Contents

6-18 CONFIG - EXTERNAL I.F. output (SDU5000) ..................... 29

(1) Table of contents .......................................................................... 1

6-19 CONFIG - Computer control BPS ....................................... 29

6-20 CONFIG - Advanced aerial switching .................................. 30

(2) Introduction ................................................................................... 2

2-1 Key information and common menus .................................. 3

6-21 CONFIG - Frequency standard ............................................ 32

(7) Memory banks & channels ............................................................ 33

2-2 Accessories supplied .......................................................... 4

(3) Major Features .............................................................................. 4

7-1 Storing receive data into memory - VFO mode ...................... 33

7-2 Memory recall - Recalling receive data from memory ............. 34

(4) Precautions ................................................................................... 4

4-1 Location .............................................................................. 4

7-3 Transfer of memory channel to VFO ...................................... 35

7-4 Changing and deleting memory data ..................................... 35

4-2 Looking after your receiver ................................................... 5

4-3 Power requirements ............................................................ 5

7-5 Deleting memory channels and banks ................................... 36

(8) SCAN - scanning memory channels & banks ............................. 37

4-4 Aerial (antenna) connection ................................................. 5

(5) Controls and functions ................................................................ 6

8-1 SCAN - outline introduction to facilities available ................... 37

8-2 Starting to SCAN, considerations .......................................... 37

Front panel
5-1 On/Off power switch ............................................................ 6

8-3 SCANNING a memory bank ................................................. 38

8-4 Selecting a single memory bank to scan ................................ 38

5-2 S-meter (signal strength meter) ........................................... 6

5-3 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) ................................................ 6

8-5 Memory bank linking to scan ALL memory banks .................. 39

8-6 Specifying memory bank linking ............................................ 39

5-4 Main (large) rotary tuning control - MAIN DIAL .......................... 8

5-5 Sub (small) rotary tuning control - SUB DIAL ............................ 8

8-7 Scanning a memory bank which is not linked ........................ 39

8-8 SCAN channel PASS (lockout) .............................................. 40

5-6 Torque adjustment (MAIN DIAL brake) ..................................... 8

5-7 Removable feet ................................................................... 9

8-9 Cyber Scan in SCAN mode .................................................. 41

(9) Additional SCAN facilities ............................................................. 41

5-8 Internal speaker .................................................................. 9

5-9 SQ - squelch control (plus RF control) ................................. 9

9-1 SCAN - PAUSE .................................................................... 41

9-2 SCAN - DELAY .................................................................... 42

5-10 Volume control (AF GAIN) ................................................. 10

5-11 ACC 1 accessory number one socket ................................ 10

9-3 SCAN - LEVEL SQUELCH ................................................... 42

9-4 SCAN - VOICE ..................................................................... 42

5-12 Headphone socket ............................................................. 10

5-13 Front panel keys ................................................................ 10

9-5 SCAN - MODE (receive mode AM, FM etc) ........................... 43

(10) SELECT SCAN - special select scan list overview ................... 43

Rear panel
5-14 DC 12V - external power connection .................................. 15

10-1 Tagging scan select channels .............................................. 43

10-2 SELECT SCAN - while in SCAN MODE .............................. 44

5-15 ACC 2 (accessory 2 socket) ............................................. 15

5-16 EXT SP - external speaker output socket ........................... 16

10-3 SELECT SCAN while in MEMORY RECALL mode ............. 44

10-4 Starting SELECT SCAN ..................................................... 44

5-17 REMOTE - RS232C computer control port ........................ 16

5-18 I.F. OUTPUT (10.7 MHz) ................................................... 16

10-5 Deleting all SELECT SCAN channels in one go ................... 44

(11) Priority operation .......................................................................... 45

5-19 STD IN (10 MHz) ............................................................... 16

5-20 MUTE ............................................................................... 16

11-1 Engaging PRIORITY channel .............................................. 45

11-2 Changing PRIORITY channel parameters ............................ 45

5-21 ANT 2 ............................................................................... 17

5-22 ANT 1 ............................................................................... 17

(12) SEARCH ......................................................................................... 46

12-1 Manual SEARCH between two VFO frequencies (VA, VB) ... 46

(6) Basic manual operation of the receiver ..................................... 17

6-1 Switching on for the first time .............................................. 17

12-2 Simple search (VC, VD, VE) ............................................... 47

12-3 Optimising VFO search parameters ..................................... 48

6-2 Changing VFO .................................................................... 17

6-3 Tuning the receiver using the rotary controls ........................ 18

12-4 Program search banks ........................................................ 49

12-5 Starting program search ...................................................... 50

6-4 Entering a frequency via the numeric keypad ....................... 18

6-5 Correction of frequency input via the numeric keypad ........... 19

12-6 Cancelling, restarting program search ................................. 50

12-7 Programming and reprogramming SEARCH BANKS .......... 51

6-6 Selecting tuning step (increment) ......................................... 19

6-7 Step-adjust .......................................................................... 20

12-8 Deleting PROGRAM SEARCH BANKS ............................... 53

12-9 SEARCH - outline introduction to additional facilities ........... 53

6-8 FREQUENCY OFFSET ....................................................... 22

6-9 Changing receive mode (AUTOMODE) ................................ 22

12-10 Linking program search banks ........................................... 54

12-11 Linking only a few search banks ......................................... 55

6-10 IF BANDWIDTH ................................................................ 24

6-11 AF SET - (Audio characteristics) ........................................ 25

12-12 Searching a bank which is not selected in BANK LINK ...... 55

12-13 Additional PROGRAM SEARCH facilities (introduction) ..... 55

6-12 Audio tone eliminator (T-ELMT) ......................................... 27

6-13 DTMF decoder .................................................................. 28

12-14 PROGRAM SEARCH - PAUSE ......................................... 55

12-15 PROGRAM SEARCH - DELAY ......................................... 56

6-14 RF Attenuator & preamplifier ............................................. 28

6-15 CONFIG menu outline of facilities ...................................... 28

12-16 PROGRAM SEARCH - LEVEL SQUELCH ....................... 56

12-17 PROGRAM SEARCH - VOICE ......................................... 57

6-16 CONFIG - LAMP ............................................................... 29

6-17 CONFIG menu - BEEP ..................................................... 29

12-18 Cyber Search ................................................................... 57

12-19 AUTO-STORE .................................................................. 58

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 1

(13) Frequency Pass .......................................................................... 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

(2) Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the AOR AR5000 wide band all
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
anomalies may be found and this is acknowledged. Most
apparent faults are usually due to accidental misoperation
of the receiver, carefully read all of the manual before
deciding to return the receiver for repair.
Although carefully designed, this receiver (like all receivers)
suffers from a degree of internal noises known as spurii.
They are a product of the receivers 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

equipment you may choose to refer directly to section
(6) once you are sure the precautions are fully
understood.

18-3 CPU soft reset .................................................................. 70

18-4 AF.SET INT/EXT .............................................................. 71

Operating manual Conventions

18-5 What next - dealer support ................................................ 71

18-6 Power-up special key sequences ....................................... 71

Where text appears in a graphic format such as

the key is to be pressed exactly as shown.

(19) Optional accessories ................................................................. 72

(20) Aerials (Antennas) and earth systems .................................... 72

For example:

(21) Propagation - short wave bands .............................................. 75

(22) Specification ............................................................................... 76

Means press the 4 key followed by the 9 key 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
Frequency Modulation (narrow and wide depending 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 its original
condition.

PAGE 2

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

2-1 Key information and common menus

Config menu (6-16, 6-17, 6-18, 6-19, 6-20, 6-21):

The five VFOs are assigned special status (6-2):

Press

VFO-A (VA)
VFO-B (VB)
VFO-C (VC)
VFO-D (VD)
VFO-E (VE)

Manual search between VFO-A

and VFO-B
Manual search between VFO-A
and VFO-B
Simple search
Simple search & accept
frequency from the search mode
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.

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
than one second.
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL

key for more

MEM-CH
SEL-CH
M-PASS
SRCH
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

AGC (6-9):

DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF

Press
When in automode the legend AUT is displayed.
AGC
AGC
AGC
AGC

OFF
FAST
MIDDLE
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

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

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

PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
A.STORE OFF

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 3

receiver. This inclusion will greatly simplify both frequency

entry and search programming.

Clock programming (14-2):

then press and hold the
Press
than one second.

key for more

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
than one second.

key for more

ALARM 0-00
ALARM LENGTH 15
ALARM ALM RADIO / ALARM ALM BEEP
ALARM VOLUME 80

2-2 Accessories supplied

a.c. mains power supply
Operating manual
Additional extensions for front feet

(3) Major Features

l Large LCD
A large rear illuminated liquid crystal display (LCD)
provides display of receive frequency, mode, etc plus alpha
numeric text along with each search bank and memory
channel.

l Massive 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
internal battery power to retain the memory contents. The
real time clock is backed by an additional super capacitor
which will maintain the correct time for approximately 50
hours even with no external power connected to the
receiver.

l Wide 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
provides high sensitivity and superior strong signal handling
thanks to the clever RF design which is optimised to each
receiving band with electronic tuning (pre-selector) circuits
up to 1GHz.
Comprehensive bandplan information specific to the target
market area has been programmed into the AR5000

PAGE 4

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

The receiver will automatically select the appropriate mode

and channel step. Of course, should you wish then both
the mode and channel step may be manually changed as
desired.

l Wide variety of useful operational features

w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w

High speed Cyber Scan and Cyber Search

Multi VFO (5-VFO)
A minimum of 1 Hz tuning rate by NCO
Frequency Offset facility to help follow
duplex transmission
RF preamp & attenuator
Auto aerial selection - programmable
Wide range of search/scan facilities
Pre-programmed automode (receive mode,
step size, IF bandwidth)
Step-adjust for unusual banplans
Standard TCXO plus external 10 MHz input
Twin tuning knob (MAIN DIAL has a variable
torque controller)

l Other 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
excessive heat, humidity, dust and vibration 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
earphone sockets.
Avoid static discharge from discones or long wire aerials,
earth to a central heating radiator or similar earthing point
in order to discharge the wire before connection to the
receiver. Always disconnect and earth any external aerial
system if an electrical storm is expected.
Avoid a rapid power switch On/Off sequence. If switched
off, leave at least two seconds before switching on again.
Ensure the a.c. mains plug connections are tight and other
d.c. connections (such as cigar lighter plugs) are secure.
Avoid strong RF fields from nearby transmitters. If in doubt,
disconnect the AR5000 from the aerial and switch the set
off.

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
chemicals such as benzine or thinners which will damage
certain parts.

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
using the optional DC3000 connecting lead. Always switch
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
receiver is negative ground.
The power supply is pre-fitted with the correct 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
radiator or external earth 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, never cover the top with paper, clothing etc. Always
disconnect the power supply from the a.c. mains supply
when not in use.

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
Aerial inter-series adapters are readily available to convert
from N-type, SO239 etc to BNC or other plugs & sockets
as required allowing straight forward connection to almost
any aerial.
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
listening to the short wave bands when connected to long
wire aerials (other than a short wire of a few metres). This
valuable extra selectivity is created provided by rejecting
out of band signals enabling the receiver to single out
one band of frequencies 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
two or three controls on the front panel. One disadvantage
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
when compared to long wire aerials, and being within easy
reach of the operator it can be rotated to provide directivity.
The circuitry offers a small level of gain with the advantage
of selectivity similar to that of an ATU.
* For further information please refer to section 20 of this
manual regarding aerial and earth systems.

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
connected using the optional aerial switching unit AS5000
with switching data being fed from a rear panel accessory
socket (ACC 2).

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 5

(5) Controls and functions

The AR5000 receiver is housed in a strong metal cabinet.
Controls for operation are located on the front of the
cabinet with connections to the rear.

Front panel
5-1 On/Off power switch

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

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.

The LCD may be tested by holding the

switching on the receiver using the

key while
key.

To switch the receiver off press the

switch a second
time, the microprocessor will then switch the set off.

1 Ensure that set is switched off. Press and hold the

key... dont let go of it!

5-2 S-meter (signal strength meter)

key to switch on the AR5000, this

2 Press the
may be a two handed operation.

The rear illuminated analogue SIGNAL METER is located

to the left hand side of the front panel. Relative strength
of incoming signal is indicated in 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.

PAGE 6

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

3 Release the
displayed.
4 Press the

key. All LCD characters will be

key to restore a normal display.

The display is split into 28 specific areas, a summary

of which follows:
1 BUSY legend appears when the squelch is open
(signal present).
2 FUNC as a reverse legend appears when the
key is pressed signifying that the receivers microprocessor
is awaiting the press of another key, where the SECOND
FUNCTION shown in white (not orange) adjacent to the
to
keys will be activated... an example is
activate the keylock. When the second function is
activated, the FUNC legend disappears and often a new
LCD legend appears to confirm selection.
3 ANT aerial (ANTENNA) number currently in use. As
standard this will be ANT 1 or ANT 2 but may 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 receivers front
panel controls. When in the locked condition only the
controls will respond.
Volume, Squelch, Power and
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, the receiver will automatically switch on. It is possible
to program the switch on time, select radio or beep, volume
level and duration before switch off.
, the
To activate the alarm use the sequence
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 sleep timer circuit has been
activated. When the prescribed time for sleep has elapsed
the receiver will switch off automatically... very useful when
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 indicates when the PRIORITY facility has been
key.
activated by pressing the
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
selected for search and scan operations. If neither legend
is displayed, the RF GAIN facility has been activated.
10 TONE is displayed when the optional CTCSS board
has been selected for tone decoding, often used by
amateur radio repeaters and utility users.
11 FM, AM, LSB, USB or CW - indicates AR5000
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
in operation. The AR5000 will wait the specified duration
of pause time on a busy frequency before moving off again
even if the frequency is still busy.
14 VCS is a selectable parameter (VOICE) for SCAN
and SEARCH modes, the legend indicates that the facility
is in operation. The AR5000 may be programmed to
ignore certain types of blank carriers and unwanted signals.
The value may be selected between 1 to 255 and OFF
while in the scan and search parameter program sub
menus.
15 L-BANK as opposed to BANK indicates that more
than one scan or search bank has been selected to be
scanned or searched as a group. In other works the 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.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 7

In search mode only a bank number and the legend SR

is displayed - but no channel number.

the MHz / kHz LCD legends. The available selection of

AGC is: OFF, FAST, MIDDLE & SLOW.

17 The one or two digit number indicates which scan or

search banks have been selected. In scan mode the range
is 0 to 9 (ten banks) and in search mode 00 to 19 (twenty
banks).

25 I.F. filter bandwidth is displayed on the LCD in kHz.

The options are:

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 2 0 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
and the RF preamplifier is always in circuit (AMP legend
displayed). Below 230 MHz the AMP is displayed in the
00 position.
19 Frequency, text and various status messages are
displayed in this area. There are a maximum 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. The frequency red-out is always followed by
the legends kHz or MHz.

220, 110, 30, 15, 6, 3, (0.5 optional),

i.e. 3K for 3.0 kHz.
26 PASS is displayed to indicate that a memory channel
has been LOCKED OUT so that it will not be scanned,
similarly with a frequency in search mode, it will be skipped.
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-store is switched
on.
28 The two digit number ranging from 00 to 99 indicates
that the AR5000 is in MEMORY RECALL or SCAN mode
(if the scan legend is also displayed). The two digit number
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.

Note: frequencies below 3.0 MHz (3000 kHz) are always

shown as kHz.

In SEARCH mode the letters SR are displayed in this

lower right corner of the LCD with the bank number
displayed above.

20 AMP is displayed when the RF preamplifier is

switched on. The amplifier is selected in the
ATTENUATOR sub menu accessed by pressing

5-4 Main rotary tuning control - MAIN DIAL

Note: Above 230 MHz the RF preamplifier AMP legend

is always displayed. Below 230 MHz the AMP is
displayed in the 00 attenuator position.
21 STEP is displayed during entry of STEP SIZE (tuning
increment) for manual tuning or search operations.
STEP-ADJ is displayed when the STEP-ADJUST facility
is in use so that unusual bandplans may be correctly
tracked.
22 AUTO is displayed when the receive mode selection
is set to AUTO. In this condition the AR5000 will select
the appropriate receive mode, channel step (and many
other parameters) for the frequency entered in VFO mode
and during search programming. This simplifies operation
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
frequency change and monitoring of duplex pairs such 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 DXing
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

PAGE 8

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

The large rotary tuning control is prominently located on

the front of the cabinet. This control changes the received
frequency up and down in whatever step increment has
been selected between 1 Hz ~ 999.999 kHz. This control
is often referred to as the VFO (Variable Frequency
Oscillator), a rather historic name for a tuning mechanism.
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
channelised bandplans are in force (such as 2m amateur
band FM allocations etc). The control is extensively used
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
large rotary tuning control (MAIN DIAL), this is useful to help
prevent unintentional frequency change due to accidental
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.

Note: A microprocessor reset switch is hidden behind

the upper section of the levers slot. Reset can be useful
if the receivers operation has been upset due to static
discharge or power supply transients. Details are given in
section 18 of this operating manual.

clockwise until the background noise just disappears

(threshold), this is the most sensitive setting of the control.
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
unreadable signals.
If the control is rotated too far clockwise then weaker
signals will be totally lost and only local strong signals will
be heard.
When the squelch control is rotated anticlockwise so that
background noise is audible, the squelch is 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
listening to short wave is fully anticlockwise (squelch open).

5-7 Removable feet

When the squelch is OPEN (busy), a BUSY legend is

displayed on the left of the LCD.

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.
Additional height may be added by fitting the two spacers
provided with the receiver in the accessories bag.

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 /
scan rates and an efficient squelch opening characteristic.
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
5-8 Internal speaker
The AR5000 is fitted with a lower case mounted speaker.
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
frequency and is also used by the AR5000 microprocessor
to determine when a channel is active (busy). The
receiver cannot scan or search when the background
noise is present.

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 receivers I.F. circuits. This
has the effect of reducing 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 RF GAIN is used (squelch switched off), the word
N-SQL is removed from the top line of the LCD.

The squelch control requires careful setting to achieve

optimum operating performance. Rotate the control

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 9

5-10 Volume control (AF GAIN)

The volume control is located to the left of the front panel
underneath the signal meter. It is used to set the required
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.

4 & 5 Tape record motor switching using a non-polarised

photo-MOS relay. The switched output is designed for
low voltage (12V) d.c. with a maximum current of 350mA,
the insulating voltage is 40V. The switch-on-impedance
is 1.2 OHMS.

5-11 ACC 1 accessory number one socket

6 High level audio output. The AR5000 provides both

high and low level audio output for feeding tape recorders
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.

A front panel accessory socket is located to the lower left

corner of the front panel which provides outputs for audio,
tape motor switching and discriminator.

7 Low level audio output. Pin 7 provides a level of 2mV

RMS @ 600 OHMS, ideal for microphone input of tape
recorders.
8 Ground.

5-12 Headphone socket

This quarter inch (6.3mm) socket is located on the left
hand side of the front cabinet directly underneath the power
and
keys. A pair of headphones or earphone may
be connected with an impedance of 8 OHMS or greater.
When this headphone socket is used, the internal speaker
and any external speaker will be automatically
disconnected.
A standard 8-pin mini-din connector is used (which is widely
available or the optional CR5000 tape lead may be used).
The pin-outs for ACC 1 are as follows:

5-13 Front panel keys

1 12V d.c. output with a maximum available current of

30mA (useful for feeding electret microphones and other
low power devices). The voltage will fluctuate depending
upon supply voltage being fed to the AR5000.
2 Detector 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.
3 Audio input. The receivers audio amplifier stage can
be configured to use signal from an external device rather
than from its own receive circuits. This permits
break-out of signal for processing (DSP etc) which is then
reapplied to the receiver for amplification. The input circuit
is configured for a level of 180mV at a nominal impedance
of 100k OHMS.

This rectangular shaped plastic key located in the upper

left corner of the front panel switches the set On/Off.

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).

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
on their faces (in orange for words and white for numbers),
the SECOND functions are printed in white directly above
the corresponding key.

Of course, the sets 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: At high volume levels, a low level leakage of internal
audio signal may still be heard from the receivers
speaker... this is normal and does not represent a fault
(or problem).
PAGE 10

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

- POWER

- FUNCTION

For example, the select KEY LOCK, press

followed by
If you wish to cancel FUNC press
a second time,
or
or tune the receiver using the MAIN
or
DIAL or SUB DIAL.

- SR.MODE
Pressing the
key places the 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
busy channel during search, it can be forced onward using
the
keys or MAIN DIAL. To cancel search
press
again or press
The key sequence
activates a sub menu
where bank link, pause, delay, level squelch, 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.
a second time places the receiver
Pressing the
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
keys or MAIN DIAL. To
onward using the
cancel scan press
again or press
The key sequence
activates a sub menu
where bank link, pause, delay, level squelch, voice squelch
and mode may be configured.

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,
channel numbers etc.
The sequence
activates the SEARCH
PROGRAM menu where bank number, lower frequency
limit, upper frequency limit, mode, and text comment may
be programmed.

- K.LOCK
Figure TWO for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channel numbers etc.
The sequence
activates the KEY LOCK which
disables all front panel keys except for
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
which acts as a toggle.
unlock the keys press

- IF BW
Figure THREE for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channel numbers etc.

- 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
LCD signifies when the priority frequency is currently active
(busy).
is keyed, the channel used
If the sequence
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 and today refers to a tuneable data store which
contains frequency, mode, step, attenuator and other
relevant information.
The first time you enter a frequency via the numeric
keypad, it is best to first press the
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.

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
automode is 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.
Once automode has been 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,
channel numbers etc.
The sequence
initiates SELECT SCAN, a
special form of scan where memory channels may be
temporarily tagged in a form of notebook.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 11

- OFFSET

- ALARM

Figure FIVE for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,

channel numbers etc.

Figure EIGHT for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,

channel numbers 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
activates the ALARM which
can be programmed to switch the receiver on automatically
as an alarm clock or for unattended recording with the
provision to program the active period between 1 and 120
minutes.

key for more

The sequence
then hold the
than one second activates the FREQUENCY OFFSET
menu where new offsets may be specified and saved /
recalled from one of 48 special locations for easy retrieval
at any time.

- RF GAIN
Figure SIX for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channel numbers etc.
The sequence
activates the RF GAIN control
in place of the squelch control. The N-SQL legend is
removed from the LCD to confirm operation. The
RF GAIN control reduces the level of amplification applied
to the receivers I.F. circuits. This has the effect of reducing
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
the LCD slightly centre-right.

- CLOCK
Figure SEVEN for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channel numbers etc.
is keyed, the clock is displayed
If the sequence
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.

PAGE 12

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

then hold the

key for more
The sequence
than one second activates the alarm set menu.

- SLEEP
Figure NINE for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channel numbers 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
bedside radio.
then hold the
key for more
The sequence
than one second activates the sleep set menu.

- OPTION
Figure ZERO for the numeric input of frequencies, bank,
channel numbers etc.
The sequence
activates the OPTION menu
where the options of DTMF tone display and T-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
entry of kHz and Hz. For example the entry of 88.300000
MHz would be
Note: frequencies below 3.0 MHz (3000 kHz) are always
displayed as kHz regardless of input format.
The sequence of
while in memory recall mode
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
SEL-CH
M-PASS
SRCH
F-PASS

memory channel
select scan channel
memory channel pass
search bank
frequency pass

- CONFIG
This key is used to accept frequency input via the numeric
keypad in kHz format. For example: To key in a frequency
the LCD will display
of 954 kHz key
954.000 kHz. This has the same effect as keying
0.954MHz or .954MHz
before the number causes a
Note: keying a decimal
preceding zero to be added automatically.
The kHz method of frequency entry reduces the number
of key presses required when working with low frequencies
and simplifies operation as short wave listings are often
stated in kHz. Example: Oceanic air traffic 5616kHz or
short wave transmissions Radio Netherlands 5955kHz and
6045kHz.
activates the CONFIG
The key sequence
menu where the lamp On/Off, keypad beep tone status
OFF / volume, external IF output, remote baud rate, aerial
(antenna) automatic switching and internal / external
frequency reference may be configured.

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
(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
OFF has been selected, two horizontal bars are displayed
on the LCD between the kHz and MHz legends.
FM:

AGC OFF
AGC ON

Other modes:

AGC
AGC
AGC
AGC

- AF.SET
This key is used primarily to select receive mode.
key
To select AUTOMODE press and hold the
for more than one second, the receive mode, I.F.
bandwidth and frequency step will be selected by the
AR5000 automatically from its extensive pre-programmed
bandplan listing.
When automode is in operation, the legend AUTO is
displayed above the right hand digit (Hz position) of the
frequency red-out.
To over-ride the receive mode, briefly press the
key. The options are: FM, AM, LSB, USB, CW and 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, 750 or 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
This key primarily selects the frequency step size for tuning
the receiver. If the legend AUTO is displayed then the
step size will automatically be determined from the
automode bandplan data, as soon as another selection 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.

activates the AGC

OFF
FAST
MIDDLE
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,
the unwanted frequencies are held in a special PASS LIST
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
scan mode locks out the current channel so that it will be
skipped over. The PASS legend is displayed to the left
of the memory channel number (above the M legend) to
signify that the channel is selected as 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... so make sure you are familiar with the PASS
operations.
AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 13

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
in VFO mode. For example to enter a frequency of 88.300
MHz follow the key sequence
There is no need to add the trailing zeros to the right,
key has been used, the AR5000
once the
microprocessor will automatically add the additional trailing
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
usually more convenient to enter medium wave / long wave
frequencies using the kHz format.
ENT - the key is used as ENTER 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.

may also be controlled via the optional 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.
keys toggle between AUTO and
The
M.TUNE with preselection being controlled by the 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
key is held depressed while the receiver is switched
on using the
key, the AR5000 microprocessor will
be soft reset.

- UP
This key has three functions:

then press and hold the

The key sequence
key for more than one second activates CYBER SCAN
where scan and search speeds are approximately doubled
(the frequency display is blanked out during CYBER SCAN
& CYBER SEARCH).
TEXT - The key sequence
then a brief press of
causes the TEXT COMMENTS to be 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,
the final selection is 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-type input and ANT 2 for the SO239). Additional aerials
PAGE 14

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

UP - if quickly pressed causes the displayed 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
will start.
INCREMENT - the key will often increment menu options
such as DTMF to T.ELMT etc. While in TEXT write mode,
the
key will move the cursor one space to the right.
BACK SPACE - if an error is made while keying in
key may be used
frequencies in VFO mode, the
to back space delete the entry from the right hand side. If
all digits are deleted, the display will return to the previous
frequency.

