Arcam Alpha 7, Alpha 8 User Manual

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Section A

Installation

CONNECTINGTO A POWER SUPPLY

WRONG PLUG I

If the plug supplied with the tuner does not fit your power
supply, see the inside back cover of this handbook for guidelines on
changing a plug, or contact your dealer to obtain a suitable power
cord.

Check that your mains supply voltage agrees with the voltage
setting indicated on the rear panel of the ^ tuner

If your mains supply voltage is different, consult your Arcam dealer or
Arcam Customer Support on 01223 203203.

PLUGGING IN

Push the plug (lEC line socket) of the cable supplied with the tuner
into the socket ©(POWER INLET) in the back of the tuner
Make sure it is pushed in firmly.

CONNECTINGTO OTHER EQUIPMENT

All the sockets carrying messages to other hi-fi equipment (output
channels) are colour coded for identification.

The use of high quality interconnect cables to and from other hi-fi
equipment is recommended to ensure the best sound quality (sonic
performance).
Interconnect cables are not supplied with these tuners.

The left channel sockets are marked L.
The right channel sockets are marked R.

CONNECTING YOUR TUNER TO YOUR AMPLIFIER

0 AUDIO OUTPUTS

There are two pairs of identical outputs provided. Connect
one of these to your amplifier's tuner input using a suitable
interconnect cable. Insert the red phono plug into the
socket labelled ‘R’ for Right and the other phono plug into
the socket labelled 'L' for Left.

The second set of audio outputs can be used to connect to
a second amplifier set up for 'multi room' use or routed to
a tape recorder for‘off air' recording.

Push the plug on other end of the cable into your power supply
socket.

The tuner is double insulated and does not require an earth.

This Is why there is no centre (Earth) pin in the socket (POWER
INLET)

Section В

Setting up the aerials

Your new Arcam Tuner is capable of superb reception...

but only if it is receiving a good quality transmission signal.

As the signal is so important for good reception we have created a
quick reference guide to setting up the aerials.

You are recommended to fit an FM and an AM Aerial.

FM AERIAL

Required to receive VHF radio signals.

FOR BEST FM RADIO RECEPTION

A roof mounted aerial is essential. For your own safety it is
recommend that a rooftop aerial is fitted by an experienced
contractorYou can find these in your local telephone directory or
Yellow Pages. Your contractor will tune and direct the aerial to your
nearest FM transmitter In blocks of flats, an aerial system may
already be installed and connected to wall mounted sockets
marked FM orVHF (notTV).

Alternatively, you may decide to install an aerial yourself Use one
designed for‘Band 2' (VFHF/FM) reception.These are available from
electrical accessories shops (e.g.TANDY).This should be put
outside the building, mounted as high up as possible. Aerials can be
fitted in lofts, but metal foil cladding used for heat insulation may
make this option useless.
As a rough guide use the following table to indicate the type of
aerial you may require.

Up to 40 miles (65 km) from a transmitter

Over 60 miles (100 km) from a transmitter 6 or 8 element aerial

See ‘Radio Transmitting Stations’, mentioned later for details of how
to find the location of your nearest transmission station.

Alternatively a circular‘Omni-directional’ aerial can be used, though
this will not usually provide as much signal as the multi-element
types of aerial mentioned above.

The coaxial cable from the aerial should be fitted with a coaxial
plug and used with the adaptor provided. Plug it into the socket

Q in the back of your Arcam Alpha 7/8 tuner

FOR GOOD FM RADIO RECEPTION
If you will be using your tuner within a few miles of a major radio
transmitter theT shaped wire aerial (dipole design) supplied should
give a good reception. Use the aerial and the coaxial plug adaptor
provided, to connect it to the socket Mount the aerial as high
as possible on a wall.Try each usable wall of the room to see
which position gives best reception,The usual configuration is to
use the aerial in aTshape, with the two ends (elements) forming
the top cros-spiece. Use tacks or tape to hold the aerial in aT
shape.The tacks should not come into contact with the internal
aerial wire.

