Grundig S450DLX AM FM Shortwave Field Radio Owner’s Manual

June 17, 2024
GRUNDIG

Grundig S450DLX AM FM Shortwave Field Radio

Product Information: FIELD RADIO S450DLX

The FIELD RADIO S450DLX is a versatile AM/FM/Shortwave field radio designed for outdoor use. It features an LCD backlight display and a signal strength indicator, providing clear and reliable reception in various environments. The radio is powered by either 6 D size alkaline batteries or an AC adapter, making it suitable for both portable and stationary use. Additionally, it can be powered from a car or boat using a DC to DC converter.

Specifications:

  • Radio Type: AM/FM/Shortwave
  • Display: LCD with backlight
  • Signal Strength Indicator: Yes
  • Battery Type: 6 D size alkaline batteries
  • AC Power: 9 Volt DC, negative polarity, 500 milliampere
  • AC Adapter Plug: 5.5 millimeter outer diameter, 2.1 millimeter inner diameter
  • DC Power: 9 Volt DC, negative polarity, outer diameter 5.5 millimeter, inner diameter 2.1 millimeter

Product Usage Instructions

Installing Batteries:

  1. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the radio.
  2. Press the two tabs and pull up to remove the battery compartment.
  3. Install fresh, new alkaline D cells into the compartment, ensuring they are all of the same brand and type.
  4. To prevent battery acid leakage, follow these instructions:
    • Never install or replace with batteries of different brands and types.
    • Never intermix old batteries with new ones.
    • If not using the radio for more than 30 days, remove the batteries.

Using Batteries:

  1. Use 6 D size alkaline batteries.
  2. Install the batteries with correct polarity using the diagram inside the battery compartment on the back of the radio.
  3. Replace the batteries if the battery strength indicator in the display shows one bar or if the sound becomes distorted.
  4. The radio will turn off automatically if the batteries become too weak.

Battery Level Indicator:
The battery level indicator is located in the upper left corner of the display. When the batteries are full, the indicator will display a full battery symbol. If the indicator flashes, it  indicates that the batteries are low and the radio will soon turn off automatically.

Using AC Power:

  1. Plug the AC adapter into the socket on the left side of the radio.
  2. Use only the AC adapter supplied with the radio.
  3. When the AC adapter is plugged in, the full power level will be displayed in the upper left corner of the display, resembling a battery.
  4. If you lose the AC adapter that came with the radio, use one with 9 Volt DC output, negative polarity, 500 milliampere, and a plug with a 5.5 millimeter outer diameter and a 2.1 millimeter inner diameter.

Powering from a Car or Boat:
Use a DC to DC converter with the following specifications:

  • Output: 9 Volt DC, negative polarity
  • Outer Diameter: 5.5 millimeter
  • Inner Diameter: 2.1 millimeter

Turning On and Off / Setting and Deactivating the Sleep Timer:

  1. To turn on the radio, press the red POWER & SLEEP button located on the front top right corner of the radio.
  2. To turn off the radio, press the POWER & SLEEP button again when the unit is on.
  3. To activate the sleep timer, turn the radio on and continuously press the POWER & SLEEP button until the desired sleep time appears on the display.
  4. The sleep timer symbol will be displayed in the upper left corner of the display.
  5. With each press of the POWER & SLEEP button, the display will cycle through different sleep options ranging from 90 to 1 minute, and then to ‘on’ to deactivate the sleep timer.
  6. The radio will play for the specified length of time and automatically shut off when the sleep timer is active.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Q: Where can I find additional instructions and information about the product?
    A: Additional instructions and information can be found on our website at www.etoncorp.com.

  2. Q: How should I dispose of the product?
    A: According to the European Directive 2002/96/EC, all electrical and electronic products must be collected separately by a local collection system. Please act according to your local rules and do not dispose of your old products with your normal household waste.

© Copyright 2010 Etón Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Grundig Radio Line By Etón Corporation

DO YOU NEED HELP? Contact Us
If you need help, please contact us, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., North American Pacific Time. 1-800-872-2228 from the U.S; 1-800-637-1648 from Canada; 650-903-3866, worldwide;
FAX: 650-903-3867;
Website:   www.etoncorp.com
Etón Corporation , 1015 Corporation Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA

WARNING

  • Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
  • Do not submerge or expose for extended period to water.
  • Protect from high humidity and rain.
  • Only operate within specified temperature range (0 °C to 40 °C).
  • Unplug immediately if liquid has been spilled or object have fallen into the apparatus.
  • Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not use detergents or chemical solvents as this might damage the finish.
  • Unplug and disconnect external antennas during lightning storms.
  • Do not remove cover [or back].
  • Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

ENVIRONMENT

Disposal
According to the European Directive 2002/96/EC all electrical and electronic products must be collected separately by a local collection system.
Please act according to your local rules and do not dispose of your old products with your normal household waste.

