AOR AR16 Wide Range Receiver

Features

• Wide band frequency coverage (0.5-1300 MHz; AR16B is cellular blocked)
• 25 preset search banks
• Multiple receive modes: WFM, NFM, and AM
• 500 memory channels (5 banks x 100 channels)
• Low power consumption (operates with two AA batteries)
• Automatic squelch settings
• Monitor function for weak signals
• Built-in S-meter
• Backlit keypad and display
• Twelve channel steps
• Built-in voice descrambler (AR16U only)

1. Unpacking

Your AR16 package should include:

• Flexible antenna x 1
• 1300 mA Ni-MH Rechargeable battery cell x 2
• AC wall charger (for 120 V AC input) x 1
• Hand Strap x 1
• Operator's manual (this book) x 1
• Operator's manual for the AC wall charger x 1

Precautions in Use:

• Do not disassemble or tamper with the equipment. Unauthorized modifications will void the warranty.
• Avoid storing or using the equipment in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in adverse environments.
• Do not carry the equipment by holding the antenna.

2. Functions and Controls

The AR16 features several controls and indicators:

• [DIAL] Tuning Dial: Used for selecting frequencies, memory channels, receive modes, and frequency steps.
• [VOL] Volume Knob: Adjusts the audio volume.
• [ANT] Antenna Connector: Connects the supplied flexible antenna or an external antenna (SMA connector required).
• [LCD] Display: High-visibility display showing various operational information.
• SPEAKER: Built-in speaker for audio output.
• HOLE FOR HAND STRAP: For attaching the hand strap.
• [SER] Serial Port Connector: For PC control via an interface cable and software.
• [EAR] Earphone Jack: For connecting earphones (8 ohms impedance). The internal speaker is disabled when an external speaker is used.
• BATTERY CASE COVER: Houses two AA alkaline or Ni-MH batteries.

3. LCD Display Indicators

The LCD display provides the following information:

• Receive mode indicator (WFM, NFM, AM)
• Descrambling function indicator (AR16U only)
• Scan mode (memory mode) indicator
• APO (Automatic Power Off) function indicator
• Battery save function indicator
• Keylock function indicator
• Frequency display
• S (Signal strength) meter
• Search/Scan Hold function indicator
• Delay function indicator
• Channel number indicator
• Memory Bank Indicator

4. Key Functions

• [POWER]: Turns the unit on or off (press and hold for one second).
• [LAMP]: Illuminates the LCD and keypad for approximately five seconds. Continuous illumination consumes more battery power.
• [BANK]: Selects search banks (Search Mode) or memory banks A-E (Scan Mode).
• [SET]: Accesses receiver settings such as frequency step, receive mode, and memory clear functions.
• [SC/SE]: Toggles between Search Mode and Scan Mode. The [MEMO] icon indicates Scan Mode.
• [PASS]: Skips the current frequency or memory channel during search or scan.
• [MONI]: Opens the squelch regardless of its setting, useful for monitoring weak signals.
• [FUNC]: Used in combination with other keys to access secondary functions.
• [START]: Initiates Search Scan or Memory Scan.

5. Getting Started

5-1. Basic Operations

Before operating, charge the supplied Ni-MH batteries. Follow the AC wall charger's manual for charging instructions. Once charged, insert batteries into the AR16, set the volume, and power on the unit using the [POWER] key. Use the [SC/SE] key to switch between Search Mode (no [MEMO] icon) and Scan Mode ([MEMO] icon displayed). Rotate the [DIAL] knob to select frequencies. Use the [MONI] key to monitor weak signals.

5-2. Frequency Selection Modes

The AR16 offers two frequency selection modes:

5-2-1. Bank Search Mode

This mode allows selection of frequencies from 25 pre-programmed search banks, similar to VFO mode. You can change frequencies, steps, and modes. To select a bank, press [BANK] repeatedly or hold [BANK] and rotate [DIAL]. To start searching, press [START]. Pressing [MONI] temporarily stops searching. Press [SC/SE] twice or rotate [DIAL] to quit. To search downwards, hold [FUNC] and press [START].

Pre-programmed Search Banks:

(Note: This table is for AR16B only. The AR16U has no frequency gap.)

5-2-1-1. Bank Search Operation

Press [START] to begin searching within the selected bank. The receiver stops on a signal. Press and hold [MONI] to open squelch during search. Release [MONI] to resume. Press [SC/SE] twice or rotate [DIAL] to quit. Press [START] again to resume searching.

