output bandwidth ----------------------------------------------96
8-4-7 Configure Voice squelch level ----------------------------------------------------------97
8-4-7-1 Configure Voice level and dela time ----------------------------------97
8-4-8 Configure PC interface ----------------------------------------------------------98
8-4-9 Configure Sleep Timer ----------------------------------------------------------98
8-4-10 Configure Priorit function ----------------------------------------------------------99
8-4-10-1 Setup ----------------------------------------------------------------------99
8-4-10-2 Activating priorit function --------------------------------------------100
9. Computer control ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------101
9-1 How to send a control command ---------------------------------------------------------101
9-2 Power on ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------101
9-3 Detailed control command list of the AR-ALPHA ---------------------------------------------102
10. Specifications -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 1
11. I/Q digital output in details for developers ---------------------------------------------------------1 3
1 . Reset ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 9
13. Firmware upgrade ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------130
14. Optional Accessories ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------134
15. Limited Warranty (USA only) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------135

4
1 Introduction
1-1 Introduction
Thank ou for purchasing the AR-ALPHA Digital Processing Communications receiver. The
AR-ALPHA was designed using the ver latest technolog to ensure the highest levels of
performance and reliabilit . To get the best possible results from our AR-ALPHA, we strongl
recommend that ou read this manual to familiarize ourself with the receiver and its man
functions.
Although carefull designed, this receiver (and most other receivers) generates internal noises
known as spurious emissions. The are a product of the receiver’s circuitr , and their presence
does not represent a defect. Other apparent defects ma be due to unintentional misoperation of
the receiver. If ou believe there is a problem, carefull read the entire manual before contacting
our dealer for advice.
It is acknowledged that sections of this manual are repetitive, this is to enable the manual to be
used as a quick reference book ( ou don’t have to read it from cover to cover at one time). Due to
the international nature of the product, some graphics ma contain Japanese characters.
Ever effort has been made to make this manual correct and up to date. Due to continuous
development of the receiver, there ma be error or omission anomalies and this is acknowledged.
© This manual is protected b cop right AOR, LTD. 2010. No information contained in this manual
ma be copied or transferred b an 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.

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Main features:
 Wide frequenc coverage: 10 kHz to 3.5 GHz, with no interruptions (USA consumer version
has cellular telephone frequencies blocked)
 Zero-IF frequenc (for the 3rd IF)
 DDS (Direct Digital S nthesizer) local oscillator
 TV reception in NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats
 I/Q output with 1 MHz bandwidth
 Multi-mode unit capable of receiving AM (S nchronous), ISB, RZ-SSB, USB, LSB, CW, WFM
including FM stereo (when using optional headphones), NFM and APCO P25 digital
 6-inch TFT color panel can displa received video signals or depict spectrum activit over a
wide choice of bandwidths including a “waterfall” function to show signal activit over a
specified time period
 Composite video output on the rear panel of the unit
 Selectable IF bandwidths: 200 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, 6 kHz, 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 100 kHz,
200 kHz and 300 kHz and the abilit to shift the IF
 CTCSS and DCS selectable squelch functions
 DTMF tone decode
 Built-in voice-inversion descrambling (Not available on USA consumer version)
 CW pitch control, AGC, AFC
 Auto-notch feature
 User selectable spectrum displa function from 250 kHz through 10 MHz in 1 kHz increments.
Above 10 MHz bandwidth, it can displa 20 MHz, 50 MHz, 100 MHz or 1 GHz, but above 20
MHz bandwidth, no audio will be available
 RBW (Resolution bandwidth) is also user-selectable in increments of 1 kHz, 4 kHz, 32 kHz,
64 kHz and 128 kHz
 Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum displa
 Analog output for DRM PC receiver
 RS-232C and USB 2.0 interfaces
 Two antenna ports (one SO-239 and one T pe N). Up to four antennas ma be selected
through the receiver’s controls with the optional AS5000 antenna rela switch
 Use desktop or 19” rack mount
 Five VFOs, 2,000 alphanumeric memories
 Digital Voice Recording up to 53 minutes

