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Harman Kardon TU950 - User Manual

Harman Kardon TU950
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ENGLISH
1
Harman Kardon TU950
Date of purchase
Purchased from
Address of business purchased from
Installed by
Date Installed
Serial No.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO
WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INRODUIRE LA LAME
LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA
PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND.
Thank you for choosing a Harman
Kardon AM/FM Tuner.
Your new Unit is an exceptionally
well-engineered product that will give
you years of superb performance.
Save all packing material.
It is essential for shipping should you
move, or in the event the unit ever
needs repair.
U.S. and Canadian customers should
use 120 volt AC only. Other
customers should use voltages
appropriate to their area. Connecting
the unit to an outlet supplying a
higher voltage may create a fire
hazard.
TU950 230V-eng 11/01/98 15:18 Side 1
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Summary

Safety and Handling Precautions

Electrical Shock Hazards

Instructions to prevent electric shock by not removing covers and referring servicing to qualified personnel.

Appliance Exposure Warnings

Warning to protect the appliance from rain, moisture, fire, or electric shock.

Plug Insertion Guidance

Instructions for proper insertion of the plug into the electrical outlet to prevent shock.

Operation and Care Guidelines

Power Cord and Unit Handling

Guidelines for safely handling the power cord, including disconnection and avoiding damage.

Unit Placement and Environment

Advice on positioning the unit to ensure proper ventilation and avoid environmental hazards.

Service and Cabinet Precautions

Warnings against self-servicing the unit and guidance on handling potential issues.

Cleaning the Unit

Instructions for safe and effective cleaning methods for the audio equipment.

Introduction to Radio Data System (RDS)

Understanding RDS Capabilities

An overview of the RDS feature and its benefits for enhancing FM radio listening.

Front Panel Controls and Displays

Power and Tuning Controls

Buttons and knobs for unit power, station tuning, and mode selection.

Memory and Station Management

Controls for storing, recalling, and scanning preset stations, including memory and numeric buttons.

Signal and Display Management

Buttons for managing RDS, AF, PTY, FM modes, RF/IF bands, and display settings.

Display Panel Overview

The main digital display showing frequency, station information, and operating status.

Detailed Front Panel Functions

Power Button Operation

Controls unit power on/off with associated indicator lights.

Display Information Cycling

Button to cycle through and display various station and RDS information.

Memory and Preset Station Entry

Buttons for storing and recalling stations into memory and preset locations.

RDS, AF, and PTY Functions

Buttons for RDS activation, alternate frequencies (AF), and program type (PTY) selection.

Station Naming Function

Button to manually enter or modify names for non-RDS stations.

Tuning and Mode Selection

Tuning;Select Knob Usage

Primary control for tuning stations manually or using automatic tuning methods.

Band Selection

Cycles through FM, MW, and LW frequency bands.

FM Reception Modes

Switches between stereo and mono reception modes for FM broadcasts.

RF and IF Band Adjustments

Adjustments to mitigate RF interference and optimize reception from adjacent stations.

Automatic and Manual Tuning

Engages automatic tuning (AUTO) or manual tuning modes for station selection.

Preset Tuning and Scanning

Buttons for selecting preset stations manually or scanning through them automatically.

Display and Preset Management

Scan Preset Stations

Initiates an automatic scan through preset memory stations, playing each briefly.

Display Mode Adjustment

Adjusts the intensity of the front panel display indicators.

Numeric Preset Button Usage

Used to select or enter stations into memory locations.

Fluorescent Display Features

Main display panel showing frequency, station information, and operating status.

Rear Panel Connections

Antenna Connections

Diagrams and instructions for connecting FM and AM antennas, including adapters.

Audio Output and Remote Jacks

Connections for audio output to amplifier and for remote control integration.

AC Power Input

Connection point for the AC power cord.

Antenna and System Integration

FM Antenna Setup

Guidance on selecting and connecting indoor or outdoor FM antennas for optimal reception.

AM Antenna Setup

Instructions for connecting the AM antenna and positioning it for best reception.

Amplifier Connectivity

Instructions for connecting the tuner's output to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

Remote Control Integration

Connecting the tuner for remote control operation with other Harman Kardon components.

AC Power Connection

Instructions for connecting the unit to the AC main outlet or a switched outlet.

Operation Procedures

Band Selection

How to select desired frequency bands (FM, MW, LW).

Automatic FM Tuning

Steps for automatically scanning and tuning to FM stations with sufficient signal.