5-2-1-2. Changing Search Direction

Press [START] to search upwards. Hold [FUNC] and press [START] to search downwards.

5-2-2. Bank Scan Mode

This mode is similar to memory mode, allowing selection of pre-programmed memory channels and storage of custom frequencies. There are five memory banks (A-E), each holding 100 channels. Banks D and E are empty from the factory.

To select a frequency, press [SC/SE] to display [MEMO], then press [BANK] to select the desired bank (e.g., [B]). Rotate [DIAL] to select the channel number (e.g., [02]). For HF reception, an external antenna is recommended.

5-2-2-1. Bank Scan Operation

Press [START] to begin scanning memory channels within the selected bank. The receiver stops on a signal. Press and hold [MONI] to temporarily stop scanning. Release [MONI] to resume. Press [SC/SE] twice or rotate [DIAL] to quit. Press [START] again to resume scanning.

5-2-2-2. Changing Scan Direction

Press [START] to scan upwards. Hold [FUNC] and press [START] to scan downwards.

5-2-3. Combine Search/Scan Range

To combine search/scan banks: Select Search or Scan Mode, press and hold [FUNC], then press [BANK]. Press [START] to begin. The receiver automatically jumps to the next bank when the highest frequency or channel is reached. Press [BANK] to deactivate this function.

6. Programming Mode

6-1. Selecting Frequency Step

The AR16 has 12 frequency steps. To select a step:

1. Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to display the frequency step setting.
2. Hold [FUNC] and rotate [DIAL] to select the desired step (1, 5, 6.25, 9, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 100 KHz).

(Note: Frequency step can only be changed in Search Bank Mode.)

6-2. Selecting Receive Mode

The AR16 supports AM, NFM, and WFM modes. To select a mode:

1. Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to display the receive mode setting.
2. Hold [FUNC] and rotate [DIAL] to select AM, NFM, or WFM.

Receive Mode Descriptions:

• AM: Used for broadcast stations (530-1600 KHz) and airband communication (108-136 MHz).
• NFM: Used for two-way communications like amateur radio, police, fire, and business bands (above 30 MHz).
• WFM: Used for FM broadcast stations (88-108 MHz) and TV audio. Using NFM for WFM signals will distort audio.

6-3. Storing Frequency into Memory

Store up to 500 favorite frequencies into 5 banks (100 channels per bank). 44 channels are pre-programmed.

1. In Bank Search Mode (no [MEMO] icon), select the desired frequency.
2. Hold [FUNC] and press [SC/SE]. The [MEMO] icon and channel number appear.
3. Rotate [DIAL] to select the memory bank and channel. (A flashing [MEMO] icon indicates the channel is occupied.)
4. Hold [FUNC] and press [SC/SE] again to store. A beep confirms storage.

Example: Storing 162.550 MHz (NFM) into memory B-15:

1. Select search bank #10.
2. Set frequency to 162.550 MHz.
3. Hold [FUNC], press [SC/SE].
4. Rotate [DIAL] to select bank B, channel 15.
5. Hold [FUNC], press [SC/SE] again to store.

6-4. Memory Management

6-4-1. Clear Memory Channel Content

1. In Memory Bank Mode, select the channel to clear.
2. Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to the clear display.
3. Hold [FUNC], rotate [DIAL] one click to clear the channel. A beep confirms.

6-4-2. Clear All Memory Channel Contents

Warning: This action erases all memory contents permanently.

1. In Memory Bank Mode, press [SC/SE] to display any memory channel.
2. Hold [SET], rotate [DIAL] to the 'ALL CLR' display.
3. Hold [FUNC], rotate [DIAL] one click to clear all memory. A beep confirms.

7. Other Useful Functions

7-1. Backlit Display

Press [LAMP] for temporary backlighting. To keep the backlight on, hold [FUNC] and press [LAMP]. Press [LAMP] again to turn it off. Continuous backlighting consumes significant battery power.

7-2. Battery Save

This function conserves battery power by periodically cycling circuits. Settings: OFF (default), 1 (300 mS), 3 (500 mS), 6 (1 Sec). To activate, press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to the 'SV' display, hold [FUNC], and rotate [DIAL] to select the parameter.

7-3. Auto Power Off (APO)

The AR16 automatically powers off after a set period of inactivity. Settings: OFF (default), 30 (30 minutes), 60 (60 minutes). To activate, press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to the 'AUP' display, hold [FUNC], and rotate [DIAL] to select the desired time.

