AR8600MK2

AOR AR8600 Mark IIB Wideband Communications Receiver – 530 kHz to 3 GHz

Overview

The AOR AR8600 Mark IIB is a highly versatile, professional-grade wideband communications receiver designed for mobile, base, or portable operation. With coverage from 530 kHz to 3000 MHz, this compact powerhouse delivers exceptional performance across all major modes making it ideal for radio enthusiasts, monitoring professionals, and government users alike.

Building on the success of the original AR8600, the Mark IIB offers improved RF front-end performance, expanded frequency coverage, a new dimmer on/off function, and compatibility with the AOR TV-8600 video unit. Its rugged twin metal chassis with diecast front panel ensures durability for field and base operations.

---

Exceptional Frequency Coverage and Stability

The AR8600 Mark IIB offers ultra-wide frequency coverage, from 530 kHz up to 3000 MHz, with additional reception possible down to 100 kHz (reduced sensitivity).
Its built-in Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) ensures superior frequency stability and accuracy within 50 Hz tuning steps, making it ideal for precision monitoring and signal tracking.

With its DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer) technology and high-quality filtering system, users enjoy low phase noise, stable reception, and clear signal demodulation even in challenging RF environments.

---

All-Mode Reception

The receiver supports a full range of analog demodulation modes, including:

• AM (Wide, Standard, Narrow)
• FM (Wide, Narrow, Super Narrow)
• USB (Upper Sideband)
• LSB (Lower Sideband)
• CW (Continuous Wave)

A true carrier re-insertion SSB filter (3.0 kHz) ensures accurate frequency readouts for sideband tuning perfect for ham radio and SSB utility monitoring.

---

Advanced Features and Performance

• Frequency Range: 530 kHz – 3000 MHz (less cellular, 100 kHz min with reduced sensitivity)
• Frequency Steps: Programmable down to 0.05 kHz (50 Hz)
• Receiver System: Triple conversion superheterodyne
• IF Frequencies: 1st IF 754.850/243.850 MHz; 2nd IF 45.05 MHz; 3rd IF 455 kHz
• Audio Output: 800 mW (8Ω) max @ 10% THD
• Selectivity:
  • SSB/N-AM: 3 kHz (-6 dB), 9 kHz (-60 dB)
  • AM/S-FM: 9 kHz (-6 dB), 20 kHz (-40 dB)
  • W-AM/N-FM: 12 kHz (-6 dB), 25 kHz (-40 dB)
  • W-FM: 150 kHz (-3 dB), 380 kHz (-20 dB)

The AR8600’s RF attenuator, noise limiter, and high-quality IF filtering deliver clean, intelligible audio across a wide signal spectrum from shortwave broadcasts to UHF monitoring.

---

Flexible Power and Portability

The AR8600 Mark IIB can be powered in multiple ways:

• 12 VDC external supply
• Vehicle DC adapter (optional)
• Internal battery pack (optional)

This makes it suitable for mobile installations, field monitoring, and base station setups alike. Its adjustable sleep timer (1 to 120 minutes) and compact, lightweight design add to its portability and convenience.

---

Computer Control & Connectivity

With a built-in RS-232 serial port, users can connect the AR8600 to a PC for remote operation, data logging, and spectrum analysis.
Free control software (available from AOR’s website) provides:

• Frequency management
• Scan and search control
• Logging and recording functions
• GPS-based geographic data support
• Audio recording to disk

This makes the AR8600 not just a receiver but a complete monitoring system for serious users.

---

User Interface and Design

The front panel features a custom multi-section backlit LCD with alpha-numeric text labeling, numeric keypad, navigation keys, and dedicated controls for tuning, volume, and squelch.
The large rotary tuning knob and intuitive layout make manual tuning and scanning smooth and precise.

The included AM broadcast antenna easily connects to the rear BNC jack, ensuring optimal performance for medium-wave and shortwave listening.

---

Improvements Over the Original AR8600

The Mark IIB introduces several upgrades over its predecessor:
– Expanded frequency coverage
– Dimmer on/off function
– Improved RF front-end
– Enhanced audio fidelity
– TV-8600 video unit compatibility

---

Typical Sensitivity (10dB S/N)

Frequency Range	Mode	Sensitivity
530 kHz – 1.9 MHz	AM	3.5 µV
1.9 MHz – 30 MHz	AM	2.0 µV
30 MHz – 470 MHz	AM	1.0 µV / N-FM: 0.35 µV / W-FM: 1.0 µV
470 MHz – 820 MHz	N-FM	0.5 µV
820 MHz – 3000 MHz	N-FM	2.5 µV

---

Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Frequency Range	530 kHz – 3000 MHz (min. 100 kHz)
Modes	AM, FM, S-FM, USB, LSB, CW
Tuning Steps	50 Hz to 999.999 kHz
Receiver System	Triple Conversion Superheterodyne
Memories	1000 channels in 20 banks
Scanning Speed	37 channels per second
IF Frequencies	754.850 / 243.850 MHz, 45.05 MHz, 455 kHz
Audio Output	800 mW (8Ω) @ 10% THD
Power Supply	12V DC / optional internal battery
Size / Weight	Compact & lightweight for mobile or desktop use

---

Applications

The AOR AR8600 Mark IIB is ideal for:

• Radio hobbyists and DXers
• Emergency and public safety monitoring
• Aviation and marine band monitoring
• Government or security communications
• Field signal surveys and frequency analysis

Its mobility, flexibility, and precision make it one of the most capable receivers in its class.

---

Why Choose the AOR AR8600 Mark IIB

If you need a wideband, all-mode receiver that combines portability, precision, and PC integration, the AR8600 Mark IIB delivers.
Whether you’re scanning airband, shortwave, or digital signals, this receiver provides reliable, professional-grade performance with AOR’s legendary engineering quality.

---

AOR AR8600 Mark IIB Wideband Receiver – 530 kHz–3 GHz Portable All-Mode Scanner

Discover the AOR AR8600 Mark IIB – a professional-grade wideband communications receiver covering 530 kHz to 3 GHz. Features SSB, AM, FM, CW, RS-232 PC control, and mobile operation.

AOR AR8600, AR8600 Mark IIB, AOR receiver, wideband receiver, portable radio receiver, communications receiver, ham radio, AOR scanner, AOR AR8600 review, shortwave receiver