cu8232

An additional piece of software will usually be required in order to address the computer’s serial port with the correct set of parameters.

If using an IBM-PC or clone (with 80386 processor or higher) Microsoft WINDOWS "TERMINAL" may be used to address the computer’s serial port and configuration of "TERMINAL" is covered in the illustrated 50 page CU8232 operating manual (and 16 page AR2700-CU8232 supplement).

PC-MANAGER is an optional IBM compatible DOS based software package for the AR8000 (soon to support the AR2700 too) which permits upload and download of memories, search banks, automode data as well as editing, renumbering, search for duplicate frequencies, saving, export / import of data and a terminal window. WINDOWS packages are under development which also feature scanning, searching, spectrum display, sound recording and much more.

The CU8232 interface enables data to be copied between two identical receivers (*data clone) when simultaneously connected to the CU8232. Memory, search and all data may be transferred enabling full CLONE of one receiver onto another (exact facilities vary between the AR8000 & AR2700). This may be accomplished without the use of a host computer and the interface is powered from the receiver.

The CU8232 is supplied with the following accessories: CU8232 remote control interface box, two flat ribbon cables, RS232C 9-pin to 25-pin adapter, RS232C 9-pin male-Female adapter, English language operating manual and optional supplement for the AR2700.

A ribbon cable is used to connect the receiver to the CU8232. One end of the ribbon cable has a reinforced plate, this is used at the receiver end of the connection. One other end of the ribbon cable is inserted into the CU8232 [PROGRAM] socket, the [PROGRAM] socket is the primary receiver connection used for computer control. This port also takes power from the receiver (when the receiver is switched On). Should you wish to CLONE data between two receivers, connect the second ribbon cable to the socket labelled [COPY].

The AR8000 & AR2700 remote control sockets are located in the battery compartment and the free end of the ribbon cable is inserted with the reinforced plate contact (metal) downward. When the receiver is switched On, DATA is routed to the RS232 connector. If a second identical receiver is connected to the [COPY] socket and switched On, the CU8232 recognises it’s presence and routes data between receivers and not to the RS232 socket. A red LED on the CU8232 indicates that data is being transferred.

To CLONE data between two receivers, connect each receiver to the CU8232 using a ribbon cable as outlined above. Data may be transferred in BOTH direction between the [PROGRAM] and [COPY] sockets. An alternative method may be used to connect two receivers for data CLONE, two CU8232 interfaces may be employed with each receiver connected to the [PROGRAM] socket. The RS232 9-pin connectors are linked using a three wire crossed cable.

Connection to a computer is via the rear panel RS232C 9-pin "D" type female socket. Should you require a male socket then a 9-pin gender changer is supplied in the package. Should you prefer to use a 25-way "D" type female socket, an adapter is also supplied as standard. Always use a straight RS232 cable (null modem is not to be used!). The RS232 cable should be of good quality and no more than 2m in length. As the CU8232 is powered from the receiver, excessive cable length may cause lost data between the receiver and computer.

Communication between the receiver and computer (via the CU8232) uses semi-duplex. Baud rate: 2400, 4800, 9600 selectable, Delimiter: CR or CR,LF selectable, Stop bit: 2 BIT, Parity check: None. The PC requires X-parameter flow control.

Assuming you have DOS and WINDOWS 3.1 (or later) loaded on an IBM-PC compatible computer, WINDOWS "TERMINAL" may be used to address the CU8232 and receiver to enable basic remote operation. Set-up details are given in the CU8232 operating manual.

Each command comprises of two upper case letters (header) along with options as required. All commands use ASCII code which MUST BE IN UPPER CASE (except for the "ARROW" é ê which uses the control code of ASCII). A multiple command entry is only valid where specified in the CU8232 operating manual. Where a multiple command entry is allowed, each command MUST be separated with a space "h20" (HEX DECIMAL). Each command is completed with a [CR] or [CR],[LF] whichever is specified in the receiver configuration, thereafter described as [ï]. Although there is no local echo, either [ï] or a specified response should come back from the receiver after confirming the correct command. The receiver always acknowledges the receipt of a command by sending [ï] (as specified in the receiver configuration) or will respond with the requested data. Only send a second command after the first command has gained a response.

