Drake SW2 User Guide

®

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SW2 Shortwave Receiver

(with Selectable Sideband Synchronous Detector)

Owner's Manual

SW2 Shortwave Receiver

RF GAIN

VOLUME

+ 60
+ 40
+ 20

S9

SYNC LSB

AM

123

4

56

7

89

CLEAR

0

VFO
MEM

AM

SYNC

SSB

USB

POWER

TUNING

kHz

MEM

METER

© Copyright 1997 R. L. Drake Co. P/N: 3851332B-4-1997 Printed in the U. S. A.

is a registered trademark of the R. L. Drake Company

®

EC-Declaration of Conformity

marking

We, Manufacturer/Importer

(Full address)

R. L. Drake Company

230 Industrial Drive

Franklin, Ohio 45005 United States of America

declare that the product

(description of the apparatus, system, installation to which it refers)

SW2 Shortwave Receiver

1292

is in conformity with

Council Directive 89/336/EEC (EMC Directive)

Standards to which conformity is declared:

EN55013:06.90+A12/08.94

EN55020:12.94

EN55022:08.94+A1:05.95

EN50082-1:01.92

EN60555-2:04.87

EN60555-3:04.87+A1:10.91

The manufacturer also declares the conformity of above mentioned product

with the actual required safety standards in accordance with LVD 73/23 EEC.

EN 60065

Limits and methods of measurement for radio disturbance characteris­tics of broadcast receivers and associated equipment.

Immunity from radio interference of broadcast receivers and associated
equipment.

Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics
of Information Technology Equipment.

Electromagnetic compatibility - Generic immunity standard.
Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry.

Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appliances and
similar electrical equipment.
Part 2: Harmonics.

Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appliances
and similar electrical equipment.
Part 3: Voltage fluctuations.

Safety requirements for mains operated
electronic and related apparatus for
household and similar general use.

®

(Stamp)

EMC Tested by electronic GmbH

Date: February 01, 1997__

Manufacturer/Importer

Date: November 26/1996

Ref. No.: 965837

Signature: ___________________
Name: Ronald E. Wysong____

______________________________

Authorized Signature

Important Safeguards i

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR

ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS PRODUCT'S AC ADAPTOR TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

¡WARNING!

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC

DO NOT REMOVE COVER OF AC ADAPTOR

NO USER-SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combina­tion to overturn.

The lightning flash with arrow head symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT'S AC ADAPTOR TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET, REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THE AC
ADAPTOR WITH AN EXTENSION CORD RECEPTACLE OR OTHER
OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES OF THE AC ADAPTOR CAN BE
FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

ATTENTION:

POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS
UTILISER CETTE FICHE POLARISEE AVEC UN
PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE
SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT
ETRE INSEREES A FOND SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE
PARTIE A DECOUVERT.

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 should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions—All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning—Unplug this appliance from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid

cleaners or aerosol cleansers. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6. Do Not Use Attachments—not recommended by the manufacturer or they may cause
hazards.

7. Water and Moisture—Do not use this product near water—for example, near a bathtub,
wash bowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool—and the like.

8. Accessories—Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the
appliance.

9. Ventilation—This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register.
This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to. Any
slots or openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. The
openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface. KEEP CURTAINS AND OTHER FLAMMABLE MATERIALS OUT OF DIRECT

CONTACT WITH THE AC ADAPTOR.

10. Power Sources—This product should be operated only from the type of power source

indicated on the marking label of the supplied AC Adaptor. If you are not sure of the type of
power supplied to your home, consult your appliance dealer or local power company.

11. Lightning—For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug the AC adaptor from the wall outlet.

12. Power Lines—An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead
power lines, other electric light or power circuits, where it can fall into such power lines or
circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from
touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them may be fatal.

13. Overloading—Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.

14. Servicing—Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.

WARNING:

SHOCK,

15. Damage Requiring Service—Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the AC adaptor cord or plug is damaged.
b. If the AC adaptor has been exposed to rain or water.
c. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only

those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. An improper adjustment may result
in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to
its normal operation.

d. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
e. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance—this indicates a need for service.

16. Replacement Parts—When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician

has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the
original parts. Unauthorized substitutes may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

17. Safety Check—Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

18. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—Before attempting to install this product, be sure the antenna
or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built­up static charges.
a. Use No.10 AWG (5.3mm2) copper, No.8 AWG (8.4mm2) aluminum, No.17 AWG (1.0mm2)
copper-clad steel or bronze wire or larger, as ground wire.
b. Secure antenna lead-in and ground wires to house with stand-off insulators spaced from 4 feet
(1.22m) to 6 feet (1.83m) apart.

c. Mount antenna discharge unit as close as possible to where lead-in enters house.
d. A driven rod may be used as the grounding electrode where other types of electrode systems

do not exist. Refer to the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-1990 for information.
e. Use jumper wire not smaller than No.6 AWG 13.3mm2) copper or equivalent, when a separate
antenna grounding electrode is used.

