AR7030 OPERATING MANUAL PAGE 7
3 Major Features
The new AR7030 is the result of a combined project
between AOR and internationally acclaimed UK designer
John Thorpe. The AR7030 represents the very latest and
best ever “JT” design concentrating on exceptional strong
signal handling with enhanced microprocessor features
and facilities. It is manufactured by AOR
MANUFACTURING LTD based in Derbyshire, UK.
¬ Excellent strong signal handling
In Europe, especially at night, strong signal handling is of
prime concern and this is where the AR7030 stands ahead
of the field - offering an IP3 greater than +30dBm (typically
+35dBm, reduced by about 10dB with the preamp
switched on) and dynamic range greater than 100dB in
AM mode with a 5.5 kHz filter and greater than 105dB in
SSB mode with a 2.2 kHz filter. This fantastic strong signal
handling is made possible by the innovative configuration
of a lateral DMOS FET QUAD first mixer running at 15V,
relay switching in the front end (instead of the more usual
diodes) and the use of shielded inductors throughout the
signal path.
¬ High sensitivity and selectivity
All this and great sensitivity - better than 0.5uV for 10dB
S/N in AM mode and better than 0.3uV for 10dB S/N in
SSB (with the preamp switched on). Selectivity too is razor
sharp offering greater than 95dB @ 10kHz SSB and
almost 110dB @ 20kHz.No other receiver in its class, nor
indeed at a considerably higher price can match the sheer
performance excellence of the AR7030.
¬ High Tech
The receiver is built around a TCXO frequency standard
which provides the reference for all its circuitry, ensuring
the ultimate in stability and optimum alignment. A single
loop DDS system provides the clean local oscillator
essential for low reciprocal mixing levels and seamless
tuning in approximately 2.7Hz steps (no tuning “plops” at
regular intervals). The receiver is a double conversion
super heterodyne with intermediate frequencies of 45MHz
and 455kHz.
The IF filters are self-aligned by the receiver using
advanced microprocessor control, ensuring “spot on”
alignment and symmetry of passband characteristics
essential for serious ECSS listening. The main PCB will
accept a number of different filters including various Murata
types and Collins mechanical units, all will be self-aligned!
The displayed filter bandwidths are not fixed but actually
measured by the receiver permitting various displays such
as 2.2kHz, 2.3kHz, 2.4kHz, 2.5kHz etc depending upon
the particular filter fitted.
¬ Computer control port
Virtually every aspect of the AR7030 is controllable via
the REMOTE port. The AR7030 may be connected
directly to a host computer such as a PC (via RS232 link)
with which, for example, frequency memories may be
loaded, frequency and mode changed and signal activity
logged - expanding the listening station even further.
¬ All mode receive over a wide
frequency range
All reception modes are available as standard: USB, LSB,
CW, AM, Synchronous AM, NFM, DATA. The receive
coverage is 0 - 32 MHz, the AR7030 has not been disabled
below 150 or 30 kHz, or made insensitive in the medium-
wave band. The standard fitted IF filters include: 2.2kHz,
5.5kHz, 7.0kHz and 10kHz with two additional positions
available for CW or other filter options.
¬ Auto synchronous tuning
The receiver is capable of tuning itself automatically in
synchronous AM mode using a new variable bandwidth
synchronous detector. Simply select synchronous mode,
tune the receiver to approximately the correct frequency
so that intelligible audio can be heard and wait... within a
few seconds the AR7030 will sample the frequency, tune
to the carrier (its great watching it tune itself!) and lock
solidly onto the station. Should you prefer, you may select
fully manual operation of the synchronous detector.
¬ Pass band tuning
(even on synchronous AM)
Enhanced features include pass band tuning of approx
±4.2kHz, variable audio pitch on CW and DATA modes
and an advanced, self tracking, synchronous detector for
AM listening to eliminate the effects of transmitter or
receiver drift as well as reducing distortion from selective
fading. The pass band tuning may be used in synchronous
AM mode to select synchronous USB, LSB, DSB or
anything in between.
¬ Full AGC control plus IF gain
A specially developed AGC release characteristic
produces outstanding SSB quality with quick recovery from
strong signals and noise spikes. Gentle signal compression
has also been included to reduce the audible effects of
noise pulses. An IF gain control is available along with
three AGC speeds and AGC defeat.
A built-in six level attenuator provides many levels of
sensitivity:- +10dB, 0dB, -10dB, -20dB, -30dB and -40dB,
however given the excellent strong signal handling of the
AR7030 this is going to be a control rarely required! The
receiver can automatically switch in the attenuator to keep
incoming signals within its AGC range. Of course you may
manually select attenuation should you prefer.
¬ Aerial input including whip amplifier
The rear panel of the AR7030 has inputs for a wire aerial
with ground connection, 50 OHM SO239 connection plus
selection of a high impedance whip amplifier which is fitted
as standard.
¬ Audio output
Audio output is of high quality and clear tone when using
the built-in top mounted speaker. A 3.5mm external
speaker jack is provided on the rear panel which mutes
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