AOR AR-ONE User manual

® ®
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

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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 the AR-ONE Ultra Wide Band Communications receiver.
The AR-ONE is designed using the very latest technology to ensure the highest levels
of
performance and reliability. To get the best possible results from your AR-ONE, we
strongly recommend you to read this manual and familiarize yourself with the receiver.
Although carefully designed, this receiver (like all receivers) suffers from a degree of
internal noises known as spurious 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 the receiver. If you believe there is a problem, carefully read

6
all of the manual before deciding to contact 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 reference book (you don’t have to read it all from cover to cover
in one go). Due to the international 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 development of the receiver. and by error or omission anomalies may be
found and this is acknowledged.
© This manual is protected by copyright AOR, LTD. 2003. 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.
Main features:
z Super wide coverage: 10 KHz ~ 3.3 GHz (continuous)
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-ONE Units with one PC
z Triple conversion 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 head (optional kit required)

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1-2 Take care of your radio
There are no internal operator adjustments. In the unlikely event of servicing 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-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 leakage 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 capable of supplying 1.5 amps. Never connect the AR-ONE
directly to the AC outlet.
The DC input jack is configured Center Positive, the chassis of the receiver is at
negative ground. Where provided (depending upon world market location), the power
supply is pre-wired and provides a nominal 12 V DC output with suitable connectors
being fitted as standard for the AC power input and connection to the AR-ONE.
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-ONE has NOT been
manufactured or tested to meet any specific mobile safety requirements.
The AR-ONE has no internally user adjustable parts.
If using the AR-ONE in a base station 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 supply uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME)
system. If in doubt consult an expert electrician. Never earth to a gas pipe!
The AR-ONE has a single N type antenna connector for all frequencies. 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 power cables. Ensure that you do
not confuse the antenna and other IF output connectors as they are closely located.
Operating anomalies
Should the AR-ONE appear to behave strangely, normal operation may be easily
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 while it
is pressed. Allow time for the 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, the 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 sequences (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 data is saved at power down (to increase speed of
operation and to reduce write cycles). For this reason, if the AR-ONE is powered
down using the PWR/VOL control or external power is removed, the last
displayed frequency will 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 receiver over a wide
frequency range, either from the currently displayed frequency traveling upwards
(or downwards) in a specified tuning increment (step) or by sweeping
over-and-over between two specified frequency limits. This process is known as
SEARCHING, as the 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 smaller, more manageable pieces where they may be
intensively studied.
When examining large frequency bands, it is common to find that 90% of
frequencies are inactive and only a small number of the remaining 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 transmission have been identified (either by searching or by
using a good frequency guide), it is more efficient to store the data into memories
which can be rapidly and automatically monitored in succession stopping when
activity is encountered. This forms a much more efficient means of monitoring the
most wanted frequencies as you have targeted 100% what you most want to hear,
by contrast searching is very inefficient for say-to-day monitoring.
Note
: It is very important that the squelch is advanced to cancel background
noise for the search & scan functions to operate. This is because the
AR-ONE believes that it has found an active frequency when the squelch
opens and “S” ‘squelch open’ icon is displayed to the left of the signal meter.
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.
No noise and no “S” icon displayed (with squelch advanced clockwise

10
passed threshold) = squelch closed.
Signal received or ‘noise’ emanating from speaker (squelch fully
counterclockwise, below threshold) 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 the front with most connectors on the rear of the AR-ONE, a brief
identification is given here:

11
Front Panel
1. Volume control 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 Crystal 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, the 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 connection 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 control up to 99 AR-ONE
with one PC. No interface is required, just a standard RS-232C straight cable. Connections
for a PC are as follows:
AR-ONE DB-9RS-232Ccable DB-25RS-232Ccable
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

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1-5-1 Keypad
Keypad conventions
Most keys have secondary functions , their functions are printed on the panel. However,
due
the restriction of available size, not all functions can be shown on the keypad printing.
For the secondary functions of the AR-ONE, they are indicated with white characters above
each key. To access the secondary function, push the FUNC key, and then push the
respective key.
1-5-2 Summary of keys
ESC
Push this key to cancel entry from the keypad.
LOCK
This key is intentionally small to reduce the chances of accidental operation. Key lock is
useful when you do not wish an important frequency to be lost or the AR-ONE to be
incorrectly set to a different frequency.
MON
The monitor key is used to force the squelch open so that you may manually 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 memory read mode.
SRCH (SEARCH)
Push this key to initiate SEARCH.

