Sony MDR-RF840RK User Manual

Wireless Stereo Headphone System

Operating Instructions

MDR-RF840RK MDR-RF860RK

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. Connect AC power adaptor to an easily accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in AC power adaptor, disconnect it from the AC outlet immediately. Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet. Do not expose the battery to excessive heat such as direct sunlight, fire or the like.

Hereby, Sony Corp., declares that this equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. For details, please access the following URL : http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

3-095-629-12(1)

Welcome!

Thank you for purchasing the Sony MDR-RF840RK/ RF860RK Wireless Stereo Headphone System. Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference. Some features are:

•A compact transmitter enables simple charging by a contactless charge method that requires no terminals by the electromagnetic induction. Just by placing the headphones on the transmitter, the headphone battery can be charged.

• Automatic ON/OFF function on headphones to preserve battery power.

• Noise reduction system to reproduce a clear sound with minimum transmission noise. (MDR-RF860RK only)

• Wireless system that allows you to listen to a program free from the restriction of a cord

• High fidelity sound reproduction

• Easy connection with TV and HiFi Audio system equipment

• Up to 100 meters reception range

• Volume control function on the headphones.

• Comfortable Circum-aural headphone with self adjusting head band.

Notes on receiving performance

This system utilizes very high frequency signals in the 800 MHz band so the receiving performance may deteriorate due to the surroundings. The following examples illustrate conditions that may reduce the reception range or cause interference.

• Inside a building with walls containing steel beams.

• An area with many steel file cabinets, etc.

• An area with many electrical appliances capable of generating electromagnetic fields.

• The transmitter is placed on a metal instrument.

• An area facing a roadway.

• Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings due to radio transceivers in trucks, etc.

• Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings owing to wireless communication systems installed along roadways.

N Getting started

Unpacking

Check that you have the following items:

• The headphones (1)

• The transmitter (1)

• AC power adaptor (1)

• Connecting cord (1) (phono plugs y stereo miniplug), 1 m

• Unimatch plug adaptor (1) (stereo mini jack y stereo phone plug)

• Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery BP-HP550-11 (1)

Charging the supplied rechargeable battery

The supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery is not charged from the first time you use it. Be sure to charge it before use. To charge the headphones, place them on the transmitter.

1 Press the PUSH button of the left housing to

open the battery compartment lid.

The battery compartment lid comes off.

PUSH button

2 Insert the supplied rechargeable nickel-

metal hydride battery into the battery compartment matching the 3 terminal on the battery to the 3 mark in the compartment.

Do not use rechargeable battery other than the supplied one.

3 Close the battery compartment lid.

1Insert the tab into the hole at the upper left. 2Close the lid until it clicks.

4 Connect the supplied AC power adaptor to

the transmitter.

CHANNEL

To DC IN 12V jack

DC IN 12V

RALINPUT3B

Transmitter

To an AC outlet

5 Rest the headphones on the transmitter so

that the transmitter’s POWER/CHG indicator lights in red.

Please place the headphones on the transmitter so that the triangle arrow would be matched. If the headphones are not properly placed, it will not be charged. Charging will take about 16 hours, after which the POWER/CHG indicator will go off.

Headphones

POWER/CHG indicator

About the charging method of the system

This system employs a contactless charge method that requires no terminals by the electromagnetic induction.

Notes

• Do not leave any metallic objects (coin, clip, etc.) near the transmitter’s charging point. The transmitter and the metal might become hot and it is dangerous.

• Do not leave any objects susceptible to magnetism (cash cards, floppy disks with magnetic coding, etc.) near the system. Exposure to the transmitter’s electromagnetic field may render them unusable.

Headphones

Rechargeable battery

Lines of magnetic force

• Do not place a radio near the system. A noise may be heard from the radio. In such a case, change the angle of the radio or move away from the system so that a noise is not heard.

When the transmitter’s POWER/CHG indicator does not light up red

Check if the right and left headphones are rested on the transmitter correctly. Remove the headphones and replace them on the transmitter again so that the POWER/CHG indicator lights in red.

To recharge the headphone battery after use

Place the headphones on the transmitter after use. Since the built-in timer recognizes when charging is complete, there is no need to remove the headphones from the transmitter after charging.

Notes

• The transmitter automatically stops sending RF

signals while charging the battery.

