Optoelectronics Xplorer User manual
160 West Camino Real #233
Boca Raton, FL 33432
www.optoelectronics.com
®
Copyright © 2009, Optoelectronics, Inc. Printed in U.S.A
UUSSEERR MMAANNUUAALL
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2
CAUTION 1
INTRODUCTION 2
SPECI ICATIONS 3
RONT PANEL 4
MENUS 5
IMPORTANT IN ORMATION 6,7
MODES (SWEEP) 8
MODES (V O) 9
MODES (CON IG) 10
MODES (LOCKOUTS) 11
MODES (BLOCKS) 12,13
MODES (MEMORY) 14,15
MODES (TIME/DATE) 16
REACTION TUNE 17
REACTION TUNE & PCR1000 18
PC DOWNLOAD 19
CAPABILITIES 20
ACCESSORIES 21
TROUBLESHOOTING 22
ACTORY SERVICE 23
CC NOTICE 24
LEGAL NOTICE 25
TABLE O CONTENTS
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10
The Xplorer is covered under
U.S. Patent No.
5,471,402
LEGAL NOTICE
All rights are reserved by Optoelectronics, Inc. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronic or man-
ually, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written permission of Optoelectronics, Inc.
All features, specifications, and the information included in this manual are subject to change without notice or obligation. Optoelectronics,
Inc. reserves the right to change or modify the Xplorer without notice or obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes.
The Optoelectronics logo is a registered trademark of Optoelectronics, Inc.
The Xplorer® is a registered trademark of Optoelectronics, Inc.
© Copyright 2008 Optoelectronics, Inc.
160 West Camino Real #233
Boca Raton, L 33432
ICOM, AOR and OPTOELECTRONICS ARE ALL REGISTERED TRADEMARKS.
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9
CC NOTICE
The Xplorer contains Nickel Cadmium rechargeable batteries that must be recycled or disposed of properly. Use of the improper power
adapter may cause damage to the Xplorer battery pack or charging circuitry.
*In compliance with US CC Regulations, an Xplorer shipped in the U.S. is disabled in the following frequency bands: 824.010 -
848.970MHz and 869.010 - 893.970MHz.
*Except for CC approved users.
FCC NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to the
radio of television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult Optoelectronics or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Note: Optoelectronics is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment.
Such modifications could void the users authority to operate the equipment.
1
CAUTION !
WARNING - aximum input voltage is 12VDC. Automotive voltages may exceed 12V caus-
ing damage to internal circuitry. Damage resulting from excessive input voltage is readily appar-
ent and will not be covered under warranty. Units returned for warranty service that have damage
resulting from excessive supply voltages will incur service charges.
WARNING - aximum antenna input signal is +15dBm (50mW). Under no circumstances
should the Xplorer be directly connected to an R transmitter or be used in close proximity to a
radio transmitter of more than 5 watts. Damage to the input amplifier circuitry is readily apparent
and will not be covered under warranty. Units returned for warranty service that have damage to
the input circuitry will incur service charges.
This manual covers connection and operating instructions for the
Optoelectronics XplorerTM. The Optoelectronics XplorerTM is covered
under U.S. Patent Number 5,471,402.
2
The Xplorer is a completely unique nearfield test receiver. It is not a single frequency radio receiver in the conventional sense, or a high
speed scanner. It is actually a frequency sweeper using multiple swept harmonic LO frequencies that enable the Xplorer to lock on to virtu-
ally any two-way M signal in less than one second. Its unique frequency conversion system allows it to search for and acquire new fre-
quencies much more quickly than a conventional receiver.
Nearfield refers to the relative strength of a transmitter as compared with the background R floor. The nearfield refers to an approximate
distance where the signal strength radiating from an antenna is relatively strong. As you approach an antenna, the observed signal strength
increases to a point where its amplitude becomes greater than any other signal sources. At this point you are in the nearfield of the trans-
mitter. The Xplorer will pick up signals in the nearfield of a transmitter.
