AOR AR8600 Specifications

®AR8600OPERATING MANUALMOBILE WIDE RANGE ALL MODE RECEIVER530 kHz ~ 2040 MHz (MK2 = 3GHz)

91-5-1 KeypadKeypad conventionsMost keys have multiple functions, their functions are printed on the cabinet. However due therestriction of availabl

99Again use the key to toggle write protect status on/off… in this manner you may quicklychange the protect status of several memory channels. t

10011-6 Search bank write protectIt is possible to write protect individual search banks to prevent accidental deletion. The search bankwrite protec

101(12) TEXT search and inputIt is possible to add text comments (using a maximum of 12 characters) to:-1. individual memory channels2. memory bank

10212-2 Text searchFor fastest text search and greatest reliability, place the AR8600 into memory read, scan or searchmode (it takes a long time whil

103(13) SHORT CUT keysThere are various short cut key combinations available for use with the ‘FLASHING FUNCTION’.When the “FUNC” legend is flashing,

10413-2 Short cut text entryEntering text into memory channels, memory banks and search banks can be quite long winded.To speed up the process, while

10513-3 Short cut text entry, keypad with  keysText may also be entered using a combination of the keypad and     keys.While in a text input

106(14) Configuration menuThe configuration (CONFIG) menu is used to set fundamental operating parameters and other variableswhich do not appear in a

107placed in standby or is switched off. If the optional BP8600 is fitted, continuous operation of the lampwill drain the internal batteries more qui

108AUTO POWER OFF is setup in the CONFIG menu.To access the config menu .  three times to move the cursor to the“AUTO PWR-OFF” selection point

101-5-2 Summary of keysThe keypad is split into four areas of the front cabinet of the AR8600, the ‘ten keys’ for frequencyaccess, the bottom row for

109Note: Frequency display will be provided in VFOand VFO search and VFO scan even with the frequencydisplay disabled.The FREQUENCY DISPLAY parameter

110The “OPENING MESSAGE” is setup in the CONFIG menu.To access the config menu .  eight times to move the cursor to the“OPENING MESSAGE” selec

111The centre frequency is displayed in the top left of the LCD, one pixel will be missing from the centre ofthe graphical base line indicating centre

112When the frequency span width is altered, the trace restarts. to refresh the tracefrom the start.15-4 Moving the markerTo move the marker pos

11315-8 Peak holdThe PEAK HOLD facility is used to build up an image of bandactivity over a period of time, the display is not totally cleared eachti

114(16) Sleep It is possible to instruct the AR8600 to automatically switch to standby after a predetermined time, this isparticularly useful if yo

115Please check the AOR web sites for suitable software which may be made available.A multiple command entry is only valid where specified. Where a m

11617-3 Detailed RS232 command listing for the AR8600Section 17-3To set: BS nnn...n<CR>Where n is a bank indicator in the range A-T or a-tBS%%&

117Section 17-3DD Dial (VFO) delay To set: DDnn<CR>Where nn = 00 - 99 or FF (indicating 0.0 - 99seconds or FF=hold)To read: DD<CR>Respond

118Section 17-3When active, data in the following format isreturned when the squelch opens:LCnnn Vx RFnnn...norLCnnn SRx RFnnn...norLCnnn Mnxx RFnnn..

11PUSH this key to place the AR8600 into 2VFO mode where you may receive spot frequencies and‘generally monitor activity’. The LCD displays two lines

119MW d:50 TBdaer bandMW E:50 TBEMARINEchMW e:50 TBeair bandNotes:1. This feature allows the size ofmemory banks to be changed insize from 10 to 90 c

120QM Quick Memo To Read: QM<CR>Responds with ten quick memoryfrequencies stored within the radio infor the format:QMQM0 RF0086450000QM1 RF00873

121where x = A-T or a-tRecalls search bank xSR%%<CR>Responds with a listing of all searchbanks A-JResponds with:SRx SLnnnnnnnnnn SUnnnnnnnnnn ST

122XA Audio scan setting To set: XAnnn<CR>Where, nnn = 000 (audio scan off),nnn = 001-255 (audio scan value)To read: XA<CR>Responds with X