• This system is designed to charge only the supplied

rechargeable battery type BP-HP550-11 for safety. Note that other types of rechargeable batteries cannot be charged with this system.

• If dry batteries are installed, they cannot be charged.

• Do not attempt to use the supplied BP-HP550-11

rechargeable battery for other components. They are for use with this system only.

• Charge in an environmental temperature of

between 0 °C and 40 °C (between 32 °F and 104 °F).

Charging and usage hours

Approx. charging Approx. usage time*

hours*

1 hour 60 minutes*340 minutes*

16 hours*

*1at 1 kHz, 1 mW+1 mW output *2hours required to fully charge an empty battery *3Time stated above may vary, depending on the

temperature or conditions of use.

Using the headphones with dry batteries (sold separately)

Commercially available (size AAA) dry batteries can also be used to power the headphones. Install the batteries in the same manner as described in steps 1 through 3 of “Charging the supplied rechargeable battery.” When dry batteries are installed, the battery charge function will not be activated.

Transmitter

Charging point

Transmitter

MDR-RF840RK MDR-RF860RK

18 hours*

14 hours*

Battery life

(Using Sony alkaline batteries LR03/AM-4 (N))

Model Approx. hours*

MDR-RF840RK 28 hours* MDR-RF860RK 22 hours*

*1 at 1 kHz, 1 mW+1 mW output *2 Time stated above may vary, depending on the

temperature or conditions of use.

Notes on Batteries

• Do not charge a dry battery.

• Do not carry a dry battery together with coins or other metallic objects. It can generate heat if the positive and negative terminals of the battery accidentally come into contact with metallic objects.

• If you are not going to use the unit for a long time, remove the batteries to avoid damage from battery leakage or corrosion.

Checking the remaining battery power

Pull up the self-adjusting band and check the POWER indicator located on the right housing. The battery is still serviceable when the indicator lights in red. Charge the rechargeable battery or install new dry batteries if the POWER indicator light dims, flashes, or the sound becomes distorted or noisy.

Note

The rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery should be replaced with new one when they last only half the expected time after a proper recharging. The rechargeable battery type BP-HP550-11 is not commercially available. You can order the battery from the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.

Setting up the transmitter 1 Connect the transmitter to audio/video

equipment.

Select one of the hookups below depending on the jack type:

A To connect to a headphones jack

Transmitter

To INPUT A jacks

CHANNEL

DC IN 12V

Right channel (red)

Connecting cord (supplied)

Unimatch plug adaptor (supplied)

To headphones jack (Stereo phone jack)

B To connect to LINE OUT or REC OUT

Transmitter

CHANNEL

DC IN 12V

Connecting cord (supplied)

Right channel (red)

To LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks

Stereo system, VCR, etc.

* “WALKMAN” and “WALKMAN” logo are

registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

INPUT3BRAL

Left channel (white)

To headphones jack (Stereo mini jack)

WALKMAN*, TV, etc.

To INPUT B jack

INPUT3BRAL

Left channel (white)

2 Connect the supplied AC power adaptor to

the transmitter.

CHANNEL

To DC IN 12V jack

DC IN 12V

RALINPUT3B

Transmitter

To an AC outlet

AC power adaptor (supplied)

Notes

• Use only the supplied AC power adaptor. Do not use any other AC power adaptor.

Polarity of the plug

• When the transmitter is placed on or near a TV, it may pick up a noise. In such a case, place the transmitter away from the TV.

• If the connected equipment has the AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter System) function, be sure to turn the function off when using the transmitter. Otherwise, you will have to turn up the volume of the headphones, and that may cause noise.

N Operating the system

Listening to a programme

Before listening

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, first lower the volume.

1 Turn on the audio/video equipment

connected to the transmitter.

If the transmitter is connected to the headphone jack, set the volume control of the audio source equipment as high as possible but not so high that the audio signal becomes distorted.

2 Remove the headphones from the

transmitter.

The transmitter’s POWER/CHG indicator lights up green.

Headphones

Transmitter

3 Select the radio frequency with the

CHANNEL selector switch.

CHANNEL

4 Put on the headphones.

When you put on the headphones, the headphone’s power turns on automatically. The POWER indicator on the right housing glows red. Be sure to put the right housing R on your right ear and the left housing L on your left ear. Wear the headphones vertically on your head so that auto power on function is properly activated.

