Tecsun PL-310ET - User Manual

Questions and Answers

D
David MartinJul 26, 2025
What to do if my Tecsun PL-310ET is not able to turn on?
- Y
  Yolanda MoyerJul 27, 2025
  If your Tecsun Receiver isn't turning on, the batteries might be dead. Try replacing them with new ones. Also, check if the batteries are installed correctly, paying attention to the '+' and '-' signs. Finally, make sure the power button isn't locked; press the [ ] button to unlock it.
L
leachterriAug 1, 2025
Why does my Tecsun PL-310ET Receiver radio auto turn off while listening?
- J
  John VanceAug 1, 2025
  If your Tecsun Receiver turns off automatically, it could be due to low battery power. Replace the batteries to resolve this. Alternatively, the sleep timer might be activated. Turn the radio on again to continue listening.
T
thomas97Aug 5, 2025
Why some station is not being stored using ATS on my Tecsun Receiver?
- C
  Chase GreenAug 5, 2025
  If some stations aren't being stored using ATS on your Tecsun Receiver, the frequency of those stations might be too weak. Try searching for the stations manually. Also, nearby interference could be the problem. Try lowering the antenna or moving to another location.
D
Debra BrockAug 10, 2025
How to fix Tecsun PL-310ET radio malfunction?
- J
  jennifer92Aug 10, 2025
  A malfunction in your Tecsun Receiver may be due to interference causing the computer microchip to not function properly. Remove and reload the battery. If the issue persists, contact your nearest dealer for customer service.
A
Angela WilliamsAug 15, 2025
What to do if the Tecsun Receiver alarm activated (alarm by radio) and there is only noise with the broadcast?
- C
  crawfordjessicaAug 15, 2025
  If your Tecsun Receiver alarm only produces noise, ensure you've properly set the radio station for the alarm. Also, verify that the radio station is broadcasting in your location at the set time. If you've traveled, the preset frequency might not be available in the new city; consider setting the alarm by buzzer instead.
K
Katherine CruzAug 20, 2025
Why only limited FM stations can be received in Japan on my Tecsun PL-310ET Receiver?
- J
  John MitchellAug 20, 2025
  If you're only receiving limited FM stations in Japan on your Tecsun Receiver, it's because the FM frequency range in Japan is 76~90 MHz. To adjust this, turn off the radio, then repeatedly press and hold the [FM SET] button to select the appropriate FM frequency range.

Summary

Tune Into Stations

ETM (Easy Tuning Mode)

Tecsun's unique tuning method that auto-stores stations temporarily.

Manual Tuning

How to switch frequency mode and use the tuning knob for station selection.

Auto Browse Stations

How to scan and stay on stations for a few seconds to preview them.

Direct Keypad Entry

Instructions for inputting frequencies or memory numbers directly using the keypad.

Working With Station Memories

Auto Tuning Storage (ATS)

Automatically stores available stations across different bands.

Storing Station Manually

Explains the steps to manually save a selected station into memory.

Semi-Auto Storing Stations

How to store stations during auto browsing to avoid unwanted ones.

Listening to Stored Stations

Manual Memory Tuning

Tuning through stored stations one by one using the tuning knob.

Auto Browse Memory

Auto scanning through stored stations, staying on each for 5 seconds.

Direct Key in Memory Address

Entering a specific memory address to recall a stored station.

Delete Memory

Deleting a Single Memory Manually

Step-by-step guide to manually delete a specific stored station.

Semi-Auto Delete Memory

How to auto browse and delete unwanted stations on the fly.

Manual Deletes All Memory Within The Band

Instructions for deleting all stored stations within a selected band.

Working With Alarm

How to Set the Alarm by Buzzer

Instructions for setting a basic alarm sound.

How to Set the Alarm by Radio

Guide for setting an alarm using a preset radio station.

How to Activate; Deactivate the Alarm

Explains how to turn the alarm on or off.

How to Turn Off When Alarming

Instructions for stopping an active alarm.

How to Change the Display Mode

Working With Intelligent Light

System Setting

Setting FM Frequency Range

How to adjust the FM broadcast frequency reception range.

Setting MW (AM) Tuning Step

How to set the tuning step for MW/AM bands.

Temperature

How the temperature display switches between Fahrenheit and Centigrade.

Turn On;Off the LW

How to enable or disable the Long Wave band.

Turn On;Off the Charging Function & Exchange the Battery Consumption Display

How to manage battery type display and charging function.

Turn On;Off the Beep (B) Sound

How to Improve FM; SW Reception

Important Matters for Using Batteries

Beeping (B) Sound Via Functions

The Tecsun PL-310ET is a portable DSP (Digital Signal Processing) receiver designed for FM stereo, SW (Shortwave), MW (Mediumwave), and LW (Longwave) reception. It utilizes Silicon Labs' Si4734 microchips to digitalize analog AM/FM broadcasting signals, aiming to enhance sensitivity, selectivity, signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), and anti-interference capabilities.

Function Description:

The radio offers various tuning methods:

ETM (Easy Tuning Mode): A unique Tecsun feature that pre-selects and temporarily stores radio stations into ETM memory, improving tuning efficiency.
Manual Tuning: Allows users to manually select frequencies using the tuning knob. The tuning step varies by band (e.g., 0.01 MHz for FM, 1 kHz for MW/LW/SW).
Auto Browse Stations: Scans through stations, staying on each for about 5 seconds, allowing users to store desired stations into memory.
Direct Keypad Entry: Enables direct input of frequencies or memory addresses using the numeric keypad.

Station Memory:

The PL-310ET has a total of 550 preset memories: 100 for FM, 100 for MW, 100 for LW, and 250 for SW.