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING

ANTENNA

LEAD IN

WIRE

GROUND CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING

(NEC ART 250, PART H)

ANTENNA

DISCHARGE UNIT

(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING

CONDUCTORS

(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

ELECTRODE SYSTEM

ii

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Table of Contents iii

Thank you for purchasing an SW2 Shortwave Receiver.
This receiver has been designed and manufactured to
high quality standards, and will provide reliable opera­tion for many years.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Safeguards

Table of Contents

Specifications / Accessories

Introduction

Front Panel Description

Front Panel Display Description /
Rear Panel Description

Installation

Unpacking
Location
Fixed Installation
Antenna Requirements
Operation From 12 VDC Vehicle Supply
Basic Antenna Connection
Random Length Wire Antenna Installation
Terms to Know

Please carefully read the Owner's Manual in order to
take advantage of the many interesting features that
will provide enjoyable listening to radio broadcasts
around the world.

i

iii

iv

1

2

3

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5

Getting Started

General Operating Information
Direct Frequency Entry
Tuning Buttons and Tuning Wheel
Shortwave Meter Band Designator Entry
AM Synchronous Operation
SSB Operation
Using the RF Gain Control

Memory Functions

Memory Channel Recalling
To Erase Memory Channels
Memory Channel Programming
Helpful Tips For Memory Channel
Operation

Troubleshooting

Service Information /
If You Need To Call For Help

Warranty

6
6
6
7
7
7
8
8

9
9
9
9

9

10

11

13

iv Specifications / Optional Accessories

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Frequency Range:

Sensitivity: AM

(10 dB S+N/N)

(1000 Hz, 30% Mod)

Sensitivity: SSB

(10 dB S+N/N)

Readout Accuracy:

Selectivity: AM

Selectivity: SSB

IF Frequency:

1st IF:

2nd IF:

Step Sizes:

Antenna Inputs:

100 - 30,000 kHz
Less than 2.0 µV, typical

100 - 30,000 kHz

Less than 0.5 µv,
100 - 30,000 kHz

To nearest 0.1 kHz

6 kHz @ -6 dB, less than 12 kHz @

-60 dB

2.3 kHz @ -6 dB, less than 5 kHz @

-60 dB

55.845 MHz
455 kHz

50 Hz with Tuning Wheel
5 kHz with / buttons

SO-239 connector, 50 Ohms
Screw terminal, 50 Ohms

Headphone Jack:

External Speaker:

Supplied AC
Adaptor Wall
Transformer:

DC Power

Requirements:

Operating

Temperature:

Weight:

Size:

1/8 inch stereo/mono type
(monaural reception only)

1/4" mono type

Input: 120 VAC ±10%,
60 Hz, 15 Watts
Output: 12 VAC at 1.67 A maximum

12 VDC nominal at 1.5 A

00 to +500 C

5.8 lbs. 2.6 Kg, (includes AC Adaptor)

Width: 10-7/8 (27.6 cm)
Height: 4-3/8" (11.1 cm)
(includes feet)
Depth: 7-5/8" (19.4 cm), (including
front knobs and rear panel connector)

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES:

1) Plastic Carrying Handle for the SW2

SW2 Shortwave Receiver

+ 60
+ 40
+ 20
S9

SYNC LSB

AM

RF GAIN

123

56

4

VOLUME

89

7

CLEAR

0

MEM

METER

USB

POWER

VFO

TUNING

kHz

MEM

AM

SYNC

SSB

4) MS8 External Speaker

MS8 Speaker

2) MMK-1 Mobile Mounting Kit:
A- Inverted Mounting (under a dash or
overhead surface, etc.)

B- Upright Mounting (for dash top or
floor, etc.)

3) Infrared Remote Control:

TUNING

VFO

MEM

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

CLEAR

0

SSB DIM

SW2

MUTE

5 kHz
MEM

POWER

50 Hz

AM SYNC

Introduction 1

SW2 Shortwave Receiver

RF GAIN

VOLUME

The SW2 is a microprocessor controlled, synthesized,
shortwave receiver with continuous coverage capability
from 100 kHz through 30000 kHz which includes the
AM broadcast, Amateur, CB and shortwave bands. The
SW2 offers good sensitivity, selectivity, dynamic range
and features that permit easy tuning of desired stations.
Conveniently located front panel controls allow for rapid
tuning to a particular frequency. The SW2 is easy to
use. The operating frequency can be tuned via a tuning

wheel, / tuning buttons, or by direct numeric
entry.

TUNING

kHz

MEM

METER

+ 60
+ 40
+ 20

S9

123

4

7

SYNC LSB

AM

56

89

CLEAR

0

VFO
MEM

AM

SYNC

SSB

USB

POWER

The RF Gain is adjustable via a front panel control. Dual
antenna input terminals on the rear panel provide
versatile and practical connection of either a coaxial 50
Ohm feedline or wire antenna connection to the
receiver. A front panel LED display shows the receive
frequency. Relative Signal strength is indicated by an
LED bar graph. Mode of operation and connection to a
source of AC (or DC) power are indicated by additional
LEDs. The receiver can be operated from the supplied
AC Adaptor which provides 12 VAC power, or from a
nominal 12 VDC power source.

Reception modes include Lower Sideband (LSB), Upper
Sideband (USB), AM in the Shortwave and AM broad­cast band. For the Shortwave and AM broadcast bands,
a selectable sideband synchronous detector (SYNC)
allows for enhanced reception by eliminating or reduc­ing distortion due to fading signals.

