Tecsun PL-450 Owner's Manual

TECSUN

PL-450

FM STEREO/LW/MW/SW

PLL SYNTHESIZED DUAL CONVERSION RECEIVER

OWNER'S MANUAL

PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

MAJOR FEATURES OF THE PL-450

2

DIAGRAMS

3

GETTING STARTED
WHAT THE PL-450 INCLUDES
INSTALLING BATTERIES
PREVENTING BATTERY ACID LEAKAGE
USING THE INCLUDED AC ADAPTOR/CHARGER
CHARGING BATTERIES IN THE PL-450

4

BASIC RADIO OPERATION

5

CLOCK AND TIMER FEATURES
SETTING THE CLOCK
SETTING THE TIMERS
STORING A RADIO STATION INTO TIMER MEMORY
ACTIVATING/DEACTIVATING THE TIMER
USING THE SNOOZE FEATURE

6

WORKING WITH MEMORY
STORING STATIONS INTO MEMORY
SELECTING/CHANGING MEMORY PAGES
ACCESSING WHAT IS STORED INTO MEMORY
DIRECT MEMORY ACCESS
MANUAL MEMORY SEARCH
MEMORY AUTO-SCAN
DELETING A MEMORY'S CONTENTS
DELETING ALL MEMORY PAGE CONTENTS
MOVING A STORED FREQUENCY
CUSTOMIZING MEMORY PAGES

7

SYSTEM SET CODES
SYSTEM SET CODE TABLE
CHANGING SYSTEM SET CODES
DEFAULT FACTORY SYSTEM SET CODES
MONITORING THE CURRENT STATUS OF SET
CODES AND OTHER SETTINGS
ADDITIONAL PL-450 CONTROLS

8

LISTENING TO SHORTWAVE STATIONS

9

10

TROUBLESHOOTING

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PL-450 OWNER'S MANUAL

1 MAJOR FEATURES OF THE PL-450

FM Frequency Range: 87-108 MHz or 76-108 MHz (For Japan)

Shortwave Frequency Range: 1711- 29999 KHz

9/10KHz tuning step selector for Medium Wave (MW) reception

1 kHz tuning step for the display of Medium wave and Shortwave

AM (LW/MW/SW) dual conversion.

ATS (Auto tuning system) for the memory storage of FM/MW reception

Manual Tuning

Auto Scan Tuning

Direct Keypad Frequency Entry

Digital Tuning Knob

600 Programmable Memories

Memory Page Customization

Auto-Scan and manually scan stations stored into memory

Direct Memory Access

Fast/Slow tuning rate selection for manual tuning

Sleep Function

Two Turn-on Timers with station memory

Snooze Function: 10 minutes, repeated three times

FM Stereo/Mono selection

High/Low Tone Control

LCD Backlight

Key Lock

12/24 Hr Format selection

Built-in Ni-MH battery charger

System set codes

2 DIAGRAMS

1. Power/ Sleep

2. FM/Shortwave Telescopic Antenna

3. LCD Display

4. Light / Snooze Button

15. Memory / Sys. Set Button

16. Charge On / Off Button

17. Enter / Delete Button

18. Hand Carry Belt

19. FM / SW ANT. Jack

20. ANT. Gain
(DX / Normal / Local)

21. Earphone Socket

22. Tone Control

23. DC 6V Jack

24. Reset Button

0 1 2 3 4 5

Ni-MH
Battery

FM

4

5

PAGE PRESET

Fast

MHz

6. Up / Auto-Scan Button

7. Down / Auto-Scan Button

8. Frequency / Preset Button

9. Page Button

10. Clock Button

11. Alarm Button

5. Tuning Fast/Slow / Lock Button

12. FM / MW / LW Band &
FM / MW ATS Button

13. SW(SW Meter) Band Button

14. Numeric Keypad

TECSU N

25. Tuning Knob

26. Stand

27. FM Fine Tuning Knob

28. Volume Knob

29. FM Stereo / AM Bandwidth Button

30. Battery Compartment Cover

PL-450 OWNER'S MANUAL

DIAGRAMS continued

RADIO OFF DISPLAY RADIO ON DISPLAY

31. Battery Symbol

32. Clock Digits

33. Alarm time Digits

Timer

Ni-MH
Battery

34. Alarm Activation Symbol

35. Ni-MH Battery Symbol

MEMORY DISPLAY

Refers only to the display's upper right corner.

PAGE PRESET

42. Delete Indicator

43. Memory Display

31. Battery Symbol

36. Antenna Symbol

37. 1-5 Scale

0 1 2 3 4 5

Ni-MH
Battery

FM MW LW Shortwave Bandwidth N

41. FM,
MW, LW,
Shortwave
Indicators

Timer

SLOW

A

kHz

34.