- DOWN
If this key is quickly pressed, the displayed frequency in
VFO mode to be incremented in a downward 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, a

frequency search is initiated. If held for more than one
second while in memory recall mode, the scan process
will start.

more than two aerials (up to four) may be connected to

the receiver and switched manually or automatically from
the receivers front panel.

INCREMENT - the key will often increment menu options

such as DTMF to T.ELMT etc. While in TEXT write mode,
the
key will move the cursor one space to the left.

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.

Rear panel

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.

5-14 DC 12V - external power connection

This is a special three pin socket designed to accept
external d.c. input of a nominal 13.5V d.c. @ 1.0A negative
ground. You may either connect the power supply provided
or another suitable supply such as a 12V car battery using
the optional DC3000 d.c. lead and observing the correct
polarity:
RED
WHITE (black on some cables)

= positive
= negative

Viewed from the rear of the receiver, the socket forms a

pyramid of three terminals. The top is not used, the left is
negative and the right 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/
220/230/240V a.c.) be connected directly to this socket
or serious damage may occur including the risk of
personal injury and fire.

Pin out is as follows:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

12V 50mA MAX

10V 50mA MAX
AGC 4.5 ~ 3.0V
No connection
ANT SW A (data line)
ANT SW B (data line)
No connection
Ground

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

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 15

The control truth table is as follows:

Aerial number

ANT SW A (data)

must be switched on using the CONFIG menu

, item three EXT-IF OFF, 1 or 2.

5-19 STD IN (10 MHz)

ANT SW B (data)

G
This BNC socket may be configured using the CONFIG
to accept an external high stability
menu
10 MHz reference (such as off-air atomic coupled).
In the standard configuration, a built-in 12.8 MHz TCXO
is employed.

Open collector 100mA MAX

(G) connects to ground

5-16 EXT SP - external speaker socket

5-20 MUTE
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
permits the AR5000 to be connected directly to a computer
for hands off remote control.
PC control Windows/95 software is under development
for the AR5000 and a programmers RS232 command
protocol supplement is available as an option.

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
should provide a normally closed contact becoming open
during transmit.
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
shorted plug MUST be left in the mute socket for standard
operation or the AR5000 will not receive and no audio will
be heard from the speaker.
In receive mode:
In transmit mode (muted):

Short circuit
Open circuit

Connection to an IBM compatible PC is as follows:

AR5000

PC 9-pin serial input

AR5000

Enabling the mute facility

Only the upper case of the AR5000 need by removed to
access the area containing the yellow jumper wire. Switch
the receiver off and unplug the power cord.

(GROUND)

1 In order to lift the upper case, carefully (with the 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).

PC 25-pin serial input

(GROUND)

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
a usable 5 MHz of bandwidth. The output to this socket

PAGE 16

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

2 Locate and cut the yellow jumper wire positioned above

the MUTE terminal.
3 Refit the upper case.

5-21 ANT 2
This is the secondary aerial (antenna) input for the 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-series adapters are available for connection to 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.
The socket is a high quality 50 OHM N-type. Many off the
shelf inter-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
performance and features, it is important to fully familiarise
yourself with its operation through the use of this
handbook.
Connect and select an appropriate aerial (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.
Connect the AR5000 to an appropriate d.c. power source
using either the supplied 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 oclock position and squelch control to the 12 oclock
position.

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
Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for storage
of memories and other parameters. A permanent storage
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 and today refers to a tuneable data store 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.
Each VFO can be used for tuning and keying frequencies,
all can hold different parameters. This is useful for keeping
one VFO on VHF airband (AM), one on VHF marine 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
then loop back to the start frequency of VFO-A and repeat.
The key sequence
accesses a menu
where the DELAY, L-SQ level squelch and VOICE options
may be set up for search between VFO-A and VFO-B.
VFO-C
VFO-D Accept the frequency from the search mode

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
displayed in the lower right corner of the LCD. Press and
key for more than one second so that the
hold the
AUTO legend is displayed in the centre of the LCD above

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.
is pressed while in SEARCH MODE, the active
If
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.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 17

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.

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, this achieved
by pressing the
key several times until the desired
VFO is displayed on the lower right corner of the LCD
(i.e. VA).

6-3 Tuning the receiver using the rotary controls

The receiver may be tuned using the rotary tuning controls
(MAIN DIAL and SUB DIAL) which are used to select receive
frequency and in memory mode for selection of memory
channel etc.

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
key is used to enter frequencies as MHz while
in VFO mode. For example to enter a frequency of 88.300
MHz follow the key sequence
There is no need to add the trailing zeros to the right,
key has been used the AR5000
once the
microprocessor will automatically add the additional trailing
digits. The display will read 88.300000 MHz

A tuning knob is by far the most traditional approach to

tuning on short wave, the MAIN DIAL provides a smooth
feel and the best method of user interface especially when
listening on the SSB, FAX and CW modes. The SUB DIAL
is indented so tunes in a number of clicks and is best suited
for channelised tuning on the VHF/UHF bands.
It is possible to tune the receiver through its 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).
keys may also be used to increase or
The
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, particularly in the early stages of familiarisation.
When automode is active, the legend AUTO is displayed
above the right hand digit (last one, Hz) of frequency
readout. If it is not displayed, press and hold the
PAGE 18

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

kHz
The
key is used to accept frequency input via the
numeric keypad in kHz format. For example: To key in a
the LCD
frequency of 954 kHz, key
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

of key presses required when working with low frequencies
and simplifies operation as short wave listings are often
stated in kHz. Example: Oceanic air traffic 5616kHz or
short wave transmissions Radio Netherlands 5955kHz and
6045kHz.
Note: Frequencies below 3.0 MHz (3000 kHz) will always
be displayed as kHz regardless of the entry format. It is
usually more convenient to enter medium wave / long wave
frequencies using the kHz format.

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.

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
and SUB DIAL (step size may also be programmed 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
keys can be used. Frequency will
step in the pre-programmed step size as dictated by the
automode bandplan data.

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.

The
key enables the step size for tuning the
receiver to be customised.
key, the flashing legend STEP on the
Press 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.

6-6 Selecting tuning step (increment)

The specification for channel occupancy, step (separation)
and mode are decided by and allocated by departments
of Government following International discussions.
Not surprisingly the allocation of frequency bands are not
the same all over the world and channel 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
AR5000 has been pre-programmed at the factory with all
the bandplan data (specific to each market area) so that
the AR5000 will automatically select the appropriate step
size and mode for the frequency chosen. This greatly
simplifies operation of the receiver while you are
familiarising yourself 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.

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.
to accept
Once the selection has been made press
any changes. If you wish to abort step size selection press

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 all okay)

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.

152.010MHz/20kHz = Not divisible (152010 / 20 = 7600.5 so must

use the special STEP-ADJUST
FACILITY detailed section 6-7
of this manual).

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 19

Note: The MAIN DIAL is a mechanical encoder and as

such small variations in tuning may be experienced or the
frequency may move slightly after rotation, this is normal.
To ensure the best life span and smoothest operation,
rotate the control from time to time to ensure the encoders
track remains clean.

SUB DIAL
The SUB DIAL can also be used to select the receive
frequency in three different ways:

l Same step size as the MAIN DIAL

l 10 times faster than the MAIN DIAL
l One of the step sizes from 0.1 kHz (100 Hz),

Step-adjust is used when the receiving frequency is not

divisible by the step size in use (It is possible that stepadjust has been programmed into the automode bandplan
data for some world market 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:
Tune through the UK CB frequencies of 27.60125 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

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 move on to the SUB DIAL configuration
(if step adjust is in use the legend * will be displayed and
keys will require two presses to
the
increment to the SUB DIAL menu). The flashing legends on
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

key to access the tuning

Set up step: Press the
step menu. Select a step size of 10 kHz by pressing
. Select STEP-ADJUST by pressing
,
the * legend is displayed on the left of the LCD to confirm
.
operation. Complete the sequence by pressing

You may review or change the offset value used by

to access
step-adjust via the STEP menu. Press
the tuning step menu. Initially the step size is displayed,
to view the STEP-ADJUST value.
press

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.
to
When the selection has been made, press
accept the changes and return to VFO mode. If you wish
to abort step size selection press

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 interesting results! If you intend direct programming
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).

6-7 Step-adjust

Press
to accept the data input and return to VFO
to abort entry and return
mode. Alternatively press
to VFO mode.

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.

Select receive mode: Press the

the SUB DIAL to select FM. Press
selection and return to VFO mode.

PAGE 20

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

key and use

to accept the

Select receive bandwidth: For point-to-point

communications a bandwidth of 15 kHz usually provides
best results, however if adjacent channel interference is
experienced a bandwidth of 6 kHz may provide better
to access the I.F. bandwidth
results. Press
menu then use the SUB DIAL to make the selection (in this
to accept the
example select 15 kHz). Press
selection and return to VFO mode.

If the MAIN DIAL is rotated the frequency will increment in

10 kHz steps but the trailing 1.25 kHz will remain in place...
27.60125 MHz, 27.61125 MHz, 27.62125 MHz etc.
The trailing digits will not be set to zero enabling tracking
of unusual band plans.

The MAIN DIAL follows the adjusted frequency

bandplan while the SUB DIAL kills the trailing digits
and steps rigorously in round numbers.

To cancel step-adjust
The easiest way to cancel step-adjust is to return to
key for more
AUTOMODE, press and hold the
than one second. Step-adjust will be cancelled and the
frequency will hop to the nearest whole increment as
determined by the automode bandplan data.
You may also cancel step-adjust using the STEP MENU.
to activate the step menu. If step-adjust is
Press
active, the legend * will be displayed on the left of the
LCD. Press
to toggle the step-adjust facility On/
to return
Off. To accept the change to OFF, press
to VFO mode.

Note: You may review the step-adjust value quite simply...

While in VFO mode, press
followed by
to
access the step-adjust sub menu. In the above example
the step-adjust value will be 2.0 kHz, refer to the following
text for the mathematical explanation... this is not
essential but makes good bedtime reading!!!

Application of arithmetic for the step-adjust

For those who wish further information on the
mathematics involved... the AR5000 works this out for
you automatically! The following examples should explain
how the step-adjust works in theory.
If the frequencies you need to search are allocated as:
145.210 145.224 145.238 145.252 145.266 145.280
145.294 145.308 (MHz)
Check the stepping size at first:
145.224 - 145.210 = 0.014 STEP SIZE (MHz)
Now you have found that each frequency is allocated
with a 0.014 MHz (14kHz) spacing you now have to
calculate the value of the internal processing frequency:
145.210 / 0.014 = 10372.14285
This should be rounded as 10372 INTERNAL
PROCESSING VALUE
To obtain the internal processing frequency, multiply the
STEP SIZE by the INTERNAL PROCESSING VALUE:
0.014 x 10372 = 145.208 INTERNAL PROCESSING
FREQUENCY (in MHz).
Now calculate the STEP-ADJUST VALUE by subtracting
the INTERNAL PROCESSING FREQUENCY from the
DESIRED FREQUENCY:

Another example:
If the frequencies you need to search are allocated as:

145.210 - 145.208 = 0.002 (MHz)

STEP-ADJUST VALUE

145.210 145.224 145.238 145.252 145.266 145.280

145.294 145.308

It can be concluded that a step-adjust value of 2 kHz is

required.

Check the stepping size at first:

145.224 - 145.210 = 0.014 STEP SIZE

In order to step through the above frequency

allocation you need to apply a STEP SIZE OF 14 kHz
with a 2 kHz STEP-ADJUST.

To enter this step size and data using the easiest method!

To apply a step size of 14 kHz and step-adjust of 2kHz:

First key in the start frequency while in VFO mode:

= 2 kHz

Select VFO mode by pressing

, select the desired
VFO (displayed in the right hand lower corner of the LCD).

Select the step menu by pressing

Press

Key in the required step size:

to select STEP-ADJUST. The legend

Press
* will appear on the left of the display to confirm selection
of step-adjust.

Select step-adjust by pressing the

key, the legend
* appears on the left of the LCD to confirm selection.
Complete the entry by pressing
The MAIN DIAL will now tune the receiver in 14 kHz steps
with the trailing offset maintained. The SUB DIAL tunes the
receiver in 14 kHz steps but clears the offset to a round
number (i.e. zero).

to activate the STEP select menu.

Key in the required step size for tuning (14 kHz in this
example) by pressing
key to select the step-adjust entry menu.
Press the
The STEP-ADJ legend will flash in the middle of the

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 21

LCD inviting you to enter the value for step-adjust (2 kHz

in the example). Press
Press
once more to return to VFO mode. You
will note the static legend STEP-ADJ to confirm that
step-adjust is in operation.
Key in the start frequency (145.210 MHz in this example)
by pressing
.
or
Change frequency using the MAIN DIAL,
keys to confirm correct operation.

6-8 FREQUENCY OFFSET

This facility enables receive frequency to be quickly
SHIFTED (two key presses) by pre-determined margin,
which makes it easy to track duplex-transmissions or check
repeater inputs / outputs.
Offset frequencies may be factory pre-programmed into
the automode bandplan data for some world market areas.
Frequency offset may also be programmed manually.

2. While the FR-OFS legend is flashing on the display

to indicate that the frequency offset menu has been
selected, rotate the SUB DIAL to select a new (blank) location
(i.e. 02).
3. Enter the offset frequency via the numeric keypad in
MHz (i.e. for 600 kHz press
. The LCD
will return to VFO, MEMORY, SCAN or SEARCH mode,
whichever was previously in use.
4. If editing a previously stored offset frequency it is
possible to select whether the offset should be up (+) or
down (-) from the displayed frequency. If the frequency
entered was new, simply re-enter the setup mode by
pressing
then holding the
key for more than
to toggle the direction of the
one second. Press
offset either + or -, confirmation will be displayed on
the LCD. To accept any changes press
Note: The direction of frequency offset + or - selected
key has global effect on all OFFSET
using the
locations. The default is +.
Activating frequency offset

Setting up an OFFSET FREQUENCY

Before the FREQUENCY OFFSET facility can be used,
it first needs to be configured (unless factory programmed
for certain bands).
1. To activate the frequency offset set-up menu press
then press and hold the
key for more than
one second.
Example of display:
OFF
+ 45.000000
+ 0.600000

02
01

Offset frequency can be selected between the ranges of

0 to 999.999999 MHz and OFF. Available offset
frequencies can be allocated into special storage locations
numbered from 01 to 47. Number 00 is always treated
as OFF and cannot be overwritten.
Locations 20 to 47 are reserved for factory preprogramming. These locations may be recalled and the
positive / negative frequency shift altered using the
key but new numeric frequency offsets may not be stored.
Locations 01 to 19 are available for the operator to store
new frequency offsets.
00

OFF

01 ~ 19

Available for storage of new offsets

20 ~ 47

Reserved for factory pre-programming

Having a number of frequency offset set-ups programmed

ready for retrieval makes the facility even more useful
when changing between frequency bands which have
different duplex or repeater frequency offsets.

To activate frequency offset press

. The
legend FR-OFS will be displayed on the LCD above the
MHz legend to confirm operation. The displayed receive
frequency will change to reflect the offset value and the
receiver will monitor the new displayed frequency.
To deactivate frequency offset key
again, the
FR-OFS legend will be removed from the LCD and the
receiver will revert to the original frequency. See above
(item 4) for selection of + or - offset.
Note: The use of frequency offset will take the AR5000
out of automode. To reactivate automode press and hold
the
key for more than one second, the legend
AUTO appears on the LCD to confirm that automode
has been reactivated.
Frequency offset with memory channels
All of the above may appear rather long-winded, however
the facility comes into its own when the frequency offset
is stored into memory along with other data such as receive
frequency, mode etc during normal memory write (see
section 7 of this manual), no special sequence is required.
When written to memory both the frequency offset and
direction of offset are stored for quick recall.

6-9 Changing receive mode (AUTOMODE)

As mentioned earlier in this manual, the specification for
step and mode are allocated by departments of
Government following International discussions. Like step
size, the receive mode has been pre-programmed at the
factory to simplify operation of the receiver while you
familiarise yourself with all the facilities.
Should you wish, the defaults may be manually overridden
at any time so that an alternative receive mode can be

PAGE 22

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

used on any frequency within the sets range.

In normal operation AUTOMODE should be used. The
legend AUTO is displayed above the right hand (last)
digit of the frequency readout when automode is in
operation.

The SUB DIAL is used to change mode. When you have

made your selection, press
to accept the new
mode. The display will revert to VFO mode and the
AR5000 will receive in the selected receive mode.
Automode will have been cancelled and the AUTO
legend will not be displayed on the LCD.
Each of the five VFOs (VA, VB, VC, VD, VE)
can hold different modes, it is suggested that one be left
on AUTOMODE for general tuning and others set to
specific modes for specialist listening applications.

Activating AUTOMODE
To activate automode, press and hold the
key for
more than one second. The receive mode, I.F. filter
bandwidth, step, step-adjust and frequency offset will then
be automatically read from the automode bandplan data
pre-programmed at the factory for each specific world
market area.
Manually changing any of the parameters held by the
automode bandplan data will cancel automode operation.
To reinstate automode press and hold the
key for
more than one second again.
Selecting automode will cancel any user defined items
from the following list and select them automatically from
the AR5000 bandplan data:

w Receive mode
w Offset frequency
w IFBW
w LPF
w HPF
w De-emphasis
w Tuning step
w Step-adjust
w AGC
The automode bandplan information can only be
programmed at the factory or via a specialised computer
program.
Manually changing receive mode
To change receive mode and override automode, 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.

To escape from the menu press

Remember: To reinstate automode press and hold the

key for more than one second.
Although any receive mode may be selected at any
frequency within the receivers frequency coverage,
generally speaking the following modes will apply:

AM
Amplitude Modulation - Used by broadcast services
throughout the world on long wave, medium wave and
short wave. AM is also used by VHF civil airband, UHF
military airband and some PMR (Private Mobile Radio)
and utility services.

FM
There are two common types of FM (Frequency
Modulation), these are:
NFM - Narrow Band Frequency Modulation - this provides
high quality communication for relatively short distance
operation. FM uses a greater frequency bandwidth than
other modes such as SSB so is less efficient.
NFM is the most common mode used above 30 MHz with
the exception of the airbands. NFM is widely used on the
VHF bands: VHF marine band, 2m amateur band
(145MHz), 70cm amateur band (433 MHz), PMR (Private
Mobile Radio) and utilities.
In the absence of a signal, the background white noise
may appear quite loud. For ease of listening, the squelch
control should be rotated clockwise until the background
noise just disappears, this should be carried out while no
signal is present. The point where the background noise
is cancelled is known as threshold point. Do not advance
the squelch control more than necessary or the receiver
will appear to be desensitised and weaker signals will be
missed.
WFM - The AR5000 does not list WFM (Wide Band
Frequency Modulation) as a separate mode, it is simply a
product of the I.F. filter bandwidth selection. Select a wide
filter such as 100 kHz or 220 kHz and the receiver will
use WFM.
Wide Band Frequency Modulation - used by VHF and
UHF broadcast stations as excellent audio quality is
available due to the relatively wide frequency bandwidth
employed. Used only for local services such as VHF
Band-II stereo (received as mono on the AR5000) and
UHF TV sound channels.
AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 23

LSB
Lower Side Band - is a form of Single Side Band (SSB).
LSB tends not to be used commercially but is extensively
used by Radio Amateurs on frequencies below 10 MHz.
This assists the separation of Commercial and Amateur
users on traditionally shared bands and prevents them
from speaking to each other.
SSB is a very efficient method of transmission as the
unwanted second sideband and carrier have been
removed. This allows the full transmitter power to be
employed in carrying useful information within the wanted
sideband. As a result, greater distances are possible on
SSB and a smaller frequency bandwidth is required than
most other modes.
The AR5000 uses true carrier re-insertion and a dedicated
SSB I.F. filter so that voice becomes intelligible. However
due to the complexities of SSB, audio never sounds 100%
natural and often listeners comment on it sounding a little
like Donald Duck or Micky Mouse but this is normal and
with practice you soon become used to this characteristic.
This is not a criticism of the AR5000 and is applicable to
ALL SSB receivers in varying degrees... the AR5000
being very good.
Small tuning steps of 10 Hz (or 100 Hz at most) should
be used for tuning in LSB and other similar modes USB &
CW.
The SSB frequency display is not offset (like some other
units). However being such a compact wide band receiver,
it will not be unusual for the SSB display to be very slightly
off frequency when listening to known frequencies such
as VOLMET (airband weather forecast service).

In FM mode the options are AGC ON / OFF and in other

modes are OFF, FAST, MIDDLE and SLOW. When AGC
OFF has been selected, two horizontal bars = are
displayed on the LCD between the kHz and MHz legends.
FM:

AGC OFF
AGC ON

Other modes:

AGC
AGC
AGC
AGC

OFF
FAST
MIDDLE
SLOW

Note: AUT for AUTO AGC will be displayed toward

the top right of the LCD if AUTOMODE is in operation,
the appropriate AGC selection will be made automatically
by the AR5000.

6-10 IF BANDWIDTH
The I.F. bandwidth selects how SELECTIVE the receiver
will be when monitoring signals off air. However it is not
simply a case of using the narrowest filter at all times,
particular modes require differing amounts of bandwidth
in order to operate otherwise the receive system simply
will not produce intelligible sound!
Correct receive mode and IF bandwidth must always be
selected for optimum reception. If the bandwidth selection
is too narrow, distortion or signal break-up may occur. If
the bandwidth selection is too wide, adjacent interference
may be encountered.
For this reason, a selection of I.F. filter bandwidths are
fitted as standard. Typical examples of receive mode and
IF bandwidth are:

USB

FM 220kHz VHF FM broadcast (110k may also be

used - mono only)

Upper Side Band - The same comments apply as for

LSB. By convention, Radio Amateurs also use USB above
10MHz.

FM 110kHz TV audio (also VHF FM broadcast - in

mono only)
FM 100 or 30kHz Wireless mic, etc (30kHz for
satellite FAX too)

All long range shipping and oceanic air traffic (as well as
long range military aircraft) use USB. DATA modes such
as RTTY, SITOR, PACKET, FAX etc may be resolved
using USB.

FM 15kHz PMR, amateur band etc FM 6 kHz may

also be used

CW

AM 6kHz VHF / UHF airband, short wave broadcast,

medium & long wave, PMR etc

Continuous Wave - Often referred to as Carrier Wave or

Morse code (dots and dashes). Commonly used on the
short wave bands by radio amateurs toward the lower
end of each band allocation. Some commercial use is
still made by shipping etc although its use is being phased
out due to the introduction of automated stations. The
AR5000 has the provision for the operator to select the
frequency offset used by the receiver in CW mode using
the AF.SET menu.
Note about AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
If the AGC is not set appropriately, audio will sound
activates the
distorted. The key sequence
AGC menu.
PAGE 24

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

USB/LSB 3kHz Short wave amateur band, short wave

utility such as oceanic airband etc
CW 3kHz (0.5kHz with optional filter fitted). Morse
code used by radio amateurs and some
marine traffic on short wave
An appropriate IF filter is automatically selected when
automode is engaged. However any combination of IF
filter and receive mode is possible in the MANUAL MODE.
When you have manually selected an IF filter bandwidth,
AUTOMODE will be disengaged, but the receive mode,
stepping size, etc will be retained until they are changed
manually.

Manually selecting I.F. bandwidth.

1 Audio Low Pass Filter

activates the I.F. bandwidth

The sequence
menu.

In normal operation the word AUT will be displayed in

the upper right of the LCD to signify that automode is in
operation and the I.F. bandwidth, receive mode and
channel step will be automatically selected by the AR5000
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. To accept the new bandwidth selection press

Once automode has been cancelled, it may be reinstated

from the MODE select menu or by pressing and holding
the
key for more than one second.

The audio low pass filter is useful to cut off high tones
(allowing low tones to pass) to improve intelligibility of weak
signals in close proximity to adjacent interference and to
remove hiss making listening for extended periods easier
on the ears.
There are four available cut off frequencies: 3.0 kHz,
4.0kHz, 6.0kHz & 12.0 kHz. The lower the frequency the
more limited the audio bandwidth... for highest fidelity for
Band-II listening select 12.0 kHz. If the filter selection has
been left to automode, the legend AUT will be displayed.
The audio low pass filter will initially be automatically
selected according to the IF bandwidth:
Bandwidth

Audio Low Pass Filter

0.5 kHz to 15 kHz

3.0 kHz

Above 30 kHz

12.0 kHz

The audio low pass filter selection is accessed via a

sub menu.
I.F. filter bandwidth table:
Filter kHz

Total nose
Total skirt
(bwidth kHz / dB)

0.5(500Hz) opt

0.5

-3

2.0

-60

2.5 opt

2.5

-3

5.2

-60

2.4

-6

4.5

-60

5.5 opt

5.5

-3

11.0

-60

9.0

-6

20

-50

15

15

-6

30

-50

30

30

-6

70

-50

110

140

-3

350

-20

220

260

-3

520

-20

6-11 AF SET - (Audio characteristics)

It is possible to optimise the audio settings of the AR5000,
there are a total of 5 different settings relating to the audio
characteristics:

3.0 kHz

A-LPF 3.0 kHz <<<

A-HPF 0.05 kHz
DE.EMP 750
CW.PITCH 0.7 kHz
AUDIO INT
1. Press
A-LPF

. The LCD will show, for example,

3.0 kHz.

2. Rotate the SUB DIAL to make selection: 3.0 kHz, 4.0kHz,

6.0kHz or 12.0kHz.
to accept the changes,
to abort
3. Press
or
to move on to the audio high pass filter selection.
2 Audio High Pass Filter
The audio high pass filter is useful for limiting the audio
bass response (allowing higher tones to pass) improving
intelligibility in certain circumstances (such as low
frequency whistles on AM, SSB & CW).
There are four available high pass frequencies: 0.05 kHz
(50 Hz), 0.02 kHz (200 Hz), 0.3kHz (300 Hz) & 0.4 kHz
(400 Hz). The higher the frequency the more limited the
audio bandwidth... for highest fidelity for Band-II VFO
listening select 0.05 kHz. If the filter selection has been
set to automode, the legend AUT will be displayed.