VERTICALLY POLARISED SIGNALS
Some signals from radio transmitter are ‘vertically polarised', (see
‘Radio Transmitting Stations’mentioned later for details) in which
case the aerial needs to be located with its elements vertical.
Most, but not all signals have a ‘horizontal component’, if all the
stations you wish to receive have this, then aligning the aerial
elements horizontally may help to avoid interference. It is best to
try several positions.

3 element aerial

AM AERIAL

Required for Medium Wave (MW) and Long Wave (LiVV) radio
radio signals.

There is an AM loop aerial supplied. Connect one end of the loop
aerial into socket and the other end into © . It does not
matter which of the wires go to which socket Rotate the aerial to
see which position gives the best reception. Some interference of
the signal may be experienced near a fluorescent light tube or a
television. Each transmitting radio station may require the aerial to
be adjusted slightly. Even on the same frequency, the best aerial
orientation can vary with time.

In areas of weak reception or when the tuner is used inside a steel
framed building (such as a block of flats) you can use a long wire
approximately 3-5 metres long and mounted high up outside the
building. Connect the end of the wire to © as well as the loop
aerial supplied. Do not disconnect the loop aerial.

Radio signals are not transmitted in LW in the USA , Canada and
some European countries.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The BBC publishes a booklet entitled ‘Radio Transmitting Stations’
which contains details of all BBC transmitters in the UK together
with other useful hints and tips.This booklet can be obtained on

request by sending a large stamped addressed envelope to:-

Engineers Dept.
BBC Radio
201 Wood Lane
London Wl2 7TS

Telephone: [phone]

Internet: http://www.bbc,co.uk/enginfo/fm_recep

The UK Radio Authority publishes 'The Radio Authority

Pocket Book’ which contains details of all independent radio

stations.This booklet can be obtained on request by sending a

large stamped addressed envelope to:-

Holbrook House,

14 Great Queen Street,
Holborn,
London,

WC2B 5DG

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: http,7/www.radioauthority.org.uk

A free booklet (number 004-000-00345-4) is available from the

U.S. government called ‘How to Identify and Resolve Radio-

TV Interference Problems’ by writing to:

The U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C.

20402.

Section C

Using the tuner

TUNE

Press to tune up or down through the chosen frequency
band. When pressed continuously, the selector will scroll
continuously, when touched and released, the selector will
scroll in fixed amounts.

ON TUNE INDICATOR

© This will glow green when you are correctly tuned to a

signal on any band. When you are off tune the indicator will
be off.

BAND

^ Selects FM, AM (MW) or LW frequency band.

The appropriate letters appear on the display.
The MW band is denoted by AM on the display.

MONO

Selects mono or stereo output
Stereo in only available on FM radio stations.

The word MONO or STEREO will light on the display.

If a weak station is received in stereo the background hiss

can be reduced (and in most cases eliminated) by selecting
MONO.

AUTO

^ When pressed, the word AUTO will illuminate in the display.

When buttons ©,@are pressed the tuner will stop
automatically at a station with any suitably strong signal.
To continue searching press o oragain.

TO SELECT A STORED RADIO STATION

Select the BAND, FM, AM or LW using button

To select stations stored on presets I -9, press the memory button
number which stores the station you wish to select, for a ‘split

second’ only.

To select stations 9-i 6 in FM, proceed as above, but
press the memory button number which stores the station
you wish to select, for a ‘whole second’.

POWER

Switches the unit on and off.

POWER INDICATOR

This will glow green to show that the unit is switched on.

PRESET INDICATOR

Indicates the number of the preset currently selected.

FREQUENCY DISPLAY

Indicates the frequency of the selected station in Mhfz (FM)
or kHz (AM),

PRESET MEMORY BACK-UP

The preset memory will be retained while the tuner is
connected to the mains. If the mains supply is disconnected,
the memory will be retained for approximately one week.

STORING RADIO STATIONS

You can store up to a total of 24 radio stations as presets in the
memory buttons,©.There are two storage levels’,

FM 'level'where 16 stations can be stored.

AM 'level'where 8 stations can be stored.
The 8 stations can be either MW,LW or a combination of the two.

You move up or down the levels by pressing the BAND
button, which scrolls through the levels.