Manual Tuning

Method for tuning LW or MW bands, or FM stations when automatic tuning is not optimal.

Programming Stations

Step-by-step guide to storing up to 30 stations into memory.

Recalling Stored Stations

Methods for directly recalling or scanning through preset memory locations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Display and Sound Problems

Solutions for issues like the display not illuminating or no sound being heard.

FM Reception and Interference

Troubleshooting FM sound interference, stereo display issues, and distorted audio.

Tuning and Preset Issues

Resolving problems with buzzing, intermittent signals, preset station entry, and RDS data.

Radio Reception Optimization

Addressing poor radio reception and locating few stations by checking antenna and connections.

Specifications

FM Section Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for FM reception sensitivity, selectivity, and audio output.

AM Section Specifications

Technical specifications for AM reception sensitivity, image rejection, and audio output.

General and Dimensional Data

Information on power consumption, dimensions, and weight of the unit.

Declaration of Conformity

Statement of compliance with technical standards and EEC directive for interference suppression.

Overview

The Harman Kardon TU950 is an AM/FM tuner designed to provide high-quality radio reception and a range of advanced features, including the Radio Data System (RDS). This tuner is engineered for superb performance and user-friendly operation, making it a central component for both information and entertainment in an audio system.

Function Description

The TU950's primary function is to receive and process AM and FM radio signals. It offers both manual and automatic tuning methods, allowing users to easily find and lock onto desired stations. The tuner supports stereo FM reception, with an option to switch to mono for improved reception of weak or noisy signals.

A key feature of the TU950 is its integration of the Radio Data System (RDS). RDS allows the tuner to display various types of information transmitted by FM stations, such as station call signs, network identification, program types (PTY), and the correct time. This enhances the user experience by providing context and additional data about the broadcast. The tuner can also use RDS information to search for specific program types or automatically tune to the best station carrying a selected network.

The TU950 includes a memory system that allows users to store up to 30 preset stations for quick recall. This is particularly useful for frequently listened-to stations across different bands (FM, MW, LW). The unit also features a preset scan function, which automatically cycles through stored stations, playing each for a short period before moving to the next.

For optimal reception, the tuner offers RF Mode and IF Band adjustments. The RF Mode helps compensate for intermodulation noise in areas with strong signals or improves the reception of weak, distant signals. The IF Band adjustment allows users to change the intermediate frequency pass band to reduce interference from adjacent stations.

The TU950 is designed to integrate seamlessly into an existing audio system. It connects to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier via standard RCA output jacks. For remote control functionality, the tuner includes REMOTE IN/OUT jacks, allowing it to be controlled by a Harman Kardon remote-controlled amplifier.

Usage Features

Power On/Off: The unit is turned on or off by pressing the Power button. When on, the rings above and below the button glow green.

Display Control: The Display button cycles through various information displays, including frequency, signal level, station name, program type, preset number, and clock/time (when RDS is active). The available information varies depending on the band and RDS availability.

Tuning Methods:

  • Manual Tuning: In manual mode, the Tuning/Select Knob is used to incrementally adjust the frequency. The "TUNED" indicator illuminates when a station is properly locked in. This method is essential for LW/MW bands or when FM signals are too weak for automatic tuning.
  • Automatic Tuning (FM Only): When the "AUTO" indicator is illuminated, turning the Tuning/Select Knob causes the tuner to scan for the next available station with sufficient signal strength. If RDS is enabled, the tuner will only stop at stations transmitting RDS data.
  • Preset Tuning: The TUNE/PST button, when "PRESET" is illuminated, allows users to cycle through stored preset stations using the Tuning/Select Knob.

Memory System:

  • Storing Stations: To store a station, tune to the desired frequency, set RDS and FM Mode functions as desired, then press the Memory button. Within five seconds, use the Numeric Preset buttons to select a memory location (1-30). The "MEMORY" indicator will flash during this process.
  • Recalling Stations: Stored stations can be recalled directly by pressing the corresponding Numeric Preset button. For two-digit preset numbers, the buttons must be pressed in quick succession.
  • Preset Scan: The PST SCAN button initiates an automatic scan through all programmed stations, playing each for approximately five seconds. Pressing the button again stops the scan at the desired station.

