RD-50

FM RDS/DAB digital radio

with

Please read this manual before use

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 Contents
Controls ........................................................................... 2-3 General .............................................................................. 17
Battery operation ................................................................. 4 Specifications ................................................................... 17
Using the AC adaptor ......................................................... 4 Circuit features ................................................................. 17
Operating your radio - DAB ................................................ 5 Guarantee .......................................................................... 18
Selecting a station - DAB .................................................. 6
Secondary services - DAB ................................................. 7
Display modes - DAB ......................................................... 7
Finding new stations - DAB ............................................... 8
Autoselect - DAB ................................................................ 8
Manual tuning - DAB .......................................................... 9
Signal strength display - DAB ........................................... 9
Using your radio's Pause Plus feature ...................... 10-11
Favourite button ................................................................ 11
Recalling your favourite station ....................................... 11
Classic FM button ............................................................ 11
Operating your radio - FM ................................................ 12
Manual tuning - FM ........................................................... 13
Display modes - FM .......................................................... 14
FM stereo/mono ................................................................ 14
System reset ..................................................................... 15
Headphone socket ........................................................... 16
Display backlight .............................................................. 16

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 Controls 5 6
4 7
3 8 9
(Top)
2

1 10

1. Volume control 11 7. Info button

2. Headphone socket 8. Favourite button
3. Pause Plus button 9. Telescopic aerial
4. Power button 10. Tuning control
5. Band button 11. LCD display
6. Auto Tune button

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-
020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri) 2

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 Controls

11

10

10. DC in socket
11. Line output socket

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 Battery operation

1. Release the catch securing the rear door of your radio.

2. Insert four LR20 (D size) batteries into the spaces in the compart-
ment. Take care to ensure all batteries are inserted with the correct
polarity as shown inside the battery compartment. Close the rear
door and secure the catch.

3. Reduced power, distortion and a ‘stuttering’ sound are all signs that
the batteries may need replacing.
1
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-50 is used via the
AC adaptor whenever possible with battery operation for occasional
or stand-by use only.

Using the AC adaptor

1. Insert the adaptor plug into the DC in socket on the rear of your radio.

2. Plug the adaptor into a standard 13A mains socket outlet. Whenever
the adaptor is used the batteries are automatically disconnected.

The AC adaptor should be disconnected from the mains supply and

the radio when not in use.

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-
020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri) 4

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 Operating your radio - DAB

1. Carefully extend the telescopic aerial.

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

3. If this is the first time the radio is used a quick scan of UK Band III
DAB channels will be carried out. The display will show "Autotune
Quick scan". If the radio has been used before the last used station
will be selected.

4. During Autotune as each group of stations is detected the bottom

line of the display will show its name and the station count will be
updated. The top line of the display shows a bargraph indicating
progress of the Autotune.

5. When the Autotune is completed 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 your radio will display
"No Signal".

7. If no signals are found it may be necessary to relocate your radio

to a position giving better reception.

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 Selecting a station - DAB

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

2. Rotate the Tuning control to scroll through the list of available

stations. Stop rotating the Tuning control when you find the station
that you wish to hear.

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

4. Adjust the Volume control to the required setting. 2

Note: If after selecting a station the display shows "Not Available"
it may be necessary to relocate your radio to a position giving better
reception.

4
If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-
020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri) 6

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 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 clockwise.

Display modes - DAB

a
Your radio has six display modes:-

1. Press the Info button to cycle through the various modes.

b
a. Scrolling text Displays scrolling text messages such
as artist/track name, phone in number,
etc. 1
c
b. Programme type Displays type of station being listened to
e.g. Pop, Classic, News, etc.

c. Multiplex Name Displays name of multiplex to which

current station belongs. d

d. Signal strength Displays signal strength for station being

listened to.
e
e. Time and date Displays current time and date.

f. Maximum delay Displays maximum delay

for current station (see page 11). f

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 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
"Autotune Quick Scan". 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 III frequencies press
and hold down the AutoTune button for more than 2 seconds and
then release. The display will show "Autotune Full scan". As new
stations are found the station counter on the right-hand side of the 2
display will increase and stations will be added to the list.

Autoselect - DAB

As an alternative to pressing the tuning control to select a station your

radio can be set to automatically select a station.

1. Rotate the Tuning control a few clicks in either direction, imme-

diately press and hold in the tuning control until the display shows
"Autoselect ON".
2. Rotate the Tuning control until the station you require is visible on 1
the display, after a few seconds your radio will automatically select
the station shown on the display.
3. To switch off Autoselect rotate the Tuning control a few clicks
in either direction, immediately press and hold in the Tuning control
until the display shows "Autoselect OFF".
If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-
020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri) 8

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 Manual Tuning - DAB

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

1. Press and hold in the Tuning control until the display shows
"Manual tune". 1

2. Rotate the Tuning control to select the required DAB channel.

3. Press and release the Tuning control to select the channel.

4. Rotate the Tuning control to select the stations contained within

the Multiplex (group of stations) for the selected DAB channel.

5. Press and release the Tuning control to return to normal tuning

mode.

Signal strength display - DAB

1. Repeatedly press and release the Info button until the lower line
of the display shows signal strength.

2. Position your radio and carefully angle the telescopic aerial for best 1
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.

3. The clear unfilled rectangle indicates minimum signal level required

for satisfactory reception.