12317-4-1 How to clone dataEnsure that the RS232 baud rate is set to the same speed forboth radios and that the address is set to 00 on both units(re

124Note: If you make a mistake during programming, it is possible to the key to exit the menu. However, be careful and get it right in the first p

125Signal types depend upon the slot card fitted, these include: 4.2V PSU GROUND CARD RECOGNITION AUDIO IN AUDIO OUT CARD CONTROL IN CARD CONTR

126For example, if you have the TE8200 and VI8200 slot cards fitted, pressing the  key willskip over the CT8200 selection line, the second page conta

127menu. the key to toggle the tone eliminator onand off (default off). Use the main dial to make selection of tonein 256 steps from 0 to 255, t

128 the key to toggle the CTCSS facility between OFF / ON / SRCH (default is off).To abort entry and exit the menu .Note: You won’t be able to

12 in 2VFO mode to access the VFO PASS menu which extends to include theSEARCH bank pass edit menu. in 2VFO, SEARCH or SCAN mode to access the

129Section 18-4-2, 18-518-4-2 CTCSS searchIf you are uncertain what CTCSS frequency is in use, but you think there may be one present, you mayuse the

130Refer to the relationship table between value and ‘flip’ frequency: Frequency (kHz) 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0 4.4

131While recording is in progress, the second line from the bottom of the LCD (usually displaying thestandby frequency in 2VFO mode) changes to a prog

13218-7 EM8200 optional external extended memory slot cardThe EM8200 enables the whole 1,000 memory channels in 20 banks and 40program search banks t

133If you do not format the memory, you will still be able to carry out SAVE ALL (item 1 in the table) but thespecific data saves (items 2, 3, 4, 5 &a

134Select the “SAVE” option, to toggle between load and save. Next select the EM8200bank you wish to save using the   keys or main dial (0, 1,

135 to start the data load. The legend “EXT-MEM LOADING !!” will be displayed with theexclamation marks flashing to indicate that loading is in pro

136Save ALL-SRCH (all search banks)Access the COPY EXT-MEM menu using the key sequence .Select the “SAVE” option, to toggle between load an

137Access the COPY EXT-MEM menu using the key sequence .Select the “LOAD” option, to toggle between load and save. Next select the EM8200b

138 the  key to move the cursor to the left of the “ALL-DATA” legend, use the   keys toselect “B-SCOPE”. to start the band scope data load. The

13Numeric figure four during frequency input. Selection of memory/scan bank “D” or “d” and search bank“D” or “d” or “N” or “n”. toggles the pri

139(19) Trouble shootingShould the AR8600 appear to act strangely, check out the following suggestions to see if the problemcan be overcome. Failing

140CONFIG menu (around 10).Cannot save any data. Ensure that write protect is not set. It is also possible for data not to be savedif the batteries

141(20) Optional accessoriesSlot cards:Five slot cards are available:1. VI8200 Voice inverter (analogue) in 157 steps.2. CT8200 CTCSS squelch &

142(21) Aerial (antenna), earths & propagationThe subject of aerial choice and earth can be quite complex. There are many advantages and disadvan

143(22) AR8600 specificationFrequency Range: 530 kHz to 2040 MHz(Actual frequency input 100 kHz to 2040 MHz,performance between 100 kHz to 530 kHz is

AR8600 Mark2 ADDENDUM (paperwork V1.1)Due to continuous development of our products, the AR8600 has been enhanced in several areas. The upper frequen

REASSIGNMENT OF ACC SOCKETThe AR8600 Mark2 provides squelch controlled audio output topins 6 & 7 of the rear panel ACC connector. For this reason

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14Numeric figure nine during frequency input. Selection of memory/scan bank “I” or “i” and search bank “I”or “i” or “S” or “s”. will delete the

151-5-3 Important controlsThe bottom row of seven keys are fundamental in the operation of the AR8600. The SCAN, SEARCHand VFO functions are action

16ARROW KEYSThe arrow keys  are laid out as a group of four keys (up, down, left and right).This format is particularly convenient being placed di

17on a regular basis, if you are not going to use the AR8600 with the BP8600 for extended periods(several months), it may be worth considering removin

181-6-3 Battery considerationsThe optional BP8600 battery is not factory charged. When the BP8600 has been fitted, charge thebattery for 48 hours.