The receiver allows for 100 independent, programmable
memories. These memories do not require battery
backup and are thus unaffected by power interruptions.
All parameters associated with a particular memory
channel are stored including the frequency, mode, and
detector mode. A few popular channels have been
preprogrammed. Any memory channel can be pro­grammed as desired.

2 Front Panel Description

6 4

SW2 Shortwave Receiver

+ 60
+ 40
+ 20

MEM

S9

SYNC LSB

AM

USB

POWER

METER

RF GAIN

VOLUME

123

4

56

7

89

0

CLEAR

VFO
MEM

AM

SYNC

SSB

TUNING

kHz

5 3 2 1

AM

1) Tuning (VFO)*- The tuning wheel and the /
buttons are the primary tuning controls of the receiver.

Clockwise rotation of the dial increases frequency in 50 Hz
steps and counterclockwise rotation decreases frequency

in 50 Hz steps. The / buttons increment and
decrement the frequency in 5 kHz steps. Press and hold
the or and the rate of 5 kHz steps will increase.
*The VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator) represents the

normal tuning mode of the receiver.

2) Program Buttons

0

-

9

Numeric buttons - Permit direct entry of

receive frequency in kHz from 100 to 30000 kHz.

- Press to cancel an entered frequency and restore

CLEAR

the previously displayed frequency or to exit the memory
mode.

- Press to turn the receiver On or Off. The frequency

readout will be displayed when the receiver is turned on.

- AM SYNC - Press to select the AM mode of

SYNC

operation. The AM indicator lights. Successive depres­sions toggles the synchronous detector on (AM and SYNC
indicators lit) and off. For a detailed operation description,
see 'AM SYNCHRONOUS OPERATION' in the 'GETTING
STARTED' section of this manual.

SSB

- SSB - Press to select the SSB mode of operation

('AM SYNC' must be turned off). Successive depressions
select alternately the LSB or USB modes as displayed by
the corresponding indicator. For a detailed operation
description, see 'SSB OPERATION' in the 'GETTING STARTED'
section of this manual.

3) VOLUME - Turn this control clockwise to increase the
volume setting. Turn this control counterclockwise to
reduce the volume setting.

4) RF GAIN - This control adjusts the RF gain of the
receiver and is normally set for the fully clockwise position.
Turn the control counterclockwise, as required, to reduce
the receiver gain for reception of strong signals.

- Press to toggle the display brightness between

normal and dimmer settings.

VFO

- Press to enter Memory Recall mode ('MEM'

MEM

LED will light). Press and hold for approximately 2 seconds
to enter the Memory Store mode ('MEM' LED will flash).

5) SPEAKER - This is the opening for the internal speaker
of the receiver.

6) HEADPHONE JACK - This connector accepts a 1/8"
stereo/mono headphone connector. Reception is monau­ral only.

Front Panel Display Description / Rear Panel Description 3

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Front Panel Display Description Rear Panel Description

1 2 3

+ 60
+ 40
+ 20

S9

SYNC LSB

AM

USB

POWER

MEM

METER

7 6 5 4

1) Bar Graph - This bar graph display indicates the

relative received signal level in S-units and dB above S9.

2) 6 Digit Readout - This display indicates the operat­ing frequency of the receiver. The frequency is displayed
in 'kHz'.

MEM

3)

location from 00 to 99. MEM will light when the
receiver enters the memory mode. Refer to the
'MEMORY FUNCTIONS' section of this manual.

- This annunciator indicates current memory

1 2 3 4 5

A N T E N N A

GND

50

50

SERIAL #

E X T E R N A L

S P E A K E R

4 /8 
CAUTION: BRIDGE-
AMPLIFIER OUTPUT,

DO NOT GROUND

EITHER SPEAKER LEAD.

1) 50 Ohm SO-239 Connector - This antenna input is a
50 Ohm, S0-239 coaxial input requiring a mating PL-259
connector. This input would typically be used as the
primary antenna input. Antennas such as dipoles, trap
dipoles, verticals and beams will provide the best results
depending upon the desired receiving frequency.

2) 50 Ohm Antenna Wire Screw Terminal - This
antenna input is a 50 Ohm screw terminal type requiring
bare wire from an antenna to be compressed under the
screw heads. An antenna such as a random-length wire will
provide the best results.

P O W E R

I N P U T

+12 VDC
OR

12 VAC

1.5 A

MADE IN U. S. A.

BY ®

- - -

4)

- Lights in the VFO mode to indicate the

METER

Shortwave band designators that define a range of
frequencies for each band. Refer to the "Shortwave
'Meter' Band Designator Entry" section of this manual.

5) POWER - Indicates that the AC Adaptor is connected
and plugged into an AC wall outlet.

6) LSB / USB - LSB Indicates that the Lower sideband
mode of detection is on. USB indicates that the Upper
sideband mode of detection is on.

7) AM / SYNC - Indicates that the AM mode of
reception is on. If SYNC is also illuminated, then the
synchronous AM mode of detection is on. With SYNC
active, select USB or LSB for best reception.

3) GND (ground) Connection - This is the point from
which the receiver may be grounded in order to improve
reception when using, for example, a random length
antenna.

4) EXTERNAL SPEAKER - This connector accepts a
1/4" stereo/mono audio jack. Reception is monaural only.
Do not ground either speaker lead.

5) POWER INPUT - This is for the AC adaptor.

