Eton FR200G, FR200 User Manual

www.etoncorp.com

FR200

FR200G

OPERATION MANUAL

AM/FM/SHORTWAVE RADIO

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FR200/FR200G OPERATION MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 4

1

FEATURES............................................................................................5

2

CONTROL LOCATIONS......................................................................... 6

3

CONNECTING POWER SOURCES..........................................................8

4

EXTERNAL POWER/RECHARGEABLE BATTERY...................................... 8

5

AA BATTERY OPERATION.....................................................................9

6

DYNAMO POWER................................................................................9

7

EMERGENCY OPERATION..................................................................10

8

OPERATION GUIDE............................................................................ 10

9

•

HOW TO TURN ON AND OFF............................................................10

•

HOW TO ADJUST THE VOLUME........................................................10

•

HOW TO TUNE-IN STATIONS............................................................10

•

HOW TO OPTIMIZE SHORTWAVE RECEPTION...................................11

•

HOW TO USE THE EMERGENCY LIGHT.............................................11

•

HOW TO USE THE EARPHONE JACK.................................................11

PRECAUTIONS................................................................................... 11

10

SERVICE INFORMATION.....................................................................12

11

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.........................................................12

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FR200/FR200G OPERATION MANUAL

1 INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the FR200/FR200G AM/FM/Shortwave
Radio – a perfect emergency radio and a great radio for daily use.
Its unique design allows it to be powered from a variety of sources:

1) From the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH rechargeable battery that
takes charge from the dynamo crank and from an AC adaptor (AC
adaptor only included with FR200G Model); 2) From 3 AA batteries;

3) From the AC adaptor alone (AC adaptor only included with
FR200G Model); 4) From the dynamo crank alone, even with no
battery pack installed.

Please carefully read this OPERATION MANUAL to take advantage
of the many features and excellent reception of local AM and FM
stations as well as international shortwave broadcasts from around
the world.

2 FEATURES

The FR200/FR200G AM/FM/Shortwave Radio is fully portable and
with many functions and features:

• Receives AM, FM, and international shortwave broadcasts

• Receives continuous shortwave frequency coverage from 3.2-22
megahertz, which includes the 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 31, 41, 49, 60,
75 and 90 meter bands

• Incorporates fine-tuning control knob superimposed on the main
tuning control knob

• Operates on power from four different sources: 1) From the built-in
rechargeable Ni-MH rechargeable battery that takes charge from
the dynamo crank and from an AC adaptor (AC adaptor only
included with FR200G Model); 2) From 3 AA batteries; 3) From
the AC adaptor alone (AC adaptor only included with FR200G
Model); 4) From the dynamo crank alone, even with no battery
pack installed

• Includes built-in emergency flashlight

• Plays quality audio from the 2 1/2 inch speaker

• Incorporates all built-in antennas: telescopic antenna for FM
and shortwave, and internal ferrite bar antenna for AM

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FR200/FR200G OPERATION MANUAL

3 CONTROL LOCATIONS

DYNAMO-CRANK

1.
COIN OPENING GAP (FOR CHANGING LIGHT BULB)

2.
CHARGING INDICATOR

3.
CARRYING HANDLE

4.
EMERGENCY LIGHT

5.
TUNING KNOB

6.
FINE TUNING KNOB

7.
POWER SELECTOR

8.
LIGHT ON/OFF SWITCH

9.
VOLUME

10.
BAND SELECTOR

11.

4.

3.

2.

1.

5.

3 DESCRIPTIONS AND FUNCTIONS OF BACK

12. ANTENNA

13. EARPHONE JACK

14. DC JACK

15. RECHARGEABLE BATTERY (INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT,
NOT SHOWN)

16. BATTERY COMPARTMENT

12.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

13.

6

14.

15.

16.

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FR200/FR200G OPERATION MANUAL

4 CONNECTING POWER SOURCES

The rechargeable Ni-MH (nickel-metal-hydride) battery pack is
installed and fully charged at the factory. To use this radio with AC
power, an AC Adaptor is needed. When purchasing an AC Adaptor,
it must meet the following specifications:

Output of 4.5 volt DC; negative polarity; 80-100 milliamperes
current capability; plug tip outer diameter of 3.4 millimeter, inner
diameter of 1.3 millimeter.

For the FR200G Model, a proper AC Adaptor is included.

An AC Adaptor of 80-100 milliamperes, as noted above, should
charge the radio in approximately 8 hours, after which the adaptor
can be left plugged in if desired and the battery will not overcharge.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If using an AC adaptor rated higher than

80-100 milliamps, or one other than that included with the FR200G,
do not allow it to charge for more than two hours and unplug the
AC adaptor after charging. If using such an AC adaptor to continu­ously power the radio, unplug the internal rechargeable battery.

5 EXTERNAL POWER/RECHARGEABLE BATTERY

Plugging an AC adaptor (AC adaptor only included with FR200G
Model) into the DC 4.5 V socket on the back of the radio will
provide power for operation and will charge the Ni-MH battery pack.
To play the radio, set the POWER SELECTOR switch to the DYNAMO
ADAPTOR position. The Ni-MH battery pack will charge with the
POWER SELECTOR switch set in any of its positions.

