Help Index
AR5000 Tuner Contents

This is a sophisticated control and spectrum surveillance application for use with the AOR AR5000 Wideband All-mode Communications Receiver - The New Horizon. It contains a number of powerful features which are accessible from both the menu and tool bar.  The AOR Data Base Toolkit may be used directly with this control program to create a powerful communications monitoring system.

You can obtain context sensitive help at any time.  From the main desktop, simply press [image] F1 to open this contents page.  Most dialogs contain a help push button which allows you to select specific help.

To display information about this application, click on the [image] symbol or select the Help|About... menu option.

 Menu Options

File Menu

Edit Menu

Setup Menu

Tools Menu

Log Menu

Windows Menu

Help Menu

Toolbar

Toolbar Commands

Procedures

How Do I...?

Operating the receiver from the Front Panel window

Rules for automode bandplan data (how to check data)

Other Topics

Copy Protection


For information on how to use Help, press F1 or select Using Help from the Help menu.


File Menu

The File menu provides commands for managing files of memory, automode, search and log data used by the program.  This includes creating new files, opening existing files, saving files and printing.  You can also exit the application from this menu.

New	Create a new, untitled, document.

Open...	Open an existing file.

Close	Close the current document.

Save	Save the current document if its contents have changed.

Save As	Save the current document under a new name.

Send to RX...	Send the current document from to radio.

Get from RX...	Get a document from the radio.

Print	Print the current document.

Print Setup	Set printer characteristics.

Send...	Send the current document as e-mail.

Exit	Exit from the program.

 Note: Although new log files can be created from this menu, they cannot be used.  You should use the search, scan, bandscope, or SFW features to generate a log.


Edit Menu

The Edit menu provides a range of commands for altering data items in the currently active window.

Cut	Delete selected text and move it to the clipboard.

Copy	Copy selected text to the clipboard.

Paste	Move text from the clipboard to the current document.

Clear	Clear the selected text and leave a blank line.

Delete	Delete selected text removing it completely.

Add Item...	Add a new item below the selected item.

Modify Item...	Modify the selected item.

Check	Check the data (auto mode only).

Renumber	Renumber the items into ascending order.


Setup Menu

The Setup menu allows you to tune your radio directly, alter key controls, cycle power to the radio remotely and configure the AR5000 Tuner application for operation with your radio.

Tune...	Select frequency and mode from desktop.

Increment 	Increments receiver frequency

Decrement 	Decrements receiver frequency

Select VFO 	Selects VFO A to E

Power 	Toggle the receiver power ON/OFF

Toggle Bank 	Toggle between banks 0 and 1

Automode 	Toggle automode operation

Cyberscan 	Toggle cyberscan operation

AFC 	Toggle automatic frequency control operation

NB 	Toggle noise blanker operation

Attenuator... 	Adjust the attenuator

Sound Recording Enabled 	Select use of sound card

Data Base Directory...	Location of AOR Data Base Toolkit.

Communications...	Select serial port parameters.

Automode Offsets...	Change frequency offsets used with automode


Tools Menu

The Tools menu contains special tools for searching, scanning, traffic analysis and provides a link to the AOR Data Base Toolkit.

Maps...	Tune from a data base using TX sites projected on a map.

Scan Operation...	Scan memory channels from file

Scan Expert Options...	Expert options for scan operations

Search Operation...	Search between two frequency limits

Search Expert Options...	Expert options for search

Bandscope Operation...	High-speed bandscope (with spectrum)

Single Frequency Watch Operation...	Traffic analysis of a fixed frequency

Offset Simplex Reconstruction Operation...	Reconstruct offset simplex transmissions

VHF/UHF Database...	Launch the VHF/UHF database


Log Menu

This menu lets you replay audio collected in a log while searching or scanning.  You can select and replay all the entries or just select entries corresponding to one particular frequency.

Skip Backwards	Play previous log entry

Skip Forwards	Play next log entry

Play	Play all log entries

Pause	Pause playing the current log entry

Stop	Stop playing the current log entry

Select By Frequency	Play previous log entry

Select All	Select all entries in the log

Clear selections	Unselect all entries in the log

Report...	Produce a text-format report for the log

Aging...	Set aging of audio files in logs

Delete	Delete the entire log

You can replay and review a single log entry using the digital audio tool by double-clicking on the required line in a log window.

 You need to have a sound card installed in your system and connected to your radio to use these features.  If you do not have wave audio installed and working on your system, these menu options are greyed out. Logs can still be created and analysed using the Report feature.


Windows Menu
Window Menu

The Window menu provides commands to control the position and layout of application's windows.

Cascade	Resize and position all windows in an overlapping pattern.

Tile	Resize and position all windows in an non overlapping pattern.

Arrange Icons	Align all iconized windows along a grid.

Close All	Close all windows.


Help Menu

The Help menu provides access to the help system and the about dialog.

Contents	Help topic contents.


How do I...?

•	Connect my receiver to the computer?

•	Get started with using AR5000 Tuner?

•	Use the on-line help?

•	Operate the radio using the front panel window?

•	Edit files

•	Edit memories?

•	Edit search banks?

•	Edit pass frequencies?

•	Print files

•	Search between two frequency limits?

•	Scan memories?

•	Change the bandplan settings?

•	Record audio from the radio when searching or scanning?

•	Get a text-based report of activity after a search, scan or single frequency watch?

•	Setup the Database Toolkit?

•	Check automode data?

•	Switch to the alternate bank of 1000 memory channels?

•	Move the copy protection token?

•	Prevent my system from running out of disk space when using sound recording?

•	Send data from AR5000 Tuner by e-mail or FAX?

•	Switch quickly between VFOs?

•	Drag/Drop from Explorer or File Manager

•	Exit from the application?


How do I connect my receiver to the computer?

You must connect your radio to an RS-232 port of your computer before you can operate the software.  A screened cable with a minimum of 5 conductors is required for connecting the PC to the receiver.

 If screened cable is not used then digital noise may radiate from the conductors of the cable and cause interference to reception.  All cable connections should be high quality for durability.

Full details of the connection required (including the pin configuration) is given in Section 5-17 REMOTE - RS-232computer port of the AR5000 Operating Manual.  No level shifting interface is required (unlike other manufacturers receivers), you just connect a serial port of your computer directly to the radio.

First, you need to select appropriate parameters for operation of the RS-232 interface from your AR5000 - these must be exactly matched by the computer for correct operation.  Instructions for setting the RS-232 interface parameters are given in Section 6-19 CONFIG - Computer control BPS of the AR5000 Operating Manual.

You can check your physical connections before using the AR5000 Tuner program using a terminal program such as Windows Terminal (for Windows 3.x) or HyperTerminal (for Windows 95).  Suitable parameter files for each of these utilities are provided and are accessible from the group of icons that is installed onto your system.

To check your system, double-click on the icon you want to use (either HyperTerminal File or Terminal Settings) then check the parameters are correct for your system as follows:

For Windows Terminal (Windows 3.x):

Select the Settings|Communications... menu option to launch the Communications dialog and check that the parameters selected match those your AR5000 is setup for.  You must also ensure that the correct serial port on your PC is selected in the Connector list box.

For HyperTerminal (Windows 95):

Select the File|Properties... menu option to launch the AR5000 Properties dialog.  You must ensure that the Connect Using list box has Direct to Com 2 (or whichever port you are using).  The RS-232 parameters are set using the Configure... push button to launch the COM Properties dialog for the port you have selected.

Once you have done this, you can test the interface by manually controlling the AR5000 from the keyboard.  Try entering the following:

RF <enter>

If you get a response of the form:

VA RF0125650000 ST025000  AU0 MD1

Your interface is setup and you are ready to begin using the program.  If not, you need to review the connections and parameter settings for both PC and radio.

If problems persist, check that the electrical connections in your cable are sound and correctly wired.


How do I get started with using AR5000 Tuner?

To launch AR5000 Tuner from Windows 95:

Select the AR5000 Tuner shortcut from the AOR Spectrum Master option of the Programs menu on the Windows 95 task bar.

To launch AR5000 Tuner from Windows 3.x:

Select the AR5000 Tuner icon from the AOR Spectrum Master group of icons in program Manager.

The AR5000 Tuner program should then appear on your screen.  The main window has a number of components as follows:

•	Menu

The main menu provides access to all the features of the program and is located just below the top edge of the window. The Menu Options section on the contents page of this help file lists the menu options available and provides links to further section on each.

•	Tool bar

Underneath the main menu is the toolbar.  This contains a number of push buttons which provide rapid access to the most frequently used menu options.  If you move your mouse over any of the tool bar buttons, a line of text is displayed on the status bar in place of the copyright notice on the bottom edge of the main window telling you what the button does.

•	Status display

Next to the tool bar push buttons is a status display showing the current frequency, mode and step size the radio is tuned to.

