AOR CU8232 Computer Interface
The CU8232 can be used with both the AOR AR8000 and AR2700 receivers.
The AOR CU8232 is a compact interface unit measuring 75mm(W) x 30mm(H) x 123mm(D) and weighs 170g (approx) The interface permits computer control via the RS232 serial Port of a computer and clone of data between two AR8000 receivers. An additional piece of software will usually be required in order to address the computer's serial port the correct set of parameters. If using an IBM-PC or clone (with a 386 processor or higher) Microsoft WINDOWS "TERMINAL" - may be used to address the computers serial port and configuration of TERMINAL is covered in the illustrated 50 page CU8232 operating manual.
The CU8232 interface enables data to be copied between two AR8000 receivers (data clone) when simultaneously connected to the CU8232. Memory, search and all data may be transferred enabling full CLONE of one receiver onto another. This may be accomplished without the use of a host computer and the interface is powered from the AR8000 receiver.
The CU8232 is supplied with the following accessories:
A ribbon cable is used to connect the AR8000 to the CU8232. One end of the ribbon cable has a reinforced plate, this is used at the AR8000 end of the connection. One other end of the ribbon cable is insert into the CU8232 [PROGRAM] socket, The [PROGRAM] socket is the primary receiver connection used for computer control. This port also takes power from the receiver (when the AR8000 is switched On). Should you wish to CLONE data between two AR8000 receivers, connect the second ribbon cable to the socket labelled [COPY].
The AR8000 remote control socket is located at the bottom edge of the battery compartment and the free end of the ribbon cable is inserted with the reinforced plate contact (metal) downward. When the receiver is switched On, the AR8000 DATA is routed to the RS232 connector. If a second receiver is connected to the [COPY] socket and switched On, the CU8232 recognises it's presence and routes data between receivers and not to the RS232 socket. A red LED on the CU8232 indicates that data is being transferred.
To CLONE data between two AR8000 receivers, connect each receiver to the CU8232 using a ribbon cable as outlined above. Data may be transferred in BOTH direction between the [PROGRAM] and [COPY] sockets An alliterative method may be used to connect two AR8000 receivers for data CLONE, two CU8232 interfaces may be employed with each AR8000 connected to the [PROGRAM] socket. The RS232 9-pin connectors are linked using a three wire crossed cable.
Connection to a computer is via the rear panel RS232C 9-pin D type female socket. Should you require a male socket then a 9-pin gender changer is supplied in the package. Should you prefer to use a 25-way "D" type female socket. an adaptor is also supplied as standard. Always use a straight RS232 cable (null modem is not to be used). The RS232 cable should be of good quality and no more than 2m in length. As the CU8232 is powered from the AR8000, excessive cable length may cause lost data between the AR8000 and computer.
Communication between the AR8000 and computer (via the CU8232) uses semi-duplex Baud rate: 2400, 4800, 9600 selectable, Delimiter: CR or CR.LF, Stop bit 2 BIT, Parity check: None. The PC requires X-parameter flow control. Assuming you have DOS and WINDOWS 3.1 (or later) loaded on an IBM-PC compatible computer, WINDOWS TERMINAL may be used to address the CU8232 and AR8000 receiver to enable basic remote operation. Setup details are given in the CU8232 operating manual.
Each Command to be sent to be sent to the AR8000 receiver comprises of two upper case letters (header) along with options as required. All commands use ASCII code which MUST BE IN UPPER CASE (except for the UP/DOWN ARROW which uses the control code of ASCII).
A multiple command entry is only valid where specified in the CU8232 operating manual. Where a multiple command entry is allowed, each command MUST be separated with s space "h20" (HEX DECIMAL). Each command is completed with a [CR] or [CR],[LF] whichever is specified in the AR8000 receiver configuration (page 101 section 18-1 of the English language AR8000 operating manual), thereafter described as [Carriage Return]. Although there is no local echo, either [Carriage Return] or a specified response should come back from the receiver after confirming the correct command.
When the AR8000 has received a command via the RS232C port the receiver's LCD will alternate between the top line of data and the word REMOTE . When remote mode is engaged the receivers keypad becomes inoperative. To restore operation to the receiver's keypad press [LOCAL] - effectively remote operation is cancelled. Remote mode is re-engaged when a new command is received via the RS232C port. The receiver always acknowledges the receipt of a command by sending [CARRIAGE RETURN] (as specified in the receiver's configuration) or will respond with the requested data. Only send a second command after the first command has gained a response.
In order to gain the greatest flexibility a specialist softare package is desirable. Two AOR packages are currently under development. The first will be a DOS utility for upload, download & editing of memory channels. The second will be a full featured WINDOWS package with control of frequency, mode, attenuator, memory upload, download etc. It is planned to add two modules to the WINDOWS package for data-base and a map.
We are currently aware of two alternative Commercial Software packages that support the AR8000. If you would like to download the Demonstration versions of these two programs you will find them on Demon's FTP server.
The Demo of Scanstar is sscomm.exe whilst Scancat is scancat.zip
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