4 Installation

GND

A N T E N N A

P O W E R

I N P U T

+12 VDC
OR

12 VAC

1.5 A

- - -

MADE IN U. S. A.

BY ®

50

50

SERIAL #

E X T E R N A L

S P E A K E R

4 /8 
CAUTION: BRIDGE-
AMPLIFIER OUTPUT,

DO NOT GROUND

EITHER SPEAKER LEAD.

UNPACKING - Carefully remove the SW2 and
included AC Adaptor wall transformer from the
shipping carton and examine them for evidence of
damage. If any damage is noted, immediately contact
the transportation company responsible for delivery or
return the unit to the dealer from whom it was
purchased. Keep the shipping carton and all packing
material for the transportation company to inspect.
The original carton and packing material should be
retained for repackaging should it be necessary to
return the receiver. Inspect the packing material for
any accessories or printed material before storing the
box.

LOCATION - Location is not critical. For fixed
locations, the SW2 should be operated from the AC
Adaptor. Keep curtains and other flammable material
away from direct contact with the AC Adaptor to avoid
overheating the transformer which could result in
failure or fire.

FIXED INSTALLATION - After unpacking the unit,
connect the antenna system to the appropriate antenna
input. Connect system ground to the screw terminal
marked GND. Plug the output cable of the AC
Adaptor into the POWER INPUT connector on the
rear panel of the receiver. Plug the AC Adaptor into a
source of 120 VAC, 60 Hz power. Refer to Figure 2
for the diagram of a typical fixed installation.

ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS - Basic type

Connect a single wire lead-in to the 50 Ohm screw
terminal on the rear panel of the receiver. This lead­in wire and antenna can simply be one end of the
supplied 30 feet piece of wire. The wire can be
distributed along an attic, out the window, or across
the room, for example. The end that connects to the
50 Ohm screw terminal must have its insulation
stripped back so that a good electrical connection is
made between the wire and the screw terminal.

Alternatively, a 50 Ohm coaxial cable feedline from a
dipole, vertical or beam type antenna should be
connected to the rear panel 50 Ohm SO-239 coaxial
type antenna connector. A mating PL-259 connector
on the receiver end of the coaxial cable is required, in
this case.

OPERATION FROM 12 VDC VEHICLE SUPPLY -

Observe proper polarity connection between the
vehicle lighter or accessory socket and the coaxial DC
power plug (5.5 mm O.D., 2.1 mm I.D.) which is
intended for connection to the SW2 power socket.
The exposed outside metal shell of the 5.5 mm power
plug is the "-" (Negative) connection to the SW2 rear
panel connector socket. The inside metal contact
surface is the "+" (Positive) connection to the SW2
rear panel connector socket.

4 /8 

P O W E R

I N P U T

E X T E R N A L

S P E A K E R

SW2 Rear Panel

CAUTION: BRIDGE-

AMPLIFIER OUTPUT,

DO NOT GROUND

EITHER SPEAKER LEAD.

Coaxial DC Power Plug (-) Outside Metal 5.5mm O.D.

Standard 12 VDC Power Plug (fused)

Vehicle
12 VDC
accessory

(or approved accessory connector)

---

---------- ---------

--

--

connection

Fuse 5 A (SFE TYPE)

(+) Inside Metal 2.1mm I.D.

FIGURE 1 - PROPER WIRING POLARITY AND

FUSING DIAGRAM

WARNING: Stay away from power lines when
you install this, or any, antenna. Make certain
that the antenna cannot come in contact with
power lines.

LOW IMPEDANCE

ANTENNA

Run a wire the length of the
attic. DO NOT PLACE WIRE
NEAR POWER LINES.

- OR -

Disconnect antenna from
receiver if there is a long time
period between uses.

SUPPLIED WIRE

PL-259

CONNECTOR

ANTENNA (30 FT)

+12 VDC
OR

12 VAC

1.5 A

- - -

NOTE: Disconnect the AC Adaptor and antenna wire
from the receiver if the unit will not be used for an
extended period of time or if a storm containing
damaging lightning is likely.

THIS END MUST HAVE
INSULATION REMOVED

FIGURE 2 - BASIC ANTENNA CONNECTIONS

Installation, continued 5

RANDOM LENGTH WIRE
ANTENNA INSTALLATION

For general broadcast and shortwave listening, an
outside random-length wire antenna can be used.
Figure 3 shows a typical random-length wire antenna
installation. The length of the wire may be from 30 to
100 feet. Attach and solder the lead-in to one end of
the antenna. Connect the other end of the lead-in wire
to the 50Ω screw terminal on the rear panel of your
receiver.

Generally, the higher the antenna is off the ground, the
better the reception. You may use a tree or a pole as
one support and your house as the other support. Use
insulators at each end of the antenna to separate the
antenna wire from the support wire. It is recom­mended to install a lightning arrestor on the lead-in
wiring, especially if the antenna is outdoors and of
lengths exceeding approximately 30 feet.

* A Note About Grounding:

A ground wire is not necessary for proper reception
with this receiver when using the supplied 30 feet
piece of wire or when using resonant length type
antennas (dipole, vertical, or beam antennas). A
ground wire may improve reception, however, in some
cases, when using random length antennas.

TERMS TO KNOW

Antenna - A length of bare antenna wire.