1) Low pass filter

A-LPF

2) High pass filter

A-HPF 0.3 kHz

3) De-emphasis

DE.EMP 750

Bandwidth

4) CW pitch

CW.PITCH 0.7 kHz

0.5 kHz to 15 kHz

0.3 kHz (300 Hz)

5) Input switching

AUDIO INT

Above 30 kHz

0.05 kHz (50 Hz)

The audio high pass filter will initially be automatically

selected according to the IF bandwidth:
Audio High Pass Filter

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 25

The audio high pass filter selection is accessed via a

sub menu.
A-LPF 3.0 kHz
A-HPF 0.05 kHz <<<
DE.EMP 750
CW.PITCH 0.7 kHz
AUDIO INT
1. Press
. The LCD will first display the
key to access
low pass filter selection, press the
the high pass filter sub menu.
2. Rotate the SUB DIAL to make selection: 0.05 kHz,
0.2 kHz, 0.3 kHz or 0.4 kHz.
3. Press
to accept the changes,
to abort
or
to move on to the audio de-emphasis selection.
3 Audio De-emphasis
This is really only applicable to FM mode and affects the
sharpness of recovered audio. Band-II transmissions in
different world areas have different defaults for deemphasis, if for instance a value of 750 is selected in
Europe the recovered audio will sound very muffled.
The available range is as follows:

The audio de-emphasis will initially be automatically

selected according to the IF bandwidth:
Receive Mode

Comfortable listening to CW (Continuous Wave, often

referred to as Morse code) is usually centred around a
tone of 700 to 800 Hz. The audio stage of the AR5000 is
configured to emphasise this window, however the centre
frequency may be changed to suit personal preferences
or specific requirements. This function is valid only when
CW mode is used for reception.
The selectable range (pitch) is as follows:
0.4 kHz (400 Hz), 0.5 kHz (500 Hz), 0.6 kHz (600 Hz),
0.7 kHz (700 Hz) default, 0.8 kHz (800 Hz), 0.9 kHz
(900 Hz), 1.0 kHz (1000 Hz) & 1.1 kHz (1100 Hz).
1. Press
. The LCD will first display
the low pass filter selection, press the
key to
access the high pass filter sub menu, press
again to access the de-emphasis menu then press
again to access the CW PITCH sub menu.
(Alternatively press
).
A-LPF 3.0 kHz
A-HPF 0.05 kHz
DE.EMP 750
CW.PITCH 0.7 kHz <<<
AUDIO INT
2. Rotate the SUB DIAL to make selection:

THRU, 25uS, 50uS, 75uS & 750uS

Bandwidth

4 CW Pitch

De-emphasis

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.
to accept the changes,
to abort
3. Press
to move on to the audio internal / external
or
selection.

0.5k to 15 kHz

FM

750uS

Above 30 kHz

FM

75uS

5 Input Switching

THRU

The audio path is switchable either directly to the audio

amplifier or via the front panel accessory socket (ACC 1)
where it may be looped back into the receiver for passage
to the audio amplifier after some form of external
processing has taken place (tone unit, DSP filter etc). The
default is INT for INTERNAL.

AM,LSB,USB,CW

The audio de-emphasis selection is accessed from a

sub menu.
A-LPF 3.0 kHz
A-HPF 0.05 kHz
DE.EMP 750 <<<
CW.PITCH 0.7 kHz
AUDIO INT
1. Press
. The LCD will first display the
low pass filter selection, press the
key to access
again to
the high pass filter sub menu then press
access the de-emphasis menu.
2. Rotate the SUB DIAL to make selection: THRU, 25uS,
50uS, 75uS & 750uS.
to accept the changes,
to abort
3. Press
or
to move on to the audio CW pitch selection.

PAGE 26

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

To access the audio switching menu:

A-LPF 3.0 kHz
A-HPF 0.05 kHz
DE.EMP 750
CW.PITCH 0.7 kHz
AUDIO INT <<<
1. Press
. The LCD will first display the
low pass filter selection, press the
key to access
the high pass filter sub menu, press
again to access
the de-emphasis menu, press
again to access the
CW PITCH sub menu then
again to access the
audio switching menu. (Or use the
key once !)
2. Rotate the SUB DIAL to make selection: INT or EXT

3. Press
to accept the changes,
to abort
or
to move on to the audio internal / external
selection.

6-12 Audio tone eliminator (T-ELMT)

Various utility radio users are permitted to transmit their
signals with an accompanying continuous tone (pilot tone)
which is over ridden by the operators audio (voice). This
type of tone is transmitted continuously in order to provide
advanced security for radio communication system and
to ensure that important radio links are in working order.
The AR5000 tone eliminator is used to eliminate many of
these tones to enable the squelch to close when in scan
& search modes preventing the AR5000 locking up on
unwanted busy channels.
VFO, memory, scan & search
The tone eliminator may be programmed independently
into each VFO, memory channel and search bank for
greatest flexibility, this prevents the scan and search
process from halting on unwanted signals... when the tone
eliminator is registered with a memory channel or search
bank, the scan & search process will ignore (skip) busy
frequencies which carry the specified tone frequency.
Selecting the required tone eliminator frequency
1 The tone eliminator is selected from the OPTION menu.
Press
to access the menu then use the
and
keys until the display shows T-ELEM OFF
(one press on the
key, the sequence will change if
the DESCRAMBLER or CTCSS options have been
installed).
DE-SCR OFF (if DS8000 option is fitted)
CTCSS OFF (if CT5000 option is fitted)
DTMF OFF
T-ELMT OFF <<<
2 Rotate the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL while listening to the
received audio (which contains the unwanted tone) until
the BUSY legend has disappeared, this indicates that
the tone has been eliminated and will be ignored by the
receiver. It is sometimes best to rotate the DIAL so that
the BUSY legend flutters half way between the signal
key is used
disappearing and reappearing. The
as a short cut to OFF. The acceptable range is 1 ~ 255
and OFF.

Signal processing is carried out by an analogue system

so some variation should be allowed from set to set. The
following tones may be eliminated (approximate range is
0.4 kHz (400 Hz) to 4.4 kHz):

Unwanted tone

Suggested setting

0.4 (kHz)

0 ~ 31

0.5

50 ~ 81

0.6

88 ~ 113

0.8

136 ~ 155

1.0

165 ~ 179

1.2

184 ~ 196

1.4

198 ~ 208

1.6

208 ~ 217

1.8

216 ~ 223

2.0

223 ~ 228

2.2

228 ~ 233

2.4

232 ~ 236

2.6

235 ~ 239

2.8

142 ~ 245

3.0

244 ~ 247

3.2

247 ~ 249

3.4

249 ~ 251

3.6

247 ~ 250

3.8

249 ~ 251

4.0

251 ~ 252

4.2

252 ~ 253

4.4

253 ~ 254

3 To complete the sequence and accept the input press

Note: There is no on-screen indicator to show that the

tone eliminator has been programmed (when outside of
the tone eliminator selection menu).
The tone eliminator only effects the way in which the
squelch interprets activity, tones are NOT removed from
the received audio presented to the operator... i.e. you
will still here the tone but the BUSY indicator can be
programmed to extinguish as if the squelch has closed.

Tone alone

= treated as channel unoccupied

Tone & voice

= channel busy

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 27

6-13 DTMF decoder

6-14 RF Attenuator & preamplifier

DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) tones are used by

many VHF/UHF communications services and amateur
radio operators to control switching devices and to enable
selective calling. The AR5000 has the capability to decode
all 16 DTMF tones.

The AR5000 features an RF stepped attenuator and

preamplifier. LCD legends ATT 00 dB and AMP are
used to display the settings in use.

All 16 characters can be displayed including 1 to 0,

ABCD, # and *. The decoded DTMF characters will
automatically be displayed when the facility has been
enabled and will be removed from the display after
approximately 60 seconds (providing a transmission is
encountered using DTMF!). (Note: Telephone services
do not normally use ABCD).
Frequency

1209

1336

1447

1633

697

770

852

941

# (=)

Note: The # symbol is displayed as = on the AR5000

LCD. If the DTMF tone consists of more than 10
characters, the LCD will scroll up the entire DTMF tone
set, overflowed characters will vanish and are not
retrievable unless an external display is used via the remote
RS232C port.
Selecting DTMF display
The operation of DTMF is global and affects VFO,
memory, scan & search operations and may be selected
ON or OFF.
1 DTMF ON/OFF is set & reviewed from the OPTION
menu. Press
to access the menu then use
the
and
keys until the display shows
DTMF OFF. The sequence will change if the
DESCRAMBLER (DS8000) or CTCSS (CT5000) options
have been installed.
DE-SCR OFF (if DS8000 option is fitted)
CTCSS OFF (if CT5000 option is fitted)
DTMF OFF <<<
T-ELMT OFF
2 Rotate the SUB DIAL to toggle the setting between ON
and OFF, the
key can also be used to select the
OFF position.

3 To complete the sequence and accept the input press

Below 230 MHz A switchable RF preamplifier is utilised

making the available selection of 0dB, -10dB & -20dB
with 0dB being the most sensitive selection with the
preamplifier on. The following provides a simple picture:
0dB Preamp ON

(most sensitive), AMP

legend displayed

10dB Preamp OFF (10dB less sensitive)

20dB Preamp OFF

10dB of attenuation added

and preamp off
(least sensitive)

230 to 999.999999 MHz As the preamplifier is not used

above 230 MHz (a higher gain front end being used as
standard), the available settings are 0dB and 10dB. The
AMP legend is always displayed.
Above 1,000 MHz (1 GHz) The attenuator is disabled to
minimise signal loss through the switching unit... always
set to 0dB. The AMP legend is always displayed.
The receivers RF front end is automatically preselected
up to 999.999999 MHz so that performance is peaked
for maximum sensitivity and minimal interference.
However, should interference be encountered from very
strong local transmissions, increase the level of attenuation
to minimise the effects of unwanted signals. Some level
of experimentation will be required to find the best
combination depending upon particular circumstances.
The RF GAIN adjustment may also be useful in reducing
interference especially in USB, LSB and CW modes.
The selection of RF attenuator and preamplifier is made
from the ATTENUATOR menu. To activate the attenuator
menu press
. The SUB DIAL is used to change value
key.
and the sequence is completed using the
The attenuator value is stored into each memory channel
if this sequence has taken place in MEMORY RECALL
mode or SCAN mode (while scanning has stopped). The
attenuator status can also be stored into each search bank
and VFO.

6-15 CONFIG menu outline of facilities

The CONFIG menu is used to make many changes to
operations of the receiver, the less frequently accessed
items are held here to minimise the number of second
function keys thereby simplifying operation. Those facilities
required most frequently are placed first and second on
the list (lamp and beep).
The
keys may be used to scroll through
the CONFIG menu and the SUB DIAL is used to make
selection (along with the MAIN DIAL and
key in some
circumstances).

PAGE 28

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

The CONFIG menu provides access to: lamp, keypad

beep tone, external IF output, remote RS232 baud rate,
aerial automatic switching and internal / external
frequency reference.

6-16 CONFIG - LAMP

To switch the LCD backlight ON and OFF, the CONFIG
menu is used. To access the CONFIG menu press
. The first item on the CONFIG menu is
LAMP ON.
LAMP ON <<<
BEEP 4
EXT-IF OFF
BPS 9600
ANT 1
STD.INT 12.8 MHz
Rotate the SUB DIAL to switch the LCD & S-meter
back-light ON/OFF, the status is obvious but still displayed
on the LCD as LAMP ON and LAMP OFF.

6-18 CONFIG - EXTERNAL I.F. output

(SDU5000)
The AR5000 is capable of providing a 10.7 MHz I.F. output
suitably wide enough to drive the optional SDU5000
spectrum display unit with a bandwidth of up to 5 MHz.
The I.F. output is default to OFF so must be activated
before the SDU5000 (or any other similar peripheral) may
be used.
To enable the I.F. output, the CONFIG menu is used. To
access the CONFIG menu press
. Use
the
keys to scroll through the menu until
the EXT-IF OFF menu is displayed (where OFF is
the current setting).
LAMP ON
BEEP 4
EXT-IF OFF <<<
BPS 9600
ANT 1
STD.INT 12.8 MHz
The SUB DIAL is used to select the required parameter from
those available:

To accept the selection press

to return to VFO,
memory recall, scan or search, whatever was previously
in use.

1
I.F. taken from before the selective filtering (least
selective) and suitable for use with the optional SDU5000
spectrum display unit. Should this selection not be made,
the SDU5000 will not display a spectrum trace.

To abort entry press

2
I.F. taken from after the selective filtering (most
selective) and is not suitable for use with the optional
SDU5000.

6-17 CONFIG menu - BEEP

OFF I.F. output deactivated (default)

To alter the volume of the keypad BEEP and to switch it

OFF totally, the CONFIG menu is used. To access the
. Use the
CONFIG menu press
keys to scroll through the menu until the BEEP
menu is displayed BEEP 4 (where 4 is the current
setting).
LAMP ON
BEEP 4 <<<
EXT-IF OFF
BPS 9600
ANT 1
STD.INT 12.8 MHz
The SUB DIAL is used to make selection from 1 (quietest)
to 255 (loudest) and OFF. The
key may be used
as a short cut toggling between 100 and OFF.

To accept the selection press

to return to VFO,
memory recall, scan or search, whatever was previously
in use.
To abort entry press

6-19 CONFIG - Computer control BPS

The AR5000 has a standard RS232 REMOTE port for
connection to a computer (such as a PC) and other
equipment such as the SDU5000 spectrum display unit
to enable remote control operation of the receiver.
The speed as which the AR5000 communicates with an
external device may be controlled using the CONFIG
menu. If the speed does not match EXACTLY that of an
external device, communication will not be established.

To accept the selection press

to return to VFO,
memory recall, scan or search, whatever was previously
in use.

To select the remote control speed (BPS Bits Per Second),

the CONFIG menu is used. To access the CONFIG menu
press
.

To abort entry press

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 29

Use the
keys to scroll through the menu
until the REMOTE BPS menu is displayed.
LAMP ON
BEEP 4
EXT-IF OFF
BPS 9600 <<<
ANT 1
STD.INT 12.8 MHz
The SUB DIAL is used to make selection between: 4800,
9600 & 19200 BPS with 9600 being the default.

onto paper (see later in this section 6-20) to form a clear

picture of what is required. Each aerial may be
programmed for 10 separate frequency ranges (each
being referred to as a channel, ANT 1 channel 0 ~ 9,
ANT 2 channel 0 ~ 9 etc).
Note: If you overlap frequency ranges for different aerials,
the lowest aerial number will take precedence. If no
specific frequency programming has been made, ANT 1
will be chosen as default.
Basic programming (setting defaults)

To accept the selection press

to return to VFO,
memory recall, scan or search, whatever was previously
in use.
To abort entry press

6-20 CONFIG - Advanced aerial switching

The aerial input selection is made via a menu activated
. Be careful when
by the key sequence
selecting this menu, if you hold the
key for more
that one second the AUTO/MANUAL RF preselection
menu will be activated instead, in which case press
.
The SUB DIAL is used to select input via either of the two
rear panel aerial sockets (ANT 1 for the N-type input and
ANT 2 for the SO239). Additional aerials (ANT 3 &
ANT 4) may also be controlled providing the optional
AS5000 switching unit is in use. AUTO may be selected
where the aerial will be automatically switched based upon
the programming of frequency / aerial data.
Auto aerial switching outline
It is possible to program the AR5000 to automatically
switch the aerial input used (aerials 1 & 2 at default or
aerial 1, 2, 3 & 4 with the optional AS5000 aerial switching
unit) depending upon receive frequency. This allows the
operator to optimise the listening setup by programming
the AR5000 to automatically select the most appropriate
aerial out of a choice of several which may be available.
The CONFIG menu is used to enter programming with
the MAIN DIAL, SUB DIAL and
key being used during
data input.
Automatic aerial switching (depending upon whether
manual or automatic aerial switching have been selected)
may be used in VFO, memory recall & scan modes,
program search may also be configured to use automatic
aerial switching.
First determine the required aerial switching bandplan,
automatic aerial selection may be specified down to
hundreds of kHz (i.e. 145.100 MHz, 7.1 MHz etc). If the
required switching is simply ANT 2 for 10 kHz ~ 30 MHz
(the SO239 socket for HF) the process is very easy, if
more complex then it is suggested that a table be written

PAGE 30

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

1 First ensure that AUTO aerial switching has been

selected. To review and change the selection press
to access the aerial selection menu. Press
the
key to select AUTO (or use the SUB DIAL).
.
To accept the selection press
ANT
ANT
ANT
ANT
ANT

AUTO
1
2
3
4

<<<

2 Ensure that no programming exists so that you (and

the AR5000 !) dont get confused. Press
to access the CONFIG menu. Use the
keys to locate the aerial selection menu, the legend ANT
or
flashes on the left of the LCD (two presses of
four presses of
).
LAMP ON
BEEP 4
EXT-IF OFF
BPS 9600
ANT 1 <<<
STD.INT 12.8 MHz
3 Us the MAIN DIAL to select each aerial in turn ANT 1,
ANT 2, ANT 3 and ANT 4.

For each aerial press

to delete the current
programming until the legend - - - - - - - - - - is displayed
to signify that the data relating to each aerial has been
deleted.

Note: When no programmed data exists, aerial 1

ANT 1 is selected for all frequencies (10 kHz ~ 2600
MHz). If the optional aerial switching unit AS5000 is not
in use, selection of aerial 3 & 4 (ANT 3 & ANT 4) will
simply result in aerial 1 being used.

Entering simple aerial switching data

In this example aerial 2 (ANT 2) will be programmed for
the frequency range of 10 kHz ~ 30 MHz so that aerial 1
(ANT 1) will operate by default on frequencies between
30 MHz and 2600 MHz.
1 Press
to access the CONFIG menu.
Use the
keys to locate the aerial selection
menu, the legend ANT flashes on the left of the LCD
or four presses of
).
(two presses of
2 Use the MAIN DIAL to select aerial 2 ANT 2. The
display will show that no data is currently present
- - - - - - - - - -.

Key in the lowest frequency limit (in this example this is

10 kHz)
then key in the upper frequency
limit (in this example 30 MHz)
3 To accept the data input press
. The display will
return to VFO (or memory, scan or search mode,
whichever was previously in use).

In this example all four aerials have been used as if the

optional AS5000 were in use, complex programming is
still possible using the standard two aerial inputs ANT 1
and ANT 2. Two anomalies have been used in the
above table to further promote the flexibility of
programming... can you spot them?... read on...
Note: If the AS5000 optional switching unit is not in use,
programming of ANT 3 & ANT 4 will result in ANT 1 being
used in their place. In no specific programming is made
or gaps exist, ANT 1 will be defaulted from 10 kHz to
2600 MHz.
1 Press
to access the CONFIG menu.
Use the
keys to locate the aerial selection
menu, the legend ANT flashes on the left of the LCD
(two presses of
or four presses of
).
2 Use the MAIN DIAL to select aerial 1 ANT 1. Delete
key until
any data already programmed using the
the legend - - - - - - - - - - is displayed.

Starting at AERIAL 1 channel 0 (refer to the chart) key in

the lowest frequency limit
then key

If the set is not already in VFO mode press

.
Try keying in a few test frequencies... i.e. 5.505 MHz
(or
). The display should confirm selection of aerial 2
ANT 2, if it does not, ensure that AUTO aerial switching
has been selected. To review and change the selection
press
to access the aerial selection menu.
Press the
key to select AUTO (or use the
SUB DIAL). To accept the selection press

3 Rotate the MAIN DIAL to select ANT 2. Delete any

key until the
data already programmed using the
legend - - - - - - - - - - is displayed.

Key in another test frequency, this time 145.5 MHz

. The display should confirm
selection of aerial 1 ANT 1.

Starting at AERIAL 2 channel 0 (refer to the chart) key in

then key in the
the lowest frequency limit
upper frequency limit

Note: Automatic aerial selection works independently of

AUTOMODE selection.

4 Rotate the SUB DIAL to select AERIAL 2 channel 1.

Key in the lowest frequency limit

in the upper frequency limit

then key in the upper frequency limit

Entering complex aerial switching data
It is suggested that complex aerial switching arrangements
be written down first so that a clear picture of the required
programming can be established, for example:
Aerial selection

Channel
0
0

lower freq limit

upper freq limit

190MHz
2600MHz

10kHz
30MHz

1
1

lower freq limit

upper freq limit

140MHz
150MHz

2
2

lower freq limit

upper freq limit

170MHz
200MHz

3
3

lower freq limit

upper freq limit

50MHz
90MHz

5 Rotate the SUB DIAL to select AERIAL 2 channel 2.

Key in the lowest frequency limit
then key in the upper frequency limit
6 Rotate the MAIN DIAL to select ANT 3. Delete any
key until the
data already programmed using the
legend - - - - - - - - - - is displayed.

75.5MHz
120MHz

Starting at AERIAL 3 channel 0 key in the lowest

frequency limit
then key in the upper
frequency limit

and so on....
9

lower freq limit

upper freq limit

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 31

7 Rotate the MAIN DIAL to select ANT 4. Delete any

key until the
data already programmed using the
legend - - - - - - - - - - is displayed.

Starting at AERIAL 4 channel 0 key in the lowest

then key in the
frequency limit
upper frequency limit
8 To accept the data input press
. The display will
return to VFO (or memory, scan or search mode,
whichever was previously in use).
. Try
If the set is not already in VFO mode press
keying in a few test frequencies to confirm correct aerial
selection depending upon frequency, if automatic switching
does not take place, ensure that AUTO aerial switching
has been selected. To review and change the selection
to access the aerial selection menu.
press
Press the
key to select AUTO (or use the
SUB DIAL). To accept the selection press
Exceptions & anomalies

6-21 CONFIG - Frequency standard

The AR5000 is fitted with a 12.8 MHz internal TCXO
(Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator) as
standard to ensure the ultimate in frequency precision.
However where a piped 10 MHz external frequency
standard exists (which is usually referenced to an atomic
signal) such as high quality workshops or professional
monitoring centres, a high quality external 10 MHz
reference may be coupled to the STD IN BNC socket on
the rear of the AR5000. Before an external reference
can be used, the STD.INT/EXT menu must be
configured using the CONFIG menu, it is default to
INTernal.
To enable the EXTernal 10 MHz input, access the CONFIG
menu by pressing
. Use the
keys to scroll through the menu until the STD.INT menu
key
is displayed. (The easiest way is to use the
once).
LAMP ON
BEEP 4
EXT-IF OFF
BPS 9600
ANT 1
STD.INT 12.8 MHz <<<

As mentioned earlier in this section 6-20 there are a couple

of exceptions...

The SUB DIAL is used to make selection between

STD.EXT 10.0 MHz (external) and STD.INT 12.8
MHz (internal).

1 AERIAL 1 ANT 1 need only be programmed if you

wish to chop holes in the programming of other aerial
selections... for example the programming of AERIAL 1
channel 0 OVERRIDES the programming of AERIAL 2
channel 2 (as the lowest aerial number takes precedence)
causing frequencies above 190 MHz to use aerial 1. As
aerial 1 ANT 1 is the default for all frequencies not
specified, there is no reason to program it as standard.
Creative thinking makes programming of aerial 1 useful
for short cut overriding of detailed automatic aerial
switching. For example select 10 kHz ~ 2600 MHz for
aerial 1 and the automatic program will be defeated!!!

To accept the selection press

to return to VFO,
memory recall, scan or search, whatever was previously
in use.

2 In a similar way to the above exception, the

programming of AERIAL 3 in the above example overrides
the programming of AERIAL 4 causing AERIAL 4 to be
used for frequencies between 90 and 120 MHz only.
Auto aerial switching with program search mode
To enable the fastest rates of search while in program
search mode, automatic aerial switching is not selected
as default when programming the search parameters.
However you may still manually change the aerial selection
when in program search mode. Simply initiate whatever
search bank is required (refer to sections 12-4 & 12-5 of
this manual covering program search mode) then override
the current aerial selection by pressing
to select automatic aerial switching...
of course ANT 1, ANT 2, ANT 3 or ANT 4 may be selected
, use the SUB DIAL
using this menu (dont use
instead).

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AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

To abort entry press

Note: If EXT (external) is selected without a valid 10
MHz reference present, the AR5000 will not receive, there
will be no audio output (not even white noise) and
eventually the PLL-ERR (PLL error) message will be
displayed.

(7) Memory banks & channels

It is very convenient to store commonly used frequencies
into a memory bank along with mode and attenuator
status, this saves having to key the data in over and over
again. Memory recall is very straightforward and quick
when compared to retyping all data.
Think of memory channels as pages in a notebook each
of which is numbered to identify it. Data may be written
to each new page (memory channel) and each page may
be overwritten with new data, they can be used over and
over again.
Each memory channel may hold:

w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w

1 One receive frequency

2 Receive mode
3 IFBW
4 LPF
5 HPF
6 De-emphasis
7 Tuning step
8 Step-adjust
9 Frequency offset
10 AGC
11 Attenuator
12 CTCSS tone
13 Aerial selection
14 Eight character TEXT comment
15 Pass (lockout) & select scan list status

The TEXT comment assists ease of identification at a

latter date and the other parameters provide great
convenience and minimise the need for extensive
reprogramming.
A total of 1000 memory channels are provided which are
divided into 10 banks, each having 100 channels. The
memory banks are identified by the first BANK number 0,
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 and the individual channels are
numbered from 00 to 99.
Examples are 000 for the first channel location in
memory bank 0 and 099 for the last memory channel
in memory bank 0.
415 is the location: memory bank 4 channel 15.
Memory bank 0 may be used as any other bank but
also has a special facility of auto-store where active
frequencies found in search mode may be automatically
entered into the 100 memory channels 000 to 099 for
later review, recall and scanning. Please refer to section
12-19 of this manual for further information regarding
AUTO-STORE.
The data contents of memory and search banks are held
in an EEPROM so that no backup battery or capacitor is
required for memory retention.

Note: When the receiver is switched OFF using the front

panel
key, all VFO data will be automatically stored
into EEPROM memory storage. However, should the
power be removed while the receiver is switched on (power
cut or flat vehicle battery etc), the last stored memory
channel or last VFO data may be lost.
During the manufacture and testing of the receiver, various
test frequencies are entered into the receivers memory
banks so the memory locations are unlikely to be
completely blank.

