PL600FM STEREO/LW/MW/SW SSB

PLL SYNTHESIZED DUAL CONVERSION REGEIVER

OWNER'S MANUAL

PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAJOR FEATURES OF THE PL-600 22 DIAGRAMS 33 GETTING STARTED , 5

WHAT THE PL-600 INCLUDES 5INSTALLING BATTERIES 5PREVENTING BATTERY ACID LEAKAGE 5USING THE INCLUDED AC ADAPTOR/CHARGER 5CHARGING BATTERIES IN THE PL-600 5

4 BASIC RADIO OPERATION 75 CLOCK AND TIMER FEATURES 10

SETTING THE CLOCK 10SETTING THE TIMERS 10STORING A RADIO STATION INTO TIMER MEMORY 11ACTIVATING/DEACTIVATING THE TIMER 11USING THE SNOOZE FEATURE 11

6 WORKING WITH MEMORY 12STORING STATIONS INTO MEMORY 12SELECTING/CHANGING MEMORY PAGES 12ACCESSING WHAT IS STORED INTO MEMORY 12DIRECT MEMORY ACCESS 12MANUAL MEMORY SEARCH 12MEMORY AUTO-SCAN 13DELETING A MEMORY'S CONTENTS ..DELETING ALL MEMORY PAGE CONTENTS ..MOVING A STORED FREQUENCY ..

....... 13.... 13

. ..... 1313CUSTOMIZING MEMORY PAGES ..

7 SYSTEM SET CODES 14SYSTEM SET CODE TABLE .. 14CHANGING SYSTEM SET CODES 15DEFAULT FACTORY SYSTEM SET CODES 15MONITORING THE CURRENT STATUS OF SETCODES AND OTHER SETTINGS 15

8 ADDITIONAL PL-600 CONTROLS 159 LISTENING TO SHORTWAVE STATIONS 16

10 TROUBLESHOOTING 18

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OWNER'S MANUAL

1 MAJOR FEATURES OF THE PL-600

FM Frequency Range: 87-108 MHz or 76-108 MHz (For Japan)

Shortwave Frequency Range: 1711- 29999 KHz

9/1 OKHz tuning step selector for Medium Wave (MW) reception

1 kHz tuning step for the display of Medium wave and Shortwave

AM (LW/MW/SW) dual conversion.

SSB (SINGLE SIDE BAND) signal reception

ATS (Auto tuning system) for the memory storage of FM/MW reception

Manual Tuning

Auto Scan Tuning

Direct Keypad Frequency Entry

Digital Tuning Knob

600 Programmable Memories

Memory Page Customization

Auto-Scan and manually scan stations stored into memory

Direct Memory Access

Fast/Slow tuning rate selection for manual tuning

Sleep Function

Two Turn-on Timers with station memory

Snooze Function: 10 minutes, repeated three times

FM Stereo/Mono selection

High/Low Tone Control

LCD Backlight

Key Lock

Built-in Ni-MHbattery charger

System set codes

2 DIAGRAMS

r---------1. Powerl Sleep

Clock Button 3. Timer A Button

Timer B Button _ __ -n-c,_________ ---- - _jJ-_,-;r 0

18.Memory I Sys. Set Button19.Charge On I Off Button20.Enter I Delete Button ------------'

22. FM I SW ANT. Jack

23. ANT. Gain(OX I Normal I Local)

24. Tone Control ----If-

26. DC 6V Jack

8

5. FM/ShortwaveTelescopic Antenna

6. LCD Display

7.Light I Snooze Button

L..._ 17.Numeric Keypad

28. Tuning Knob

OWNER'S MANUAL

DIAGRAMS continued

RADIO OFF DISPLAY

33. Battery Symbol34. Clock Digits

35. Tiler Digits

.."nn"uuNi-MHBattery " ",=1' In

I36. Timer Activation Symbol

37. Ni-MH Battery Symbol

MEMORY DISPLAYRefers only to the display's upper right corner.

_'L'ULLj

I45. Delete Indicator 46. Memory Display

SYSTEM SET CODE DISPLAY

RADIO ON DISPLAY

33. Battery Symbol 40. Clock38. Antenna Symbol Digits39. 1-5 Scale Sleep Timer Symbol

N;"MH _

Battery IC

, , un- ~~I I fUkHl ~~FM

42. SSB TimerActivationSymbol

44. FM,MW,LW,ShortwaveIndicators 43. Frequency Digits 41. Bandwidth

SHORTWAVE METERBAND DISPLAYRefers only to the display's upper right corner,

47. Shortwave Meter Band Display

3 GETTING STARTED

WHAT THE PL-600 INCLUDES Earbud style earphones External antenna Carrying pouch AC adaptor/charger 4 - 1000 mAh, Ni-MH rechargeable

batteries. Owner's manual

NOTE: In the instructions below, numbersin parenthesis ( ), refer to the diagrams.