Your first and ninth FM stations are stored using button I -9, your
second and tenth FM stations are stored using button 2-10 and so
on.

TO STORE A RADIO STATION IN THE MEMORY

Select the BAND, (FM, AM or LW) using button © and tune into

the radio station you wish to store.

Press the STORE button
You will see PI in the display at
Within 5 seconds, press the memory button (numbers I to 8) you
wish to store the station under
The station is stored when a number appears in the right hand
end of the display at

RADIO INTERFERENCE

Alpha 7/8 Tuners are audio devices containing microprocessors,
and other digital electronics.They have been designed to very high
standards of electromagnetic compatibility.

EC COUNTRIES
This product has been designed to comply with directive
89/336/EEC,

USA
This product complies with FCC requirements. If the equipment
causes interference to radio/television reception, which can be
determined by switching the equipment off and on, the following
measures should be taken: Re-orientate the receiving antenna or
route the antenna cable of the receiver as far as possible from this
appliance and its cabling. Relocate the receiver with respect to this
appliance. Connect the receiver and this appliance to different
mains power outlets. If the problem persists contact your Arcam
dealer or Arcam Customer Support on [phone].

SAFETY STANDARD

This product has been designed to meet the lEC 60065

international electrical safety standard.

To store stations 9-16 in FM, proceed as above but press the
STORE button © twice.
You will see P2 in the display at ©.
This will access the buttons 9-16,

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

FM Section

ALPHA 7/8 TUNER

Tuning range
Tuning system
Frequct’tv stcos
Presets

Sensitivity (IFHF) for SOdB S/N ratio
Alternate channel selectivity
AM suppression ratio
Capture ratio
On-tune indicat

Ultimate S/N ratio (CCIR) Mono better than -76dB

Total harmonic distortion

Channel separation (1 kFHz) better than 38dB
Pilot tone suppression better than 30dB
Output level 700mV at 75kHz deviation

(96MHz reference, 22.5kHz deviation at IkHz)

87.5 to 08.0MHz
Phase-locked-loop

50kHz

16

typically 8pV
better than 60dB
better than 50dB

typically I.OdB

Lights at tuned frequency ±50kHz

20Hz- l5kHz+ldB

better than -71 dB

better than 0.1 %

better than 0.25%

AM Section

Tuning range 522 to 161 1 kHz (AM-MW)

l46to 290 kHz (AM-LW) .

Tuning system

Frequency steps 9kHz (AM-MW) in Europe

10 kHz (AM-MW) in USA & Canada

Usable sensitivity typically 25 pV
IF rejection
S/N ratio (30% mod,, 50mV l/P)
Total harmonic distortion (30% mod., 50mV l/P) 0.5%
Output level 750mV at 70% modulation

Phase-locked-loop

1 kHz (AM-LW)

8

20dB
50dB

General

Output impecance
Minimum recommended load 5k ohms i
Power consumption
SizeW/D/H mm.
Weight

Supplied accessories

3.0kg (Alpha 7) 3.1 kg (Alpha 8)nett.

4,4kg (Alpha 7) 4.6kg (Alpha 8)packed,

remote control handset inc, batteries (Alpha 8 only)

100 ohms

lOVA

430 X 290 X 85

FM dipole aerial

AM loop aerial

coaxial plug adaptor

ARCAM

Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CBS 9PB, England.

Telephone: [phone] - Fax [phone]

e-mail: support@arcam,co.uk - www,arcam,co.uk

Section D - Alpha 8 Tuner only

The buttons shown in white have
the same functions as those on the
front of the tuner.

Don’t forget to fit the 2 AAA batteries supplied
and ensure they are inserted correctly into the
back of the Remote Control handset before
using it.

The Remote Control handset sends a message to
an infra- red receiver which is located behind the
ARCAM badge on the front of the tuner

Do not place anything In front of the badge or
the Remote Control may not work.

Using the Remote Control

; CD FUNCTIONS

i These buttons are CD player functions.
; Refer to your CD Player handbook for a full description
i of their use.This Remote Control will control the basic
; functions of Arcam CD players (except the Alpha One).