RDS Functions:

  • Activating RDS: Pressing the RDS button once turns on the RDS system, indicated by the illuminated RDS indicator. The display will show station call letters or other identifying information. If no RDS data is available, "NO RDS" will be displayed.
  • Traffic Program (TP): Pressing the RDS button twice activates the RDS Traffic Program mode, displaying traffic advisories when available.
  • Alternative Frequencies (AF): When RDS is active and data is present, pressing the AF button causes the tuner to scan for up to six alternative frequencies for the same network, selecting the one with the best reception. "NO AF" is displayed if no alternatives are found.
  • Program Type (PTY) Search: The PTY button allows users to select a specific program type (e.g., NEWS, SPORT, MUSIC genres). After selecting a type using the Tuning/Select Knob, pressing PTY again initiates a scan for stations broadcasting that program type.

FM Mode and RF Mode:

  • FM Mode: The FM Mode button toggles between stereo and mono reception. Mono mode can improve reception quality for weak or noisy stereo broadcasts.
  • RF Mode: The RF Mode button (FM tuning only) adjusts the tuner to compensate for RF intermodulation noise. "LOCAL" mode reduces noise in urban areas with strong signals, while disabling "LOCAL" improves reception of weak, distant signals.

IF Band: The IF Band button (FM tuning only) switches between "NARROW" and "WIDE" pass bands. "NARROW" improves reception when interference from adjacent stations is present, while "WIDE" is for normal reception.

Character Button: This button enables users to enter or modify station names for FM, LW, or MW stations that do not broadcast RDS data. The Tuning Knob is used to select letters, numbers, or symbols, and the Character button advances to the next digit.

Display Mode: The Display Mode button dims the intensity of the front panel display indicators and can be pressed again to restore normal brightness.

Maintenance Features

Power Cord Handling: Always pull the plug itself, not the cord, when disconnecting from the AC outlet. Avoid placing heavy objects on the cord or making knots in it. Disconnect the plug if the unit will be unused for an extended period.

Placement: The unit should be placed on a firm, level surface. Avoid moist or humid places, direct sunlight, close proximity to heating equipment, direct drafts from air conditioners, very cold locations, or areas with excessive vibration or dust. Ensure adequate ventilation.

Moving the Unit: Before moving, unplug the power cord and disconnect all antenna and component wires.

Cleaning: Dust should be removed with a soft, dry cloth. For more thorough cleaning, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with mild soapy water, then wipe with a dry cloth. Never use benzene, thinner, alcohol, or other volatile agents, and avoid spraying insecticides near the unit.

Servicing: Do not attempt to service the unit yourself, as this can cause fire or shock and may void the warranty. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. If water or a small object enters the unit, immediately unplug the power cord and consult an authorized Harman Kardon service center.

Antenna Connections:

  • FM Antenna: The TU950 comes with an indoor dipole antenna. For strong signal areas, connect it to the 75Ω FM Antenna input using the supplied 300Ω/75Ω adapter. For better reception, adjust its position and ensure it's fully extended. For unsatisfactory reception, an outdoor antenna or connection to a cable antenna system may be necessary.
  • AM Antenna: The supplied MW/LW antenna connects to the screw terminals marked "AM ANTENNA." For best reception, place it away from the unit, RF emission sources (like TVs or computers), and metal objects. In areas with weak signals, an outdoor AM antenna may improve quality, and a ground wire should be connected to the "GND" terminals.

Preset Memory Backup: The TU950 has a backup system that retains preset memory information for up to four weeks in the event of a power loss. If the unit is unplugged for longer than four weeks, all stations will need to be reprogrammed.

Troubleshooting: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues like no sound, interference, display problems, or poor reception. Users are advised to check this list for solutions before contacting a service center.

Harman Kardon TU950 Specifications

FM Section IconFM Section
Usable FM Sensitivity, Mono11.2 dBf
50dB Quieting Sensitivity, Stereo40.3 dBf
Signal-to-Noise Ratio @ 65dBf, Mono80 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio @ 65dBf, Stereo73 dB
Capture Ratio2.0 dB
AM Section IconAM Section
AM Sensitivity, External Antenna400 µV/m
AM Image Rejection35 dB
AM IF Rejection50 dB
AM Signal-to-Noise45 dB
Audio Output Voltage @ 400Hz, 80% Mod.500 mV
General Specifications IconGeneral Specifications
IF Rejection100 dB
Image Rejection90 dB
Spurious Response Rejection70 dB
Power Consumption110 W
Audio Output Voltage @ 1kHz, 40kHz Mod500 mV
Dimensions and Weight IconDimensions and Weight
Dimensions (W×H×D)440 x 95 x 300 mm
Weight4.3 kg
Depth measurement includes knobs, buttons and antennasYes

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