6 AA BATTERY OPERATION

This radio is designed to operate on three AA batteries (not included).
Alkaline batteries should be used for longest playtime. Install the
batteries by removing the battery compartment cover and following
the battery polarity diagrams imprinted on the underside of the cover.
Remove the cover by simultaneously pressing on the indentation
labeled OPEN and pulling it down toward the bottom of the radio.
Turn the radio on by setting the POWER SELECTOR switch to the
BATTERY position.

NOTE: if an AC adaptor is in use, the AA batteries are switched

off automatically.

7 DYNAMO POWER

The Ni-MH battery pack can also be charged by turning the dynamo
crank following the instructions below:

1. Switch the power selector to the POWER OFF position.

2. Turn the dynamo-crank vigorously either clockwise or counter-

clockwise.The red charging LED will be lighted during charging.

NOTE: It can be charged while the radio is playing, however it does
not charge as efficiently, thus reducing playtime.

With hand-crank dynamo charging, radio operation time depends
on the number of turns and time per turn. On the average, 60-90
seconds of vigorous cranking results in about 40-60 minutes of radio
play at low volume, without light use. If the light is on while playing
the radio, the radio playtime will be dramatically reduced. The light
will always result in the Ni-MH battery discharging at a faster rate.

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FR200/FR200G OPERATION MANUAL

8 EMERGENCY OPERATION

Even if no power source is available, including the Ni-MH battery
pack, the radio and the light can still be operated by continually
turning the dynamo crank. Set the POWER SELECTOR switch to
the DYNAMO ADAPTOR position.

9 OPERATION GUIDE

HOW TO TURN ON AND OFF

Turn it on by selecting a power source of your choice as described
above and then by setting the POWER SELECTOR switch to the
DYNAMO ADAPTOR or BATTERY position.

Turn it off by setting the POWER SELECTOR switch to the POWER OFF
position.

HOW TO ADJUST THE VOLUME

Turn the VOLUME control knob until the desired volume level is heard.

HOW TO TUNE-IN STATIONS

Set the band selector rotary switch to the FM, AM, SW1, or SW2
position. Tune stations in with the TUNING knob, using the superim­posed FINE TUNING control as desired. For best FM and shortwave
reception, fully extend the telescopic antenna. FM reception can
often be improved by rotating the telescopic antenna. For AM
reception, the telescopic antenna need not be extended, as the AM
antenna is an internal, directional, ferrite bar antenna. For best AM
reception, rotate the radio until the best signal strength is achieved.
See the next section for how to optimize shortwave reception.

OPERATION GUIDE continued

HOW TO OPTIMIZE SHORTWAVE RECEPTION

Being aware of the following information will help you get the best
results listening to shortwave.

• Shortwave reception is best around sunrise, sunset, and at night

• Night shortwave is usually superior to day shortwave reception

• During the day, frequencies above 13 MHz are usually best

• At night, frequencies below 13 MHz are usually best

• Around sunset and sunrise, the entire shortwave range may be good

• Getting very close to a window improves shortwave reception

• Holding the radio improves shortwave reception

HOW TO USE THE EMERGENCY LIGHT

Set the FLASHLIGHT to the ON position.

HOW TO USE THE EARPHONE JACK

Plug in a set of earphones (Earphones only included with FR200G
Model) of your choice that have a 1/8 inch mono or stereo plug.
When using earphones the built-in speaker will be switched off
automatically. Note that stereo earphones will work and sound will
be heard from both sides, although FM is not received in stereo.

10 PRECAUTIONS

1. Do not drop and keep away from fire.

2. Do not use abrasive powders to clean the cabinet.Wipe it with

a soft cloth moistened with a mild soap and water solution.

3. Do not leave the unit in a location near heat sources, or in a place

subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical shock.

4. Do not use old and new batteries together or different brands and

types together.

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FR200/FR200G OPERATION MANUAL

PRECAUTIONS continued

5. Always remove the batteries from the radio when it is not going to
be used for a long time.This will prevent the batteries from leaking
inside the battery compartment.

11 SERVICE INFORMATION

You may contact the Etón Service Department for additional
information or assistance by calling toll-free Monday through Friday,
8:30am - 4:00pm Pacific Standard Time:

1-800-872-2228 (United States)
1-800-673-1648 (Canada)

Call for a Return Authorization prior to shipping your unit. Should
you want to return your unit for service, pack 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 Etón Limited Warranty and returned to you.

12 ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Etón warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from
defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of
original purchase.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY continued

During the warranty period Etón or an authorized Etón service facility
will provide, free of charge, both parts and labor necessary to correct
defects in material and workmanship.At their option, Etón may
replace a defective unit.

(1) Complete and send in the Warranty Registration Card within

ten (10) days of purchase.

(2) Call Etón or the nearest authorized service facility, as soon

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

(3) Etón will issue a Return Authorization number and the address

to which the unit can be shipped. Ship the unit 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 Etón
determines is due to:

(1) Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation of parts

or accessories that do not conform to the quality and specification

of the original parts.
(2) Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.
(3) Accidental or intentional damage.
(4) Battery leakage.

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ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY continued

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 Etón 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 give you specific legal rights and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.

FOR SERVICE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Etón Corporation

1015 Corporation Way
Palo Alto, CA 94303
U.S.A.

FR200/FR200G OPERATION MANUAL

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