J AMPLIFIER FUNCTIONS

J These buttons are Amplifier functions,
j Refer to your Amplifier handbook for a full description
, of their use.This Remote Control will control the
i volume control and input selector (where appropriate) of
! all remote controllable Arcam amplifiers.

I CD

DISP

B

REPEAT

m

SHU FFLE

SCAN

B

PRO G

►1

•»Kk-

VOLUME + -

Adjusts the volume level on Arcam remote
controllable arhftlifiers.
Please note:The VOLUME' control and
‘MUTE’buttons have no effect on the
output level of the Alpha CD players or

tuners.

TO RETRIEVE STORED STATIONS

These buttons enable you to scroll through
the stored radio station selections/presets
one at a time. When you press * , the
preset changes instantly When you press T ,
it takes a little longer This is because the
unit counts up through the presets and then
stops at the one before the preset you
were originally on.

NOTE

If you have an Alpha 7 tuner it can be
converted to the remote controllable Alpha
8 version with a dealer installable upgrade
kit.

Please contact your dealer/distributor or
Arcam for more information.

MODE

This button selects MONO or STEREO

ALPHA 7/8TUNER

SAFETY GUIDELINES

SAFETY IN USE

This product was designed and manufactured to meet strict quality
and safety standards. There are, however; some installation and
operation precautions of which you should be particularly aware:

1. Read Instructions All the safety and operating

instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.

2. Retain Instructions The safety and operating

instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings All warnings on the appliance and in this

handbook should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions All operating and use instructions

should be followed.

5. Water and Moisture The appliance should not be used

near water - for example near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or swimming pool, etc.

6. Racks and Stands The appliance should be used only

with a rack or stand that is recommended for use with audio
equipment
If the equipment is on a portable rack it should be moved
with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces
may cause the combination to overturn.

7. Ventilation The appliance should be situated so that its

location or position does not interfere with its proper
ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated
on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings or placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through
the ventilation openings.

8. Heat The appliance should be situated away from heat

sources such as radiators, stoves or other appliances (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Power Sources The appliance should be connected to a

power supply only of the type described in this handbook or as
marked on the appliance.

14. Non-use Periods The power cord of the appliance

should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long
period of time.

I S. Object and Liquid Entry Care should be taken so

that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the

enclosure through any openings.

16. Abnormal Smell If an abnormal smell or smoke is

detected from the appliance, immediately turn the power off and
unplug the unit from the wall outlet
Contact your dealer immediately,

I 7. Damage Requiring Service The appliance should be

serviced by qualified service personnel when:

A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged or;

B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the appliance or:

C. The appliance has been exposed to rain or:

D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits

a marked change in performance or:

E. The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

18. Servicing You should not attempt to service the appliance

beyond that described in this handbook.

All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

This appliance is normally supplied with a moulded mains plug

already fitted to the lead. If for any reason the plug needs to be
removed, it must be disposed of immediately and securely, as it is a
potential shock hazard when inserted into a mains socket.

If the plug is removed then the remaining lead must be rewired as

follows:

10. Grounding Precautions should be taken so that the

grounding means of the appliance is not defeated,

I I. Power-Cord Protection Power supply cords should

be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords and plugs, and the point where they exit
from the appliance.

I 2. Cleaning Unplug the unit from the mains supply before

cleaning. The appliance should normally only require a wipe
over with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. If it is heavily soiled then a

cloth slightly dampened with a water/washing up liquid solution
may be used. Dry the unit afterwards with a dry cloth.

We do not advise the use of furniture type cleaning sprays/
polishes as this can cause white marks, which are very difficult
to remove, if the unit is then wiped over with water

I 3. Power Lines An outdoor antenna/ aerial should be

located away from power lines.

The blue wire
must be connected
to the terminal
which is coloured
blue or marked
with the letter N.

connected to the terminal
which is coloured brown or
marked with the letter L.

When replacing the fuse in the supplied moulded mains plug, the
integral fuse holder/cover must always be refitted.
Use a 5 amp fuse.

The green and yellow
wire must be connected
to the terminal which
is coloured green and
yellow, or marked with
the letter E or the
safety earth symbol.

wire must be