AR-2002 modification

[lanbergld]

Hello,

Anyone who owns an AR-2002 knows how frustrating the tuning knob is. Its hard-detented with loud “clicks” — you go nowhere fast. Luckily there’s an easy fix that gives smoother, faster and quiet tuning. It only involves replacing the AR-2002’s shaft encoder with that from another AOR receiver.

The AOR AR-3000A has a smooth-turning, high resolution shaft encoder. This successfully replaces the AR-2002’s clunky & loud encoder. The best news is that AR-3000A shaft encoders are readily available, cheap, from a gentleman in California, Richard Robinson, K4EIH/6, jazz101@san.rr.com.

The wire colors are different between the 2 encoders, so just be sure to match them as follows.

(AR-2002) White – (AR-3000A) Red
(AR-2002) Blue – (AR-3000A) Black
(AR-2002) Black – (AR-3000A) Brown

I performed this substitution without soldering. I also replaced the small tuning knob itself with a larger one from a Ray Jefferson radio. Any larger knob with a ¼” fitting will work.

Hope this is helpful to someone.


Larry Lanberg

Richmond VA

 

[commscanaus]

Thanks Larry!

I recently bought a 2002 from eBay in very good condition and perfect working order.
The tuning encoder is definitely awful to use and makes tuning across the airbands a very slow and painful affair. I had no idea you could use the tuning encoder from a 3000A!
Your information is very helpful and I will make an effort to get a 3000A encoder and fit it.

Even though the 2002 is an old set, it still outperforms many newer radios.

Now I have a near new AR2001, the 2002 and an AR8000 handheld.
Eventually I would like to get a 3000A to add to the collection.

The other modification I would like to make to the 2001 and 2002 is to add battery backed up memory and get rid of the stupid supercap.

Regards, Commscanaus.

 

[lanbergld]

Hi Commscanaus,

I also didn't know 'the transplant' could be done until I tried it. Works beautifully and I am pleased. I can 'fast tune' my AR-2002 now with just my fingertip. You will be pleased.

The guy who sells AR-3000A spare parts, including just the shaft encoders, is very easy to reach. I found the part through his Ebay store. He can be reached at jazz101@san.rr.com.


Larry

 

[kg6bki]

Is The AR-2002 a Decent Scanner Over any other ones. I picked up one at the Swap Meet here in San Jose Last year with the power cord only for $10.00 No Joke...It's an 8/10

Brian

 

[lanbergld]

Its a HOT receiver on all bands, much better reception than any 'police scanner', but is a terribly slow scanner. Painfully slow. That's why I wanted to - and did - do something with tuning knob. Now I can use my fingertip to 'breeze through' bands, in a controlled fashion. As a 'scanner' though forget it.


Larry

 

[commscanaus]

Parts Ordered!

Placed an order for the rotary encoder today and look forward to getting it and fitting it.
Thanks again for the info Larry!
It will make the 2002 that much better!

Brian- You were very lucky to find one that cheap!
The receiver is very good, does not suffer from intermod and has far better sensitivity than many of the newest scanners.
The best thing about receivers of this vintage are easy to repair or modify designs that were really well thought out and engineered.
The fact that they can still be found in very good condition working well proves this.

Commscanaus.

 

[lanbergld]

Ok Commscanaus, I'm sure you'll be really pleased. In addition you can experiment with different tuning knobs, to get 'spinner type' action on the smooth encoder. Something not too big, but with a wide enough surface for fingertip 'free-wheeling' through bands. I use the tuning knob from a Ray Jefferson 630/RDF radio.


Larry