7-4. Scan Delay/Hold

These functions manage scan behavior when signals are received:

• Scan Delay On: Resumes scanning a few seconds after a signal ends.
• Scan Delay Off: Resumes scanning immediately after a signal ends.
• Scan Hold: Stops scanning even after a signal ends.

To activate: Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to the 'DE' or 'HO' display. Repeat steps to toggle between DE On, DE Off, and HO. The sequence is DE On -> DE Off -> HO -> DE On.

7-5. Beep On/Off

Enables or disables audible beeps for key presses. To activate: Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to the 'bE' display. Hold [FUNC] and rotate [DIAL] clockwise to toggle between ON and OFF.

7-6. Keylock On/Off

Activates Keylock, disabling [BANK], [SC/SE], and [PASS] keys. To activate: Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to the 'LOC' display. Hold [FUNC] and rotate [DIAL] clockwise to toggle between ON and OFF.

7-7. Pass Function

Skips selected frequencies or memory channels during search/scan. Useful for eliminating continuously transmitting stations.

7-7-1. In the Search Mode

Press [PASS] to skip a frequency. To resume a skipped frequency: Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to 'SE PAS', hold [FUNC], rotate [DIAL] to select the frequency, press [PASS]. To resume all skipped frequencies: Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to 'SE P ALL', press [PASS].

7-7-2. In the Scan Mode

Press [PASS] to skip a memory channel. To resume a skipped channel: Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to 'MEMO PAS', hold [FUNC], rotate [DIAL] to select the channel, press [PASS]. To resume all skipped channels: Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to 'MEMO P ALL', press [PASS].

7-8. Voice Descrambler (AR16U Only)

The AR16U features a voice descrambler for signals with single frequency inversion scrambling. Check local laws regarding the use of descramblers. To activate: Press [SET], rotate [DIAL] to the 'SS' display, hold [FUNC], and rotate [DIAL] to select the best audio parameter.

7-9. PC Programming

Interface with a PC to read/write frequencies and memory channels. Requires an interface cable, level converter, and control software. To activate PC programming mode: Turn power off, then press and hold [SET] while turning power back on. The display will show '232' or '1'. Turn power off to exit.

8. Warranty

The AR16 comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. This warranty is non-transferable.

8-1. Warranty Repair

AOR will repair or exchange defective parts free of charge within the U.S.A. for one year. Labor is also free for one year. No Return Authorization (R/A) number is required. The warranty does not cover damage from shipment, unauthorized modifications, misuse, or accidents.

8-2. Out of Warranty Repair

AOR offers out-of-warranty repair services. An estimate will be provided. A $20 estimate fee applies, which can be credited towards the repair cost upon approval. Payment can be made via VISA, MasterCard, personal check, or money order payable to AOR USA, INC.

9. Specifications

• Frequency Coverage: AR16U (Export/Government): 0.5-1300 MHz (No gap); AR16B (US Domestic): 0.5-1300 MHz (Cellular Blocked)
• Receive Modes: AM, NFM, WFM
• Frequency Steps: 1, 5, 6.25, 9, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 100 KHz
• Memory Channels: 500
• Search Banks: 25
• Sensitivity:
• 0.35 uV (at 12 dB SINAD) in NFM
• 5 uV (0.5-5 MHz)
• 1.0 uV (at 10 dB S/N) in AM
• 4.0 uV (at S/N 20 dB) in WFM
• Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms (nominal)
• Antenna Connector: SMA type
• Operating Voltage: 2.4-3.0 V DC (rated 3.0 V DC)
• Audio Output: 60 mW (at 8 ohms, 10% T.H.D.)
• Current Drain: Approx. 130 mA (60 mW audio), 90 mA (squelched), 46 mA (Battery Save on)
• Scan Speed: 20 channels/sec. (max.)
• Frequency Stability: +/-5 ppm (14-122 degrees F)
• Dimensions: 2.4(w) x 4.2(h) x 1.2(d) inches (antenna not included)
• Weight: Approx. 5.4 oz (antenna, battery included)
• Included Accessories: Flexible antenna, two Ni-MH rechargeable battery cells, hand strap, AC wall charger, owner's manual.

(Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.)

Notice (AR16B Only)

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. If interference occurs, try reorienting the antenna, increasing separation, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a dealer.

Contact Information

AOR, LTD.

2-8-4-4 Misuji, Taito-Ku
Tokyo 111-0055, Japan
Email: post@aorja.com
Website: http://www.aorja.com

AOR USA, INC.

20655 S. Western Ave., Suite #112
Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: (310) 787-8615
Fax: (310) 787-8619
Email: info@aorusa.com
Website: http://www.aorusa.com