Roberts RD-31 Instruction Manual

RD-31

FM RDS/DAB digital radio

ROBERTS

Sound for Generations

Please read this manual before use

Contents

Controls ...............................................................................2

Battery operation .................................................................3

Mains operation ...................................................................3

Operating your radio - DAB .................................................4

Selecting a station - DAB ....................................................5

Secondary services - DAB ..................................................6

Display modes - DAB ...................................................... 7-8

Finding new stations - DAB ................................................9

Signal strength display - DAB ..............................................9

Manual tuning - DAB .........................................................10

Using your radio's PausePlus feature - DAB .....................11

Dynamic range control (DRC) settings - DAB ...................12

Station order setup - DAB ........................................... 13-14

Operating your radio - FM .................................................15

Manual tuning - FM ...........................................................16

Display modes - FM...........................................................17

FM stereo/mono ................................................................17

Presetting stations - DAB and FM .....................................18

Recalling a preset station - DAB and FM .........................19

System reset .....................................................................20

Headphone socket ............................................................21

Line out socket ..................................................................21

Display backlight ...............................................................21

Software version ................................................................22

General ..............................................................................22

Specifications ....................................................................23

Circuit features ..................................................................23

Mains Supply .....................................................................24

Notes .................................................................................25

Guarantee .........................................................................26

1

Controls

(Top)

1

3 4 6 9 11 12 13

2

5 7 14

8 10

18

17 16

1. Telescopic aerial (on rear)

2. On/Off button

3. Mains LED indicator

4. Treble control

5. Liquid crystal display (LCD)

6. PausePlus button

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

7. Auto Tune button

8. Headphone socket

9. FM/DAB button

10. Line out socket

11. Info button

12. Select / Real Time button

15

13. Tuning Up button

14. Tuning Down button

15. Tuning control

16. Station presets

17. Bass control

18. Volume control

2

Battery operation

1. Remove the Battery cover on the rear of the unit by pushing the
battery door in and downwards.

2. Insert six LR20 (D size) batteries into the spaces in the compartment.
Take care to ensure all batteries are inserted with the correct polarity as
shown inside the battery compartment. Replace the battery cover.

3. Reduced power, distortion and a ‘stuttering’ sound are all signs that
the batteries may need replacing.

4. If the radio is not to be used for any extended period of time it is
recommended that the batteries are removed from the radio.

We would recommend for economy that the RD-31 is used on the

mains whenever possible with battery operation for occasional or
stand-by use only.

IMPORTANT: The batteries should not be exposed to excessive heat

such as sunshine, fire or the like. After use, disposable batteries should
if possible be taken to a suitable recycling centre. On no account
should batteries be disposed of by incineration.

Mains operation

1. Place your radio on a flat surface.

2. Plug the mains lead into the
ensuring that the plug is pushed fully into the socket.

3. Plug the other end of the mains lead into a wall socket and switch on
the wall socket.

IMPORTANT: The mains plug is used as the means of connecting the

radio to the mains supply. The mains socket used for the radio must
remain accessible during normal use. In order to disconnect the radio
from the mains completely, the mains plug should be removed from
the mains socket outlet completely.

4. When the mains LED is on, it indicates that the radio is connected to
and powered from the mains supply.

Socket located on the rear of your radio

3

Operating your radio - DAB

1. Fully extend the telescopic aerial.

2. Press the On/Off button to switch on your radio. The display will show
"Welcome to DAB" for a few seconds.

3. If this is the first time the radio is used a quick scan of the UK band
III DAB channels will be carried out.

4. During Autotune as each group of stations is detected the bottom
line of the display will show a bargraph indicating progress of the
Autotune.

5. When the Autotune is complete the first station (in numeric-alpha order

0...9...A....Z) will be selected.

6. If the station list is still empty after the Autotune you radio will display
"No stations available".

7. If no signals are found it may be necessary to relocate your radio to
a position giving better reception.

2

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

4

Selecting a station - DAB

1. The top line of the display shows the name of the station currently
selected.

2. Rotate the Tuning control or press the
through the list of available stations.

3. Press and release the Select button to select the station. The display
may show "Now Tuning" while your radio finds the new station.

4. Adjust the Volume

Note: If after selecting a station the display shows "Station not available"

it may be necessary to relocate your radio to a position giving better
reception.

and Tone controls to the required settings.

Up or Down buttons to scroll

2

2

2

3

4

4

4

5

Secondary services - DAB

1. Certain radio stations have one or more secondary services associated
with them. If a station has a secondary service associated with it the
display will show ">>" next to the station name on the station list. The
secondary service will then appear immediately after the primary
service as you rotate the Tuning control.

1

2. To tune to the secondary service, press and release the Select button
Most secondary services do not broadcast continually and if the selected
service is not available, the radio will retune to the associated primary
service.