Note: Where memory banks etc are empty during

memory storage, the indication - - - - - - - - - - is
displayed. If an attempt is made to recall an empty
memory channel, an error bleep is sounded and the
receiver increments to the first memory channel
containing data either above or below the keyed
memory location depending upon the current
and
keys.
direction determined by the

7-1 Storing receive data into memory

- memory input in VFO mode
Lets assume that you wish to store the frequency of 88.3
MHz with AUTOMODE set into memory bank 1 location
00 (100) while in VFO mode (in this example VFO-A
is used).
Start by selecting VFO mode (by pressing the
key
until VA is displayed in the lower right corner of the LCD)
then key in the frequency of 88.3 MHz, mode and step
size are set to the default AUTO.
i.e.

to place the receiver into VFO mode

to select the desired frequency,

the mode and step size will be automatically set by the
AR5000 microprocessor.

Press and hold the

key for more than one second
to enter memory input mode.
The keyed frequency starts to FLASH on the LCD. To
the right of this frequency the legend - - > will be displayed
pointing at the first available empty memory location.

The memory location is alternatively displayed as a group

of three numbers on the right of the LCD under the flashing
BANK legend... the top number is the BANK and the
lower two digits the CHANNEL.

The stored data may be quickly and easily recalled,

changed or deleted using the memory recall and delete
facilities.
The flashing legend M for memory also indicates that a
memory location is being displayed (rather than a search
AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 33

bank, select scan channel, pass frequency etc).

The < - - legend then reverses to point back to
where the frequency was displayed. If the legend
- - - - - - - - - - is displayed then the current memory
channel is confirmed as currently being empty. If data is
already present in the memory location, the previously
stored frequency will be displayed as a warning that the
stored data is about to be over-written.
The microprocessor will automatically select the youngest
free memory location. You may change the memory
location at this time by rotating the MAIN DIAL (which selects
all 1000 memory channels in sequence) or keying in a
three digit number comprising of BANK+CHANNEL (x.xx).
The SUB DIAL selects the next EMPTY memory location.

1 = Display a blank , cancel whatever

letter is currently displayed
2 = Start at number 1
3 = Start at letter A
4 = Start at letter M
5 = Start at letter Z
6 = Start at number 9
0 = Start at symbol - -

Note: The
keys are used for selecting
alpha-numeric text in the context of memory operation
and should not be used at this point.
Remember, if you take too long entering data (about 90
seconds) the display will revert to its original VFO condition.
Assuming that you wish to store 88.3 MHz in memory
channel 100 irrespective of what may already be stored
there, press
to select the bank 1 then press
to select the first channel. Finally type
to accept
the memory location.

The TEXT menu will now be displayed. The flashing

legend TXT is displayed to the right of centre of the
LCD, the memory location is displayed in static form on
the right of the LCD. Even if data is being over-written,
any previously stored text will be erased and a blank field
provided for TEXT addition.

Note: If you do not wish to add an alpha-numeric text

comment press
to complete the process and
commit new data to memory. It is possible to add text at
a later time.
To aid text entry, a decimal . is displayed to the right of
the text entry point (initially close to the left of the LCD).
The SUB DIAL is used to make selection of text in the form
of upper case letters, numbers and symbols. The
and
keys move the text entry point to the right and
left respectively. If a mistake is made during entry, use
key to move back to the required position and
the
simply over-write it.
You will note that each time the entry point is moved and
text selected, the next letter offered is not 0 or A but
continues from the character, number or symbol last used.
A few short cuts are provided via the numeric keypad:

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AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

If you are happy with the alphanumeric description press

, the display will return to VFO mode.
At any time you may abort memory input by pressing the
key, the display will return to VFO mode.
To toggle the FREQUENCY / TEXT display while in
memory recall, scan and search modes press
followed by a brief press of the
key.

7-2 Memory recall - Recalling receive data

from memory
Once receive frequency and mode data have been stored
into a memory location, its retrieval is quick and simple.
Lets assume that you wish to retrieve the frequency of
88.3 MHz which has been programmed into to memory
100 (bank 1 channel 00) during the example in the
preceding section 7-1 of this manual.
Press
to place the receiver into memory recall
mode. The bank legend appears on the top right of the
LCD with bank and channel numbers underneath to
confirm operation, note that the word SCAN is not
present at this time.

The AR5000 will monitor whatever memory channel first

appears when you enter memory recall mode.
The AR5000 displays memory location (bank & channel
number), mode, I.F. bandwidth, attenuator status,
automode status, N-SQL noise squelch status, BUSY
indicator (if the channel is occupied with a busy
transmission causing the squelch to open) frequency or
text depending upon the setting of
. If TEXT
mode has been selected but no TEXT stored in memory,
the frequency readout will appear blank!

If the desired memory channel is not immediately displayed

it may be RECALLED by keying in the required location.
there
To recall memory channel 100 type
is no need to press
.

For example, lets assume that you wish to store a new

frequency of 92.7 MHz into memory bank 1 location
00 (100) which has been previously used to store 88.3
MHz.

Memory channel review / hunt

Start by selecting VFO mode then key in the frequency of

92.7 MHz, mode and step size are set to their defaults by
AUTOMODE.

keys may be used to

The MAIN DIAL or
review, hunt for and select memory channels which contain
data (even those which have been assigned PASS so
that they will be skipped during SCAN)... channels which
contain no data will be skipped. The SUB DIAL changes
the BANK NUMBER selecting the first or last channel
number in each bank (depending on the direction the
control is rotated), again any empty memory channels will
be skipped.
Summary: From VFO mode press
to enter
memory recall (the BANK legend in the top right of the
LCD without the legend SCAN confirms operation).
Rotate the MAIN DIAL or key in the three digit memory
location (using the numeric keypad) to select the required
memory channel.
This is a useful tool for reviewing memory contents and
hunting for a specific channel when you forget what you
stored where! Should you know the number of the
required memory channel, the keypad method of memory
recall will be much faster.
The receiver will monitor whatever memory channel is
displayed while in memory recall mode.

7-3 Transfer of memory channel to VFO

to place the receiver into VFO mode.

to select the desired frequency.
Press and hold the
key for more than one second
to enter memory input mode.
Press
previous data.

to over-write the

At any time you may abort memory input by pressing the

key, the display will return to VFO mode.
Editing memory data
To edit memory data (frequency, mode, attenuator, text
comment etc) it is necessary to transfer the data to
VFO-E where it may be edited then saved back to the
original or new memory location.
For example: Lets assume that memory channel 123
has the frequency of 119.65 MHz stored, all operational
data has been taken care of by automode (mode, step
size etc) and the text comment is TEST123 but
you wish to change the text comment.

Should you wish to tune away from the memory channel

and benefit from not having to re-enter the frequency,
mode, attenuator setting, channel step and step-adjust,
the data may be quickly transferred from memory to
VFO-E which has been assigned this task.

From VFO mode press

mode.

Transfer to VFO-E: To transfer the displayed memory

data to VFO-E simply press
. The legend VE
will be displayed on the right of the LCD to confirm
operation, all data will be transferred. You may now tune
using the MAIN DIAL, SUB DIAL or
keys.

Transfer the data to VFO-E by pressing the

key.
VFO-E now contains the data from memory location
123.

to enter memory recall

Select memory location 123 by typing

7-4 Changing and deleting memory data

There will come a time when you have entered many
frequencies into the memory banks and may wish to
change the data contained (change frequencies,
comments or modes etc).

Press and hold the

key for more than one second
to enter memory write mode.
The frequency readout will alternate between the displayed
frequency you wish to store and a memory location (not
memory location 123 but the first available empty
memory).

Memory over-write
The easiest way to change the memory channel contents
is simply to key new data over the top as shown in section
7-1 of this manual.

Key in
to select memory location 123 for
storage. As the stored frequency and frequency to be
stored are the same, the frequency readout will stop
flashing. The legend - - > and < - - confirms that
memory location 123 is to be over-written with data.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 35

Press
to over-write memory location 123. The
TXT legend will be displayed inviting you to select new
text for storage in location 123.
To aid text entry, a decimal . is displayed to the right of
the text entry point (initially close to the left of the LCD).
The SUB DIAL is used to make selection of text in the form
of upper case letters, numbers and symbols. The
and
keys move the text entry point to the right and
left respectively. If a mistake is made during entry, use
key to move back to the required position and
the
simply over-write it.
Select new text to be saved... such as XYZ Remember,
a few short cuts are provided by the numeric keypad.
When you are happy with the alphanumeric description
press
to complete the data storage. The display
will return to VFO mode.
At any time you may abort the memory input by pressing
the
key, the display will return to VFO mode.
To toggle the FREQUENCY / TEXT display while in
memory recall, scan and search modes press
followed by a brief press of the
key.

Note: This method may be used to change any

memory content (frequency, mode etc) although in
reality you may find it just as easy to enter the required
frequency etc afresh in VFO mode and write to the
required memory location.

7-5 Deleting memory channels and banks

It is possible to delete memory channels on an individual
basis or delete a whole memory bank in one go. In fact,
the delete key has many operations depending upon what
operating mode (VFO, SCAN or SEARCH) the receiver
was in prior to the selection of delete using the key
sequence
The deletion of memory data presumes that you have
previously programmed memory channels which you now
wish to delete! Once you have deleted memory data it
cannot be restored so follow the key sequence
carefully.

Once a channel has been recalled, to delete data from

. The legend
memory channel 123 press
DEL MEM-CH is displayed on the left of the LCD
with the memory location on the right, the word DEL
flashes to heighten your attention to help prevent accidental
erasure of data

To confirm deletion press

. The AR5000 will
increment to and display the next memory channel
containing data (the display will move upward or downward
or
keys had
depending upon whether the
been previously used or direction of rotation of the
MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL).
Deleting complete memory banks
It is often convenient to delete a whole memory bank in
one operation. While this may be accomplished by
deleting each and every memory channel individually, a
faster method is available especially if you have previously
stored data into all 100 memory channels of a particular
bank.
Ensure the receiver is in VFO or memory recall mode,
if in doubt press
To access the DEL MEM-CH menu press
then press and hold the
key for more than one second.
keys until the legend
Use the
DEL MEM-CH is displayed.
Note: The legend M is not displayed to indicate that
memory BANK delete rather than memory CHANNEL
delete has been accessed.
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL

MEM-CH
SEL-CH
M-PASS
SRCH
F-PASS

<<<

Use the SUB DIAL to select the bank you wish to delete.
The legend * * displayed under the bank number shows
that the bank contains data and all channels have been
selected for delete.

Deleting individual memory channels

First place the AR5000 into memory recall mode. Switch
on the receiver and press the
key once (unless it
is in SCAN mode in which case you should press
).
followed by
Select the memory location which you wish to delete by
rotating the MAIN DIAL or by using the
keys.
The SUB DIAL may be used to change the memory bank
identifier. The
keys may also be used to
select the memory channel. Alternatively you may enter
the memory location in full via the numeric keypad.
For example, to recall memory channel 123 press
while in memory recall mode.

PAGE 36

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

The legend - - indicates that the memory bank does not

contain data.

To erase the selected bank press

, after about two
seconds the * * legend will change to - - to indicate that
the contents have been deleted.
or
to return to SCAN or VFO mode
Press
depending on which was previously in use.

(8) SCAN - scanning memory channels

& banks
The AR5000 has a SCAN MODE whereby the contents
stored in the MEMORY CHANNELS ARE
AUTOMATICALLY RECALLED AND MONITORED very
quickly for activity - scanned. High speed scanning is
possible using Cyber Scan (a special form of scan where
the display is blanked, see section 8-9 of this manual).

It is important that you do not confuse

SCAN and SEARCH modes
SEARCH mode (covered later in this manual)
automatically TUNES THE RECEIVER THROUGH ALL
FREQUENCIES between two specified frequency limits
looking for active frequencies while SCAN is related to
memory channels.

8-1 SCAN - outline introduction to facilities

available
During SCAN the AR5000 automatically recalls each
memory channel which contains data in numeric order
and monitors them for activity. When an active memory
channel is located (when a signal is found and the squelch
is open) the receiver will temporarily stop scanning.
At default when shipped from the factory, the receiver will
remain on the active memory channels until the received
signal disappears and the squelch closes. The AR5000
will then wait a further 2 seconds in case a reply is audible
(such as aircraft and air traffic communications) then will
resume scanning the memory channels again.
If the
keys are pressed during scan or the
MAIN DIAL rotated, the receiver resumes scanning in the
direction of the key or MAIN DIAL rotation. This is particularly
useful for taking a second look a channels which have
just been scanned or for forcing the SCAN process passed
unwanted busy channels.
Additional facilities available in SCAN mode include:
Memory banks may be LINKED and UNLINKED to
effectively make larger or smaller groups of memories
which may be scanned together.

CHANNEL PASS may be used whereby memory

channels can be skipped when not required (such as when
permanently busy), and may be easily reinstated at a later
time.
Another special form of scanning is PRIORITY where a
special channel (selected from one of the 1000 memory
channels) is scanned for activity every five seconds.

SELECT SCAN enables you to make a single short list of

interesting memory channels from all memory banks to
be scanned as a separate function. This reduces the need
to PASS, LINK and UNLINK banks and channels.

AUTO-STORE reserves memory bank 0 so that active

frequencies found while conducting a SEARCH may be
automatically written to memory (see SEARCH at section
12 with auto-store at section 12-19). This is a useful tool
for compiling an activity list of rarely used frequencies
especially when unattended.
Additional programming: It is possible to alter the
sequence of scanning events depending upon the SCAN
CONFIGURATION as defined in the
scan sub menu. There are 5 scanning parameters which
may be changed to suit your preferences and requirements
PAUSE, DELAY, L-SQ, VOICE & MODE (see section 9
of this manual). It is possible to mix combinations of all
five parameters.

8-2 Starting to SCAN, considerations

It is presumed that you have already stored your favourite
and commonly used frequencies into the memory banks
(as per section 7 of this manual).
A total of 1000 memory channels are provided which are
divided into 10 banks, each having 100 channels. The
memory banks are identified by numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8 & 9 and numbered from 00 to 99.
When in SCAN MODE, the memory banks are referred
to as SCAN BANK 0, SCAN BANK 1, SCAN BANK 8
etc rather than using the full title SCAN MEMORY BANK
0, SCAN MEMORY BANK 1 etc. This terminology has
been employed to make the explanation of, and referral
to SCAN MEMORY BANKS (SCAN BANKS) less
long-winded.
When shipped from the factory memory bank 0 is
reserved for auto-store of memory channels from search
mode so may already have frequencies stored (refer to
section 12-19 of this manual relating to AUTO-STORE).
Keep your memory banks tidy - for best scan speed
In order to achieve the maximum scanning speed, it is
advisable to keep all similar frequencies and modes
grouped together within the memory banks.
The greater the frequency change between memory
channels, then the further the receivers VCO (Voltage
Controlled Oscillator) has to travel and the slower the scan
rates. Similarly, when many changes of mode are
required, the extra switching which has to be accomplished
will reduce the speed of scan.
Tip: Memory channel data may be entered in duplicate
into several channels, this will ensure the channel data is
scanned more frequently to increase the chances of
activity being detected.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 37

Limitations of SCAN mode

Should a number of different modes and wide range of
frequencies be used, then the SCAN process may be
affected by noise or differences in squelch characteristic
on some frequencies and modes.
To help provide the best operation of SCAN, additional
facilities have been provided should you listen to noisy
frequencies or bands containing carriers, make liberal use
of the AUDIO and PAUSE scan parameters.

8-3 SCANNING a memory bank

Finally when the channel becomes clear again (the signal

disappears and squelch closes), the receiver will wait for
an additional two seconds (initial default) to allow for a
reply on the channel before resuming the scanning
process.
Transfer of memory channel to VFO-E
When stopped on an active channel, press
to
transfer the memory data (frequency, mode, step,
attenuator etc) to VFO-E where you may tune away from
the channel or listen to it indefinitely until you decide
otherwise.

Lets assume that you wish to SCAN the contents of

memory bank 1 (channels 00 ~ 99) which you have been
previously stored with memory data.
There are two ways to start scanning:

8-4 Selecting a single memory bank to scan

1)

From VFO or SEARCH modes press

enter MEMORY RECALL mode then press
again to start scanning.

to

2) From MEMORY RECALL mode press

once
only to start scanning. Alternatively press and hold either
or
key for more than one second to
the
start scanning while in MEMORY RECALL mode.

The memory bank which is currently being scanned will

be displayed in the top right of the LCD under the legend
BANK (for example 2) and channel number will be
changing underneath.

Should you wish to scan a different memory bank rotate

the SUB DIAL.
The SCAN legend appears on the LCD to confirm
selection and the AR5000 will start scanning through
memory channels providing they contain data, are not
locked out (PASS), the squelch control is CLOSED and
the channel is not busy. ALL MEMORY CHANNELS
WHICH CONTAIN DATA in the current memory bank will
be SCANNED irrespective of mode and frequency. ANY
BLANK (empty) MEMORY CHANNELS which contain no
data will be ignored (skipped).
The memory bank identifier (such as 1) will be displayed
on the top right of the LCD under the legend BANK and
the memory channels displayed
When an active channel has been located (busy so the
squelch opens) the scan process will temporarily halt on
the active channel and the full memory location (such as
103) will become static on the right of the LCD with the
active frequency displayed to the left.
It is possible to swap between FREQUENCY display and
TEXT display by pressing
(providing text
has been stored in the memory channels).

Note: If text has not been stored in the memory channels

and TEXT DISPLAY has been selected, the AR5000 will
halt on busy channels but no frequency or text will be
displayed... this can be confusing at first. To restore the
frequency display under this condition simply press

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AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

For example, to select memory bank 5 while currently

scanning bank 3 rotate the SUB DIAL clockwise until the
bank legend 5 is displayed... empty memory banks will
be skipped.

Memory bank 5 will be scanned with channel numbers

changing.
Note: As a short cut it is possible to change bank number
using the numeric keypad, however if an empty memory
bank is selected, the SCAN process will be terminated
and MEMORY RECALL mode will be entered. Only use
the keypad short cut if you know the bank contains
memory data.

Alternatively to activate SCAN of a specific bank, you

may FIRST select the desired bank in memory recall mode
key or pressing
then activate SCAN by pressing the
the
or
key for more than one second.

8-5 Memory bank linking to scan ALL

memory banks
When shipped from the factory using default settings all
memory banks are UNLINKED so may only be scanned
on an individual basis by selecting the scan bank identifier
as per section 8-4 using the SUB DIAL or numeric keypad
(1, 2, 3 etc).
It is possible to quickly link ALL memory banks together
so they will be scanned as one group. In fact it is possible
to select any number of banks to be scanned as a group
such as 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9.
To LINK ALL memory banks for scanning the SCAN BANK
LINK MENU is used. To access this menu press
, this can be carried out in memory recall, SCAN
mode, SEARCH mode or VFO mode.

Deselecting linked banks

It is not necessary to deselect bank link identifiers if you
wish to scan a single scan bank, simply access the bank
link menu and use the
key to switch the bank link
to accept the change.
OFF followed by

8-6 Specifying memory bank linking for

certain memory banks only
When The BANK LINK option has been selected ON
(as per section 8-5 of this manual) ALL memory banks
are linked. However, it is possible to de-select and
re-select memory banks for scanning and select just those
you particularly wish to scan through the BANK LINK
menu.
To LINK just three scan banks... access the menu by
, this can be carried out in memory
keying
recall, SCAN mode, SEARCH mode or VFO mode.

The legends L-BANK, SCAN and M confirm selection

of the scan bank link menu. At default the dominant legend
will be OFF to indicate that SCAN BANK LINK is not
active. There are ten possible PROFILES for BANK LINK
which may be saved for later (fast) retrieval to minimise
the required reprogramming, these are identified by
number 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9. The SUB DIAL is used to
make selection of favourite profiles.

The legends L-BANK and SCAN confirm selection of

the scan bank link menu. At default the dominant legend
will be OFF to indicate that SCAN LINK is not active.

Example, link banks 0, 1 & 2.

To link ALL banks first use the SUB DIAL to choose a profile
number (0 being displayed as default). To select the scan
banks to link press each numeric key 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8 & 9... the corresponding bank identifiers will be displayed
on the LCD (where frequency is normally displayed). To
switch BANK LINK ON press the
key, the legend
changes from OFF to ON.

Select the bank link PROFILE you wish to using the

SUB DIAL, in this example use number 1.

To accept the displayed bank link data press

To switch BANK LINK ON press the

key, the
legend changes from OFF to ON. To accept the
displayed bank link data press

Next time the receiver is set to SCAN MODE, ALL banks

and channels containing data will be scanned.

Note: The SCAN BANK LINK / SETUP menu also

provides access to five parameters to customise the way
in which scan operates. Please refer to section 9 of this
manual for further information.
Selecting different favourite bank link identifiers
(profiles)
The AR5000 will use the settings of whichever bank link
identifier (profile number) is displayed when the bank link
, this equates
menu is accessed by pressing
to whichever was last set. Use the SUB DIAL to select the
required identifier followed by the
to accept the
changes.

To select the desired banks to link press each

, the
corresponding numeric key
corresponding bank identifiers will be displayed on the LCD
(where frequency is normally displayed).

Next time the receiver is set to SCAN MODE, banks 0,

1 & 2 will be scanned (where channels contain data).

8-7 Scanning a memory bank which is not

selected in BANK LINK
It is still possible to SCAN a single deselected bank by
manually bypassing the BANK LINK programming. To
SCAN any deselected bank simply rotate the SUB DIAL
while scanning until the desired scan bank number is
displayed in the top right of the LCD.
The AR5000 will scan only the selected single unlinked
bank over and over and will not attempt to scan the group
of banks as specified in BANK LINK.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 39

Alternatively you could switch bank link OFF or select a

bank link profile where group programming has not been
selected.
To return to the GROUP selection, rotate the SUB DIAL until
one of the linked scan bank numbers is displayed.

when in memory recall mode toggles

Pressing
the status of the displayed memory channel scan pass
(lockout)...
PASS
NO LEGEND

= PASS (lockout)
= will be scanned

8-8 SCAN channel PASS (lockout)

The AR5000 will monitor whatever memory channel is

displayed while in memory recall mode whether the
PASS indicator is shown or not.

Should the AR5000 stop on an active channel while

scanning and for some reason you do not wish to monitor
it any longer, simply press the
keys or rotate
the MAIN DIAL to force the SCAN process to resume in the
direction selected.

Deleting memory pass channels

However, should the receiver continually stop on the same

channel you may wish to PASS (lockout) the channel so
that it will be skipped over when the bank is next scanned.
Memory scan channels may be PASSED (locked out)
either when the receiver stops in scan mode (when they
are active and the receiver has stopped scanning) or by
recalling them in memory recall mode.
Memory scan PASS while scanning
To PASS a channel when scanning, wait for the channel
. The AR5000 will
to become active then press
appear to move immediately onward from the passed
(locked out) channel.
The microprocessor will have quickly tagged the channel
with the legend PASS on the LCD above the letter M
(for memory) positioned to the left of the bank and channel
identifier. This process will happen so quickly that you will
not see the legend PASS being added. However, should
the memory channel subsequently be recalled, the PASS
legend will be displayed to signify channel PASS.

It is often convenient to remove the pass status of all

channels in a memory bank instead of reviewing and
unlocking them one-by-one. While this may be
accomplished by unlocking each and every memory
channel individually, a faster method is available especially
if you have previously locked out (PASSED) nearly all of
the 100 memory channels of a particular bank.
Ensure the receiver is in VFO or memory recall mode, if
.
in doubt press
To access the DEL M-PASS menu press
key for more than one second.
then press and hold the
Use the
keys until the legend
DEL M-PASS is displayed.
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL

MEM-CH
SEL-CH
M-PASS
SRCH
F-PASS

<<<

Use the SUB DIAL to select the bank you wish to fully unlock.
The legend * * displayed under the bank number shows
that the bank contains passed channels which may be
unlocked.

Memory scan PASS & review using memory

recall mode
Memory scan channels may be tagged for PASS,
un-tagged or reviewed using memory recall mode.

The legend - - indicates that the memory bank does not

contain any locked out memory channels.

If the receiver is in VFO, SEARCH or SCAN mode press

to place the receiver into MEMORY RECALL
mode. The legend M appears on the LCD to confirm
operation.

To unlock all passed channels of the selected memory

bank press
. After about two seconds the * *
legend will change to - - to indicate that all the memory
channels have been unlocked.

The AR5000 will display a memory channel, mode,

frequency, text and scan PASS status etc...
If the desired memory channel to be PASSED (locked
out) is not immediately displayed, the MAIN DIAL may be
rotated to review specific memory channels. Alternatively
the memory channel location may be quickly recalled by
keying in the required location via the numeric keypad.
For example, to recall memory channel 100 type
there is no need to press enter.
When the memory channel has been selected, the legend
PASS to the left of the bank/channel number indicates
the current status of SCAN MEMORY CHANNEL PASS.

PAGE 40

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

or
to return to SCAN or VFO mode
Press
depending on which was previously in use.

To access the additional facilities of BANK LINK / SETUP

. Initially the BANK LINK menu is
press
displayed, the
and
keys allow selection of
the additional facilities operating as a carousel.

8-9 Cyber Scan in SCAN mode

A special facility has been provided to speed up the
scanning process (which is capable of scanning about 25
memory channels per second), typically the speed
increases to about 45 channels per second.
When Cyber Scan has been selected the frequency and
text are blanked out from the display while scanning, the
words CYBER SCAN are displayed in their place.
While scanning the legend SCAN flashes to indicate that
SCAN is in progress.

The MAIN DIAL and SUB DIAL may be rotated to change

values on each menu. The
key selects OFF (and
sometimes default such as 2.0s as in the DELAY menu).
When you are happy with the changes press
to
accept the entry and the AR5000 will revert to SCAN,
SEARCH or VFO mode depending upon which was
previously in use.
Note: Make small changes and assess the effect as
incorrect setting may degrade the effectiveness of SCAN
capabilities. If things appear to go wrong, return the
settings to their defaults as listed earlier in this section.

In extreme cases, reset the microprocessor (by switching

the receiver on while holding the
key), this action
will revert the scan options back to defaults (by deleting
all bank link / setup programming).
When a busy channel is located, the FREQUENCY or
TEXT will be displayed (taking the place of the Cyber Scan
legend), the SCAN legend stops flashing when a busy
channel has been located.
To enable Cyber Scan press
then press and hold
key for more than one second... a bleep will
the
then sound and the FUNC legend will be removed from
the LCD to confirm operation. This key sequence acts as
a toggle to switch Cyber Scan on and off.