•	S-meter display

Next to the status display is a simple bargraph-based S-meter display.  An open squelch is indicated by a : symbol, whereas a close squelch is indicated by a ..  The signal level is shown using shevrons.

•	Status bar

Along the bottom edge of the window is a copyright notice which can be used to display a dialog showing the version of the AR5000 Tuner program and the firmware version installed in your AR5000..  Click on the [image] or © symbol to display the dialog.

•	Desktop

The main part of the window (the applications desktop) is used to display files of data in individual windows.  A specially developed style of list box is used for display and provides a flexible and fast way to handle data.  Data windows can be reduced to icons and appear along the bottom edge of the desktop as minimised windows.

To setup the software:

You need to use the Setup|Communications... dialog to configure the serial port used with your radio.

Select the PC serial port and the baud rate you want from the dialog and click on the OK push button to continue.  The parameters you select are stored in the "AR5000.INI" initial values file so that they can be reused next time you run AR5000 Tuner.

 YOU SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE BAUD RATE IS SET TO THE SAME VALUE AS THE AR5000 IS SETUP FOR.

Once you have setup your PC serial port for the radio you are using, you can begin to use AR5000 Tuner.


How do I use the on-line help?

AR5000 Tuner has a extensive context sensitive help available at all times.  You can obtain help from the desktop simply by pressing [image] F1 or by selecting the Help option from the main menu.  Help is also provided from a push button in each dialog.

The help information that is provided is hypertext based and fully inter-referenced for your convenience.

You can also access the SWL working aids from the help menu.  Comprehensive information is provided on the international bandplan (regions 1, 2, and 3), modulation, propagation and foreign language recognition (non-English).


How do I operate the radio using the front panel window?

Full details on how to operate the AR5000 via the front panel window

are given in the description.


How do I edit memories?

Memory data is stored in .MEM files in text format.  You can use the File|Send to RX... to send data to the radio or the File|Get from RX... to read memory data from the radio.

Editing is done when a .MEM file is opened into a window on the programs desktop.

The format of the data displayed is as follows:

024  S  123.975000  25.00        AM 0.5k  0dB  CIV AIR

025 P   124.000000  25.00        AM 0.5k  0dB  CIV AIR

026     121.025000  25.00        AM 0.5k  0dB  CIV AIR

027      92.700000 100.00  AUTO  FM 110k  0dB

028 P   121.075000  25.00        AM 0.5k  0dB  CIV AIR

Where the fields are:

channel number, pass, sel, frequency, step size, automode, mode, bandwidth, attenuator, comment

To edit the parameters of a memory channel, highlight it with your mouse by single-clicking on the relevant line then click on the modify [image] push button on the toolbar or select the Edit|Modify Item... menu option to launch the Add/Modify Memory Channel dialog.

Once edited, memory channels must be sent to the radio before they can be used in a scan.


How do I edit search banks?

Search banks are stored in .SCH files in text format.  You can use the File|Send to RX... to send data to the radio or the File|Get from RX... to read search bank data from the radio.

Editing is done when a .SCH file is opened into a window on the programs desktop.

The format of the data displayed is as follows:

10  153.740000  154.450000  12.50+  FM ----  0dB

11  153.740000  154.450000  12.50+  AM ----  0dB

12  410.000000  425.000000  25.00   FM ----  0dB  USAF

13  156.000000  163.000000  25.00   FM ----  0dB  MARINE

Where the fields are:

bank number, lower frequency, upper frequency, step size (+ = adjust), mode, automode, attenuator, comment

To edit the parameters of a search bank, highlight it with your mouse by single-clicking on the relevant line then click on the modify [image] push button on the toolbar or select the Edit|Modify Item... menu option to launch the Add/Modify Search Bank dialog.

Once edited, search banks must be sent to the radio before they can be used in a search.


How do I edit the automode bandplan?

Automode bandplan data is stored in .AUT files in text format.  You can use the File|Send to RX... to send data to the radio or the File|Get from RX... to read memory data from the radio.

Editing is done when a .AUT file is opened into a window on the programs desktop.

The format of the data displayed is as follows:

069   88.000000  FM    100 110k

070  108.000000  AM     50   6k

071  118.000000  AM     25   6k

072  137.050000  FM      1  30k

...

078  145.000000  FM     25  15k           -600.0

...

105  872.000000  FM     25  15k   12.5

Where the fields are:

band number, starting frequency, mode, step size, bandwidth, step adjust and optional frequency offset

To edit the parameters of a entry, highlight it with your mouse by single-clicking on the relevant line then click on the modify [image] push button on the toolbar or select the Edit|Modify Item... menu option to launch the Add/Modify Memory Channel dialog.

Once edited, bandplan data must be sent to the radio before they can be used in a scan.

 EXTREME CAUTION IS URGED WHEN EDITING THE BANDPLAN - ESPECIALLY THE OFFSET FREQUENCIES - AS INCORRECT OPERATION OF THE RECEIVER MAY RESULT.

The automode data can be check before it sent to the receiver using the Edit| Check menu option. The checks that are done are explained in the help topic entitled How Do I Check Automode Data?


How do I edit pass frequencies?

A bank of 100 pass frequencies is provided for the VFOs and further banks for each of the search banks.

To add a pass frequency for the current VFO, click on the PASS button in the front panel window.  To list current pass frequencies and delete any that are no longer required, click and hold down for about one second the PASS button so that the pass list dialog is launched.

When searching or scanning, you can review and delete current pass frequencies from the search or scan dialogs.  Frequencies may be added when the search or scan paused on an active channel and the Pass push button in the dialog is enabled.


How do I search between two frequency limits?

Use the search feature, which is accessible from the Tools|Search Operation... menu option.  This allows you to select a search bank from those programmed into the AR5000 and to set the expert options you want applied to the search.  This can also be done from the Tools|Search Expert Options... menu option.

You can edit search bank, send them to the receiver, then select them for the search from the search dialog.

It is also possible search using a spectrum display which indicates the signal level on each frequency found, or the number of times each active frequency is encountered. This is a separate feature accessible from the Tools|Bandscope Operation...menu option.

 The search is done using the search engine provided in the AR5000 firmware.  This means that it is done at the full speed of the receiver and does not require constant polling of the radio for status information.  When active frequencies are found, these are reported by the radio automatically.


How do I scan memories?

Use the scan feature, which accessible from the Scan Operation... menu option.  This allows you to scan memories programmed into the AR5000 from any of the ten banks provided.  It is also possible to change the expert options used for the scan or directly from the Tools|Scan Expert Options... menu option.

You can edit memories, send them to the receiver, then select banks for the search from the scan dialog.

 The scan is done using the search engine provided in the AR5000 firmware.  This means that it is done at the full speed of the receiver and does not require constant polling of the radio for status information.  When active frequencies are found, these are reported by the radio automatically.


How do I change the bandplan settings?

The bandplan is changed by editing the automode data for the receiver.  There are two types of data that can be edited: the automode data applied to successive frequencies and automode offset data

 EXTREME CAUTION IS URGED WHEN EDITING THE BANDPLAN - ESPECIALLY THE OFFSET FREQUENCIES - AS INCORRECT OPERATION OF THE RECEIVER MAY RESULT.

All automode data must be  before being sent to the receiver.

To edit the automode data

You can use the File|Send to RX... to send data to the radio or the File|Get from RX... to read automode data from the radio.

Editing is done when a .AUT file is opened into a window on the programs desktop.

To edit the parameters of an automode entry, highlight it with your mouse by single-clicking on the relevant line then click on the modify [image] push button on the toolbar or select the Edit|Modify Item... menu option to launch the Add/Modify Automode Data dialog.

Once edited, automode data must be sent to the radio and the power cycled for the changes to take effect.

To edit the automode frequency offset data:

Select the Setup|Automode Offsets... menu option to change the list of frequency offsets available for use with the automode data.

 EXTREME CAUTION IS REQUIRED WHEN ENTERING AUTOMODE OFFSET FREQUENCY INFORMATION.  This is because the values are sorted in a lookup table by the AR5000 when they are stored in the automode area of EEPROM and recalled by index number from the table.  If you add or delete offset frequencies, then the position of each offset frequency value in the EEPROMs lookup table could change leading to unexpected results with previously defined automode entries referencing the table.


How do I record audio from the radio when scanning or searching?

Audio recording needs virtually no setting up, but you will need to install a WindowsTM compatible sound card, such as one of the Sound BlasterTM  cards (not supplied).  Follow the installation instructions that come with your sound card before attempting to use the audio feature.  If you have test software, use that after installation to ensure that your sound card is working properly.

Some adjustment of the audio levels may be necessary for best results.  There is usually an audio mixer utility supplied with your sound card which can be used to adjust the levels correctly.  If you are using Windows® 95, you can use the Volume Control utility to make alterations to sound levels by double-clicking on the [image] symbol in the bottom right hand corner of the Windows® 95 desktop.