INSTALLING BATTERIESThe battery compartment is located on theback of the PL-600. Its cover is on thelower right corner of the back. To removethe battery compartment cover, applythumb pressure and slide it towards thebottom of the radio. Install 4 AA alkalinebatteries into the battery compartment,observing the battery polarity diagram onthe back of the radio.

NOTE: If you don't plan to userechargeable batteries at all, then it's agood idea to set SYSTEM SET CODE 29.To do this, see the section titled SYSTEMSET CODES. This assures that thebattery strength indicator will displaycorrectly for your non-rechargeablebatteries. This is not a mandatoryprocedure and the PL-600 will functionif it is not done.

PREVENTING BATTERY ACIDLEAKAGETo avoid battery acid lsakaqe, only usehigh quality alkaline, lithium orrechargeable nickel-metal-hydridebatteries. Never intermix old with new, ordifferent brands or types of batteries.Damage caused by battery acid leakageis not covered by this product's warranty.If the batteries leak, don't throw them

away and immediately contact themanufacturer of the batteries to inquireabout their battery leakage warrantyprogram.

USING THE INCLUDED ACDAPTORICHARGERTo power the PL-600 with the included ACAdaptor/Charger, plug it into a wall outletfirst, and then into the socket on the leftside of the PL-600, labeled DC 6 V.Batteries can be in the radio while usingthe AC Adaptor/Charger.

CHARGING BATTERIES IN THE PL-600The PL-600 will play using whatever typeof AA batteries are in the batterycompartment, but only nickel-metal-hydride batteries can be charged within it.If non-rechargeable batteries are installed,the PL-600 as a built-in safeguard systemthat will prevent them from being charged.This safeguard system works with thePL-600 set to either SYSTEM SET CODE28 or 29, as described below, and onlywith he included AC Adaptor/Charger.

WARNING: Use only the included ACAdaptor/Charger to recharge Ni-MHbatteries. Use of any other device maycause the rechargeable batteries tooverheat, become damaged and possiblydamage the PL-600. The built-insafeguard system, described above,works only with the included ACAdaptor/Charger. Damage caused to thePL-600 resulting from failure to observethis warning is not covered by thewarranty and voids the warranty.

OWNER'S MANUAL

GETTING STARTED continued

The included AC Adaptor/Charger may beused to charge 4 Ni-MH rechargeablebatteries (included) when installed ontothe PL-600's battery compartment. Beforecharging, the PL-600 must be set up foruse with Ni-MH batteries and the correctcharging rate must be selected for themto be charged. Ni-MH batteries aremanufactured with specific capacitiesrated in milliamp-hours (mAh). Thesecapacities vary from about 1000 mAh upto 2400 mAh at the time of this writing(usually printed on the batteries). Forproper charging without damage to thebatteries, the correct charging rate mustbe set. To set the charging rate, plug inthe AC adaptor and turn the PL-600 off.Then follow the instructions below.

1. Enter SYSTEM SET CODE 28. Seeinstructions in the section titledSYSTEM SET CODES.

2. While '1000' flashes in the display, usethe UP /DOWN buttons to select themAh rating of your Ni-MH batteries.

To charge Ni-MH batteries:

1. Install 4 Ni-MH AA batteries.2. Connect the adaptor/charger to the AC

wall.3. Press/release the CHARGE ON/OFF

button. 'CHARGE' will flash in thedisplay and the charge indication barswill advance from bottom to top in theupper left corner of the display. Thedigits in the upper right corner of thedisplay will change to 00:00 and willcount up in minutes and hours untilcharging is finished.

Once charging is finished, 'CHARGE' willstop flashing and the charging indicationbars in the upper left corner will stay full.

Charging time varies depending on themilliamp-hour rating of the batteries. Thecharging circuit automatically senses themilliamp-hour rating of the batteries andwill charge them for the correct amount oftime. Charging time can take from 5.5hours for 1000 mAh batteries to 13 hoursfor 2300 mAh batteries. The chargingcircuit will sense when the batteries arefully charged and automatically go intotrickle-charge mode, thus safeguardingthe batteries from being overcharged.Disconnecting the adaptor/charger DC-06from the PL-600 or pressing theCHARGE ON/OFF button will also stopcharging.

