AOR AR5000 User manual

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 1
Contents
(1) Table of contents .......................................................................... 1
(2) Introduction ................................................................................... 2
2-1 Key information and common menus .................................. 3
2-2 Accessories supplied .......................................................... 4
(3) Major Features .............................................................................. 4
(4) Precautions ................................................................................... 4
4-1 Location .............................................................................. 4
4-2 Looking after your receiver ................................................... 5
4-3 Power requirements ............................................................ 5
4-4 Aerial (antenna) connection ................................................. 5
(5) Controls and functions ................................................................ 6
Front panel
5-1 On/Off power switch ............................................................ 6
5-2 S-meter (signal strength meter) ........................................... 6
5-3 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) ................................................ 6
5-4 Main (large) rotary tuning control - MAIN DIAL .......................... 8
5-5 Sub (small) rotary tuning control - SUB DIAL ............................ 8
5-6 Torque adjustment (MAIN DIAL brake) ..................................... 8
5-7 Removable feet ................................................................... 9
5-8 Internal speaker .................................................................. 9
5-9 SQ - squelch control (plus RF control) ................................. 9
5-10 Volume control (AF GAIN) ................................................. 10
5-11 ACC 1 accessory number one socket ................................ 10
5-12 Headphone socket ............................................................. 10
5-13 Front panel keys ................................................................ 10
Rearpanel
5-14 DC 12V - external power connection .................................. 15
5-15 ACC 2 (accessory 2 socket) ............................................. 15
5-16 EXT SP - external speaker output socket ........................... 16
5-17 REMOTE - RS232C computer control port ........................ 16
5-18 I.F. OUTPUT (10.7 MHz) ................................................... 16
5-19 STD IN (10 MHz) ............................................................... 16
5-20 MUTE ............................................................................... 16
5-21 ANT 2 ............................................................................... 17
5-22 ANT 1 ............................................................................... 17
(6) Basic manual operation of the receiver ..................................... 17
6-1 Switching on for the first time .............................................. 17
6-2 Changing VFO .................................................................... 17
6-3 Tuning the receiver using the rotary controls ........................ 18
6-4 Entering a frequency via the numeric keypad ....................... 18
6-5 Correction of frequency input via the numeric keypad ........... 19
6-6 Selecting tuning step (increment) ......................................... 19
6-7 Step-adjust .......................................................................... 20
6-8 FREQUENCY OFFSET ....................................................... 22
6-9 Changing receive mode (AUTOMODE) ................................ 22
6-10 IF BANDWIDTH ................................................................ 24
6-11 AF SET - (Audio characteristics) ........................................ 25
6-12 Audio tone eliminator (T-ELMT) ......................................... 27
6-13 DTMF decoder .................................................................. 28
6-14 RF Attenuator & preamplifier ............................................. 28
6-15 CONFIG menu outline of facilities ...................................... 28
6-16 CONFIG - LAMP ............................................................... 29
6-17 CONFIG menu - BEEP ..................................................... 29
6-18 CONFIG - EXTERNAL I.F. output (SDU5000) ..................... 29
6-19 CONFIG - Computer control BPS ....................................... 29
6-20 CONFIG - Advanced aerial switching .................................. 30
6-21 CONFIG - Frequency standard ............................................ 32
(7) Memory banks & channels ............................................................ 33
7-1 Storing receive data into memory - VFO mode ...................... 33
7-2 Memory recall - Recalling receive data from memory ............. 34
7-3 Transfer of memory channel to VFO ...................................... 35
7-4 Changing and deleting memory data ..................................... 35
7-5 Deleting memory channels and banks ................................... 36
(8) SCAN - scanning memory channels & banks ............................. 37
8-1 SCAN - outline introduction to facilities available ................... 37
8-2 Starting to SCAN, considerations .......................................... 37
8-3 SCANNING a memory bank ................................................. 38
8-4 Selecting a single memory bank to scan ................................ 38
8-5 Memory bank linking to scan ALL memory banks .................. 39
8-6 Specifying memory bank linking ............................................ 39
8-7 Scanning a memory bank which is not linked ........................ 39
8-8 SCAN channel PASS (lockout) .............................................. 40
8-9 Cyber Scan in SCAN mode .................................................. 41
(9) AdditionalSCANfacilities ............................................................. 41
9-1 SCAN - PAUSE .................................................................... 41
9-2 SCAN - DELAY .................................................................... 42
9-3 SCAN - LEVEL SQUELCH ................................................... 42
9-4 SCAN - VOICE ..................................................................... 42
9-5 SCAN - MODE (receive mode AM, FM etc) ........................... 43
(10) SELECT SCAN - special
select scan list overview ................... 43
10-1 Tagging scan select channels .............................................. 43
10-2 SELECT SCAN - while in SCAN MODE .............................. 44
10-3 SELECT SCAN while in MEMORY RECALL mode ............. 44
10-4 Starting SELECT SCAN ..................................................... 44
10-5 Deleting all SELECT SCAN channels in one go ................... 44
(11) Priority operation .......................................................................... 45
11-1 Engaging PRIORITY channel .............................................. 45
11-2 Changing PRIORITY channel parameters ............................ 45
(12) SEARCH .........................................................................................46
12-1 Manual SEARCH between two VFO frequencies (VA, VB) ... 46
12-2 Simple search (VC, VD, VE) ............................................... 47
12-3 Optimising VFO search parameters ..................................... 48
12-4 Program search banks ........................................................ 49
12-5 Starting program search ...................................................... 50
12-6 Cancelling, restarting program search ................................. 50
12-7 Programming and reprogramming SEARCH BANKS .......... 51
12-8 Deleting PROGRAM SEARCH BANKS ............................... 53
12-9 SEARCH - outline introduction to additional facilities ........... 53
12-10 Linking program search banks ........................................... 54
12-11 Linking only a few search banks ......................................... 55
12-12 Searching a bank which is not selected in BANK LINK ...... 55
12-13 Additional PROGRAM SEARCH facilities (introduction) ..... 55
12-14 PROGRAM SEARCH - PAUSE ......................................... 55
12-15 PROGRAM SEARCH - DELAY ......................................... 56
12-16 PROGRAM SEARCH - LEVEL SQUELCH ....................... 56
12-17 PROGRAM SEARCH - VOICE ......................................... 57
12-18
Cyber Search ................................................................... 57
12-19 AUTO-STORE .................................................................. 58

PAGE 2 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
(13) FrequencyPass ..........................................................................58
13-1 Register PASS Frequency ................................................ 59
13-2 Manually adding a PASS frequency ................................... 59
13-3 Editing pass frequencies ................................................... 60
13-4 Deleting individual pass frequencies .................................. 60
13-5 Deleting complete banks of pass frequencies ..................... 61
(14) Real time clock ........................................................................... 61
14-1 Displaying the clock .......................................................... 61
14-2 Setting time ...................................................................... 62
14-3 Alarm clock ...................................................................... 63
14-4 ALARM programming ....................................................... 63
14-5 ALARM activation ............................................................. 64
14-6 SLEEP timer .................................................................... 64
(15) Option - Descrambler (voice inverter) - DS8000 .................... 65
15-1 Descrambler installation .................................................... 65
15-2 Descrambler operation ...................................................... 66
(16) Option - CTCSS tone squelch - CT5000 .................................. 66
16-1 Installation of the CT5000 ................................................. 67
16-2 Operation of the CT5000 - overview .................................. 67
16-3 CTCSS SEARCH ............................................................. 67
16-4 CTCSS SQUELCH ........................................................... 68
(17) Optional I.F. filters (500 Hz, 2.5 kHz & 5.5 kHz) ...................... 68
17-1 Fitting the optional 500 Hz filter ......................................... 68
17-2 Installation of other filters .................................................. 69
(18) Trouble shooting - microprocessor reset ............................... 70
18-1 Power Off / On .................................................................. 70
18-2 CPU reset switch .............................................................. 70
18-3 CPU soft reset .................................................................. 70
18-4 AF.SET INT/EXT .............................................................. 71
18-5 What next - dealer support ................................................ 71
18-6 Power-up special key sequences ....................................... 71
(19) Optionalaccessories .................................................................72
(20) Aerials (Antennas) and earth systems .................................... 72
(21) Propagation - short wave bands .............................................. 75
(22) Specification ...............................................................................76
(2) Introduction
Thankyou forpurchasing theAOR AR5000wide bandall
mode receiver. The AR5000 uses the very latest NCO
(Numerically Controlled Oscillator) technology to ensure
the highest levels of design, performance and reliability.
It is recommended that you carefully read this handbook
and familiarise yourself with the receiver before placing it
into operation. 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 omissions
anomaliesmay befound and this is acknowledged. Most
apparentfaults are usuallydue to accidentalmisoperation
of the receiver, carefully read all of the manual before
deciding to return the receiver for repair.
Althoughcarefullydesigned,thisreceiver(likeallreceivers)
suffers from a degree of internal noises known as spurii.
They are a product of the receiver’s circuitry and do not
represent a fault.
© This manual is protected by copyright AOR Ltd 1995,
1996. 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 registered trade marks of AOR, Ltd. All other trade
marks and names acknowledged. E&OE.