Lead-in - A length of insulated wire. The length

depends upon the height of your antenna and the
location of your receiver.

Ground Wire - If used, connect a heavy wire from the
GND screw terminal on the rear panel of your
receiver to a cold water pipe or to a 6- to 8-feet long
piece of ground rod driven into the earth. The length
of your ground wire depends upon the distance
between your receiver and the grounding surface. (See
"A Note About Grounding" on this page.)

Insulators - A ceramic or glass type, approximately
2-1/2 inches long.

Ground rod - A 6-feet to 8-feet length, 3/8-inch diam­eter conductive rod. NOTE: A ground rod is not
needed if you use an alternate ground, such as the cold
water pipe in your house.

Clamp - A device used to connect a ground wire to a
ground rod.

Lightning arrester - A device used to discharge lightning
to the ground, protecting electronic equipment.

INSULATOR

ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT

(to protect from lightning)

50' TO 100'

ANTENNA

GROUND

ROD

FIGURE 3 - RANDOM LENGTH WIRE ANTENNA

SOLDER

LEAD-IN TO

ANTENNA

INSULATOR

For additional information on antennas, contact your
local library.

A N T E N N A

GND

50

SERIAL #

50

* GROUND

(if used)

See "A Note About
Grounding" on this page.

6 Getting Started

SW2 Shortwave Receiver

RF GAIN

VOLUME

+ 60
+ 40
+ 20

S9

123

4

7

SYNC LSB

AM

56

89

CLEAR

0

VFO
MEM

SYNC

SSB

USB

POWER

AM

TUNING

kHz

MEM

METER

RF GAIN VOLUME NUMERIC KEYPAD POWER TUNING BUTTONS TUNING WHEEL

FIGURE 4

GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION

This receiver is easy to use. Please take a few moments
to read through this section and familiarize yourself with
general operating information.

European radio equipment and stations often refer to
the wavelength of a station or band (in meters), rather
than frequency (in MHz or kHz). To convert MHz to
meters, use this formula:
METERS = 300/Frequency (MHz)

GETTING STARTED

1. Connect the AC Adaptor to the receiver and plug the
AC Adaptor into a source of nominal 120 VAC, 60 Hz

Example: What is the wavelength of 6120 kHz
(6.120 MHz)?
300/6.120 MHz = 49 Meters

power. POWER LED SHOULD LIGHT UP.

2. Make certain that an antenna connection is made
to the appropriate rear panel ANTENNA connec­tor or screw terminal.

3. Please refer to Figure 4. Press the button to

turn on the SW2. The display will show the receive
frequency. Set the RF GAIN control fully clockwise. Set
the VOLUME control for a comfortable volume level.

4. Please refer to Figure 4. Tune to the desired fre­quency by using one of several methods covered below.

DIRECT FREQUENCY ENTRY

Enter the desired frequency by pressing the numeric
buttons. Frequency is entered in kilohertz (kHz).
Entries from 100 kHz to 30000 kHz are valid.

NOTE: The receiver will prompt with 'Error' if an
invalid frequency is attempted.

Direct entry of a desired frequency is possible using the
keys 0-9 and the or buttons. If an incorrect

This communications receiver is calibrated in Kilohertz
(kHz) and, accepts frequency entries only in kHz. It will
help to become familiar with these terms:

frequency has been entered, press the clear button to
erase the entry and return the receiver to its previous
settings.

Kilohertz: Kilo means thousand. A Kilohertz is 1000
Hertz or 1000 cycles-per-second and is abbreviated
kHz.
Megahertz: Mega means million. A Megahertz is
1,000,000 Hertz or 1,000,000 cycles-per-second and is
abbreviated MHz.

Thus the relationship of these two frequency quantities
is: 1 MHz = 1,000 kHz
Examples: 5.875 MHz = 5875 kHz

29.660 MHz = 29660 kHz
Meter: The term meter, as applied to shortwave listening,
refers to the wavelength of a radio frequency. In many
parts of the world, frequencies are listed in meters, for
example, international shortwave stations in the 19 Meter
band.

Enter a frequency as follows:

1) Entry is in kHz (kilohertz). A maximum of 5 digits
may be entered.

Example 1: 700 kHz *
Press

,

,

7

0

, then or .

0

* The depression of the or buttons acts as an
enter button and causes immediate response to the
entered frequency. If the or buttons are not
pressed at the end, the receiver will automatically

enter the desired frequency after a slight delay.

Getting Started, continued 7

AM

SYNC

Example 2: 29660 kHz **
Press

,

,

,

2

9

6

,

0

6

** When the maximum of 5 digits are entered, the
receiver will automatically enter the frequency as soon
as the last digit is pressed.

TUNING BUTTONS and TUNING WHEEL

Tuning to a desired frequency can also be accom­plished by pressing the / Tuning buttons and/or
turning the Tuning wheel. The frequency will change in
5 kHz increments with the / Tuning buttons,
and will change in 50 Hz increments when turning the

Tuning wheel.
Pressing and holding the / buttons will cause the
tuning rate to increase after a short period of time.