To connect your radio to the sound card, you need a screened coaxial audio cable with a 3.5mm mono jack on one end and a suitable connector for the Line In socket on your sound card.  It may be necessary to adjust the volume level on the radio to prevent clipping or an excessively low audio level before proceeding.  The ACC 1 accessory socket provides a number of options for connecting audio related devices to the AR5000.

Once installed, you can enable or disable audio recording from the Setup|Sound Recording Enabled menu option.

When enabled, audio is recorded to hard disk via your sound card whenever the Log check box is ticked in the search or scan dialogs.


How do I get a text-based report after a search, scan or a single frequency watch?

Reports are generated from activity logs.  You generate a log of this type whenever the Log check box is ticked in the search or scan dialogs.

To generate a report, you need to use the File|Open... menu option and open a .LOG file.

Select the Report... menu option to generate the report and launch Windows Notepad to view the file automatically.  You will see data of the following form (for an SFW):

=== Single Frequency Watch Log Report ===

Started: Sun Jul 06 16:45:20 1997

Ended:   Sun Jul 06 16:52:06 1997

Duration of log = 0.11 hours (  6.8 minutes)

Number of hits observed = 35

Overall mean traffic density = 309.7 hits/hr (  5.2 hits/min)

A total of 1 individual active frequencies were found.

Analysis by individual frequency

---------------------------------------------------

Frequency 	tally 	density(hits/hr) 	mean s-meter

125.65000 	35 	309.7 	89

Searches and scans will produce reports with multiple frequencies.


How do I setup the database toolkit?

The optional AOR Data Base Toolkit is installed separately from AR5000 Tuner and so you need to set the directory you used for the data base to enable the program to launch data base applications.

You just need to type in the appropriate directory name into the dialog that is displayed.

The directory name you choose is stored in the initial values (.INI) file so you only need to do this once.  The directory name you type in must be exactly the same as that chosen when installing the data base.


How do I check automode data?

When editing automode data, you can check that the data is correct using the Edit|Check menu option.  Each line of auto mode data is checked and any errors reported that will prevent the program from creating valid RS-232 commands for sending to the radio.

The following syntax checks are made:

Invalid channel number

Channel number not in ascending order

Invalid frequency

Invalid step size

Invalid mode type

Frequency is not divisible by current or previous step

Invalid step offset

If an error is detected, you will be told what the error was and on what line it was found.  Go to the relevant line, correct and try again.

When editing auto mode data, a simple set of rules must be followed so that the radio works correctly when the data is transferred to it.   The rules are as follows:

1. The frequencies must be listed in ascending order and be within valid range.

2. Each step frequency must be within the valid range for the radio.

3. The current frequency must have a whole number of steps in it.  For example:

046   26.515000  FM      1   6k N

because 26.515 is integer-divisible by 1 kHz, but

001    0.153000  AM     10   6k N

because there are not a whole number of 10 kHz steps in 0.153 MHz

4. The current frequency must be divisible by a whole number of steps used in the previous band definition.  For example, for line 65:

052   29.700000  FM     25   6k N

053   47.450000  FM   12.5  15k N

because 47.450 is divisible by a step size of 25, but

001    0.153000  AM      9   6k N

002    1.820000  CW   0.05   3k N

because 1.820 is not divisible by a whole number of 9.0 kHz steps

 You should check auto mode data carefully before sending the data to your RADIO, improper operation of the radio may otherwise result.


How do I switch to the alternate bank of 1000 memory channels?

To select the alternate bank of 1000 memory channels, select the Setup|Toggle Bank menu option.


How do I move the copy protection token?

A simple utility has been provided so you can move the copy protection token that is installed by your AOR software back onto the distribution floppy disk or between hard disks.

You may need to move the copy protection token back onto you original distribution disk in the following circumstances:

When installing disk compression software.

When upgrading your AOR software

When moving the program to a new computer.

When returning the original disk to your AOR distributor (for updates etc.)

To transfer the token onto the distribution floppy disk, run the Copy Protection Move utility:

To transfer the token onto the distribution floppy disk, click on the Move to master floppy... push button.  If the token is already on the floppy disk, you can transfer it to hard disk using the Move from master floppy... push button.  You can use this utility to have copies of the program on several computers at once, however the program will only work on the machine that has the copy protection token on it.

This AOR software product comes with a single license and two tokens.  Contact your AOR dealer to obtain additional copies of the software.


How do I prevent my system from running out of disk space when using sound recording?

The amount of space required to store audio on your system can be limited using the Log| Aging... menu option to set the maximum number of audio files permitted in each log.


How do I send data from AR5000 Tuner by e-mail for FAX?
How do I send data from AR5000 Tuner by e-mail or FAX?

If you are using Windows 95, you can use an interface to MS-Exchange to send the contents of your memory (.MEM), automode (.AUT) or search bank (.SCH) files via e-mail or FAX.

With a suitable file loaded into the program, select the File|Send... menu option.

 You must have MS-Exchange installed on your system in the default location for this to work.


How do I switch quickly between VFOs?

You can switch between each VFO (A - E) in sequence using the VFO button in the front panel window.  However, this is quite slow if you want to switch between the VFOs out of sequence.

To select the radios VFOs in any order, use the Setup|Select VFO menu option.


How do I exit from the application?

To exit the application, choose File|Exit from the menu.

You can also switch off the radio using the power button on the Front Panel window or from the Toggle Power menu option.

If you have modified files without saving, you'll be prompted to save before exiting.


How do I drag/drop from Explorer or File Manager?

A memory (.MEM), automode (.AUT), search (.SCH) or log (.LOG) file can be opened into a window on the AR5000 Tuners desktop by dragging the file from the Explorer (or File Manager if you are using Windows 3.x), and dropping it on the main window.


How do I print files?

There are two commands on the File menu which support printing of documents from the application.  File|Print Setup is used to select and configure a printer device. File|Print causes the current document to be printed.

Note: blank lines are not printed in order to save paper.


How do I edit files?

Data in this application is presented to you in re-sizable list boxes.  This means editing the data is different to using a text editor but is much more convenient to use with your radio data.

You must first select a line of data before you can work with it.  To do this, just single-click on the line you require with your mouse.  To can select a continuous block of data by clicking on the first line then again on the last line with the [image] SHIFT key held down.  Alternatively, you can select a number of lines that are not in a block by single-clicking on each with the [image] CNTRL key held down.

You will get slightly different behavior depending on the type of data you are working with (memory, search bank or auto mode).  Some of the Edit Menu options will be disabled at certain times if they cannot (or should not be used).


Front Panel window

 The Front Panel window aims to mimic the real AR5000 front panel as closely as the RS-232 command set permits.  This means in practice that most of the features of the AR5000 can be accessed via software including volume and squelch settings, IF configuration settings, keypad frequency display, etc...  Some functions described in the AR5000 Users Manual require front panel keys to be held down for about a second - supported functions using this method of access can be used in exactly the same way via software.

Please refer to your AR5000 Operating Manual for details of how to operate your radio.  Differences between the real radio and the software emulation are summarised below:

Power switch - this toggles power to the AR5000 but permits RS-232 operation to continue (so that power can be restored via RS-232). See the Toggle Power menu option.

Search/Scan - Selecting any search or scan parameter setting individually will launch the Expert dialog permitting all parameters to be altered. Refer to the Tools|Scan Operation... and Tools|Search Operation... menu options for further details.

Audio level  - You can adjust the audio level using a slider control having a logarithmic characteristic by single-clicking on the volume knob to open a dialog.

Squelch level - The squelch level can be controlled using a slider control which is displayed when you single-click on the squelch knob.

Direct Frequency entry, mode, step, attenuator, up/down, IF bandwidth, AGC, antenna, memory operation, pass operation, Key lock - Use in the same way as described in the Users Manual for the AR5000

AF set - Selecting the AF set function will launch a dialog allowing any of the audio parameters (LPF, HPF, de-emphasis and CW pitch) to be changed

VFO - The VFOs can be selected or VFO function restored using the VFO key (as per the AR5000 Users Manual).  It is possible to select any of the available VFOs directly from the Select VFO menu option.

Options - Selected features only (see below)

 The following functions are not supported by this package: Clock functions, alarm, sleep, T-ELMT, DE-SCR, priority operation, RF Gain control, S.SET, SR.PROG, S.SCAN, OFFSET, CONFIG

 The front panel display follows the status of the receiver wherever possible, however, some operations do not permit full tracking of status - this could lead to slight discrepancies between the radio hardware and this software in some circumstances.


File|Close Command

File|Close closes the currently active window.  If you have modified the file without saving, you'll be prompted to save before exiting.


File|Exit Command

The File|Exit command exits from the application.  You can also click on the power button in the Front Panel window to exit.

If you have modified files without saving, you'll be prompted to save before exiting.


File|New Command

The File|New command opens a new, untitled file window, and makes it the active window.  You can select the type of data you want (memory, automode or search) from the pop-up menu that is displayed.

The program prompts you to name untitled documents when they are closed.