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4 BASIC RADIO OPERATION

TURNING THE PL-600 ON AND OFF

The PL-600 can be turned on by the twomethods shown below. To turn it off, pressthe POWER/SLEEP button (1).

1. BATTERY SAVER/TIMER METHOD:Perform a quick, short press of thePOWER/SLEEP button (1). This turns theradio on with 30 in the display and causesthe radio to shut off automatically after 30minutes. The sleep timer symbol,~ , also appears in the display. Tochange the automatic shut off time from30 minutes to the number of minutes-to-play of your preference, use the UP orDOWN buttons (9,10) immediately afterturning on the radio. This allows selectionof 1-120 minutes of playtime beforeautomatic shut-off occurs. The number ofminutes that you last set is also used thenext time the radio is turned on.

2. TIMER-DEFEAT METHOD:This method defeats the automaticminute timer and causes the radio to stayon until deliberately turned off, until thebatteries drain or indefinitely if used withan AC adaptor. Hold down the POWERbutton for about 3 seconds, then release.Note that 'On' appears in the display andthat the sleep timer symbol does notappear when this method is used.

SIGNAL STRENGTH AND BATTERYSTRENGTH INDICATOR

When the radio is turned off, the upperleft corner of the display (6) shows batterystrength. When the radio is turned on, theantenna symbol (38) and the 1-5 scaleshows relative signal strength.

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VOLUME AND TONE CONTROLSThe volume control (31), labeledVOLUME, is located on the right side ofthe radio. To change the volume, rotatethe volume control knob. The tone control(24), on the left side of the radio islabeled TREBLE/BASS. Use the positionproducing the sound that you like best.

USING EARPHONESEarphones/headphones with a 1/8 inchstereo plug can be used. Plug them intothe earphone socket (25) on the left sideof the radio.

SELECTING FM, MW, LW ORSHORTWAVEWhen listening to FM or shortwave, fullyextend the telescopic antenna (5). It neednot be extended when listening to MW orLW stations. After turning on the PL-600,perform quick, short presses of the'FM/MW -ATS' button (15) to select FM orMW. To select SW press the 'sw METERBAND' button (16). Each sequential pressof the SW METER BAND button or of theUP or DOWN buttons places the radio atthe beginning of a specific shortwavemeter band. The frequency digits (43)appear toward the center portion of thedisplay. The local stations of the area thatyou are currently in will be heard on MWand FM, while shortwave stations fromaround the world can be heard on Sw.You can also select LW by press the'FM/MW/LW' button (15). Before usingLW, you should activate the LW functionvia the SYSTEM SET CODE, see theSYSTEM SET CODE TABLE.

NOTE: If you are new to shortwave, seethe special shortwave sections later inthis manual.

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~: ,,0'1 OWNER'S MANUAL

BASIC RADIO OPERATION continued

LISTENING IN FM STEREOFM stereo can be heard when usingearphones/headphones. To hear FM instereo, press the FM STEREO button(14). ' II'~FM ~'I'will appear in the display.

SETTING UP MW AND FM INSIDE OFNORTH AMERICA OR JAPANYou can skip this section if you areneither in North America nor in Japan andjust purchased the PL-600. It is alreadyset-up in the factory for use.Inside of North America, AM stations (MWin the PL-600's display) are spaced in 10kHz tuning steps, you should change itrefer to the instructions CHANGINGSYSTEM SET CODES.The FM frequency range may be differentfrom that used in North America, e.g. likethat used in Japan, 76-10BMHz. To makethese changes, see the SYSTEM SETCODE TABLE and the instructionsCHANGING SYSTEM SET CODES.

TUNING IN STATIONSThere are four ways to tune-in stations,described below. They are ManualTuning, Auto-scan Tuning, DirectFrequency Entry and Fine Tuning.

MANUAL TUNINGQuick, short presses of the UPIDOWNbuttons (9,10) enables tuning up or downfrequency.

AUTO-SCAN TUNINGPressing the UP or DOWN buttons (9, 10)for just over 1 second enables automaticscan-tuning. The radio will thenautomatically stop on the next stationencountered and stay for about 5seconds for your monitoring. Press theUPIDOWN buttons again to keeplistening in the station. Use the UP buttonto auto-scan upward in frequency and the

DOWN button to auto-scan downward infrequency.

DIRECT FREQUENCY ENTRYWhen the desired frequency is known, itcan be entered via the numeric keypad(17). First, make sure that the correctband is selected - FM, WM, LW or Sw.

