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Tel: +44 (0) 1629 581222 Fax: +44 (0) 1629 580070
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AOR (UK) Ltd | |||
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| Unit 9, Dimple Road Business Centre, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3JX, England Tel: +44 (0) 1629 581222 Fax: +44 (0) 1629 580070 |
AR8200
MARK3
(GHz)
EVOLUTION PRODUCES THE VERY BEST
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The AR8200 quickly established itself as the ‘top notch’ hand portable receiver providing unsurpassed features. As technology has advanced, so the AR8200 has evolved through the AR8200 MK2 drawing from the successful award winning AR5000 base receiver and more recently from the AR8600 MK2 transportable receiver, resulting in the AR8200 MK3 (with 3GHz coverage). Along with an extended receive frequency coverage, the illumination has been further enhanced and high capacity NiMH batteries supplied. A Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) forms the heart of the AR8200 MK3, this ensures high stability with minimal internal spurii... the TCXO replaces a crystal reference as commonly employed in other receivers and is usually only seen in top of the range (more expensive) table-top models such as the AR5000 and AR7030. Performance too has seen the AOR R&D team fine tuning the front end switching circuitry design for best sensitivity and strong signal handling over the extremely wide coverage of 530kHz to 3000MHz (all mode receive without gaps). A telescopic whip aerial on a swivel base is supplied with a small medium wave bar aerial. The illumination of the LCD and keypad is bright and switchable in a number of ways to help conserve battery power for extended operation. This includes the ability to AUTO switch the illumination when the keypad is touched or when a transmission opens the squelch... useful for night time operation. Continuing the strive for even longer operation between charges, the AR8200 MK3 is supplied with 4 x AA size 1500mAhr NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries, again reflecting improvements in modern technology. The list of features is vast, large multi-section backlit LCD, side mounted keys and rotary tuning control, alpha-numeric text comments. |
The all important 8.33 kHz airband channel step is correctly implemented (eight-and-one-third, 33, 66, 00). Channel steps are provided via a menu and may be programmed. Step may be programmed by the operator in any receive mode using multiples of 50 Hz in any mode (i.e. 5 kHz, 12.5 kHz or even 1.25 kHz). Extensive step-adjust and frequency offset facilities are also provided (as per AR5000) to ensure tracking of the most obscure band plans, AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) is included for spot on tuning ensuring that nothing is missed. A wide frequency coverage is available from 530 kHz to 3000 MHz (no gaps) with actual minimum acceptable frequency of 100 kHz.
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The RF front-end is preselected around VHF to ensure the highest levels of adjacent channel rejection with software spurii cancellation. The short wave bands are converted directly to an IF of 45 MHz to remove compromise and a detachable plug in medium wave bar aerial is provided for localised monitoring with a negative feedback circuit employed. |
| All mode receive:
WFM, NFM, SFM (Super Narrow FM), WAM, AM, NAM (Wide, standard, Narrow AM),
USB, LSB & CW. A 3.0 kHz SSB filter is employed with true
carrier re-insertion resulting in non-offset frequency readout for easy
tuning of SSB transmissions. An attenuator and noise blanker are also featured. A meaningful band plan is factory programmed specific to market area, this ensures that the AR8200 MK3 automatically selects the correct receive mode and tuning step (although mode and tuning step may be manually selected at any time), the band plan may be edited via computer control. |
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The side keypad provides four arrow
keys presented as a single ‘rocker’ resulting in more natural and
intuitive navigation through the on-screen menus. Tuning is accomplished
via a variety of controls including a side panel indented main tuning
dial, arrow keys and keypad. A larger than average back lit LCD with
contrast control provides operational data with the ability to add 12
character text comments to each memory channel, memory bank and search
bank, a text search feature simplifies identification and recall of stored
information. Many text prompts aid operation making programming of
search banks etc straight forward. Two frequencies may be displayed along
with operating legends and high resolution signal meter and multi-function
band scope. The band scope provides adjustable span width from 10 MHz
to 100 kHz , you can move the marker, operate peak hold, transfer the
marker frequency to VFO and save trace for later recall. The
stylish black cabinet has a quality feel with an excellent
rear-illuminated keypad with a hard wearing finish.
Flexible dynamic memory bank layout
is provided (memory banks may be varied in size between 10 and 90 channels
each i.e. bank ‘A’ 80 channels / bank ‘a’ 20 channels with bank
‘B’ 40 channels / bank ‘b’ 60 channels etc). A total of 1,000
memories are provided in 20 memory banks, lockout, select scan, priority
and auto store are also provided. In addition 40 search banks are provided
with 50 pass channels per search bank and a further 50 for VFO search
lockout. Comprehensive edit, move, swap and delete facilities are
provided, it is possible to move whole memory & search banks. In
addition you may write PROTECT memories, banks and search banks to
prevent accidental over-writing of stored data including protection of the
entire receiver! Scan & search rates provide a maximum of
approximately 37 increments per second. Flash-ROM memory storage ensures
that data is automatically saved without the
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| Computer control is
available via a metallic side mounted robust connector and optional lead,
an extensive RS232 command list is supported. A FREE software package
is available as a download from the AOR web sites, this provides frequency control & management, searching, scanning, logging with support for geographic data from a GPS and audio recording to disk. This connector also supports clone of data between two AR8200 MK3 along with tape output, detector output and AGC. |
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The AR8200 MK3 is powered from 4 x AA internally fitted high capacity NiMH cells (supplied), dry cells may be used. External power may also be connected to the charge socket for extended periods of operation (9 - 16V d.c.).
‘As if this was not enough’, optional internal SLOT
CARDS (which fit into the AR8200 MK3 base) extend the capabilities even
further: lMemory
slot card (increase storage to 4,000 memories,
160 search banks). lCTCSS
slot card squelch & search. lRecord
chip slot card (records up to 20 seconds of
audio). lTone
eliminator slot card, lVoice
inverter card.