 Although it is possible to open a new log file, log entries are created from scan or search operations.


File|Open Command
File|Open... Command

The File|Open... command displays the standard Open a File dialog box so you can select a file to load into a new window.  You can also create a new window by naming a file that doesn't currently exist.

You can select the type of data you want using the List Files of Type: list box that is displayed in the Open a File dialog.  Choose from memory (*.mem), automode (*.aut), search (*.sch) or log (*.log).


File|Print Command
File|Print... Command

The File|Print... command prints the contents of the active window. Use File|Print Setup... to select a printer, and to set printer options.

Note: blank lines are not printed in order to save paper.


File|Print Setup Command
File|Print Setup... Command

The File|Printer Setup... command displays the Printer Setup dialog box which allows you to select and configure the printer to be used to print documents in the application.


File|Save Command

The File|Save command saves the file in the active window to disk. If the file is unnamed, the Save File As dialog box is displayed so you can name the file, and choose where it is to be saved.


File|Save As Command
File|Save As... Command

The File|Save As... command allows you to save a file under a new name, or in a new location on disk.  The command displays the Save File As dialog box.  You can enter the new file name, including the drive and directory.  If you choose an existing file name, you are asked if you want to overwrite the existing file.


File|Send to RX... Command

The File|Send to RX... command send the contents of the current window to your radio using RS-232 commands.

If you are sending memory data, you will be asked if you want to send only the current selected individual channel or the whole bank.

 DATA IN YOUR RADIO WILL BE OVERWRITTEN


File|Get from RX... Command

The File|Get from RX... command gets a data from the radio and places it in the currently active window.  You should open a new window before getting new data if you do not want to overwrite the current window.

If you are getting memory data, you will be asked to select a bank (0-9).  Please note that getting  a memory bank can take several minutes to complete.

 DATA IN THE CURRENT WINDOW WILL BE OVERWRITTEN


File|Send... Command

File|Send... launches Microsoft Exchange and pre-loads it with the current active file.  You will need to have a memory file open before you can send it.  Exchange can be used to send the file as an e-mail attachment over the Internet or as a FAX.

See your system help files for more information about setting up and using Microsoft Exchange.

 This feature is only available if you are running Windows 95 and have installed MS-Exchange (this need not necessarily be installed by default).


Edit|Cut Command

The Edit|Cut command removes the selected items from the active window and places the text in the Clipboard.  Choose Edit|Paste to paste the cut text into another window. The text remains selected in the clipboard, and can be pasted several times.


Edit|Copy Command

The Edit|Copy command leaves the selected items intact and places an exact copy of them in the Clipboard.  To paste the copied text into another document, choose Edit|Paste.


Edit|Paste Command

The Edit|Paste command inserts the text currently in the Clipboard into the current window at the cursor position.


Edit|Clear Command

The Edit|Clear command removes the selected items and leaves blank lines in their place. The text is not placed in the Clipboard.

DATA CANNOT BE RECOVERED ONCE IT HAS BEEN CLEARED.


Edit|Delete Command

The Edit|Delete command deletes the currently selected items from the current window removing it completely.  The text is not placed in the Clipboard.

DATA CANNOT BE RECOVERED ONCE IT HAS BEEN DELETED.


Edit|Add Item... Command

The Edit|Add Item... option allows you to add a new item of data just below the currently selected item.

The appropriate Add/Modify dialog is opened for the type of data you are editing:

Add/Modify Memory dialog

Add/Modify Search dialog

Add/Modify Automode dialog (automode frequency offsets can be altered using the Automode Offset Frequencies... dialog)


Edit|Modify Item... Command

The Edit|Modify Item... opens a dialog which lets you alter the current item of data in the active window.

The appropriate Add/Modify dialog is opened for the type of data you are editing:

Add/Modify Memory dialog

Add/Modify Search dialog

Add/Modify Automode dialog (automode frequency offsets can be altered using the Automode Offset Frequencies... dialog)


Edit|Renumber Command

The Edit|Renumber menu option allows you to renumber the lines of data items so that they are in ascending order (by channel number).

You will need to use this option after editing using Clipboard or whenever the channels are not in the right order before sending the data to the radio.


Edit|Check Command

 Note: This option is only available with auto mode data.

This menu option allows you to check the syntax of each line of auto mode data and report any errors that will prevent AR5000 Tuner from creating RS-232 commands for sending to the radio. The checks that are done are explained in the help topic entitled How Do I Check Automode Data?

If an error is detected, you will be told what the error was and on what line it was found.  Go to the relevant line, correct and try again.

 You should check auto mode data carefully before sending the data to your RADIO, improper operation of the radio may otherwise result.


Setup|Tune... Command

The Setup|Tune... command opens a dialog box which allows you to set the frequency, mode, step size, auto attenuator and auto mode by tuning the radio directly.

You can select auto mode operation from this dialog in addition to the push button on the tool bar.  If you have Auto Mode checked, the mode and step size in the dialog is ignored in favour of the settings stored in the radio.

Use the Tune dialog to select the parameters you want and click on OK to accept or CANCEL to abort.

The RS-232 command needed to change the radio are sent and the status display on the tool bar updated when you press OK.


Setup|Step Up Command
Setup|Increment Command

This command tunes the radio up in frequency by one step.


Setup|Step Down Command
Setup|Decrement Command

This command tunes the radio down in frequency by one step.


Setup|Automode Command

This command toggles auto mode operation.  Automode is ON when the associated push button on the toolbar is depressed and OFF when it is up.  A tick mark appears next to this menu option when the feature is enabled.

It is also possible to toggle automode operation from the Tune... menu option.


Setup|Cyberscan Command

This command toggles cyberscan operation.  Cyberscan is ON when the associated push button on the toolbar is depressed and OFF when it is up. A tick mark appears next to this menu option when the feature is enabled.


Setup|AFC Command

This command toggles automatic frequency control operation. A tick mark appears next to this menu option when the feature is enabled.

 This feature available only where supported by the AR5000 hardware.


Setup|NB Command

This command toggles noise blanker operation. A tick mark appears next to this menu option when the feature is enabled.

 This feature available only where supported by the AR5000 hardware.


Setup|Sound Recording Enabled
Setup|Sound Recording Enabled Command

If you have a Windows compatible sound card fitted to your PC (not supplied), you can use it to record audio from your radio to the hard disk while searching or scanning or using certain other features.

This menu option must be checked (so that a tick mark is visible) before sound recording is enabled even if you have a sound card fitted and in operation.  This allows you to disable audio recording and prevent large amounts of unwanted files from accumulating on your system if you dont intend to use this feature.

To enable sound recording, ensure the tick mark is visible on the Setup menu next to Sound Recording Enabled by repeatedly selecting this menu option.  To disable, simply remove the tick.

The setting you select is stored in the initial values file for re-use next time you run the application.

 Disabling sound recording will not affect the log.


Setup|Data Base Directory... Command

This option allows you to selected the directory where the AOR Data Base Toolkit was installed.  You must set this parameter so that this program can launch data base applications.

YOU MUST ENSURE THAT THE DIRECTORY SELECTED HERE IS THE SAME AS THAT SELECTED WHEN YOU INSTALLED THE DATA BASE.


Setup|Communications... Command

The Setup|Communications... command opens a dialog box which allows you to select the parameters of the PC serial port you want to use for bi-directional RS-232 communications with your radio.

YOU MUST MAKE SURE THAT THE RS-232 PARAMETERS SET IN THE RADIO EXACTLY MATCH THOSE SELECTED FOR YOUR PC SERIAL PORT BY THE SOFTWARE HERE.


Setup|Automode offset... Command
Setup|Automode Offsets... Command

Conventional automode data can be added/modified in an automode file using the Add/Modify Automode dialog.  However, it is also possible to associate frequency offsets with each automode entry from a table of values stored in the AR5000s EEPROM.

This menu option allows you to launch the Automode Offsets... dialog and add/delete frequency offsets.

EXTREME CAUTION IS REQUIRED WHEN ENTERING AUTOMODE OFFSET FREQUENCY INFORMATION.  This is because the values are sorted in a lookup table in the AR5000 when they are stored in the automode area of EEPROM and recalled by index number.  If you add or delete offset frequencies, then the position of each offset frequency value in the EEPROMs lookup table could change leading to unexpected results with previously defined automode entries referencing the table.


Setup|Power Command

This menu option toggles the power on the AR5000.  You can also do this by clicking on the power switch in the Front Panel window.

A tick mark appears on the Setup menu next to the Power option when the receiver is powered up and is absent when it is powered down.


Setup|Toggle Bank Command

You can operate the AR5000 on either of two independent banks of 1000 (10x100) memory channels - 2000 in all!

This menu option allows you to toggles between banks 0 and 1.

When switching between banks, the Front Panel window display is blanked for about 2 seconds before normal operation is restored.


Setup|Select VFO Command

This sub-menu allows you to directly select one of the available VFOs A to E.  Simply choose the VFO you require.