Most WM, LW and Shortwave frequenciesare designated in kilohertz (KHz), e.g.810 KHz or 9475 KHz. All FM frequenciesare designated in megahertz (MHz), e.g.102.9 MHz. To enter such frequencies,just enter the frequency using thenumeric keypad (17).

Sometimes Shortwave frequencies aredesignated in megahertz (MHz). If youencounter such a shortwave frequencyand it has less than three digits after thedecimal point (e.g. 15.10 MHz or 6.92MHz), then use the following method toenter it.However, if there are three digits after thedecimal point (e.g. 15.110 MHz or 5.975MHz), use the method describedpreviously.

1. Enter the frequency using the numerickeypad (17).

2. Press/release the 'Enter' (20) button.

TUNING KNOBThe TUNING knob control (2B) is locatedon the right side of the radio. Use it to'fine-tune' stations or as you would atuning knob.

BASIC RADIO OPERATION continued

TUNING MODE FAST TUNING SLOWTUNINGThe TUNING-FAST/SLOW button (8)allows selection of fast or slow tuningwhen using the tuning knob or the UPand DOWN controls. FAST or SLOWappear in the display. When tuning withthe tuning knob (28), fast tuning is usuallyappropriate. When tuning with the UP andDOWN buttons, use slow tuning to tune instations and fast tuning to move up ordown frequency at a rapid rate. Then useslow to actually tune in stations.Experiment with this control to see whichtuning mode that you prefer.

USING THE BANDWIDTH BUTTONThe BANDWIDTH button (14) is usedwhen listening to WM and SW stations.Its purpose is to help minimizeinterference. The preferred setting isWIDE, which provides best audio fidelity.Use NARROW when there isinterference. W or N will appear in thedisplay.

USING THE PL600'S SSB (SINGLESIDE BAND) FEATURESSB enables listening to shortwavesignals using the single-sideband mode.This mode is used for a variety of signalsincluding amateur radio and other two-way communications, Morse code,weather-fax transmissions and otherencoded signals often referred to as'utility' signals. To use SSB, turn on theSSB circuit by pressing the SSB button(13 ) . Note that SSB appears in thedisplay (42). Tune to the shortwavefrequency of your choice. Use the tuningknob to coarse-tune the SSB signal, thenfine-tune with the SSB BFO+ knob (30).This SSB circuit allows tuning of bothupper and lower sideband Signals. Forbest SSB Signal clarity, placing the

A Dx/LOCAL switch in the LOCAL position.. may be desirable.

INTRODUCTION TO SINGLE SIDEBAND (SSB)Many higher-end shortwave radios havespecial circuitry enabling SSB, a highlyefficient way of electronically processingtransmitted and received signals for two-way communication. Examples of this areamateur radio (hams), maritime andaeronautical communication. Either upperside band (USB) or lower side band(LSB) can be used. Non-voice methods ofcommunication can also be heard,including CW (Morse code) and RTTY(radio teletype). Receiving SSB signals isnot always easy. Since this is two-waycommunications, transmissions are oftenvery short and sporadic. Also, most two-way communication uses relatively lowpower, 50 to 1000 watts. The amateurradio operators are easiest to find, bestresults are experienced when using anoutdoor shortwave antenna such as adipole.

Follow your radio's instructions on how toengage its SSB feature. Shown next aresome selected frequency ranges onwhich SSB communications can befound. All frequencies are shown inkilohertz.

AERONAUTICAL SW FREQUENCYRANGES (USUALLY USB)

2850-31553400-35004650-47505480-57306525-67658815-904010005-10100

MARITIME SW FREQUENCY RANGES(USUALLY USB)

11175-1140013200-1336015010-1510017900-1803021870-2200023200-23350

4063-44386200-65258195-881512230-1320016360-17410

18780-1890019680-1980022000-2272025070-25110

OWNER'S MANUAL

5 CLOCK AND TIMER FEATURES

1 SETTING THE CLOCKThe factory has set the clock to functionas a 24-hour format clock.

There are three methods for setting theclock.

CLOCK SET METHOD 1 UP ANDDOWN BUTTONS:

1. Turn the radio off. The clock digitsappear in the center of the display (34).

2. Press/release the button labeled 'Time'(2). The clock's HOUR digits flash inthe display, within 5 seconds, set thehour using the UP/DOWN buttons(9, 10).

3. Press/release the 'Time' (2) buttonagain, the MINUTE digits flash in thedisplay, within 5 seconds, set theminute using the UP/DOWN buttons(9, 10).

4. Within 5 seconds of finishing,press/release the 'Time' (2) button orwait until the clock digits stop flashing.

CLOCK SET METHOD 2 -NUMERIC KEYPAD:

1,1. Turn the radio off. The clock digits

appear in the center of the display (34).2. Press/release the button labeled 'Time'

(2). The clock's digits flash in thedisplay.