1(1) AR8600 Index(1) Index ...

19Section 1-71-7 IF output and Spectrum Display Unit (SDU5500)The rear panel has a 10.7MHz i.f. output designed to drive the SDU5500 optional Spectru

20(2) Making the AR8600 ready for operation2-1 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)All relevant operational information is provided via the central LCD. To

21 2-2 Connect the aerial (antenna)Two aerials are supplied with the AR8600: BNC mounted whip aerial with swivel BC ANT - MW bar aerialFor genera

222-4 Keypad and knobs... what you need to know ‘most’Several of the keys have special characteristics, a summary was given in section 1-5-1 of this

232-4-4 CLEAR key to abort entry via the keypad... if in doubt, to return to the previousdisplay menu or operating mode. to select an optio

24(3) Basic manual operation of the receiverThe following information explains how to tune to a specific frequency, change receive mode etc.Note: Wh

25In 2VFO mode both VFO frequencies are displayed in parallel format on the LCD, one above the other.The ‘active’ VFO (the one which is currently rece

26Transfer to active VFOWhen the AR8600 has stopped on an active frequency in memory read, scan or search mode, use thekey sequence to transfe

27displayed to the right of the kHz position. This is to ensure easy recognition of short wave frequencieswhich are often listed as ‘kHz’ in frequenc

28Note: When tuning, reception may occasionally be momentarilyinterrupted while tuning and the “S” squelch legend will flash as tuningprogresses, som

24-3 VFO Search ...434-3-1 Defining VFO

293-7 Changing receive modeDue to the necessities of signal bandwidth, channel occupancy and transmission efficiency, differentreceive modes are used

30With regard to receive mode, generally speaking the following modes will apply:AUTOReceive mode and tuning step will be selected automatically using

31All long range shipping and oceanic air traffic (as well as long range military aircraft) use USB. DATAmodes such as RTTY, SITOR, PACKET, FAX etc m

32Should you wish to change the default tuning step size .The third main text line of the LCD will display the current defaultsize (perhaps “25

33The display doesn’t correct immediately upon frequency entry to allow you to enter the ‘STEP-ADJUST’menu to change the step size and step-adjust in

34 Access the STEP menu using the key sequence . Use the main dial toselect a step size of 20 kHz (do NOT press enter!).

35However, the STEP-ADJUST facility is used to address this situation.With the above in mind, 58.445 MHz with 15 kHz steps in mind, while in VFO mode,

36With this example of 145.210 MHz with 14 kHz steps in mind, while in VFO mode, key in the startfrequency of 145.210 MHz Access

37The third line will display “OFFSET 00” with “00”indicating that frequency offset is currently off,there will be no “DUP” legend displayed when thef

38For example, use the main dial until the LCD displays “OFFSET 01”, the bottom line of LCD will display“- - - . - - - -“ indicating that no offset ha

37-9-3 Select scan environment ... 727-9-4 Editing the content

39The noise limiter has two settings, on and off. When the noiselimiter is ON, the legend “NL” appears on LCD.To toggle the noise limiter on/off

40The distance in kHz which the AR8600 can ‘pull’ depends upon receive mode, IF bandwidth and signalstrength… the wider the filter and stronger the si

41(4) VFO enhanced facilitiesAs well as providing a tuning data storage, the two VFOs offer additional features including quickmemory, VFO scan, VFO

424-1-2 Recalling quick memoriesOnce a few quick memory channels have been stored, key a different frequency into the VFO to assistidentification of

43The third line displays “ON” and “OFF” with the “OFF” legenddisplayed in reverse contrast to show that it is currently selected(default). To toggle

44Note: While in VFO mode, if the keypad or key is used, the current status of theaudio with respect to the squelch control will be maintained. I

45 If PASS channels have already been tagged for VFO SEARCH the legend “PASS xx” will be displayedwhere “xx” indicates that data is present. If no pa

464-3-6 Exiting VFO searchTo exit VFO search, to return to the VFO mode (the frequencies in use before VFOsearch was initiated will be displayed)

47VFO search DELAY is configured via the VFO environment menu, use the key sequence to access the VFO environment menu. the  key onceto move

48 to accept the changes and return to the display prior to accessing the VFOenvironment menu. Alternatively you may move to the next option (VFO V

4(14) Configuration menu ... 10614-1 CONFIG BEEP ...