Because of its high rate of sweeping, the Xplorer is essentially a self tuning receiver. The primary reason for a nearfield receiver is to trade
distance for speed. A conventional scanning receiver will receive signals from greater distances than the Xplorer but suffers from being able
to scan only 25 to 100 frequencies per second. It could take several minutes to several hours to tune an unknown frequency using a scan-
ner. (An CC data base search shows over 5,000 licensed transmitters within 5 miles of the Optoelectronics facility.)
The self tuning feature along with its measurement and decoding capabilities makes the Xplorer valuable for testing two-way radios. The
Xplorer is also able to locate strong R signals located nearby in order to evaluate interference. The Xplorer is useful for checking com-
mercial M wireless microphones and other low power transmitters, as well as commercial two way radios.
INTRODUCTION
23
8
WARRANTY
Products under warranty must be returned, transportation prepaid, to Optoelectronics’ Boca Raton Service Center. All parts replaced and
labor performed under warranty are at no charge to the customer.
NON-WARRANTY
Products not under warranty must be returned, transportation prepaid, to Optoelectronics’ Boca Raton Service Center. actory service will
be performed on a time and materials basis at the service rate in effect at the time of repair. A repair estimate prior to commencement of
service may be requested. Return shipping will be added to the service invoice and is to be paid by the customer.
RETURN POLICY FOR REPAIRS
The Optoelectronics Service Department will provide rapid turnaround of your repair. Enclose complete information as follows:
1. Copy of sales receipt if under warranty.
2. Detailed description of problem(s).
3. Complete return address and phone number (UPS street address for USA).
4. Proper packaging (insurance recommended). Note: Carriers will not pay
for damage if items are improperly packaged.
5. Proper remittance including return shipping, if applicable (Visa/MasterCard number with expiration date, Money
Order,.etc.).
Address all items to:
Optoelectronics, Inc.
Service Department
160 West Camino Real #233
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Note: Optoelectronics is not responsible for packages lost or damaged during shipment.
If in question, contact the factory for assistance. Service Department: (954) 642-8997
ACTORY SERVICE
22 7
TROUBLESHOOTING
ollowing are a list of questions and/or suggestions when encountering certain problems. If your question is not covered on this page
please contact the Optoelectronics Service Department at 954-642-8997, Monday - riday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM Eastern time.
Q: My Xplorer does not seem to be locking onto any signals, what am I doing wrong?
A: If using the external squelch mode check to make sure squelch is not turned too far to the left or right.. If using internal
squelch switch to external squelch Also, try different antennas.
Q: I have tried all of the above and it still does not seem to lock onto any signals, even if I key a transmitter next to it. Why?
A: The Xplorer could have a damaged front end amplifier. Excessive R input can damage the amplifiers.
Q: Every now and then it seems to lock onto the harmonic of the fundamental frequency. Why?
A: When the Xplorer is sweeping it is sensing the harmonic as being 15dB above the background R , therefore it will lock onto
the harmonic. This generally happens when testing a radio a few feet away from the Xplorer. Either turn the squelch up or
move away from the transmitter a few more feet.
Q: Why does the Xplorer lock onto a frequency after I have locked it out individually and blocked it out in blocks mode?
A: Go to CON IG mode and make sure that both lockouts and blocks are turned on.
Q: Why won’t my Xplorer automatically store the frequency information when it locks onto a signal?
A: Go to CON IG mode and make sure that Auto Store is turned on.
Q: How do I get my Xplorer to stay locked on a frequency without it sweeping for another signal?
A: Go to CON IG mode and turn Auto Hold on.
Q: Is there a way to reset my Xplorer?
A: Yes. Turn the Xplorer off. When you go to turn it on again press the NCTN / SHI T and MODE/POWER button all at the
same time. This will reset all parameters back to factory defaults. All data in memory, lockouts etc.. will be lost.