Note: If no text has been saved in memory and TEXT

mode has been selected rather than FREQUENCY, the
display will be void of information when Cyber Scan
locates a busy channel !!

(9) Additional SCAN facilities

It is possible to alter the sequence of scanning events
when in SCAN mode
depending upon the SCAN CONFIGURATION as defined
in the BANK LINK / SETUP sub menu. As with BANK
LINK, 10 PROFILES of the additional facilities may be
used along side BANK LINK.
There are 5 parameters (in addition to BANK LINK and
PASS) which may be changed to suit your preferences
and requirements. The list of scanning defaults is shown
below:
Scan type

Default Comment

PAUSE

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 60 seconds

DELAY

2.0s

OFF and 0.1 ~ 9.9 seconds

L-SQ

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 255

VOICE

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 255 (*)

MODE

ALL

ALL/FM/AM/LSB/USB/CW

9-1 SCAN - PAUSE

The scan PAUSE parameter determines how long the
receiver will remain on an active channel before resuming
scanning channels even if the channel is still busy.
This is useful if you wish to gain a picture of what is
happening on the memory channels without the AR5000
being tied to a busy channel for long periods (such as
active amateur band repeaters etc). PAUSE scan saves
you having to manually intervene to force the scan to
continue or use channel PASS (lockout). The limits are
OFF and 01 to 60 seconds (default OFF).
Press
Use the
selection.

to access the BANK LINK menu.

keys to locate the PAUSE OFF

PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
MODE ALL

<<<

Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
The
key may be used as a short cut to OFF.

To accept the changes to PAUSE scan press

to
return to normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or VFO mode).
Alternatively you may move to the next option (DELAY
SCAN) by pressing the
key. While in SCAN mode
the legend PAUSE will be displayed toward the right
hand side of the LCD to indicate that PAUSE is in
operation.

It is possible to mix combinations of all five

parameters.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 41

9-2 SCAN - DELAY

The scan DELAY parameter affects the time the AR5000
will remain on an active channel in scan mode once the
received signal has disappeared and the squelch closed.
This is particularly useful for customising how long the
receiver will wait for a reply before continuing to scan.
For example, when communications are passed back and
forth between a control tower / aircraft which may take a
few seconds. If you are scanning duplex channels then a
small delay or no delay at all may be preferable.

If the
is used to select OFF, use of the MAIN DIAL
and SUB DIAL afterwards will result in the value continuing
from whatever was last selected, this speeds up the
key may be used as
selection process. In fact the
a toggle between OFF and the new setting.
While in memory recall or scan mode, the LCD legend
N-SQL for noise squelch (normal operation) is replaced
by the legend L-SQL to indicate that level squelch is in
operation.

The limits are OFF and 0.1 to 9.9 seconds (default

2.0 seconds).
Press
Use the
selection.

to access the BANK LINK menu.

keys to locate the DELAY 2.0

PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
MODE ALL

<<<

Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
The
key may be used as a short cut toggle between
OFF and the default of 2.0 seconds.

To accept the changes to DELAY scan press

to
return to normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or VFO mode).
Alternatively you may move to the next option (LEVEL
key.
SQUELCH SCAN) by pressing the

9-3 SCAN - LEVEL SQUELCH

The scan LEVEL SQUELCH parameter causes the
receiver to check the signal strength of active channels
and to only stop when the signal strength is above a
predetermined level which is programmable in 256 steps.
The limits are OFF and 1 to 255 levels (default OFF).
Press
Use the
selection.

to access the BANK LINK menu.

keys to locate the L-SQ OFF

PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF <<<
VOICE OFF
MODE ALL
Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
key may be used as a short cut to OFF.
The

To accept the changes to scan LEVEL SQUELCH press

to return to normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or
VFO mode). Alternatively you may move to the next option
(VOICE SCAN) by pressing the
key.
Note: It is possible that false signal levels may upset the
operation of scan LEVEL SQUELCH due to local noise
or the close proximity of computer systems. Number 1
instructs the AR5000 to react to very weak signals while a
higher number of 255 instructs the system to react ONLY
to strong signals. Experimentation will be necessary with
different types of signal to find the best setting for specific
requirements... the lower level settings may not be usable
when high noise is present.

9-4 SCAN - VOICE

The scan VOICE parameter determines the way in which
an active channel is determined by sampling the audio
modulation. When the VOICE scan facility is enabled,
the scan process will only stop on active channels which
have modulation (such as voice) present. The AR5000
will not remain on unmodulated channels (such as blank
carriers).
You may find this facility useful for skipping over STRONG
signals but WEAKER noisy signals may fool the receiver
into thinking that modulation is present as will signals with
pilot tones or heterodynes present. Experimentation will
certainly be required with different types of signal. The
limits are OFF and 1 to 255 (default OFF).
Press
Use the
selection.
PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
MODE ALL

to access the BANK LINK menu.

keys to locate the VOICE OFF

<<<

Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
The
key may be used as a short cut to OFF.
is used to select OFF, use of the MAIN DIAL
If the
and SUB DIAL afterwards will result in the value continuing
from whatever was last selected, this speeds up the

PAGE 42

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

selection process. In fact the

key may be used as
a toggle between OFF and the new setting.

The legend * positioned to the right of the word VOICE

indicates that the current audio will open the squelch, use
the SUB DIAL to increase the value until the * legend
disappears, you can then be sure that the scan voice
setting will ignore and skip over the current frequency.
While in memory recall or scan mode, the LCD legend
VCS for voice squelch is displayed toward the top right
hand side of the LCD to indicate that voice squelch is in
operation.

To accept the changes to scan VOICE SQUELCH press

to return to normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or
VFO mode). Alternatively you may move to the next option
(MODE SCAN) by pressing the
key.

9-5 SCAN - MODE (receive mode AM,

FM etc)
The scan MODE parameter determines whether ALL
specified memory channels will be scanned or only those
of a certain receive mode.
This can be very useful if for example you have a mixture
of VHF AM civil airband frequencies in a memory bank
along with VHF NFM marine. Rather than having to scan
ALL channels or PASS (lock out) certain channels, a
SPECIFIC receive mode ONLY can be quickly selected
and scanned.
The options are: ALL, FM, AM, LSB, USB & CW
(default ALL).
Setting the option to ALL will cause the scan process
to stop on all active channels regardless of mode.
Press
Use the
selection.

to access the BANK LINK menu.

keys to locate the MODE ALL

PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
MODE ALL <<<
Rotate the SUB DIAL to change the option, the
key acts as a short cut to ALL.

To accept the changes to MODE scan press

to
return to normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or VFO mode).
Alternatively you may move to previous options using the
or
keys.

Note: If no channels have been programmed into memory

using the selected receive mode the receiver will not be
able to scan, use this facility carefully and thoughtfully. If
the receiver is unable to scan (and the bleep tone is
enabled) the error tone will be sounded when scan is
selected.

(10) SELECT SCAN - special select scan

list overview
While scanning memory banks, you may decide that some
memory channels are MORE INTERESTING than others
and become frustrated at having to manually force the
SCAN passed uninteresting, but active channels. Of
course it is possible to PASS (lockout) these uninteresting
channels but you will need to reinstate them at a later
time.
A better method is to use SELECT SCAN which is made
up of a specially selected list of tagged memory channels
which may be scanned as a group. This is a very useful
facility which allows rapid selection of memory channels
from any memory bank regardless of frequency, mode or
pass status.
Up to 100 memory channels may be tagged for
SELECT SCAN and drawn from any of the ten memory
banks.
The great advantage is that the contents of the
SELECT SCAN list may be deleted in one simple
sequence making the list blank and ready for use over
and over again.

10-1 Tagging scan select channels

There are two ways in which memory channels may be
tagged for SELECT SCAN.
1. SELECT SCAN channels may be tagged while in
SCAN MODE and stopped on an active channel by
. The legend S is added before
pressing
the memory bank number to show that the channel has
been added to the select scan list.

2. SELECT SCAN channels may be tagged while in

MEMORY RECALL MODE by first selecting the desired
. The legend
memory channel then press
S is added before the memory bank number to show
that the channel has been added to the select scan list.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 43

10-2 SELECT SCAN - while in SCAN

mode (tagging and un-tagging)

to be tagged or un-tagged, the SUB DIAL is used to change

bank number.

While the receiver is scanning, the AR5000 will stop on

active frequencies and you will soon realise that some
are interesting and some uninteresting.

When the memory channel has been tagged using the

, the legend S will be displayed
sequence
next to the bank number of the chosen memory channel
to confirm selection.

To build up your select scan list of interesting channels,

start to tag the interesting channels while the scan
sequence pauses on active memory channels by pressing

The legend S will be displayed next to the bank number

of the memory channel to confirm selection.

Each time the sequence

is keyed, the
SELECT SCAN status S is toggled so that the channel
may be tagged (chosen / registered) and un-tagged
at will.

Each time the sequence

is keyed, the
SELECT SCAN status S is toggled so that the channel
may be tagged (chosen / registered) and un-tagged
at will.

10-4 Starting SELECT SCAN

To initiate SELECT SCAN once a selection of channels
has been made press

10-3 SELECT SCAN while in MEMORY

RECALL mode (tagging and un-tagging)

SELECT SCAN will scan only the memory channels which

have been chosen (tagged) and will adopt the current
PARAMETERS which have been saved in the currently
selected BANK LINK configuration. In the default state,
the scan will remain on an active channel then wait a further
two seconds after the signal has disappeared before
resuming SCAN. If you have altered the BANK LINK /
SETUP parameters (section 9 of this manual), the new
parameters will be employed.

SELECT SCAN channels may be tagged or un-tagged

while in memory recall mode by first selecting the desired
memory channel then keying

If no memory channels have been tagged for SELECT

SCAN, the error bleep will sound (if the beep tone has
been enabled).

If not already in memory recall mode, press

. The
legends M and BANK are displayed on the LCD to
confirm selection of memory recall.

10-5 Deleting all SELECT SCAN channels

in one go

Tagging a memory for SELECT SCAN will not force the

scan to continue nor affect the way in which the memory
channel or SCAN mode operates. When the signal
disappears normal SCAN mode is resumed.

The AR5000 will display a memory channel, mode,

frequency (or TEXT if text mode is selected). You may
now select and tag interesting memory channels to add
to the SELECT SCAN list from any of the ten memory
banks.
If the desired memory channel is not immediately displayed
it may be RECALLED by keying in the required location.
To recall memory channel 100 type
there
is no need to press enter.

Alternatively the MAIN DIAL,

or
keys may
be used to review, hunt for and select memory channels

PAGE 44

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

It is convenient to delete ALL the SELECT SCAN channels

in a single operation. This makes the list ready for a fresh
start, perhaps using a totally different selection of SELECT
SCAN channels.
While this may be accomplished by untagging each and
every SCAN SELECT channel individually, a faster method
is available especially if you have previously selected all
100 select scan channels.
Access the DELETE menu by pressing
then
key for more than one second.
press and hold the
Use the
keys until DEL
SEL-CH
appears on the LCD.
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL

MEM-CH
SEL-CH
M-PASS
SRCH
F-PASS

<<<

The right of the LCD will display the legend * * if select

scan channels exist and - - if there are none to delete.

To
delete
all
select
scan
channels
, the legend will change to
(un-tag them all) press
- - to confirm operation.

The memory channels themselves will not be deleted, only

to
the select scan tags will be removed. Press
return to VFO, SCAN or SEARCH, whichever was
previously used.

(11) Priority operation

The PRIORITY feature enables you to carry on scanning,
searching or monitoring while the AR5000 checks a
selected frequency for activity (taken from one of the 1000
memory channels - default 000 every 5 seconds).
The priority checking is accomplished by momentarily
tuning the receive circuit to the priority frequency to see if
it is active. If activity is found, the AR5000 will remain on
the active frequency until the signal disappears. If no
activity is detected, the receiver returns to the VFO
frequency, scan channel or search bank from where it
originated.
The priority facility has a large number of applications and
is particularly useful for keeping an eye on a distress
frequency while scanning or searching another frequency
band.
Note: Depending upon the frequency and mode stored
as priority, an audible click may be heard when the priority
facility is in operation. This is quite normal and is caused
by the internal switching of circuitry necessary to
accomplish the frequency change (as two frequencies
cannot simultaneously be monitored).
The priority mode is automatically suspended during entry
of frequencies via the numeric keypad, this prevents the
AR5000 from changing frequency while you are busy
programming.

Once priority has been activated, the contents of the

memory channel used (default 000) may be altered without
affecting the data used for PRIORITY operation which is
stored separately and assumes an identity of its own
irrespective of the data contents of memory 000.
When the priority channel becomes active (signal present
and squelch open), the legend Pr will be displayed on
the right of the LCD. The active priority frequency will be
monitored until it clears, this will temporarily halt any scan
and search process.

Should you subsequently wish to alter the priority data,

you will have to use the PRIORITY SETUP menu.
To cancel priority operation press
, the legend
PRIO will be removed from the top line of the LCD to
confirm de-selection.

11-2 Changing PRIORITY channel

parameters
The default channel used for PRIORITY is 000 and
the frequency copied from this channel is checked for
activity every 5 seconds.
You may select a different memory channel from which
the priority data will be taken or may vary the sampling
time for priority activity checking. This is accomplished
by using the PRIORITY SETUP menu accessed by
pressing
. The flashing legend PRIO appears on
the top line of the LCD to confirm selection.
The legend Pr also alternates with the bank/channel
number on the right of the LCD inviting a new memory
location to be chosen.

11-1 Engaging PRIORITY channel

Once engaged, the default channel used for PRIORITY
is 000 and the frequency is checked for activity every
5 seconds.
First ensure that there is data stored in memory channel
000.

Use the MAIN DIAL, SUB DIAL or enter a three digit memory
location via the numeric keypad. To transfer the data to
PRIORITY press
.

To engage the priority facility press

, this may be
carried out while in SCAN, SEARCH or VFO modes. The
legend PRIO appears toward the centre of the top line
of the LCD to indicate that PRIORITY IS ENGAGED
(switched on).

Alternatively press the

keys to select the
priority sampling interval (how often priority is checked for
activity).

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 45

When the interval menu is selected the legend P-INTER

05 is displayed (with 05 being the default of 5 seconds).

Pressing
for more than 1 second will initiate the
process of storing the frequency into a memory channel.
Limitations of SEARCH mode

This numeric value in seconds determines how long the

AR5000 will wait between checking cycles before
re-sampling the priority frequency for activity (once the
priority facility has been activated). The default is 05
(5 seconds) and the acceptable range is 01 ~ 60 seconds.
Rotate the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL until the desired value is
displayed. Once you are happy with the new selection
press
to accept the changes. The display will return
to SCAN, SEARCH, or VFO mode from wherever it
originated.
Note: If you should attempt to select a blank memory
channel, a low pitch beep error will sound when you press
(if the beep is on) and the display will return to
SEARCH, SCAN or VFO mode, from wherever it
originated.

SEARCH mode is extremely effective for AM & NFM use

in the VHF and UHF bands. Searching the short wave
bands is usually ineffective due to the relatively high
background noise especially when propagation conditions
are good and bands open.
Searching using the modes of USB, LSB and CW will
produce mixed results depending upon frequency band
and whether any strong signals are encountered which
will affect the receivers AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
circuitry.
Usually, short wave band and SSB monitoring is carried
out with the squelch control open (fully anticlockwise) and
manual tuning by rotating the MAIN DIAL - not by scanning
or searching. Searching using the mode of WFM may
not be possible in certain frequency bands due to the level
of background noise and adjacent channel activity.

Fundamentally there are three types of search:

Manual search (VFO search) - VFO-A, VFO-B

(12) SEARCH
The AR5000 is equipped with various SEARCH modes
whereby an upper and lower frequency limit may be
defined and the AR5000 instructed to look for activity on
all frequencies in predetermined step size in an upward
or downward direction. The mode and channel step will
change automatically when set to the default of
AUTOMODE but data may be specified specifically if
preferred.

Simple search (VFO search) - VFO-C, VFO-D,

VFO-E
Program search (bank search) - Search banks
00 ~ 19

12-1 Manual SEARCH between two VFO

frequencies (VA, VB)

It is important that you do not confuse

SEARCH and SCAN modes.

The simplest form of controlled SEARCH is achieved

by programming different frequencies into VFO-A and
VFO-B.

SEARCH mode automatically TUNES THE RECEIVER

THROUGH ALL FREQUENCIES between two specified
frequency limits looking for active frequencies. SCAN
mode is uses SPECIFIC SPOT FREQUENCIES which
have been stored into memory.

1 Press the
key a few times until the legend VA
is displayed on the lower right corner of the LCD. Press
and hold the
key for more than one second so
that the AUTO legend is displayed to ensure the AR5000
is in AUTOMODE.

The great advantage of SEARCH over manual tuning is

that it is so fast! There are many different facilities available
for SEARCH mode which will be explained in this section.
The search instructions may be programmed into banks.
There are a total of 20 programmable search banks so
that data entry and recall is simple and efficient.
Continuously active or busy frequencies such as amateur
band repeaters may be PASSED (skipped) and active
frequencies stored into memory. There is even an
AUTO-STORE facility where active channels are
automatically written to memory bank 0.
When the AR5000 stops on a genuine active frequency
during search, the
key may be pressed to transfer
the displayed frequency to VFO-D where it may
be monitored for long periods of time or tuned.

PAGE 46

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

In this example lets assume that the required search range

is 118.000 MHz to 136.000 MHz, the step size, mode etc
will be taken care of automatically as AUTOMODE is
engaged.
While the legend VA is displayed on the lower right
corner of the LCD (signifying that VFO-A is selected) key
in the lower frequency limit of 118.000 MHz

Cancelling manual search

2 Select VFO-B. Press the

, the legend VB is
displayed on the lower right corner of the LCD. Press
and hold the
key for more than one second so
that the AUTO legend is displayed to ensure the AR5000
is in AUTOMODE (as each VFO can retain different mode
information).

. The
Manual search may be cancelled by pressing
display will either revert to VFO-A or VFO-B depending
upon which was being used when manual search was
selected. As a result VFO-A will display the lower
frequency and VFO-B the upper. This can also be useful
if you wish to quickly change the band edges of manual
search and restart the process.
Accept the frequency from manual search mode

Key the upper frequency limit into VFO-B. In this example

136.000 MHz (the step size, mode etc will be taken care
of automatically as AUTOMODE is engaged).

3 To initiate manual frequency search (while VA or VB

key for more
are displayed) press and hold the
or
keys may also be
than one second (the
held for more than one second to initiate manual search).
The squelch MUST be closed for the search process to
operate.

The manual search process will start from the frequency

in VFO-A and search until it gets to frequency of VFO-B
then loop back to the frequency of VFO-A and start again.
The legend SR (SeaRch) will be added above the VFO
indication to show that SEARCH is in progress.

If you wish to stop the manual search and monitor an

interesting busy frequency, it is necessary to transfer the
frequency to VFO-D where it may be monitored without
the search process resuming as the frequency clears.
while the frequency
To transfer the frequency press
is busy. The frequency will be transferred to VFO-D and
the legend VD will be displayed on the lower right of the
LCD to confirm operation.

Saving busy frequencies into memory

It is possible to save interesting frequencies into memory.
While stopped on an active frequency press and hold the
key for more than one second, the MEMORY
INPUT menu will appear. Select the desired memory
location for storage (refer to section 7-1 of this manual if
you are unsure of the required key strokes). Press the
key to accept input, the manual search process
will resume.

12-2 Simple search (VC, VD, VE)

The quickest form of SEARCH is achieved by keying a
start frequency into VFO-C or VFO-D or VFO-E then
key for more than one second.
pressing the
key a few times until the legend VC
1 Press the
(or VD or VE) is displayed on the lower right corner of
the LCD.

If the mode (and other receive parameters) are different

in VFO-A and VFO-B, the mode data will be taken from
the currently displayed VFO.
The MAIN DIAL, SUB DIAL,
or
keys may be
used to reverse the direction of search and force the
search process onward when stopped on a busy
frequency. The process will halt when a busy frequency
is located, (at default will wait for two seconds after the
transmission clears) then resume searching again when
the frequency is clear.

Press and hold the

key for more than one second
so the AUTO legend is displayed to ensure the AR5000
is in AUTOMODE.
In this example lets assume that the required starting point
is 145.2 MHz, the step size, mode etc will be taken care
of automatically as AUTOMODE is engaged. Key the
lower start frequency.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 47

Saving busy frequencies into memory

2 To initiate simple frequency search (while VC or VD

key for
or VE is displayed) press and hold the
more than one second (the
or
keys may
also be held for more than one second to initiate simple
search).
The squelch MUST be closed for the search process to
operate.

It is possible to save interesting frequencies into memory.

While stopped on an active frequency press and hold the
key for more than one second, the MEMORY
INPUT menu will appear. Select the desired memory
location for storage (refer to section 7-1 of this manual if
you are unsure of the required key strokes). Press the
key to accept input, the manual search process
will resume.

12-3 Optimising VFO search parameters

The key sequence
accesses a menu where
the DELAY, L-SQ level squelch and VOICE options may
be set up for VFO search (MANUAL and SIMPLE search).
The legend V- indicates that the VFO search setup menu
has been selected.
Search

The simple search process will start from the displayed

frequency, the legend SR (SeaRch) will be added above
the VFO indication to show that SEARCH is in progress.

The MAIN DIAL, SUB DIAL,

or
keys may be
used to reverse the direction of search and force the
search process onward when stopped on a busy
frequency. The process will halt when a busy frequency
is located, (at default the delay is two seconds after the
transmission clears) then resume searching again when
the frequency is clear. When simple search reaches the
top frequency range of the receiver (2600 MHz), the
search process will reverse in direction.
Cancelling simple search
Simple search may be cancelled by pressing
. The
display will either revert to VFO-C or VFO-D or VFO-E
depending upon which was being used when simple
search was selected. The VFO will display the original
start frequency.

If you wish to stop the simple search and monitor an

interesting busy frequency, it is necessary to transfer the
frequency to VFO-D where it may be monitored without
the search process resuming as the frequency clears.
To transfer the frequency press
while busy. The
frequency will be transferred to VFO-D and the legend
VD displayed on the lower right of the LCD to confirm
operation.

DELAY

2.0s

OFF and 0.1 ~ 9.9 seconds

L-SQ

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 255

VOICE

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 255 (*)

It is possible to mix combinations of all three

parameters.

VFO SEARCH - DELAY

The DELAY parameter affects the time the AR5000 will
remain on an active frequency in VFO search once the
received signal has disappeared and the squelch closed.
This is particularly useful for customising how long the
receiver will wait for a reply before continuing to search.
For example, when communications are passed back and
forth between a control tower / aircraft which may take a
few seconds. If you are scanning duplex channels then a
small delay or no delay at all may be preferable.
The limits are OFF and 0.1 to 9.9 seconds (default 2.0
seconds).
Key

Accept the frequency from manual search mode

Comment

to access the menu.

DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF

<<<

Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
The
key may be used as a short cut toggle between
OFF and the default of 2.0 seconds.

To accept the changes to DELAY, press

to return
to normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or VFO mode).
Alternatively you may move to the next option (LEVEL
key.
SQUELCH) by pressing the

PAGE 48

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

VFO SEARCH - LEVEL SQUELCH

The LEVEL SQUELCH parameter causes the receiver
to check the signal strength of active frequencies and to
only stop when the signal strength is above a
predetermined level which is programmable in 256 steps.

You may find this facility useful for skipping over STRONG
signals but WEAKER noisy signals may fool the AR5000
into thinking that modulation is present as will signals which
have pilot tones or heterodynes present. Experimentation
will certainly be required with different types of signal.
The limits are OFF and 1 to 255 (default OFF).

The limits are OFF and 1 to 255 (default OFF).

Key
Note: It is possible that false signal levels may upset the
operation of LEVEL SQUELCH due to local noise or the
close proximity of computer systems... the lower level
settings may not be usable when high noise is present.
A value of 1 instructs the AR5000 to react to very weak
signal while a value of 255 instructs the AR5000 to react
ONLY to strong signals. Experimentation will be necessary
with different types of signal to find the best setting for
specific requirements.
Key

to access the menu.

DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF

<<<

Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
The
key may be used as a short cut to OFF.

to access the menu.

DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF <<<
VOICE OFF

Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
The
key may be used as a short cut to OFF.

If the
key is used to select OFF, use of the MAIN
DIAL and SUB DIAL afterwards will result in the value
continuing from whatever was last selected, this speeds
up the selection process. In fact the
key may be
used as a toggle between OFF and the new setting.
While in VFO search mode (MANUAL or SIMPLE search)
the LCD legend N-SQL for noise squelch (normal
operation) is replaced by the legend L-SQL to indicate
that level squelch is in operation.

If the
is used to select OFF, use of the MAIN DIAL
and SUB DIAL afterwards will result in the value continuing
from whatever was last selected, this speeds up the
key may be used as
selection process. In fact the
a toggle between OFF and the new setting. The * legend
extinguishes when the current audio has been defeated
by increasing the selected value.
While in VFO search, the LCD legend VCS for voice
squelch is displayed toward the top right hand side of the
LCD to indicate that voice squelch is in operation.

To accept the changes to VOICE SQUELCH, press

to return to a normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or
VFO mode).

12-4 Program search banks

It is possible to save parameters of frequency, mode,
tuning step, step-adjust, comment etc into any of the 20
program search banks for easy access at any time.
To accept the changes to LEVEL SQUELCH, press
to return to a normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or
VFO mode). Alternatively you may move to the next option
key.
(VOICE SCAN) by pressing the

The program search banks (referred to simply as search

banks) are identified by two digit numeric legends on the
right of the LCD under the legend BANK. They can be
easily distinguished from scan banks as the legend SR
for SeaRch is displayed directly underneath.

VFO SEARCH - VOICE

The VOICE parameter determines the way in which an
active frequency is determined by sampling the audio
modulation. When the VOICE facility is enabled, VFO
search will only stop on active frequencies which have
modulation (such as voice) present. The AR5000 will not
remain on unmodulated frequencies (such as blank
carriers).

