The AR8200 was a beacon representing a new approach, new features and forward thinking. A certain recipe for success built on the popularity of the AR8000, added technology originally developed for the award winning high performance AR5000 base receiver ideas from listening to the needs of enthusiasts and a 'touch' of AOR design & innovative magic.

The AR8200 was a totally new design rather than simply an updated model with the all important 8.33kHz airband channel step correctly implemented (eight-and-one-third. 33, 66, 00). Channel steps are provided In a menu and may be programmed in multiples of 50Hz in any mode (i.e. 5kHz, 12.5kHz or even 1.25 kHz). Extensive step-adjust and frequency offset facilities are also provided (as per AR5000} to ensure tracking of the most obscure band plans, AFC is included for spot on tuning ensuring that nothing is missed. A wide frequency coverage is available from 530kHz to 2040MHz (no gaps) with actual minimum acceptable frequency of 100kHz. The RF front-end is preselected around VHF to ensure the highest levels of adjacent channel rejection with software spurii cancellation. The short wave bands are converted directly to an IF of 45 MHz to remove compromise and the AR8200 is supplied with a detachable plug in medium wave bar aerial for localised monitoring with a negative feedback circuit employed.

Flexible dynamic memory bank layout is provided. Memory banks may be varied in size between 10 and 90 channels each i.e. bank 'A' 80 channels / bank 'a' 20 channels with bank 'B' 40 channels / bank 'b' 60 channels etc). 1,000 memories, 20 memory banks, 40 search banks, select scan list, priority and lockout facilities are included. It is also possible to edit and delete individual memories, swap, copy, move and delete whole banks Including dumping all data.

The remote socket not only allows computer control but also supports clone of data between two AR8200 along with tape output, detector (discriminator) output, mute and AGC.

The AR8200 can also be used in conjunction with the Optoelectronics Scout or Watson Super Searcher frequency counters for automatic and instantaneous tuning of any detected frequencies. The optional RT-8200 cable is required.

Computer Control

Computer control is available via a metallic side mounted robust connector and optional lead, an extensive RS232 command list is supported. AOR's software package AR8200 Workshop is now available as a Free Download.

For those who may wish to write there own software AOR provide in Adobe PDF file format cc8200.pdf which contains all the command codes used by the AR8200 together with additional information.

• JAV-232: This is one of the most versatile interfaces available offering compatibility not only with the AR8200 but also the AR8000 and many other receivers requiring a TTL convertor. When used with the AR8200 and AR8000 the JAV-232 not only offers computer control but a squelch activated tape switch output and discriminator output.

• RS-8200: A basic interface built in a DB-25 header. If the additional features of the JAV-232 are not required then this is an ideal alternative (and at considerably less cost also !)

• Also available is the CC8200 Package from AOR. This includes a TTL convertor with a DB-9 connecter together with a CD-ROM containing the AR8200 Workshop software (Version 1.7.1) together with the Automode Bandplans Memory Channel Data and Search Bank Data downloaded by AOR for the UK/European, USA and Japanese markets.

As if this was not enough, optional internal SLOT CARDS (which fit into the AR8200 base) extend the AR8200 capability even further:
• EM-8200 - Memory slot card
  The EM8200 enables the whole 1,000 memory channels in 20 banks and 40 program search banks to be backed up to the EM8200. In fact the EM8200 can hold the entire contents of the AR8200 including environmental operating data and band scope FOUR times in EM8200 locations 0, 1, 2 & 3. It is not necessary to have ALL data, you can specifically choose what data is to be backed up and to which location.
• CT-8200 - CTCSS slot card
  The CT8200 enables the AR8200 to search for 50 CTCSS tones which may be in use on the current receive frequency and to save a specific CTCSS tone (from the 50 tones available) into each VFO, each search bank and every memory channel individually. CTCSS is used by may amateur band repeaters, public utilities and private mobile radio services where shared resources are used, CTCSS ensures that operators only hear traffic intended for them.
• RU-8200 - Record chip slot card The RU8200 enables around 20 seconds of audio to be recorded to a chip within the RU8200 for playback at a later time. The chip may be recorded to time and time again over writing the previous recordings. The recordings may be played back over and over, very useful if you have graded an interesting recording! The RU8200 may be used in VFO, scan, search and memory read modes.
• TE-8200 - Tone eliminator slot card
  The TE8200 enables the AR8200 to ignore certain transmissions which would otherwise stop the scan and search process. Pilot tones are often transmitted by public utilities and railways making their transmissions troublesome and fatiguing to monitor without the use of the TE8200. There are 256 values for the tone eliminator ranging from 0 to 255 representing a frequency range of 0.4 to 4.2 kHz.
• VI-8200 - Voice inverter card.
  The VI8200 enables the AR8200 to recover intelligible audio from certain types of analogue transmissions which would otherwise sound scrambled. They operate by splitting up the audio spectrum and "flipping" the upper and lower tones around a certain frequency point. The VI8200 enables 157 different "flip points" to be selected in the frequency range of 2.4kHz to 5.6kHz.

• SC-8200 - Clear plastic case
• SC-8200P - Soft Pouch type carry case, similar to the case AOR produce for the AR8000.
• RT-8200 - Cable for connecting to the Scout or Watson Super Searcher
• OS-8200 - "Open ended" option cable that can be used for a variety of projects.
• SM-8200 - Service Manual

All this in a cabinet which weighs less than 200g (excluding NiCads & aerial) with dimensions of 61(W) x 143(H} x 39(D) mm (excluding projections).

There was/is, what appeared to be some degree of misinformation being circulated with regard to several aspects of AR8200 production, hopefully the following will clarify and assist:

• There has been no recall of the AR8200
• There has been no firmware upgrades
• The cursor does not flash any quicker on newer AR8200's
• HF performance was been improved slightly due to a component change
• All AR8200's (since late June 1998) sold by ourselves have had additional internal screening over several key components fitted by AOR (UK) to assist with the reduction of internal "noise" - This was not initially a production feature.. This additional screening was fitted at production level from around December 1999.

  There is some additional information on AR8200 production here.