Alarm
Activation
Symbol

39. Bandwidth40. Frequency Digits

SHORTWAVE METER BAND
DISPLAY

Refers only to the display's upper right corner.

44. Shortwave Meter Band Display

38. Clock Digits

SL EEP

Sleep
Timer
Symbol

mb

SYSTEM SET CODE DISPLAY

45

46

3 GETTING STARTED

WHAT THE PL-450 INCLUDES away and immediately contact the

●

Earbud style earphones

●

External antenna

●

Carrying pouch

●

AC adaptor/charger

●

3 - 1000 mAh, Ni-MH rechargeable

batteries.

●

Owner's manual

NOTE: In the instructions below, numbers
in parenthesis ( ), refer to the diagrams.

INSTALLING BATTERIES

The battery compartment is located on the
back of the PL-450. Its cover is on the
lower right corner of the back. To remove
the battery compartment cover, apply
thumb pressure and slide it towards the
bottom of the radio. Install 3 AA alkaline
batteries into the battery compartment,
observing the battery polarity diagram on
the back of the radio.

NOTE: If you don't plan to use
rechargeable batteries at all, then it's a
good idea to set SYSTEM SET CODE 29.
To do this, see the section titled SYSTEM
SET CODES. This assures that the
battery strength indicator will display
correctly for your non-rechargeable
batteries. This is not a mandatory
procedure and the PL-450 will function
if it is not done.

PREVENTING BATTERY ACID
LEAKAGE

To avoid battery acid leakage, only use
high quality alkaline, lithium or
rechargeable nickel-metal-hydride
batteries. Never intermix old with new, or
different brands or types of batteries.
Damage caused by battery acid leakage
is not covered by this product's warranty.
If the batteries leak, don't throw them

manufacturer of the batteries to inquire
about their battery leakage warranty
program.

USING THE INCLUDED AC
DAPTOR/CHARGER

To power the PL-450 with the included AC
Adaptor/Charger, plug it into a wall outlet
first, and then into the socket on the left
side of the PL-450, labeled DC 6 V.
Batteries can be in the radio while using
the AC Adaptor/Charger.

CHARGING BATTERIES IN THE PL-450

The PL-450 will play using whatever type
of AA batteries are in the battery
compartment, but only nickel-metal­hydride batteries can be charged within it.
If non-rechargeable batteries are installed,
the PL-450 as a built-in safeguard system
that will prevent them from being charged.
This safeguard system works with the
PL-450 set to either SYSTEM SET CODE
28 or 29, as described below, and only
with he included AC Adaptor/Charger.

WARNING: Use only the included AC
Adaptor/Charger to recharge Ni-MH
batteries. Use of any other device may
cause the rechargeable batteries to
overheat, become damaged and possibly
damage the PL-450. The built-in
safeguard system, described above,
works only with the included AC
Adaptor/Charger. Damage caused to the
PL-450 resulting from failure to observe
this warning is not covered by the
warranty and voids the warranty.

PL-450 OWNER'S MANUAL

GETTING STARTED continued

The included AC Adaptor/Charger may be Once charging is finished, 'CHARGE' will
used to charge 3 Ni-MH rechargeable stop flashing and the charging indication
batteries (included) when installed onto bars in the upper left corner will stay full.
the PL-450's battery compartment. Before
charging, the PL-450 must be set up for
use with Ni-MH batteries and the correct
charging rate must be selected for them
to be charged. Ni-MH batteries are
manufactured with specific capacities
rated in milliamp-hours (mAh). These
capacities vary from about 1000 mAh up
to 2400 mAh at the time of this writing
(usually printed on the batteries). For
proper charging without damage to the
batteries, the correct charging rate must
be set. To set the charging rate, plug in
the AC adaptor and turn the PL-450 off.
Then follow the instructions below.

1. Enter SYSTEM SET CODE 28. See charging.
instructions in the section titled
SYSTEM SET CODES.

2. While '1000' flashes in the display, use
the UP /DOWN buttons to select the
mAh rating of your Ni-MH batteries.

Charging time varies depending on the
milliamp-hour rating of the batteries. The
charging circuit automatically senses the
milliamp-hour rating of the batteries and
will charge them for the correct amount of
time. Charging time can take from 5.5
hours for 1000 mAh batteries to 13 hours
for 2300 mAh batteries. The charging
circuit will sense when the batteries are
fully charged and automatically go into
trickle-charge mode, thus safeguarding
the batteries from being overcharged.
Disconnecting the adaptor/charger DC-06
from the PL-450 or pressing the
CHARGE ON/OFF button will also stop

To charge Ni-MH batteries:

1. Install 3 Ni-MH AA batteries.

2. Connect the adaptor/charger to the AC
wall.

3. Press/release the CHARGE ON/OFF
button. 'CHARGE' will flash in the
display and the charge indication bars
will advance from bottom to top in the
upper left corner of the display. The
digits in the upper right corner of the
display will change to 00:00 and will
count up in minutes and hours until
charging is finished.

