AOR AR-ALPHA User manual

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

1

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-1 Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
1-2 Caring for your radio ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-3 Please note these operating procedures ---------------------------------------------------------- 8
1-4 Accessories supplied ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
1-5 Controls and functions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Front Panel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
1-5-1 Keypad ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
1-5-2 Summary of keys ----------------------------------------------------------------------14
Rear Panel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
2. Getting Started ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
2-1 Preparing the AR-ALPHA for operation ----------------------------------------------------------33
2-1-1 Connecting the antenna ----------------------------------------------------------33
2-1-2 Connecting power ----------------------------------------------------------------------33
2-2 Switching on for the first time ----------------------------------------------------------------------34
2-3 Squelch Circuit ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------35
2-4 VFO selection ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------35
2-4-1 Tuning frequency ----------------------------------------------------------------------36
2-4-1-1 Entering a frequency using the numeric keypad ----------36
2-4-1-2 Changing frequency using the main tuning dial ----------3
2-4-1-3 Changing frequency using the arrow keys ----------------------3
2-5 Changing receive mode ----------------------------------------------------------------------38
2-5-1 Auto mode selection ----------------------------------------------------------------------39
2-5-2 Receive mode selection ----------------------------------------------------------39
2-5-3 Additional decoding modes ----------------------------------------------------------42
2-6 Changing tuning step size ----------------------------------------------------------------------43
2- IF bandwidth ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------44
2- -1 Manually selecting IF band width ----------------------------------------------45
2-8 Attenuator ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------45
2-9 Offset ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------46
2-9-1 Using pre-programmed frequency offset data ----------------------------------46
2-9-2 Entering new frequency offset data ----------------------------------------------4
2-9-3 Activating frequency offset ----------------------------------------------------------48
2-9-4 Monitoring the offset frequency ----------------------------------------------48
2-9-5 Deactivating frequency offset ----------------------------------------------------------49
3. Spectrum Display ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------49
3-1 LCD Display Screen (in VFO spectrum analyzer mode) ----------------------------------49
3-1-1 Operation mode display ----------------------------------------------------------50
3-1-2 Basic operation display ----------------------------------------------------------50
3-1-3 Spectrum display (example) ----------------------------------------------------------51
3-2 Display span setting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------53
3-2-1 Setting the display span ----------------------------------------------------------54

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4. Memory channels ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
4-1 Memory Bank and Memory Channel ----------------------------------------------------------56
4-2 Storing VFO frequency and data into memory ----------------------------------------------5
4-3 Memory read “M.RD” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58
4-4 Memory Mode ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------59
4-4-1 From Bank List screen to MemBank screen or Browser ----------------------60
4-4-2 From Bank List to MemCh List ----------------------------------------------61
4-4-3 From MemCh List to MemCh **.** Browser ----------------------------------62
. SCAN – scanning memory channels ----------------------------------------------------------------------6
5-1 SCAN – outline introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------65
5-2 Starting SCAN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------65
5-3 SCAN operation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------66
5-3-1 Changing scan direction ----------------------------------------------------------6
5-4 Selecting a SCAN bank ----------------------------------------------------------------------6
5-5 Bank link ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------68
5-5-1 Setting Bank link ----------------------------------------------------------------------68
5-6 Select SCAN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------68
5-6-1 Adding select scan channels in memory read ----------------------------------68
5-6-2 Start select scan ----------------------------------------------------------------------69
5- Channel Pass ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0
5- -1 Setting channel pass ---------------------------------------------------------- 0
6. Search ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------71
6-1 Search setting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
6-1-1 Setting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
6-1-2 Search Bank Browser setting ---------------------------------------------------------- 2
6-1-3 Start search ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
6-2 Search Group ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
6-2-1 Setting Search Group ---------------------------------------------------------- 4
7. FFT Search ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
-1 FFT Search setting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
- -1 FFT Search Screen ----------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Miscellaneous Settings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------79
8-1 Soft key registration ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
8-1-1 Operation of soft keys ---------------------------------------------------------- 9
8-1-2 Soft key registration ----------------------------------------------------------------------80
8-2 Voice Recording ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------80
8-2-1 Recording ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------81
8-2-2 Stop recording ----------------------------------------------------------------------81
8-2-3 Playback audio ----------------------------------------------------------------------81
8-2-4 Changing record channel ----------------------------------------------------------82
8-3 Data Editor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------82
8-3-1 Moving memory bank ----------------------------------------------------------83
8-3-2 Copying memory bank ----------------------------------------------------------84