49 to access the VFO environment menu. the  key fourtimes to move to the FREE parameter. to toggle between OFF and 5 seconds(the defaul

50Section 4-4-7, 4-4-8If bank “J” contains data, the legend “J00” will be displayed (the number indicating the presence ofdata), if no data is held in

51(5) Memory channels & banksIt is convenient to store commonly used frequencies into a memory channel along with mode etc, thissaves having to k

52Auto-storeWhen shipped from the factory, memory bank “J” is reserved for auto-store of memory channelsfrom search mode. This is a useful facility t

53 to place the AR8600 into VFO mode. to select the desired frequency, the mode and step size will be automatically set bythe AR8

54If the memory location has been used previously and a text comment is displayed, todelete the existing comment.Note: It is possible to use keyp

55To recap: Once the three digit memory location has been selected, the 2 second keypad time-out does not applyto the rest of the sequence

56The memory bank write protect may be toggled on/off using the SCAN environment menu accessed bythe key sequence followed by four pushes of t

575-4-1 Memory channel review / huntFrom VFO mode to enter memory read “M.RD” mode.The main dial may be rotated or the × Ø keys pushed to review,

585-5-2 Adding text names to memory banksTo assist with memory management and identification, memory banks can be named. The SCAN BANKmenu is used t

51-1 IntroductionThank you for purchasing the AR8600 transportable wide band all mode receiver. The AR8600 isdesigned using the very latest technolo

59The LCD will initially display the legend “M-BANK” , the currentlyselected memory bank ‘pair’ (i.e. D/d or A/a or C/c etc) and thecurrent size alloc

60Note: The priority mode is automatically suspended during entry of frequencies via thekeypad, this prevents the receiver from changing frequency wh

61This is accomplished by using the “PRIO SET” menu accessed bythe key sequence .The legend “PRIO SET” appears on the top line of the LCD tocon

62(7) SCAN - scanning memory channels & banksThe AR8600 has a SCAN mode whereby the contents stored in the MEMORY CHANNELS AREAUTOMATICALLY RECAL

63When in SCAN MODE, the memory banks are referred to as “SCAN BANK A”, “SCAN BANK B”,“SCAN BANK f” etc rather than using the full title “SCAN MEMORY

64When SCAN has been selected, only the currently displayed memory bank WHICH CONTAINS DATAwill be SCANNED (as bank link is default off), receive mode

65While paused (during scan) on a busy channel which you do notcurrently wish to monitor, to skip it. The scanprocess will immediately move on to

667-6 Deleting memory channelsAlthough it is possible to over-write memory channels with new data, edit memory channels, swap, copy,move and to PASS

67 Ø to move to the memory bank letters, thenreverse highlight the letters you wish to link togetheras a group of memory channels to scan using theÕ Ö

68Use the key sequence to access the “SCAN-GROUP” menu.Use the Õ Ö keys to select the SCAN-GROUP number between 1 and 9. Ø three times tomo

6Operating anomaliesShould the AR8600 appear to behave strangely, normal operation may be easily achieved by resettingthe microprocessor. Two scenari

69Use the Õ Ö keys to select the SCAN-GROUP number between 1 and 9. Ø four times todisplay the scan environment parameter of LEVEL. as a short cu

70Note: When voice squelch is in operation, the rotary squelch control is usually best rotatedto the fully anti-clockwise position. to accept the

71 as a short cut to ALL (which is the default) which will cause all receive modes to bescanned in the specified scan group. Use the main dial or Õ

