AOR AR8000 Info
Jonathan Clough
The following "blurb" is taken off AOR's latest (first) information sheet on
the new AOR AR8000 handheld receiver. As of today "sometime in June" is
the anticipated delivery but we are talking AOR here so don't start holding
your breath just yet. Price is also still undisclosed.
Cheers
Jonathan Clough
Compu$erve: 100117,535
Internet: Clo...@javiaton.demon.co.uk
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The AR8000 is the result of AOR's long term ambition to produce a new breed
of radio receiver which combined full computer compatibility with advanced
wide-band radio receiver technology. With the introduction of the new
AR8000, AOR have broken the mould of conventional radio receiver design.
At first glance the AR8000 in its static form may look no different to any
modern hand-held scanning receiver, but the similarity ends there...just as
soon as the receiver is switched on!! Initially you are greeted with the
opening welcome message on the AR8000 multi-function liquid crystal display
"WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF AR8000 RECEIVER", in a similar way to a sign on
message displayed by your personal computer. This new experience immediately
demonstrates to the new user and discerning radio listener that the AR8000
is no ordinary radio but THE NEW CONCEPT in radio design. The modern new
cabinet design measures approx. 152mm (h) x 69mm (d) x 40mm (w) excluding
projections and weighing only 350g including NiCads (but not aerial).
The AR8000 is a highly sensitive hand-held receiver boasting a very wide
frequency coverage of 500KHz to 1900MHz without gaps in the range (actual
acceptable frequency input from 100KHz). Step size is programmable in
multiples of 50Hz for smooth tuning. The all mode reception provides
AM,USB,LSB,CW,NFM and WFM. As you might expect from a radio receiver of this
calibre, an independent 2.0KHz SSB filter is fitted as standard and the
USB/LSB modes use true carrier re-insertion with correctly calibrated
frequency read-out (not offset by 1.KHz). A custom manufactured ferrite bat
aerial is neatly installed at the top of the receivers cabinet to enhance
receive performance when listening in population centres to Medium Wave
services or when commentary is provided at aishows and motor sport events.
The highly visibility LCD is of a new dot matrix format which enables many
new facilities to be used, many of which have never been seen before
especially on a hand held design. Two VFO frequencies may be displayed on
the LCD simultaneously, one providing a stand by frequency available for
quick transfer (similar to commercial aviation built-in radio transceivers.
When frequencies are entered, ALPHANUMERIC comments may be stored along with
frequency, mode & attenuator status simplifying the job or recalling and
identifying memory channels.
The LCD provides four lines of display so that additional facilities may be
provided and displayed at the same time, these include a signal strength bar
meter and a band-scope showing band occupancy.
The AR8000 is equipped with almost every conceivable operating feature but
operation remains easy thanks to a massive new microprocessor. A total of
1000 memory channels are provided which are divided into 20 banks, each
having 50 channels. AOR have chosen to allocate 50 channels per memory bank
(rather than the more conventional 100) based on findings that most radio
listeners prefer fewer channels per bank but more banks for simplified
operation. The AR8000 will search and scan at a very respectable (and fast)
maximum speed of approximately 30 increments per second. You may even enter
"special" frequencies into memory banks where they may only be recalled by
entering a user definable "PASSWORD"....this will stop preying eyes.
The AR8000 is truly a button pushers delight but operation need not be
difficult. As well as a comprehensively illustrated operating manual and UK
quick reference guide, the AR8000 has two operating modes: NEWUSER and
EXPERT. As already mentioned, the multi-function LCD provides many new
facilities but the receiver has a few more tricks up it's sleeve. Not only
can you connect the AR8000 to an external computer for remote control, you
may connect two AR8000 receivers back-to-back so that data may be copied
from one to another (small interface required for remote data access). There
are a variety of scan/search commands to link banks, scan by mode,
programmable delay scan, priority, auto memory store, step offset and a
programmable power save circuit to increase duration of operation from the
NiCads.
The mechanical assembly of the AR8000 will be a sheer revelation to any
radio engineer. Surface mount technology has been employed throughout the
receiver which is constructed of plug in modules. This will ensure the
highest levels of performance, reliability and serviceability. The AR8000
will certainly stand out in a constructional beauty contest. Keypad
illumination extends to the side panel keys and may be switched in a number
of ways. Illumination "permanently on" for mobile operation is possible. A
specially selected heavy duty regulator has been fitted to ensure the
receiver will continue to operate reliably even with the illumination
permanently selected.