3
12
Frequency Range: 30MHz - 2GHz (Cellular requencies Blocked except for CC Approved Users)
odulation: M, Deviation < 100KHz
Frequency Response: 50-3000Hz
Auto Sweep Time: <1 Second (with Lockouts and Blocks turned off)
Input Impedance: 50 Ohm
Connector: emale BNC
Sensitivity: 350uV @ 450MHz (typical)
Display: Two line, 16 character LCD with EL Backlight
Inputs/Outputs: 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, 2.5mm CI5 jack, 3.5mm RS232 jack
Power: Battery: Internal Rechargeable 6V 700mAH NiCad, 5 cell 1.2V per cell
Battery Charging Time: 8-10 hours
Adapter/Charger: 12VDC, 500mA current, center positive connector
Signal Decoding: 52 CTCSS tones, 106 DCS codes, 16 DTM digits
LTR Decoding: Area: 1 digit, Go To: 2 digits, Home: 2 digits, ID: 3 digits, ree: 2 digits
CTCSS Acquisition Time: 600 milliseconds (0.6 seconds)
DCS Acquisition Time: 350 milliseconds (0.35 seconds)
DT F Digit Rate: 10 digits per second
Frequency Display: 10 digit with 1Hz resolution
Signal Strength: 50 segment bargraph, relative reading, uncalibrated.
Real Time Clock: Internal Calibration Adjustment
SPECI ICATIONS
4
FNCTN •
Use in conjunction with
UP/DOWN arrow buttons to
change decode modes in
sweep mode and also to
change other parameters.
SHIFT •
Use in conjunction with UP/DOWN arrow
buttons in V O and requency BLOCKS
mode to set frequency.
SKIP/LOCK OUT •
Press to resume sweep when locked
onto a signal. Also use with SHI T
button to lockout current frequency
displayed.
HOLD/STORE•
Press in Sweep Mode to Hold
next frequency found.
H replaces sweep indicator.
Press SHI T and HOLD to
store current or next frequency
along with any decode infor-
mation in memory.
MODE/POWER •
Press to turn on the Xplorer. Press and
hold four seconds to turn off.
Press repeatedly to scroll through different
modes.
UP/DOWN ARROW •
Press the UP/DOWN arrow buttons to
change parameters in the different menus.
Use in conjunction with SHI T and/or
NCTN buttons to change parameters.
RONT PANEL
FNCTN SHIFT
HOLD
STORE
MODE
POWER
S IP
LOC
OUT
T is diagram is only meant to give t e
user t e basic functions of t e various
buttons. T is is not a complete list of
functions for eac button. Please
consult t e rest of t e manual for
eac function.
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6
ACCESSORIES
As is the case with just about any type of communications receiver, accessories play a big role in how well the instrument performs.
Optoelectronics has a variety of accessories to choose from to enhance the performance of the Xplorer. As mentioned earlier in this man-
ual, it is very important to try different antennas in varying R environments to see what works best. Below is a list of accessories offered
by Optoelectronics. There are many other after market antennas, filters, pre-amps etc.. that may also provide benefit to the Xplorer.
ANTENNAS
RD27 rubber duck antenna 26-150MHz
RD150 rubber duck antenna 145-165MHz
RD440 rubber duck antenna 440-480MHz
RD800 rubber duck antenna 500-1000MHz
DB32 stubby antenna 100-2000MHz
BB85 rubber duck antenna 100-2000MHz
TA100S telescoping antennna 100-600MHz
Cell Lock antenna 824MHz-2GHz
The BB85 and DB32 antennas are very good all band antennas. They allow the Xplorer to lock onto many different signals. The BB85
is an excellent antenna for VH frequencies. The DB32 is very convenient for its size. It has proven to work very well in the UH ranges.
ILTERS
N100 M notch filter 88-108MHz
The N100 provides approximately 30 dB of attenuation in the M broadcast band. It does a very good job of blocking out the R from
your local M stations. Reducing the background R from M transmitters by 30dB allows the Xplorer to lock onto signals from a much
greater distance. Even if the Xplorer is not locking onto M stations, the R from those transmitters is still present and can prevent the
Xplorer from locking onto signals in the nearfield. Since the Xplorer locks onto signals that are 15dB above the background R floor,
reducing the R from M stations by 30dB will have a significant effect on the way the Xplorer locks onto frequencies.