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8-3-3 Moving search bank ----------------------------------------------------------------------85
8-3-4 Copying search bank ----------------------------------------------------------85
8-3-5 Moving memory channel ----------------------------------------------------------86
8-3-6 Copying memory channel ----------------------------------------------------------8
8-3- Copying scan group data ----------------------------------------------------------8
8-3-8 Copying scan group data ----------------------------------------------------------88
8-3-9 Moving search group data ----------------------------------------------------------89
8-3-10 Copying search group ----------------------------------------------------------89
8-3-11 Moving recorded voice data ----------------------------------------------------------90
8-3-12 Deleting memory bank ----------------------------------------------------------91
8-3-13 Deleting search bank ----------------------------------------------------------91
8-3-14 Deleting memory channel ----------------------------------------------------------92
8-3-15 Deleting memory pass channel ----------------------------------------------92
8-3-16 Deleting all search pass channels ----------------------------------------------92
8-3-1 Deleting all memory banks ----------------------------------------------------------92
8-3-18 Deleting all search banks ----------------------------------------------------------93
8-3-19 Deleting voice record channel ----------------------------------------------93
8-3-20 Deleting all voice record data ----------------------------------------------93
8-4 Configuration settings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------94
8-4-1 Configure backlight ----------------------------------------------------------------------95
8-4-2 Configure beep ----------------------------------------------------------------------95
8-4-3 Configure RF-Gain (Radio Frequency Gain) ----------------------------------95
8-4-4 Configure reference signal input ----------------------------------------------96
8-4-5 Video display & format ----------------------------------------------------------9
8-4-6 Configure I/Q output bandwidth ----------------------------------------------9
8-4- Configure Voice squelch level ----------------------------------------------------------98
8-4- -1 Configure Voice level and delay time ----------------------------------99
8-4-8 Configure PC interface ----------------------------------------------------------99
8-4-9 Configure Sleep Timer --------------------------------------------------------100
8-4-10 Configure Priority function --------------------------------------------------------101
8-4-10-1 Setup --------------------------------------------------------------------101
8-4-10-2 Activating priority function --------------------------------------------101
9. Computer control ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------102
9-1 How to send a control command ---------------------------------------------------------102
9-2 Power on ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------102
9-3 Detailed control command list of the AR-ALPHA ---------------------------------------------103
10. Specifications -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------124
11. I/Q digital output in details for developers ---------------------------------------------------------126
12. Reset ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------133
13. Firmware upgrade ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------134
14. Optional Accessories ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------138

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1 . Limited Warranty (USA only) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------139
16. Control software ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------141
16.1 Minimum system requirements -----------------------------------------------------------------143
16.2 USB driver installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------144
16.3 I/Q driver installation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
16.4 Software installation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------149
16.5 Software registration (single PC & multiple PC) -------------------------------------------150
16.6 Software functions -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------152

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1 Introduction
1-1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the AR-ALPHA Digital Processing Communications receiver. The
AR-ALPHA was designed using the very latest technology to ensure the highest levels of performance
and reliability. To get the best possible results from your AR-ALPHA, we strongly recommend that you
read this manual to familiarize yourself with the receiver and its many functions.
Although carefully designed, this receiver (and most other receivers) generates internal noises known
as spurious emissions. They are a product of the receiver’s circuitry, and their presence does not
represent a defect. Other apparent defects may be due to unintentional misoperation of the receiver. If
you believe there is a problem, carefully read the entire manual before contacting your 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 (you don’t have to read it from cover to cover at one time). Due to the
international nature of the product, some graphics may contain Japanese characters.
Every effort has been made to make this manual correct and up to date. Due to continuous
development of the receiver, there may be error or omission anomalies and this is acknowledged.
© This manual is protected by copyright AOR, LTD. 2010. 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 trademarks of AOR, LTD. All other trademarks and names are acknowledged.

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Main features:
 Wide frequency coverage: 10 kHz to 3.5 GHz, with no interruptions (USA consumer version has
cellular telephone frequencies blocked)
 Zero-IF frequency (for the 3rd IF)
 DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer) local oscillator
 TV reception in NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats
 I/Q output with 1 MHz bandwidth
 Multi-mode unit capable of receiving AM (Synchronous), 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 display received video signals or depict spectrum activity over a wide
choice of bandwidths including a “waterfall” function to show signal activity 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 ability 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 display function from 250 kHz through 10 MHz in 1 kHz increments.
Above 10 MHz bandwidth, it can display 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 display
 Analog output for DRM PC receiver
 RS-232C and USB 2.0 interfaces
 Two antenna ports (one SO-239 and one Type N). Up to four antennas may be selected through
the receiver’s controls with the optional AS5001 antenna relay switch.
 Use desktop or 19” rack mount
 Five VFOs, 2,000 alphanumeric memories
 Digital Voice Recording up to 25 minutes

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1-2 Caring for your radio
There are no internal operator adjustments. In the unlikely event of service being required, please
contact your 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-ALPHA 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-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 quality regulated DC supply of 12 to 14 V, which
should be capable of supplying at least 2.2A. Never connect the AR-ALPHA directly to an AC outlet.
The polarity of the DC input jack is clearly 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 usually achieved
by using a separate external earth (ground) rod, however, consider the implications carefully if the AC
supply at your location uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) system. 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 you do not confuse the antenna connection and the 10
MHz frequency reference connector as they are in close proximity.

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1-3 Please note these operating procedures
1. Certain key operations are acted upon when the key is RELEASED, not while it is pressed.
Allow time for the AR-ALPHA to register and process each action before pressing another
key.
2. The keylock (K.LOCK) is intentionally made difficult to operate to prevent accidental
operation. To release the keylock, the K.LOCK key must be held for more than one second,
the key icon on the LCD confirms operation. The K.LOCK is disabled during keying
sequences (such as when entering frequencies).
3. Currently displayed VFO data is saved at power down (to increase speed of the operation
and to reduce write cycles). For this reason, if the AR-ALPHA is powered down using the
MAIN POWER (rear panel) switch or external power is removed, the last displayed
frequency will be lost and the frequency used prior to this will be displayed 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