It is also possible to select VFOs using the VFO button on the Front Panel window to cycle through each VFO in turn.


Tools|Maps... Command
Tools|Maps... Window

 This powerful feature provides a link between the AOR Data Base Toolkit and software control of your radio.  Using the map display, you can read text reports from the AOR data base, plot individual transmitter sites and tune the radio from the mouse just by clicking on a TX site.

The map window allows you to select any vantage point you want (by default it is your home location).

To start plotting a map, either select View|Vantage Point... or right-click on the window with your mouse.  Next open a report (.RPT) file using the Overlay... menu option to overlay data base data on top of your map.  You can then tune simply by clicking on the transmitter symbols that are displayed.

A simple system of symbols is used to indicate when there is more than one frequency active from the same site or when there is more than one transmitter at the same location.  To achieve this, the following symbols may appear just to the left of the [image] symbol (depending on the data available):

 when more than one frequency on the same TX

 when more than one transmitter at the same site

The following menu options are provided from the Maps window.

File	Data base overlay options

Setup	Select your home location

View	Change the map projection


Maps File menu

The Maps window File menu allows you to select and plot transmitter data read as a report from the AOR Data Base Toolkit.  It has the following options:

Overlay...	Open a .RPT file and plot the data

Clear	Clear the map display


Maps File|Overlay... Command

This menu option allows you to select a data base report and plot the transmitter data from it onto your map.  You must have used the Vantage Point... dialog to plot a map before you begin.

Data base report files have a .RPT filename extension and must be opened using the standard file open dialog.

All TX sites that have a geographical location are plotted on the map with labeling telling you what the station is (either by callsign or station name depending on the type of data).  If there are TX sites with no know geographical location, a dialog box with a list box in it is used to display this data: it will not be lost or ignored.

To tune your radio to a TX site, just single-click on a TX symbol.  If there is more than one frequency for the selected transmitter, you can select the required one from a list box.  If there is more than one transmitter at the same site, each site will also be listed in a list box.


Maps File|Clear... Command
Maps File|Clear Command

This clears the map display and all the transmitter site data.


Maps Setup menu

This menu option allows you to define your home location by latitude and longitude.  This is the location on the map where the radio receiver is plotted.  You enter the geographical location and a suitable name using the Setup|Home... dialog.


Maps View menu

This menu option lets you change the vantage point.  The following menu options are provided.

Vantage Point...	Opens the vantage point dialog

Zoom In	Zoom in x2

Zoom Out	Zoom out x2

Antipodes	Go to the opposite end of the Earth

Rotate +90	Rotate through +90 degrees of longitude

Rotate -90	Rotate through -90 degrees of longitude


Tools|Scan... Command
Tools|Scan Operation... Command

This menu option opens the Scan Operation... dialog so that a scan operation can be defined and started.

Search automatically tunes the receiver through all frequencies between two specific limits looking for active frequencies.  Scan recalls specific spot frequencies which have been stored into a memory file.


Tools|Search... Command
Tools|Search Operation... Command

This menu option opens the Search Operation... dialog so that a search operation can be defined and started.

Search automatically tunes the receiver through all frequencies between two specific limits looking for active frequencies.  Scan recalls specific spot frequencies which have been stored into a memory file.


Tools|Bandscope... Command

This feature is very similar to the search feature, except that the search is run in a special mode with no dwell on active frequencies and there is no audio recording.

The Bandscope Operation... dialog allows you to define and start a bandscope.


Tools|Single Frequency Watch... Command

This feature allows you to collect log data for activity on a fixed frequency.

The Single Frequency Watch Operation... dialog allows you to start and stop an SFW.


Tools|Offset Simplex Reconstruction... Command

This feature allows you to switch between VFOs D and E automatically to reconstruct offset simplex transmissions.

The Offset Simplex Reconstruction Operation... dialog allows you to start and stop an OSR.


Tools|VHF/UHF database... Command

This menu option launches the VHF/UHF database application in the AOR Data Base Toolkit.  Further details of using the database are given in the help that is available direct from within the application.

You need to have installed the AOR Data Base Toolkit to use this feature.


Log|Skip Backwards Command

Step backwards one entry, play it then stop.

This feature is only available if you have a sound card fitted.


Log|Skip Forwards Command

Step forwards one entry, play it then stop.

This feature is only available if you have a sound card fitted.


Log|Play Command

Play selected audio log entries.

You can select and replay one or more log entries by single-clicking on the listing shown in a log window.  Either single-click on an entry then select the play option from the log menu, or just double-click on the entry to replay and review it using the digital audio recorder tool.

You can select a block of entries to replay by clicking on the first and shift-clicking on the last (clicking with the mouse while holding down the SHIFT key).  When you press the play button all the log entries in the block will be played in sequence.

You can control-click (single-click on an entry while holding down the CTRL key) to select individual entries one-by-one.  You can also control-click to toggle the select status of an individual entry.

Use the Log|Select By Frequency menu option to select entries with the same frequency for replaying.

This feature is only available if you have a sound card fitted.


Log|Pause Command

Pause playing the selected log entries.  You can resume playing by selecting pause again.

This feature is only available if you have a sound card fitted.


Log|Stop Command

Stop playing the selected log entries.


Log|Select By Frequency Command

This option allows you to select all the entries in the log that have the same frequency.  This is useful for replaying activity from a single frequency that was found during a search or scan.

To select all entries having the same frequency, first select an entry then select the Log|Select By Frequency menu option.

You can now play all the entries that are highlighted one after another automatically simply by using the play option in the log menu.

This feature is only available if you have a sound card fitted.


Log|Select All Command

This option selects all the entries in the current log.  This is useful if you want to eliminate a few entries by control-clicking them before playing.

This feature is only available if you have a sound card fitted.


Log|Clear Selections Command

This option allows you to clear the selection on every entry in the log.  It does not delete any data, use the Log|Delete menu option to erase a log.

This feature is only available if you have a sound card fitted.


Log|Report... Command
Log|Report Command

The Log|Report command generates a text-based summary report of the signal activity in the current log and loads it into Windows Notepad for you to review.  The data may then be copied and pasted into other documents or kept on disk as required.

 Example report:

=== Bandscope Log Report ===

Started: Sun Jun 29 13:26:46 1997

Ended:   Sun Jun 29 13:32:33 1997

Duration of log = 0.10 hours (  5.8 minutes)

Number of hits observed = 143

Overall mean traffic density = 1483.5 hits/hr ( 24.7 hits/min)

A total of 8 individual active frequencies were found

Analysis by individual frequency

---------------------------------------------------

Frequency 	tally 	density(hits/hr) 	mean s-meter

125.87500 	13 	134.9 	1

125.85000 	38 	394.2 	95

125.65000 	57 	591.3 	129

125.10000 	20 	207.5 	148

125.20000 	4 	 41.5 	1

125.00000 	6 	 62.2 	1

126.00000 	1 	 10.4 	74

125.75000 	4 	 41.5 	1

The report filename assumes the same base name as the log, but with a .TXT extension.  This helps to avoid confusion.  Note: an existing file will be overwritten by a report as it is created.

A report can be generated from any kind of log data created by AR5000 Tuner.  To generate a report you first need to have created a log and opened it from the desktop.  Selecting the Log|Report... menu option will cause the currently opened log to be analysed and Windows Notepad to be launched with the report pre-loaded into it for your inspection.

You need to have Windows Notepad installed on your machine for this feature to work.


Log|Delete Command

The Log|Delete command removes the current log and all the wave audio files that it contains from your hard disk.

YOU CANNOT RECOVER ANY OF THE FILES IN THE LOG ONCE YOU HAVE DELETED IT.

This feature is only available if you have a sound card fitted.


Log|Aging... Command

This option allows you to set the maximum number of audio files that can be stored in a log (when using a sound card).  The Log Entries Audio Aging dialog is opened when this menu option is selected.


Windows|Arrange Icons Command
Window Arrange Icons Command

The Window|Arrange Icons command arranges all iconized windows into rows along the bottom of the application's main window.


Windows|Cascade Command
Window Cascade Command

The Window|Cascade command arranges all document windows from the top-left position of the application's main window so that the title bar of each is visible.


Windows|Close All Command
Window Close All Command

The Window|Close All command closes all document windows open in the application.


Windows|Tile Command
Window Tile Command

The Window|Tile command arranges all document windows side-by-side in a non-overlapping pattern.


Help|Table of contents
Window Help table of contents

The Help|Contents displays the help contents page.


Copy Protection

THIS AOR SOFTWARE IS copy protected.  The protection does not use a dongle or other cumbersome devices, however, there are a few simple points that you may need to refer to.  Please read this section carefully.

AOR software is copy protected using a system which places a token on your hard disk when you install the program.  The program will only work on the disk you installed it to.  There is no dongle or key-disk, so once installed the program runs completely normally and you will not be

inconvenienced (unlike other schemes).  However, you cannot DISKCOPY the distribution disk or duplicate it with COPY commands.

