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Radio Shack DX-398 User Manual

Radio Shack DX-398
48 pages
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Cat. No. 20-228
OWNER’S MANUAL
All-Band Shortwave Receiver
Please read before using this equipment.
with Radio Data System
DX-398

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Radio Shack DX-398 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandRadio Shack
ModelDX-398
CategoryRadio
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Features

Digital Synthesized Radio

Ensures accurate, stable tuning.

Large, Fast-Response Display

Shows time, band, frequency, and signal strength.

212 Preprogrammed Shortwave Stations

Allows rapid tuning to popular U.S. and international shortwave stations.

Three Timer Alarms

Set buzzer or radio to turn on daily at up to three specified times.

Record Line Out and Standby Jacks

Connect a tape recorder to record broadcasts live or at a preset time.

Dual Time

Includes primary and secondary clocks for local and UTC/other time zones.

World Time Zone

Provides correct time for 42 cities worldwide after setting local time.

Search Tuning

Scans up or down the band for the next station.

Memory Tuning

Stores up to 306 frequencies for quick selection of favorite stations.

Priority Button

Quickly stores and recalls your favorite station.

The FCC Wants You To Know

Preparation

Connecting to Power

Details options for powering the receiver: batteries, AC adapter, or vehicle adapter.

Installing Internal Batteries

Instructions for installing four AA batteries for receiver operation.

Using Standard AC Power

Explains connecting an optional AC adapter for power.

Using Vehicle Battery Power

Details connecting an optional DC cigarette lighter adapter for vehicle power.

Adjusting the Telescoping Antenna

Guidance on positioning the telescoping antenna for optimal reception on different bands.

Connecting an External Antenna

How to connect an optional external antenna to improve reception.

Connecting Headphones

Instructions for connecting stereo headphones for private listening.

Listening Safely

Guidelines for protecting hearing when using headphones with the receiver.

Traffic Safety

Warnings about using headphones while operating vehicles or in traffic.

Connecting a Tape Recorder

How to connect a tape recorder to record broadcasts.

Using the Stand

Instructions on how to use the receiver's built-in stand for positioning.

Using the Memo Label

Information on using the memo label to record station information.

Setting the MW (AM) Tuning Increment

How to adjust the AM tuning step for different countries' broadcast increments.

Understanding Your Receiver

POWER

Turns the receiver on and off.

Display Light

Controls the display light for visibility in low-light conditions.

SET

Used to set the time, including Daylight Saving Time.

STEP

Sets the tuning range for manual tuning, affecting frequency change speed.

ATS/FM

Selects FM band and uses automatic tuning system for FM stations.

ATS/LW

Selects LW band and uses automatic tuning system for LW stations.

ATS/MW

Selects MW band and uses automatic tuning system for MW stations.

METER/SW

Selects SW band and allows scanning for shortwave frequencies within meter bands.

Number Keys

Used to enter channel, frequency, or ID numbers for tuning and memory.

C (cancel)

Cancels an entry or operation.

F/FREQ (frequency)

Allows direct tuning to a specific frequency.

M/MEM

Stores frequencies into memory locations.

ENTER

Confirms entries and stores frequencies.

TIMER 1, TIMER 2, TIMER 3

Selects one of the receiver's three timers for alarms or recording.

WORLD/HOME

Selects display for world time or home time.

AM MODE

Sets up the alarm timer or selects SSB reception modes.

EDIT

Assigns names to stations or pages for easy identification.

PAGE

Selects receiver's memory pages.

PRIORITY

Tunes to the priority station that has been set.

TUNING

Tunes up or down the selected band.

Tuning Stations

Selecting a Band

How to select different radio bands like FM, LW, MW, and SW.

Manual Tuning

Explains how to tune frequencies using the rotary dial and step settings.

Direct Access Tuning

How to tune directly to a known station frequency.

Scan Tuning

How to automatically tune to the next active frequency in a selected band.

Tuning Preprogrammed Shortwave Stations

Steps to tune the 212 preprogrammed shortwave stations using the chart.

Memory Functions

Storing FM, MW, or LW Frequencies in Memory

How to store FM, MW, and LW frequencies automatically or manually.

Automatic Storage

Using the ATS feature to automatically store available stations.

Manual Storage

Steps for manually storing frequencies into memory locations.

Storing SW Frequencies in Memory

How to store shortwave frequencies into empty memory locations.

Assigning a Name to an FM/MW/LW Station or SW Page

How to label stored stations or pages for easy identification.

Locking/Unlocking a Stored Station

How to lock stations in memory to prevent accidental overwriting.

Moving a Frequency to Another Memory Location

How to relocate a stored frequency to a different memory slot.

Timer Functions

Using the Timer Alarms

How to set up and use the receiver's three timer alarms for buzzer or radio.

Silencing the Alarm

Methods for silencing the timer alarms once they activate.

Using the Snooze Feature

How to temporarily silence alarms using the snooze function.

Turning a Timer Alarm On or Off

Steps to enable or disable a set timer alarm.

Timer Recording

How to use timer alarms to record broadcasts with a connected tape recorder.

Using the Sleep Timer

How to set the receiver to automatically turn off after a specified time.

Listening Hints

Reference Sources

Lists books and magazines for learning about shortwave listening.

Frequency Conversion

Explains how to convert between kHz, MHz, and meters for frequency tuning.

Band Allocation

Overview of how frequency bands are allocated for different purposes.

Amateur Radio Frequencies

Information on tuning to amateur radio frequencies and their importance.

International Frequencies

Lists frequencies for international commercial broadcasts and best reception times.

Aircraft Frequencies

Lists frequencies used for aircraft communications on shortwave.

Ships and Coastal Station Frequencies

Lists frequencies for ship and coastal station communications.

Time Standard Frequencies

Lists frequencies for time signal broadcasts.

Longwave Band

Information about the longwave band, its uses, and reception.

Birdies

Identifies internal generated signals that cause noise on specific frequencies.

Amateur Shortwave Bands in the US

Outlines the amateur radio bands used in the USA.

Amateur Shortwave Bands (in MHz)

Details amateur shortwave bands with their corresponding frequencies in MHz.

Troubleshooting

Weak or Intermittent Sound

Possible causes and suggestions for weak or intermittent audio output.

Scanning Stops on Unclear Transmission

Troubleshooting steps for when scanning stops on transmissions with unclear signals.

Frequency Does Not Change

Solutions for when the rotary tuning dial does not change the frequency.

Controls Not Responding

How to fix issues where tuning or panel buttons are unresponsive.

Care and Maintenance

Keep the receiver dry

Advice on preventing moisture damage to the receiver.

Use normal temperature environments

Importance of storing and using the receiver in suitable temperature conditions.

Keep away from dust and dirt

Precautions to prevent dust and dirt from affecting receiver performance.

Handle gently and carefully

Guidelines for careful handling to avoid damage to internal components.

Use only fresh batteries

Recommendation to use new, appropriate batteries to prevent leaks.

Wipe with a damp cloth

How to clean the receiver's exterior surface.

Resetting the Display

Specifications

Circuit

Details the receiver's circuit type, e.g., Heterodyne.

Frequency Range

Lists the receiver's tuning ranges for FM, LW, MW, and SW bands.

Antenna

Information about the receiver's built-in and optional antenna types.

Output

Specifications for the audio output power.

Jacks

Lists the available external connection jacks on the receiver.

Power Sources

Details the primary power sources and adapter requirements.

Battery Life

Estimated battery life under specific usage conditions.

Dimensions

Physical measurements of the receiver.

Weight

The receiver's weight without batteries.

Included Accessory

Lists the accessories included with the receiver.

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