AR-Mini

AOR
AR-Mini

Specifications

Prices

Pocket-size scanner, receiving frequency range 0.1-1300 MHz in AM and FM mode. Voice inverter descrambler, CTCSS/DCS, bug detector. Ideated in Japan, year of introduction 2009.

Reference market : amateur-radio

AR-Mini specifications

General

Frequency coverage [1]
0.1000 ~ 1300.0000 MHz
Mode
AM / FM / WFM
Tuning step
5 / 6.25 / 8.333 / 9 / 10 / 12.5 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 50 / 100 KHz

Receiver

Sensitivity
AM	1.3 uV (0.2~5 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.6 uV (5~520 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.7 uV (520~1300 MHz, 10dB S/N)
FM	0.2 uV (5~370 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.28 uV (370~520 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.35 uV (520~1300 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
WFM	0.9 uV (5~160 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.8 uV (160~370 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 1.0 uV (370~1300 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
Selectivity
AM	15 KHz (-6dB)
FM	15 KHz (-6dB)
WFM	110 KHz (-3dB)
Frequency stability
± 2.5ppm max
IF (Intermediate Frequency)
1°	243.95 MHz
2°	21.7 MHz
3°	450 KHz (AM / FM)

Features

Memory
1000 regular memories in 10 banks 2 VFO
Display
1 KHz frequency resolution 10-segments signal meter bar
Antenna
SMA 50Ω
Power supply
2.4 ~ 3V battery (2 x AA NiMh) 6 VDC external
Power consumption
150 mA typ 20 mA squelch on, battery save function on
Audio output
Jack 3.5 mm

Mechanical and environmental data

Dimensions
60 (W) x 95 (H) x 24 (D) mm, without antenna
Weight
210g with battery and antenna

Cellular blocked (824~850, 869~895 MHz) in the US.

AR-Mini description :

AR-Mini is a pocket-size scanner for AM and FM modes with a 22-hour battery life guaranteed by the supplied Ni-Mh batteries. The construction responds to the JIS-4 grade, the apparatus can in other words resist splash water without inconveniences. Particularly interesting among the features is the frequency-inversion scrambler decoder, a mode not usually present in portable receivers of this type, and the RF-detector function to speed-up the recognition of a nearby transmitter. It has 1000 generic memory locations distributed in banks, there is a skip function for exclusion during the search. Two VFO for independent frequencies. The CTCSS and DCS tone decoding allows a targeted reception to identify a signal between a group of emissions. Beyond the flexible stylus antenna there is a ferrite antenna to improve the reception of medium and short waves between 0.1 ~ 5 MHz. The display offers explanatory icons of the function in use. To safeguard the batteries, the power-save or auto-power-off mode can be activated, respectively, in order to partialize the operating time or switch the unit off under specific conditions. The receiver also allows the cloning of the contents of the memories from a PC and also between two AR-Mini, the software can be downloaded from the AOR site while a optional interface cables are required.

AR-Mini performance and practical notes :

This scanner is light and with low consumption. Thus meets the demands of those looking for an essential receiver, convenient for transport. The presence of only a few buttons with menu passages for certain settings requires a minimum of familiarity with the control logic but is not demanding or complex. Interesting the scrambler decoder function, it is however pointed out that because of the variations of the audio frequency inversion technique the actual use of this mode must be commensurate with the single circumstance. Finally, sensitivity is an element that is particularly taken care of in the AR-Mini, evidently the design of the RF front-end has taken advantage of latest electronic solutions.

AR-Mini price

We have collected for your convenience the Aor AR-Mini sale price (US Dollar) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price	Date	Condition
USD 122.00 (89GBP)	2021-jun	Second Hand Very good condition
USD 139.00	2020-oct	Second Hand Comes with AC adapter, flexible antenna, box and owner's manual
USD 154.00 (132EUR)	2018-oct	Brand-new

AR-Mini review

Sensitivity
Selectivity
Dynamic range
Spurious response
Audio
Signal functions
Control functions
User friendly
Stars: 1=insufficient \| 2=just sufficient \| 3=mediocre \| 4=good \| 5=excellent

Petey V

February-18 2022

It's a good solid little radio. It's a bit of a learning curve but doable.

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