Specific points to remember:

1. The distribution disk contains two tokens.  This means that you can install up to two complete copies of the software on separate machines at once.  You cannot transfer the program to another machine without first moving one of the tokens back onto the original distribution disk

then re-installing.  The tokens can easily be moved with the MOVE.EXE program that is provided.  Contact your AOR distributor if you need additional copies of the software.

2. You should keep your original disk in a safe place away from strong magnetic fields, high humidity or other environmental conditions that could damage it.  You will not be able to re-install the software or move it to another machine without the original distribution disk.

3. Two hidden files are copied to a hidden sub-directory of the target directory when you install the software.  These contain configuration information for the copy protection scheme and are normal DOS format files. DO NOT DELETE THESE FILES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  If these files are deleted, your AOR software will not run.

4. If you are using a backup utility, make sure that the two hidden files are not backed up otherwise, when restored, the copy protection scheme may not be able to validate the installation and your AOR software will not run.  Most backup utilities do not touch these files because they have the hidden, system and read-only attributes set.  The two copy protection files also do

not have the archive bit set, so you should be able to exclude them from backups by setting up your backup software to ignore files without an archive bit.  Remember, it is not the backup but the restore that can cause problems.

5. The /d+ option of the PC-Kwik disk cache software from Multisoft Corporation is not compatible with the copy protection scheme and should be temporarily disabled when installing your AOR software or moving the token.  HyperCache also affects the copy protection scheme in the same way because of non-standard methods of accessing the floppy disk drive.  Again, it

should be temporarily disabled, but both caches may be used at other times.

6. The copy protection scheme is compatible with disk drives compressed with SuperStor, Stacker and DoubleSpace.  However, you should temporarily remove the token from the hard disk when installing one of these compression utilities because the protection will appear invalid when the drives are compressed.  The disk compression utilities warn you of this in their manuals.

7.  The copy protection scheme is known to be compatible with the following disk defragmenters: Central Points Compress, Digital Research's Diskopt, Stac's Sdefrag and Microsoft's Defrag.

8.  The copy protection scheme is not currently compatible with Windows NT.

9.  The copy protection scheme is not compatible with non-standard floppy disk systems.  At present (7/95) this includes the following PCs:

Evesham Vale Voyager laptop

Zeos Pentiums

It is possible to install onto a PC with a non-standard floppy disk (or no floppy disk) using a networked standard drive.  The easiest way to do this if you do not already have a network is to use the INTERLNK or INTERSVR utilities supplied with MS-DOS.

10.  The copy protection scheme is compatible with Windows 95.  However, you can completely erase your tokens using Explorer to drag and drop the AOR directory onto the Recycle bin.  Although the token files are not deleted, they cannot be restored to their original positions on disk. EXPLORER DOES NOT GIVE WARNINGS LIKE FILE MANAGER UNDER WINDOWS 3.X!.

11. Some problems with deleted token have been reported using Norton Speed Disk.


Toolbar
The Toolbar

The Toolbar is a row of buttons at the top of the main window which represent application commands. Clicking one of the buttons is a quick way of choosing a command without having to use the main menu (not all buttons on the tool bar have a corresponding menu option).

Buttons on the toolbar are enabled and disabled automatically according to the state of the program and the type of data your are working with.

There is also a status display on the toolbar which shows you what frequency and mode the radio is currently tuned to.

Button	Action	Menu Equivalent

Create a new file	File|New

Locate and open a file	File|Open

Save the file in the active window	File|Save

Send the file via e-mail	File|Send...

Get a file from the radio	File|Get from RX...

Send a file to the radio	File|Send to RX...

Modify the current data item	Edit|Modify Item...

Decrement frequency	Setup|Decrement

 	Set frequency and mode	Setup|Tune...

Increment frequency	Setup|Increment

Set serial port parameters	Setup|Communications...

Automode	Setup|Automode

Cyberscan	Setup|Cyberscan

Print the active window	File|Print

Display help file contents	Help|Contents...


Communications Dialog
AR5000 Communications Settings Dialog

You can select the RS-232 serial port and baud rate you want to use with your radio using this dialog.  The dialog is opened when you use the Setup|Communications... command from the Setup menu or toolbar.

You can select from the supported baud rates (4800, 9600 or 19200 bits per second) and the serial port (COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4).  Once set, the values are stored in the applications initial values (INI) file so that you only need to do this once following installation.

You can confirm correct operation of your PC serial port and the RS-232 connecting cable using a simple text-based terminal program (such as MS-Windows Terminal) to type in commands manually.  Consult the AR5000 RS-232 Command List manual for details of the commands available.

You must make sure that the RS-232 baud rate selected in the radio exactly matches that selected in the software for correct operation.


Vantage Point Dialog

This dialog lets you select the vantage point for the map.  This is the point above the spherical projection of the Earths surface that appears in the centre of the display (by default the vantage point is the same as your home location).

You can enter the latitude, longitude, rotation angle and zoom factor for the vantage point.  All geographical angles must be entered in decimal degrees (eg 51.92) with Southern and Western values being negative.

Normally the rotation angle is 90 degrees, but you can select another angle if you prefer.

Type in the values you require and click on OK to accept or Cancel to Abort.


Home Location Dialog

This dialog lets you select your home location.  This is the location on the map that has a receiver plotted on it.

You can enter the latitude, longitude and a place name. All geographical angles must be entered in decimal degrees (eg 51.92) with Southern and Western values being negative.

The values you enter are stored in the initial values file so that they are reused next time the program is run.


Abort Dialog

This dialog is used to abort the transfer of data over the RS-232 interface either to or from the radio.  It appears whenever a data transfer is in progress.

Click on the Cancel push button to abort the transfer and return control to the desktop.

You will not be able to close the window being used while a data transfer is in progress.


Spectrum Display Window

The spectrum display window is used during a bandscope operation to indicate the signal level or number of hits on each frequency within the range of the search.

The display can be configured to show the signal level on each active frequency found or the number of times each frequency was active.  A maximum of 400 signal traces can be shown on the display although the thickness of each trace depends on the number of tuning steps in the search.  If you have a large number of tuning steps, the traces will be thin; if you have a small number, the traces will appear much thicker.

You can clear the display using the Options|Clear menu option or print it out using the Otions|Print menu option.  You can switch switch between the signal level-based display (spectrum) and the histogram display using the Options|Level and Options|Histogram menu options.

You can also measure the frequency and signal value (either RF level or number of counts) of each signal trace by moving your mouse over the display.  Moving position indicator bars help you to line up the mouse over the display.  The mouse position is shown in the bottom left hand corner of the display in terms of frequency and signal level.


Scan Operation dialog

Scan allows you to review selected frequencies in a memory file by tuning to them automatically in sequence.

You can choose any selected memory channels in banks 0-9.  If you select more than one bank, they become linked for the duration of the scan.  To select one or more banks from the Banks Available list, single-click on the required bank number then on the -> push button to copy it into the Banks Selected list.  Click on All to transfer all the banks over.  To remove a selected bank from the Banks Selected list, single-click on it to select it then click on the Del push button to delete it.

Click on the Sel-scan check box to run a select scan.

You can set Search/Scan expert options from the Expert... dialog which is opened using the Expert push button. Note: you must set a pause value and ensure that Pause Time Off is not clicked from within the expert dialog to ensure that there is time to display active frequencies.

To start the scan once you have set the options you want, click on the Start push button.  To stop, click on the Stop push button.  You can change the direction of the scan while it is running using the Up and Dn push buttons.

A text-based log of activity can be created by clicking on the Log checkbox.  Whenever active frequencies are found, the frequency and signal strength returned by the receiver is recorded as an entry in the log for review and analysis later. It is possible to produce a  text-based report summarising activity in the log using the Log| Report... menu option once the log is opened from the File| Open... menu option.

If you have a sound card fitted, audio may also added to the log for each entry.  However, you must have a Windows compatible sound card installed (not supplied) and sound recording enabled from the Setup|Sound Recording Enabled menu option for this feature to work.

The duration of each audio entry is limited to the current search pause time (1-60 seconds) to limit the amount audio data stored to disk (it can get very large).  Audio files are aged - which means that the amount of audio data saved to hard disk is limited to a maximum.  When the limit is reached, the oldest files are deleted.

When scanning the Front Panel window display shows the SCAN or CYBER SCAN legends in place of the frequency until an active frequency is found.

Search automatically tunes the receiver through all frequencies between two specific limits looking for active frequencies.  Scan recalls specific spot frequencies which have been stored into a memory file.


Search Operation dialog

Search allows you to tune continuously between two frequency limits to review signal activity in bands.

When this option is selected, the AR5000 is queried for available search banks. You can choose any bank 00-19.  If you select more than one bank, they become linked for the duration of the search.  To select one or more banks from the Available list, single-click on the required bank number then on the -> push button to copy it into the Selected list.  Click on All to transfer all the banks over.  To remove a selected bank from the Selected list, single-click on it to select it then click on the Del push button to delete it.