If you are very familiar with operating similar
equipmentyou may choose to refer directly tosection
(6) once you are sure the precautions are fully
understood.
Operating manual Conventions
Where text appears in a graphic format such as ,
the key is to be pressed exactly as shown.
For example:
Means press the 4key followed by the 9key followed by
the enter key.
Words contained in speech marks “PASS” or “F-PASS
VFO” refer to indications displayed on the Liquid Crystal
Display.
Where the mode of FM is referred to, this indicates
FrequencyModulation(narrowand widedepending upon
I.F. filter selection). For clarity, the triple function [MHz]
[ENT] [TEXT] key is referred to as .
Note: If you take too long entering data (about 90
seconds) the display will revert to it’s original
condition.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 3
2-1 Key information and common menus
The five VFOs are assigned special status (6-2):
VFO-A (VA)Manual search between VFO-A
and VFO-B
VFO-B (VB)Manual search between VFO-A
and VFO-B
VFO-C (VC)Simple search
VFO-D (VD)Simple search & accept
frequency from the search mode
VFO-E (VE)Simple search & accept
frequency from the scan mode
Memory write (7-1):
Press and hold the key for more than one
second and follow the prompts.
Mode selection (6-9):
To change the receive mode, briefly press the
key. The “MODE” legend will flash on the LCD to
confirm that the mode select menu has been activated.
The following modes are available from the MODE
menu: “AUTO”, “FM”, “AM”, “LSB”, “USB” and
“CW”. If automode is currently in use, the legend
“AUTO” will be displayed on the LCD. When you have
made selection, press to accept the new mode.
To select automode press and hold the key for
more than one second, the legend “AUTO” is displayed
on the LCD to confirm operation.
AGC (6-9):
Press
When in automode the legend “AUT” is displayed.
AGC OFF
AGC FAST
AGC MIDDLE
AGC SLOW
Audio characteristics (6-11):
Press
A-LPF 3.0 kHz
A-HPF 0.05 kHz
DE.EMP 750
CW.PITCH 0.7 kHz
AUDIO INT
Option menu (6-12, 6-13, 15-2, 16-2):
Press
DE-SCR OFF (if DS8000 option is fitted)
CTCSS OFF (if CT5000 option is fitted)
DTMF OFF
T-ELMT OFF
Config menu (6-16, 6-17, 6-18, 6-19, 6-20, 6-21):
Press
LAMP ON
BEEP 4
EXT-IF OFF
BPS 9600
ANT 1
STD.INT 12.8 MHz
Delete menu (7-5, 10-5, 8-8, 12-8, 13-5):
Press then press and hold the key for more
than one second.
DEL MEM-CH
DEL SEL-CH
DEL M-PASS
DEL SRCH
DEL F-PASS
Additional scan facilities (9-1, 9-2, 9-3, 9-4, 9-5):
Press
PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
MODE ALL
Additional VFO facilities (12-3):
Press
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
Programming search banks (12-7):
Press
LO
HI
MODE FM (set to AUTO if AUTOMODE is used)
IFBW 0.5 (skipped if AUTOMODE is used)
STEP 1.000 (skipped if AUTOMODE is used)
TXT
Additional search facilities (12-14, 12-15, 12-16,
12-17, 12-19):
Press
PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
A.STORE OFF

PAGE 4 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
Clock programming (14-2):
Press then press and hold the key for more
than one second.
SELECT 24H / SELECT 12H
6-25-00 1 / AM.6-25-00 1
TXT 1
4-23-30 2 / PM.4-23-30 2
TXT 2
Alarm clock programming (14-4):
Press then press and hold the key for more
than one second.
ALARM 0-00
ALARM LENGTH 15
ALARM ALM RADIO / ALARM ALM BEEP
ALARM VOLUME 80
2-2 Accessories supplied
a.c. mains power supply
Operatingmanual
Additional extensions for front feet
(3) Major Features
lLarge LCD
A large rear illuminated liquid crystal display (LCD)
providesdisplayofreceivefrequency, mode, etc plusalpha
numeric text along with each search bank and memory
channel.
lMassive memory
A large EEPROM memory store holds a total of 1000
memory channels (100 ch x 10 banks), and 20 search
banks. Each search bank has a total of 100 PASS
frequencies plus a further 100 for VFO operation. This
type of memory store does not require external power or
internalbattery power toretain the memorycontents. The
realtime clock is backed byan additional super capacitor
which will maintain the correct time for approximately 50
hours even with no external power connected to the
receiver.
lWide frequency coverage, all mode, automode
The AR5000 has a very wide frequency coverage of
10kHz to 2600MHz (acceptable input from 5 kHz) in FM,
AM, USB, LSB & CW. The all new receive circuitry
provideshighsensitivityandsuperiorstrongsignalhandling
thanksto theclever RFdesign which is optimised to each
receivingbandwith electronic tuning(pre-selector)circuits
up to 1GHz.
Comprehensivebandplaninformationspecificto the target
market area has been programmed into the AR5000
receiver. This inclusion willgreatlysimplify both frequency
entry and search programming.
Thereceiverwill
automatically selecttheappropriatemode
and channel step. Of course, should you wish then both
themode andchannel stepmay be manually changed as
desired.
lWide variety of useful operational features
w High speed Cyber Scan and Cyber Search
w Multi VFO (5-VFO)
w A minimum of 1 Hz tuning rate by NCO
w Frequency Offset facility to help follow
duplex transmission
w RF preamp & attenuator
w Auto aerial selection - programmable
w Wide range of search/scan facilities
w Pre-programmed automode (receive mode,
step size, IF bandwidth)
w Step-adjust for unusual banplans
w Standard TCXO plus external 10 MHz input
w Twin tuning knob (MAIN DIAL has a variable
torque controller)
lOther useful features
w Variable beep tone
w Sleep timer On/Off, alarm
w Analogue signal meter for easy reading
w Output terminals for external decoder, etc
w Auto-memory facility (On/Off switchable)
w RS232 PC remote control
w Large capacity EEPROM for memory backup
w Tuning step size from 1Hz to 999.999kHz
(4) Precautions
4-1 Location
Do not use or leave the receiver in direct sunlight
(especially the LCD). It is best to avoid locations where
excessiveheat,humidity, dust andvibration are expected.
Always treat the receiver with care.
Take care to avoid spillage or leakage of liquids into the
receiver and a.c. power supply. Special care should be
taken to avoid liquid entering via the power jack and
earphonesockets.
Avoidstaticdischarge from discones or longwire aerials,
earthto acentral heatingradiator or similar earthing point
in order to discharge the wire before connection to the
receiver. Always disconnect and earthany external aerial
system if an electrical storm is expected.
Avoidarapid powerswitch On/Off sequence. If switched
off,leaveat leasttwo seconds before switching onagain.
Ensurethea.c. mains plugconnectionsare tightandother
d.c. connections (such as cigar lighter plugs) are secure.
AvoidstrongRFfieldsfromnearbytransmitters. Ifindoubt,
disconnectthe AR5000 from the aerialand switch the set
off.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 5
4-2 Looking after your receiver
Always keep the receiver free from dust and water. Use
a soft dry cloth to gently wipe the set clean. Never use
chemicalssuch asbenzine orthinners whichwill damage
certainparts.
4-3 Power requirements
The AR5000 is designed for operation from an external
d.c. supply of 12 ~ 16V at approximately 1.0A minimum.
Always use the mains power supply provided, or a
regulated d.c. power supply of 13.5V @ 1.0A or more
usingtheoptionalDC3000connectinglead. Alwaysswitch
the receiver off when connecting or disconnecting the
power lead.
Note: The d.c. input socket uses a special type of
connector. This plug / socket is of a moulded type and
pre-wired, positive is the RED wire. The chassis of the
receiveris negative ground.
Thepower supply ispre-fitted with thecorrect mains(a.c.)
plug for the appropriate market. This AR5000 power
supply has no connection to the EARTH pin of the mains
plug. A separate earth may be taken to the outer
connection of the SO239, N-type of BNC rear panel
sockets, then to a water pipe, central heating system
radiatoror externalearth rod. If fitting a separate external
earth rod, consider the implications carefully if your a.c.
mains supply uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME)
system. If in doubt consult an expert electrician. Never
earth to a gas pipe!
Safety notice: Allow air to circulate around the power
supply,nevercoverthetopwithpaper,clothingetc. Always
disconnect the power supply from the a.c. mains supply
when not in use.
4-4 Aerial (antenna) connection
The AR5000 has two 50 OHM aerial input sockets fitted
as standard to the rear panel. Further aerials may be
connectedusingthe optionalaerialswitching unitAS5000
withswitching databeing fed from a rear panel accessory
socket (ACC 2).
The aerials input selection may be programmed by the
user for different bands, at default these are:
ANT 1: 50 OHM N-type socket - All frequencies
ANT 2: 50 OHM SO239 socket - User selectable
Aerialinter-seriesadapters are readilyavailabletoconvert
from N-type, SO239 etc to BNC or other plugs & sockets
asrequired allowing straightforward connection toalmost
anyaerial.