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 Using your radio's Pause Plus feature
How many times has your favourite radio station been interrupted
by that phone call from a double glazing firm or someone selling that 1
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 minutes

but can be up to 35 minutes depending on the station you are listening
to. 2
Note the feature only operates on the DAB
waveband.

1. To place your radio in mode simply press the

button, the sound from the loudspeaker will be muted. The display
will alternate between PAUSE and the time which the radio station
has been on Pause. 3
2. To return to the radio station that you were listening to simply press
the button and your radio will continue playing from
where you left off. The display will alternate between DELAY and
the amount by which you are behind real time.
3. When using your radio's feature the lower line of display
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 Tuning control, the 4
display will return to show DAB in right hand corner.

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-
020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri) 10

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 Pause Plus continued
1. As soon as you switch on your radio the feature is
1
working silently in the background so, say for example, you want
to hear a news item again press the twice and rotate the
tuning control anti-clockwise to scroll back to the item you wish to
listen. The display will show the amount of time you have scrolled
back.
Note the memory only starts when your radio is
switched on.
2. When using your radio's feature the lower line of display 2
automatically switches to show the Maximum delay time for the 1
station you are listening to.

Favourite button

Your radio is fitted with a button which when pressed will automatically
select the required waveband and tune to your Favourite station. This 2
will allow you to store a total of one station from either the FM or DAB
waveband.

1. To setup your favourite station, tune into the required station.

2. Press and hold down the Favourite button (10 sec) until the
display shows Favourite stored.

Recalling your favourite station

1. Press the On/Off button to switch on the radio. 2

2. Momentarily press the Favourite button, your radio will tune to the
station stored in favourite memory.

11

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 Operating your radio - FM

1. Carefully extend the telescopic aerial.

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

3. Press the Band button to select the FM band.

3
4. Press and immediately release the Auto Tune button, your radio
will scan in an upwards direction (low frequency to high frequency)
and stop automatically when it finds a station of sufficient strength.

5. After a few seconds the display will update and show station name.
4
6. To find other stations press and release the AutoTune button as
before.

7. To scan the FM band in a downwards direction (high frequency to

low frequency) press and hold down the AutoTune button for 0.5
seconds and then release.

8. When the waveband end is reached your radio will recommence 9

tuning from the opposite waveband end.

9. Adjust the Volume control to the required setting.

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

10

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-
020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri) 12

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 Manual tuning - FM

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

1 2
2. Press the Band button to select the FM band. Fully extend the
Telescopic aerial.

3. Rotate the Tuning control to tune to a station. The frequency will

change in steps of 50kHz.

4. When the waveband end is reached the radio will recommence

tuning from the opposite waveband end.
3
5. Set the Volume control to the required setting.

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

13

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 Display modes - FM
On FM the bottom line of the display can be set to any of the following a
modes:-
1. Press the Info button to cycle through the various modes. 1
b
a. Scrolling text Displays scrolling text messages such
as artist/track name, phone in number
etc.
c
b. Program Type Displays type of station being listened to
e.g. Pop, Classic, News, etc.
d
c. Signal strength Displays signal strength for station being
listened to.

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

e. Frequency Displays frequency of the station being

listened to. f

f. Audio mode Display shows Auto (stereo) or mono.

FM Stereo/Mono
1. If a station being received is weak some hiss may be audible. To
reduce the hiss press and hold in the Tuning control until the
display shows "Audio mode: Mono". Your radio will switch to mono
mode.
2. To return to stereo mode press and hold in the Tuning control until
the display shows "Audio mode: Auto". Your radio will switch to 1
stereo mode.
Note: FM stereo is only available when listening via earphone/
headphones
If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-
020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri) 14

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 System reset
If your radio fails to operate correctly, or some digits on the display are
missing or incomplete carry out the following procedure. 1

1. Switch off your radio.

2. Switch on your radio - before the screen shows "Roberts DAB digital
radio" press and hold in the Tuning control until the display shows
"System Reset". 2 2
3. A full reset will be performed. All presets and station lists will be
erased.

4. If DAB was used last then a "Quick scan" of the DAB band will be
performed, otherwise a "Quick scan" will be carried out the next time
the DAB band is selected.

If a problem persists our technical staff would be pleased

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

15

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

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. The display backlight will be switched on for approximately 12
seconds when any button is pressed.

2. When your radio is powered by AC mains the display backlight will

always be switched on.

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-
020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri) 16

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 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.

The name plate is located on the inside of the rear door on your radio.

Specifications
Power Requirements
Mains AC 230 volts, 50Hz only (adaptor)
Batteries 4 x LR20 (D size) Circuit Features

Battery Life Loudspeaker 75mm full range

Approx. 30 hours of listening for 4 hours a day
at normal volume using alkaline cells. Output Power 1.0 Watt

Frequency Coverage Headphone socket 3.5mm dia

FM 87.5-108MHz
DAB 174.928 - 239.200MHz Aerial System FM Telescopic aerial

DAB Telescopic aerial

17

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 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.

These statements do not affect the statutory rights of a consumer.

If you need any further advice, please call our Technical Helpline on :-
020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri) 18

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 ROBERTS RADIO TECHNICAL SERVICES
97-99 Worton Road
Isleworth Middlesex
TW7 6EG
Technical Helpline :- 020 8758 0338 (Mon-Fri during office hours)

Issue 1

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