You can set Search/Scan expert options from the Expert... dialog which is opened using the Expert push button. Note: you must set a pause value and ensure that Pause Time Off is not clicked from within the expert dialog to ensure that there is time to display active frequencies.

To start the search once you have set the options you want, click on the Start push button.  To stop, click on the Stop push button.  You can change the direction of the search while it is running using the Up and Dn push buttons.

You can use the receivers pass frequency feature to prevent unwanted frequencies from being included in the search.  Select a bank in the Selected list by single-clicking on it and use the Pass List push button to review the current pass frequencies associated with that bank.  The Pass... dialog, which is displayed when you do this, can be used in the conventional way.  Note: the Pass push button which allows you to add frequencies is only enabled when a search is paused on an active channel; it is disabled at all other times.

A text-based log of activity can be created by clicking on the Log checkbox.  Whenever active frequencies are found, the frequency and signal strength returned by the receiver is recorded as an entry in the log for review and analysis later. It is possible to produce a  text-based report summarising activity in the log using the Log| Report... menu option once the log is opened from the File| Open... menu option.

If you have a sound card fitted, audio may also added to the log for each entry.  However, you must have a Windows compatible sound card installed (not supplied) and sound recording enabled from the Setup|Sound Recording Enabled menu option for this feature to work.

The duration of each audio entry is limited to the current search pause time (1-60 seconds) to limit the amount audio data stored to disk (it can get very large).  Audio files are aged - which means that the amount of audio data saved to hard disk is limited to a maximum.  When the limit is reached, the oldest files are deleted.

When searching the Front Panel window display shows the SRCH or CYBER SRCH legends in place of the frequency until an active frequency is found.

Search automatically tunes the receiver through all frequencies between two specific limits looking for active frequencies.  Scan recalls specific spot frequencies which have been stored into a memory file.


Bandscope Operation dialog

Bandscope allows you to tune continuously between two frequency limits to review signal activity in bands without dwelling on active frequencies.

When this option is selected, the AR5000 is queried for available search banks. You can choose any bank 00-19.  If you select more than one bank, they become linked for the duration of the bandscope search.  To select one or more banks from the Available list, single-click on the required bank number then on the -> push button to copy it into the Selected list.  Click on All to transfer all the banks over.  To remove a selected bank from the Selected list, single-click on it to select it then click on the Del push button to delete it.

You can set Search/Scan expert options from the Expert... dialog which is opened using the Expert push button.  However, the pause value is ignored when in bandscope mode.

A text-based log of activity can be created by clicking on the Log checkbox.  Whenever active frequencies are found, the frequency and signal strength returned by the receiver is recorded as an entry in the log for review and analysis later. It is possible to produce a  text-based report summarising activity in the log using the Log| Report... menu option once the log is opened from the File| Open... menu option.

 Sound recording using a Windows compatible sound card is not supported using this feature since the bandscope does not dwell on active frequencies.  Use a search from the Search Operation... menu option to record audio.


Single Frequency Watch Operation dialog

Single Frequency Watch (SFW) allows you to analyse activity on the current operating frequency.  Once tuned to the desired frequency and with the SFW running, a log entry is generated whenever the squelch opens.

If you have a sound card fitted, audio may also added to the log for each entry.  However, you must have a Windows compatible sound card installed (not supplied) and sound recording enabled from the Setup|Sound Recording Enabled menu option for this feature to work.

The duration of each audio entry is limited to between 1- 60 seconds to limit the amount audio data stored to disk (it can get very large).  To set the maximum recording time, use the Expert push button to open the Expert Options dialog.   Note, the Expert push button is disabled if sound recording is disabled.

Audio files in the log are aged - which means that the amount of audio data saved to hard disk is limited to a maximum.  When the limit is reached, the oldest files are deleted.

To begin the SFW, simply click on the Start push button.  To stop, simply click on Stop.

When you stop the SFW, you will be asked to save the accumulated entries into a log file for review later.  It is possible to produce a  text-based report summarising activity in the log using the Log| Report... menu option once the log is opened from the File| Open... menu option.


Single Frequency Watch Expert Options dialog

Single Frequency Watch (SFW) allows you to record audio to your hard disk if you have installed a Windows compatible sound card (not supplied) and enabled sound recording from the Setup|Sound Recording Enabled menu option.

This dialog allows you to set the maximum recording time following the start of a active signal.  It is intended to prevent your hard disk from being filled up with audio by limiting the amount of audio that can be recorded per transmission to between 1 - 60 seconds.

Use the scroll bar to set the desired maximum recording time and click on OK to accept or Cancel to abort.

 The value you set in this dialog is stored in the initial values file so that the same value is used next time you use the program.


Offset Simplex Reconstruction Operation dialog

Offset Simplex Reconstruction is a feature which allows you to automatically switch between VFO D (when set to primary frequency) and VFO E (when set to secondary frequency) on the basis of signal presence.  The offset simplex mode of operation is used by some public mobile radio (PMR) services so that the radio system is compatible with repeater operation (even if none is actually used).

For example if before starting to use OSR you set VFO D to a base station (or primary) frequency and VFO E to the mobile (or secondary) frequency of a PMR service, when a transmission ends on the primary frequency the radio will be switched automatically to the secondary frequency and then returned to the primary.  This allows both sides of a simplex communication to be reconstructed even though they are on two different frequencies.

A small delay is used to prevent premature switching between VFOs if there is only a minor break in the current transmission.  If no signal is found on the secondary frequency after a user defined period of time, the radio is returned to the primary frequency again.

To use offset simplex reconstruction, you should first set VFOs D and E to suitable frequencies known to have offset simplex transmissions on them.  Once you have selected the Tools| Offset Simplex Reconstruction Operation... option, you can start the OSR by clicking on the Start push button or stop it using the Stop push button.  Click on Close to return to normal operation.

To set the maximum time spent on the secondary frequency when it is inactive before returning to the primary, click on the Expert push button to open the Expert Options dialog.


Offset Simplex Reconstruction Expert Options dialog

This dialog allows you to set the maximum time spent on the secondary frequency before returning to the primary.

Use the scroll bar to set the desired maximum dwell time (1 - 15 seconds) and click on OK to accept or Cancel to abort.

 The value you set in this dialog is stored in the initial values file so that the same value is used next time you use the program.


Tune Dialog

 This dialog is used to set the frequency, step size, mode and automode settings of the radio directly from the desktop.  It is also possible to operate the attenuator from this dialog using the Attenuator... push buttom.

Use the dialog controls to select the settings you want then click on OK to tune the radio or on CANCEL to abort.

If you select automode operation using the check box, the values you selected for mode and step size are ignored and the automode values defined in the internal bandplan stored in the AR5000 are used instead.


Bandwidth Dialog

This dialog can be used to select an IF filter from those available in your radio.   The bandwidths supported are 0.5 kHz, 3 kHz, 6 kHz, 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 110 kHz and 220 kHz.

Select the IF bandwidth you require and click on the Apply push button to invoke the change.  Close the dialog to abort without changing.

 Automode is deselected when you use this feature.

 This parameter is automatically set when selecting automode.


Antenna Dialog

This dialog selects the input antenna (1 - 4 or auto)

Select the antenna number you require and click on the Apply push button to invoke the change.  Close the dialog to abort without changing.


Attenuator Dialog

This dialog allows you to select the required RF attenuator setting (0dB/10dB/20dB).

Note that the AR5000 accepts the following settings depending on operating frequency:

0dB/10dB/20dB in the range 0.005 - 230.0 MHz

0dB/10dB in the range 230.0 - 1000.0 MHz

0dB in the range 1000.0 - 2600.0 MHz

If you attempt to select an invalid attenuator setting, the nearest setting is chosen.

Select the attenuator setting you require and click on the Apply push button to invoke the change.  Close the dialog to abort without changing.


Mode Dialog

This dialog allows you to select the receivers mode from those supported (FM, AM, LSB, USB or CW).  Click on the required mode and the Apply push button to invoke the change or close the dialog to abort.

AGC mode and LPF, HPF, de-emphasis will be selected automatically according to the mode requested.

 Automode is deselected when you use this feature.

 This parameter is automatically set when selecting automode.


AGC Dialog

This dialog allows you to select the automatic gain control (AGC) speed from those supported (fast, middle, slow or off).  Click on the required AGC value and the Apply push button to invoke the change or close the dialog to abort.

 This parameter is automatically set when selecting automode.


Step Dialog

This dialog allows you to select a tuning step size and to also set and select a step-adjust value.

Select the required step size from the drop-down list box and click on Apply to invoke the change or close the dialog to abort.

If you want to set a step-adjust value, type the required amount (in kHz) into the box and click on the Step-adjust check box.  To clear the step adjust value, enter a value of 0.0 kHz.