An aerial attenuator system allows selection of AUTO,
0dB, 10dB or 20dB. The attenuator control switches in /
out of circuit the RF preamplifier and attenuator affecting
the sensitivity of the receiver. 20dB may not be selected
above 230 MHz. RF gain is also available in all modes
via a front panel rotary control, this is especially useful in
providing optimum audio quality for SSB operation.
Aerial Tuning Units (ATU)
An ATU can improve the selectivity of any receiver when
listeningto theshort wavebands when connected to long
wireaerials (other than a shortwire ofa fewmetres). This
valuable extra selectivity is created provided by rejecting
out of band signals enabling the receiver to
single out
oneband offrequencies while rejecting potentially strong
unwanted transmissions. The AR5000 has a built in
automatic preselected front end for frequencies up to
1GHz.
An ATU is usually constructed in a small box with about
twoorthreecontrolson the frontpanel. Onedisadvantage
however is the need to constantly retune the ATU when
changing frequency. An ATU of this type has no active
circuitry so is known as a
passive device.
Active short wave desktop loop aerials
Designed for the short wave bands (such as the AOR
LA320), loop aerials have the advantage of small size
whencomparedto long wireaerials,andbeing withineasy
reachofthe operator itcanberotated toprovidedirectivity.
Thecircuitryoffersa small levelofgain withtheadvantage
of selectivity similar to that of an ATU.
* For further information please refer to section 20 of this
manual regarding aerial and earth systems.

PAGE 6 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
(5) Controls and functions
TheAR5000 receiveris housedin astrong metalcabinet.
Controls for operation are located on the front of the
cabinet with connections to the rear.
Front panel
5-1 On/Off power switch
This rectangular shaped plastic button (key) is located in
the top left corner of the front panel and switches the set
On/Off.
To switch the set on, connect a suitable power source
and depress the switch, the microprocessor will
then power the set up.
Toswitchthereceiver offpressthe switchasecond
time, the microprocessor will then switch the set off.
5-2 S-meter (signal strength meter)
Therear illuminated analogueSIGNAL METER islocated
to the left hand side of the front panel. Relative strength
ofincoming signalis indicatedin standard S points where
S1 is weak and S9 is strong. Calibration above S9 is in
dB up to +60dB. As with other receivers, the meter is for
relative signal strength comparison and calibration may
not be totally reliable especially on FM mode.
5-3 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Display of operational information is provided via a high
contrast wide angle backlit green LCD, this includes
frequency, mode, bandwidth, alpha-numeric comments
for memory channels and search banks etc.
LCD test
The LCD may be tested by holding the key while
switching on the receiver using the key.
1Ensure that set is switched off. Press and hold the
key... don’t let go of it!
2 Press the key to switch on the AR5000, this
may be a two handed operation.
3Release the key. All LCD characters will be
displayed.
4Press the key to restore a normal display.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 7
The display is split into 28 specific areas, a summary
of which follows:
1“BUSY” legend appears when the squelch is open
(signalpresent).
2“FUNC” as a reverse legend appears when the
keyispressedsignifyingthatthereceiver’smicroprocessor
is awaiting the press of another key, where the SECOND
FUNCTION shown in white (not orange) adjacent to the
keys will be activated... an example is to
activate the keylock. When the second function is
activated,the “FUNC”legenddisappears andoften a new
LCD legend appears to confirm selection.
3“ANT” aerial (ANTENNA) number currently in use. As
standardthiswill be “ANT 1”or“ANT2”butmay be higher
if the optional aerial switch AS5000 is in use.
4“RMT” signifies whether the receiver is under normal
keypad control or by a REMOTE device such as the
optional SDU5000 spectrum display unit or computer.
RMT = ReMoTe,
no legend indicates standard keypad
operation.
5“KEY” indicates that KEY LOCK has been selected,
this is activated by the key sequence . Key
lock prevents accidental changing of the receiver’s front
panel controls. When in the locked condition only the
Volume, Squelch,Powerand controlswillrespond.
6“ALARM” indicates that the alarm facility has been
activated. The legend “ALARM” will be displayed on the
LCD even when the AR5000 is switched off (as long as
power is maintained to the receiver). At the prescribed
time,thereceiverwillautomatically switch on. It ispossible
toprogramtheswitchontime,select radio orbeep,volume
level and duration before switch off.
To activate the alarm use the sequence , the
same sequence cancels the alarm as a toggle. This is
very useful for setting up unattended recording or when
using the AR5000 as an alarm clock!
7“SLEEP”indicates that the sleeptimer circuit has been
activated. Whentheprescribedtime for sleephaselapsed
thereceiverwillswitch off automatically...veryusefulwhen
listening to the radio in bed.
To program the sleep time press then press and
hold for more than one second. A sleep selection
menu will be displayed, use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to
select the required time (between 1 & 120 minutes) then
press
To activate / deactivate the SLEEP facility use the toggle
sequence
8“PRIO”indicateswhen the PRIORITY facility hasbeen
activated by pressing the key.
9“N-SQL” and “L-SQL” indicate that the receiver is set
to operate from its squelch circuit, the “BUSY” legend
appearing during activity. In normal use “N-SQL” noise
squelch is used but “L-SQL” (level squelch) may be
selectedforsearch andscanoperations. If neitherlegend
is displayed, the RF GAIN facility has been activated.
10 “TONE” is displayed whenthe optional CTCSSboard
has been selected for tone decoding, often used by
amateur radio repeaters and utility users.
11 “FM”,“AM”,“LSB”,“USB”or“CW”-indicatesAR5000
receive mode.
12 “SCAN” is displayed when the memory banks are
SCANNED (automatically checked for activity).
13 “PAUSE” is a selectable parameter for SCAN and
SEARCH modes, the legend indicates that the facility is
inoperation. The AR5000 will wait the specified duration
ofpausetime on abusyfrequencybefore movingoffagain
even if the frequency is still busy.
14 “VCS” is a selectable parameter (VOICE) for SCAN
andSEARCH modes, thelegend indicatesthat the facility
is in operation. The AR5000 may be programmed to
ignorecertaintypesofblankcarriersandunwantedsignals.
The value may be selected between 1 to 255 and OFF
while in the scan and search parameter program sub
menus.
15 “L-BANK” asopposed to “BANK”indicates thatmore
than one scan or search bank has been selected to be
scannedorsearchedas a group. Inotherworksthe banks
have been LINKED, bank link.
16 “BANK” indicates that the receiver is currently in
memory recall mode (no SCAN legend), scan mode (two
lines of bank & channel numbers) or search mode.

PAGE 8 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
Insearch mode only a banknumber and the legend “SR”
is displayed - but no channel number.
17 The one or two digit number indicates which scan or
searchbankshavebeenselected. Inscanmodetherange
is 0 to 9 (ten banks) and in search mode 00 to 19 (twenty
banks).
18 Attenuator setting. The display is always proceeded
by “ATT” (for attenuator) and followed with dB for level
(decibel). “ATT 00 dB” indicates attenuator OFF, “ATT
10 dB” indicates that 10dB of attenuation has been
applied and “ATT 20 dB” indicates that 20dB of
attenuation has been applied. The attenuator menu is
activated by the key.
Note: Above 230 MHz only 0dB & 10dB are available
andthe RFpreamplifier is always in circuit (“AMP”legend
displayed). Below230 MHzthe “AMP” is displayed in the
“00” position.
19 Frequency, text and various status messages are
displayedin this area. There are amaximum of ten digits
providing frequency read-out down to 1Hz resolution. In
text mode a maximum of eight characters may be
displayed for search bank and memory channel
recognition. Thefrequency red-out is always followedby
the legends kHz or MHz.
Note: frequencies below 3.0 MHz (3000 kHz) are always
shown as kHz.
20 “AMP” is displayed when the RF preamplifier is
switched on. The amplifier is selected in the
ATTENUATOR sub menu accessed by pressing
Note: Above230 MHz the RF preamplifier “AMP” legend
is always displayed. Below 230 MHz the “AMP” is
displayed in the “00” attenuator position.
21 “STEP”isdisplayedduringentryof STEPSIZE(tuning
increment) for manual tuning or search operations.
“STEP-ADJ”isdisplayedwhentheSTEP-ADJUSTfacility
is in use so that unusual bandplans may be correctly
tracked.
22 “AUTO” is displayedwhen thereceive modeselection
is set to AUTO. In this condition the AR5000 will select
the appropriate receive mode, channel step (and many
otherparameters) for thefrequency entered inVFO mode
andduringsearch programming. This simplifiesoperation
and speeds up manual changes in frequency.
23 “FR-OFS” is displayed when the FREQUENCY
OFFSET facility is selected. This enables a fixed offset
frequency to be stored in a special bank allowing quick
frequencychange andmonitoring ofduplex pairssuch as
inputs to amateur band repeaters or VHF marine traffic.
24 “=” AGC OFF indication. When the AGC (Automatic
Gain Control) is switched off, strong signals may sound
distorted... however AGC off may be useful for DX’ing
when the optional 500 Hz Collins mechanical CW filter is
fitted. To ensure that the AGC is not switched off
unintentionally, two parallel bars are displayed between
the MHz / kHz LCD legends. The available selection of
AGC is: OFF, FAST, MIDDLE & SLOW.