20 5
CAPABILITIES
The pick up distance data provided is intended to be an indication as to what the user can expect in a real world situation. As with any
nearfield device the performance over distance is heavily influenced by the R environment.
The testing below was at the Optoelectronics factory in Boca Raton. A radius search in the CC database shows approximately 5000 licensed
transmitters within a 5 mile radius. In particular there is a UH paging system in a Hospital 1/4 mile away and an M radio transmitter two
miles away. The R floor is at approximately -50 dB. This should be a typical R environment for testing the Xplorer. Remember though,
results can differ widely depending on the particular environment.
10 Watt UH Approximately 1000 feet
5 Watt UH Approximately 500-800 feet
1 Watt UH Approximately 250-350 feet
500mW UH Approximately 100-250 feet
50mW VH Approximately 50-150 feet
Some Transmitters the Xplorer Will Not Pick Up:
The Xplorer does not demodulate AM so this will exclude CB and Aircraft transmissions. Digital modulation from digital cordless phones
and digital cellular phones is also excluded. Discontinuous sources using on-off keying such as, garage door openers, radio control signals,
and keyless entry transmitters will not work with the Xplorer.
5
MENUS
POWER UP
1. Press the red MODE/POWER button once firmly to turn the Xplorer on. The initialization screen will be displayed for two
seconds. Press and hold the MODE/POWER button down for four seconds to turn the unit off.
2. One of the seven operating modes will be displayed for two seconds. The mode that will be displayed will be the one
previously selected.
3. There are seven operating modes in the Xplorer. Press the MODE/POWER button to scroll through the modes.
OPTOELECTRONICS
XPLORER
14
* CONFIG *
* VFO *
* LOC OUTS *
* MEMORY *
* BLOC S *
* TIME/DATE *
* SWEEP *
15
IMPORTANT IN ORMATION
I PORTANT INFOR ATION / PLEASE READ
Sweep mode is where all the action takes place with the Xplorer. It is important to understand how the various settings will affect the way the
Xplorer operates. There are three functions of the Xplorer that will greatly influence how effective the Xplorer is for you. Those are Squelch,
Blocks, and Lockouts.
SQUELCH
This is the most critical of all settings. The factory default is set for internal squelch. This is a setting determined at the factory to be the best
for the Xplorer in most normal R environments. You have no physical control over the squelch from the knob when it is set for internal
squelch. If you elect to change to external squelch and control via the knob please note that the squelch does not operate like the squelch of
a conventional receiver. You cannot adjust for noise level. You will need to adjust to determine where the optimal setting is for your partic-
ular R environment by noting when it starts to lock onto signals as you make adjustments. Setting the squelch too high or too low can
adversely affect the way the Xplorer locks onto signals. In many cases, this will prevent the Xplorer from locking onto any signals in the
nearfield.
Because the Xplorer locks onto a signal that is 15dB above the background R floor, there are occasions when it may lock onto the harmon-
ic of the actual fundamental frequency. The reason it does so is while the Xplorer was sweeping it detected that signal as being 15dB above
the background R floor. You may notice this happens when testing a radio within a few feet of the Xplorer. In this case, it is recommended
that the squelch be adjusted higher so as to eliminate the harmonics.
BLOCKS
It is very important that you use this mode to its full potential. This mode allows you to lock out entire bands of frequencies, such as the M
radio stations. Program in the frequency range of 88-108MHz and EXCLUDE from your sweep. This does not eliminate the background R
from the frequencies you wish to block out. It only tells the Xplorer not to lock onto any of those frequencies. The R from these transmit-
ters may still be present and can still affect how the Xplorer operates. What you have done is eliminated the need to lock out each individual
frequency as it is captured by the Xplorer.
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PC DOWNLOAD
To connect the Xplorer to your computer for data downloading use the optional CBDS serial cable and Opto Suite Pro software.