5 Set the channel to that of the transmitter

with the selector (or button) on the right housing of the headphones.

A MDR-RF840RK Select the channel to that of the transmitter with the TUNING selector on the right housing of the headphones. When tuning has completed, turn up the volume to a moderate level with the VOLUME control on the right housing.

VOLUME control TUNING

VOLUME

selector

231

B MDR-RF860RK Press the TUNING button briefly for automatic tuning of the headphones. If you do not receive a clear audio signal, press it again. When tuning has completed, turn up the volume to a moderate level with the VOLUME control on the right housing.

VOLUME control TUNING

VOLUME

Sending RF signals from the transmitter

The transmitter starts sending RF signals automatically when it detects an audio signal from the connected equipment. If it does not detect an audio signal for more than about 4 minutes, the transmitter will stop sending RF signals, and the POWER/CHG indicator will turn off. When the transmitter receives an audio signal again, it starts sending the RF signals, and the POWER/CHG indicator will light up green again. If the audio signal is very weak, the transmitter does not send RF signals. If the transmitter is connected to a headphone jack, make sure the volume of the equipment connected is set to 5 - 6 or higher. You may not hear the beginning of the sound from the headphones until the transmitter starts sending the RF signals after detecting an audio signal.

The headphones automatically turn off when they are taken off – Auto power on/off function

Do not pull up the self-adjusting band when not in use, as this will consume the battery power.

Notes

• If hiss is heard, move closer to the transmitter.

• You may hear some noise when you disconnect the AC power adaptor from the transmitter before turn off the headphones.

Noise Reduction process (MDR-RF860RK only)

The transmitter unit compresses the audio signal and converts it to RF signal. The headphones unit converts the received RF signal to an audio signal and decompresses it. This process reduces noise picked up during transmission.

Transmitter unit Headphones unit

input signal

dynamic range

1 The transmitter unit compresses the audio signals

dynamic range, then converts it to RF signal.

2 Noise may occur due to long distance

transmission, etc.

3 The headphones unit converts the RF signal to an

audio signal.

4 Noise may occur during conversion. 5 Decompression of the audio signals dynamic range

reduces the noise level and improves the S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio.

compression

RF transmission

2 34

decompression

button

TUNING

Selfadjusting band

output signal

noise level (low)

The effective areas of the transmitter

The optimum distance is up to approximately 100 m without the system picking up some interference. However, the distance may vary depending on the surroundings and environment. If the system picks up some noise within the above mentioned distance, reduce the distance between the transmitter unit and the headphones, or select another channel.

Notes

• When you use the headphones inside the effective areas of the transmitter, the transmitter can be placed in any direction from the listener.

• Even within the signal reception area, there are some spots (dead spots) where the RF signal cannot be received. This characteristics is inherent to RF signals, and does not indicate malfunction. By slightly moving the transmitter, location of the dead spot can be changed.

Replacing the ear pads

The ear pads are replaceable. If the ear pads become dirty or worn out, replace them as illustrated below. The ear pad is not commercially available. You can order replacements from the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.

1 Remove the old ear pad by pulling it out of

the groove on the housing.

2 Place the new ear pad on the driver unit.

Hang the edge of the ear pad on one side of the driver unit’s groove edge, then turn the edge of ear pad around the driver unit as illustrated below. When the ear pad is securely inserted into the groove, adjust the ear pad to the vertical position.

N Additional information

Precautions

•

If the transmitter is not to be used for a long period of time, disconnect the AC power adaptor from the AC outlet by holding the plug. Do not pull on the cord.

• Do not leave the wireless stereo headphone system in a location subject to direct sunlight, heat or moisture.

Notes on headphones

To reduce the risk of hearing damage

Avoid using headphones at high volume. Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud and extended play. If you experience a ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue use.

Caring for others

Keep the volume at a moderate level. This will allow you to hear outside sounds and to be considerate to the people around you.

If you have any questions or problems concerning the system that are not covered in this manual, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Be sure to bring the headphones and the transmitter to the Sony dealer when requiring repair work.

Troubleshooting

No sound/Muffled sound

, Check the connection of the audio/video

equipment or the AC power adaptor.

, Check that the audio/video equipment is

turned on.

, Turn up the volume on the connected audio/

video equipment, if the transmitter is connected to the headphones jack.