25 I.F. filter bandwidth is displayed on the LCD in kHz.
The options are:
“220”, “110”, “30”, “15”, “6”, “3”, (“0.5” optional),
i.e. “3K” for 3.0 kHz.
26 “PASS”isdisplayedtoindicate thatamemory channel
has been LOCKED OUT so that it will not be scanned,
similarlywithafrequencyinsearchmode,itwillbeskipped.
27 “AS-M” indicates that active frequencies found while
in search mode will be automatically added to memory
bank“0” (Auto Store to Memory). Auto-storeis switched
on.
28 The two digit number ranging from 00 to 99 indicates
thatthe AR5000 is in MEMORYRECALL orSCAN mode
(ifthescanlegendisalsodisplayed). The two digitnumber
represents the memory channel number. The
keys or SUB DIAL select bank, the MAIN DIAL selects
memory channel number and the keypad allows direct
access to the three digit bank/channel number i.e.
for bank 1 channel 23, there is no need to press
enter.
In SEARCH mode the letters “SR” are displayed in this
lower right corner of the LCD with the bank number
displayedabove.
5-4 Main rotary tuning control - MAIN DIAL
The large rotary tuning control is prominently located on
thefront of thecabinet. This control changesthe received
frequency up and down in whatever step increment has
beenselected between1 Hz ~ 999.999 kHz. Thiscontrol
is often referred to as the VFO (Variable Frequency
Oscillator),arather historicnamefor atuningmechanism.
In this operating manual it is referred to as the MAIN DIAL.
5-5 Sub rotary tuning control - SUB DIAL
This smaller control may be programmed in a number of
different ways. It too is largely used to tune the receiver
and is intended to make channel tuning easier where
channelisedbandplans are in force (suchas 2m amateur
bandFM allocationsetc). The controlis extensivelyused
during the input and changing of operational parameters
such as attenuator, IFBW etc. In this operating manual
the control is referred to as the SUB DIAL.
5-6 Torque adjustment (MAIN DIAL brake)
This small slide control affects the free movement of the
largerotary tuning control (MAIN DIAL),this is usefulto help
preventunintentional frequency change due toaccidental
movement of the MAIN DIAL. When the lever is in the
UPWARD position, the MAIN DIAL is FREE RUNNING,
moving the lever downward adds friction to dampen the
control.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 9
Note: A microprocessor reset switch is hidden behind
the upper section of the lever’s slot. Reset can be useful
if the receivers operation has been upset due to static
dischargeor power supplytransients. Details aregiven in
section 18 of this operating manual.
5-7 Removable feet
The front of the receiver is lifted up clear of the table top
to allow easy access to the front panel controls and clear
visibility of the LCD. The front feet may however be
removed (unscrewing by hand in an anti-clockwise
direction using the knurled disk) for mobile operation.
Additionalheight may be added byfitting the two spacers
provided with the receiver in the accessories bag.
5-8 Internal speaker
TheAR5000 is fitted with a lower case mountedspeaker.
In order to provide best projection of audio from the
receiver, a custom horn has been designed and fitted to
the receivers underside (visible from the front panel).
5-9 SQ - squelch control (plus RF control)
The squelch control is used to eliminate unwanted
background noise when monitoring a normally inactive
frequencyandisalsoused by theAR5000microprocessor
to determine when a channel is active (busy). The
receiver cannot scan or search when the background
noise is present.
The squelch control requires careful setting to achieve
optimum operating performance. Rotate the control
clockwise until the background noise just disappears
(threshold),this is themost sensitive settingof thecontrol.
In practice the control is usually rotated a little further
clockwise beyond the threshold point to prevent the
receiver from stopping on noise or very weak and
unreadablesignals.
If the control is rotated too far clockwise then weaker
signalswill betotally lost and only localstrong signalswill
be heard.
Whenthe squelch controlis rotated anticlockwiseso that
backgroundnoise is audible, the squelchis referred to as
being
OPEN . In a similar manner, when the squelch
control is rotated clockwise so that the background noise
is muted, the squelch is referred to as being CLOSED .
The squelch is not normally used when listening to short
wave transmissions due to the relatively high short wave
background noise, the usual setting for the control when
listeningtoshortwaveisfullyanticlockwise(squelchopen).
When the squelch is OPEN (busy), a “BUSY” legend is
displayed on the left of the LCD.
Note: Even when the squelch is fully CLOSED a very
low level background noise may still be audible. This is
because the receiver’s audio amplifier circuit is
permanently operational in order to provide fast search /
scanratesand anefficientsquelchopeningcharacteristic.
This phenomenon is common with other wide band
receivers on the market today.
When the squelch is set up for normal operation, the
legend “N-SQL” is displayed on the top line of the LCD
slightly centre-right, this stands for Noise SQueLch.
RF GAIN
It is possible to configure the squelch control to function
as RF GAIN by selecting on the keypad, the
“N-SQL” legend is removed from the LCD to confirm
operation. The RF GAIN control reduces the level of
amplification applied to the receiver’s I.F. circuits. This
hasthe effectof reducing the sensitivity ofthe receiverin
much the same way as the attenuator but is more
controllable.
The usual position for the AR5000 RF GAIN control is
fully anti-clockwise when the set is at its most sensitive.
As the control is rotated clockwise the S-meter will
advance to indicate what strength signal is required to
produce solid and readable results.
The control is most useful on SSB where the RF GAIN
should be adjusted so that the
peaks of SSB signals just
deflect the S-meter. This will greatly reduce the level of
background noise especially during pauses in speech or
inactivity.
When RF GAIN is used (squelch switched off), the word
“N-SQL” is removed from the top line of the LCD.

PAGE 10 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
5-10 Volume control (AF GAIN)
The volume control is located to the left of the front panel
underneaththe signal meter.Itis used to set therequired
audio output through the loudspeaker or headphone.
When turned fully clockwise the volume is at maximum,
when rotated fully anti-clockwise the volume is reduced
to minimum.
5-11 ACC 1 accessory number one socket
A front panel accessory socket is located to the lower left
cornerof thefront panel which provides outputs for audio,
tape motor switching and discriminator.
Astandard8-pinmini-dinconnectorisused(whichiswidely
availableor the optional CR5000 tapelead maybe used).
The pin-outs for ACC 1 are as follows:
1 12V d.c. output with a maximum available current of
30mA (useful for feeding electret microphones and other
lowpower devices). Thevoltage will fluctuate depending
upon supply voltage being fed to the AR5000.
2Detector output (without audio filtering), useful for
improving performance of certain decoders such as
pagers etc. The level output is 180mV RMS and
impedance is 100k OHMS or greater.
3Audio input. The receiver’s audio amplifier stage can
beconfigured touse signal from an external device rather
than from its own receive circuits. This permits
break-out ofsignal forprocessing(DSP etc) whichis then
reappliedtothe receiver foramplification. Theinput circuit
isconfigured for alevel of 180mVat anominalimpedance
of 100k OHMS.
As the internal audio path needs to be
cut as part of the
break-out set-up, the microprocessor has to be
configured accordingly. To select EXTERNAL AUDIO
INPUT press then press the key
four times to display “AUDIO INT”. Rotate the SUB DIAL
to display “AUDIO EXT” then press . The usual
sound from the receiver will be muted until an external
audio signal is applied (fed back in).
Of course, the set’s own audio may be fed out through
the ACC 1 socket and back in again which increases the
receivers flexibility under certain professional monitoring
applications.
Note: Athighvolume levels, alowlevel leakageofinternal
audio signal may still be heard from the receiver’s
speaker... this is normal and does not represent a fault
(or problem).
4 & 5 Tape recordmotor switching using a non-polarised
photo-MOS relay. The switched output is designed for
lowvoltage (12V)d.c. with a maximum currentof 350mA,
theinsulating voltage is 40V. The
switch-on-impedance
is 1.2 OHMS.
6High level audio output. The AR5000 provides both
highand lowlevel audiooutput forfeeding taperecorders
and other remote devices, the output is independent of
volume control level. Pin 6 provides a level of 700mV
RMS @ 600 OHMS, ideal for line output.
7Low level audio output. Pin 7 provides a level of 2mV
RMS @ 600 OHMS, ideal for microphone input of tape
recorders.
8Ground.
5-12 Headphone socket
This quarter inch (6.3mm) socket is located on the left
handsideofthefrontcabinetdirectlyunderneaththepower
and keys. Apair ofheadphones or earphone may
be connected with an impedance of 8 OHMS or greater.
Whenthisheadphone socketisused, the internalspeaker
and any external speaker will be automatically
disconnected.
5-13 Front panel keys
- POWER
This rectangular shaped plastic key located in the upper
left corner of the front panel switches the set On/Off.
- FUNCTION
This key is located to the upper left of the front panel and
selects SECOND FUNCTION of the front panel keys.
When pressed a reverse “FUNC” appears in the top left
of the LCD. The FIRST function of the keys are printed
ontheirfaces (in orangeforwordsand whitefornumbers),
theSECOND functionsare printed in white directly above
thecorresponding key.