MAIN FEATURES
Frequency coverage 500KHz - 1900MHz
All mode reception AM, NFM, WFM, USB, LSB & CW
True carrier re-insertion and specific SSB filter with non offset readout
1000 memory channels
20 search banks
Priority Channel
Frequency Pass
Rotary Tuning Dial
Step sizes programmable between 50Hz - 999KHz in 50Hz steps
Scan & Search speed up to 30 increments per second
Signal Strength meter
Band Scope
Backlit LCD , Keypad & side panel
Battery save facility
Separate controls for volume, squelch & dial
Attenuator
Keypad Beep on/Off
Keypad Lock
Top panel 3.5mm earphone socket
Monitor switch
Password protected banks
Programmable Scan & Search including Free, Delay, Auto, Level & Mode
Select Scan List
Clone (Copy) Data facility between two AR8000
Computer Control
Tape Output
EEPROM memory backup (no battery required)
Supplied with NiCads, charger, Hand Strap, Belt Hook & screws, earphone,
seem flexible aerial, DC lead with cigar plug
Comprehensive operating manual with over 50 illustrations & quick reference
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Range: 500KHz - 1900MHz
Receive Mode: AM, NFM, WFM, USB, LSB & CW
Step Size: 50, 100, 200, 500Hz, 1, 2, 5, 6.25, 9, 10, 12.5, 20, 25, 30, 50,
100, 200, 250, 500KHz or any multiple of 50Hz upto 999KHz
Sensitivity: 500KHz - 2MHz
SSB by field signal strength
AM by field signal strength
2MHz - 30MHz
SSB 1.0uV
AM 3.0uV
NFM 1.5uV
30MHz - 1.3GHz
SSB 0.25uV
AM 1.0uV
NFM 0.35uV
WFM 1.0uV
1.0GHz - 1.3GHz
NFM 1.0uV
1.3GHz - 1.9GHz
NFM 3.0uV
AM/SSB S/N 10db
NFM/WFM SINAD 12dB
Selectivity SSB 2.0KHz (-6dB) 7.5KHz (-50dB)
AM/NFM 12KHz (-6dB) 25KHz (-60dB)
WFM 180KHz (-6dB) 800KHz (-50dB)
Antenna Impedance 50 Ohm
AF Output (4.8V) 120mW (8 Ohm)
Power requirements: 4.8v NiCad / 6.0V Maganese / 9 - 16V DC external
Consumption: 150mA (nominal), 100mA (stand by), 20mA (Save)
Memory Channels: 50 channels x 20 banks = 1000
Pass Channel : 50 channels x 20 banks = 1000
Scan/Search Speed: Approx 30ch/per sec
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thats all I have at the mo.....
--
Cheers
JC
/-------------------------------------------------------------------------\
| Jonathan Clough, Internet : Clo...@javiaton.demon.co.uk |
| Javiation, Bradford. U.K. Compu$erve: 100117,535 |
\-------------------------------------------------------------------------/
Brett Miller - N7OLQ
>SPECIFICATIONS
>Frequency Range: 500KHz - 1900MHz
>Receive Mode: AM, NFM, WFM, USB, LSB & CW
The only spec not mentioned is the one that begins with "$"
Jonathan, any clue about price range?
Brett Miller N7OLQ brett_...@ccm.hf.intel.com
Intel Corp.
American Fork, UT
RS PRO-2006
|The mechanical assembly of the AR8000 will be a sheer revelation to any
|radio engineer. Surface mount technology has been employed throughout the
|receiver which is constructed of plug in modules. This will ensure the
|highest levels of performance, reliability and serviceability.
Hmm, this is contradictory; the U.S. military doesn't like unecapsulated
SMT use because vibration fatique cracks the solder joints between the SMT
components and circuit traces.
|MAIN FEATURES
|Frequency coverage 500KHz - 1900MHz
From an American standpoint, the BIG "Q" is whether or not the unit is
similar to the AR-1000 unit in having a keyboard reprogrammible EEPROM
to determine frequency coverage, such that the special "Forbidden
Frequencies" can be reprogrammed into the EEPROMs. Can they? And if not,
are "spare" ICs availible to allow a competant technician to restore
the Evil coverage?
Michael Schuster
RS PRO-2006 <ra...@cbnewsc.cb.att.com> wrote:
>
>From an American standpoint, the BIG "Q" is whether or not the unit is
>similar to the AR-1000 unit in having a keyboard reprogrammible EEPROM
>to determine frequency coverage, such that the special "Forbidden
>Frequencies" can be reprogrammed into the EEPROMs. Can they? And if not,
>are "spare" ICs availible to allow a competant technician to restore
>the Evil coverage?
I think they abandoned that approach as of the first (of three) version
of the AR1500.
Besides, this scanner isn't manufacuted by Nissei like the previous AOR
handhelds (right, Jonathan?)
--
Mike Schuster | schu...@panix.com | 70346...@CompuServe.COM
------------------- | schu...@shell.portal.com | GEnie: MSCHUSTER
Michael Schuster
Brett Miller - N7OLQ <brett_...@ccm.hf.intel.com> wrote:
>
>The only spec not mentioned is the one that begins with "$"
>
>Jonathan, any clue about price range?
Jonathan said it was to be priced under 449 pounds sterling. So units
imported from UK to the US should be about $675.00 (ouch).
Of course, it wouldn't be legal to import them unless a cellular-blocked
version were produced.
Jonathan Clough
brett_...@ccm.hf.intel.com "Brett Miller - N7OLQ" writes:
>
>The only spec not mentioned is the one that begins with "$"
>
>Jonathan, any clue about price range?
Hi Brett,
I was told that it would cost "No More than 450" (GBP) and my
guess is 449.00 retail in the UK but I could be way off. Until we are
told firmly this is all a little bit of "feeling in
ones water", and this does include 17.5% tax for sales within the
EC.
--
Cheers
JC
/-------------------------------------------------------------------------\
| Jonathan Clough, Internet : Clo...@javiaton.demon.co.uk |
Jonathan Clough
ra...@cbnewsc.cb.att.com "RS PRO-2006" writes:
>
>|The mechanical assembly of the AR8000 will be a sheer revelation to any
>|radio engineer. Surface mount technology has been employed throughout the
>|receiver which is constructed of plug in modules. This will ensure the
>|highest levels of performance, reliability and serviceability.
>
>Hmm, this is contradictory; the U.S. military doesn't like unecapsulated
>SMT use because vibration fatique cracks the solder joints between the SMT
>components and circuit traces.
AOR's sales blurb not mine I'm afraid.
>From an American standpoint, the BIG "Q" is whether or not the unit is
>similar to the AR-1000 unit in having a keyboard reprogrammible EEPROM
>to determine frequency coverage, such that the special "Forbidden
>Frequencies" can be reprogrammed into the EEPROMs. Can they? And if not,
>are "spare" ICs availible to allow a competant technician to restore
>the Evil coverage?
Pass - don't know. It is not being manufactured by Nissei who
made the AR1000 and all its clones.