The Opto Suite Pro software is useful for programming all of your settings and managing stored data. The software is compatible for use
under Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP/Vista.
The following information can be downloaded to the computer:
requency
Hits
Time
Date
Signal Strength
CTCSS
DCS
LTR
DTM
18 27
REACTION TUNE & PCR1000 VOLUME/SQUELCH
1. Press the MODE/POWER button until *CON IG* is displayed.
2. Press the UP/DOWN arrow buttons until INTER ACE is displayed. Press and hold the NCTN button and press the
UP/DOWN arrow buttons to change the interface type to REACTION TUNE.
3. Press the UP/DOWN arrow buttons until RECEIVER is displayed. Press and hold the NCTN button and press the UP/DOWN
arrow buttons to select either CI-5, AR8000 or PCR1000.
4. Select CI-5 for tuning all ICOM (excluding PCR1000), Radio Shack, Optoelectronics and Uniden receivers.
5. Select AR8000 for tuning the AR8000 or AR8200.
6. Select PCR1000 for tuning the ICOM PCR1000.
When Reaction tuning the ICOM PCR1000 the RS232 jack on top of the Xplorer will be used. The CI5 jack will be used to
interface to all other receivers.
IMPORTANT: T e Xplorer sends an initialization command to t e receiver w en powered on. Once t e proper modes ave
been selected and t e two units are connected by t e appropriate cable, t e receiver t at you wis to Reaction Tune must be
turned on first, t en t e Xplorer.
PCR1000 VOLUME/SQUELCH
As mentioned, the Xplorer can not only Reaction tune the ICOM PCR1000, it will control the volume and squelch of the receiver once it has
been tuned.
1. To adjust the volume and squelch of the PCR1000 press the MODE/POWER button until *CON IG* is displayed. Press the
UP/DOWN arrow buttons until PCR1000 SQUELCH is displayed.
2. Press and hold the NCTN button and press the UP/DOWN arrow buttons to adjust the squelch.
3. Press the UP/DOWN arrow buttons until PCR1000 VOLUME is displayed. Press and hold the NCTN button and press the
UP/ARROW buttons to adjust the volume.
7
IMPORTANT IN ORMATION
I PORTANT INFOR ATION / PLEASE READ
Alternatively, the Blocks mode allows you to lock in an entire range of frequencies. or instance, let’s assume that you wanted to narrow
your sweep area down to 400-480MHz. The most effective way to do so is program that range of frequencies in one of the ten blocks and
INCLUDE as part of your sweep. The Xplorer still sweeps its entire frequency range of 30MHz - 2GHZ, however it will only lock onto a
signal in that range if it is present, therefore ignoring all other signals detected. Please consult the BLOCKS section of the manual for more
detailed information.
LOCKOUTS
This mode allows you to lockout individual frequencies as you desire. When initially using the Xplorer, it may be necessary to spend a few
minutes locking out unwanted frequencies. Many of these frequencies can be eliminated in the aforementioned BLOCKS mode. Those fre-
quencies that are not programmed into the blocks mode may then be immediately locked out as the Xplorer captures the signal. As you move
in to different areas it may be necessary to lock out more unwanted signals that have been introduced. Taking the time to do this in the begin-
ning will greatly enhance the performance of the Xplorer.
OTHER ENHANCE ENTS TO CONSIDER
Antennas and front end filters play a big part in the performance of the Xplorer. Not all antennas are alike and it is recommended you use
different antennas to achieve different results. Using dual and tri band antennas such as our DB32 and BB85 are great for picking up many
different types of signals. However, it is important to note that while they may work well for an entire range, they are typically better in some
frequency ranges than others. If you are sweeping for signals in a narrow bandwidth then it may be more advantageous to use an antenna
that is cut for a specific range, ie: 144-165MHz.
The N100 M notch filter provides up to 30dB of attenuation in the M broadcast band. As mentioned before, the Xplorer locks onto a sig-
nal that is 15dB above the background R floor. Eliminating up to 30dB of R from M stations can play a big part in the success of the
Xplorer. This will allow you to lock onto signals from a greater distance, or lock onto low power transmitters that could not originally be
detected due to the background R .