For example, the select KEY LOCK, press
followed by
Ifyou wishto cancel “FUNC” press a secondtime,
or or or tune the receiver using the MAIN
DIAL or SUB DIAL.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 11
- SR.MODE
Pressingthe key placesthe receiver into program
search mode. There are twenty search banks in total
numbered from 00 to 19. To change the bank number
rotate the SUB DIAL, the bank number appears in the top
right of the LCD. If the receiver stops on an unwanted
busychannelduring search, itcanbe forcedonwardusing
the keys or MAIN DIAL. To cancel search
press again or press
The key sequence activates a sub menu
wherebanklink,pause,delay,levelsquelch, voice squelch
and auto-store may be configured.
- SC.MODE
Pressing the key briefly places the receiver into
MEMORY RECALL MODE. The bank number may be
selected using the SUB DIAL, channel number using the
MAIN DIAL and three digit bank/channel number using the
numeric keypad.
Pressing the a second time places the receiver
into memory scan mode. There are ten scan banks in
total numbered from 0 to 9. If the receiver stops on an
unwanted busy channel during scan, it can be forced
onward using the keys or MAIN DIAL. To
cancel scan press again or press
The key sequence activates a sub menu
wherebanklink,pause,delay,levelsquelch, voice squelch
and mode may be configured.
- PR.SET
The priority key activates / deactivates receive
PRIORITY as a toggle. The legend “PRIO” appears on
the centre-top row of the LCD to show that priority has
been activated and the legend “Pr” on the right of the
LCDsignifieswhenthepriorityfrequencyiscurrentlyactive
(busy).
Ifthe sequence is keyed,thechannel used
for priority may be selected followed by the interval for
sampling, which is 5 seconds as default.
- V.MODE
The AR5000 has a FIVE VFO system being identified
“VA”, “VB”, “VC”, “VD” & “VE” on the right of the LCD.
The term VFO historically means Variable Frequency
Oscillator andtoday referstoa tuneabledatastore which
contains frequency, mode, step, attenuator and other
relevantinformation.
The first time you enter a frequency via the numeric
keypad,it isbest tofirst pressthe key until“VA”is
displayed to place the receiver in a known state of
operation. The condition of
VFO (A-VFO), (B-VFO) etc
is generally referred to as MANUAL MODE.
If the sequence is keyed, additional
parameters affecting VFO search operation may be
configured: DELAY, L-SQ & VOICE.
- SR.PROG
Figure ONE for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channelnumbers etc.
The sequence activates the SEARCH
PROGRAM menu where bank number, lower frequency
limit,upper frequencylimit, mode,and textcomment may
be programmed.
- K.LOCK
Figure TWO for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channelnumbers etc.
Thesequence activatestheKEY LOCK which
disablesallfrontpanel keys exceptfor and ,
the rotary tuning controls (MAIN DIAL & SUB DIAL) are also
locked to prevent accidental misoperation of the receiver
when listening to an important frequency. The volume
and squelch controls remain operative.
The legend “KEY” is displayed on the top row of the LCD
left of centre to indicate when key lock is in operation. To
unlockthe keyspress which acts as a toggle.
- IF BW
FigureTHREE for the numeric inputof frequencies,bank,
channelnumbers etc.
The sequence activates the I.F. bandwidth
menu. In normal operation the word “AUTO” will be
displayed toward the centre of the LCD to signify that
automodeis in operation and the I.F. bandwidth, receiver
mode and channel step will be automatically selected by
the receiver from its detailed pre-programmed bandplan
data. Selecting a new bandwidth from the list of 220,
110, 30, 15, 6 and 3 kHz is accomplished using the
SUB DIAL, 0.5 kHz is only available if the optional CW filter
has been fitted.
Onceautomode hasbeen cancelled,it may be reinstated
from the MODE select menu using a short cut... select
AUTO by pressing and holding the key for more
than one second.
- S.SCAN
Figure FOUR for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channelnumbers etc.
The sequence initiates SELECT SCAN, a
special form of scan where memory channels may be
temporarily tagged in a form of notebook.

PAGE 12 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
- OFFSET
Figure FIVE for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channelnumbers etc.
The sequence initiates FREQUENCY
OFFSET where the receiver will automatically jump to a
pre-programmed frequency offset, this is very useful for
checking the other side of duplex transmissions such as
the input frequency of amateur radio repeaters or VHF
marine traffic.
The sequence then hold the key for more
than one second activates the FREQUENCY OFFSET
menu where new offsets may be specified and saved /
recalledfrom oneof 48 special locations for easy retrieval
at any time.
- RF GAIN
Figure SIX for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channelnumbers etc.
Thesequence activates theRF GAIN control
in place of the squelch control. The “N-SQL” legend is
removed from the LCD to confirm operation. The
RFGAINcontrol reducesthelevel ofamplificationapplied
tothereceiver’sI.F. circuits. Thishastheeffectofreducing
the sensitivity of the receiver in much the same way as
the attenuator but is more controllable.
The usual position for the AR5000 RF GAIN control is
fully anti-clockwise when the set is at its most sensitive.
As the control is rotated clockwise the S-meter will
advance to indicate what strength signal is required to
produce solid and readable results.
The control is most useful on SSB where the RF GAIN
should be adjusted so that the
peaks of SSB signals just
deflect the S-meter. This will greatly reduce the level of
background noise especially during pauses in speech or
inactivity.
When the squelch control is switched off and RF GAIN
used,the legend “N-SQL”is removed from the top line of
theLCD slightly centre-right.
- CLOCK
FigureSEVEN for the numeric inputof frequencies,bank,
channelnumbers etc.
Ifthesequence iskeyed,theclockisdisplayed
on the LCD. The SUB DIAL may be used to select one of
two clocks (a second clock is often useful to store world
time of a regular DX site).
The sequence then hold the key for more
than one second activates the clock set menu where
display of 12hr / 24hr may be selected, times set for both
clocks and a three character text identifier added to each
clock.
- ALARM
FigureEIGHT for thenumeric input offrequencies, bank,
channelnumbers etc.
The sequence activates the ALARM which
canbeprogrammedtoswitchthereceiveronautomatically
as an alarm clock or for unattended recording with the
provisionto programthe active period between 1 and 120
minutes.
The sequence then hold the key for more
than one second activates the alarm set menu.
- SLEEP
Figure NINE for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channelnumbers etc.
The sequence activates the SLEEP facility
which can be programmed to switch the receiver off
automatically after a prescribed time period of 1 to 120
minutes... useful if you go to sleep with the AR5000 as a
bedsideradio.
The sequence then hold the key for more
than one second activates the sleep set menu.
- OPTION
Figure ZERO for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channelnumbers etc.
The sequence activates the OPTION menu
wheretheoptions ofDTMFtone displayandT-ELMT may
be selected. If the optional boards are fitted, DE-SCR
(descrambler, not available in all countries) and CTCSS
tone selection may also be configured.
- DELETE
Used during the MHz input of frequency to separate the
MHz to the left of the frequency input from the rest of the
entryof kHzand Hz. For example the entryof 88.300000
MHz would be
Note: frequencies below 3.0 MHz (3000 kHz) are always
displayed as kHz regardless of input format.
Thesequenceof whilein memory recallmode
causes the displayed memory channel to be deleted.
The sequence then hold the key for more
than one second activates the DELETE menu where the
item to be deleted may be selected:
MEM-CH memory channel
SEL-CH selectscan channel
M-PASS memory channel pass
SRCH searchbank
F-PASS frequencypass

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 13
- CONFIG
Thiskey is usedto acceptfrequency input viathe numeric
keypadin kHz format. Forexample: Tokeyin a frequency
of 954 kHz key the LCD will display
954.000 kHz. This has the same effect as keying
0.954MHz or .954MHz
Note: keying a decimal before the number causes a
preceding zero to be added automatically.
The kHz method of frequency entry reduces the number
ofkeypressesrequiredwhenworkingwithlowfrequencies
and simplifies operation as short wave listings are often
stated in kHz. Example: Oceanic air traffic 5616kHz or
shortwavetransmissionsRadioNetherlands5955kHzand
6045kHz.
The key sequence activates the CONFIG
menu where the lamp On/Off, keypad beep tone status
OFF/ volume, external IF output,remote baudrate, aerial
(antenna) automatic switching and internal / external
frequency reference may be configured.
- AF.SET
This key is used primarily to select receive mode.
To select AUTOMODE press and hold the key
for more than one second, the receive mode, I.F.
bandwidth and frequency step will be selected by the
AR5000automaticallyfrom its extensivepre-programmed
bandplanlisting.
When automode is in operation, the legend “AUTO” is
displayed above the right hand digit (Hz position) of the
frequencyred-out.
To over-ride the receive mode, briefly press the
key. Theoptions are: FM,AM,LSB, USB,CWand AUTO.
WFM is supported as a product of the I.F. bandwidth
selected (i.e. 110 or 220 kHz).
The key sequence activates the AF.SET
(audio frequency set-up) where the AUDIO LOW PASS
FILTER (3.0 kHz, 4.0 kHz, 6.0 kHz or 12 kHz), AUDIO
HIGH PASS FILTER (0.05 kHz, 0.2 kHz, 0.3 kHz or 0.4
kHz), AUDIO DE-EMPHASIS (25, 50, 75, 750or THRU),
CW PITCH (0.4 kHz, 0.5 kHz, 0.6 kHz, 0.7 kHz, 0.8 kHz,
0.9 kHz, 1.0 kHz or 1.1 kHz) and AUDIO INPUT
(INTERNAL or EXTERNAL) may be configured.