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

.

2

6

Display modes - DAB

Your radio has nine display modes:-

1. Press the

a. Scrolling text Displays scrolling text messages such as

artist/track name, phone in number etc.

b. Program Type Displays the type of station being listened

to e.g. Pop, Classic, News etc.

c. Multiplex Name Displays the name of DAB multiplex to

which the current station belongs.

d. Signal strength Displays signal strength for the station

being listened to.

e. Time and date Displays current the time and date.

Info button to cycle through the various modes.

1

a

b

c

d

e

7

f. Frequency Displays the frequency of the DAB

multiplex for the station listened to.

g. Bit rate & audio type Displays the digital bit rate & audio type

for the station being listened to.

f

g

h. Signal Error Displays the signal error for the station

being listend to.

i. Maximum delay Displays the maximum PausePlus delay

time for the station being listened to.

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

h

i

8

Finding new stations - DAB

As time passes new stations may become available. To find new stations
proceed as follows:-

1

1. Press and release the AutoTune button, the display will show "Scan
ning". Your radio will perform a scan of the UK DAB frequencies. As
new stations are found the station counter on the right-hand side of
the display will increase and stations will be added to the list

2. To carry out a full scan of the entire DAB band (band III) press and
hold down the AutoTune button for more than 2 seconds and then
release. The display will show "Scanning". As new stations are found
the station counter on the right-hand side of the display will increase
and stations will be added to the list

Signal strength display - DAB

1. Press and release the Select button to switch between the current
information display and the signal strength indication.

2. Position your radio and carefully angle the telescopic aerial for best
reception using the signal strength display as a guide. Move your radio
around and position so as to give maximum number of black rectangles
on signal strength display. The clear unfilled rectangle indicates the
minimum signal level required for satisfactory reception.

-

2

1

9

Manual Tuning - DAB

Manual tuning allows you to tune directly to the various band III DAB chan­nels. UK DAB stations are currently located in the range 11B to 12D.

1. Press and hold down the Info button and rotate the Tuning control
or press the
Tune". Press and release the

2. Rotate the Tuning control or press the
the required DAB channel.

3. Press and release the Select button. The open block in the signal
strength graph shows you the minimum signal strength needed for
good DAB reception. The signal blocks will go up and down showing
the changing signal strength as you adjust the telescopic aerial or the
radio position.

4. Press and release the Select button to return to normal tuning
mode.

Up or Down buttons until the display shows "Manual

Select button.

Up or Down buttons to select

1,2

1

1

1,2

1,2

3,4

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

10

Using your radio's Pauseplus feature

How many times has your favourite radio station been interrupted by

that phone call from a double glazing firm or someone selling that must
have item? Sound familiar? Now with a single press of the
button you can put your favourite station on hold while you answer that
important call. After the call or other important task is finished simply
press the button to return to your favourite station exactly
where you left off so that you never miss a single word.

Radio stations can effectively be put on hold for typically 20 - 30

minutes, but over 45 minutes is possible depending on the station
you are listening to.

Note the

1. To place your radio in
button, the sound from the loudspeaker will be muted. The display
will show a shortened version of the station name and a pause symbol
( ). The top right of the display will show the amount by which the
programme has been paused.

2. To return to the radio station that you were listening to simply press the

button and your radio will continue playing from where it
left off. The display will show the amount by which playback is delayed
and the pause symbol will be replaced by a play symbol ( ).

3. When using your radio's
automatically switches to show the Maximum delay time for the station
you are listening to.

4. To return to real time press in and release the Select button. The
display will show the full version of the station name.

11

feature only operates on the DAB waveband.

mode simply press the

feature the lower line of display

1,2

3

4

Dynamic Range Control (DRC) settings - DAB

The DRC facility can make quieter sounds easier to hear when your radio
is used in a noisy environment.

1. Press the On/Off button

2. Press and hold down the Info button and rotate the Tuning control or
press the Up or Down buttons until the display shows "DRC value".
Press and release the Select button to enter adjustment mode.

3. Rotate the Tuning control or press the
the required DRC setting (default is 0).

DRC 0 DRC is switched off, Broadcast DRC will be ignored.

DRC 1/2 DRC level is set to 1/2 that sent by broadcaster.

DRC 1 DRC is set as sent by broadcaster.

4. Press and release the Select button to confirm the setting. The display
will return to normal tuning mode.

Note: Not all DAB broadcasts are able to use the DRC function. If the
broadcast does not support DRC, then the DRC setting in the radio will
have no effect.

to switch on your radio.

Up or Down buttons to select

1

2,3

2

2,3

2,3

2,4

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

12

Station order setup - DAB

This function enables you to choose how the stations are arranged when
selecting a station. There are four options available - favourite station,
alphanumeric, active station and prune stations.

