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Lists all items included with the radio, such as earphones, antenna, pouch, AC adapter, and batteries.
Instructions on how to install AA batteries into the compartment, noting polarity.
Advice on using high-quality batteries and not mixing types to prevent acid leakage.
How to connect the AC adaptor to power the radio and charge batteries.
Process for charging Ni-MH batteries, including setting system codes and connecting the charger.
Explains two methods for powering the radio on and off, including sleep timer function.
Details the location and function of volume and tone controls for audio adjustment.
Instructions on connecting earphones or headphones to the radio's socket.
How to switch between different radio bands using dedicated buttons.
How to enable FM stereo reception using earphones/headphones.
Instructions for adjusting tuning steps and FM frequency range for specific regions.
Overview of four tuning methods: Manual, Auto-scan, Direct Entry, and Fine Tuning.
Explains three methods for setting the clock display, including 12/24 hour format.
How to set a programmable alarm to turn the radio on at a specified time.
Procedure to store a specific radio station for playback when the alarm activates.
Steps to enable or disable the alarm function, indicated by an alarm symbol.
How to temporarily silence the alarm and have the radio restart after a short interval.
Step-by-step guide to saving radio stations into the device's memory.
How to navigate between different memory pages to access stored stations.
Overview of methods to retrieve stored stations: Direct Memory Access, Manual Search, Auto-scan.
Automatically scans through filled memory locations within a selected page for a short duration.
Instructions for removing a specific station's data from memory.
How to erase all stored frequencies from a particular memory page.
Procedure to transfer a saved station to a different memory location or page.
Explains how to reconfigure the default memory page setup (01-10).
A table listing code numbers, their functions, and the corresponding display indicators.
Step-by-step guide to entering and changing system codes for custom radio configuration.
Lists the initial system code settings applied at the factory.
How to view current system settings by pressing the SYSTEM SET button for three seconds.
Instructions on activating the display backlight for short or extended periods.
Explains the function of the DX, NORMAL, and LOCAL positions for antenna signal strength.
Adjusting the FM fine tuning knob for optimal reception of FM stations.
How to lock/unlock all buttons to prevent accidental operation, useful for travel.
Details the use of the external antenna socket for improving reception.
Defines shortwave stations and their broad geographical reach.
Provides reasons for enjoying shortwave listening, such as news, culture, and language learning.
Tips on optimal times and conditions for shortwave reception, like night vs. day.
Guide to accessing different shortwave broadcast bands identified by meter numbers.
How to use auto-scan tuning within specific shortwave frequency ranges.
Instructions for performing a factory reset using the reset button.
Troubleshooting steps if the radio fails to power on, checking lock, power, and batteries.
Common cause for abrupt shutdown during battery operation (depleted batteries).
Reasons for shutdown when moved during AC power, often due to cord issues.
Suggests performing a reset if the radio's operation is inconsistent.
Tips for improving weak reception, such as antenna position and gain settings.
Checks for no sound issues, ensuring earphones are unplugged and volume is up.
Addresses severe distortion from strong signals by adjusting antenna gain to NORMAL or LOCAL.
Identifies battery acid leakage and advises on prevention and manufacturer contact.
The Tecsun PL-450 is a portable PLL synthesized dual conversion receiver designed for comprehensive radio reception across multiple bands, including FM Stereo, Longwave (LW), Mediumwave (MW), and Shortwave (SW). This device is engineered to provide a versatile listening experience, whether for local broadcasts or international shortwave transmissions.
The primary function of the PL-450 is to receive radio signals across a broad spectrum of frequencies. It supports FM reception, including stereo output when using earphones, and covers the LW, MW, and SW bands. The dual conversion architecture for AM (LW/MW/SW) enhances sensitivity and selectivity, which is particularly beneficial for shortwave listening where signals can be weak or prone to interference.
A key feature is the Automatic Tuning System (ATS), which allows for the automatic storage of FM and MW stations into memory, simplifying the process of finding and saving local broadcasts. For shortwave, the radio provides access to all 14 international broadcast meter bands, making it easier to navigate the often-complex shortwave spectrum.
The PL-450 incorporates a digital tuning knob, offering precise frequency selection. Users can also directly enter frequencies using a numeric keypad, which is convenient when the exact frequency of a desired station is known. Manual tuning and auto-scan tuning options are also available, providing flexibility in how stations are located.
Beyond basic radio reception, the device includes a comprehensive memory system. It boasts 600 programmable memories, organized into customizable memory pages. This allows users to store a large number of favorite stations and categorize them according to their preferences. The memory system supports auto-scan and manual scanning of stored stations, as well as direct memory access.
The radio also functions as a clock and alarm. It features a programmable alarm that can turn on the radio at a set time and play a stored station for a specified duration (1 to 90 minutes). A snooze function is included, allowing users to temporarily silence the alarm and have it reactivate after 10 minutes, repeatable up to three times. The clock can be set in either 12-hour or 24-hour format, depending on user preference.