4 BASIC RADIO OPERATION

TURNING THE PL-450 ON AND OFF VOLUME AND TONE CONTROLS

The PL-450 can be turned on by the two
methods shown below. To turn it off, press
the POWER/SLEEP button (1).

1. BATTERY SAVER/TIMER METHOD:
Perform a quick, short press of the
POWER/SLEEP button (1). This turns the
radio on with 30 in the display and causes
the radio to shut off automatically after 30
minutes. The sleep timer symbol

SLEEP

, , also appears in the display. To
change the automatic shut off time from
30 minutes to the number of minutes-to-

The volume control (28), labeled
VOLUME, is located on the right side of
the radio. To change the volume, rotate
the volume control knob. The tone control
(22), on the left side of the radio is
labeled TREBLE/BASS. Use the position
producing the sound that you like best.

USING EARPHONES

Earphones/headphones with a 1/8 inch
stereo plug can be used. Plug them into
the earphone socket (21) on the left side
of the radio.

play of your preference, use the UP or SELECTING FM, MW, LW OR
DOWN buttons (6, 7) immediately after SHORTWAVE
turning on the radio. This allows selection
of 1~120 minutes of playtime before
automatic shut-off occurs. The number of
minutes that you last set is also used the
next time the radio is turned on.

2. TIMER-DEFEAT METHOD:
This method defeats the automatic
minute timer and causes the radio to stay
on until deliberately turned off, until the
batteries drain or indefinitely if used with
an AC adaptor. Hold down the POWER
button for about 3 seconds, then release.
Note that 'On' appears in the display and
that the sleep timer symbol does not
appear when this method is used.

SIGNAL STRENGTH AND BATTERY
STRENGTH INDICATOR

When the radio is turned off, the upper
left corner of the display (3) shows battery
strength. When the radio is turned on, the
antenna symbol (37) and the 1-5 scale
shows relative signal strength.

When listening to FM or shortwave, fully
extend the telescopic antenna (2). It need
not be extended when listening to MW or
LW stations. After turning on the PL-450,
perform quick, short presses of the
'FM/MW -ATS' button (12) to select FM or
MW. To select SW press the 'SW METER
BAND' button (13). Each sequential press
of the SW METER BAND button or of the
UP or DOWN buttons places the radio at
the beginning of a specific shortwave
meter band. The frequency digits (40)
appear toward the center portion of the
display. The local stations of the area that
you are currently in will be heard on MW
and FM, while shortwave stations from
around the world can be heard on SW.
You can also select LW by press the
'FM/MW/LW' button (12). Before using
LW, you should activate the LW function
via the SYSTEM SET CODE, see the
SYSTEM SET CODE TABLE.

NOTE: If you are new to shortwave, see
the special shortwave sections later in
this manual.

PL-450 OWNER'S MANUAL

BASIC RADIO OPERATION continued

LISTENING IN FM STEREO DOWN button to auto-scan downward in

FM stereo can be heard when using
earphones/headphones. To hear FM in
stereo, press the FM STEREO button
(29). ' ' will appear in the display.

SETTING UP MW AND FM INSIDE OF (14). First, make sure that the correct
NORTH AMERICA OR JAPAN band is selected - FM, WM, LW or SW.

You can skip this section if you are
neither in North America nor in Japan and
just purchased the PL-450. It is already
set-up in the factory for use.
Inside of North America, AM stations (MW
in the PL-450's display) are spaced in 10
kHz tuning steps, you should change it
refer to the instructions CHANGING
SYSTEM SET CODES.
The FM frequency range may be different
from that used in North America, e.g. like
that used in Japan, 76-108MHz. To make
these changes, see the SYSTEM SET
CODE TABLE and the instructions
CHANGING SYSTEM SET CODES.

TUNING IN STATIONS

There are four ways to tune-in stations,
described below. They are Manual
Tuning, Auto-scan Tuning, Direct
Frequency Entry and Fine Tuning.

MANUAL TUNING

Quick, short presses of the UP/DOWN
buttons (6, 7) enables tuning up or down
frequency.

