new AOR AR-DV3

[zerosix]

The DV3 front end offers no improvements over the DV1. AOR simply added more input filters to accommodate the new 1.3-3.0 GHz frequency range. The receiver circuitry and components remain unchanged. Essentially, we are talking about a DV1 receiver with a new IF filter.

I do not know how else to make this clear. Perhaps people understand it but simply do not believe it. The receiver section covering HF through 1300 MHz in the DV3 is exactly the same as the one in the DV1, apart from some improved IF filtering.

This is just a facelift, in automotive terms: a different interior color and a few new exterior paint options. In this case, however, the receiver, buttons, enclosure, and even the display icons are identical and remain in exactly the same places, down to the last pixel.

What you get is the same enclosure in a different color, a color display, more expensive software options, with the old ones being incompatible because AOR changed the serial number length, and more expensive hardware options. The IF output and IQ output options have not even been released yet and are currently unavailable.

This is a product created by the marketing department, not by the engineers. Do not believe me? Buy one, see for yourself, and then sell it. It is that simple.

Hi Alex, I appreciate your insights. As for your statements: I am aware that the frequency range has been expanded from 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz, so many of the so-called new filters are indeed just another set of BPFs for the higher range. However, there is one big improvement: AOR originally designed the front-end BPFs to accommodate the Japanese market. Many of the frequency ranges were poorly chosen and did not work well in many EU/US regions. They have, in fact, improved these ranges to reduce interference from other bands. This should (at least theoretically) improve reception on Airband, VHF 136–174 MHz, and UHF 400–470 MHz. The IF SAW filtering should also drastically reduce interfering signals in or close to the passband.
However, it seems you haven't observed much of a difference? Did you ever have issues with front-end overloading and strong signals bleeding through on your DV1, like many others (myself included) who live in strong RF environments? I am very curious to read more about your experiences. My cynical take was that the DV3 is probably just a fresh coat of paint with minor improvements, and so far I am more and more inclined to believe it. However, I am reserving full judgment until I see it myself or read reports from several other users who live in a similar heavy RF area like myself.

You cannot compare it directly with DSD+ because DSD+ is software. The receiver you use with it is a separate matter. With DSD+, you can achieve continuous, virtually flawless decoding, with voice audio that sounds very close to analog. For example, I use a Yaesu FT-7900 as the front end, tap its IF output, and feed the signal into a WinRadio G31 or G33 while applying the appropriate offset to the SDR frequency display. From there, I use VAC and DSD+ with a plugin. The result is excellent audio that easily outperforms the DV3 because the DV3 receiver is inferior to this combination. The FT-7900 is not a perfect receiver, and there is still room to improve the front end. However, I continue using this setup because I have not found anything better yet. When I have time, I may try using a proven professional-grade VHF radio as the front end, but I need to find one with an IF below 50 MHz.

Yes, I know they cannot be compared in a traditional sense, but that is how most people approach it. They either go with:

• Route A: A computer and SDR-based setup (which I personally find lackluster in terms of hands-on experience).
• Route B: Dedicated standalone hardware that doesn't require setting up a PC.

AOR is pretty much the only option left for people who want a single "box that does it all." Thank you for confirming my suspicion that even with the newly designed ranges and front-end, the software approach will likely still win in terms of real-world performance.

 

[buddrousa]

Single Box that does it all?
When did they add PHASE 1 and 2 Trunking

 

[zerosix]

Single Box that does it all?
When did they add PHASE 1 and 2 Trunking

You are right. It should include Phase 2 and trunking. But on that note, DMR Tier III, NXDN 9600, EDACS/ProVoice, M17, FreeDV, and GMSK would also be welcome additions while we are at it. Regardless of what you or I think, AOR is still the only option with the broadest coverage of digital protocols. So while it may not be a 'single box that does it all,' it is surely the closest thing to it.

 

[buddrousa]

There will never be in our lifetime an all-in-one receiver or scanner for that matter.

 

[vince48]

There will never be in our lifetime an all-in-one receiver or scanner for that matter.

AMEN

 

[rumcajs_tr]

Hi, I am on my third day of testing my new DV3 and I have to disagree with the claim that the DV3 is just a DV1 with a new IF filter. Looking at the hardware, AOR made fundamental RF upgrades by replacing the DV1's wide preselector with an 11-band switched BPF bank that eliminates the mixer overload and intermod caused by the old Japanese band splits, adding high-Q SAW filters in the IF stage to provide sharp selectivity before ADC sampling to prevent dynamic range clipping, and using updated local oscillators with lower phase noise for better weak-signal performance. Combined with a faster DSP (600 steps/sec, quicker digital auto-detection) and hardware support for USB-C and future raw 10.7 MHz IF / I/Q output upgrades, the DV3 directly fixes the physical front-end overload limitations that held back the DV1 in strong RF environments.