SHORTWAVE METER BAND DESIGNATOR
ENTRY

To facilitate tuning to particular sections of the short­wave band that contain many worldwide broadcasts of
news, information and music, the SW2 displays the
METER band if the receiver is tuned to a frequency
that is contained by designated shortwave bands. If the
receiver enters one of the 'METER BANDS', the
number of that band will be displayed on the right side
of the display, above the 'METER' LED. In some cases,
the worldwide broadcast station may not announce its
exact operating frequency, but will announce the
METER band in which it is operating or to which band
it will move to improve worldwide reception at a
particular time of day. The Shortwave Band Designa­tors and corresponding frequency ranges are as
follows:

Shortwave Band Designators
120 METER: 2300 - 2500 kHz
90 METER: 3200 - 3400 kHz

('120' is not
displayed)

75 METER: 3900 - 4000 kHz
60 METER: 4750 - 5060 kHz
49 METER: 5800 - 6200 kHz
41 METER: 7100 - 7600 kHz
31 METER: 9500 - 9900 kHz
25 METER: 11600 - 12100 kHz
22 METER: 13570 - 13870 kHz
19 METER: 15100 - 15800 kHz
16 METER: 17480 - 17900 kHz
13 METER: 21450 - 21850 kHz
11 METER: 25600 - 26100 kHz

Other bands used by Amateur radio operators (HAMS)
are displayed when in SSB mode of operation. The
Amateur Band Designators and corresponding fre­quency ranges are as follows.

Amateur Band Designators
80 METER: 3500 - 4000 kHz
40 METER: 7000 - 7300 kHz
30 METER: 10,100 - 10,150 kHz
20 METER: 14,000 - 14,350 kHz
17 METER: 18,068 - 18,168 kHz
15 METER: 21,000 - 21,450 kHz
12 METER: 24,890 - 24,990 kHz
10 METER: 28,000 - 29,700 kHz

AM SYNCHRONOUS OPERATION

For general tuning and listening, normal AM is best. If,
however, the received signal sounds distorted, or
interference from adjacent stations is present, AM
synchronous should be engaged. The synchronous
detector in your receiver can greatly reduce the severe
audio distortion that can occur due to selective signal
fading. The synchronous detector also permits
selectable tuning to either the upper or lower sideband
portion of an AM signal. Since most all AM (LW, MW
and SW) broadcasting generally uses double-sideband
transmission, synchronous detection of either of the
two sidebands results in full reception of the transmit­ted information. The selectable sideband tuning and
synchronous detection not only aids reception by
permitting tuning to the stronger or less distorted
sideband, but also permits rejection of the sideband
nearer to the interfering signal(s). For Example:

Select LSB to

CARRIER

receive this

side only

LSB USB

interference from

adjacent station

The synchronous detector will lock to the strongest
signal that is within the IF passband when it is activated.
Most of the time, the strongest signal will be the carrier
of the desired signal. First, be sure the main tuning is
set to within 1 kHz of the desired stations transmitting

frequency. Press the

AM

button to activate synchro-

SYNC

nous operation. If adjacent channel interference or
any other undesired signal is sufficiently strong, the
synchronous detector may lock to it instead. In that

case, press the

button to turn the synchronous

detector off and repeat the tuning process.

8 Getting Started, continued

AM SYNCHRONOUS OPERATION, continued

If interference is present, press the
select the sideband with the least interference. When

AM/SYNC has been activated, moving the main tuning
knob will cause the SYNC circuit to momentarily
disengage (indicated by SYNC flashing), then back on
again when tuning has stopped. AM SYNC will not
operate properly on intermittent transmissions such as
those encountered on CB radio bands, for example.
For those types of transmissions, use the AM mode.

Press the

AM

button to turn the synchronous

SYNC

detector off (return to the AM mode) before
selecting LSB or USB modes.

SSB OPERATION

Activate SSB mode by pressing the
SYNC must be turned off.

Tuning in a single sideband (SSB) signal can be some­what frustrating for the first time listener. In either of
the SSB modes, LSB (lower sideband), or USB (upper
sideband), the receiver will select the 2.3 kHz band­width automatically. Generally, LSB is used below
10 MHz and USB is used above 10 MHz. When initially
tuning in the desired station, tune slowly. If the station
is unintelligable, try the other sideband, again tuning
slowly. A station tuned in on the wrong sideband is
totally unreadable but a station mistuned on the
correct sideband may sound like Donald Duck.
Further tuning will result in a more normal voice pitch.

SSB

button to

SSB

button. AM

USING THE RF GAIN CONTROL

Maximum receiver sensitivity is obtained with the RF
GAIN control set fully clockwise. Rotating the control
counterclockwise reduces the receiver gain, thereby
allowing reception of only relatively strong signals. For
most normal operation, the control is set fully clock­wise. If signal distortion is noticed, which is possible
when tuning in very strong (local) stations, rotate the
control counterclockwise until the distortion just
disappears and the desired station is still heard. The
RF GAIN control can also be rotated counterclockwise
to reduce background noise when no signal is present
(during tuning, for example), but only relatively strong
signals will be heard with a reduced RF GAIN control
setting.

Memory Functions 9

This receiver contains 100 memories (00-99) that can
be used to store and recall commonly monitored
frequencies. The following operating parameters are
also stored with any memory channel:

1) Frequency 2) Mode 3) Synchronous Detector

NOTE: Some of the 100 memory channels are factory
programmed to help the user get started.