AUTO-SCAN TUNING

Pressing the UP or DOWN buttons (6, 7)
for just over 1 second enables automatic
scan-tuning. The radio will then
automatically stop on the next station
encountered and stay for about 5
seconds for your monitoring. Press the
UP/DOWN buttons again to keep
listening in the station. Use the UP button
to auto-scan upward in frequency and the

FM

frequency.

DIRECT FREQUENCY ENTRY

When the desired frequency is known, it
can be entered via the numeric keypad

Most WM, LW and Shortwave frequencies
are designated in kilohertz (KHz), e.g.
810 KHz or 9475 KHz. All FM frequencies
are designated in megahertz (MHz), e.g.

102.9 MHz. To enter such frequencies,
just enter the frequency using the
numeric keypad (14).

Sometimes Shortwave frequencies are
designated in megahertz (MHz). If you
encounter such a shortwave frequency
and it has less than three digits after the
decimal point (e.g. 15.10 MHz or 6.92
MHz), then use the following method to
enter it.
However, if there are three digits after the
decimal point (e.g. 15.110 MHz or 5.975
MHz), use the method described
previously.

1. Enter the frequency using the numeric
keypad (14).

2. Press/release the 'Enter' (17) button.

TUNING KNOB

The TUNING knob control (25) is located
on the right side of the radio. Use it to
'fine-tune' stations or as you would a
tuning knob.

BASIC RADIO OPERATION continued

TUNING MODE FAST TUNING SLOW USING THE BANDWIDTH BUTTON
TUNING

The TUNING-FAST/SLOW button (5) when listening to WM and SW stations.
allows selection of fast or slow tuning Its purpose is to help minimize
when using the tuning knob or the UP interference. The preferred setting is
and DOWN controls. FAST or SLOW WIDE, which provides best audio fidelity.
appear in the display. When tuning with Use NARROW when there is
the tuning knob (25), fast tuning is usually interference. W or N will appear in the
appropriate. When tuning with the UP and display.
DOWN buttons, use slow tuning to tune in
stations and fast tuning to move up or
down frequency at a rapid rate. Then use
slow to actually tune in stations.
Experiment with this control to see which
tuning mode that you prefer.

The BANDWIDTH button (29) is used

PL-450 OWNER'S MANUAL

5 CLOCK AND ALARM FEATURES

SETTING THE CLOCK CLOCK SET METHOD 3 TUNING

The factory has set the clock to function
as a 24-hour format clock. If you prefer a 1. Turn the radio off. The clock digits
12 hour, AM/PM clock format, see the
section titled CHANGING THE CLOCK
FROM 24 TO 12 HOUR FORMAT in the
section titled SYSTEM SET CODES.

There are three methods for setting the
clock.

CLOCK SET METHOD 1 UP AND
DOWN BUTTONS:

1. Turn the radio off. The clock digits
appear in the center of the display (32).

2. Press/release the button labeled 'Time'
(10). The clock's HOUR digits flash in
the display, within 5 seconds, set the
hour using the UP/DOWN buttons
(6, 7).

3. Press/release the 'Time' (10) button
again, the MINUTE digits flash in the
display, within 5 seconds, set the
minute using the UP/DOWN buttons
(6, 7).

4. Within 5 seconds of finishing,
press/release the 'Time' (10) button or
wait until the clock digits stop flashing.

CLOCK SET METHOD 2 –
NUMERIC KEYPAD:

1. Turn the radio off. The clock digits
appear in the center of the display (32).

2. Press/release the button labeled 'Time'
(10). The clock's digits flash in the
display.

3. Use the numeric keypad to key-in the
time in 24 hour format. Within 5
seconds of finishing, press/release the
'TIME' (10) button or wait until the clock
digits stop flashing.

KNOB

appear in the center of the display (32).

2. Press/release the button labeled 'Time'
(10). The clock HOUR digits flash in
the display.

3. Within 5 seconds, use the tuning knob
to set the hour.

4. Within 5 seconds, press/release the
'Time' (10) button, then use the tuning
knob to set the minute.

5. Within 5 seconds of finishing,
press/release the 'Time' (10) button or
wait until the clock digits stop flashing.

You can also set the clock when you turn
on the radio. When the radio is on, the
clock digits appear in the upper right
corner of the display. Set the clock
referring to the 3 methods above.