- AGC
Thiskeyprimarilyselectsthefrequencystep size fortuning
the receiver. If the legend ”AUTO” is displayed then the
step size will automatically be determined from the
automodebandplan data,as soonas anotherselection is
made automode is cancelled.
The standard step sizes offered for the MAIN DIAL are:
0.001 kHz (1 Hz), 0.010 kHz (10 Hz), 0.050 kHz (50 Hz),
0.100 kHz (100 Hz), 0.500 kHz (500 Hz), 1.000 kHz,
5.000kHz, 6.250 kHz, 9.000 kHz, 10.000 kHz, 12.500
kHz, 20.000 kHz, 25.000 kHz, 30.000 kHz, 50.000 kHz,
100.000 kHz and 500.000 kHz.
In addition unusual step sizes may be entered using
the numeric keypad (i.e. for 22 kHz or
for 200 Hz).
The SUB DIAL may also be configured for: MAIN (same as
MAIN DIAL), x10 speed of MAIN DIAL, 0.1 kHz, 0.5 kHz, 1.0
kHz, 5.0 kHz, 10.0 kHz, 50.0 kHz, 100.0 kHz, 500 kHz or
1000.0 kHz (1 MHz).
AGC
The key sequence activates the AGC
(Automatic Gain Control) menu.
In FM mode the options are AGC ON / OFF and in other
modes are OFF, FAST, MIDDLE and SLOW. When AGC
OFFhas been selected,two horizontal barsare displayed
on the LCD between the kHz and MHz legends.
FM: AGC OFF
AGC ON
Other modes: AGC OFF
AGC FAST
AGC MIDDLE
AGC SLOW
Note: “AUT” for AUTO AGC will be displayed toward
the top right of the LCD if AUTOMODE is in operation
and the appropriate AGC selection will be made
automatically by the AR5000.
- S.SET
This key is used to PASS (skip over) unwanted active
frequencies in search and scan mode. In search mode,
theunwantedfrequencies are heldinaspecial PASSLIST
where they may be added to, deleted or reviewed. In
scan mode the memory is locked out so is skipped.
The pass list is laid out in 20 banks for search mode (00
to 19) plus one extra for frequencies to be skipped while
in VFO mode.
Pressing the key while in memory recall mode or
scanmode locks out the currentchannel so that it willbe
skipped over. The “PASS” legend is displayed to the left
ofthe memorychannel number (above the “M”legend) to
signifythat the channel is selectedas PASS. The
key acts as a toggle, simply press it again to remove the
PASS status.
When the key sequence is keyed while in
SCAN mode or MEMORY RECALL mode, the displayed
channel is added to the SELECT SCAN list. This is a
special temporary notepad memory bank. The legend
“S” is added to the display above the channel number, to
the left of the bank number to signify that the channel is
selected for SELECT SCAN (see section 10 of this
manual).
Note: If this key is accidentally pressed, it may give the
impression that the AR5000 is not receiving certain
frequencies...somakesureyou are familiarwiththePASS
operations.

PAGE 14 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
The key also allows selection On/Off of certain
options while in menus (such as step-adjust) and selects
defaults in other menus.
- [MHz] [ENT] - TXT (
Cyber Scan )
This key has three main applications:
MHz - the key is used to enter frequencies as MHz while
inVFOmode. For exampletoenter a frequencyof 88.300
MHz follow the key sequence
There is no need to add the trailing zeros to the right,
once the key has been used, the AR5000
microprocessorwillautomaticallyaddtheadditionaltrailing
digits. The display will read “88.300000 MHz”
Note: Frequencies below 3.0 MHz (3000 kHz) will be
displayed as kHz regardless of the entry format. It is
usuallymoreconvenienttoentermediumwave/longwave
frequencies using the kHz format.
ENT -the key is used asENTER in
many operations and
to complete sequences in most menus.
If the key is held for more than one second while
in VFO mode, the receiver enters memory write mode.
Use the MAIN DIAL to select channel number to be
overwritten, the SUB DIAL to select the memory bank
number or key in the three digit memory location using
the numeric keypad. Pressing the , or
key will enable text comments of up to eight
characters to be added to each memory channel.
Thekey sequence then pressand holdthe
key for more than one second activates CYBER SCAN
wherescanandsearchspeedsareapproximately doubled
(thefrequencydisplayisblankedoutduring CYBERSCAN
& CYBER SEARCH ).
TEXT - The key sequence then a brief press of
causes the TEXT COMMENTS tobe displayed in
memory recall, scan and search modes
(in place of the frequency readout).
- ANT
This key activates the RF attenuator menu.
An aerial attenuator system allows selection of AUTO,
0dB, 10dB or 20dB. The attenuator control switches
in / out of circuit the RF preamplifier and attenuator
affecting the sensitivity of the receiver. 20dB may not be
selected above 230 MHz. RF gain is also available in all
modes via a front panel rotary control, this is especially
useful in providing optimum audio quality for SSB
operation.
The selection of attenuator is made using the SUB DIAL,
thefinal selectionis accepted by pressing the key.
The key sequence activates the aerial
selection menu. The SUB DIAL is used to select input via
either of the two rear panel aerial sockets (ANT 1 for the
N-typeinput and ANT 2 forthe SO239). Additionalaerials
mayalso be controlled via theoptional AS5000 switching
unit. AUTO may be selected where the aerial will be
automatically switched based upon the programming of
frequency / aerial data.
The sequence followed by the key being
held for more than one second activates the M.TUNE
AUTO / MANU RF input preselection for frequencies up
to 999.999999 MHz. The default is AUTO where the
microprocessor controls the RF front end preselection.
However if strong adjacent-channel interference is
experienced, the preselection may manually moved
off frequency reducing interference. Under this situation
the on channel sensitivity will generally be reduced to
some degree, for this reason do not manually tune the
preselector too far away from the start point.
The keys toggle between AUTO and
M.TUNE withpreselectionbeingcontrolled bythe SUB DIAL.
To accept changes press
- CLEAR
The CLEAR key may be used to abort frequency entry
during programming or to escape from a menu. If the
keyishelddepressedwhilethereceiverisswitched
onusing the key, the AR5000 microprocessor will
be soft reset .
- UP
This key has three functions:
UP -if quickly pressed causes thedisplayed frequency in
VFO mode to be incremented in an upward direction by
one step. The key may be pressed to force the scan and
search onward past a busy frequency or channel, it may
also be used to reverse the direction of scan and search.
If held for more than one second while in VFO mode,
frequency search is initiated. If held for more than one
second while in memory recall mode, the scan process
willstart.
INCREMENT -the key will often incrementmenu options
suchas DTMF to T.ELMT etc. While inTEXT writemode,
the keywillmove thecursorone space tothe right.
BACK SPACE - if an error is made while keying in
frequencies in VFO mode, the key may be used
toback spacedelete the entry from theright handside. If
alldigits are deleted, the displaywill returnto theprevious
frequency.
- DOWN
If this key is quickly pressed, the displayed frequency in
VFOmode to be incremented in a downward directionby
one step. The key may be pressed to force the scan and
search onward past a busy frequency or channel, it may
also be used to reverse the direction of scan and search.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 15
If held for more than one second while in VFO mode, a
frequency search is initiated. If held for more than one
second while in memory recall mode, the scan process
willstart.
INCREMENT -the key will often incrementmenu options
suchas DTMF to T.ELMT etc. Whilein TEXTwrite mode,
the key will move the cursor one space to the left.
Rear panel
5-14 DC 12V - external power connection
This is a special three pin socket designed to accept
externald.c.inputofa nominal 13.5Vd.c.@1.0A negative
ground. Youmayeitherconnectthepowersupplyprovided
oranother suitable supplysuch as a12V carbatteryusing
the optional DC3000 d.c. lead and observing the correct
polarity:
RED = positive
WHITE (black on some cables) = negative
Viewed from the rear of the receiver, the socket forms a
pyramidof three terminals. The top isnot used, the left is
negativeand theright positive. You need not worry about
this in normal use as the special plugs are pre-wired and
moulded onto the lead.
Note:
At no time must a.c. mains power (100/110/120/
220/230/240Va.c.) be connecteddirectly to thissocket
or serious damage may occur including the risk of
personal injury and fire.
5-15 ACC 2 (accessory 2 socket)
This 8-pin miniature socket is used for connection of an
optional aerial (antenna) switching unit (AS5000) so that
more than two aerials (up to four) may be connected to
thereceiver andswitched manually or automatically from
the receivers front panel.
The optional AS5000 is connected to ANT 1 and the
control switching signal is taken from ACC 2. ANT 2 is
left unaffected and available for connection to an aerial
leaving the AS5000 to provide access to ANT 1, ANT 3
and ANT 4.
Note: ACC 2 uses a different plug/socket to ACC 1.
A typical example of the ACC 2 plug is manufactured by
Hoshiden type TCP6180-01-1120.