MEMORY CHANNEL RECALLING

To recall any of the 100 memory channels of the SW2,

VFO

simply press the

button, the MEM LED will

MEM

light and the receiver will tune to the last used memory
channel or default to channel 00. A channel number
can be accessed directly, by entering the desired two
digit channel number. A channel number can also be
accessed by scrolling through the channels with either

the tuning wheel and or the / buttons. While
scrolling though the channels the receiver continues to

tune to that frequency and the mode settings for that
channel.

NOTE: While scrolling through memory channels , if a
channel is empty, it will be skipped numerically.

If it is desired to return the receiver to the frequency

VFO

tuned in the VFO mode, simply press the

MEM

button and the receiver returns to VFO mode and
MEMORY RECALL mode is exited. However, if it is
desired to load that memory channel into the VFO,

VFO

press and hold the

button. The channel will be

MEM

loaded and MEMORY RECALL mode will be exited. At
this point, the receiver can once again be tuned. The

VFO

button or the

MEM

button can be used to exit

CLEAR

MEMORY RECALL mode if that mode is entered
accidentally or it is desired to exit MEMORY RECALL.

The

button is also used to erase mistakes made

CLEAR

during direct entry of a memory channel.

To Erase Memory Channels - While in MEMORY
RECALL mode, simply pick a memory channel to erase.

Press and hold the

button until the channel is

CLEAR

removed from the display. The receiver will change to
the next ascending available memory channel.

MEMORY CHANNEL PROGRAMMING

First, be certain that the receiver is in VFO mode (MEM
is not lit). Then tune the receiver to the frequency to
be stored as a memory channel. Press and hold the

VFO

button for at least two seconds or until MEM

MEM

lights and the memory channel showing -- is flashing.
The receiver is now in the MEMORY STORE mode. If it
is known into which memory channel number the
desired frequency is to be stored, simply enter the two
digit location. Upon entry of the second digit, the SW2
will flash what is currently stored in that memory
channel (if it is not desired to store the channel at this

time, press the

button and the SW2 will return to

CLEAR

the original MEMORY STORE mode display). To store

VFO

the chosen channel, press the

button and the

MEM

SW2 will scroll the desired frequency into the display
and store the frequency and all of the current mode
settings.

If unsure of where to store a frequency, (while in
MEMORY STORE mode), simply scroll through all of
the memory channels and their current contents by

using the tuning wheel and or the / buttons. All
information will flash in the display while scrolling.

NOTE: Empty memory channels are displayed as blanks
in the frequency display section with only the memory
channel number flashing. Once a suitable channel

VFO

location is found, simply press the

MEM

button and

the frequency is scrolled into the display and all
information is stored. NOTE: While scrolling through all
the memory channels and looking for a suitable location,
the SW2 is NOT tuning to the stored contents of the
memory channels, and the audio of the desired fre-

quency remains unchanged. The

button is used to

CLEAR

exit MEMORY STORE mode if it is accidentally entered
or upon exiting the mode. The

button is also used

CLEAR

to erase errors made during direct entry of a memory
channel.

HELPFUL TIPS FOR MEMORY CHANNEL
OPERATION

The following helpful tips for memory channel operation
may be useful to the novice shortwave listener.

1) Put all of the favorite stations in the first 20 memory
channels (00-19).

2) Place all AM broadcast stations together in a desig­nated section of memory channels, while placing
shortwave stations in another section.

3) Place shortwave or amateur frequencies into a
location that corresponds with their meter designator.
For example, shortwave stations found in the 75 meter
band (3900-4000kHz) could be placed into memory
locations 70-79.

4) Place all meter band designator locations with leading
frequencies in memory channels corresponding to their
meter band designators. For example, use memory
channel 19 to store 15100 kHz. This will allow quick
access to the beginning of the 19 meter band.

10 Troubleshooting

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TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM

No front panel display

Stations sound is distorted

PROBABLE CAUSE

A) No power applied either by AC
Adaptor or DC source.

B) Defective AC Adaptor or blown
fuse in DC power cable (if DC is
the intended source).
C) Receiver in the power OFF mode.

A) Receiver is not tuned onto the
station properly.
B) RF GAIN control set fully clock­wise and receiving a very powerful,
nearby radio station.

SOLUTION

A) Check that AC Adaptor cable or
DC cable is properly connected to
the rear panel POWER INPUT
connector. Check that the AC
Adaptor is plugged into a source of
nominal 120 VAC power source.
B) Check the AC Adaptor and
replace if defective. Check DC
power source, fuse and cable.

C) Press the button for a
frequency display.

A) Slowly turn the tuning wheel to
clarify the sound.
B) Rotate the RF GAIN control
counterclockwise until the distortion
just disappears or is reduced. Adjust
to full gain when retuning to a
weaker station.

Weak stations are hard to receive

A) RF GAIN control not set fully
clockwise.
B) Ineffective length and placement of
antenna.

A) Adjust RF GAIN control clockwise
until weaker stations are received
B) Make sure the antenna is properly
connected and of effective length.
Check for proper placement (height
above ground, etc.).

Service Information / If You Need To Call For Help 11

SERVICE INFORMATION

You may contact R. L. DRAKE Service Department for
additional information or assistance by calling
[phone], Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. ­5:00 P.M. EST, except on holidays.