SETTING THE ALARM (USE AS WAKE­UP ALARM)

The PL-450 has a programmable alarm,
enabling the PL-450 to turn on and play
the radio for an alterable period of time
and then turn off. The playtime can be
selected from 1 ~ 90 minutes. The alarm
can be used as a wake-up alarm. After
setting the alarm time and a playtime,
store a radio station into alarm memory
and activate the alarm. See the next
sections titled STORING A RADIO
STATION INTO ALARM MEMORY and
ACTIVATING/DEACTIVATING THE
ALARM.

NOTE: A radio station must be stored into
alarm memory. If this is not done, there
will only be static once the timer is
activated.

CLOCK AND ALARM FEATURES continued

When the alarm activates, it turns on the ACTIVATING/DEACTIVATING THE
radio, with the alarm activation symbol ALARM
and the playtime appear flashing in the
display. The radio will play the station
stored into alarm memory and shut off
automatically when the playtime counts
down to 00 or until you turn the radio off
with the POWER/SLEEP button. The
‘snooze’ feature can also be used (see
section titled USING THE SNOOZE
FEATURE).

There are three methods to set the alarm
time. They are almost same as the clock
set.

STORING A RADIO STATION INTO
ALARM MEMORY

To hear a radio station when the alarm SNOOZE/LIGHT button (4). The radio will
activates, the station must be stored into turn off and then turn on again in 10
alarm memory. Here’s the 2 step minutes. This process can be repeated 3
procedure: times.

1. Turn on the PL-450 and tune to the
desired station.

2. Press the ALARM button (11) for more
than 1 second, then release. The alarm
symbol flashes in the display twice.

For the alarm to turn on the radio, it must
be activated. The alarm can be
activated/deactivated with the radio on or
off. To activate the alarm, press/release
the ALARM button (11). The alarm symbol
will appear in the display. To deactivate
the alarm, press/release the alarm button
(11). The alarm symbol will disappear
from the display.

USING THE SNOOZE FEATURE

When the alarm activates and turns the
radio on, the alarm activation symbol (34)
appears flashing in the display. While it is
flashing, press/release the

NOTE: To monitor the frequencies stored
into alarm memory, perform a three
second press of the SYSTEM SET button
(15) while the radio is turned off. The set
code information and the frequency
stored into alarm memory flash in the
display.

6 WORKING WITH MEMORY

PL-450 OWNER'S MANUAL

At the factory, the PL-450 is set up with page.
10 pages of memory (from 01~10), each
page holding 50 frequencies plus 100
frequency memory in P0. This enables
storing of 600 frequencies into memory.
Memory setting of 01~10 can be changed
and tailored to your personal needs or
can be left as is. When first learning to
store stations into memory, we suggest
using the factory setting. To change the
factory setting, see the section
CUSTOMIZING MEMORY PAGES. When
working with memory, the term PRESET
appears in the display under the memory
numbers.

STORING STATIONS INTO MEMORY

1. Turn on the radio.

2. Tune to the desired station.

3. Press/release the MEMORY button
(15). Note that the memory number
digits, labeled PRESET (43) flash in
the upper right corner of the display.
The memory page number, labeled
PAGE, also appears, but does not
flash.

4. Within 5 seconds use the numeric
keypad to enter the memory number
that you wish to store the station into.
For memories 1-9, enter the numbers
as 01~09.

5. Within 5 seconds press the MEMORY
button(15), or wait 5 seconds. This
finalizes storing into memory and after
a few seconds, the upper right corner's
display returns to show the clock.

SELECTING/CHANGING MEMORY
PAGES

To select/change memory pages:

1. Press/release the PAGE button (9).
The page number flashes in the
display.

2. Within 3 seconds, use either the UP or
DOWN button to change to the page of
your choice. Alternately, use the
numeric keypad to enter the page or
use the tuning knob to change the

3. Press/release the PAGE button to
finalize the page change.

ACCESSING WHAT IS STORED INTO
MEMORY

There are three ways to access what has
been stored into memory: Direct Memory
Access, Manual Memory Search and
Memory Auto-scan. These three methods
are described below. When the memory
page and memory preset numbers
appear in the upper right corner of the
display, as it will in the descriptions below,
the radio is in MEMORY ACCESS MODE.
This mode can be exited any time with a
press/release of the FREQ/PRESET
button (8).

If you first need to change memory
pages, see the previous section,
SELECTING/CHANGING MEMORY
PAGES.

DIRECT MEMORY ACCESS

Use the numeric keypad to key-in the
memory number. For example, if the
desired radio station is in memory
number 01, just press '0', then '1', and it
will go to memory 01.