Pin out is as follows:
112V 50mA MAX
210V 50mA MAX
3AGC 4.5 ~ 3.0V
4No connection
5ANT SW A (data line)
6ANT SW B (data line)
7No connection
8 Ground

PAGE 16 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
The control truth table is as follows:
Aerial number 1 3 4
ANT SW A (data) G G
ANT SW B (data) G
Open collector 100mA MAX
(G) connects to ground
5-16 EXT SP - external speaker socket
This 3.5mm mono jack socket provides audio output to
drive an external speaker unit. Connection to this socket
automatically disables the internal speaker but not a
headphone if connected to the front panel socket.
An external speaker should have a nominal 8 OHM
impedance and power handling of 2 WATTS or greater.
5-17 REMOTE - RS232C computer port
The 9 pin female D type RS232C control socket and
associated internal circuitry is fitted as standard. This
permitstheAR5000tobe connected directly toacomputer
for hands off remote control.
PC control Windows/95 software is under development
for the AR5000 and a programmer’s RS232 command
protocol supplement is available as an option.
Connection to an IBM compatible PC is as follows:
AR5000 PC 9-pin serial input
2 2
3 3
5 5 (GROUND)
7 7
8 8
AR5000 PC 25-pin serial input
2 3
3 2
5 7 (GROUND)
7 4
8 5
5-18 I.F. OUTPUT (10.7 MHz)
This BNC socket provides a suitable output to drive the
optional AOR SDU5000 spectrum display unit providing
ausable ± 5 MHz ofbandwidth. The output to this socket
must be switched on using the CONFIG menu
, item three EXT-IF OFF, 1 or 2.
5-19 STD IN (10 MHz)
This BNC socket may be configured using the CONFIG
menu to accept an external high stability
10 MHz reference (such as off-air atomic coupled).
In the standard configuration, a built-in 12.8 MHz TCXO
is employed.
5-20 MUTE
This PHONO/RCA socket is used to mute the AR5000
when used in conjunction with a transmitter (to mute the
AR5000 when placed into transmit). The transmitter
shouldprovide anormally closed contact becoming open
duringtransmit.
Note: An internal yellow jumper wire is fitted across the
mute terminals to enable normal operation without the
need for a shorted phono/RCA plug to be fitted in place.
If connected to a transmitter this yellow link wire
must
be cut. If the receiver is then to be used stand alone , a
shortedplug MUST be left inthe mutesocket forstandard
operationor theAR5000 will not receive andno audiowill
be heard from the speaker.
In receive mode: Short circuit
In transmit mode (muted): Open circuit
Enabling the mute facility
Only the upper case of the AR5000 need by removed to
accessthearea containing theyellowjumper wire. Switch
the receiver off and unplug the power cord.
1 Inorder to liftthe upper case,
carefully (withthe correct
fitting posi-drive screwdriver) remove the 4 screws from
the top cabinet and the 3 screws from each side panel
(the screws on the side of the unit toward the front are
larger than the rest). The rear edge of the top cabinet
has a flange and the sides have two unused holes
(for mobile mounting).
2 Locateand cut theyellow jumperwire positioned above
the MUTE terminal.
3 Refit the upper case.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 17
5-21 ANT 2
Thisisthesecondaryaerial(antenna)inputforthe AR5000
receiver. It may be controlled from the front panel or
programmed to switch automatically.
The socket is a 50 OHM SO239 type and
the corresponding plug is the PL259. Many off the shelf
inter-seriesadapters are available for connectionto BNC,
N-type or other types of aerial termination.
5-22 ANT 1
This is the primary aerial (antenna) input for the AR5000
receiver. It may be controlled from the front panel or
programmed to switch automatically.
Thesocket isa highquality 50 OHM N-type. Many off the
shelfinter-series adapters are available for connection to
BNC, PL259/SO239 or other types of aerial termination.
(6) Basic manual operation of the receiver
To achieve the maximum use of the receiver’s
performanceandfeatures, itisimportanttofully familiarise
yourself with it’s operation through the use of this
handbook.
Connectand selectan appropriateaerial (antenna)to the
ANT 1 input on the rear of the receiver. The selection of
aerial depends upon your location and specific
requirements but may include a dipole, discone, colinear
or long wire. There is further aerial information in section
20 of this manual, if in doubt please consult your dealer.
Connectthe AR5000to anappropriate d.c. power source
usingeither thesupplied a.c.adapter or optional DC3000
d.c. lead.
Note: Never connect the AR5000 directly to the
a.c. mains supply.
Before turning on the power switch, set the volume to the
10 o’clock position and squelch control to the 12 o’clock
position.
6-1 Switching on for the first time
Press and release the switch, the receiver will
power up and the LCD back light will illuminate.
Press the key a few times until the legend “VA”is
displayedin the lowerright corner ofthe LCD. Press and
holdthe key for morethan one second so that the
“AUTO”legendisdisplayedinthecentreofthe LCD above
the last right hand digit of the frequency readout (Hz
position) to ensure the receiver is in AUTO MODE. This
places the receiver into a known state of operation ready
to accept frequency input, change of mode etc. As with
all modern microprocessor controlled equipment, the
AR5000 has enormous potential and capabilities.
Note: The AR5000 uses an EEPROM (Electronically
ErasableProgrammable Read Only Memory) forstorage
ofmemories and other parameters. A permanentstorage
EEPROM has the advantage of not requiring a back-up
battery to maintain data even when the receiver is
disconnected from a power supply. The EEPROM may
be over-written many thousands of times.
6-2 Changing VFO
The term VFO historically means Variable Frequency
Oscillator andtoday referstoa tuneabledatastore which
contains frequency, mode, step, and attenuator
information.
The AR5000 has a total of FIVE VFOs which store
frequency, mode, tuning step, I.F. bandwidth, attenuator
setting etc. VFO mode is selected using the key.
The currently active VFO is displayed in the lower right
corner of the LCD as “VA”, “VB”, “VC”, “VD” and “VE”.
To cycle through the five VFOs, press the key
repeatedly until the desired VFO is displayed.
EachVFO can beused for tuningand keyingfrequencies,
allcanholddifferentparameters. Thisisusefulforkeeping
oneVFO onVHF airband(AM), oneon VHFmarine band
(FM), one on 20m amateur band (USB) etc...
In addition, the five VFOs are assigned additional status:
VFO-A
VFO-B Manual search between VFO-A and VFO-B
displayed frequencies
If an automatic frequency search is initiated with “ VA ” or
“ VB ” displayed, the process will loop from the start
frequency in VFO-A and search until it gets to VFO-B
thenloopback tothe startfrequencyof VFO-Aandrepeat.
The key sequence accesses a menu
wherethe DELAY, L-SQlevel squelchand VOICEoptions
may be set up for search between VFO-A and VFO-B.
VFO-C
VFO-D Accept the frequency from the search mode
If a frequency is keyed in to VFO-C or VFO-D and the
key held for more than one second the search
process will commence from the displayed frequency.
If is pressed while in SEARCH MODE, the active
frequency will be transferred to VFO-D, the AR5000 will
switch to VFO-D automatically where you may monitor
and tune from the selected frequency.

PAGE 18 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
VFO-E Accept the frequency from the scan mode
If a frequency is keyed in to VFO-E and the key
held for more than one second the search process will
commence from the displayed frequency.
If is pressed while in SCAN MODE, the active
frequency will be transferred to VFO-E, the AR5000 will
switch to VFO-E automatically where you may monitor
and tune from the selected frequency.
Note: If you press the VFO key for one second
or longer, SEARCH will be activated.
6-3 Tuning the receiver using the rotary controls
Thereceivermay be tunedusingthe rotarytuningcontrols
(MAIN DIAL and SUB DIAL) which are used to select receive
frequency and in memory mode for selection of memory
channeletc.
A tuning knob is by far the most traditional approach to
tuning on short wave, the MAIN DIAL provides a smooth
feelandthe bestmethodof user interfaceespecially when
listening on the SSB, FAX and CW modes. The SUB DIAL
isindentedsotunesinanumber of clicksandisbestsuited
for channelised tuning on the VHF/UHF bands.
It is possible to tune the receiver through it’s entire range
from 10 kHz to 2600 MHz. Rotating the MAIN DIAL &
SUB DIAL clockwise increases the displayed frequency
(and tunes the receiver upward), rotating the controls
anti-clockwise decreases the displayed frequency (and
tunes the receiver downward).
The keys may also be used to increase or
decrease the receive frequency.
The AR5000 has an AUTOMODE capability where the
receive mode, frequency step and I.F. filter selection is
made automatically by the AR5000 microprocessor
following detailed bandplan information (for each world
market area). This very much simplifies and speeds up
operation,particularlyin the earlystagesof familiarisation.
Whenautomodeis active,thelegend “AUTO”isdisplayed
above the right hand digit (last one, Hz) of frequency
readout. If it is not displayed, press and hold the
key for more than one second, the “AUTO” legend will
appear on the LCD to confirm selection.
6-4 Entering a frequency via the numeric keypad
Select VFO mode and the desired VFO out of the five
available“VA”,“VB”,“VC”,“VD”and“VE”, thisachieved
bypressing the keyseveral timesuntil the desired
VFO is displayed on the lower right corner of the LCD
(i.e. “VA”).
The AR5000 is now in a known state of operation ready
for data input.