You may also contact the R. L. DRAKE Service Depart­ment by E-mail at the following address:
[e-mail]
or by Telefax:
[phone].

I

F YOU NEED TO CALL FOR HELP

Call our Customer Service/Technical Support line at
[phone] between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST,
weekdays. Please have the units serial number
available. We will also need to know the specifics of
any other equipment connected to the unit.
When calling, please have the unit up and running, near
the phone if possible. Our technician(s) will likely ask
certain questions to aid in diagnosis of the problem.
Also, have a voltmeter handy, if possible.

R. L. DRAKE also provides technical assistance by
e-mail: [e-mail]
or by Telefax: [phone].

Many of the products that are sent to us for repair are
in perfect working order when we receive them. For
these units, there is a standard checkout fee that you
will be charged. Please perform whatever steps are
applicable from the installation sections of the Owner's
Manual before calling or writingthis could save
unnecessary phone charges. Please do not return the
unit without contacting R. L. Drake first: it is preferred
to help troubleshoot the problem over the phone (or
by mail) first, saving you both time and money.

Inside the carton, enclose a note with your name,
address, daytime phone number, and a description of
the units problem.
The unit must be sent to the following address:
R. L. Drake Company
230 Industrial Drive
Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.

Be sure to include your street address which will be
needed for UPS return. UPS Surface (Brown Label)
takes 7-10 days to reach us depending on your loca­tion, Blue takes 2-3 days. Red is an overnight service

Should you want to return your unit for service,
package the receiver carefully using the original carton
or other suitable container.

Write your return address clearly on the shipping
carton and on an enclosed cover letter describing the
service required, symptoms or problems. Also include
your daytime telephone number and a copy of your
proof of purchase.

The receiver will be serviced under the terms of the
R. L. Drake Company Limited Warranty and returned
to you.

and is expensive. Send the unit in a way that it can be
traced if we cant verify receipt of shipment. We
suggest UPS or insured postal shipment.

If the unit is still under the original owners warranty,
R. L. DRAKE will pay the cost of the return shipment
to you. Our return shipping policy is that we will return
it UPS Brown if received Brown or by US Mail, it will
be returned Blue if received Blue or Redor it will be
returned however you prefer if you furnish the return
cost for the method you select.
If the unit is out of warranty, it will be returned by UPS
Brown label COD unless:

1) It was received UPS Blue/Red, in which case it will
be returned UPS Blue/Red COD;

2) You designate billing to American Express, VISA,
MasterCard or Discover card;

3) You prepay the service charges with a personal
check, or

4) You specify some other method of return.

When calling, the technician can estimate the repair
charges for you over the phone. This is another good
reason to call before sending a unit in for repair.
Typically, equipment is repaired in five to ten working
days after it arrives at R. L. DRAKE if we have all the
facts. If we must call you, it may take longer. R. L.
DRAKE is not responsible for damage caused by
lightning, nonprofessional alterations, acts of God,
shipping damage, poor storage/handling, etc. R. L.
Drake will make note of any shipping damage upon
receipt.
Should your warranty card not be on file at R. L.
DRAKE, you will need to send proof of purchase to
receive warranty service. Typically, a copy of the
invoice from an R. L. DRAKE dealer will suffice. The
warranty is for the original owner only and is not
transferable.

12

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Warranty 13

One Year Limited Warranty

R.L.DRAKE COMPANY warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from defects in material or
workmanship for one (1) year from the date of original purchase.

During the warranty period the R.L.DRAKE COMPANY or an authorized Drake service facility will provide, free
of charge, both parts and labor necessary to correct defects in material and workmanship. At its option, R. L. Drake
Company may replace a defective unit.

To obtain such warranty service, the original purchaser must:

(1) Complete and send in the Warranty Registration Card within 10 days of purchase.
(2) Notify the R.L.DRAKE COMPANY or the nearest authorized service facility, as soon as possible after discovery

of a possible defect, of:
(a) the model and serial number,
(b) the identity of the seller and the approximate date of purchase; and
(c) A detailed description of the problem, including details on the electrical connection to associated equipment
and the list of such equipment.

(3) Deliver the product to the R.L.DRAKE COMPANY or the nearest authorized service facility, or ship the same
in its original container or equivalent, fully insured and shipping charges prepaid.

Correct maintenance, repair, and use are important to obtain proper performance from this product. Therefore
carefully read the Instruction Manual. This warranty does not apply to any defect that R.L.DRAKE COMPANY
determines is due to:

(1) Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation of parts or accessories that do not conform to the
quality and specifications of the original parts.

(2) Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.
(3) Accidental or intentional damage.

All implied warranties, if any, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, terminate
one (1) year from the date of the original purchase.

The foregoing constitutes R.L.DRAKE COMPANY’S entire obligation with respect to this product, and the original
purchaser shall have no other remedy and no claim for incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or do not allow the exclusions or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty shall be construed under the laws of Ohio.

For service information contact:

R.L. DRAKE COMPANY
230 Industrial Drive
Franklin, Ohio 45005

Customer Service Center Phone: [phone] TELEFAX: [phone]

®

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R.L. DRAKE COMPANY

230 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE

FRANKLIN, OHIO 45005 U. S .A.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PARTS TELEPHONE:

[phone]

TELEFAX:

[phone]

WORLD WIDE WEB SITE: http://www.rldrake.com