Note: Your radio default station order is numeric-alpha order.

1. Press and hold in the Info button and rotate the Tuning control or
press the Up or Down buttons until "Station order" appears on the
display.

2. Press and release the Select button.

1

1,3

3. Rotate the Tuning control
choose between favourite station, alphanumeric, active station and
prune stations.

4. Press and release the Select button to select the station order setting
required.

or press the Up or Down buttons to

Favourite stations

When this setting is switched on, after a period of time the most listened
to stations will move to the top of the station list and will be marked with
the heart symbol .

Alphanumeric

Rotate the Tuning control until "Alphanumeric" appears on the display.

Your radio will now select stations in alphanumeric order (0....9....A....Z).

13

1,3

1,3

2,4

Active station

When this setting is switched on the display will show only those that a
signal can be found for.

Prune stations

Some DAB services may stop broadcasting or you may not be able to
receive a station. Prune stations will delete the DAB stations from your
station list that can no longer be received.

When this feature is selected your radio will delete the stations that are
not currently being received.

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

14

Operating your radio - FM

1. Carefully extend the telescopic aerial

2. Press the On/Off button to switch on your radio. The radio will tune
to the last selected radio station.

3. Press the FM/DAB button to select the FM band.

4. Press and release the Up button then press the Auto Tune button
Your radio will search in an upwards direction (low frequency to high
frequency) and stop automatically when it finds a station of sufficient
strength.

5. If RDS information is being received, then after a few seconds the
display will update and show the radio station name.

6. To find other stations press the Auto Tune button

7. If you press and release the Down button then press the Auto Tune
button, your radio will search in a downwards direction (high frequency
to low frequency) and stop automatically when it finds a station of
sufficient strength.

8. When the end of the waveband is reached your radio will recommence
tuning from the opposite end of the waveband.

9. Adjust the Volume

and Tone controls to the required settings.

as before.

2

3

4,6

.

7

4,6,7

9

9

9

10. To switch off your radio press the On/Off button

15

.

10

Manual tuning - FM

1. Press the On/Off button to switch on your radio.

2. Press and release the FM/DAB button to select the FM band. Fully
extend the Telescopic aerial.

1

2

3. Rotate the Tuning control or press the
to a station. The frequency will change in steps of 50kHz.

4. When the end of the waveband is reached the radio will recommence
tuning from the opposite end of the waveband.

5. Set the Volume control

6. To switch off your radio press the On/Off button

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

and Tone controls to the desired settings.

Up or Down buttons to tune

.

3

3

3

5

5

5

6

16

Display modes - FM

When listening in FM mode the bottom line of the display can be set to
any of the following modes:-

1. Press the

a. Scrolling text Displays scrolling text messages such as

artist/track name, phone in number etc.

b. Program Type Displays type of station being listened to

e.g. Pop, Classic, News etc.

c. Time and date Displays current time and date.

Info button to cycle through the various modes.

a

1

b

c

d. Frequency Displays frequency of the station being

listened to.

FM Stereo/Mono

1. If the FM radio station being received is weak some hiss may be audible.
To reduce the hiss press and release in the Select button until the
display shows "Mono", your radio will switch to mono mode.

2. To return to stereo mode press and release in the Select button until
the display shows "Auto", your radio will switch to stereo mode.

17

d

1,2

Presetting stations - DAB and FM

There are 5 memory presets for each of the 2 wavebands.

1. Press the On/Off button

2. Tune to the required station as previously described.

3. Press and hold down the required Preset button until the display
shows e.g. Preset 1 saved. The station will be stored under the chosen
preset button. Repeat this procedure for the remaining presets.

4. Stations stored in preset memories may be overwritten by following
the above procedure.

to switch on the radio.

1

3

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

18

Recalling a preset station - DAB and FM

1. Press the On/Off button to switch on the radio.

2. Select the required waveband by pressing the

3. Momentarily press the required Preset button, your radio will tune to
the station stored in preset memory.

FM/DAB button.

1

2

3

19

System reset

If your radio fails to operate correctly, or some digits on the display are
missing or incomplete, if running on batteries first check that the batteries
are not exhausted. If you still suspect a problem with your radio please
carry out the following procedure.

1. In FM mode, press and hold down the Info button for 2 seconds. The
display will show "SELECT Factory reset".

2. In DAB mode, press and hold down the Info button and rotate the
Tuning control or press the
shows "Select Factory reset".

3. Press and release the Select button until the display shows "Press
SELECT to confirm reset".

Up or Down buttons until the display

1,2

2

2

2

4. Press

5. A full reset will be performed all presets and station lists will be

6. After a system reset a scan of the DAB band will be performed.

In case of malfunction due to electrostatic discharge, reset the product

If a problem persists our technical staff would be pleased to help

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

Select button again to confirm system reset.

erased.

