IC-R9000 & digital modes

[IK2GNP]

Hello everybody, recently I got an IC-R9000 and I'm very very happy with it.
Now I would like to add something to decode VHF/UHF digital modes like DMR, D-Star, C4FM, Tetra and so on.
I don't want to use my computer for radio listening, so no USB sticks, software and so on.
I'm interesting only in standalone, hardware-based devices. Something to connect to the 10.7MHz IF out of my R9000.
I know that an AOR decoder was available in the past, but it did not decode Tetra and it seems discontinued. And, last but not least, recently I had a bad experience with AOR (got a VERY EXPENSIVE AR5700D, sold after just two months, absolutely disappointing in my opinion).
Anyone could suggest a good solution? Thanks.

 

[kdeke]

An AR-DV1 (in auto mode) connected to 10.7MhHz IF-out on IC-9000 will automatically decode a lot. (set and forget)
As the IC-R9000 IF-out inverses the spectrum, the AR-DV1 IF input needs to be reversed, this functionality is available on AR-DV1.
You also could use an AR-DV10, however the AR-DV10 doesn't have this reverse function, so some modes won't work. (AOR document: http://www.aorja.com/receivers/pdf/experiment_with_AR-DV10.pdf)
It also might require a dc-stop, as the IC-R9000 might output a DC value.
An example on youtube with IC-R8600 and AR-DV1:

 

[IK2GNP]

Hmmmm AOR..... again???? Never tested the DV1, but as mentioned above the flagship AR5700D was a big big disappointment for me.
However, in your suggested configuration I believe that the DV1 input must stay locked at 10.7MHz, right?
I did not know that it can decode digital modes in "HF bands" too.
So, if I understand correctly, the DV1 would become a simple "decoder", and all tuning operations would be performed by the R9000.
If it works, I think it could be a good solution.
Is the DV1 able to decode all digital modes automatically including Tetra?
I do not believe that the IF out of the R9000 provides any voltage. It surely occurred with the R8500 that I owned in the past because that output jack was used to supply the TV module, but don't think in the R9000. Please correct me if I wrong.
Thank you for your suggestion. Waiting for more possible options, if any.

 

[kdeke]

Indeed the AR-DV1 needs to remain on 10.7Mhz and tuning is done on the IC-R9000.
The decodable modes for the AR-DV1 are the same as the AR5700D, mostly used on vhf/uhf.
AR-DV1 indeed decodes unencrypted Tetra.
As far as DC voltage on IF out is concerned, some Icoms indeed provided that, for the moment I have no idea if the IC-R9000 does it, just added a warning that one needs to check before use.
And yes, the latest AOR equipment is sometimes quite buggy.

 

[bagmouse7]

The only standalone, hardware based digital decoder that I am aware of is from your old friends at AOR.
The AOR ARD300:

ARD300 | OTHER PRODUCTS | AOR,LTD. Authority On Radio Communications

Maybe some others know of some other solutions.

You may want to look at using some software packages like DSD+ or SDR# to decode digital modes with the discriminator output.
I have used these packages with an R8600 to decode DMR and other unsupported modes.
Good luck!

 

[IK2GNP]

An AR-DV1 (in auto mode) connected to 10.7MhHz IF-out on IC-9000 will automatically decode a lot. (set and forget)
As the IC-R9000 IF-out inverses the spectrum, the AR-DV1 IF input needs to be reversed, this functionality is available on AR-DV1.

After long long time, finally I purchased a new AOR DV1, but I'm struggling to connect it to my IC-R9000.
First, I tested the AOR with my VHF/UHF antenna and it perfectly works.
So I connected the AOR RF input to the IF out of the IC-R9000. It seems to work but, as you mentioned, with inverted RF spetrum.
I did not found how to reverse the input spectrum, although I checked carefully the DV1 user manual.
Could you please guide me step-by-step to reach this goal? Thanks.

 

[pi9ajn]

Reverse IF direction:
push 'F'
push '9' (= OPTION)
push Arrow Down to "IF DIR" (this is now "NOR")
turn Dialer and change to "REV"
push 'ENT'

It should work now.
There is a youtube vid of a AOR DV1 connected to a ICOM R8600 and the IF Direction is changed in the video. The change starts at 1:30 min (to approx. 1:53 min). The language in the video is French, but the spoken word is not realy needed.
The link to the video: AOR AR-DV1 en FI 10.7 MHz avec un Icom IC-R8600

Succes

 

[IK2GNP]

This video is very well explained, no problem to understand french language.
But this option is NOT included in the DV1 user manual!
Now it's too late, tomorrow I will check again and let you know. Thanks.

 

[IK2GNP]

Yes it works! Sorry I did not noted the Addendum Manual in which this option is explained.
Another question please.
It seems that the RF signal from the R9000 IF out is a little bit weak.
For example, when the R9000 does tune a weak signal (but enough to get a good audio), the DV1 does receive a weaker one, not the same level. In this way, the signal is not enough to switch the DV1 to the digital mode that can't be decoded.
Have you noted this issue? Maybe a little RF amplifier between the R9000 and DV1 could be enough? What do you think? Thanks.

 

[IK2GNP]

Solved. It was the cable between the R9000 and the DV1.
I used an old video cable having RCA connectors, adding an RCA to BNC adapter at the DV1 side.
Probably this cable does introduce big RF losses at the frequency of 10.7MHz.
Just replaced with a RF BNC>BNC cable (with only a BNC to RCA adapter at the R9000 side) and now it perfectly works.
So, just reached the "set and forget" situation mentioned above.
Thank you for all your suggestion. Now I have a "digital" IC-R9000. Very happy.