The following is a list of mods that I know of for the AR-8000.  Most of these were sent to me by Scott West (west_s@ix.netcom.com).  If you know of any other mods, please email rgallim@icgroup.net.

• Full unblocked coverage via computer interface (Optolinx, CU8232, homebrew via MAX232 IC, etc.) and software (Ben Saladino Shareware Radio Manager for Windows, Scan*Star, SCANCAT, etc.).

• Reducing audio clipping of certain received signals (read: cellular reception) via changing out the AM/NFM IF 6 kHz filter (CFWM455F) with either a 7.5kHz (CFWM455E) or 10kHz (CFWM455D) filter. The mod used to be located on the no longer avaiable USSN web page. This can be found at http://geocities.datacellar.net/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/1251/8kclip.html.

• Wandering birdie mod by changing out the CPU's ceramic resonator (clock) with a shielded quartz crystal resonator. This mod also used to be available on the no longer available USSN web page. This can be found at http://geocities.datacellar.net/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/1251/8kclip.html

• Narrow / wide filter selection mod by cutting some traces between the AM/NFM filter and the SSB/CW filter and switching between the two filters in any reception mode (AM -- primarily used for, NFM, WFM, SSB) via a SPDT switch. You can search the AR8k list archives for my previous post (added detail to another persons mod) about this mod. This mod is available at http://geocities.datacellar.net/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/1251/8kswitch.html. This mod is also available from Javiation as an add on custom option board.

http://radio.rpmdp.com/archives/ar8000/
http://www.demon.co.uk:80/javiation/ar8000.html

• By adding another switch (DPDT) and retaining the original 6kHz IF filter and the audio clipping mod filter (either the 7.5kHz or 10kHz), you can switch between the original AM/NFM filter, audio clipping mod filter, and the SSB/CW filter in any reception mode. Both filters (original and audio clipping AM/NFM filter) can reside together in the AR8k in either a "dead bug" configuration or by laying them on their sides. This mod is part of my previous post to the list and can be found at http://geocities.datacellar.net/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/1251/8kswitch.html.

• Another option board for the AR8k is a speech inversion add on board. Note that only one option board can reside in the AR8k at a time. The board is available from Design EQ and Javiation to name a couple of sources.

http://www.designeq.com/8000Accessories.html
http://www.demon.co.uk:80/javiation/ar8000.html

 
• Reducing sputtering squelch via adding a larger value capacitor in the mute time delay circuit. This mod is available via the AR8k list archives and at the following site that has some great pictures of the mod:

http://www.teleport.com/~gregsa/ham/ar8k/sput/
Also see http://geocities.datacellar.net/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/1251/8ksquelch.html

• Adding a discriminator output in order to use decoding programs (via a simple decoder circuit available in PD203 documents) such as PD203 (POCSAG Pager Decoder), Trunker (Trunk Tracker), MDTstuff (Mobile Data Terminal), and Mobitex (Wireless Data). This mod is available via the AR8k list archives. The decoding programs are available via the following URL's:

http://www.bearnet.demon.co.uk/pocsag/index.htm ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/so/source/index.html

 
• Adding different output jacks to the AR8k to avoid having to use the Flat Flexible Cable (FFC) for computer control. Several different methods (i.e. different type of jacks) are available via the AR8k list archives. You're only limited by your imagination and the type of computer interface that you are connecting to.  Two different types can br found at:

http://geocities.datacellar.net/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/1251/8kjacks.html
http://geocities.datacellar.net/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/1251/8kcntlsocket.html

• Some owners of the AR8000 say that their audio scan feature does not work.  This modification can be found at http://www.demon.co.uk/javiation/8kmod.html.  This page also has detailed instructions on how to take the AR8000 apart.

Note that all standard disclaimers apply. i.e. If you choose to perform any of the above mods, you are doing the mods at your own risk, and I have no affiliation with any of the above sources. Remember that you are working with very small surface mount technology devices.
 

Back to my AR-8000 page
Back to my scanner page

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page