727-9-3 Select scan environmentThe select scan environment may be customised in respect of DELAY, LEVEL, VOICE, FREE andMODE. The current SCAN-GROUP

73If you wish to add more select scan channels Ö once to move upward to the new end of thelist and repeat the process. or to exit the select

74(8) Search modeIn search mode, the AR8600 is programmed to automatically tune between two specified frequencylimits looking for activity. Please r

75To assist testing in the factory, several search banks may be programmed with data (which can be easydeleted or overwritten). This pre-programming

768-2-4 Copying an active frequency to the VFO or memory locationIt is convenient to transfer an active frequency from search to VFO or memory for pe

77Recalling banks K - T requires use of the ‘SHIFT’command before the letter key, this ‘shift’command is the use of the key before asecond numeric k

788-4 Programming a search bankEach of the 40 search banks may be programmed withdifferent frequency limits, receive modes, step size etc aslisted in

7Note: It is very important that the squelch is advanced to cancel background noise for thesearch & scan facilities to operate. This is because

79Note: If a step-adjust value is already programmed into the search bank, the step-adjustmenu will be automatically displayed when accessing the ste

808-5 Locking out unwanted active frequencies (PASS)It is possible to lock out (PASS) unwanted frequencies while in program search mode, this is usef

81To delete the entire contents of the current search pass list , the legend“PASS 00 ----.----” confirms deletion. The search pass list may also b

82Next reverse highlight the letters you wish to link together as a group using the Õ Ö × Ø keys, to mark the desired search banks, both upper and l

831. DELAY OFF / HOLD / 0.1 - 9.9 seconds (default 2.0s)2. LEVEL OFF / 1 - 255 (default OFF)3. VOICE OFF / 1 - 255 (default OFF)4. FREE OFF / 1 - 60 s

848-7-2 Search LEVELThe search LEVEL squelch parameter causes the AR8600 to check the signal strength and to only openthe squelch when the signal str

85 as a short cut to off (which is the default). Use the main dial to increment valueby 1 or use the Õ Ö keys to increment by 10.While adjusting vo

868-7-5 AUTO STOREAuto store causes the first 50 active frequencies located during search to be automatically written tomemory bank “J” (channels J0

878-7-7 Deleting search banksA delete menu is provided so that you can delete program search data (of course you may simplyover-write the data too) a

88(9) EDIT menuThe EDIT menu is a powerful feature which simplifies the management of data and provides thefollowing operations:COPY MEM-CH loads one

8Front cabinet1. Rotary volume control plus isolate power On/Off2. Rotary squelch control3. Phones socket 3.5mm (mono or stereo may be used)4. Sta

89Note: If the SAVE location is write protected, the legend “PROTECT” will be displayed.You must remove write protect from the SAVE memory location b

90Note: If the SAVE bank location is write protected, the legend “PROTECT” will be displayed.You must remove write protect from the SAVE memory bank

91Two data input lines are presented LOAD and SAVE.The cursor will be positioned on the LOAD line. “LOAD” represents thememory channel which you woul

92 to swap the memory channel data between CH-A and CH-B. Both CH-A and CH-Bdisplay the memory channel location of CH-A.The process may be repeated

93 Ø to move to the “MODE SET” line. Use the main dial or Õ Ö keys to select receive mode.The key may be used as a short cut to “AUTO”. In auto, r

94(10) DELETE menu facilitiesIt is often desirable to delete many data entries in one go such as memory channels and passfrequencies. To assist with

95If no data is present the legend “DEL PASS --” will be displayed. To delete the frequency pass data , the legend “DEL PASS --” confirms deletion.

96To delete MEM-BANK data , the legend “MEM-BANK Xxx“ confirms deletion. to exit the menu returning to the standard display, alternatively the

97 to exit the menu returning to the standard display, alternatively the Ø keyto move to the next item in the menu “DEL MEM PASS”.10-6 DELETE mem

98(11) Write protectIt is possible to write protect memory channels, whole memory banks, search banks and ‘globallyprotect’ memory to prevent data be