MANUAL MEMORY SEARCH

Manual Memory Search enables manual
searching through the memories within a
memory page, as shown below:

1. Press/release the FREQ/PRESET (8)
button.

2. Use quick, short presses on the UP or
DOWN buttons or use the tuning knob
to search through the memories.

3. Press the FREQ/PRESET button (8)
when finished.

WORKING WITH MEMORY continued

MEMORY AUTO-SCAN DELETING ALL MEMORY PAGE

Memory Auto-scan enables scanning
through the memories within the selected 1. Press/release the FREQ/PRESET
memory page. Each filled memory is
accessed for about 5 seconds, after
which the scan moves on to the next
used memory automatically, staying on it
for about 5 seconds. This continues
indefinitely on the selected page until
deliberately stopped. Unused memories
are not accessed.

1. Press/release FREQ/PRESET (8)
button.

2. Press/hold either the UP or DOWN
button for about a second. Then
release it. Note that PRESET flashes
under the memory number, indicating
that memory scanning is functioning
with each memory being scanned for
about 5 seconds. It then moves on to
the next memory for another 5
seconds. To stop memory preset auto­ scan, press/release either the UP or
DOWN button.

DELETING A MEMORY'S CONTENTS

1. Press/release the FREQ/PRESET
button (8).

2. Use the UP or DOWN button (5,6) to
select the memory preset location of
the frequency that you wish to delete.
Alternately, use the numeric keypad to
enter the memory number.

3. Press/hold the DELETE button (17) for
about 2 seconds and then release it.
'dEL' appears flashing in the display.

4. While 'dEL' is still flashing,
press/release the DELETE button.

CONTENTS

button (8).

2. Press/hold the DELETE button (17) for
5 seconds and then release it. 'dEL'
and PAGE (42, 43) appear flashing in
the display.

3. Within 2 seconds, press/release the
DELETE button.

MOVING A STORED FREQUENCY

A stored frequency can be moved to a
different memory or memory page.

1. Turn on the radio.

2. Press/release the PAGE button.

3. Within 3 seconds, use the UP or
DOWN button to select the required
memory page.

4. Press/release the MEMORY but to n
twice.

5. Within 5 seconds use the numeric
keypad to enter the memory number
that you wish to store the station
into.

6. Within 5 seconds press/release the
MEMORY bu tt on .

CUSTOMIZING MEMORY PAGE S

The PL-450 is configured at the
factory with 10 memory pages (from
01~10), each page having 50
memories plus 100 memories in page
00, in total 600 memories. You can
change the set up of page 01~10 via
the SYSTEM SET CODES, shown
below.

PL-450 OWNER'S MANUAL

7 SYSTEM SET CODES

System Set Codes allow the radio to be tailored to your needs by changing certain
programmable functions. These functions and their descriptions are noted in the table.

SYSTEM SET CODE TABLE

CODE NUMBER

00 (factory default setting)

20

25

50

55

55 (factory default setting)

09 (factory default setting)

10

12 Set the clock system to 12 Hr format 12H

24 (factory default setting) Set the clock system to 24 Hr format 24H

28

29

76

87 (factory default setting)

FUNCTION

Divide the memories into 10 pages with
50 locations

Divide the memories into 20 pages with
25 locations

Divide the memories into 25 pages with
20 locations

Divide the memories into 50 pages with
10 locations

Activate LW band

Deactivate LW band

Set the tuning steps for MW to 9KHz

Set the tuning steps for MW to 10KHz

Rechargeable battery to be used

Normal AA battery to be used

Set the FM frequency range to 76-108MHz
(for Japan)

Set the FM frequency range to 87-108MHz

IN DISPLAY

10:50

20:25

25:20

50:10

ON

OFF

9kHz

10kHz

Ni-MH

76 108

87 108

SYSTEM SET CODES continued

CHANGING SYSTEM SET CODES Ten pages with 50 memories each.

To enter a system code of your choice,
use the procedure below.

1. Turn off the radio.

2. Press/release the SYSTEM SET button
(15). Note that '- - ' (45) appears in the
upper right corner of the display and
the clock digits disappear.

3. Within 5 seconds, enter the desired
numeric code with the numeric key pad,
then immediately press/release the
button labeled SYSTEM SET. The code
ICON (46) will briefly appear in the
lower right corner of the display.

DEFAULT FACTORY SYSTEM SET
CODES

When shipped from the factory, the radio's
System Set Code Table is set up as
follows. Changes can be made via the
procedure shown in the section titled
CHANGING SYSTEM SET CODES.

●

Code 08.

●

9 KHz AM (MW) tuning rate. Code 09.

●

24 hour clock system. Code 24.

●

Rechargeable batteries to be used.

Code 28.