 Automode is deselected when you use this feature.


Pass Dialog

This dialog lists the current pass frequencies that have been entered into the AR5000 and allows you to delete any no longer required.

If you want to delete a pass frequency, click on it in the list and then on Apply.  To abort without changing, simply close the dialog box.


Audio Characteristics Dialog

This dialog allows you to change the audio characteristics of the AR5000.  It supports changes to the low-pass filter (LPF), high-pass filter (HPF), De-emphasis, and CW pitch as follows:

LPF:

Select from 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 6 kHz or 12 kHz filters

HPF:

Select from 0.05 kHz, 0.2 kHz, 0.3 kHz or 0.4 kHz filters

De-emphasis:

Select from 25 us, 50 us, 75 us, 750 us or THRU (through) (us = microseconds)

CW-pitch:

400 Hz - 1100 Hz

CW-pitch is controlled using a scroll bar.  Move the thumb along the scroll bar until the required value is displayed in the box just above it.  The other parameters are selected using list boxes - click on the value you require in the relevant list box.

When you have selected the values you require, click on the Apply push button or close the dialog to abort.

 Automode is deselected when you use this feature.

 This parameter is automatically set when selecting automode.


Search/Scan Expert Options Dialog

This dialog is used to set expert options to be used with searches and scans.  You get two independent sets of options: one for searches and the other for scans.  The dialog contains four scroll bars and a number of check boxes for altering the various expert options.

Voice:

Voice Squelch samples the audio output on active channels to determine if they are modulated.  It is possible to set the amount of modulation on signals that will open the squelch using the voice scroll bar (1-255).  Voice squelch operation can switched ON/OFF using the check box to the right of the scroll bar.

Level:

Select the RF level required to open the squelch (1 - 255).  Click on the Level Off check box to disable the squelch level option and allow the squelch to open on any signal.

Delay:

The delay time is the period that the radio remains on a frequency after a signal has disappeared before it resumes the search or scan.  Use the scroll bar to select a period of time in the range (0.1 - 9.9s).  Click on the Delay Hold to force the radio to remain on active frequencies indefinitely or Delay Off to disable the delay timer.

Pause:

 The pause value you set here determines how long active frequencies are displayed on the Front Panel window while searching or scanning. At other times a legend indicating SRCH, SCAN, CYBER SRCH or CYBER SCAN is displayed.

The pause time is the period that the radio remains on an active frequency before resuming the search or scan.  Use the scroll bar to select a period of time in the range (1 - 60s) or click on the Pause Time Off check box to disable the pause timer.

If no pause time period is specified and wave audio recording is being used in search/scan for making recordings on disk, the recording time is set to 60 seconds (same as max. pause time).

Auto-store:

 The auto-store options are not present when scanning.

When searching, it is possible to use auto-store to add the first 100 active frequencies to memory bank 0 in the AR5000.  Use the radio buttons in the box in the top right hand corner of the dialog to select the required behavior.

Although the similar dialogs are used to change search and scan expert options, the radio stores two independent sets of values - one for each type of operation.


DTMF Data Dialog

This dialog  can be used to read dual-tone multiple-frequency (DTMF) characters decoded by the AR5000 when signals of this type are being received.

When monitoring DTMF, the s-meter display in the Front Panel window window is suspended. Close the dialog to return to normal operation.


CTCSS Tone Select Dialog

This dialog is launched when you have selected CTCSS squelch operation from the Options button in the Front Panel window window.

You can select from one of the three available groups of CTCSS frequencies or Search to automatically search for any signals carrying CTCSS signals.  Click on Apply to invoke your selection ot close the dialog to abort.


Options Dialog

This dialog mimics the options menu provided by the AR5000.  It allows you to select dual-tone multiple-frequency (DTMF) operation, CTCSS operation, automatic frequency control (AFC) or noise blanker (NB).

Select the function you require from the list displayed by clicking on the appropriate item then on Toggle Val. to select the value you require (ON/OFF).  Close the dialog to invoke the selection (DTMF and CTCSS functions provide dialogs to set the value you require).

DE-SCR and T-ELMT are not currently supported by AR5000 Tuner

{bml warn.bmp) AFC and NB are features added to the AR5000 in March 1997.  If your AR5000 hardware does not support these features, the function is ignored.


Add/Modify Memory Channel Dialog

This dialog is used to add a new memory channel or alter the contents of a memory channel in the active memory window.  The current memory channel is copied into the dialog for you to modify when it opens.

You can alter the frequency, step size/step-adjust, mode, bandwidth, attenuator, automode select, pass select, and an 8-character comment for the memory channel you are editing.

If you are adding a list of frequencies equally spaced by the current step size (eg the 2m amateur band simplex channels), you can click on the Next push button to insert the current data into the memory window and advance on to the next channel while keeping the dialog open.  This greatly speeds up data entry.

If you are editing a list of frequencies, the Next push button will update the current channel and move you on to the next in one operation.  This greatly speeds up the modification of lists.

Use the dialog controls to alter the memory channel then click on OK to finish or on Cancel to abort.


Delete Options Dialog

This dialog appears when you want to delete data stored directly in the AR5000 using the Delete option from the Front Panel window window.

Select the type of data to be deleted from the list by clicking the appropriate radio button in the dialog, then click on OK to proceed or Cancel to abort without deleting any data.


What to get? Dialog

This dialog appears when you are about to get memory data from the AR5000.  It allows you to select which memory bank to get (0-9).

Click in the list displayed in the box on the left hand side to select the bank you want to get then click on OK to proceed or Cancel to abort.


What to send? Dialog

This dialog appears when you are about to send memory data to the AR5000.  It offers you the choice of sending all memory data or just selected channels.

To select memory channels in the active memory window, just single-click on the line you require with your mouse.  To can select a continuous block of data by clicking on the first line then again on the last line with the [image] SHIFT key held down.  Alternatively, you can select a number of lines that are not in a block by single-clicking on each with the [image] CNTRL key held down.

Click on OK to send the data or Cancel to abort without sending.


Modify Automode Data Dialog

This dialog is used to alter the contents of an automode entry in the active automode window.  The current entry is copied into the dialog for you to modify when it opens.

You can alter the frequency, step size/step-adjust, mode, bandwidth and offset for the entry you are editing.

The list of offset frequencies is defined by entering data using the Automode Offset Frequencies.... Note: this dialog allows you to select +ve or -ve VFO offsets; this information is not stored in the offset lookup table in the AR5000 and must be set here.

Select the values you require and click on OK to proceed or Cancel to abort.

EXTREME CAUTION IS REQUIRED WHEN ENTERING AUTOMODE OFFSET FREQUENCY INFORMATION.  This is because the values are sorted in a lookup table by the AR5000 when they are stored in the automode area of EEPROM and recalled by index number from the table.  If you add or delete offset frequencies, then the position of each offset frequency value in the EEPROMs lookup table could change leading to unexpected results with previously defined automode entries referencing the table.


Automode Offset Frequencies Dialog

This dialog allows you to change the VFO offset frequencies stored in a lookup table in the AR5000 for use in automode operation.  Up to 28 offset frequency values can be stored and used with any of the automode entries.

You can add, delete, get or send automode offsets using the push buttons provided in this dialog.  The list of offset values displayed in the box is stored in the applications initial values (INI) file.

EXTREME CAUTION IS REQUIRED WHEN ENTERING AUTOMODE OFFSET FREQUENCY INFORMATION.  This is because the values are sorted in a lookup table by the AR5000 when they are stored in the automode area of EEPROM and recalled by index number from the table.  If you add or delete offset frequencies, then the position of each offset frequency value in the EEPROMs lookup table could change leading to unexpected results with previously defined automode entries referencing the table.


Add/Modify Search Bank Dialog

This dialog is used to add a new search bank or alter the contents of a search bank in the active memory window.  The current bank is copied into the dialog for you to modify when it opens.

You can alter the lower and upper frequency, step size/step-adjust, mode, attenuator, automode select and an 8-character comment for the search bank you are editing.

Use the dialog controls to alter the search bank then click on OK to finish or on Cancel to abort.


Log Entries Audio Aging Dialog

This dialog allows you to set the maximum number of audio files that can be included in a log (when audio is selected).  This prevents your hard disk from filling up with large numbers of wave audio files during extended periods of logging.  When the maximum number of files is exceeded, the oldest are removed so that the total amount of disk space consumed is limited.

You can set the maximum number of files to any value in the range 10 - 500 using the scroll bar.  Click on OK to accept the new value or cancel to abort.


What base address? Dialog

This dialog appears when you are about to renumber memory data in a memory window.  It allows you to select which memory bank us as a base address (0-9).

You can use this feature to combine data from several banks into one, or select a different bank to the existing one so that data can be copied between banks using the File|Get from RX... and File|Send to RX... menu options.

Click in the list displayed in the box on the left hand side to select the bank you want then click on OK to proceed or Cancel to abort. The current bank is highlighted by default.