For enhanced audio control, the PL-450 offers a high/low tone control, allowing users to adjust the sound output to their liking. The FM Stereo/Mono selection provides flexibility for listening with earphones, enabling stereo sound when available or switching to mono for weaker signals.
The PL-450 is designed for user-friendly operation with several features to enhance the listening experience. Turning the radio on can be done in two ways: a quick press of the POWER/SLEEP button activates a battery-saver mode with an automatic shut-off timer (adjustable from 1 to 120 minutes), indicated by a sleep timer symbol. Alternatively, holding the POWER button for about 3 seconds defeats the timer, keeping the radio on indefinitely until manually turned off or batteries drain.
The volume control is a rotary knob located on the right side of the radio, while the tone control (TREBLE/BASS) is on the left, allowing for easy audio adjustments. Earphones with a 1/8-inch stereo plug can be used for private listening.
Selecting bands is straightforward: the 'FM/MW -ATS' button cycles between FM and MW, while the 'SW METER BAND' button accesses shortwave bands. Each press of the SW METER BAND button or the UP/DOWN buttons sequentially moves through the shortwave meter bands. LW reception can be activated via the 'FM/MW/LW' button after enabling the LW function through the system set codes.
Tuning methods include manual tuning with UP/DOWN buttons or the tuning knob, auto-scan tuning (holding UP/DOWN buttons for over 1 second), and direct frequency entry via the numeric keypad. The TUNING-FAST/SLOW button allows users to switch between fast and slow tuning rates for precise station acquisition.
The BANDWIDTH button is crucial for AM (WM and SW) reception, offering WIDE for best audio fidelity and NARROW to minimize interference.
The LCD backlight can be activated with a quick press of the LIGHT/SNOOZE button for about 5 seconds, or held for 3 seconds to keep it on indefinitely. A key lock feature, engaged by a long press of the LOCK button, prevents accidental button presses, which is particularly useful during travel.
The Antenna Gain switch (DX/NORMAL/LOCAL) helps optimize reception. DX provides maximum performance, while NORMAL or LOCAL can be used to reduce distortion from overwhelmingly powerful local AM or Shortwave stations. This switch does not affect FM reception.
An FM Fine Tuning knob is available for optimizing the telescopic antenna's reception for FM stations. An external antenna socket allows for improved shortwave or FM performance with compatible external antennas.
The memory system is robust. Stations are stored by tuning to the desired frequency, pressing the MEMORY button, entering a memory number via the numeric keypad, and pressing MEMORY again. Memory pages can be selected and changed using the PAGE button, UP/DOWN buttons, numeric keypad, or tuning knob. Stored stations can be accessed through direct memory access (numeric keypad), manual memory search (FREQ/PRESET button and UP/DOWN buttons/tuning knob), or memory auto-scan (holding UP/DOWN buttons after pressing FREQ/PRESET). Stored frequencies can also be moved to different memory locations, and individual memories or entire memory pages can be deleted.
The PL-450 is designed with features to ensure longevity and proper functioning. It includes a built-in Ni-MH battery charger, allowing users to recharge compatible AA Ni-MH batteries directly within the radio using the included AC adaptor/charger. The charging circuit automatically senses the battery's milliamp-hour rating and charges them for the correct duration, then switches to trickle-charge mode to prevent overcharging. A safeguard system prevents charging of non-rechargeable batteries.
The radio's system set codes allow for customization of various functions, such as memory page configuration, MW tuning steps (9KHz or 10KHz), clock format (12Hr or 24Hr), battery type (Ni-MH or normal AA), and FM frequency range. These settings can be changed when the radio is off by pressing the SYSTEM SET button and entering the corresponding code. Users can also monitor the current status of these settings.
A reset button is located on the bottom of the PL-450. Performing a reset can resolve erratic operation or other issues that are not addressed by other troubleshooting steps. It requires good batteries or AC adaptor power and the radio to be off.
To prevent battery acid leakage, the manual emphasizes using only high-quality alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable nickel-metal-hydride batteries and avoiding mixing old with new or different brands/types. Damage from battery leakage is not covered under warranty.
The device also provides indicators for battery strength and signal strength, helping users monitor the radio's power status and reception quality.
General| Type | Portable Digital Radio |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range (FM) | 87 - 108 MHz |
| Display | LCD |
| Frequency Range (LW) | 153 - 513 kHz |
| Antenna | Telescopic |
| Tuning Steps (FM) | 0.01 MHz |
| Tuning Steps (AM) | 9/10 kHz |
| Tuning Steps (SW) | 5 kHz |
| Sensitivity (FM) | 3 uV |
| Sensitivity (AM) | 1 mV/m |
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