●

87-108 MHz FM frequency coverage.

Code 87.

●

LW band Deactivate. Code 55.

MONITORING THE CURRENT STATUS
OF SET CODES AND OTHER
SETTINGS

Performing a three second press of the
SYSTEM SET button, with the PL-450
turned off, allows monitoring of key set
codes and other settings. This information
quickly flashes in the display in the
following order.

1. 9 or 10 kilohertz setting

2. Rechargeable battery milliamp-hour
setting

3. FM tuning range setting

4. Alarm’s radio frequency

8 ADDITIONAL PL-450 CONTROLS

USING THE LIGHT USING THE ANTENNA GAIN SWITCH

A quick, short press/release of the The Antenna Gain switch (20) has three
LIGHT/SNOOZE button (4), located on positions, DX, NORMAL and LOCAL. This
the front of the radio's upper right corner, switch should normally be in the DX
will turn on the display light, shining from position, providing maximum receiving
the left side of the display, for about 5 performance. If the AM or Shortwave
seconds. A longer press/release of the station that you are listening to is
button (about 3 seconds) will cause it to overwhelmingly powerful and causes
stay on indefinitely (note that this will distortion, try the NORMAL or LOCAL
decrease battery life). Turn off the light position. This switch is not used for FM
with a quick short press of the button. stations.

PL-450 OWNER'S MANUAL

ADDITIONAL PL-450 CONTROLS continued

USING THE FM FINE TUNING accidentally turned on. Before placing the

CONTROL This control knob, labeled FM radio into a suitcase, purse or briefcase,
FINE TUNING and located on the right turn it off and then lock it. This control
side of the PL-450, enables optimization does not disengage timer functions.
of the PL-450’s telescopic antenna when
listening to FM. While listening to the
station, adjust the knob for best reception.

USING THE LOCK BUTTON

Pressing the LOCK button causes all SOCKET
button-activated controls to be 'locked'
and the lock symbol appears in the lower
right corner of the display. A long press
engages the LOCK feature. Another long
press disengages it and the symbol
disappears.

This is an excellent feature to use when further information if you with to purchase
traveling, as it keeps the radio from being or make such an antenna.

While you are listening to a favorite radio
station and want not to be shut off
accidentally, you can also lock the radio.

USING THE EXTERNAL ANTENNA

The external antenna socket is used to
improve shortwave or FM performance.
There are many such antennas on the
market today. Typing in 'shortwave
antennas' or 'FM antennas' on your
favorite Internet search site will provide

9 LISTENING TO SHORTWAVE STATIONS

Are you new to shortwave listening? If so, other world sources often exposes you to
you'll want to read this section. different and unique perspectives on

WHAT ARE SHORTWAVE STATIONS?

These are radio broadcast stations
around the world broadcasting on
frequencies that can be heard over vast
distances, often many thousands of miles.
In the United States, there are also about
30 domestic shortwave broadcasters with
religious, politically and ideologically
oriented broadcasts.

WHY LISTEN TO SHORTWAVE
STATIONS?

There are many reasons why you may
enjoy shortwave stations. Here are just
some, as reported to us by our customers.
Listening to news and information from

national and world events.
Exposure to other languages and
cultures, including their music and
perspectives. Hearing a country's native
or 'folk' music can be very enjoyable, even
if you don't understand the language.
Learning a language by hearing native
speakers.
Keeping in touch with another part of the
world, perhaps your original homeland or
that of your family's heritage.
Religious, politically and ideologically
oriented broadcasts.

LISTENING TO SHORTWAVE STATIONS continued

GENERAL SHORTWAVE 'RULES-OF- clock reappears. If you don't wait, then
THUMB'

Night shortwave reception is usually
better than daytime shortwave. This can
change from time-to-time, so it's worth
checking the bands during the day too.
During daytime the most active
shortwave bands are 13, 15, 16, 19, and
22 meters, 16 and 19 usually being the
best. At night, the most active bands are
25, 31, 41 and 49 meters, with 31 and 49
usually best.
Around sunset and sunrise, both the day
and night bands may be good, sometimes
exceptionally good. Listening at these
times can often be quite rewarding.
The construction materials of some
buildings severely block shortwave
signals. To counteract this, hold the radio
in your hands and get very close to a
window.

SELECTING A SHORTWAVE METER
BAND WITH THE PL-450

method 2 below will automatically be
used.

2. Perform one quick, short press of the
button labeled SW METER BAND,
immediately followed by quick, short
presses of either the UP or DOWN
tuning buttons. The band number
appears in the upper right corner of the
display. Once the band of choice is
selected, start tuning after the clock
reappears in the upper right corner.

