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The Tecsun PL-505 is a portable DSP (Digital Signal Processing) receiver designed for receiving FM stereo, Shortwave (SW), Mediumwave (MW), and Longwave (LW) broadcasts. It utilizes the Silicon Labs si4734 Microchip to digitize analog AM/FM signals, enhancing sensitivity, selectivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and anti-interference capabilities.
The PL-505 offers a comprehensive range of functions for radio enthusiasts. It features a digital display that shows various information depending on whether the radio is on or off. When off, it displays world time, alarm time, and temperature. When on, it shows world time, signal strength (dBu) / Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) (dB), alarm time, temperature, local time, memory address, and meter band. The display also includes indicators for battery consumption, charging status, sleep timer, alarm on/off, key-lock, temperature, signal strength, SW meter band, ETM (Easy Tuning Mode), tuning speed (slow/fast), and frequency units (kHz for MW/LW/SW, MHz for FM). A dedicated indicator for FM stereo status and rechargeable batteries is also present.
The radio is equipped with a multifunctional tuning knob for frequency and memory selection, a volume knob, and various control buttons for power, display/lock, band selection (FM, MW/LW, SW), ETM, VF (Frequency scan) / Backlight set, VM (Memory scan), Time, Memory, Delete, FM ST (FM Stereo) / AM BW (AM bandwidth), and Alarm. For reception, it has a telescopic antenna for FM and SW, and an external FM & SW antenna jack. It also includes an earphone jack, a USB 5V DC jack for power, and a battery compartment for two UM3 or AA batteries.
Power and Volume Control: To turn the radio on/off, press the [POWER] button. The device features an intelligent volume control system. Speaker volume ranges from 0 to 30, while earphone volume ranges from 0 to 15. If the volume is below level 8, it maintains the current volume when earphones are plugged in. If above level 8, it automatically drops to level 8. When earphones are unplugged, the volume automatically sets to level 15. It is recommended to plug in earphones first before wearing them.
Tuning into Stations: After turning on the radio, select the desired band (FM, MW, SW, LW). For FM/SW, extend the telescopic antenna for better reception. For MW/LW, rotate the radio or change its location. The PL-505 offers several tuning methods:
ETM (Easy Tuning Mode): This unique Tecsun feature pre-selects suspected radio stations and temporarily stores them in a dedicated ETM memory. To use, press the [ETM] button (ETM will appear on display). Press and hold [ETM] to auto-scan and store stations within the current band. Once scanning stops, rotate the [TUNING] knob to select stored stations. If interference causes missed stations, manually key in the frequency and press [ETM] to store it.
Manual Tuning: Press [VF] to enter frequency mode, then rotate the [TUNING] knob to select a station. Tuning speed (fast/slow) varies by band.
Auto Browse Stations: In frequency mode (press [VF]), press and hold [VF] to scan through stations, staying on each for about 5 seconds. Press [VF] again to stop. During auto-browsing, you can press [MEMORY] to store a station while the radio continues browsing.
Memory Searching: Press [VM] to enter memory mode, then rotate the [TUNING] knob to select stored stations.
Working with Station Memories: The PL-505 has 550 preset memories (100 each for FM, MW, LW, and 250 for SW).
ATS (Auto Tuning Storage):
Storing Stations Manually: Select a band and tune to a station. Press [MEMORY] (PRESET flashes). Press [MEMORY] again or wait 3 seconds to store.
Semi-Auto Storing Station: While auto-browsing, press [MEMORY] (PRESET flashes) to store the current station. The radio continues browsing until [VF] is pressed again.
Sleep Function: Press and hold [POWER] until "SLEEP" and "On" or "1~120" appear. Rotate [TUNING] to select a sleep timer (1-120 minutes) or "On" for permanent. Wait for auto-confirmation.
Clock Setting: Press and hold [TIME] (hour flashes). Rotate [TUNING] to adjust the hour. Press [TIME] again (minutes flash). Rotate [TUNING] to adjust minutes. Press [TIME] again to confirm. If no button is pressed for 3 seconds, it auto-confirms.
Key-Lock Function: Press and hold the [lock] button until the lock symbol appears to activate. Press and hold again until the symbol disappears to deactivate.
FM ST (FM Stereo): While listening to FM stereo, press [FM ST] (stereo symbol appears) to activate stereo. If the signal is weak, press [FM ST] again (stereo symbol disappears) to turn off stereo. Stereo function is not activated for non-stereo broadcasts.
AM BW (AM Bandwidth): Repeatedly press [AM BW] to select 6, 3, 2, or 1 kHz bandwidth.
Intelligent Charging Function: With the radio off, install 2 x UM3 (AA) rechargeable batteries. Press and hold the [battery] key until "CHA On" and "Ni-MH Battery" display to activate charging. Connect a 5V external adaptor with a USB plug. The battery symbol will animate during charging and stop when fully charged.
General| FM Frequency Range | 87 - 108 MHz |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Built-in Speaker |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5 mm |
| Type | Portable Radio |
| Antenna | Telescopic Antenna |
| Selectivity | FM: >30 dB, AM: >20 dB |
| Features | Alarm, Sleep Timer |
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