®
 
  AOR (UK) Ltd
     
      Unit 9, Dimple Road Business Centre, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3JX, England
Tel: +44 (0) 1629 581222  Fax: +44 (0) 1629 580070

AR-ONE professional communications receiver - top range 3.3+ GHz

AR-ONE wide band commercial receiver

 Features   Specification   Manual   Leaflet   Technical bulletins

compact high performance receiver for professional applications
10 kHz - 3.3+ GHz all mode, computer controllable

The AR-ONE gives you total command of frequencies, modes, tuning steps and more. It is possible to tune in increments of ONE Hertz. Designed to provide 
MAXIMUM frequency coverage with ALL MODE receive in the MINIMUM cabinet volume, the AR-ONE is specifically designed with the commercial and 
government operator in mind. Strong signal handling on VHF is particularly good (although sensitivity approaching 1MHz and below is reduced).

The AR-ONE is also frequency (but not phase) coherent, so multiple receivers may be connected to an external 10MHz reference (not supplied) for direction finding 
and data reconstruction applications - SEE AR-ONE C below. For stand-alone operation, a built-in ultra-stable reference frequency oscillator (0.1ppm) is fitted as standard. Computer 
control is provided via a rear panel RS232 port (9600bps) with a second RS232 port for hand-off receiver applications and connection to the optional SDU5600 
spectrum display unit. In fact, a third RS232 socket feeds the front panel which may be totally removed for black-box operation under computer control. 
The RS232 identification is selectable to enable multiple receivers (up to 99) to be connected for hand-off applications... an extensive RS232 command list 
is supported.

The front panel features of a dominant LCD with signal meter, power/volume knob, squelch, keypad, navigation keys and rotary tuning control. A 3.5mm phones 
socket is also provided.

In the UK, it is supplied with a 12V DC lead and operating manual (optional mains power supply available 
PSU/ARONE).

 

AR-ONE with front panel removed, blanking plate NOT fitted in this picture

For commercial operators

The front panel may be completely removed for black-box operation or remote head control (optional EXT-ONE 
required - see over). For those requiring black-box operation, you can purchase the AR-ONE without the front 
panel to save cost (a blanking plate is fitted). The separation cable (approx 5m in length) is also available as an 
accessory in case one becomes damaged in the field, the plugs too can be purchased as they are a special 
heavy duty type (blanking plate not available on its own).

The rear panel has a 3.5mm speaker socket, AF out (doesn't disable internal speaker), signal out (0 to 4.5V), 
two RS232 ports, N-socket for aerial connection, external SMA 10MHz reference input, BNC IF output 
(selectable 10.7MHz / 455kHz), main DC power switch and 12V DC power socket.

Off the shelf availability

It is possible to purchase the AR-ONE in a number of formats to match your requirements:

AR-ONE (Standard unit)
Standard version of receiver with front panel, DC lead and operating manual.

AR-ONE/BB (Black Box)
Receiver with front panel completely removed and a blanking plate fitted in its place, 'black-box' computer 
control operation intended. Can be plugged in to a front panel via separation cable (if you already have 
several AR-ONE receivers including one front panel and separation cable). DC lead and operating manual 
included.

AR-ONE/RFP (Remote Front Panel)
Complete receiver with the front panel already fitted to the EXT-ONE separation kit (so you don't have to 
prepare anything), includes connecting cable. DC lead and operating manual included.

AR-ONE/C (Frequency + phase coherent)
Complete receiver with the front panel, see information below.

Options

PSU-ONE 230V mains power supply, UK plug fitted (Euro plug to order)
Please state "C" if the power supply is for the AR-ONE "C" because the connector is different

DC-ONE additional 12V DC lead

DC5500 optional DC lead for AR-ONE "C" version (different plug)

EXT-ONE separation kit, includes control head adapter, separation cable

CABLE-ONE separation cable

PLUGS-ONE pair of heavy duty plugs

M8600 mounting bracket

Note: the various hardware options for the AR-ONE are intended for commercial / government operators 
and are effectively supplied as special orders.  Prices / availability quoted to request.  
Part numbers shown here are applicable to the UK only.

AR-ONE rear panel

EXT-ONE optional separation kit

The front panel of the AR-ONE is removed and fitted to the new compact cabinet with speaker

MM8600 optional mounting bracket

MM8600 with radio fitted

The cable harness with heavy duty plugs connects the two parts together.