3. Use the numeric keypad to key-in thetime in 24 hour format. Within 5seconds of finishing, press/release the'TIME' (2) button or wait until the clockdigits stop flashing.

CLOCK SET METHOD 3 TUNINGKNOB1. Turn the radio off. The clock digits

appear in the center of the display (34).2. Press/release the button labeled 'Time'

(2). The clock HOUR digits flash in thedisplay.

3. Within 5 seconds, use the tuning knobto set the hour.

4. Within 5 seconds, press/release the'Time' (2) button, then use the tuningknob to set the minute.

5. Within 5 seconds of finishing,press/release the 'Time' (2) button orwait until the clock digits stop flashing.

You can also set the clock when you turnon the radio. When the radio is on, theclock digits appear in the upper rightcorner of the display. Set the clockreferring to the 3 methods above.

SETTING THE TIMERS (USE ASWAKE-UP ALARM)

The PL-600 has two, independentlyprogrammable timers, timer A and B,enabling the PL-600 to turn on and playthe radio for an alterable period of timeand then turn off. The playtime can beselected from 1-90 minutes. The timerscan be used as wake-up alarms. Aftersetting a timer and a playtime, store aradio station into timer memory andactivate the timer. See the next sectionstitled STORING A RADIO STATION INTOTIMER MEMORY and ACTIVATING /DEACTIVATING THE TIMER.

NOTE: A radio station must be stored intotimer memory. If this is not done, therewill only be static once the timer isactivated.

CLOCK AND TIMER FEATURES continued

When the timer activates, it turns on theradio, with the timer activation symboland the playtime appear flashing in thedisplay. The radio will play the stationstored into timer memory and shut offautomatically when the playtime countsdown to 00 or until you turn the radio offwith the POWER/SLEEP button. The'snooze' feature can also be used (seesection titled USING THE SNOOZEFEATURE).

There are three methods to set the timer.They are almost same as the clock set.You can set Timer A or B separately.

STORING A RADIO STATION INTOTIMER MEMORY

To hear a radio station when the timeractivates, the station must be stored intotimer memory. Here's the 2 stepprocedure:

1. Turn on the PL-600 and tune to thedesired station.

2. Press the TIMER A or TIMER B buttonfor more than 1 second, then release.The timer symbol flashes in the displaytwice.

NOTE: To monitor the frequencies storedinto timer memory A and B, perform athree second press of the SYSTEM SETbutton while the radio is turned off. Theset code information and the frequenciesstored into timer memory flash in thedisplay.

ACTIVATING/DEACTIVATING THETIMER

For a timer to turn on the radio, it must beactivated. A timer can beactivated/deactivated with the radio on oroff. To activate the timer, press/releasethe TIMER A or TIMER B button. Thetimer symbol will appear in the display. Todeactivate a timer, press/release theTIMER A or TIMER B button. The timersymbol will disappear from the display.

USING THE SNOOZE FEATURE

When the timer activates and turns theradio on, the timer activation symbol (36)appears flashing in the display. While it isflashing, press/release theSNOOZE/LIGHT button (7). The radio willturn off and then turn on again in 10minutes. This process can be repeated 3times.

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6 WORKING WITH MEMORY

At the factory, the PL-600 is set up with10 pages of memory (from 01-10), eachpage holding 50 frequencies plus 100frequency memory in PO. This enablesstoring of 600 frequencies into memory.Memory setting of 01-10 can be changedand tailored to your personal needs orcan be left as is. When first learning tostore stations into memory, we suggestusing the factory setting. To change thefactory setting, see the sectionCUSTOMIZING MEMORY PAGES. Whenworking with memory, the term PRESETappears in the display under the memorynumbers.

STORING STATIONS INTO MEMORY1. Turn on the radio.2. Tune to the desired station.3. Press/release the MEMORY button

(18). Note that the memory numberdigits, labeled PRESET (46) flash inthe upper right corner of the display.The memory page number, labeledPAGE, also appears, but does notflash.

4. Within 5 seconds use the numerickeypad to enter the memory numberthat you wish to store the station into.For memories 1-9, enter the numbersas 01-09 .

5. Within 5 seconds press the MEMORYbutton, or wait 5 seconds. This finalizesstoring into memory and after a fewseconds, the upper right corner'sdisplay returns to show the clock.

SELECTING/CHANGING MEMORYPAGESTo selecUchange memory pages:1. Press/release the PAGE button (12).

