The Tecsun PL-680 is a sophisticated PLL synthesized receiver designed for comprehensive radio reception across multiple bands, offering high sensitivity, selectivity, and user-friendliness. This portable radio is capable of receiving FM Stereo, Medium Wave (MW), Long Wave (LW), Shortwave (SW) with Single Side Band (SSB), and Air Band frequencies, making it a versatile tool for radio enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Function Description
The core function of the PL-680 is to provide clear and stable reception across its wide frequency range. It supports FM band coverage from 76 to 108 MHz, allowing for reception of various regional and international FM broadcasts. For Shortwave reception, it includes Single Side Band (SSB) capability, which is crucial for listening to amateur radio, utility stations, and distant international broadcasters. The SSB feature supports both Upper Side Band (USB) and Lower Side Band (LSB), providing flexibility for different types of transmissions.
A notable feature for MW reception is the inclusion of Synchronous Detector and Dual Conversion technology. This advanced circuitry significantly enhances the receiver's performance by improving sensitivity, selectivity, and image rejection, while also reducing interference from adjacent stations. This means clearer reception of MW broadcasts, especially in challenging environments.
The radio offers multiple tuning methods to suit user preferences. Manual Station Tuning allows for precise frequency selection, while Auto Browse Station scans and briefly plays available stations, making it easy to discover new content. For quick access to known frequencies, Direct Keypad Entry enables users to input frequencies directly using the numeric keys.
Memory management is robust, with the capacity to store up to 2000 stations. These can be stored manually, semi-automatically, or through a fully automatic tuning storage (ATS) function. The memories are organized into 12 pages, with a dedicated PAGE 0 for frequently accessed bands and PAGE 1-12 for additional storage. The ATS function is particularly useful for quickly populating memory with available stations in a given band.
The PL-680 also incorporates several intelligent features for enhanced user experience. It has an Auto Alarm-Off Timer, allowing users to set a preset radio station to play for a duration of 1 to 90 minutes when the alarm goes off. A Sleep Timer function automatically turns off the radio after a user-defined period, ranging from 1 to 120 minutes, which is convenient for falling asleep to radio.
For audio output, the device is equipped with a high-sensitivity acoustic speaker. It also features a treble/bass tone control switch, allowing users to adjust the audio output to their liking. FM-stereo reception is available via earphones, providing a more immersive listening experience.
Usage Features
The PL-680 is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both novice and experienced radio users.
- Power and Band Selection: To turn on the radio, simply press the [POWER] button. Users can then select their desired band (FM, AM, SW, AIR) using the dedicated buttons. For optimal FM/AIR/SW reception, the telescopic antenna should be fully extended. For MW and LW, rotating the radio or changing its location can improve reception.
- Tuning: In Frequency Mode (VF), the frequency display flashes, indicating readiness for tuning. The [TUNING] knob allows for manual frequency adjustment. Holding the [VF/VM] button initiates auto-browsing, pausing briefly on each station. Direct frequency entry is possible using the numeric keypad.
- Memory Operations: Storing stations is straightforward. After tuning to a desired station, press the [MEMORY] button, select a memory position using the [TUNING] knob, and press [MEMORY] again to confirm. The ATS function, activated by pressing and holding the band button (e.g., [FM] for FM ATS), automatically scans and stores stations. Memory pages can be navigated using the [- PAGE +] buttons.
- Deleting Memories: Individual memories can be deleted by selecting them and pressing and holding the [DELETE] button. Entire memory pages can also be cleared by pressing and holding [DELETE] for 3 seconds until "Memory address" and "DEL" flash, then pressing [DELETE] again.
- Auto Sorting Memory: With the device off, pressing and holding the [MEMORY] button for 2 seconds activates the auto-sorting function. This removes duplicate stations and sorts stored stations by frequency within each band or across all bands, depending on the memory page.
- Time and Alarm Settings: The [TIME] button allows for setting the current time, with hours and minutes adjustable via the [TUNING] knob or numeric keypad. Alarm settings are configured using the [TIMER A] or [TIMER B] buttons, allowing users to set an alarm time and choose a radio station to play. The "Alarm Off Timer" can be set for 1-90 minutes.
- Snooze Function: When an alarm sounds, pressing the [LIGHT/SNOOZE] button activates a 5-minute snooze.
- Intelligent Light Function: The LCD backlight illuminates for 5 seconds after any key or knob operation. It can be manually turned on for 30 seconds by pressing [LIGHT/SNOOZE] and turned off by pressing it again.
- Tuning Step Settings: The [STEP] button allows selection between slow, fast, and intelligent tuning speeds, optimizing the [TUNING] knob's responsiveness.
- AM Bandwidth (AM BW): The [AM BW] button allows selection between wide and narrow bandwidths for MW, LW, SW, and SSB. Wide band offers better audio fidelity for strong signals, while narrow band helps reduce interference for weak or distant stations.
- Antenna Gain (ANT. GAIN): A switch allows adjustment of antenna gain to DX (for normal listening), Normal, or Local, improving sensitivity for strong or weak signals and reducing interference.
- Tone Control: A switch enables selection between "TREBLE" and "BASS" tones, allowing users to customize the audio output.
- Key Lock Function: Pressing and holding the [KEY LOCK] button activates the key lock, preventing accidental operations.
- SSB Operation: In Shortwave mode, the [SSB] button toggles between USB, LSB, and off. The [SSB BFO] knob allows for fine-tuning to achieve better sound fidelity for SSB transmissions.
- Synchronous Detector (SYNC): For AM broadcasting, the [SYNC] button activates a synchronous detector to improve reception in the presence of adjacent strong signals.
- External Antenna: An external wire antenna can be plugged into the [FM & SW ANTENNA] jack to enhance FM and SW reception, especially when positioned outside a window.
Maintenance Features
The PL-680 includes features related to power management and troubleshooting to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
- Intelligent Charging Function: The radio has a built-in charging function for Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. When 4 x UM3 (AA size) Ni-MH batteries are installed and the external adaptor is connected, the charging symbol on the display will animate, indicating charging in progress. It stops when batteries are fully charged.
- Important Notes on Charging: New Ni-MH batteries should be charged overnight initially. Batteries of different capacities should not be mixed. Non-rechargeable batteries should not be charged, as this can damage both the batteries and the device. Using an external adaptor with incorrect voltage can also cause damage. It's normal for the adaptor and battery cover to become warm during charging.
- Charging Function Activation/Deactivation: In power-off mode, pressing and holding the [BATTERY] button allows users to toggle the charging function "CHA ON" or "CHA OFF." This is important for correct battery power indication when using regular (non-rechargeable) batteries.
- Battery Status Indicator: The display shows a battery consumption indicator, which flashes when battery power is low, prompting users to charge or replace batteries. The device will automatically turn off when power is depleted.
- Reset Procedure: If the device malfunctions, a reset hole allows users to reset the unit by gently pressing a pointed object into it. This procedure resets the device's operational state but does not delete stored station memories.
- Battery Care: To prevent leakage, batteries should always be removed if the unit will not be used for an extended period. Mixing new and used batteries is not recommended as it can lead to incorrect power capacity readings and potential damage.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting section addressing common issues such as the radio not turning on, turning off unexpectedly, poor ATS performance, limited FM reception, poor AM reception in specific regions (e.g., USA with 10kHz steps), and low SW SSB sound. Solutions range from checking battery installation and charge, adjusting tuning steps, repositioning the antenna, to performing a reset.
The Tecsun PL-680 combines advanced radio technology with practical features, making it a reliable and enjoyable receiver for a wide range of listening needs.