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AR-ONE C - FREQUENCY + PHASE COHERENT VERSION

For multi-receiver configurations (such as for direction finding purposes), in addition of frequency matching, PHASE MATCHING between receivers is also critical. 
Whereas the AR-ONE already offers an ultra-stable reference frequency oscillator of 0.1ppm, the new AR-ONE C provides LOCAL OSCILLATOR SEPARATION, for best possible PHASE MATCHING between receiving units.

In addition of 10MHz frequency standard input/output connectors (for coherent), there are also 1st, 2nd, 3rd local oscillator input/outputs, for phase matching with a maximum 5% shift. The daisy chained receivers become therefore perfect clones in frequency and phase.  The number of receivers which can therefore be interconnected, is only limited by the (non supplied) IF amplifiers and splitters used.. see the connection picture below.

AR-ONE C - frequency + phase coherent version - rear panel

SMA connectors for INPUT

SMA connectors for OUTPUT

10MHz standard oscillator

1st & 2nd local oscillators: 254.5MHz or 744.5MHz

3rd local oscillator: 10.245MHz

IF (10.7MHz or 455kHz)

10MHz standard oscillator

1st & 2nd local oscillators: 254.5MHz or 744.5MHz

3rd local oscillator: 10.245MHz

When the supplied bridge cables connect the above described In and Outputs, the AR-ONE C functions as a standard stand-alone AR-ONE. The only difference being that the IF OUT connector is of BNC type for AR-ONE, and SMA for AR-ONE C. Receiver specifications remain the same.

The following plot shows 2 interconnected AR-ONE C receivers having an identical phase for their respective IF OUT signals at 455kHz. 

Typical setup:

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Features of AR-ONE:

  • Super wide coverage: 10 KHz ~ 3.3 GHz
    (actual top frequency input is 3.394 GHz)

  • 1000 memory channels

  • 10 VFOs

  • Monitor AM, NFM, WFM, USB, LSB, CW, Data

  • Ultra-stable reference frequency oscillator

  • Two RS-232C ports plus control head port

  • Control up to 99 AR-ONE units with one PC

  • Triple conversion superheterodyne front end

  • Antenna input level readout

  • Adjustable BFO

  • High intercept

  • Multi IF signal output (10.7 MHz or 455 KHz)

  • Excellent sensitivity

  • Accuracy of 0.1 ppm from -10º ~ 50º C

    •

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Specification of AR-ONE:

Model: AR-ONE
Configuration: Triple conversion super heterodyne
Frequency coverage: 10KHz ~ 3.3 GHz (no gap)
Receive Modes: AM, NFM, WFM, USB, LSB, CW, DATA
Sensitivity: (AM mode -10dB S/N, NFM mode -12dB SINAD, CW/SSB mode -10dB S/N)

10 ~ 40 KHz:
CW 22.3 uV

40 ~ 100 KHz:
AM -4.5uV, CW -1.5uV
100 KHz ~ 40 MHz:
AM 2.5uV, 2 ~ 40 MHz: AM -1.5uV, SSB/CW -0.7uV, NFM -0.89uV
40 MHz ~ 1 GHz:
AM -0.89uV, SSB/CW -0.4uV, NFM -0.5uV, WFM -1.5uV
1 GHz ~ 2.5 GHz:
AM -0.7uV, SSB/CW -0.32uV, NFM -0.4uV, WFM -1.5uV
2.5 GHz ~ 3.3 GHz:
AM -0.9uV, SSB/CW -0.35uV, NFM -0.5uV, WFM -1.5uV
IF frequencies: 1st IF : 754 MHz /265 MHz
2nd IF : 10.7 MHz
3rd IF : 455 KHz
Frequency steps: Standard steps: 1, 10, 50, 100, 500 Hz, 1, 5, 6.25, 9, 10, 12.5, 20, 25, 30, 50, 100, 500 KHz
Non standard steps: Less than 1 MHz (1 Hz incremental)
Selectivity:
B/W -6dB -60dB
0.5KHz 0.5KHz > < 2KHz
3KHz 3KHz > < 6KHz
9KHz 9KHz > < 30KHz
15KHz 15KHz > < 40KHz
30KHz 30KHz > < 70KHz
110KHz 110KHz > < 450KHz
220KHz 220KHz > < 600KHz
300KHz 300KHz > < 900KHz
Spurious Sensitivity: 60dB >
Adjacent Selectivity: 55dB >
Dynamic Range: 90dB >
Unwanted Spurious
emission:		 < -57dBm
3rd IP: +2dBm > (-1dBm > above 2.5GHz)
Frequency stability: +/- 0.1ppm (-10 ~ 50C)
THD: 20dB > (< 10%)
Audio output: 1.5w (at 8ohms, THD < 10%)
Power requirement: 13.5V DC, < 2amp. (@ 1w audio output)
Antenna impedance: 50 OHM BNC
Antenna connector: N type
IF output level: -20dBm (10.7MHz or 455KHz)
External frequency
standard input:		 10MHz (0dBm +/-3dB)
Control interface: RS-232C up to 9600bps
Operating temperature: -10 to +50 degrees C
Dimensions: 157(W) x 58(H) x 270(D) mm excluding projections
Weight: Approx. 2.2Kg