The page number flashes in thedisplay.

2. Within 3 seconds, use either the UP orDOWN button to change to the page ofyour choice. Alternately, use the

numeric keypad to enter the page oruse the tuning knob to change thepage.

3. Press/release the PAGE button tofinalize the page change.

ACCESSING WHAT IS STORED INTOMEMORYThere are three ways to access what hasbeen stored into memory: Direct MemoryAccess, Manual Memory Search andMemory Auto-scan. These three methodsare described below. When the memorypage and memory preset numbersappear in the upper right corner of thedisplay, as it will in the descriptions below,the radio is in MEMORY ACCESS MODE.This mode can be exited any time with apress/release of the FREQ/PRESETbutton (11).

If you first need to change memorypages, see the previous section,SELECTING/CHANGING MEMORYPAGES.

DIRECT MEMORY ACCESSUse the numeric keypad to key-in thememory number. For example, if thedesired radio station is in memorynumber 01, just press '0', then '1', and itwill go to memory 01.

MANUAL MEMORY SEARCHManual Memory Search enables manualsearching through the memories within amemory page, as shown below:

1. Press/release the FREQ/PRESET (11)button.

2. Use quick, short presses on the UP orDOWN buttons or use the tuning knobto search through the memories.

3. Press the FREQ/PRESET button whenfinished.

DELETING All MEMORY PAGECONTENTS

WORKING WITH MEMORY continued

MEMORY AUTO-SCAN

Memory Auto-scan enables scanningthrough the memories within the selectedmemory page. Each filled memory isaccessed for about 5 seconds, afterwhich the scan moves on to the nextused memory automatically, staying on itfor about 5 seconds. This continuesindefinitely on the selected page untildeliberately stopped. Unused memoriesare not accessed.

1. Press/release FREQ/PRESET (11)button.

2. Press/hold either the UP or DOWNbutton for about a second. Thenrelease it. Note that PRESET flashesunder the memory number, indicatingthat memory scanning is functioningwith each memory being scanned forabout 5 seconds. It then moves on tothe next memory for another 5seconds. To stop memory preset auto-scan, press/release either the UP orDOWN button.

DELETING A MEMORY'S CONTENTS

1. Press/release the FREQ/PRESETbutton (11).

2. Use the UP or DOWN button (5,6) toselect the memory preset location ofthe frequency that you wish to delete.Alternately, use the numeric keypad toenter the memory number.

3. Press/hold the DELETE button (20) forabout 2 seconds and then release it.'dEL' appears flashing in the display.

4. While 'dEL' is still flashing,press/release the DELETE button.

1. Press/release the FREQ/PRESETbutton (11).

2. Press/hold the DELETE button (20) for5 seconds and then release it. 'dEL'and PAGE (45, 46) appear flashing inthe display.

3. Within 2 seconds, press/release theDELETE button.

MOVING A STORED FREQUENCY

A stored frequency can be moved to adifferent memory or memory page.

1. Turn on the radio.2. Press/release the PAGE button.3. Within 3 seconds, use the UP or

DOWN button to select the requiredmemory page.

4. Press/release the MEMORY buttontwice.

5. Within 5 seconds use the numerickeypad to enter the memory numberthat you wish to store the stationinto.

6. Within 5 seconds press/release theMEMORY button.

CUSTOMIZING MEMORY PAGES

The Pl-600 is configured at thefactory with 10 memory pages (from01-10), each page having 50memories plus 100 memories in page00, in total 600 memories. You canchange the set up of page 01-10 viathe SYSTEM SET CODES, shownbelow.

7 SYSTEM SET CODES

System Set Codes allow the radio to be tailored to your needs by changing certainprogrammable functions. These functions and their descriptions are noted in the table.

SYSTEM SET CODE TABLE

CODE NUMBER FUNCTION IN DISPLAY

00 (factory default setting) Divide the memories into 10 pages with 10:5050 locations

20 Divide the memories into 20 pages with 20:2525 locations

25 Divide the memories into 25 pages with 25:2020 locations

50 Divide the memories into 50 pages with 50:1010 locations

ON55 Activate LW band

55 (factory default setting) Deactivate LW band ! OFF

09 (factory default setting) Set the tuning steps for MW to 9KHzi

9kHz!

I

10 Set the tuning steps for MW to 10KHz I 10kHz

28I

Rechargeable battery to be used Ni-MH

29 Normal AA battery to be used

76 i Set the FM frequency range to 76-108MHz I 76108

I (for Japan)

87 (factory default setting) Set the FM frequency range to 87-108MHz i 87108

SYSTEM SET CODES continued

CHANGING SYSTEM SET CODES

To enter a system code of your choice,use the procedure below.