Available commands (AR8000):

AT Register the attenuator position ON/OFF
AU Register the auto mode ON/OFF.
BM Register the scan bank link ON/OFF.
BN Change the search/scan bank.
BQ Register the search bank link function ON/OFF
BS Register the search bank link ON/OFF.
DD Recall the VFO mode.
EX End the Remote mode (RS232C).
GA Register the select scan channel from Memory channel.
GD Delete the select scan channel from Memory channel.
GR Recall the select scan channel.
LC Respond with the received freq. and S-level when SQ opens.
LM Respond with the S-level reading and SQ open/close.
MA Respond with the contents of the present bank or specified bank.
MC Select the monitor switch position.
MD Select the receive mode.
MG Start the scan mode. Respond with receive freq. and S-level
reading when SQ is open (as LC).
ML Register the scan bank link function ON/OFF.
MP Register the present memory channel as Pass channel.
MQ Delete the present bank or memory channel.
MR Switch to the memory read (M.RE) mode.
MS Switch to the scan (SCAN) mode.
MX Write data into memory channel.
PA Register the delay time of Power Save mode.
PD Delete the Search Pass Freq.
PI Register the interval time of Power Save mode.
PR Recall the Search Pass Freq.
PS Register the Search Pass Freq.
PW Register the presently receiving freq. as Pass Freq.
RF Key in the Freq. in VFO
RX Respond with the presently receiving data
SA Register the Audio Search ON/OFF.
SB Register the Level Search ON/OFF. Set the S-level.
SD Change-over HOLD/DELAY in Search mode. Register the delay time.
SE Register the Search data.
SG Start the Search mode. Respond with freq. and S-level reading when SQ is open.
SL Write the start freq. of Search.
SM Start the Select Scan.
SN Write the Pass Word. Recall the Pass Word.
SO Recall the Search operating mode.
SP Register the Free Search ON/OFF and delay time.
SQ Check the SQ setting.
SR Recall the Search data.
SS Start the Search.
ST Register the step size in search mode.
SU Register the end freq. of search mode.
TI Register the interval time of Priority channel.
TM Write the text for memory channel
TT Write the text for search bank
VA Initiate the AVFO mode.
VB Initiate the BVFO mode
VF Initiate the 2VFO mode.
XA Register the Audio Scan ON/OFF.
XB Register the Level Scan ON/OFF.
XD Register the delay time in Scan mode.
XM Register the Mode Scan ON/OFF.
XO Recall the Free Scan operating mode.
XP Register the Free Scan ON/OFF and timing.
XQ Recall the SQ operating mode.
é[UP] ê[DOWN] similar to the receiver’s keyboard.

Available commands (AR2700):

AT Register the attenuator position ON/OFF.
AU Register the auto mode ON/OFF.
BM Register the scan bank link ON/OFF.
BN Change the search/scan bank.
BQ Register the search bank link function ON/OFF.
BS Register the search bank link ON/OFF.
EX End the Remote mode (RS232C).
LC Respond with the received freq. and S-level when SQ opens.
LM Respond with the S-level reading and SQ open/close.
MA Respond with the contents of the present bank or specified bank.
MC Select the monitor switch position.
MD Select the receive mode.
MG Start the scan mode. Respond with receive freq and
S-level reading when SQ is open (as LC).
ML Register the scan bank link function ON/OFF.
MP Register the present memory channel as Pass channel.
MQ Delete the present bank or memory channel.
MR Switch to the memory read (M.RE) mode.
MS Switch to the scan (SCAN) mode.
MX Write data into memory channel.
PD Delete the Search Pass Freq.
PR Recall the Search Pass Freq.
PS Register the Search Pass Freq.
PU Register the pause (free search / scan) On / Off
PW Register the presently receiving freq. as Pass Freq.
QP Turn the power switch Off
RF Key in the Freq. in VFO
RR Control the AR2700 record / play back
RX Respond with the presently receiving data
SC Change the operating code of the option unit (when fitted - not available in the UK).
SE Register the Search data.
SG Start the Search mode. Respond with freq. and S-level reading when SQ is open.
SI Switch the option unit ON/OFF (when fitted - not available in the UK).
SL Write the start freq. of Search.
SR Recall the Search data.
SS Start the Search.
ST Register the step size in search mode.
SU Register the end freq. of search mode.
TI Register the interval time of Priority channel.
TD Register the delay time
TP Register the pause time
é[UP] ê[DOWN] similar to the receiver’s keyboard.

Typical format of commands:

Notes:

If you find the AR2700 in use has a 4-pin rather than ribbon connector then the optional IF-ADP interface adapter lead is required. Please contact your dealer for supply.

Computers "always" generate RF noise which may interfere with the receiver's reception especially if the standard helical rubber aerial is used. To reduce the effects of noise, use of a remote aerial is highly recommended with good quality 50 OHM coaxial cable employed.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows for Workgroups, MS-DOS etc are trade marks of the Microsoft Corporation. IBM, PC etc are trade names of International Business Machines.All other trade marks and names acknowledged. E&OE Rev 2.0