For your convenience the microprocessor (depending on

world market area) may have been pre-programmed
(possibly with 10 or so search banks) at the factory, these
being specifically chosen for each market area.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 49

An example of possible programming is as follows (in these

examples the mode, step etc are taken from the
AUTOMODE bandplan data):
10 118.000
11 225.000
12 410.000
13 156.000
14 88.000
15 145.200
16 433.000
17 1297.000
18 71.000
19 163.400

to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to

137.000 MHz
410.000 MHz
425.000 MHz
163.000 MHz
118.000 MHz
145.775 MHz
433.600 MHz
1298.000 MHz
87.000 MHz
225.000 MHz

CIV AIR
MIL AIR
USAF
MARINE
BAND 2
2M HAM
70C HAM
23C HAM
LO PMR
VHF PMR

12-5 Starting program search

Assuming that the AR5000 is pre-programmed with similar
data to that shown, initiate PROGRAM SEARCH by
. The legends BANK and SR appear
pressing
on the right of the LCD to confirm selection.

has the effect of a TEN key, i.e. bank 13

The key
may also be selected as
in a similar way to the
action of some TV & video remote controls.

12-6 Cancelling, re-starting program

search saving active frequencies
It is possible to cancel program search, resume, save
frequency to VFO where it may be tuned, save frequencies
to memory and more...
Cancelling search
To cancel program search press
, the display will
return to whichever VFO was last used (VA, VB, VC,
VD, VE). If you resume program search (by pressing
), the process will continue from the frequency in
use when cancelled.
Restarting search

To select a specific search bank rotate the SUB DIAL or key

in the two digit bank identifier via the numeric keypad.
The bank number is displayed underneath the legend
BANK. The numeric keypad may also be used while in
search mode to change bank.
For example, to search bank 15 press
in search mode, there is no need to press enter.

while

If you resume program search by pressing

, the
process will continue from the frequency in use when
cancelled. If however you wish to restart program search
process from the original frequency it is necessary to
re-select the bank. This can be done by clicking the
SUB DIAL one step then back or by keying in the bank
number again.
Accept the frequency from program search mode
If you wish to stop the program search and monitor an
interesting busy frequency, it is necessary to transfer the
desired frequency to VFO-D where it may be monitored
without the search process starting as the frequency clears.

The lowest frequency in the bank will first appear on the

LCD and will change in an upward direction. Use the
keys or MAIN DIAL to reverse the direction
of search.

To transfer the frequency press

while the frequency
is busy. The frequency will be transferred to VFO-D and
the legend VD will be displayed on the lower right of the
LCD to confirm operation.

Should the receiver stop on an unwanted active frequency,

press the
or
keys or rotate the MAIN DIAL to
force the search process to continue.
Note: Bank numbers 00 and 01 require preceding
zeros. Banks 02 to 09 just need the last digit keyed,
the preceding 0 is automatically added by the AR5000
microprocessor. Banks 10 to 19 require the entry of
both (two) digits.
Example:
To select bank 0 (00) press
To select bank 1 (01) press
To select bank 5 (05) press
To select bank 9 (09) press
To select bank 10 press
To select bank 19 press

PAGE 50

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

Saving busy frequencies into memory

It is possible to save interesting frequencies into memory.
While stopped on an active frequency press and hold the
key for more than one second. The MEMORY
INPUT menu will appear. Select the desired memory
location for storage (refer to section 7-1 of this manual if
you are unsure of the required key strokes). When the
is pressed to accept input, the program search
process will resume.

12-7 Programming and reprogramming

PROGRAM SEARCH BANKS
You may wish to specify your own frequency limits or
modes for program search banks. There are 20 program
search banks in total 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08,
09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19.

To accept the bank location of 05 and initiate the

programming process press

Example of reprogramming a search bank - 05

Input the lower frequency limit: The legend LO will

flash on the right of the LCD inviting entry of the LOWER
frequency limit.

Lets assume that you wish to reprogram the data contents

of search bank 5: 433.000 to 433.6000 MHz, mode to
NFM, 15kHz I.F. bandwidth, 25 kHz tuning steps,
step-adjust off and comment to 70CM.

Note: The attenuator and aerial selection is made while

program search is in operation and is not programmed
into the stored data, this greatly increases the versatility
when in live use !
To make things easier for this example, first delete the
existing data.
Press
operation.

to place the receiver in a known state of

Press
then press the
key for more than one
second to access the DELETE menu. Press the
key three times to access the DEL SRCH menu (or
you could press the
key twice to get to the same
place).
Rotate the SUB DIAL until BANK 05 is displayed on the
right of the LCD.

If data is already programmed into this bank the legend *

* will be displayed, if no data is present the legend - -
will be displayed.
Assuming that data is present, press the
key
to delete the contents, after about one or two seconds
delay the legend will change to - - to confirm deletion.

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
In this example key in
strokes are echoed onto the LCD.

, the key

Note: If a mistake was made keying in previous data,

you may move backward (or forward) through the
or
data input selection process by holding the
key for more than one second depending upon
which way you wish to move.
Input the upper frequency limit: The legend HI will
now flash on the right of the LCD confirming entry of the
previous data and inviting entry of the UPPER frequency
limit.

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
In this example key in

Press
mode.

to complete the sequence and return to VFO

To start programming select the data input menu by

pressing
Select the required bank by rotating the SUB DIAL, until
BANK 05 is displayed on the right of the LCD (for this
example). As no data exists the legend - - - - - - - - - - will
be displayed, if data was present the upper (HI) and
lower (LO) frequency limits would alternatively be
displayed to warn that data was about to be over-written.

Select the receive mode: The legend MODE will

flash on the display (along with the legend SR on the
right of the LCD) inviting the receive mode to be
entered. The current receive mode is displayed to the
right of the MODE legend. For example, if the
receiver is currently in AUTOMODE the legend MODE
AUTO will be displayed. Rotate the SUB DIAL to select
the receive mode, the choice is: AUTO, FM, AM, LSB,
key acts as a short cut
USB & CW. Note: the
to AUTOMODE.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 51

LO
HI
MODE FM <<<
IFBW 0.5 (skipped if AUTOMODE is used)
STEP 1.000 (skipped if AUTOMODE is used)
TXT

LO
HI
MODE FM
IFBW 15.0
STEP 25.000
TXT <<<

to accept

To aid text entry, a decimal . is displayed to the right of

the text entry point (initially close to the left of the LCD).

Select I.F. bandwidth: Providing AUTOMODE has not

been selected, the I.F. bandwidth input menu will be
displayed IFBW. The numbers to the right of this legend
followed by the legend kHz represent the I.F. bandwidth
selection.

The SUB DIAL is used to make selection of text in the form

of upper case letters, numbers and symbols. The
and
keys move the text entry point to the right and
left respectively. If a mistake is made during entry, use
key to move back to the required position and
the
simply over-write it.

In this example select FM and press

the input.

LO
HI
MODE FM
IFBW 15.0 <<<
STEP 1.000 (skipped if AUTOMODE is used)
TXT
In this example rotate the SUB DIAL to select 15 kHz
then press
to accept the input.

Input the tuning step size: Providing AUTOMODE has

not been previously selected, the legend STEP will be
displayed flashing toward the centre-top of the LCD inviting
input of tuning step size. Either select the required tuning
step size using the SUB DIAL (from the selection offered) or
key in the required step size in kHz using the numeric
keypad.

If step-adjust is required press

, the legend *
will then be displayed on the extreme left of the LCD to
confirm selection.
LO
HI
MODE FM
IFBW 15.0
STEP 25.000
TXT

to accept

Alphanumeric text input (not mandatory): The TXT

legend will be displayed inviting you to select new text for
storage in search bank 05. This can be useful to assist
identification of banks when the AR5000 in used in TEXT
display mode but the input of text is not mandatory. Should
you wish to ignore the entry of text press
now.

PAGE 52

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

1 =

Display a blank , cancel whatever letter

is currently displayed

2=

Start at number 1

3=

Start at letter A

4=

Start at letter M

5=

Start at letter Z

6=

Start at number 9

0=

Start at symbol - -

In this example select the text 70CM then press

to accept input and complete the programming of
program search bank 05.

Notes on program search bank

programming

<<<

In this example select 25 kHz. Press

the data input.

You will note that each time the entry point is moved and
text selected, the first letter offered is not 0 or A but
continues from the character, number or symbol last used.
A few short cuts are provided via the numeric keypad:

Aborting input: At any time you may abort input by

pressing the
key, the display will return to VFO
mode.
Deleting data: There is no need to delete program search
bank data before programming. If data is already present,
it may simply be over-written. In this instance the
key must be used to view and move through the options,
pressing the
key will simply cause the current setup
to be saved.
Auto aerial switching: To enable the fastest search rates,
automatic aerial switching is not selected as default,
however you may still manually change the aerial selection
when in program search mode. Simply initiate whatever

search bank is desired then override the current aerial

selection by pressing
to
select automatic aerial switching... of course ANT 1, ANT
2, ANT 3 or ANT 4 may be selected using this menu
, use the SUB DIAL instead).
(dont use

12-9 SEARCH - outline introduction to

additional facilities available

Text display: To toggle the FREQUENCY / TEXT display

while in memory recall, scan and search modes press
followed by a brief press of the
key.

During program search, the AR5000 tunes to every

frequency between two specified frequency limits looking
for active interesting frequencies. When an active
frequency is located (when a signal is found and the
squelch is open) the receiver will temporarily stop
searching.

To start searching program search bank 05 (or whatever

(providing
bank was last selected) simply press
you havent set up the search bank link in any specific
way to prevent searching of bank 05). To change search
bank, rotate the SUB DIAL or key in the two digit search
bank number if known (providing it contains data).

At default when shipped from the factory, the AR5000

will remain on an active frequency until the received signal
disappears and the squelch closes. The AR5000 will then
wait an additional 2 seconds in case a reply is audible
(such as aircraft and air traffic communications) then will
resume searching.

12-8 Deleting PROGRAM SEARCH

BANKS
Although you may overwrite program search banks
and omit them from search groups through the use of
BANK-LINK, it is also possible to DELETE all the data
from a specific bank. This may make reprogramming
new data into the bank more straight forward and may be
useful should a corruption occur.
Example of deleting program search bank - 08
Press
operation.

to place the receiver into a known state of

then press the

key for more than one
Press
second to access the DELETE menu. Press the
key three times to access the DEL SRCH menu
(or you could press the
key twice to get to the
same place).
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL

MEM-CH
SEL-CH
M-PASS
SRCH <<<
F-PASS

Rotate the SUB DIAL until BANK 08 is displayed on the

right of the LCD.

If the
keys are pressed during search or
the MAIN DIAL rotated, the direction of search may be
reversed. This is particularly useful for taking a second
look at frequencies which have just been searched and
for forcing the search process onward passed unwanted
frequencies.
Additional facilities are available in PROGRAM
SEARCH mode:
Program search banks may be LINKED and UNLINKED
to effectively make larger or smaller groups of program
search banks which may be searched in succession.

FREQUENCY PASS may be used so that constantly

active frequencies can be skipped when not required, they
may be reinstated at a later time.
AUTO-MEMORY makes special use of memory bank 0
so that active frequencies found while conducting a
SEARCH may be automatically written to memory (refer
to section 12-19 of this manual for further information).
This is a useful tool for compiling an activity list of rarely
used frequencies especially when unattended.
There are further parameters (in addition to BANK LINK,
PASS and AUTO-STORE) which may be changed to suit
your preferences and requirements. The list of search
defaults is shown below:
Search type

If data is already programmed into this bank the legend *

* will be displayed, if no data is present the legend - -
will be displayed.
Assuming that data is present, press
to delete the
contents, after about one or two seconds delay the legend
to
will change to - - to confirm deletion. Press
complete the sequence and return to VFO mode.

Comment

PAUSE

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 60 seconds

DELAY

2.0s

OFF and 0.1 ~ 9.9 seconds

L-SQ

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 255

VOICE

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 255 (*)

For further information refer to the detailed information

starting at section 12-13 of this manual.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 53

12-10 Linking program search banks

When shipped from the factory (using default settings) all
program search banks are UNLINKED so may only be
searched on an individual basis by selecting the search
bank identifier by rotating the SUB DIAL or keying in the two
digit bank identifier via the numeric keypad (00, 08,
15 etc). This is the usual way in which program search
banks would be used.
When in PROGRAM SEARCH MODE, the program
search banks are referred to as SEARCH BANK 00",
SEARCH BANK 08, SEARCH BANK 15 etc rather than
using the full title PROGRAM SEARCH BANK 00,
PROGRAM SEARCH BANK 01 etc. In fact program
search banks below 10 may simply be referred to as
1, 2, 3 etc (missing out the preceding zero). This
terminology has been employed to make the explanation
of and referral to PROGRAM SEARCH BANKS
(SEARCH BANKS) less long-winded.
It is possible to quickly link a number of search banks
together so they will be searched as one group, this can
be useful for dividing large bands (such as UHF military
airband 220 ~ 410 MHz) into smaller, more manageable
sizes. It is possible to select any number from the
20 banks to be searched as a group such as 01, 03, 04,
07, 12, 19.
To LINK search banks, the SEARCH SETUP MENU is
used. To access this menu press
(this
may be carried out in SCAN mode, SEARCH mode or
VFO mode).
The flashing legend SR confirms selection of the search
bank link menu. At default the dominant legend will be
OFF to indicate that SEARCH LINK is not active.

= search bank 11
= search bank 12
= search bank 13
= search bank 14
= search bank 15
= search bank 16
= search bank 17
= search bank 18
= search bank 19
To select search banks 10 to 19, the preceding . is used
= 15
as the figure TEN, i.e.
The corresponding bank identifiers will be displayed on
the LCD (where frequency is normally displayed). In the
case of banks 10 to 19, bank link will be indicated by the
display of a decimal point.

key, the
To switch BANK LINK ON press the
legend changes from OFF to ON. To accept the
displayed bank link data press
.

Next time the receiver is returned to PROGRAM SEARCH

MODE, ALL banks containing data will be searched.

Note: The SEARCH BANK LINK / SETUP menu also

provides access to four further parameters to customise
the way in which program search operates. Please refer
to section 12-13 of this manual for further information.
Selecting different favourite bank link identifiers

There are ten possible PROFILES for BANK LINK which

may be saved for later (fast) retrieval to minimise the
required reprogramming, these are identified by number
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9. The SUB DIAL is used to make
selection of favourite setup.

The AR5000 will use the settings of whichever bank link

identifier is displayed when the bank link menu is accessed
by pressing
, this equates to whichever was
last set. Use the SUB DIAL to select the required identifier
key to accept the changes.
followed by the

To link ALL banks, first use the SUB DIAL to choose a bank
link identifier (0 being displayed as default), then to link
ALL search banks press all the identifying numeric keys
for the twenty banks 00 ~ 19:
= search bank 00
= search bank 01
= search bank 02
= search bank 03
= search bank 04
= search bank 05
= search bank 06
= search bank 07
= search bank 08
= search bank 09
= search bank 10

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AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

Deselecting linked banks

It is not necessary to deselect bank link identifiers if you
wish to scan a single search bank, simply access the bank
key to switch bank link
link menu and use the
OFF followed by the
key to accept the change.

12-11 Linking only a few search banks

When the BANK LINK menu has been selected ON (as
per section 12-10 of this manual), ALL search banks are
linked. However, it is possible to de-select and re-select
search banks and select just those you particularly wish
to group together and search.
To LINK just three search banks, access the bank link
menu by pressing
, this may be carried out
in SCAN mode, SEARCH mode or VFO mode.
The flashing legend SR confirm selection of the search
bank link menu. At default the dominant legend will be
OFF to indicate that SEARCH LINK is not active. Select
the bank link PROFILE you require using the SUB DIAL.
Example, link banks 00, 03 & 12.
To select the desired banks to link press each
corresponding numeric key

The corresponding bank identifiers will be displayed on

the LCD (where frequency is normally displayed).

To switch BANK LINK ON press the

key, the
legend changes from OFF to ON. To accept the
displayed bank link data press

Next time the AR5000 is returned to SEARCH MODE,

banks 00, 03 & 12 will be searched as a group (as long as
they contain data).

12-12 Searching a bank which is not

selected in BANK LINK
It is still possible to SEARCH a single deselected bank by
manually bypassing the BANK LINK programming. To
SEARCH any deselected bank simply rotate the SUB DIAL
while searching until the desired search bank number is
displayed on the top right of the LCD, alternatively key in
the two digit bank identifier via the numeric keypad.

To return to the GROUP selection, rotate the SUB DIAL until

one of the desired search bank numbers is displayed.

12-13 Additional PROGRAM SEARCH

facilities (introduction)
It is possible to alter the sequence of search events when
in PROGRAM SEARCH mode depending upon the
SEARCH CONFIGURATION as defined in the BANK
LINK / SETUP sub menu. As with BANK LINK, 10
PROFILES of the additional facilities may be used (along
side BANK LINK).
There are five parameters (in addition to BANK LINK)
which may be changed to suit your preferences and
requirements. The list of search defaults are:
Search type

Comment

PAUSE

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 60 seconds

DELAY

2.0

OFF and 0.1 ~ 9.9 seconds

L-SQ

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 255

VOICE

OFF

OFF and 1 ~ 255 (*)

A-STORE

OFF

OFF and ON

It is possible to mix combinations of all five

parameters.
To access the additional facilities of BANK LINK / SETUP
press
. Initially the BANK LINK menu will
be displayed, the
and
keys allow selection
of the additional facilities as a carousel.
The MAIN DIAL and SUB DIAL may be rotated to change
values on each menu. The
key selects OFF (and
sometimes the default such as 2.0s, as in the DELAY
menu). When you are happy with the changes press
to accept the changes and the AR5000 will revert
to SCAN, SEARCH or VFO mode depending upon which
was previously in use.
Note: Make small changes and assess the effect as
incorrect setting may degrade the effectiveness of
SEARCH. If things appear to go wrong, return the settings
to their defaults as listed earlier in this section.

In extreme cases, reset the microprocessor (by switching

the receiver on while holding the
key), this
operation will revert the search options back to defaults
(by deleting all bank link / setup programming).

12-14 PROGRAM SEARCH - PAUSE

The AR5000 will search only the selected single unlinked

bank over and over and will not attempt to search the
group of banks as specified in BANK LINK.

The search PAUSE parameter determines how long the

AR5000 will remain on an active channel before resuming
search.

Alternatively you could switch bank link OFF or select a

bank link profile where group programming has not been
selected.

This is useful if you wish to gain a picture of what is

happening on a band without the receiver being tied to a
busy frequency for long periods of time (such as when
monitoring active amateur band repeaters etc).

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 55

PAUSE saves you having to manually intervene to force

the search process to resume or the need to lockout
frequencies using the FREQUENCY PASS facility.
The limits are OFF and 01 to 60 seconds (default OFF).
Press
Use the
selection.

to access the BANK LINK menu.

keys to locate the PAUSE OFF

PAUSE OFF <<<

DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
A.STORE OFF
Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
key may be used as a short cut to OFF.
The

To accept the changes to DELAY, press

to return
to a normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or VFO mode).
Alternatively you may move to the next option (LEVEL
key.
SQUELCH) by pressing the

12-16 PROGRAM SEARCH - LEVEL

SQUELCH
The search LEVEL SQUELCH parameter causes the
AR5000 to check the signal strength of active frequencies
and to only stop when the signal strength is above a
predetermined level (which is programmable in 256 steps).
The limits are OFF and 1 to 255 (default OFF).

To accept the changes to PAUSE, press

to return
to a normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or VFO mode).
Alternatively you may move to the next option (DELAY)
key.
by pressing the
While in PROGRAM SEARCH, the legend PAUSE will
be displayed toward the right hand side of the LCD to
indicate that PAUSE is in operation.

12-15 PROGRAM SEARCH - DELAY

Press
Use the
selection.

to access the BANK LINK menu.

keys to locate the L-SQ OFF

PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF <<<
VOICE OFF
A.STORE OFF
Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
key may be used as a short cut to OFF. If the
The
is used to select OFF, use of the MAIN DIAL and
SUB DIAL afterwards will result in the value continuing from
whatever was last selected, this speeds up the selection
process. In fact the
key may be used as a toggle
between OFF and the new setting.

The search DELAY parameter affects the time the

AR5000 will remain on an active frequency in search mode
once the received signal has disappeared and the squelch
closed.
This is particularly useful for customising how long the
receiver will wait for a reply before resuming search. For
example, when communications are passed back and
forth between a control tower / aircraft which may take a
few seconds.

While in program search mode, the LCD legend N-SQL

for noise squelch (normal operation) is replaced by the
legend L-SQL to indicate that level squelch is in
operation.

The limits are OFF and 0.1 to 9.9 seconds (default 2.0
seconds).
Press
Use the
selection.

to access the BANK LINK menu.

keys to locate the DELAY 2.0

PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
A.STORE OFF
Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
The
key may be used as a short cut toggle between
OFF and the default of 2.0 seconds.

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AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

To accept the changes to LEVEL SQUELCH, press

to return to a normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or
VFO mode). Alternatively you may move to the next option
(VOICE) by pressing the
key.
Note: It is possible that false signal levels may upset the
operation of search LEVEL SQUELCH due to local noise
or the close proximity of computer systems.
A value of 1 instructs the AR5000 to react to very weak
signal while a value of 255 instructs the receiver to react
ONLY to strong signals. Experimentation will be necessary
with different types of signal to find the best setting for

specific requirements... the lower level settings may not

be usable when high noise is present.

12-17 PROGRAM SEARCH - VOICE

The search VOICE parameter determines the way in which
an active frequency is determined by sampling the audio
modulation. When the VOICE search facility is enabled,
the search process will only stop on active channels which
have modulation (such as voice) present. The AR5000
will not remain on unmodulated frequencies (such as blank
carriers).
You may find this facility useful for skipping over STRONG
signals but WEAKER noisy signals and transmissions with
pilot tones or heterodynes present may fool the receiver
into thinking that modulation is present. Experimentation
will certainly be required with different types of signal.
The limits are OFF and 1 to 255 (default OFF).
Press
Use the
selection.

12-18 Cyber Search

A special facility has been provided to speed up the search
process (which is capable of searching about 25
frequencies per second), typically the speed increases to
about 45 frequencies per second as long as the step size
is set to 100 kHz or less.
When Cyber Search has been selected, both the
frequency and text are blanked out from the display while
searching, the words CYBER SRCH being displayed
in their place. While searching, the legend SR is
displayed on the extreme right of the display to indicate
that search is in progress (exact position dependant on
whether PROGRAM SEARCH, SIMPLE SEARCH or
MANUAL SEARCH has been selected.

to access the BANK LINK menu.

keys to locate the VOICE OFF

PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF <<<
A.STORE OFF
Either use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to change the value.
The
key may be used as a short cut to OFF. If the
is used to select OFF, use of the MAIN DIAL and
SUB DIAL afterwards will result in the value continuing from
whatever was last selected, this speeds up the selection
process. In fact the
key may be used as a toggle
between OFF and the new setting.

The legend * positioned to the right of the word VOICE

(to the left of the numeric value) indicates that the current
audio will open the squelch, use the SUB DIAL to increase
the value until the * legend disappears, you can then be
sure that the search voice setting will ignore and skip over
the current frequency.
While in program search mode, the LCD legend VCS
for voice squelch is displayed toward the top right hand
side of the LCD to indicate that voice squelch is in
operation.

When a busy channel is located, the FREQUENCY or

TEXT will be displayed (taking the place of the Cyber
Search legend), the BUSY legend indicates when an
active frequency has been located.

A group of three digit numbers counting from 000 to

999 is displayed in the centre-right of the top row to
indicate that the Cyber Search process is proceeding...
the rolling numbers do not have any specific meaning,
they are like the rolling drums of a fruit machine! If nothing
were displayed to show that Cyber Search was in
operation and no transmissions were encountered, the
AR5000 may otherwise look like it was doing nothing.

To enable Cyber Search press

then press and
key for more than one second... a bleep
hold the
will then sound and the FUNC legend will be removed
from the LCD to confirm operation. This key sequence
acts as a toggle to switch Cyber Search on and off.

Cyber Scan and Cyber Search are selected using the

same key sequence, the command being global , if
CYBER status is changed in search mode, it will affect
scan mode as well.
To accept the changes to VOICE SQUELCH, press
to return to a normal display (SCAN, SEARCH or
VFO mode). Alternatively you may move to the next option
key.
(AUTO-STORE) by pressing the

Note: If no text has been saved in the program search

bank and TEXT mode has been selected rather than
FREQUENCY, the display will be void of information when
Cyber Search locates a busy channel !!

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 57

PAUSE OFF
DELAY 2.0
L-SQ OFF
VOICE OFF
A.STORE OFF

12-19 AUTO-STORE
The auto-store (A.STORE) facility enables the first 100
busy frequencies located during search to be automatically
saved in memory bank 0 for later review and scanning.
When shipped from the factory auto-store is switched OFF.

<<<

key toggles between OFF and ON. Press

to select ON then press
to accept the
changes. The AR5000 will revert to SCAN, SEARCH or
VFO mode depending upon which was previously in use.

The
The first 100 active frequencies will be automatically
stored into memory in ascending memory channel order
from 000 ~ 099 until all 100 channels have been used.
Active frequencies located after the 100th channel has
been used will not be stored, this limitation is to prevent
unnecessary writing to the EEPROM data store. Active
frequencies located within 10 kHz of a previously stored
frequency will not be stored... this is to prevent the same
frequency from being saved over and over again.
When you first wish to use auto-store, it is best to delete
the contents of memory bank 0 (where the search
frequencies will be automatically saved to memory), in
order to provide meaningful information.
Deleting ALL channels from memory bank 0
before using AUTO-STORE
Ensure the AR5000 is in VFO or memory recall mode, if
in doubt press
To access the DEL MEM-CH menu, press
then press and hold the
key for more than one
second. Use the
keys until the legend
DEL MEM-CH is displayed.
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL

MEM-CH
SEL-CH
M-PASS
SRCH
F-PASS

<<<

Use the SUB DIAL to select bank 0. The legend * *

displayed under the bank number shows that this bank
contains data and all channels have been selected for
delete (the legend - - indicates that the memory bank
does not contain data).
, after about two
To erase the selected bank press
seconds the * * legend will change to - - to indicate that
the contents have been deleted.
or
to return to SCAN or VFO mode
Press
depending on which one was previously in use.