Refer to the OPTIONS
PAGE and OPTIONS
LEAFLET for further information.
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All this in a cabinet which weighs a little over 200g
(excl. batteries & aerials) with dimensions of 61(W)
x 143(H) x 39(D) mm (excl. projections).
Accessories supplied:
Supplied with: NiMH batteries (1500mAhr), charger, cigar lead, swivel base telescopic whip aerial, MW bar, belt hook & screws, strap, comprehensive illustrated operating manual (free PC software is available from the AOR web sites).
SPECIAL MILITARY VERSION - AR8200MK3-IR
A special version of the AR8200MK3 has been produced for use by border patrols of a large overseas government agency. In addition to the standard features of the AR8200MK3 receiver, the AR8200MK3-IR has been modified to be fully Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible for government applications.
When the IR (Infra-Red illumination) function is activated, the original green LED which illuminates the display and keypad is deactivated. The front keypad and the LCD screen are then illuminated by the IR LED which is only visible with NVG.
To toggle between the normal (LED) display mode and IR mode:
1. Power on the receiver.
2. Push and hold the Rotary Dial encoder on the left side of the receiver for two seconds.
Note: The IR illumination intensity has been set to match the high sensitivity levels of military grade NVGs. For this reason, it may be difficult to appreciate the difference (between IR function ON and OFF) when low-spec night vision goggles are used.
Available as a "special quantity order" (not as one-off), price on request from commercial or government agencies.
October 2005
AR8200 MK3 specification
Specifications subject to change
without notice due to continuous development of the receiver. E&OE.
| Frequency Range | 530 kHz to 3000 MHz * (Actual frequency input 100 kHz to 3000 MHz, performance between 100 kHz to 530 kHz is not guaranteed). * Cell blocked in the USA for FCC rules |
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| Receive Modes | WFM, NFM, SFM, WAM, AM, NAM, USB, LSB, CW | |||||
| Sensitivity | 500 kHz ~ 1.9 MHz | AM 3.5 µV (10dB S/N) | ||||
| 1.9 MHz ~ 30 MHz | AM 2.5 µV (10dB S/N) | |||||
| 30 MHz ~ 470 MHz | AM 1.5 µV (10dB S/N) NFM: 0.85 µV (12dB SINAD) WFM: 1.5 µV (12dB SINAD) |
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| 470 MHz ~ 1040 MHz | NFM: 0.9 µV (12dB SINAD) | |||||
| 1040 MHz ~ 2040 MHz | NFM: 9.0 µV (12dB SINAD) | |||||
| 2040 MHz ~ 3000 MHz | NFM: 25 µV (12dB SINAD) | |||||
| Selectivity | SSB/NAM | 3kHz (-6dB) | 9kHz (-40dB) | |||
| AM/SFM | 9kHz (-6dB) | 20kHz (-40dB) | ||||
| WAM/NFM | 12kHz (-6dB) | 25kHz (-40dB) | ||||
| WFM | 150kHz (-3dB) | 360kHz (-20dB) | ||||
| Power requirements | 4 x AA internal batteries or 12V to 16V d.c. external supply 190mA (nominal) consumption | |||||
| Dimensions | 61(W) x 143(H) x 39(D) mm approx excluding projections | |||||
| Weight | 340g approx including batteries and aerial | |||||
| Operating temperature | -5°C to + 50°C | |||||
| Audio output | 120mW (8 OHM) THD 10% | |||||
| Memory channels | 1,000 (20 banks) | |||||
| Select scan channels | 50 | |||||
| Priority channels | 1 | |||||
| Search banks | 40 | |||||
| PASS channels | 50 per search bank + 50 for VFO search | |||||
| Scan/Search Rate | 37 steps per second (nominal) | |||||
AOR UK workshop comment
Manufacturers tend to publish worse-case figures so that complaints do
not arise due to unrealistic expectations, but the position is not consistent.
For instance the published sensitivity for the Icom R3 above 2GHz looks rather
optimistic when compared to real world reports of monitoring. Real word sensitivity for the AR8200-2
/ AR8200 MK3 measured in our workshop is as follows (the performance of the MK3 is almost identical to that of the MK2):
The following sensitivity figures are typical measurements in the UK workshop
and must not be taken as a guaranteed specification:
| Frequency | Sensitivity |
| 1.2MHz AM | 0.30uV |
| 7.2 AM | 0.27uV |
| 25.2 AM | 0.28uV |
| 27.7 NFM | 0.24uV |
| 31.2 NFM | 0.18uV |
| 85.2 NFM | 0.23uV |
| 124.2 AM | 0.28uV |
| 145.2 NFM | 0.21uV |
| 245.2 AM | 0.40uV |
| 445.2 NFM | 0.35uV |
| IFDR 62dB | Mixing performance (IFDR), measured at 145.100MHz with signal generators at 145.200 and 145.300MHz. |
MK3 measured audio output (8 OHMS nominal 10% distortion), powered by
external 13.8V:
| NFM | 210 - 230 mW |
| AM | 220 - 230mW |
In conclusion, the Mk3 appears to have more audio output on AM, but similar (marginally higher) on
NFM than the series-2. Remember though, your 'ear' is logarithmic, so doubling the output sounds
a little louder but not twice as loud. Subjectively speaking, for any specific setting on the Mk3 volume control, the output
does sound louder than the same position on the series-2.
Sensitivity / dynamic range of the Series-2 / Mk3 appears about the same... with
some improvement on
the Mk3 at the lower frequencies.
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LTD 1996 - 2008. All other trade marks and names acknowledged. E&OE
Tel: +44 (0) 1629 581222 Fax: +44 (0) 1629 580070
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