MORE INFORMATION
This operation guide provides instructions for the most commonly used aspects of this product. Additional instructions and information can be found on our web site at www.etoncorp.com.

INSTALLING BATTERIES
The battery compartment is on the back of the radio. Remove it by pressing the two tabs and pulling up. Install only fresh, new alkaline D cells, all of the same brand and type. To prevent battery acid leak-age, follow these instructions. Battery acid leakage is not covered by the radio’s warranty. Never install or replace with batteries of different brands and types. Never intermix old batteries with new ones. When not using the radio for more than 30 days, remove the batteries.

USING BATTERIES
Use 6 D size alkaline batteries. Install them with correct polarity us-ing the diagram inside the battery compartment on the back of the radio. Replace them if the battery strength indicator in the display shows one bar or the sound becomes distorted. The radio will turn off automatically if the batteries become too weak.

BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR
The battery level indicator is in the upper left corner of the display. When batteries are full, “ ” will be displayed in the LCD; if “ ” flashes, it indicates that batteries are low and the radio will soon turn off automatically.

USING AC POWER
Plug AC adapter into the socket on the left side of the radio. Use only the AC adapter supplied. When the AC adapter is plugged in, the full power level will show in the upper left corner of the display, looking like a full battery. If you lose the AC adapter that came with the radio, use one with 9 Volt DC output, negative polarity, 500 milliampere and a plug with 5.5 millimeter outer diameter, 2.1 millimeter inner diameter.

POWERING FROM A CAR OR BOAT
Use a DC to DC converter. Output: 9 Volt DC, negative polarity, outer diameter 5.5 millimeter; inner diameter 2.1 millimeter.

TURNING ON AND OFF / SETTING AND DEACTIVATING THE SLEEP TIMER
Turn on the radio by pressing the red POWER & SLEEP button on the front top right corner of the radio. When it turns on you will briefly see a sleep timer symbol in the bottom portion of the display, this is the sleep time and the radio will play for this amount of minutes and then shut off. It can be deactivated by continuously pressing the power button until ‘on’ appears in the bottom of the display; with each press you will see the numbers going down from 90 to 60 to 45 to 30 to 15 to 10 to 5 to 1 minute and then to ‘on’. When ‘on’ appears, stop pressing the button. The sleep timer is now disengaged and you don’t have to change it unless you want a sleep time to appear. To activate the sleep timer, turn the radio on and press the POWER & SLEEP button continuously until the desired sleep time appears. The radio will play for the specified length of time and automatically shut off. The sleep timer symbol will show in the display, “ ”.

TURNING THE S450DLX ON AND OFF
Turn on the radio by pressing the red POWER & SLEEP button on the front top right corner of the radio. When the unit is on, press the POWER & SLEEP again to turn the radio off.

SETTING AND DEACTIVATING THE SLEEP TIMER
To activate the sleep timer, turn the radio on and press the POWER & SLEEP button continuously until the desired sleep time appears. The sleep timer symbol will show in the display, “ ”. With each press, the display will show the following on/sleep options: On, 90 to 60 to 45 to 30 to 15 to 10 to 5 to 1 minute and then to ‘on’. The radio will play for the specified length of time and automatically shut off. When ‘on’ appears, the sleep timer will be disengaged.

VOLUME KNOB
Turn up the volume by turning the volume knob (upper left of four knobs at lower front center of radio) clockwise (right), down by turning the knob counterclockwise (left).

POWER FAILURE BACKUP FEATURE
If batteries are in the unit and it is powered via its AC adapter, it will automatically switch to battery use if there is an AC power failure.

USING THE LOCK BUTTON
To lock all of the keys and buttons press and hold the LOCK button ” ” (front top of the radio) until you see a symbol of a key appear in the top, middle of the display. Press the same button for 2 seconds to unlock it.

USING THE QUICK TUNE BUTTON
(Q.TUNE button, below the display)
To quickly tune across a band press the Q.TUNE button. It will save you time when going to a frequency on the other end of the band. This works on AM, FM and Shortwave.

THE TUNING KNOB CONTROLS: STOP, SLOW, FAST
Above the tuning knob are the STOP, SLOW and FAST buttons. Pressing STOP locks the tuning dial. Press it again to unlock it. Pressing SLOW or FAST gives you slow tuning or fast tuning. Use which ever one that you prefer.