Place the receiver into program search mode by pressing

(manual search or simple search may also be
used). Select any search bank containing data and allow
the set to search and find active channels. Active
frequencies will now be automatically written to memory
bank 0 channels 000 ~ 099 in ascending order until all
100 have been used.
Reviewing automatically stored memory channels
You may review the frequencies which have been written
automatically to memory bank 0 by entering MEMORY
RECALL MODE.
First place the AR5000 into memory recall mode by
pressing the
key once (unless it is in SCAN mode
in which case you should press
followed by
).
Select memory bank 0 by rotating the SUB DIAL or keying
in the first memory location of bank 0 via the numeric
. The
keys or
keypad
MAIN DIAL may be used to review the memory channel
data.

What to do with the automatically stored data

Once data has been stored, it may be deleted (as
described earlier in this section), scanned by placing the
AR5000 into scan mode then selecting bank 0 or
MOVED to another memory location by recalling it to
VFO-E (by pressing
) and entering the data into
another channel to form the basis of a useful data bank.

(13) Frequency Pass

Starting AUTO-STORE
First turn the auto-store facility ON (default is OFF).
To access the auto-store On/Off menu, the BANK LINK /
,
SETUP menu has to be used. Press
initially the BANK LINK menu is displayed. Use the
key to locate the menu A.STORE.

Frequency pass is different to channel pass (used to

temporarily lock out unwanted memory channels) because
frequency pass allows individual FREQUENCIES to be
passed so they will be skipped over when in program
search mode. This can be useful to remove blank carriers
or unwanted signals from continually stopping the search
process.
Each of the twenty search banks have 100 PASS
frequencies plus 100 further for use in VFO mode (manual
& simple search) making a total of 2100 pass frequencies.

PAGE 58

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

Frequencies which have been registered as a pass

frequency will not be received during a subsequent search.
All search banks are independent from each other. For
this reason a frequency selected as PASS in one bank
will not automatically be passed in another bank, it will
only be skipped over in the bank in which it is registered.
Note: Any active frequency within 10 kHz of the passed
frequency will be ignored so that all the pass channels do
not have to used up in one particular noisy part of a band,
this must be noted when small steps sizes such as 50 Hz
or 100 Hz are used for SSB and CW monitoring.

key to enter add/edit/delete mode. The

Press the
selected bank number will be displayed under the legend
BANK, if in VFO mode the bank number will be replaced
by the letter V.

If no pass channels are currently allocated for the selected

bank, the legend - - - - - - - - - - will be displayed.

13-1 Register PASS Frequency

You can register any frequency as a PASS frequency when
program search has stopped.
While search has stopped on a busy frequency press
, the displayed frequency will be instantly registered
as a PASS frequency and the search will immediately
resume.
If in VFO mode (or manual search or simple search)
frequencies may also be registered as PASS by pressing
the
key. In this instance the frequency will be added
to the VFO pass list (as opposed to banks 00 ~ 19).
A beep will sound if all 100 PASS frequencies have already
been registered on the bank in use indicating that no more
frequencies may be passed.

If pass frequencies have already been registered, pass

channel numbers will have been automatically allocated
starting at 00 through 99. The first pass channel will be
displayed (with the legend 00 being displayed under
the bank number).

Rotate the SUB DIAL to review the pass channels, the first
available empty channel may be displayed ready to accept
data input, the legend - - - - - - - - - - identifies the empty
channel.

13-2 Manually adding a PASS frequency

using the PASS menu
It is possible to register pass frequencies using the pass
menu. This is particularly useful for eliminating known
troublesome blank carriers even before you start to search!
To access the pass menu, press and hold the
for more than one second.

To register a new pass frequency, key in the desired

or
frequency finishing in
. i.e.
for 123 MHz.

key

Rotate the SUB DIAL to select the next empty pass channel
and continue to build up the list of frequencies to be
skipped.

The legend F-PASS will be displayed with an identifying

bank number or legend VFO to the right depending
whether the receiver is currently in program search mode
(in which case the current bank number will be displayed)
or VFO (or manual search or simple search) mode.
Rotate the SUB DIAL to select the required bank number
(00 ~ 19 or VFO).

To select another bank press the

key to return to
the first menu and repeat the above process for another
bank.

To accept the input and complete the process, press

in either of the two menus.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 59

Notes: You can enter a PASS frequency down to the

100kHz order only (as a PASS frequency is valid within a
range of 10kHz). The PASS frequency can be entered
anywhere within The AR5000s receive range but it must
be noted that the search rate will slow down if the pass
frequency is entered outside of the selected program
search range as the AR5000 microprocessor will need to
check pass frequencies even if they are outside of the
program search range. It is advisable not to enter pass
frequencies outside of the selected program search range
for this reason.

displayed with the legend 00 being displayed under the

bank number.

Rotate the SUB DIAL to review the pass channels, the first
available empty channel may also be displayed ready to
accept data input, the legend - - - - - - - - - - identifies the
empty channel.

13-3 Editing pass frequencies

It is also possible edit the contents of the pass list once
frequencies have been registered. This can be useful
when reviewing the contents of the pass list, to allow
changing of frequencies slightly or over-writing those not
required when you have used all 100 and want to add
another!

To edit the frequency of a displayed pass channel simply

key in a new frequency finishing in
or

To access the pass menu, press and hold the

key
for more than one second. The legend F-PASS will
be displayed with an identifying bank number or legend
VFO to the right depending on whether the AR5000 is
currently in program search mode (in which case the
current bank number will be displayed) or VFO (or manual
search or simple search) mode.

i.e.

Rotate the SUB DIAL to select the required bank number

(00 ~ 19 or VFO).

for 118 MHz.

Rotate the SUB DIAL to continue the review / selection

key to
process. To select another bank press the
return to the first menu and repeat the above process for
another bank.

To accept the input and complete the process, press

in either of the two menus.

13-4 Deleting individual pass frequencies

key to enter add/edit/delete mode. The
Press the
selected bank number will be displayed under the legend
BANK, if in VFO mode the bank number will be replaced
by the letter V.

It is possible to delete individual pass channels as well as

whole banks in one go. Individual pass channels are
selected and deleted using the frequency pass menu.
To access the pass menu, press and hold the
key
for more than one second. The legend F-PASS will
be displayed with an identifying bank number or legend
VFO to the right depending on whether the receiver is
currently in program search mode (in which case the
current bank number will be displayed) or VFO (or manual
search or simple search) mode.

If no pass channels are currently allocated for the selected

bank, the legend - - - - - - - - - - will be displayed.

If pass frequencies have already been registered, pass

channel numbers will have been automatically allocated
starting at 00 through 99. The first pass channel will be

PAGE 60

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

Rotate the SUB DIAL to select the required bank number

(00 ~ 19 or VFO).

search bank does not contain any frequency pass

channels.

key to enter add/edit/delete mode. The

Press the
selected bank number will be displayed under the legend
BANK, if in VFO mode the bank number will be replaced
by the letter V. Rotate the SUB DIAL to review the pass
channels.
To delete all frequency pass channels of the selected bank
, after about two seconds the * * legend
press
will change to - - to indicate that all the pass frequencies
have been deleted.

To delete the frequency of a displayed pass channel press

. The pass channel will be deleted and the pass
list will shuffle down to fill the gap created (unless the
last channel is deleted in which case the - - - legend will
be displayed to indicate that the channel (and bank) no
longer contains data.

Rotate the SUB DIAL to continue the review / selection

key to
process. To select another bank press the
return to the first menu and repeat the above process for
another bank.
To accept the input and complete the process, press
in either of the two menus.

13-5 Deleting complete banks of pass

frequencies
Sometimes it is convenient to remove the frequency pass
status of all channels in a search bank instead of reviewing
and deleting them one-by-one (as described in section
13-4 of this manual).... especially if you have previously
registered 100 pass frequencies in a bank.
Ensure the AR5000 is in VFO or memory recall mode, if
in doubt press
.
To access the DEL F-PASS menu, press
key for more than one
then press and hold the
second. Use the
keys until the legend
DEL F-PASS is displayed.
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL
DEL

MEM-CH
SEL-CH
M-PASS
SRCH
F-PASS

Press
or
to return to SCAN or VFO mode
depending on which one was previously in use.

(14) Real time clock

The AR5000 is equipped with two independent real time
clocks capable of either 12hr or 24hr format displaying
hours, minutes and seconds. Each clock can also display
a three character text comment which is useful for
identification... UTC, EST, JST etc.
When the AR5000 is switched off but power still
connected, the clock is displayed on the LCD (but without
rear illumination).
The real time clocks are maintained by a SUPER
CAPACITOR while power is disconnected from the
receiver, this will maintain the correct time for up to
approximately 50 hours. It will take a while for the capacitor
to charge up so if only connected to power for a few
minutes, the clocks will not be maintained for long. If the
capacitor has depleted causing the clocks to stop,
all display segments will momentarily illuminate during
power-on of the AR5000 and the clocks will start counting
from 00-00-00 hrs.

14-1 Displaying the clock

To display the real time clock, press
. The
AR5000 will continue to monitor while the clock is displayed
making it ideal for log keeping. The SUB DIAL is used to
select CLOCK 1 or CLOCK 2, the selection being
identified by the legend 1 or 2 on the right hand side
of the LCD.

<<<

Use the SUB DIAL to select the bank containing the

frequency pass channels you wish to delete (00 ~ 19 and
V). The legend * * displayed under the bank identifier
shows that the bank contains frequency pass channels
which may be deleted, the legend - - indicates that the

,
Pressing any key other than
,
or
using any control other than the SUB DIAL will result in
removal of the clock from display and return to a
conventional frequency / text readout.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 61

14-2 Setting time

Clock 1 and clock 2 may display different hours and text
but the minutes and seconds will be common to both
clocks.

SELECT 24H / SELECT 12H

6-23-16 1 / AM.6-23-16 1
TXT 1 <<<
4-23-30 2 / PM.4-23-30 2
TXT 2

To set the initial real time, press

then press and
hold the
key for more than one second then follow
the prompts.

Initial Set
1 To access the clock set menu, press
then press
and hold the
key for more than one second. The
settings for Clock 1 are first displayed / entered followed
by those for clock 2.

Use the SUB DIAL (and numeric keypad if you wish) to select
the required three character text comment for clock 1...
such as UTC.

This is carried out in the same way as text input to memory

or search banks, the SUB DIAL is rotated to select the
required character and quick presses of the
keys are used to change the text input position left / right.
5 Press and hold the
key for more than one
second to move onto the input selection for clock 2.
2 The menu prompts SELECT 24H, rotate the
SUB DIAL to select between 24hr SELECT 24H and
12hr SELECT 12H display. The selection of 12/24hrs
affects BOTH clocks.
SELECT 24H / SELECT 12H <<<
6-23-16 1 / AM.6-23-16 1
TXT 1
4-23-30 2 / PM.4-23-30 2
TXT 2
3 Press the
key to move on to time input (the
key may be used during initial set to scroll
backwards, press and hold for more than one second).
SELECT 24H / SELECT 12H
6-23-16 1 / AM.6-23-16 1 <<<
TXT 1
4-23-30 2 / PM.4-23-30 2
TXT 2

The legend 1 is displayed on the right hand side of the

LCD to indicate that the setting of clock 1 is in progress.
The hours may be adjusted using the MAIN DIAL and
minutes using the SUB DIAL. As soon as the MAIN DIAL
or SUB DIAL are used, the seconds are frozen to allow
accurate time setting from a TIME STANDARD, the
legend - - is displayed between hours, minutes and
seconds to indicate that initial set is in progress.
4 Press the

PAGE 62

key to move on to TEXT.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

SELECT 24H / SELECT 12H

6-23-16 1 / AM.6-23-16 1
TXT 1
4-23-30 2 / PM.4-23-30
TXT 2

<<<

6 The legend 2 is displayed on the right hand side of

the LCD to indicate that the setting of clock 2 is in
progress. The hours may be adjusted using the
MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL as the minutes and seconds are
taken from clock 1. At this point the seconds are frozen
to allow accurate time setting, the legend - - is displayed
between hours, minutes and seconds to indicate that initial
set is still in progress.
7 Press the

key to move on to TEXT.

SELECT 24H / SELECT 12H

6-23-16 1 / AM.6-23-16 1
TXT 1
4-23-30 2 / PM.4-23-30 2
TXT 2 <<<
Use the SUB DIAL (and numeric keypad if you wish) to select
the required three character text comment for clock 2...
such as EST.

8 Pressing
at this time will commit the input data
and start the seconds counting. However for accurate
setting, display clock 1 again. Press and hold the
key for more than one second to scroll passed SELECT
key again for more than one
24H then press the
second to display clock 1.

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 BEEP
During ALARM BEEP mode, the AR5000 will power-up
at the pre-set time causing the beep sounder to activate
(repeated three beeps) at the pre-set volume level. This
is useful as an (expensive!) alarm clock when you dont
want to miss an important broadcast or event.
Alarm RADIO

9 When referring to a time standard (or accurate watch!),

press the
key to accept input and start the seconds
counting.

To check the settings, have a look at the clocks by pressing

as in section 14-1 of this manual.
Note: At any point when you feel the data input is
complete (perhaps you only wish to set one clock) press
to accept the data changes and start the seconds
counting. At any time you may abort input by pressing

Daylight saving (clock 2 only)

On occasion you may not wish to completely change the
clock data but only adjust the HOURS, perhaps in areas
where daylight saving is used where one or two hours are
added to / removed from the local clock time once per
year... on the other hand you may move between time
zones while travelling.
As only the hours of clock 2 may be set (minutes &
seconds cannot be adjusted), it is ideal for use as the
daylight saving clock.
then press and hold the
key for more
1 Press
than one second to access the clock initial set menu.
2 Press the
key to move to the TEXT input of
key for more than
clock 2 then press and hold the
one second to access the time set menu for clock 2.
3 Use the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to alter the hours as
required, the minutes and seconds will continue to
increment so will not be affected by changes to the hours.
key to accept the changes and return
4 Press the
to a conventional frequency / text display.

14-3 Alarm clock

The AR5000 provides an alarm facility based on
CLOCK 1. The receiver may be programmed to
switch-on at a specific time on a daily basis in either BEEP
or RADIO modes.

In ALARM RADIO mode, the last used frequency will

be present at automatic switch-on and the LENGTH of
activity may be programmed before the AR5000 switches
off again. This is useful for making unattended recordings
off-air.

14-4 ALARM programming

Before the alarm can be used, the parameters have to be
specified. An ALARM SETUP menu is provided for input
of data. You may escape from the menu at any time by
pressing the
key.
then press
1 To access the alarm menu, press
and hold the
key for more than one second. The
menu ALARM 0-00 or ALARM AM.12-00 will be
displayed depending upon whether 24hr or 12hr format
has been set in CLOCK 1.
>>> ALARM 0-00
ALARM LENGTH 15
ALARM ALM RADIO / ALARM ALM BEEP
ALARM VOLUME 80

2 Rotate the MAIN DIAL to set the HOUR for automatic

switch-on, the SUB DIAL is used to select the MINUTES.
Switch-on will occur (if the ALARM facility is activated)
when CLOCK 1 reaches the time set here.
>>> ALARM 0-00
ALARM LENGTH 15
ALARM ALM RADIO / ALARM ALM BEEP
ALARM VOLUME 80

If you have simply selected a new switch-on time with all

to
other parameters remaining the same press
skip the rest of the menu.
3 Press the
key to move onto the selection of
LENGTH, the legend LENGTH will flash on the LCD.
ALARM 0-00
>>> ALARM LENGTH 15
ALARM ALM RADIO / ALARM ALM BEEP
ALARM VOLUME 80

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 63

Rotate the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL to select how long

(in minutes) the ALARM or RADIO will stay powered-on
once the alarm has activated. The available time period
is 1 to 120 minutes and default is 15.

Note: An audible low level noise may be heard while

rotating the SUB DIAL in this menu with a click while passing
0, this is normal.
6 After selecting appropriate parameters press
to complete data entry and return to the normal frequency
/ text display.

If you have selected a new LENGTH period with all other

parameters remaining the same press
to skip the
rest of the menu.

The ALARM legend will be displayed to the left of centre

on the top line of the LCD to indicate that ALARM has
been set.

key to move onto the selection of

4 Press the
BEEP/RADIO, the legend ALM will flash on the LCD.
ALARM 0-00
ALARM LENGTH 15
>>> ALARM ALM RADIO / ALARM ALM BEEP
ALARM VOLUME 80
Rotate the SUB DIAL to select between BEEP and
RADIO.

If you have selected a new parameter here with all other

parameters remaining the same press
to skip the
rest of the menu.
5 Press the
key to move onto the VOLUME
setting, the legend VOLUME will flash on the LCD.
ALARM 0-00
ALARM LENGTH 15
ALARM ALM RADIO / ALARM ALM BEEP
>>> ALARM VOLUME 80
Rotate the SUB DIAL to select the volume level for BEEP
and RADIO during alarm activation. The available range
is 0 to 255 with 0 being the quietest and 255 the loudest,
the default is 80.

The alarm is always activated when exiting the alarm

programming menu using the
key. If you do not
wish the alarm to be activated press

14-5 ALARM activation

Once the alarm has been activated the ALARM legend
will be displayed on the top line of the LCD. The AR5000
will switch-on automatically once per day (presuming the
receiver had been switched off) on a daily basis at the
defined volume level and for the programmed length of
time before automatically switching off again until the same
time following day.
1 To toggle the alarm facility On/Off press
.
The legend ALARM indicates when the facility is active.
Note that the
key must only be momentarily
pressed or the alarm programming menu will be activated.
2 Switch the AR5000 off by pressing the

key.

3 When the pre-set time has arrived, either the BEEP will
sound or the RADIO will automatically switch-on
(on whatever receive frequency was last used).
4 Press any key to stop the alarm when automatic
switch-on has occurred. The receiver will remain active
and normal control returned to the receivers front panel.
5 To switch the alarm facility off press
. The
legend ALARM will be removed from the LCD.

The value zero 0 is provided so that silent automatic

tape recording may be accomplished by use of the alarm
facility.
It is a good idea to set the volume for this menu while
listening to an active transmission as the front panel volume
control is by-passed allowing assessment of the
switch-on level... this prevents loud surprises during the
early hours of the morning! During automatic switch-on
the front panel volume control setting will be ignored and
the level set here used.

PAGE 64

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

14-6 SLEEP timer

The AR5000 has a sleep facility where the receiver may
be programmed to switch off after a pre-set time. This is
useful if the AR5000 is used as a bedside receiver at night
time or when left recording a broadcast when you have to
urgently leave the building and dont want to miss
something important.

SLEEP Programming
To set how long the AR5000 will remain active before
automatic switch off (you may abort entry by pressing the
key):
1 Press the
key then press and hold the
for more than one second.

key

(15) Option - Descrambler (voice inverter)

- DS8000
An optional voice inversion unit may be fitted to the
AR5000 to enable decoding of certain types of analogue
scrambling (such as some cordless phones). Such a board
is not produced by AOR but the receiver has been
designed to accept the DS8000 - available from dealers
in some countries.

15-1 Descrambler installation

2 SLEEP legends flash on the LCD prompting for input
of sleep time. The MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL may be rotated
to make selection between 1 and 120 minutes, the default
being 30 minutes.
key to complete data entry and return to
3 Press
the normal frequency / text display.

Only the upper case of the AR5000 needs to be removed

when installing the optional DS8000 board. Switch the
receiver off and unplug the power cord.
1 In order to lift the upper case, carefully (with the 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).

4 The SLEEP legend will be displayed in the centre top

of the LCD to indicate that SLEEP has been set. The
sleep facility is always activated when exiting the sleep
programming menu using the
key. If you do not
wish the sleep timer to activate now press
If left active, the AR5000 will automatically switch off after
the sleep time duration has expired.

SLEEP activation On/Off

To toggle the SLEEP facility On/Off press
.
The SLEEP legend will be displayed on the top line of
the LCD when sleep facility is active. Note that the
key must only be momentarily pressed or the sleep setup
menu will be activated.

2 Locate connector J10 in the middle of the IF printed

circuit board (see illustration) and insert the DS8000
making sure the pins mate correctly.

When the sleep time has elapsed the AR5000 will

automatically switch off.

3 Refit the upper case... you may wish to do this once

you have established that the board is operating correctly!
4 The DS8000 must be REGISTERED in the receivers
configuration before it will appear on the OPTION MENU
and be used. Plug in the power cord and ensure that the
supply is connected and active.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 65

Assuming that power is connected to the AR5000 and

the power switch is currently OFF, press and hold
key then power up the receiver by pressing and
releasing the
switch while still holding the
key. Now release the
key. The DE-SCR
descrambler will now be added to the OPTION menu as
the first item accessed by pressing

To increase versatility different CTCSS tones may be

programmed into each memory and VFO.

Available CTCSS frequencies are (Hz):

First
group

15-2 Descrambler operation

Of course you first need to find a transmission which has
been scrambled by frequency inversion! Assuming that
you have located such a transmission, optimum intelligibility
is obtained through an LCD indication which varies
between 0 and 127.
1 To access the descrambler menu press
The LCD legend DE-SCR confirms selection.

The MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL are used to make selection for
optimum reception through the range 1 to 127 and OFF.
The
key may be used to short cut the selection
between current value and OFF.
2 Rotate the MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL until the audio (voice)
to increment OFF and
becomes intelligible. Press
ON (at the previously selected level).
3 Press

to accept the displayed value.

4 To toggle the current selection ON/OFF press

(select the DESCRAMBLE menu)

Third
group

67.0 *
69.4 **
71.9 *
74.4 *
77.0 *
79.7 *
82.5 *
85.4 *
88.5 *
91.5 *

DE-SCR OFF <<<

CTCSS OFF (if CT5000 option is fitted)
DTMF OFF
T-ELMT OFF

Second
group

94.8
97.4 *
100.0
103.5
107.2
110.9
114.8
118.8
123.0
127.3
131.9
136.5
141.3
146.2
151.4
156.7
159.8 **

Note: If the optional DS8000 is not fitted, the above

procedure will result in no audio being produced. Not all
decrambler units are designed to work with the AR5000.
Consult with your dealer if you have any doubts regarding
suitability.

162.2
165.5 **
167.9
171.3 **
173.8
177.3 **
179.9

(16) Option - CTCSS tone squelch

- CT5000
The optional CT5000 tone squelch unit will enable the
AR5000 to selectively receive only specifically modulated
CTCSS signals or to verify the CTCSS frequency used.
Operation is split into two sections SEARCH (16-3) and
SQUELCH (16-4).
CTCSS tones use very low audio frequencies so cannot
easily be heard, they are designed to fall below the audio
bandwidth of the receiver so do not cause an annoyance
to the recipient. If you want any chance of hearing the
tones, use a large external speaker or headphones and
carefully set the (AF.SET) audio settings... refer to section
6-11 of this manual.

PAGE 66

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

183.5 **
186.2
189.9 **
192.8
196.6 **
199.5 **
203.5
206.5 **
210.7
218.1
225.7
229.1 **
233.7
241.8
250.3
254.1 **

16-1 Installation of the CT5000

Only the upper case of the AR5000 needs to be removed
when installing the optional CT5000 board. Switch the
receiver off and unplug the power cord.
1 In order to lift the upper case, carefully (with the 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).

key then power up the receiver by pressing and

switch while still holding the
releasing the
key. Now release the
key. The CTCSS tone
squelch will now be added to the OPTION menu as the
first item accessed by pressing
(unless the
descrambler option is fitted in which case it will be the
second item in the list).

16-2 Operation of the CT5000 - overview

Of course you first need to find a transmission which is
using CTCSS tones! Assuming that you have located
such a transmission... there are two ways in which CTCSS
may be used, SEARCH and SQUELCH.
SEARCH: Hunt for the CTCSS tones being used. The
flashing LCD legend TONE indicates that CTCSS
frequency search is in operation.
SQUELCH: Selectively monitor only those transmissions
using specific CTCSS tones. The static legend TONE
on the top line of the LCD indicates that CTCSS tone
squelch is in operation.

2 Locate connector IC31 on the rear-right hand side of

the printed circuit board (see illustration) and insert the
CT5000 making sure the pins mate correctly. Ensure that
the board is inserted with the crystal resonator and
electrolytic capacitor facing the right hand edge of the
unit and the surface mount components facing IC27.

16-3 CTCSS SEARCH

This facility enables you to automatically search and locate
any signals which carry the particular CTCSS frequency
of your interest.
1 To access the CTCSS menu press
. Use
the
keys to access the CTCSS menu, the
LCD legend CTCSS confirms selection.
DE-SCR OFF (if DS8000 option is fitted)
CTCSS OFF <<<
DTMF OFF
T-ELMT OFF
2 The SUB DIAL is used to make selection of CTCSS
operation OFF, ON or SRCH. Rotate the SUB DIAL
to select SRCH for CTCSS SEARCH.
3 Press
to accept the displayed input and initiate
). The
CTCSS SEARCH (or to abort entry press
flashing legend TONE on the top line of the LCD
confirms selection of CTCSS SEARCH.
4 To toggle the current selection ON/OFF press
(select the CTCSS menu)

3 Refit the upper case... you may wish to do this once

you have established that the board is operating correctly!

It may take up to 15 seconds to locate the CTCSS tone

of a received signal. Short burst of transmission (less than
15 seconds) may not allow sufficient time for the CTCSS
frequency to be identified.

4 The CT5000 must be REGISTERED in the receivers

configuration before it will appear on the OPTION MENU
and be used. Plug in the power cord and ensure that the
supply is connected and active.

When a CTCSS frequency is located, the receive

frequency is replaced by the word CTCSS with the
CTCSS frequency displayed to the right. Press
to return to the normal frequency/text display.

Assuming that power is connected to the AR5000 and

the power switch is currently OFF, press and hold

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 67

Note: When the CTCSS search is active it is not possible

to toggle the frequency display and text display. If the
optional CT5000 board is not fitted the above procedure
will result in no audio being produced.

16-4 CTCSS SQUELCH

The CTCSS tone squelch facility assumes that you either
know the frequency required or you have already used
the CTCSS SEARCH facility to identify the required tones
for specific transmissions.
When this facility is engaged only the selected CTCSS
modulated signals can be received. No audio will be
heard from other transmissions even if the radio has
received a strong signal (which does not carry the selected
CTCSS frequency).
1 To access the CTCSS menu press
. Use
the
keys to access the CTCSS menu, the
LCD legend CTCSS confirms selection.
DE-SCR OFF (if DS8000 option is fitted)
CTCSS OFF <<<
DTMF OFF
T-ELMT OFF
2 The SUB DIAL is used to make selection of CTCSS
operation OFF, ON or SRCH. Rotate the SUB DIAL
to select ON.
3 Press the
menu.