ATS (Auto Tuning Storage): Automatically scans and stores available stations within a selected band into memory. For FM, MW/LW, or SW (Mode A), pre-stored stations are replaced. For SW (Mode B), new stations are stored in blank memory addresses without replacing existing ones.
Manual Storing: Allows users to manually store a tuned station into memory.
Semi-Auto Storing: While auto-browsing, users can press the memory button to store a station, and the radio continues browsing.

Memory Management:

Manual Memory Tuning: Selects stored stations one by one using the tuning knob in memory mode.
Auto Browse Memory: Scans through stored stations, staying on each for about 5 seconds.
Direct Key-in Memory Address: Accesses stored stations directly by entering their memory address.
Delete Memory: Users can delete a single memory manually, semi-auto delete memories while browsing, or manually delete all memories within a selected band.

Time and Alarm Functions:

Sleep Function: Allows setting a sleep timer from 1 to 120 minutes, or permanently "On," after which the radio will automatically turn off.
Clock Setting: Sets the local time (hours and minutes) using the tuning knob or direct keypad entry.
Alarm Function:
- Alarm by Buzzer: Sets an alarm that sounds a buzzer at the specified time.
- Alarm by Radio: Sets an alarm that turns on the radio to a preset station at a desired volume. Includes an auto alarm off timer (1-90 minutes).
- Activation/Deactivation: Alarms can be activated or deactivated by repeatedly pressing the alarm button.
- Turn Off: The power button turns off the buzzer alarm. For radio alarm, pressing once continues listening, pressing twice turns it off.
Snooze Function: Temporarily turns off an activated alarm for 5 minutes.

Display and Lighting:

Display Mode Change: When the radio is off, the display can show temperature, home/world time, or alarm time. When on, it can show home time, world time, alarm time, temperature, or signal strength.
Key-Lock Function: Locks the keypad to prevent accidental operation.
Intelligent Light: The backlight turns on for 5 seconds when any key or knob is operated.
- Temporary Illumination: Pressing the LIGHT/SNOOZE button illuminates the LCD for 5 seconds.
- Permanent Illumination: Pressing and holding the LIGHT/SNOOZE button activates permanent illumination; pressing it again turns it off.

Audio and Reception Features:

FM ST. (FM Stereo): Activates FM stereo listening. If the signal is weak, it's recommended to turn off stereo to improve reception.
AM BW (Bandwidth): Allows selection of bandwidths (6, 4, 3, 2, 1 kHz) for AM reception. Wide band offers better fidelity for strong signals, while narrow band helps with weak signals and reduces interference.
"Beep (B)" Sound: Allows turning the beep sound on or off.

System Settings:

FM Frequency Range: Configurable ranges include 87.5-108MHz, 64-108MHz, 76-108MHz, or 87-108MHz.
MW (AM) Tuning Step: Selectable between 9kHz and 10kHz.
Temperature Display: Automatically switches between Fahrenheit (°F) when AM tuning step is 10 kHz, and Centigrade (°C) when it's 9 kHz.
LW On/Off: Enables or disables LW reception.
Charging Function & Battery Consumption Display: Activates the built-in charging system and displays consumption for rechargeable batteries (Ni-MH) or regular batteries.

Intelligent Charging Function:

Designed for 3 x UM3 (AA) rechargeable batteries.
Requires a 5V external adaptor with a USB plug.
The battery symbol on the display indicates charging progress.
Notes:
- Fully discharge rechargeable batteries before recharging to extend battery life.
- Use three batteries as a group and do not mix with different power capacities.
- Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries.

Reception Improvement:

For FM/SW, plug in an external wire antenna to the antenna jack and hang it outside a window.
For MW/LW, rotate the radio or change its location for optimum reception.
Caution: Do not install external antennas in areas with thunder and lightning.

Important Matters for Using Batteries:

If no battery is installed for a long time, the clock stops, but stored frequencies are retained.
A flashing battery symbol indicates low power. The radio automatically turns off when power is depleted.
Mixing used and new batteries can cause damage and incorrect power capacity display.
Remove batteries if the radio will not be used for a long period to prevent liquid leakage.

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides a table addressing common issues such as:

Radio not turning on (batteries, locked power button).
Radio auto turns off (low battery, sleep timer).
ATS issues (weak signal, interference).
Limited FM stations in Japan (FM frequency range setting).
Poor AM reception in USA (AM tuning step setting).
Alarm with noise (improper alarm station, no broadcast).
Radio malfunction (interference, microchip issue).

Important Technical Specifications:

Frequency Range:
- FM: 87~108 MHz (Russia: 64~108MHz, Japan: 76~108 MHz, EU/USA: 87.5~108 MHz)
- MW: 522~1620 kHz (USA: 520~1710 kHz)
- LW: 153~513 kHz
- SW: 2300~21950 kHz
Sensitivity:
- FM (S/N=30dB): Less than 3 μV
- MW (S/N=26dB): Less than 1mV/m
- LW (S/N=26dB): Less than 10mV/m
- SW (S/N=26dB): Less than 20 μV
Selectivity:
- FM: >60 dB (±150kHz)
- MW: >60 dB (BW=3kHz, ±9kHz)
- LW: >60 dB (BW=3kHz, ±9kHz)
- SW: >60 dB (BW=3kHz, ±5kHz)
FM Stereo Crosstalk: Less than 35 dB
Memory: 550 presets
Output (Distortion 10%): 180 mW
Power: UM3 or AA X 3 batteries, USB 5V DC
Speaker: Φ57mm, 500mW/16Ohm
Earphone Jack: Φ3.5mm, 8~32 Ohm, Stereo type
Dimensions Approx.: 141(W) X 87(H) X 30(D) mm
Weight: 190g (Batteries not included)