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AMATEUR RADIO BY GARRY CRATT, VK2YBX Review: the AR 8000 handheld scanning receiver When we reviewed the AR 2800 mobile & AR 1500 handheld units from AOR in March 1992, we really thought that the limits of scanner technology had been reached. But now AOR has pushed the limits even further & produced what must be close to the ultimate, the AR 8000, a handheld unit capable of receiving frequiencies up to 1900MHz. It is obvious from the construction and mode of operation that the AR 8000 is a brand new design, not a variation of a previous model. The receiver offers multimode operation up to 1900MHz and features 1000 memory channels comprising 50 memory banks, each with a 20-channel capacity. Apart from being more manageable than the more conventional configuration of 10 banks, each of 100 channels, the AR8000 allows the user to label each bank with a 7- letter alpha identifier, allowing names such as AIR, AMATEUR, MARINE, CB, etc to be programmed into the unit. This helps easily identify the user of any frequency in memory. The programmed data is displayed on a 4-line LCD dot matrix panel above the keyboard. One really helpful item is the comprehensive handbook, containing 115 pages of user information. Considering the scant details given in previous AOR instruction manuals, this is a pleasant surprise. Lest the experienced scanner user be put off by the enormity of the manual, it is sensibly divided into two skill sections, “NEWUSER” and “EXPERT”. The “NEWUSER” option places the scanner into a mode 58  Silicon Chip where all parameters are programmed for common default values, simplifying initial operation. The “EX­PERT” option allows an experienced user to reconfigure virtually all parameters for specialist reception. The unit is equipped with two VFOs, allowing the user to swap between the two with a single keystroke. The two VFOs can be operated in different modes and each has 10 mem­ ory positions, each identified with an alpha identifier,“A”-“J” for one VFO and “a”-“j” for the second VFO. Those memories identified with a lower case letter can be protected by a user password. This protects confidential frequency entries and their identifying names. The twin VFOs are also useful for toggling between input and output frequencies of a repeater. One outstanding feature is the ability to quickly store active frequencies found during searching into memory. This can be done with a single keystroke. The unit has preprogrammed search increments of 1, 2, 5, 6.25, 9, 10, 12,5, 20, 25, 30, 50, 100, 200, 250, and 300kHz. If none of these are suitable, the user can preprogram any multiple of 50Hz up to 999.995kHz. Another unique feature is the The AR 8000 features multimode operation up to 1900MHz & 1000 memory channels. Broadcast band reception One surprising feature of this receiver is reception of broadcast band AM signals. The receiver incorporates a ferrite rod antenna and a sensitive front end. The ability to select the correct channel spacing of 9kHz for the Australian AM band re­sults in the user being able to sequentially step through the entire band without missing a station. In fact when we tried this, even during daylight hours, there were very few channels where we could not hear an AM station. For those interested in broadcast band DX reception, this is a real bonus. Technically, the AR 8000 specifications are similar to most other modern scanning receivers. What sets this model apart from others is the frequency coverage to 1900MHz, the multitude of user features, preprogrammed defaults, the respectable HF and broadcast band performance, and the comprehensive user manual, catering for inexperienced users. The AR 8000 is available from Access Communications, exclu­ sive importers of many AOR products, who also hold spares and technical data on this unit. The AR 8000 is expected to sell for $1295, exceptional value compared to other brands, and is avail­able from Phonetronics stores and Access Communications in most states. For further information, contact Access Communications, 33 Alleyne Street, Chatswood NSW 2067. Phone SC (02) 417 5311. SILICON CHIP SOFTWARE Now available: the complete index to all SILICON CHIP articles since the first issue in November 1987. The Floppy Index comes with a handy file viewer that lets you look at the index line by line or page by page for quick browsing, or you can use the search function. All commands are listed on the screen, so you’ll always know what to do next. Notes & Errata also now available: this file lets you quickly check out the Notes & Errata (if any) for all articles published in SILICON CHIP. Not an index but a complete copy of all Notes & Errata text (diagrams not included). The file viewer is included in the price, so that you can quickly locate the item of interest. The Floppy Index and Notes & Errata files are supplied in ASCII format on a 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch floppy disc to suit PC-compatible computers. Note: the File Viewer requires MSDOS 3.3 or above. ORDER FORM PRICE ❏ Floppy Index (incl. file viewer): $A7 ❏ Notes & Errata (incl. file viewer): $A7 ❏ Alphanumeric LCD Demo Board Software (May 1993): $A7 ❏ Stepper Motor Controller Software (January 1994): $A7 ❏ Gamesbvm.bas /obj /exe (Nicad Battery Monitor, June 1994): $A7 ❏ Diskinfo.exe (Identifies IDE Hard Disc Parameters, August 1995): $A7 ❏ Computer Controlled Power Supply Software (Jan/Feb. 1997): $A7 ❏ Spacewri.exe & Spacewri.bas (for Spacewriter, May 1997): $A7 ❏ I/O Card (July 1997) + Stepper Motor Software (1997 series): $A7 POSTAGE & PACKING: Aust. & NZ add $A3 per order; elsewhere $A5 Disc size required:    ❏ 3.5-inch disc   ❏ 5.25-inch disc TOTAL $A Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­A__________ or please debit my ❏ Bankcard   ❏ Visa Card   ❏ MasterCard Card No. Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________________________ Card expiry date______/______ Name ___________________________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT Street ___________________________________________________________ Suburb/town ________________________________ Postcode______________ Send your order to: SILICON CHIP, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097; or fax your order to (02) 9979 6503; or ring (02) 9979 5644 and quote your credit card number (Bankcard, Visa Card or MasterCard). ✂ “band­scope” function, not found on other models. This function is available from the VFO mode and allows the user to visually monitor the five adjacent channels either side of the nominated centre frequency using the LCD display – in effect, a narrow band spectrum display! One function available in earlier AOR models, such as the AR 3000, and AR 2500, is the serial control of the receiver by a computer. The AR 8000 also has this facility, the first handheld receiver we have ever seen so equipped. The optional CU-8232 cable/interface is required, as is communications software. Like an increasing number of new technology radios, the AR 8000 also has the ability to “clone” programmed data from memory into an identical receiver, using the same cable used for comput­er control. December 1994  59