(17) Optional I.F. filters (500 Hz, 2.5 kHz

& 5.5 kHz)
It is possible to add an additional (optional) high quality
500 Hz seven resonator Collins mechanical filter for
improved selectivity when monitoring CW and other data
modes. Optional eight resonator Collins mechanical filters
may also be used in place of the standard fitted 2.4 kHz
(3.0 kHz) and 9.0 kHz (5.5 kHz) filters.
500 Hz
2.5 kHz
5.5 kHz

MF500
MF2.5
MF6.0

Collins 526-8693-010
Collins 526-8694-010
Collins 526-8695-010

17-1 Fitting the optional 500 Hz filter

Only the upper case of the AR5000 needs to be removed
when installing optional filters. Switch the receiver off and
unplug the power cord.
1 In order to lift the upper case, carefully (with the 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).

key to advance to the tone select

4 The MAIN DIAL or SUB DIAL may be used to select the

required CTCSS frequency, frequencies ascend in three
popular groupings then loop back to the beginning (refer
to the CTCSS frequency table at the beginning of this
section).
to accept the displayed value (or to abort
5 Press
). The legend TONE on the top line
entry press
of the LCD confirms selection of CTCSS tone squelch.
When transmissions are encountered containing the
selected CTCSS frequency, normal reception will be
established with the squelch opening and closing in the
normal manner.
6 To toggle the current selection ON/OFF press
(select the CTCSS menu)
Note: If the optional CT5000 board is not fitted the above
procedure will result in no audio being produced.

PAGE 68

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

2 On the top-rearmost PCB (I.F. board), disconnect the

IF OUT connector J8 (PCB side) from the socket on the
rear-left of this board and remove the six board fixing
screws.

3 Pull the PCB towards the front panel and lift it as shown
in the diagram.

17-2 Installation of other filters

Consult your AOR dealer if you wish to install other filters
such as 2.5 kHz and 5.5 kHz. To add these substitute
filters, the standard ceramic filters must be replaced, this
requires good quality tools and technical skill. Use of an
electric desoldering pump and professional grade
soldering iron is highly recommended.
Never try to remove the standard fitted ceramic filters
by force, such an attempt may damage the printed circuit
board (high quality multiple layers) invalidating the
warranty.

4 Locate position MF1 on the I.F. PCB (refer to illustration).

The position is currently unoccupied ready for the optional
500 Hz Collins mechanical filter. Use a desoldering pump
to remove any excess solder from the respective pin
positions. Insert the CW filter into the cleared holes of the
PCB and securely solder its pins - dont overheat the filter!

Note: The LCD legends will still display 3.0 kHz and 6.0
kHz even when substitute 2.5 kHz and 5.5 kHz Collins
optional filters have been fitted.
1 In order to lift the upper case, carefully (with the 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 On the top-rearmost PCB (I.F. board), disconnect the
IF OUT connector J8 (PCB side) from the socket on the
rear-left of this board and remove the six board fixing
screws.
3 Pull the PCB towards the front panel and lift it as shown
in the diagram.
4 Remove the standard fitted filter:
CF1 2.4 kHz ceramic filter (front panel legend 3.0
kHz) from position MF2 to fit the 2.5 kHz optional
Collins mechanical filter.

5 Refit the I.F. PCB making sure that all six screws have
been refitted.

CF3 9.0 kHz ceramic filter (front panel legend 6.0

kHz) from position MF3 to fit the 5.5 kHz optional
Collins mechanical filter.

6 Refit the upper case... you may wish to do this once

you have established that the filter is operating correctly!

Note: CF2 & CF4 cannot be replaced.

7 The optional 500 Hz filter must be REGISTERED in

the receivers configuration before it will appear on the IF
bandwidth display and be used. Plug in the power cord
and ensure that the supply is connected and active.
Assuming that power is connected to the AR5000 and
the power switch is currently OFF, press and hold
key then power up the receiver by pressing and
switch while still holding the
releasing the
key. Now release the
key. The 0.5 kHz (500 Hz)
bandwidth will now be available for use.

5 Locate the pin holes designed to accept the Collins

Mechanical filter, and remove excess solder contents from
the holes by using a desoldering pump.
6 Insert the optional filter into the cleared holes of the
PCB and securely solder its pins - dont overheat the filter!
7 Locate the unused component pads close to the newly
soldered filter pins (on the underside of the PCB). Two
ZERO OHM resistors (or wire jump leads) have to be
soldered to form a bridge linking the pads together
(resistors not supplied).
8 Refit the upper case... you may wish to do this once
you have established that the filter is operating correctly!
Nothing further is required.

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 69

(18) Trouble shooting - microprocessor

reset

1 Move the lever to the downward position, a black cloth

material covers the slot. The reset switch is located at
the top of the slot about 10mm behind the front panel.

Should the AR5000 fail to operate correctly, refer to the

following instructions before contacting your AOR dealer
for support.

l Memory / search bank corruption

18-1, 18-2, 18-3

l Set will not respond

18-1, 18-2, 18-3

l PLL ERROR displayed

18-1, 18-2, 18-3

switch does not respond

18-1, 18-2, 18-3

l No audio output
18-1, 18-4, 18-2, 18-3
The AR5000 may become inoperative on one or two
specific memory, scan or search banks if the data within
the EEPROM (memory storage) becomes corrupted
(power supply transients, static discharge etc). If this
happens, erase the affected memory channel or search
bank contents and rewrite the correct data. Usually this
will clear any minor corruption of this kind.

2 Using a match stick or similar tool, press and release

the reset switch (with the AR5000 switched on and
powered in the normal manner).
3 The back light will extinguish then all LCD characters
will be displayed, the set will then power up and resume
normal operation (if it has not automatically switched on
again press the
switch).

18-1 Power Off / On

This will re-boot the CPU without erasing the search/

memory contents or going back to the default setting. The
last entered frequency in VFO may be lost.

The first thing to try is switching the set off and

disconnecting the power cord for about one minute.
Reconnect the power cord, switch the set on and assess
the results. If possible check the power lead for output of
12 - 16V d.c.

18-3 CPU soft reset

Press and hold the

key for more than one second
to ensure that automode has been selected, check that
the volume control has been advanced (12 oclock
position), the squelch is set correctly (if in doubt rotate the
squelch control fully anti-clockwise) and that an appropriate
aerial is connected to the displayed aerial connector ANT
1 or ANT 2. Ensure that LEVEL squelch, VOICE
squelch, CTCSS squelch etc are not inappropriately set.
Ensure that the DESCRAMBLER, CTCSS and 500 Hz
filter options have not been selected if the boards and
filter have not been fitted.

If the reset switch does not help, it is possible to SOFT

RESET the AR5000 CPU. This will clear all bank link
information and reset the VFO to default parameters
including frequency display of 128.900 MHz.
1 Switch the receiver off (unplug the power cord if
necessary to power-down the receiver).
2 Press and hold the
key while switching on the
key.
receiver once again, keep hold of the
3 The clock will be displayed, wait for the default frequency
key.
/ text display to appear then release the
The defaults are:

If you have activated the MUTE connector, ensure that

there is a shorting plug in place.
Frequency

128.900 MHz

18-2 CPU reset switch

Receive mode

AM

If switching the set off / on does not help, the next action
should be to reset the receiver using the hidden reset
switch provided.

Tuning step

25 kHz

IFBW

6.0 kHz

The reset switch is located behind the torque lever to the

right of the MAIN DIAL.

Attenuator

00 dB

PAGE 70

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

18-4 AF.SET INT/EXT

Power-On

The AR5000 may have become confused about the status

of AUDIO INTERNAL / EXTERNAL. Reaffirm the setup.

Add descrambler entry to the option menu after fitting the

optional DS8000 board.

1 Press

to access the audio setup menu.

A-LPF 3.0 kHz

A-HPF 0.05 kHz
DE.EMP 750
CW.PITCH 0.7 kHz
AUDIO INT <<<
2 Press the

key to access the INT/EXT menu.

3 Rotate the SUB DIAL so that EXT is displayed then

rotate it again so that INT is displayed again... do this
even if INT is displayed when the menu is accessed...
YOU know it is set to INT, the LCD knows that it is set to
INT but the heart of the CPU may not!
4 Press

to reaffirm the data input.

18-5 What next - dealer support

If any apparent fault symptom repeatedly occurs contact
your AOR dealer for advice, have the serial number and
date of purchase to hand. Ensure that you can provide a
detailed description of the fault condition.
Note: The AR5000 is equipped with a Super Capacitor
(large capacity capacitor) to back up the clock. This
enables the built-in clock to be kept running even when
the set is disconnected from power, all other memory data
is stored within the EEPROM which is not affected by
depletion of the back-up capacitor. The clock should be
maintained for approximately 50 hours without supply, if
the set is left disconnected for longer than 50 hours make
sure the clock is keeping the correct time, this can be
noted as the LCD segments will light up momentarily when
the set is connected to the mains.

Power-On
Add CTCSS entry to the option menu after fitting the
optional CT5000 board.

Power-On
Add 0.5 kHz (500 Hz) IFBW entry to the IFBW menu
after fitting the optional 500 Hz Collins mechanical
CW filter.

Power-On
EEPROM bank 0 selection. A decimal point at the 1 Hz
position extinguishes. Not used on current unit.

Power-On
EEPROM bank 1 selection. A decimal point is added at
the 1 Hz position. Not used on current unit.

18-6 Power-up special key sequences

There are several power-on key sequences referred to in
this manual. A list is presented here. To activate, switch
the receiver off, press and hold the specified key then
switch the receiver back on. Release the specified key.

Power-On
LCD test. All LCD segments will be displayed. Press the
key to restore normal operation.

Power-On
LCD test. Same as power-on

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 71

(19) Optional accessories

CT5000 board
CTCSS plug in board for CTCSS search and squelch
operations.

DA3000 VHF-UHF discone aerial

16 element VHF - UHF discone aerial
with usable coverage of 25 MHz to 2000
MHz. Supplied with cable and
connectors etc.

AS5000 aerial switch

Automatic aerial switching unit designed to control four
aerials (automatic and front panel aerial switching with
the AR5000).

WA7000 wide band active whip aerial

Compact aerial designed for installation where
space is a problem. The WA7000 is active on
the lower frequency band 30kHz to
30MHz and passive on the higher
band between 30MHz to 2000MHz.
Supplied with cable and connectors
etc.

MA500 mobile aerial

Compact VHF/UHF loaded whip on a magnetic mount
with coaxial cable.

DS8000 speech inverter

Speech inverter board (non
Not available in all countries.

AOR

product).

RS232 command set

Programmers RS232 command listing with information
on configuring Windows terminal. A separate serial
connecting lead will also be required to connect to your
computer.

Computer control software

LA320 loop aerial
Desktop active loop aerial for portable
operation away from a base aerial such
as when while travelling on business or
holiday. Frequency coverage is 1.6 to
15MHz with optional elements to cover
0.2 to 0.54MHz and 0.54 to 1.6MHz.

ABF125 RF filter
VHF civil airband filter to reduce the chances of
breakthrough especially from powerful VHF band-II
transmitters.

CR5000 tape record cable

Cable and connector suitable for use with motor-controlled
tape recorders.

Collins IF filters
MF500

Optional 500 Hz mechanical

CW filter

MF2.5

Substitute 2.5 kHz mechanical SSB filter

MF6.0

Substitute 5.5 kHz mechanical AM filter

A hands off IBM-PC WINDOWS computer program is

planned to control the AR5000 via the rear panel remote
connector. A separate serial connecting lead will also be
required to connect to your computer.

(20) Aerials (Antennas) and earth systems

The subject of aerial choice and earth can be quite
complex. There are many advantages and disadvantages
to consider before connecting an external aerial to your
receiver.
Theory and practice
One interesting phenomena is that aerial theory and
practice can be
surprisingly different. Keeping common sense in mind it
is one of the few remaining areas for listeners to easily
experiment and often achieve fantastic results.

Whip aerial
Whip aerials can give fair results for casual listening to
the VHF/UHF bands. For best results external aerials in
clear space are recommended.

Mounting location
It is important to mount any external aerial as high as
possible and in clear space although this is more important

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AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

at VHF/UHF frequencies than for short wave. If possible

the aerial should have a clear path to the horizon. Results
are usually disappointing when an installation is in a loft
space.

It is quite easy to make a dipole for short wave, for that

matter one can be easily made up for VHF or UHF too. If
being made for VHF-UHF, the centre connection of the
coaxial cable feeds the upper element set vertically. Short
wave dipoles on the other hand are usually mounted
horizontally.

Long wire aerials

For short wave reception, a random length of long wire
approximately 10 to 20 metres in length forms a good
compromise. The wire should be connected to the centre
pin of ANT 1 (N-plug) or ANT 2 (SO239). If possible try
to locate the receiver close to a window so that the wire
has the shortest and most direct run from the rear of the
receiver to the outside world.
Never attach the wire aerial directly to a support or wall.
Instead attach a short length (one metre) of insulating
material such as nylon to each support (house or tree for
example) and then onto the aerial wire. Allow the wire
aerial to drop diagonally into the window and receiver
rather than straight down the wall.

It is worth noting that dipoles are also quite effective on

two and three times their design frequency so you can
cover a few bands at once. Reception using a half wave
dipole is best at 90 degrees to the direction the aerial is
laying, however if used at two or three times its
fundamental design frequency, reception is best closer to
the direction the aerial is lying.
A dipole has two legs running in opposite directions and
can be mounted vertically or horizontally (most VHF-UHF
activity is vertical). One leg is connected to the centre
conductor of the coaxial feeder cable while the other leg
is connected to the outer screen of the coaxial feeder
cable. If mounted vertically, the centre of the coaxial feeder
should be connected to the leg facing upward.

Keeping the aerial away from supports and building will

reduce the loss of signal from the wire aerial and prevent
unwanted noise from entering the aerial system.
Magnetic balun long wire aerials are becoming very
popular as they allow coaxial cable to be used as the
down-lead from the wire aerial to the receiver. The balun
transforms the impedance to a low level suitable for 50
OHM coaxial cable. In this instance the path of feeder is
unimportant and chances of noise entering the aerial
system reduced. The 50 OHM aerial input of the AR5000
is ideally suited for connection to a magnetic balun.

Dipoles
For the very best results you should consider a dedicated
aerial such as a single or multi-band dipole or similar aerial.
The problem with a wide coverage receiver like the
AR5000 is that for the ultimate results, many dedicated
aerials are required to cover the whole spectrum. This
may involve complex aerial switching and reduces the
ability to quickly monitor many bands unless the automatic
aerial switching system is carefully planned using the
optional AS5000 aerial switch.
As a compromise it may be worth making up a dipole
aerial for one band of particular interest and have a
VHF-UHF discone plus second random wire for general
listening.

A simple formula can be used to calculate the required

length of each leg for a half wave dipole:
75
-------= Length of each leg in metres
Frequency in MHz

i.e. For 14.2 MHz

75
------14.2

= 5.28 metres (i.e. the total length

of the aerial is twice 5.28m.)

For increased performance and directivity, additional

elements may be added to the front and rear of the dipole.
Directors - shorter than the dipole element and placed to
the front and a reflector - longer element to the rear. Many
designs have been published for such aerials and
mathematical formulae may be used to calculate the
required length and spacing between elements. This type
of aerial is usually refereed to as a yagi or beam.

Coaxial cables
When constructing dipole aerials or connecting VHF-UHF
aerials 50 OHM coaxial cable should be used. For short
wave or short runs of VHF URM43, URM76 or RG58U
are ideal, for longer runs of VHF-UHF feeder it may be
worth considering a heavier URM67 or RG213 (or better!).

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 73

ATU & preselectors

Stub filters

Aerial tuning units (ATU) may improve the short wave

section of a wide

Should you encounter breakthrough when using an

external aerial (and the attenuator does not help) a simple
stub-filter placed in the coaxial cable may help. This
comprises of a T connector with an open circuit 50 OHM
cable length (the stub) attached to the T piece. A rough
calculation for the stub length is as follows:

range receiver (such as the AR5000) by rejecting

unwanted signals and only allowing a specific band of
frequencies through. These ATUs are normally
constructed in small boxes with about 3 controls on the
front. The disadvantage is the need to constantly retune
the ATU when changing frequency. An ATU of this nature
is passive, this means that no power is required to operate
the ATU and no extra circuit-noise is introduced into the
receiver.

Loop Aerials
Short wave desktop loop aerials have the advantage of
small size (such as the AOR LA320). They too have tuning
controls to reject unwanted signals. As the loop is within
easy reach of the operator it can be rotated to provide
directivity. Loops can be particularly useful for DXing the
lower bands.
Generally speaking they offer excellent portability but
cannot compare on the higher bands with a well sited long
wire aerial.

(75 / Freq in MHz) x 0.67 = Stub length in metres

i.e. To reduce the strength of 88.3 MHz on VHF Band-II:
(75 / 88.3) x 0.67 = 0.57m or 57cm

Commercial filters - ABF125

A VHF civil AIRBAND FILTER is available from AOR
called the ABF125. This will help minimise the possible
effects of breakthrough when listening to VHF airband in
BAND-II VHF high signal areas or when connected to
external aerials.
Other manufacturers are providing tunable filters to notch
out unwanted signals typically in the range of 75 to 175
MHz.

Earth systems
Active aerials
Active aerials are normally quite compact (AOR WA7000)
and combine a wide coverage aerial (30 kHz - 2 GHz)
with a preamplifier mounted within the aerial its-self. They
require power to enable them to operate. Not all designs
allow you to switch the preamplifier off although some
have a gain control.
As with loop aerials they tend to provide good results on
the lower bands when compared to poorly sited shortish
wire aerials. Overload can be a problem on the busy 7
and 9 MHz bands. If you have a small garden space, an
active aerial may be worth considering.

Discone
For wide coverage in the VHF-UHF bands a compromise
has to be met and the most popular aerial is a discone
(AOR DA3000). Their appearance is like a large spider
or umbrella without the covering material, the better
models have about 16 elements.
Typical usable coverage starts from about 25 MHz and
extends continuously to 500 MHz, 1300 MHz or even 2000
MHz. The coverage peaks and dips throughout its range
as the elements interact to provide the widest possible
coverage. Due to their necessary construction discone
aerials are a little prone to wind noise due to vibration
and possible damage in severe gales.

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AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

A separate EARTH connection made to the outer (braid)

connector of the ANT 1 or ANT 2 plug may improve aerial
efficiency and reduce noise.
Suitable earth points include connection to a water pipe,
central heating radiator or external earth rod. If fitting a
separate external earth rod when your a.c. mains supply
uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) system, consider
the implications carefully. If in doubt consult an
experienced electrician.
Connecting an external earth wire may greatly reduce the
local noise encountered when listening on the short wave
bands. It is very important to provide a good earth should
you use an aerial tuning unit.
A short length of thick gauge earth wire may be connected
to a nearby central heating radiator or water pipe but never
use a gas pipe for earthing. Ideally a separate earth
rod should be used but the length between the receiver
and rod becomes restrictive, if too long the earth system
may well pick up noise rather than remove it.
If a long run of earth wire is necessary, it may be worth
considering a screened earth system. This simply
comprises a coaxial cable (such as URM43 or URM76
for short runs with URM67 or RG213 being used for longer
runs) shorted inner to outer at the earth rod end with only
the centre core connected to the outer of the AR5000
aerial plug, the outer braid being cut back and insulated.
This provides a screen for potential incoming interference
and passes any noise down the cable away from the
receiver and toward the earth rod.

(21) Propagation - short wave bands

If the transmitted frequency is too high to be reflected by

the ionosphere,

VHF and UHF transmissions generally only propagate

relatively short distances when compared to short wave
signals. For all intensive purposes they may be considered
as line-of-sight plus a bit.

or the angle too steep, transmissions will simply pass

straight though the ionosphere without being reflected and
will travel upward to the next ionosphere layer.

Where as point-to-point communication between mobile

users or when in built up areas may only be a couple of
kilometres, aircraft at heights of 9,000 metres may be
heard at a much greater distance (50 to 300 kilometres
or more with the right conditions).
Occasionally tropospheric weather conditions or
sporadic E layer ionisation enable VHF-UHF signals to
travel many hundreds of kilometres.
Unlike VHF and UHF transmissions which generally
propagate only on a localised basis (to the horizon plus a
small amount), short wave transmissions may travel for
many thousands of kilometres. Depending upon the
frequency in use, time of day, season of the year and sun
spot activity, transmissions may propagate completely
around the world.
Radio signals are electromagnetic waves very similar to
light beams. As such they do not readily follow the
curvature of the Earth but attempt to travel out into space.

E layer
Above the D layer is the E layer located at a height of
about 100 kilometres. The E layer tends not to absorb
signals as much as the D layer but refracts some signal
back to Earth where it may be received some distance
from the original point of transmission.
Usually in Spring and Autumn, SPORADIC E propagation
consisting of dense pockets of E layer ionosphere, reflect
even the higher VHF and UHF transmissions causing
patterning on television sets. This is to the delight of Radio
Amateurs who are then able to communicate for many
hundreds and even thousands of kilometres on frequency
bands usually capable of only local reception.
Occasionally a similar effect can be caused by
temperature inversion layers creating tropospheric
propagation selectively ducting transmissions between
two points. Tropospheric propagation is usually applicable
to the higher VHF and UHF bands.

The ionosphere
Luckily the frequency spectrum of short wave is often
reflected back down to Earth by the upper layer of the
Earths atmosphere called the ionosphere.
When the reflected signals reach the Earth again they
may either be received or reflected back up into space. If
lucky, they will be reflected by the ionosphere yet again
down toward the Earth providing reception into another
and possibly more distant location.
The ionosphere is constructed of many layers of ionised
gas. Of particular interest to short wave listeners are the
lower E and upper F1 & F2 layers although a lower D
layer exists during day time.

F1 & F2 layers
During the day time there are two upper layers of the
ionosphere, these being the F1 layer at about 200
kilometres and the F2 layer at about 400 kilometres. As
evening falls, these layers combine to form a single F layer.
It is F layer propagation that is largely responsible for short
wave propagation over great distances.
The density of the ionosphere layers varies depending
upon season, time of day and sunspot activity which is
believed to follow an eleven year cycle of good and bad
propagation conditions.
You will note that large areas of the Earths surface lays
between the point of transmission and reflection, in this
area there will be little or no reception. For this reason F
layer propagation is often referred to as SKIP and the
reflected signal as SKY WAVE.
Generally speaking only frequencies below 30MHz are
reflected by the ionosphere. Higher frequencies pass
straight through even the F layers and will continue outward
into space for ever.
Choice of frequency

D layer
During day time the lower D layer forms around 60 to 80
kilometres above the Earths surface. This D layer tends
to absorb low frequencies reducing the distance covered
by medium wave transmissions. In the night time when
the D layer dissipates, medium and low frequency
transmissions may propagate over much greater
distances.

Depending upon the time of day and desired skip distance,

different frequencies will be selected by Radio Amateurs
and Commercial users such as Oceanic Air Traffic, short
wave broadcast...
For instance the MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency) is
often stated for a path between two locations. Choosing
a frequency above the MUF will not produce results as

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 75

transmissions will pass straight into space. MINimum

usable frequency is also stated for similar reasons.

Aerial input

Many propagation predictions and statistics are published

and usually available from most countrys National
Amateur Radio and short wave listeners representatives.

Audio output (13.5V) 1.7 WATT into 8 OHMS

@ 10% THD

Various publications are produced giving transmission and

contact details for world-wide reception. These titles
include:
World Radio TV Handbook (WRTH), BPI
Communications, 1515 Broadway, New York 10036, NY
USA.
Passport To World Band Radio, IBS North America, Box
300, Penns Park PA 18943, USA.
Listings for utility services are also widely published and
available.

50 OHM unbalanced. N-TYPE

& SO239

Power requirements nominal 13.5V d.c. (12 ~ 16V)

@ 1A or less
Size

217(W) x 100(H) x 260mm(D)

mm approx excluding projections

Weight

3.5kg

CPU 8bit

ROM 32,768 Byte

RAM 1,024 Byte

EEPROM

131,072 Byte (1M Bit)

Selectivity
I.F. filter bandwidth table:

(22) Specification

Filter kHz

Total nose
Total skirt
(bwidth kHz / dB)

Model

AR5000

0.5 (500Hz)opt

0.5

-3

2.0

-60

Frequency range

10kHz ~ 2600MHz (minimum

accepted frequency input 5 kHz)

2.5 opt

2.5

-3

5.2

-60

2.4

-6

4.5

-60

Tuning

NCO 1Hz ~ 999.999999kHz

5.5 opt

5.5

-3

11.0

-60

Modes

AM, FM, USB, LSB & CW

9.0

-6

20

-50

I.F frequencies

1st I.F. 622.0 MHz

2nd I.F. 10.7 MHz
3rd I.F. 455 kHz

15

15

-6

30

-50

30

30

-6

70

-50

110

140

-3

350

-20

220

260

-3

520

-20

12dB
SINAD
FM
15kHz

12dB
SINAD
FM
220kHz

Standard fitted filters 3kHz, 6kHz, 15kHz, 30kHz,

110kHz & 220kHz
(provision for 500Hz option)
Memory channels

1000 (100 ch x 10 banks)

Search banks

20 banks

Memory scan speed 25 channels per second in

standard mode, 45 channels per
second (max) in Cyber Scan
Search speed

25 increments per second in

standard mode, 45 increments
per second (with step size of
100kHz or less) in Cyber Search

PASS frequencies

2100 total (21 banks x 100 ch

inc VFO)

Priority

1 channel

I.F. output

10.7 MHz with maximum 5

MHz bandwidth

External reference

10.0 MHz input

Mute

Phono/RCA socket CMOS input

pull-up to 5V @ 100k OHMS

Operating temp.

0 to +50 C

Sensitivity
Receive frequency

10dB
S/N
AM
6kHz

10kHz - 40kHz

63.00uV

40kHz - 100kHz

17.70uV

4.46

1.25

100kHz - 2MHz

2.23

0.40

2MHz - 40MHz

1.25

0.40

0.56

1.58

40MHz - 1,000 MHz

0.63

0.3

0.4

1.25

1,000MHz -2.6 GHz

0.63

0.3

0.36

0.89

* Specification is typical but not guaranteed,

subject to change without notice due to
continuous development of the product E&OE.
Manual version 1.0.

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AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

12dB
SINAD
SSB/CW
3kHz

AR5000 OPERATING MANUAL

PAGE 77