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1- Caring for your radio
There are no internal operator adjustments. In the unlikel event of service being required, please
contact our dealer for technical assistance.
Do not use or leave the receiver in direct sunlight (especiall the LCD). It is best to avoid locations
where excessive heat, humidit , dust and vibration are expected. Alwa s keep the AR-ALPHA
free from dust and moisture. Use a soft, dr cloth to gentl wipe the set clean, never use abrasive
cleaners or organic solvents which ma damage certain parts.
Treat the AR-ALPHA with care, avoid the spilling or leakage of liquids into the receiver. Special
care should be taken to avoid liquid entering around the controls, through the speaker grille or
through the connection jacks.
The AR-ALPHA is designed for operation from a high qualit regulated DC suppl of 12 to 14 V,
which should be capable of suppl ing at least 2.2A. Never connect the AR-ALPHA directl to an
AC outlet. The polarit of the DC input jack is clearl marked, the chassis of the receiver is at
negative ground.
SAFETY NOTICE – Always disconnect the power supply from the AC outlet when not in
use. If used mobile, it should be noted that the AR-ALPHA has NOT
been manufactured or tested to meet any specific mobile safety
requirements.
The AR-ALPHA has no internal user adjustable parts.
If using the AR-ALPHA in a base station situation, the best short wave reception is usuall
achieved b using a separate external earth (ground) rod, however, consider the implications
carefull if the AC suppl at our location uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) s stem. If in
doubt consult a qualified electrician. Never earth (or ground) to a gas pipe!
The AR-ALPHA has two antenna connectors for all frequencies. These are intended for
connection to a 50Ω (unbalanced) coaxial fed antenna such as a discone, dipole, unipole, Yagi,
etc. When locating the antenna, avoid power cables. Ensure that ou do not confuse the antenna
connection and the 10 MHz frequenc reference connector as the are in close proximit .

7
1-3 Please note these operating procedures
1. Certain ke operations are acted upon when the ke is RELEASED, not while it is
pressed. Allow time for the AR-ALPHA to register and process each action before
pressing another ke .
2. The ke lock (K.LOCK) is intentionall made difficult to operate to prevent accidental
operation. To release the ke lock, the K.LOCK ke must be held for more than one
second, the ke icon on the LCD confirms operation. The K.LOCK is disabled during
ke ing sequences (such as when entering frequencies).
3. Currentl displa ed VFO data is saved at power down (to increase speed of the
operation and to reduce write c cles). For this reason, if the AR-ALPHA is powered down
using the MAIN POWER (rear panel) switch or external power is removed, the last
displa ed frequenc will be lost and the frequenc used prior to this will be displa ed the
next time the receiver is powered up.
1-4 Accessories supplied
The following items are included in the shipping carton:
1 AR-ALPHA receiver
2. DC power cable
3. Operating manual (this booklet)
4 Rack mount handles and screws

8
Terminology
Search & Scan
If ou have not used a wide band receiver before or ou are not familiar with the terminolog used,
it is ver important to understand the difference between SEARCH and SCAN modes.
SEARCH: The AR-ALPHA provides several operations where transmissions (active
frequencies) ma be automaticall located b sweeping the receiver over a wide frequenc
range, either from the currentl displa ed frequenc traveling upwards (or downwards) in a
specified tuning increment (step) or b sweeping over-and-over between two specified
frequenc limits. This process is known as SEARCHING, as the title 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 frequenc ranges into smaller, more manageable pieces where
the ma be intensel searched.
When examining large frequenc segments, it is common to find that the majorit of
frequencies are inactive at the time of the search and onl a small number of the remaining
constitute what ou reall want. Searching still remains the best wa to initiall locate active
and interesting transmissions (in conjunction with a good list of active frequencies and a
band plan).
SCAN: Once active transmissions have been identified (either b searching or b using a
good frequenc guide), it is more efficient to store the data into memories which can be
rapidl and automaticall monitored in succession, stopping when activit is encountered.
This is a much more efficient means of monitoring the most wanted frequencies ou have
targeted, that is, what ou most want to hear. B contrast, searching is ver inefficient for
da -to-da monitoring.
Note: It is very important that the squelch is advanced to cancel background noise for
the search & scan functions to operate properly. This is because the AR-A PHA
believes that it has found an active frequency when the squelch opens and the
“BUSY” lamp lights up. Advance the squelch control clockwise until the background
noise is just cancelled, this is known as the “threshold” position. If the squelch
control is advanced too far, weaker signals may be missed.

9
More details about the remarkable features of the AR-ALPHA
Zero – IF (Zero Intermediate Frequency)
Block diagram 1 shows a conventional triple conversion super heterod ne analog receiver and the
3rd IF frequenc is 455 kHz. Due to its frequenc configuration, some “image” signals ma be
received.
Block diagram 2 shows the AOR Zero-IF digital receiver.
The 10.7 MHz 2nd IF analog signal is fed to the ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) to be digitized
and the signal is digitall mixed with the 10.7 MHz local oscillator. The signal is digitall processed,
and the 3rd IF signal becomes zero (0). B utilizing this technique, no image signal will be present.
DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer)
The AR-ALPHA uses high speed DDS for the 1st local oscillator. Unlike standard PLL (Phased
Locked Loop) circuits for the local oscillator, DDS enables ver fast scanning as it quickl
generates signals controlled b the CPU (Micro Processor).