AUTO-SCAN TUNING WHILE IN
SHORTWAVE

In shortwave, auto-scan tuning scans in
the shortwave frequency ranges noted in
the Band Chart below. To tune shortwave
frequencies that are in-between these
ranges, or outside of these ranges, use
one of the other tuning methods, e.g.
Regular Tuning (manual tuning) or Direct
Frequency Entry as discussed titled
TUNING IN STATIONS.

All 14 of the international broadcast bands
can be accessed with the PL-450. The
bands are numbered 120, 90, 75, 60, 49,

BAND CHART OF SHORTWAVE AUTO­SCANING RANGES

31, 25, 22, 19, 16, 15, 13 and 11 meters
and are commonly called 'Meter Bands'.

The PL-450 offers two ways to access a
shortwave band. Each method places the
tuner at the beginning of the band's
frequency range.

1. Each successive quick, short press of
the button labeled SW METER BAND
(16) places the radio at the beginning of
a band. While pressing the button, the
band number shows in the upper right
corner of the display (50) and
disappears a few seconds after it is
released, causing the clock to reappear
in the corner. Start tuning only after the

BAND (METERS) FREQUENCY RANGE

120

90

75

60

49

41

31

25

22

19

16

15

13

11

2250 - 2550

3150 - 3450

3850 - 4050

4700 - 5100

5800 6300

7100 7500

9400 10000

11500 12150

13500 13900

15000 15900

17450 - 18000

18850 - 19100

21450 - 21950

25600 - 26100

PL-450 OWNER'S MANUAL

10 TROUBLESHOOTING

RESET PROCEDURE OPERATES ERRATICALLY

The RESET button is on the bottom of the Perform a RESET, as described in the
PL-450. When performing a reset, have section titled RESET PROCEDURE.
good batteries in the radio or power it with
an AC adaptor and turn it off. Perform a
reset if the solutions outlined below don't
resolve the issue. To perform a reset,
press the reset button with a paper clip or
similar object.

WILL NOT TURN ON

1. Assure that the LOCK feature is not
engaged.

2. Assure that the radio has power
(batteries installed or AC adaptor
plugged in).

3. Assure that batteries are inserted with
correct polarity

4. Assure that the batteries are not
depleted

5. If using an AC adaptor, assure that it is
plugged into the household outlet
(mains socket) and into the radio's DC
socket. Take care not to plug it into the
earphone socket. Also, assure that the
AC adaptor is of the correct DC voltage
output and polarity and that its plug-tip
is of the correct inner and outer
diameter.

SHUTS OFF ABRUPTLY WHILE
PLAYING DURING BATTERY USE

This is caused by depleted batteries.
Replace them.

SHUTS OFF ABRUPTLY WHILE BEING
MOVED DURING AC ADAPTOR USE

This is usually caused by a broken wire or
loose connection in the AC adaptor's cord
or if the AC adaptor's plug-tip is of the
wrong diameter.

STATIONS ARE RECEIVED TOO WEAK

●

Assure that the ANTENNA GAIN switch

is set to the DX position.

●

Assure that the telescopic antenna is
pulled up all the way for FM and
Shortwave reception.

●

When listening to AM stations, swivel
the radio. The AM internal ferrite bar
antenna is highly directional.

THERE IS NO SOUND FROM THE
SPEAKER

Assure that earphones/headphones are
not plugged in and that the volume control
is turned up.

A STATION CAUSES SEVERE AUDIO
DISTORTION, BUT SEEMS TO BE
VERY STRONG IN SIGNAL STRENGTH

This is probably a strong, local station,
very close to your location. Because of its
close proximity to you, its signal is too
strong. To reduce signal strengths, place
the ANTENNA GAIN switch into the
NORMAL or LOCAL position.

THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT HAS A
STICKY LIQUID OR DRIED WHITE
POWDER IN IT

This is the result of battery acid leakage.
To avoid battery acid leakage, only use
high quality alkaline or rechargeable
nickel-metal-hydride batteries. Never
intermix old with new, or different brands
or types of batteries. If the batteries leak,
immediately contact the manufacturer of
the batteries and don't throw them away.
Damage caused by battery acid leakage
is not covered under warranty.

TECSUN

Tecsu n General Electri c Ma nufacturer Co., Lt d.

189 G uanCh ang Roa d, Dong Cheng D istri ct, Don gGuan , Guang Dong, P.R .Ch ina

TEL : [phone] FAX: [phone]

htt p://w ww.tec sun.c om.cn e mail: t ecsun @tecs un.co m.cn