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VFO
Push this key to select VFO mode. There are 10 VFOs (VFO-A through VFO-J) with the
AR-ONE.
STEP
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push to select the desired frequency step.
MODE
Push this key to select the desired receive mode.
WIDTH
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to select the desired IF band width selection
menu.
ATT
Push this key to activate the RF ATT (Attenuator). Move the cursor to select the desired
parameter. The AUTO selection will work best for most of cases.
AGC
Push this key to select the AGC (Automatic Gain Control) time constant of the receiver.
Move the cursor to select the desired AGC time constant. Usually, FAST is used to receive
CW, MEDIUM for AM and FM, and SLOW for SSB mode. When MANU is selected, any
desired parameter (between 0 – 255) can be selected for manual gain control.
dBm
Push this key to toggle a unit of the incoming signal strength in between dBm, dBuV, or
ordinary S unit.
0 ~ 9 , .
Numeric key
S. SET
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to select the desired memory channels to
scan
in the SELECT SCAN mode.

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S.SCAN
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to initiate SELECT SCAN.
DEL
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to delete the memory channel, search bank,
and pass frequency.
PRIO
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to initiate PRIORITY CHANNEL RECEIVE.
RF AMP
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to activate/deactivate the RF amplifier
function (ON/OFF/AUTO).
S PROG
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to set the search bank.
CONF
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to access CONFIGURATION mode such as
setting beep sound, backlit function, etc.
SQL
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to select either the noise squelch mode or
level squelch mode.
PASS
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to set the pass frequency in the search
mode.
OFFSET
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to activate/deactivate the frequency offset in
the duplex mode.
AFC
Push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key to activate/deactivate the AFC (Automatic
Frequency Control) function.

16
ENT
Push this key to accept data entry.
M. in
In the manual receive mode or search mode, push the [FUNC] key, and then push this key
to enter the frequency into memory.
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 menu. Baud rates (transfer speed) set to either 4800 or 9600 bps. Since there are
two independent RS-232C port with the AR-ONE, it is possible to set an ‘address’ to
facilitate connection of up to 99 AR-ONE to a single PC.
The RS-232C parameters are as follows:
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 IF output designed to drive the optional SDU5500 or
SDU5600 Spectrum Display Unit. The SDU5500 or SDU5600 provides an excellent tool for
locating elusive transmission with a PEAK capability to ‘freeze’ the briefest of transmissions
for later measurement of frequency and level after the event.
(Note: The IF output frequency 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 optional 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 power jack 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 to a 24 V system.
Main Power Switch ___| |___ DC Power Jack
2-2 Switching On for the first time
Set the squelch control to the ‘mid point’ . Turn the power switch 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 ‘mid point’, as you start to rotate the PWR/VOL control, a ‘click’ will
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 click when the unit is
switched on or the volume may be accidentally set too high.
Power/VOL control
•
•
Squelch control
The AR-ONE will take approximately 1 - 2 seconds before the information appears on the

18
LCD. It is normal, for the microprocessor of the AR-ONE generates the ‘boot up data’
required to control the receiver.
2-3 Squelch Circuit
In normal use, NOISE SQUELCH is used. However, LEVEL SQUELCH can be selected for
search and scan operations. The LEVEL SQUELCH parameter causes the AR-ONE to
check the signal strength of
active
frequencies and to only stop when the signal strength is
above a preset level (which is programmable).
To select LEVEL SQUELCH, perform the following steps:
1. Push the FUNC key.
2. Push the “8” key.
3. On the bottom of the LCD, a bar will be displayed. Using the SQL control,
adjust the desired signal level.
4. Push the ENT key to confirm entry.
5. Squelch will open only when the input signal strength is above this set level.
6. To select
NOISE SQUELCH, repeat above steps.
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
‘Variable Frequency Oscillator’
and today refers
to
a tuneable data store which contains frequency, step, step-adjust, attenuator etc. Pushing
the VFO key each time will select the one VFO out of 10. The AR-ONE has an
AUTOMODE setting, and therefore, in most cases a proper receive mode and frequency

19
step are automatically selected.
2-4-1 Tuning frequency
2-4-1-1 Entering a frequency using 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 frequency input
If for some reason you do not wish to complete the frequency data input, push the ESC key
before completing the input sequence with the ENT key.
2-4-1-2 Changing frequency 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 turn ‘counterclockwise’ to decrease frequency.
2-4-1-3 Changing frequency using UP arrow key or DOWN arrow key
The UP arrow key and DOWN arrow key provide a convenient method of frequency
change.