, Change the radio frequency with the

CHANNEL selector switch on the transmitter, then set to the same radio frequency with the TUNING selector (or TUNING button) on the right housing of the headphones.

, The mute function is activated.

• Use the headphones near the transmitter.

, The headphones’ POWER indicator light turns

off, dims, flashes, or sound becomes distorted or noisy.

• Charge the rechargeable battery if it is weak, or replace alkaline batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging the battery, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.

Distortion

, If the transmitter is connected to the

headphones jack, turn down the volume on the connected audio/video equipment.

, Change the radio frequency with the

CHANNEL selector switch on the transmitter, then set to the same radio frequency with the TUNING selector (or TUNING button) on the right housing of the headphones.

, The headphones’ POWER indicator light turns

off, dims, flashes, or sound becomes distorted or noisy.

• Charge the rechargeable battery if it is weak, or replace alkaline batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging the battery, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.

Loud background noise

, Move closer to the transmitter. As you move

away from the transmitter, more noise is likely to be heard.

, If the transmitter is connected to the

headphones jack, turn up the volume of the connected audio/video equipment.

, Change the radio frequency with the

CHANNEL selector switch on the transmitter, then set to the same radio frequency with the TUNING selector (or TUNING button) on the right housing of the headphones.

, The headphones’ POWER indicator light turns

off, dims, flashes, or sound becomes distorted or noisy.

• Charge the rechargeable battery if it is weak, or replace alkaline batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging the battery, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.

Specifications

General

Carrier frequency

Channel Ch1, Ch2, Ch3 Modulation FM stereo Frequency response

Transmitter TMR-RF840R, RF860R

Power source DC 12 V: supplied AC power adaptor Audio input Phono jacks, stereo mini jack Dimensions Approx. 216 × 105 × 96 mm

Mass Approx. 220 g (7.77 oz) Rated power consumption

Headphones MDR-RF840R, RF860R

Power source Supplied rechargeable nickel-metal

Mass Approx. 300 g (10.59 oz) incl. Battery

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

863.52 MHz, 864.02 MHz, 864.52 MHz

MDR-RF840R: 20 – 20,000 Hz MDR-RF860R: 10 – 22,000 Hz

(8 5/8 × 4 1/4 × 3 7/8 in) (w/h/d)

3 W

hydride battery BP-HP550-11 or commercially available (size AAA) dry batteries

Svenska

Härmed intygar Sony Corp. att denna utrustning står I överensstämmelse med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG. För ytterligare information gå in på följande hemsida: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Dansk

Undertegnede, Sony Corp. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige relevante krav i Direktiv 1999/5/EF. For yderligere information gå ind på følgende hjemmeside: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Suomi

Sony Corp. vakuuttaa täten että tämä laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen. Halutessasi lisätietoja käy osoitteessa: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Norsk

Sony Corp. erklærer herved at utstyret er i samsvar med de grunnleggende krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF. Gå til denne URL-en for mer informasjon: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Ελληνικά

Με την παρούσα η Sony Corp. ∆ηλώνει τι αυτς ο εξοπλισµς συµµορφώνεται προς της ουσιώδεις απαιτήσεις και της λοιπές σχετικές διατάξεις της οδηγίας 1999/5/EK. Για λεπτοµέρειες παρακαλούµε πως ελέγξετε την ακλουθη σελίδα του διαδικτύου: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Français

Par la présente, Sony Corp. déclare que ce type d’appareil est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE. Pour toute information complémentaire, veuillez consultez l’URL suivante : http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Deutsch

Hiermit erklärt Sony Corp., dass sich dieses Gerät in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den anderen relevanten Vorschriften der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet. Weitere Informationen erhältlich unter: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Español

Por medio de la presente, Sony Corp. declara que el equipo cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE. Para mayor información, por favor consulte el siguiente URL: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Nederlands

Hierbij verklaart Sony Corp. dat dit apparaat in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG. Nadere informatie kunt u vinden op: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Italiano

Con la presente Sony Corp. dichiara che questo apparecchio è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE. Per ulteriori dettagli, si prega di consultare il seguente URL: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Português

A Sony Corp. declara que este equipamento está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras provisões da Directiva 1999/5/CE. Para mais informações, por favor consulte a seguinte URL: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

AC power adaptor (supplied)