Radio monitoring from 40kHz to 3150MHz
The AR-5001DX communications receiver is ideally suited for radio and spectrum monitoring in various commercial and government applications, as well as for use in radio investigation services.
Highlights
* signal detection
* signal search in frequency and memory scan mode
* spectrum occupancy and on the air monitoring
* coverage and field-strength check
* signal and spectrum analysis through optional I/Q software
Applications may include
Monitoring and storage of up to 2000 frequencies, receiving modes, antenna port, attenuator settings, constant monitoring of one frequency or scanning of selected frequencies.
Searching a frequency range with freely selectable start and stop frequencies and step widths of 0.01kHz (10Hz) to 999.99kHz.
Detection of undesired emissions including pulsed emissions.
Detection of unlicensed transmitters communicating illegally or interfering with licensed transmission.
Protection against eavesdropping by detecting miniature transmitters (bugs)
Monitoring of one?s own radio transmissions in a service band and monitoring of selected transmissions.
Remote-controlled operation via an optional LAN controller.
Technical features
Computer controlled receiver
All functions of the AR-5001DX can be used with a laptop or desktop PC that runs under Windows XP or higher OS. The AR-5001DX can be controlled remotely through an optional LAN controller.
Digital signal processing
45MHz of the 3rd intermediate frequency is directly digitized for digital signal processing for demodulation and spectrum display by a PC. No automatic gain control (AGC) is employed in the analog circuitry to allow accurate level monitoring across the IF bandwidth.
High performance analog front-end
The analog RF front-end is carefully designed and by CAD to gain optimum performance across the entire receiving frequency range of 40kHz to 3150MHz.
Direct digital sampling
The HF stage (40kHz to 25MHz) employs direct digital sampling architecture that offers exceptional linearity across the band.
Direct digital synthesizer (DDS) local oscillator
Direct digital synthesizer is employed for the 1st local oscillator that ensures fast frequency switching for memory channel scanning and frequency band search operation.
Accurate reference frequency
The AR-5001DX is capable of using a GPS pulse signal for an accurate time base for the local oscillator circuit. 0.01ppm frequency accuracy for the 10MHz internal master oscillator is obtained when synchronized to a GPS signal source. The optional digital I/Q output board is capable of acquiring GPS data for time-stamping digital I/Q data.
Wideband IF output
45MHz of intermediate frequency (IF) analog output with 15MHz bandwidth is provided for external peripherals when using the AR-5001DX receiver front-end. The optional digital I/Q output board with USB 2.0 interface is available to access AR-5001DX?s I/Q data for spectrum/playback/analysis by a PC.
Simulations reception and monitoring
Simultaneous reception on HF (below 25MHz) and VHF-UHF (above 25MHz) frequencies is possible. For frequencies above 25MHz, absolute dual-channel reception within an IF bandwidth is possible. Thus, up to three channels can be monitored simultaneously.
Analog VIDEO demodulation
Composite video output is provided to monitor FM modulated analog type wireless security camera or frequency search operation for bug transmitters.
SD Audio recorder
The AR-5001DX is capable of recording demodulated audio directly to a built-in SD media recorder. Compact and readily available, SD memory cards are immune to vibrations and produce no mechanical noise, unlike motor-driven media such as tape or discs.
The AR-5001DX can accommodate up to 32GB SDHC card, allowing up to 240 hours of total recoding time using PC compatible WAV format. The typical continuous recording time with a 1GB SD card is about 8 hours. The recording time can be extended when squelch operation is employed while recording two-way voice communication.
AF-IQ Output
12kHz IF Output is provided for a PC sound card based SDR (software defined radio) for signal demodulation by the PC. Typical application includes the reception of DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) broadcasts on HF frequencies.
Optional APCO P-25 Digital Voice Decoder
APCO P-25 Digital Voice Decoder option is available for the demodulation of project 25 (P25) digital voice communications which are quite popular in North America for the government and public safety communications.
Direct sampling architecture
The AR-5001DX utilizes outstanding direct sampling digital architecture for reception below 25MHz. It features a 14 bit 65MS/s analog-to-digital converter, a high-performance FPGA-based digital-down-converter and DSP-based demodulation circuitry. The direct sampling architecture offers exceptionally high linearity against input signals.
AR-5001 Control Software
The AR-5001 control software is a strong companion to the AR-5001receiver. The software provides powerful control functions running on an MS Windows PC connected to the AR-5001 via USB or an optional LAN. The software provides a signal overview using a high-speed spectrum or waterfall display.
Powerful memory channel management features are available to manage and control up to 2000 channels allowing direct entry of alphanumeric channel information. The channel hit counter and last event (time and signal level) on each memory channel is available to monitor the activity and channel coordination.
Optional AR-IQ software
When an optional I/Q interface is installed (factory option), up to 1MHz of digital I/Q output can be recorded to the hard drive of almost any computer operating Windows environment for later playback and analysis without the loss of quality. This feature allows for unattended logging, signal classification and signal analysis.