There are two methods of frequency entry, MHz & kHz:
MHz
The keyis used toenter frequencies asMHz while
inVFOmode. For exampletoenter afrequencyof 88.300
MHz follow the key sequence
There is no need to add the trailing zeros to the right,
once the key has been used the AR5000
microprocessorwillautomaticallyaddtheadditionaltrailing
digits. The display will read “88.300000 MHz”
kHz
The key is used to accept frequency input via the
numeric keypad in kHz format. For example: To key in a
frequency of 954 kHz, key the LCD
will display “954.000 kHz”. This has the same effect
askeying 0.954MHzor .954MHz(Note: keying adecimal
before the number causes a preceding zero to be
addedautomatically).
The kHz method of frequency entry reduces the number
ofkeypressesrequiredwhenworkingwithlowfrequencies
and simplifies operation as short wave listings are often
stated in kHz. Example: Oceanic air traffic 5616kHz or
shortwavetransmissionsRadioNetherlands5955kHzand
6045kHz.
Note:Frequenciesbelow 3.0MHz (3000kHz) willalways
be displayed as kHz regardless of the entry format. It is
usuallymoreconvenienttoentermediumwave/longwave
frequencies using the kHz format.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 19
Providing the AUTOMODE facility has been engaged
(so that the “AUTO” legend is displayed above the right
hand digit of frequency readout), you may monitor the
frequency or tune the receiver using the MAIN DIAL or
SUB DIAL. The AR5000 microprocessor will automatically
select the appropriate tuning increment, mode and I.F.
bandwidth from the detailed automode bandplan data
pre-programmed into the receiver (specific to each world
market area). If automode is not active, press and hold
the key for more than one second. The “AUTO”
legend on the LCD will confirm operation.
6-5 Correction of frequency during input via
the numeric keypad
Should a mistake be made while entering frequency via
the keypad in VFO mode, the key may be used to
backspace delete the entry from the right hand side. If all
digits are deleted, the display will return to the previous
frequency.
6-6 Selecting tuning step (increment)
Thespecificationforchannel occupancy, step(separation)
and mode are decided by and allocated by departments
ofGovernment followingInternational discussions.
Notsurprisingly the allocation of frequencybands are not
thesame allover theworld andchannel separation(step)
varies from band to band. As an example, the channel
separation (step) for the medium wave band in Europe is
9 kHz while in the U.S.A. it is 10 kHz.
For the above reason it is necessary to alter the STEP
size according to local bandplan conventions. The
AR5000has been pre-programmedat the factorywith all
the bandplan data (specific to each market area) so that
theAR5000 will automatically select theappropriate step
size and mode for the frequency chosen. This greatly
simplifies operation of the receiver while you are
familiarisingyourself with all the facilities.
The pre-programming of step size may be manually
overridden so you may choose alternative settings at will
or when bandplans are updated.
The tuning step (often referred to as the tuning rate or
increment) is usually automatically set by the AR5000
using the automode bandplan information - WHEN
AUTOMODE IS ENGAGED.
To enable AUTOMODE, press and hold the key
for more than one second, the “AUTO” legend will
appear on the LCD above the right hand (last) digit of
the frequency readout to confirm selection.
Most known step sizes are available with the exceptions
such as TV channels which are allocated with 6MHz or
4MHz spacing. There will be occasions when you may
wish to change the automode step selection so it is
possible to customise the step size used by the MAIN DIAL
andSUB DIAL (stepsize mayalsobeprogrammed in search
mode).
MAIN DIAL
Only when the VFO mode is engaged may the MAIN DIAL
be used to select the receive frequency. Rotate the
MAIN DIAL to change the receive frequency, alternatively
the and keyscan be used. Frequency will
step in the pre-programmed step size as dictated by the
automode bandplan data.
The key enables the step size for tuning the
receiver to be customised.
Press the key, the flashing legend “STEP” on the
LCD confirms that the STEP SELECT MENU has been
activated. If the legend ”AUT” is displayed above-right,
then the step will automatically be determined from the
automode bandplan data. As soon as another selection
is made automode is cancelled.
At this point the SUB DIAL may be rotated to select a new
step size for the MAIN DIAL from the following list: 0.001
kHz (1 Hz), 0.010 kHz (10 Hz), 0.050 kHz (50 Hz), 0.100
kHz (100 Hz), 0.500 kHz (500 Hz), 1.000 kHz, 5.000kHz,
6.250 kHz, 9.000 kHz, 10.000 kHz, 12.500 kHz, 20.000
kHz, 25.000 kHz, 30.000 kHz, 50.000 kHz, 100.000 kHz
and 500 kHz.
Oncetheselectionhas been madepress toaccept
anychanges. Ifyou wish toabortstepsize selectionpress
In addition, unusual step sizes may be entered using the
numeric keypad (i.e. for 22 kHz or
for 200 Hz). Acceptable input range is
1 Hz to 999.999 kHz.
Important: The receive frequency must be divisible by
the step size or the receiver will not receive the desired
frequency or follow the bandplan.
Examples:
Receive frequency / Step size
must = round number
433.200MHz/20kHz= Divisible (433200/20 =21660 allokay)
152.010MHz/20kHz= Not divisible (152010/ 20 = 7600.5 somust
use the special STEP-ADJUST
FACILITY detailed section 6-7
of this manual).

PAGE 20 AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL
Note: The MAIN DIAL is a mechanical encoder and as
suchsmall variationsin tuningmay beexperienced orthe
frequencymay move slightly after rotation,this is normal.
To ensure the best life span and smoothest operation,
rotatethecontrol from timetotimeto ensuretheencoder’s
track remains clean.
SUB DIAL
The SUB DIAL can also be used to select the receive
frequency in three different ways:
lSame step size as the MAIN DIAL
l10 times faster than the MAIN DIAL
lOne of the step sizes from 0.1 kHz (100 Hz),
0.5 kHz (500 Hz), 1.0 kHz, 5.0 kHz, 10.0 kHz,
50.0 kHz, 100.0 kHz, 500.0 kHz or 1000.0
kHz (1 MHz).
The key enables the step size for the SUB DIAL to
be selected.
Press the key, the flashing legend “STEP” on the
LCD confirms that the STEP SELECT MENU has been
activated. The first menu is for the MAIN DIAL so press
or to moveon to theSUB DIAL configuration
(ifstep adjustis inuse thelegend “*”willbe displayedand
the keys will require two presses to
increment to the SUB DIAL menu). Theflashing legendson
the LCD “STEP” and “SUB” indicate that the SUB DIAL
step selection menu has been activated. Use the
SUB DIAL to make selection:
SUB MAIN
SUB x 10
SUB 0.1 kHz
MAIN = tuning rate for the SUB DIAL will be the same as
that of the MAIN DIAL.
x10 = tuning rate of the SUB DIAL will be ten times faster
than the MAIN DIAL (i.e. a tuning rate on the MAIN DIAL of
25 kHz will be 250 kHz on the SUB DIAL).
0.1 kHz (100 Hz), 0.5 kHz (500 Hz), 1.0 kHz, 5.0 kHz,
10.0 kHz, 50.0 kHz, 100.0 kHz, 500.0 kHz, 1000.0 kHz
(1 MHz) = tuning rates for SUB DIAL.
When the selection has been made, press to
accept the changes and return to VFO mode. If you wish
to abort step size selection press
6-7 Step-adjust
The AR5000 provides a powerful feature to enable
accurate following of unusual bandplans. When active,
the “STEP-ADJ” legend is displayed in the centre of the
LCD.
Step-adjust is used when the receiving frequency is not
divisible by the step size in use (It is possible that step-
adjusthasbeen programmed intotheautomodebandplan
datafor some worldmarket areas). Therefore step-adjust
is useful for certain bandplans such as cellular which in
some areas starts as 917.0125 MHz then increments in
25 kHz steps. Another example is the CB allocation in
certain areas which starts at 27.60125 MHz then
increments in 10 kHz steps.
Example:
Tunethrough the UK CBfrequencies of27.60125 MHz in
10 kHz steps with mode set to FM, 15 kHz bandwidth.
Select frequency: Select the start frequency for tuning,
in this example 27.60125 MHz
Set up step: Press the key to access the tuning
step menu. Select a step size of 10 kHz by pressing
. Select STEP-ADJUST by pressing ,
the“*”legendis displayedon the leftof the LCDto confirm
operation. Complete the sequence by pressing .
You may review or change the offset value used by
step-adjust via the STEP menu. Press to access
the tuning step menu. Initially the
step size is displayed,
press to view the
STEP-ADJUST value.
Note: It is possible to enter a new value of step-adjust
using the
SUB DIAL and numeric keypad (i.e. )
while viewing the step-adjust value, you can experiment
with interestingresults! If you intend directprogramming
please refer to the mathematical explanation at the end
of this section 6-7.
Half step: If the original tuned frequency were a
round number such as 145.000 MHz with a step size
of say 25 kHz, the default step-adjust would be half of
the original step size (12.5 kHz).
Press to accept the data input and return to VFO
mode. Alternativelypress toabortentry and return
to VFO mode.
Select receive mode: Press the key and use
the SUB DIAL to select “FM”. Press to accept the
selection and return to VFO mode.