8
1. Press the red MODE/POWER button until *SWEEP* is displayed. The sweep indicator bar in the top right hand corner of the
display will move back and forth when in sweep mode. When the Xplorer locks onto a signal the sweep indicator will stop and
the frequency of the signal that was captured will be displayed on the top line of the LCD.
2. The bottom line of the LCD displays either Signal Strength, CTCSS decode, DCS decode, or DTM decode. To switch
between the different decode modes press and hold the NCTN button and press either the UP / DOWN arrow buttons. T e
Xplorer also decodes LTR. To activate LTR decoding consult t e CONFIG section of t is manual.
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
1. Adjust the volume knob in a clockwise direction to increase and in a counterclockwise direction to decrease the volume levels.
SQUELCH ADJUSTMENT (Please note that there is a manual and automati squel h adjustment.)
1. Press the MODE/POWER button so that the CON IG menu is displayed. Press the UP/DOWN arrow button so that Squelch
Control is displayed.
2. Press the NCTN and either the UP/DOWN arrow buttons at the same time to switch between External and Internal. Select
External for manual squelch adjustment and select Internal for automatic (set at fa tory) squelch adjustment.
HOLD / SKIP
1. Press the HOLD/STORE button to hold the the frequency currently being received. An “H” will replace the sweep indicator in
the top right hand corner of the display. To resume sweeping press the SKIP/LOCKOUT button.
SWEEP DISPLAY
The Xplorer has a unique ability to display the frequency in two ways. MEASURED REQUENCY or CHANNEL REQUENCY. The
MEASURED frequency is the actual frequency detected by the Xplorer. Example: 154.2548 The CHANNEL frequency is the actual chan-
nel the frequency is on. Example: 154.2550 To switch between the two press the MODE/POWER button until *CON IG* is displayed.
Press the UP/DOWN arrow buttons until SWEEP DISPLAY is displayed. Select either MEASURED or CHANNEL by pressing and hold-
ing the NCTN button and pressing either the UP/DOWN arrow buttons.
17
MODES
* SWEEP *
17
26
REACTION TUNE
The Xplorer has the ability to Reaction Tune many different receivers to the frequency it has captured. While the Xplorer does demodulate
the audio itself, there are times when it would be beneficial to have a conventional receiver interfaced to the Xplorer. or instance, if you
locked onto a signal with the Xplorer and were in a mobile situation, it is possible that the transmitter will move out of range very quickly.
In this case the receive sensitivity of a conventional receiver allows you to stay locked onto the signal longer, therefore allowing you to mon-
itor the audio for a longer period of time.
The Xplorer has three different Reaction Tuning settings depending upon the receiver that is being interfaced.
1. CI5: ollowing are the current CI-5 compatible receivers that the Xplorer is capable of Reaction Tuning.
ICOM R10, R7000, R7100, R8500 and R9000.
Radio Shack PRO 2005/2006 (with OS456/Lite installed), Radio Shack PRO 2035/2042 (with OS535 installed).
Optoelectronics R11 and OptoCom.
The ICOM R10 and R7100 require special default settings for Reaction Tuning with the Xplorer.
ICOM R10: Baud Rate = 9600, TRN = ON, CI-V ADDRESS = 52
ICOM R7100: Baud Rate = 9600, Transceive Mode = ON
2. AOR: The Xplorer will Reaction Tune the AOR AR8000 and AR8200.
3. PCR1000 The Xplorer will Reaction Tune the ICOM PCR1000. In addition, it has the ability to control the volume and
squelch of the PCR1000 after it has been tuned.
Cables Required or Reaction Tune
ICOM R10, R7000, R7100, R8500, R9000 CBCI5
Optoelectronics R11 CBRT
AOR AR8000 RT8000
AOR AR8200 RT8200
ICOM PCR1000 CBPCR
ICOM R20 Custom cable
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