Tecsun PL-360 - User Manual

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Summary

SPECIFICATIONS

Core Performance Specs

Covers frequency range, sensitivity, and selectivity for optimal reception.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Power and Operation Issues

Addresses issues preventing the radio from powering on or turning off unexpectedly.

IMPORTANT MATTERS FOR USING BATTERIES

USING THE EXTERNAL ANTENNA

Enhancing FM;SW Reception

Instructions on how to attach and use an external antenna for better FM/SW signal.

Enhancing AM;LW Reception

Guidance on connecting an external antenna for improved AM/LW broadcast reception.

The Tecsun PL-360 is a portable FM stereo, MW (Medium Wave), and SW (Shortwave) DSP (Digital Signal Processing) receiver. It utilizes Silicon Labs' si4734 microchips, which digitalize analog AM/FM broadcasting signals based on modern software technology and radio principles. This design significantly improves the radio's sensitivity, selectivity, signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), and anti-interference capabilities.

Function Description:

The PL-360 offers a comprehensive set of features for radio reception and user convenience. It supports multiple tuning methods, including Easy Tuning Mode (ETM), manual tuning, and auto-scan. The ETM function allows for temporary storage of stations (100 for FM/MW, 250 for SW) within each band, which are not stored in the regular 450 memories. This is particularly useful when traveling to different cities or countries, as a new ETM scan will not delete previously stored stations in the main memory.

The radio has a total of 450 preset memories: 100 for FM, 100 for LW, and 250 for SW. Stations can be stored manually, semi-automatically, or through Auto Tuning Storage (ATS). ATS for FM/MW automatically replaces pre-stored stations with newly searched ones. For SW, ATS offers two modes: Mode A scans and stores stations across all meter bands, replacing existing memories, while Mode B scans within the present meter band only, storing new stations in blank memory addresses without replacing existing ones.

The PL-360 also includes a sleep function, allowing users to set a timer for the radio to automatically turn off (from 1 to 120 minutes, or permanently on). It features an alarm function that can be set to activate by radio or buzzer, with an auto-alarm off timer from 1 to 90 minutes. The clock and alarm times can be set manually using the tuning knob or directly via numeric keys.

The device has a key lock function to prevent accidental operation, indicated by a "lock" symbol on the display. For FM stereo reception, when using stereo earphones, the FM ST. button activates stereo mode, indicated by a "stereo" symbol.

The LCD display provides various information, including battery consumption, sleep timer status, alarm on/off, temperature, signal strength (dBu) and S/N ratio (dB), alarm time, SW meter band, preset memory address, ETM indicator, key-lock indicator, and frequency units (kHz for MW/SW, MHz for FM). When the radio is off, the display shows world time, alarm time, and temperature. When on, it shows world time, signal strength/SNR, alarm time, temperature, local time, memory address, and meter band.

Important Technical Specifications:

Frequency Range:
- FM: 87~108 MHz (Japan 76~108 MHz, EU/USA 87.5~108 MHz selectable)
- MW: 522~1620 kHz (150~1620 kHz for LW, USA 520~1710 kHz selectable)
- SW: 2300~21950 kHz
Sensitivity (S/N=30dB for FM, S/N=26dB for MW/LW/SW):
- FM: Less than 3 μV
- MW: Less than 1mV/m
- LW: Less than 10mV/m
- SW: Less than 30 μV
Selectivity:
- FM: >60 dB
- MW: >60 dB
- LW: >60 dB
- SW: >60 dB
FM Stereo Crosstalk: Less than 25 dB
Memory: 450 presets
Output Power: 350 mW
Power Supply: 3 x UM3 or AA batteries, USB 5V DC
Speaker: Ø40mm, 500mW/16 Ohm
Earphone Jack: Ø3.5mm, 8~32 Ohm, Stereo type
Dimensions (Approx.): 53(W) X 159(H) X 26(D) mm
Weight: 128g (Batteries not included)

Usage Features:

Band Selection: Short press [FM], [MW], [SW] buttons to select desired band.
Tuning: Multifunctional tuning knob for manual tuning (fast/slow steps vary by band).
Frequency Step Setting: For FM, long press [FM] button to select 87.5-108MHz, 76-108MHz, or 87-108MHz. For MW/AM, long press [9/10kHz] button to select 9kHz or 10kHz step (10kHz is default for North America, displayed with Fahrenheit temperature; 9kHz with Centigrade).
LW Activation: In radio off mode, long press [9/10kHz] to set AM tuning step to 9K, then long press [MW] to activate LW (MW 150~1620 kHz).
External Antenna: Clip-on external FM/SW antenna enhances reception. An AM/LW external antenna can be plugged into the AM Antenna jack for better reception.
Display Modes: Short press [DISPLAY] button to cycle through temperature, alarm time, local time, and signal strength/SNR when radio is ON. When OFF, it shows temperature and alarm time.
Memory Management: Store, view, and delete individual or all memories. Semi-auto delete memory function allows browsing and deleting unwanted stations.
Charging Function: Built-in intelligent charging system for 3 x UM3 (AA) rechargeable batteries via USB 5V DC. The "charging" symbol advances during charging and stops when fully charged. The radio must be off to charge.
Battery Type Selection: Press and hold the "battery" key to switch between "CHA On" (rechargeable battery display) and "CHA OFF" (alkaline battery display) modes.

Maintenance Features:

Battery Replacement: When the battery power is low, a "battery" symbol flashes on the display. The radio will automatically turn off when power is depleted. Ensure correct polarity when installing new batteries.
Long-term Storage: Remove batteries if the radio will not be used for a long period to prevent liquid leakage and damage.
Charging Best Practices: It is recommended to fully deplete rechargeable batteries before recharging to extend their lifespan. Use 3 batteries as a group and do not mix with other usage or different capacities. Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries.
Troubleshooting: The manual provides solutions for common issues such as the radio not turning on (check batteries, lock function), radio turning off unexpectedly (check batteries, sleep timer), poor reception (manual tuning, antenna adjustment, location change), and incorrect frequency steps (adjust settings).
Factory Reset: If the radio malfunctions, removing and reloading the battery may resolve the issue. If not, contact customer service.