To view a typical sensitivity plot for the AR-ONE (taken from a production unit and provided in Acrobat PDF file format 100kb) click here

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Manual

Operating manual in Acrobat PDF file format (1.1MB) click here

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Leaflet

Sales leaflet in Acrobat PDF file format


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Review

A very positive review of the AR-ONE was published in Short Wave Magazine, April 2004

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Who would buy the AR-ONE ??
The AR-ONE is designed with high performance, frequency coherence and minimal enclosure volume in mind. For hobbyist users, the AR5000A provides excellent short wave performance and a more appropriately targeted list of features... but if you want small size and coherence, than you want an AR-ONE!

It looks similar to the AR8600 receiver. Is the AR-ONE an upgraded version of the AR8600 or AR8600MK2 ??
No, the front panel of the AR-ONE appears similar to that of the AR8600 or AR8600MK2, however, the AR-ONE is a totally different radio with many different features.

Why is it so expensive ??
The AR-ONE is designed and built to be the highest grade receiver possible in such a small enclosure. The AR-ONE is the world’s first communications receiver to continuously receive from 10 KHz to more than 3.3 GHz, in all analogue modes. The AR-ONE has an ultra stable reference oscillator, accurate to 0.1 ppm. This gives you high grade performance and stability, similar to that found in laboratory test equipment.

The AR-ONE is PC controllable, what about software ??
At this time, AOR has not yet produced a control program, in that many government and institutional users prefer to develop programs that suit their specific needs. It is possible that a third party software developer will create a control program for the AR-ONE.

I’m interested in using the AR-ONE for DF applications. Will the AR-ONE work in that role ??
Yes, The AR-ONE is frequency coherent when operated from an external reference.

Is the AR-ONE compatible with the SDU5600 spectrum display unit ??
Yes.

At international exhibitions the displayed model of the AR-ONE had a remote control head, however the leaflet makes no mention of a remote head. Why is that ??
The AR-ONE control head is detachable. By using an optional separation cable, you can mount the control head away from the main receiver.

I want to use the AR-ONE as a "black box" type of receiver without the control head. Is it possible to operate the receiver in this manner ??
Yes. The AR-ONE has THREE separate serial ports. TWO are mounted on the rear panel and are used for PC control and "daisy chain" operation of multiple receivers; the other is for the control head. Therefore, you can control the radio without a control head attached.

I don’t see an S-meter of the AR-ONE in the photo. Does the AR-ONE have a S-meter ??
Yes, it does. Not only an S-meter display, but an actual antenna signal level can be measured and displayed in numerical units (dBm or dbµ). The signal meter may also be reported by RS232 communications using the LM command:

The LM command can be used via Windows HyperTerminal for experimentation.  The output is quite straightforward, but more verbose than some operators would have liked or indicated by the operating manual (page 71)…

    LM
    AT0 AM1 NSQ1 LM245
   
    LM
    AT0 AM1 NSQ1 LM240

Without knowing the ‘gain / attenuation’ condition, the LM signal level cannot be calibrated, so AT + AM have been included in the LM response.

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Due to continuous developments, AOR reserves the right to make design and specification changes for product improvement without prior notice. The performance specification figures indicated are nominal values of production units. There may be some deviation from these values in individual units.

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Tel: +44 (0) 1629 581222  Fax: +44 (0) 1629 580070

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