(reconnection of power source may be required) to resume normal
operation.

offer any assistance on operating the radio. Our technical helpline
number is 020 8758 0338.

3,4

20

Headphone socket

A 3.5mm Headphone Socket located on the rear of your radio is provided
for use with either headphones or an earpiece. Inserting a plug automatically
mutes the internal loudspeaker.

IMPORTANT: Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones
can cause hearing loss.

Line out socket

A 3.5mm Line out socket located on the rear of your radio is provided
for connecting the audio signal to an external amplifier. Inserting a line out
audio cable will not mute the internal loudspeaker. Set the volume control
to minimum if desired.

Display backlight

1. When your radio is powered by batteries the display backlight will
be switched on for approximately 8 seconds when any button is
pressed.

2. When your radio is powered by AC mains the display backlight will
always be switched on when the radio is switched to on.

21

Software version

The software display cannot be altered and is just for your reference.

1. To view which software version your radio has press and hold in the
Info button.

2. Rotate the Tuning control or the
software version shows on the display.

Up and Down buttons until the

General

Do not allow this radio to be exposed to water, steam or sand. Do not leave
your radio where excessive heat could cause damage such as in a parked
car where the heat from the sun can build up even though the outside
temperature may not seem too high. It is recommended that the DAB band
be used wherever possible as better results in terms of quality and freedom
from interference will usually be obtained than on the FM band.

1

2

2

• The radio should not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that
no objects filled with liquids such as vases, shall be placed on the
radio.

• It is recommended to operate the product such that there is a minimum
distance (10cm recommended) to adjacent objects in order to ensure
good ventilation.

• The ventilation of the product should not be restricted by covering it or
its ventilation openings with items such as newspapers, table-cloths,
curtains etc.

• No naked flame sources such as lighted candles should be placed on
the product.

• It is recommended to avoid using or storing the product at extremes
of temperature. Avoid leaving the unit in cars, on window sills in direct
sunlight etc.

• The nameplate is located on the underside of your radio.

2

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

22

Specifications

Power Requirements

Mains AC 230 volts, 50Hz only

Batteries 6 x LR20 (D size)

Battery Life

Up to 100 hours of listening for 4 hours
a day at normal volume using alkaline
cells.

Circuit Features

Loudspeaker 2 x 79mm

Output Power 3W

Headphone socket 3.5mm dia

Line out socket 3.5mm dia

Frequency Coverage

FM 87.5-108MHz

DAB 174.928 - 239.200MHz

23

Aerial System FM Telescopic aerial

DAB Telescopic aerial

Mains supply

The RD-31 will operate from a supply of AC 230 volts, 50Hz

DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is
not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to
reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension
lead or adaptor. If in doubt consult your dealer.

If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the fuse and dispose of
the plug immediately to avoid a possible shock hazard by inadvertent
connection to the mains supply.

If this product is not supplied with a mains plug, or one has to be fitted,
then follow the instructions given below:

IMPORTANT

DO NOT make any connection to the larger terminal which is marked

with the letter E or by the safety earth symbol
Green-and-yellow.

The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following
codes :-

or coloured Green or

only.

The wire coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal marked N or
coloured BLACK.

The wire coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal marked L
or coloured RED.

BLUE - NEUTRAL BROWN - LIVE

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

Fuse

When replacing the fuse only a 3A ASTA approved to BS1362 type should
be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover.

IF IN DOUBT - CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.

Replacement fuse holders are available from Roberts Radio Technical
Services at the address shown on the rear of this manual.

24

Notes

25

Guarantee

This instrument is guaranteed for twelve months from the date of delivery to the original owner against failure due to faulty workmanship or component
breakdown, subject to the procedure stated below. Should any component or part fail during this guarantee period it will be repaired or replaced free
of charge.

The guarantee does not cover:

1. Damage resulting from incorrect use.

2. Consequential damage.

3. Receivers with removed or defaced serial numbers.

N.B. Damaged or broken telescopic aerials will not be replaced under guarantee.

Procedure:

Any claim under this guarantee should be made through the dealer from whom the instrument was purchased. It is likely that your Roberts' dealer
will be able to attend to any defect quickly and efficiently, but should it be necessary the dealer will return the instrument to the company’s service
department for attention. In the event that it is not possible to return the instrument to the Roberts' dealer from whom it was purchased, please contact
Roberts Radio Technical Services at the address shown on the rear of this manual.

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-

020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri)

26

Issue 1

ROBERTS RADIO TECHNICAL SERVICES

97-99 Worton Road

Isleworth Middlesex

TW7 6EG

Technical Helpline :- 020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri during office hours)

Website: http://www.robertsradio.co.uk