1. Turn off the radio.2. Press/release the SYSTEM SET button

(18). Note that '- -' (48) appears in theupper right corner of the display andthe clock digits disappear.

3. Within 5 seconds, enter the desirednumeric code with the numeric key pad,then immediately press/release thebutton labeled SYSTEM SET. The codeICON (49) will briefly appear in thelower right corner of the display.

DEFAULT FACTORY SYSTEM SETCODES

When shipped from the factory, the radio'sSystem Set Code Table is set up asfollows. Changes can be made via theprocedure shown in the section titledCHANGING SYSTEM SET CODES.

Ten pages with 50 memories each.Code 08.

9 KHz AM (MW) tuning rate. Code 09. Rechargeable batteries to be used.

Code 28. 87-108 MHz FM frequency coverage.

Code 87. LW band Deactivate. Code 55.

MONITORING THE CURRENT STATUSOF SET CODES AND OTHERSETTINGS

Performing a three second press of theSYSTEM SET button, with the PL-600turned off, allows monitoring of key setcodes and other settings. This informationquickly flashes in the display in thefollowing order.1. 9 or 10 kilohertz setting2. Rechargeable battery milliamp-hour

setting3. FM tuning range setting4. Timer A's radio frequency5. Timer B's radio frequency

8 ADDITIONAL PL-600 CONTROLS

USING THE LIGHT USING THE ANTENNA GAIN SWITCH

A quick, short press/release of theLIGHT/SNOOZE button (7), located onthe front of the radio's upper right corner,will turn on the display light, shining fromthe left side of the display, for about 5seconds. A longer press/release of thebutton (about 3 seconds) will cause it tostay on indefinitely (note that this willdecrease battery life). Turn off the lightwith a quick short press of the button.

The Antenna Gain switch (23) has threepositions, OX, NORMAL and LOCAL. Thisswitch should normally be in the OXposition, providing maximum receivingperformance. If the FM or Shortwavestations that you are listening to isoverwhelmingly powerful and causesdistortion, try the NORMAL or LOCALposition. This switch is not used for AMstation.

ADDITIONAL PL-600 CONTROLS continued

USING THE LOCK BUTTON

Pressing the LOCK button causes allbutton-activated controls to be 'locked'and the lock symbol appears in the lowerright corner of the display. A long pressengages the LOCK feature. Another longpress disengages it and the symboldisappears.This is an excellent feature to use whentraveling, as it keeps the radio from beingaccidentally turned on. Before placing theradio into a suitcase, purse or briefcase,turn it off and then lock it. This controldoes not disengage timer functions.While you are listening to a favorite radiostation and want not to be shut offaccidentally, you can also lock the radio.

USING THE EXTERNAL ANTENNASOCKET

The external antenna socket is used toimprove shortwave or FM performance.There are many such antennas on themarket today. Typing in 'shortwaveantennas' or 'FM antennas' on yourfavorite Internet search site will providefurther information if you with to purchaseor make such an antenna.

9 LISTENING TO SHORTWAVE STATIONS

Are you new to shortwave listening? If so,you'll want to read this section.

WHAT ARE SHORTWAVE STATIONS?These are radio broadcast stationsaround the world broadcasting onfrequencies that can be heard over vastdistances, often many thousands of miles.In the United States, there are also about30 domestic shortwave broadcasters withreligious, politically and ideologicallyoriented broadcasts.

WHY LISTEN TO SHORTWAVESTATIONS?There are many reasons why you mayenjoy shortwave stations. Here are justsome, as reported to us by our customers.Listening to news and information from

other world sources often exposes you todifferent and unique perspectives onnational and world events.Exposure to other languages andcultures, including their music andperspectives. Hearing a country's nativeor 'folk' music can be very enjoyable, evenif you don't understand the language.Learning a language by hearing nativespeakers.Keeping in touch with another part of theworld, perhaps your original homeland orthat of your family's heritage.Religious, politically and ideologicallyoriented broadcasts.

LISTENING TO SHORTWAVE STATIONS continued

GENERAL SHORTWAVE 'RULES-OF-THUMB'Night shortwave reception is usuallybetter than daytime shortwave. This canchange from time-to-time, so it's worthchecking the bands du~ringthe day too.During daytime the most activeshortwave bands are 13, 15, 16, 19, and22 meters, 16 and 19 usually being thebest. At night, the most active bands are25,31,41 and 49 meters, with 31 and 49usually best.Around sunset and sunrise, both the dayand night bands may be good, sometimesexceptionally good. Listening at thesetimes can often be quite rewarding.The construction materials of somebuildings severely block shortwavesignals. To counteract this, hold the radioin your hands and get very close to awindow.

