The Ocean Digital WR-230SF is an internet radio designed for versatile audio entertainment, offering access to a vast array of global radio stations, local FM broadcasts, and personal music streaming options. It features a user-friendly interface with both on-unit controls and a remote control, making navigation and operation convenient.
Function Description:
The primary function of the WR-230SF is to provide access to internet radio stations worldwide through its Skytune service. Users can browse stations by region, genre, or search for specific stations. It also includes an FM radio tuner for local broadcasts, a Media Centre for streaming music from UPnP/DLNA compatible devices on a local network, and Bluetooth connectivity for playing audio from other Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones. The radio also supports an Aux-In connection for external audio sources. Additional features include an alarm clock with two independent settings, a sleep timer, and various configuration options to personalize the user experience.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: WR-230SF
- Power Input: 9V ⎓ 2A
- Power Voltage: 100-240V~50/60Hz
- Wireless Network: IEEE802.11b/g/n
- Wireless Network Frequency: Typical transmission power 14 dBm (72.2 Mbps), 20 dBm (11b mode)
- Security Protocol: WEP/WPA/WPA2
- Bluetooth Version: V4.2 BR/EDR compliant
- Bluetooth Frequency: 2.4 GHz
- Bluetooth Range: 10 meters (line of sight)
- FM Frequency Range: 87.5-108MHz
- Audio Output: Stereo earphone jack 3.5 mm, Stereo audio out
- Audio Input: Aux in jack 3.5mm
- Antenna: Telescopic antenna
- Unit Dimension: 295 x 143 x 115mm
- Display: TFT 2.4" color screen
- Presets: Up to 99 favorite stations can be stored.
- Supported Audio Formats (for streaming): MP3, AAC, AAC+
- Supported Stream Formats: Shoutcast, Icecast (HTTP, HTTPS), HLS
- Supported Playlist Formats: PLS, M3U
- Sampling Frequency (for streaming): 44.1 KHz and 48 KHz
Usage Features:
- Controls: The device features a combination of front-panel buttons and a multi-function Tune/Select/Volume knob. The remote control provides comprehensive access to all functions, including numerical input for quick station selection or password entry.
- Network Setup: Supports Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) connection. The setup wizard guides users through connecting to their home network. It supports WPS for easy connection and SmartConfig via a smartphone app ("Esptouch") for simplified Wi-Fi configuration. The radio requires a broadband internet connection and a wireless router.
- Internet Radio: Access thousands of global radio stations via Skytune. Users can filter by region, music genre, or use a search function. A "Local Radio" feature quickly accesses stations in the user's local area, configurable in settings. The radio keeps a history of up to 99 listened stations. During playback, various information like streaming bit rate, song name, artist, and station logo can be displayed.
- Favorite Stations: Users can preset up to 99 favorite internet radio stations by pressing and holding the favorite button on the unit or remote. The favorite list can be edited to move, reorder, or delete stations.
- Media Centre: Allows streaming music from UPnP or DLNA compatible devices on the local network. Users can create and manage their own playlists from network music files. Playback modes (Repeat All, Repeat Once, Shuffle) are configurable.
- FM Radio: Features a telescopic antenna for optimal reception. Users can scan for FM stations, which are then saved as presets. Manual tuning is also available. Favorite FM stations can be added to the overall favorite list.
- Bluetooth Playback: The radio acts as a receiver, allowing users to stream audio from Bluetooth-enabled devices after a simple pairing process.
- Aux-In: A 3.5mm jack on the rear allows connection of external audio sources like smartphones or MP3 players.
- Alarm Settings: Two independent alarms can be set, with options for wake-up sound (tone, favorite internet radio, or FM radio), repeat schedule (everyday, once, multiple days), volume, and duration (30 to 180 minutes). A snooze function is available.
- Sleep Timer: Allows setting a timer (15 to 180 minutes) after which the radio will automatically switch to standby.
- Configuration: Extensive settings are available, including network options (Wi-Fi channels, IP settings), date and time synchronization (NTP, DST), language selection, FM setup (area, preset scan, preset management), playback setup, power-on options, dimmer settings for the display (normal, power saving, standby brightness), equalizer, and buffer time for internet radio streaming.
- Remote Control via PC/Smartphone: Users can control the radio and manage their favorite station list through a web browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome) by visiting www.skytune.net and entering the radio's IP address. This feature allows adding new stations by URL and editing existing favorites.
- Information Display: Quick access to network and system information via the "Info" button on the remote.
Maintenance Features:
- Software Update: The radio supports software updates to enhance features and ensure compatibility. Users are advised to check for updates regularly.
- Reset to Default: A reset function allows clearing all settings, presets, and configurations, returning the radio to its factory default state.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting section for common issues like network connection problems, poor FM reception, or inability to play certain internet stations, offering solutions and helpful tips.
- Precautions: Advises against using the radio in high temperature or humidity, keeping it away from liquids, avoiding dusty environments, and not attempting self-repair. Emphasizes using only the supplied AC adapter.
- WEEE and Recycling: The device complies with European laws regarding the disposal of old or defective electronic devices, encouraging users to return products to municipal collection points for environmentally responsible recycling.