SELECTING A SHORTWAVE METERBAND WITH THE PL-600All 14 of the international broadcast bandscan be accessed with the PL-600. Thebands are numbered 120,90,75,60,49,31,25,22,19,16,15,13 and 11 metersand are commonly called 'Meter Bands'.

The PL-600 offers two ways to access ashortwave band. Each method places thetuner at the beginning of the band'sfrequency range.

1. Each successive quick, short press ofthe button labeled SW METER BAND(16) places the radio at the beginning ofa band. While pressing the button, theband number shows in the upper rightcorner of the display (50) anddisappears a few seconds after it isreleased, causing the clock to reappearin the corner. Start tuning only after the

clock reappears. If you don't wait, thenmethod 2 below will automatically beused.

2. Perform one quick, short press of thebutton labeled SW METER BAND,immediately followed by quick, shortpresses of either the UP or DOWNtuning buttons. The band numberappears in the upper right corner of thedisplay. Once the band of choice isselected, start tuning after the clockreappears in the upper right corner.

AUTO-SCAN TUNING WHILE INSHORTWAVEIn shortwave, auto-scan tuning scans inthe shortwave frequency ranges noted inthe Band Chart below. To tune shortwavefrequencies that are in-between theseranges, or outside of these ranges, useone of the other tuning methods, e.g.Regular Tuning (manual tuning) or DirectFrequency Entry as discussed titledTUNING IN STATIONS.

BAND CHART OF SHORTWAVE AUTO-SCANING RANGES

BAND (METERS) FREQUENCY RANGE

120 2250 - 255090 3150 - 345075 3850 - 405060 4700 - 510049 5800 630041 7100 750031 9400 1000025 11500 1215022 13500 1390019 15000 1590016 17450 - 18000

15 18850 -1910013 21450 - 2195011 25600 - 26100

10 TROUBLESHOOTING

RESET PROCEDUREThe RESET button is on the bottom of thePL-600. When performing a reset, havegood batteries in the radio or power it withan AC adaptor and turn it off. Perform areset if the solutions outlined below don'tresolve the issue. To perform a reset,press the reset button with a paper clip orsimilar object.

WILL NOT TURN ON

1. Assure that the LOCK feature is notengaged.

2. Assure that the radio has power(batteries installed or AC adaptorplugged in).

3. Assure that batteries are inserted withcorrect polarity

4. Assure that the batteries are notdepleted

5. If using an AC adaptor, assure that it isplugged into the household outlet(mains socket) and into the radio's DCsocket. Take care not to plug it into theearphone socket. Also, assure that theAC adaptor is of the correct DC voltageoutput and polarity and that its plug-tipis of the correct inner and outerdiameter.

SHUTS OFF ABRUPTLY WHILEPLAYING DURING BATTERY USEThis is caused by depleted batteries.Replace them.

.,.SHUTS OFF ABRUPTLY WHILE BEINGMOVED DURING AC ADAPTOR USEThis is usually caused by a broken wire orloose connection in the AC adaptor's cordor if the AC adaptor's plug-tip is of thewrong diameter.

OPERATES ERRATICALLYPerform a RESET, as described in thesection titled RESET PROCEDURE.

STATIONS ARE RECEIVED TOO WEAK Assure that the ANTENNA GAIN switch

is set to the DX position. Assure that the telescopic antenna is

pulled up all the way for FM andShortwave reception.

When listening to AM stations, swivelthe radio. The AM internal ferrite barantenna is highly directional.

THERE IS NO SOUND FROM THESPEAKERAssure that earphones/headphones arenot plugged in and that the volume controlis turned up.

A STATION CAUSES SEVERE AUDIODISTORTION, BUT SEEMS TO BEVERY STRONG IN SIGNAL STRENGTHThis is probably a strong, local station,very close to your location. Because of itsclose proximity to you, its signal is toostrong. To reduce signal strengths, placethe ANTENNA GAIN switch into theNORMAL or LOCAL position.

THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT HAS ASTICKY LIQUID OR DRIED WHITEPOWDER IN ITThis is the result of battery acid leakage .To avoid battery acid leakage, only usehigh quality alkaline or rechargeablenickel-metal-hydride batteries. Neverintermix old with new, or different brandsor types of batteries. If the batteries leak,immediately contact the manufacturer ofthe batteries and don't throw them away.Damage caused by battery acid leakageis not covered under warranty.