ANTENNA DX/LOCAL SWITCH
(right side of radio)
If the station you’re listening to is so strong that it sounds distorted, turn this switch to the LOCAL position. Otherwise, leave it on DX, which stands for maximum distance.

TUNING IN FM STATIONS
The FM frequency range is from 87 to 108 MHz.

  • Fully extend the telescopic antenna and turn on the radio.
  • Place the top BANDWIDTH control onto the MONO or STEREO position. Stereo is needed only when you’re using headphones and STEREO appears above the top left of the frequency in the display. FM mono has better signal and noise ratio as well as anti-multiplex interference.
  • Tune in the station with the TUNING knob or by pressing the UP/DOWN button or by pressing and holding the UP/DOWN button for one second to engage auto tuning.

BASS/TREBLE KNOBS
(lower left and right of four knobs at lower front center of radio)
Use these knobs to control the bass and treble response of the radio’s speaker system.

USING THE AM RF GAIN KNOB
(upper right of four knobs at lower front center of radio)
When listening to AM (MW) broadcast stations, this control knob should be dialed to or near position 5. If you are listening to a weak station, increase the gain, when listening to extremely strong stations, decrease the gain. For listening to Shortwave stations, place this control to maximum gain and decrease the gain as necessary.

TUNING IN MW STATIONS (AM); CHANGING THE TUNING STEPS

MW, or medium wave stations, known as AM stations in North America, range from 520 to 1710 KHz in North America and from 522 to 1620 KHz in other parts of the world. In North America they tune in 10 KHz steps and in other parts of the world they may tune in 9 KHz steps. The radio is set up for 10 KHz tuning by default, but to change the steps to 9 KHz, go into the battery compartment and move the switch from 10 KHz to 9 KHz and then press the reset button (in the front lower right of the radio) with a paper clip. The switch is located on the middle of the ridge between the upper set and lower set of batteries.

  1. Turn on the radio.
  2. Place the top BANDWIDTH switch into the W or N position (wide or narrow). Place bottom BANDWIDTH switch into the MW position.
  3. Place AM/SW RF GAIN switch into the 5 position, higher if necessary.
  4. Tune in the station with the TUNING knob or by pressing the UP/DOWN button or by pressing and holding the UP/DOWN button for one second to engage auto tuning.

Use WIDE if no interference is present. Use NARROW if interference is present.

TUNING IN SW (shortwave) STATIONS

  1. Turn on radio.

  2. Place the upper BANDWIDTH switch in the W or N position.
    Place the lower switch into SW1, SW2 or SW3.

  3. Place AM/SW RF GAIN control into the 10 position; decrease if necessary.

  4. SW appears in frequency range of 1711 to 29999 KHz.

  5. Tune in the station with the TUNING knob or by pressing the UP/DOWN button or by pressing and holding the UP/DOWN button for one second to engage auto tuning.

TUNING TO SW FREQUENCY RANGES (BANDS)

Tune to these frequency ranges for best results. The radio can also tune between these ranges.

Meter Band (m) Frequency Best Time of Day
90m 3,200-3,400 kHz
75m 3,900-4,000 kHz
60m 4,750-5,050 kHz night
49m 5,800-6,200 kHz night
41m 7,100-7,500 kHz night
31m 9,500-10,000 kHz night
25m 11,650-12,200 kHz
19m 15,100-15,800 kHz day
16m 17,550-17,900 kHz day
15m 18,900-19,020 kHz
13m 21,450-21,850 kHz day
11m 25,600-26,100 kHz day

OPTIMIZING SHORTWAVE RECEPTION

Shortwave enables listening to broadcasts over vast distances including other countries and continents. The following information will help you get the best results.

  • During the day, frequencies above 13 MHz are usually best.
  • At night, frequencies below 13 MHz are usually best.
  • Around sunset and sunrise, the entire shortwave range may be good.
  • Getting very close to a window and holding the radio improves shortwave reception.

To learn about shortwave we recommend the publication below, published yearly and available from major booksellers. Additionally, the Internet is a great resource for learning about shortwave. Type ‘shortwave reception’ into your favorite search engine.

WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK
Published in the USA by Watson-Guptill Publications, 770 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10003-9595.
www.watsonguptill.com

STORING AND RETRIEVING STATIONS INTO AND FROM PRESETS (MEMORIES)
Tune to the station that you want to store. Press and release the T.SET button and see ‘Preset’ with a number underneath it flash in the right side of the display. Press the UP or DOWN buttons over and over to find the ‘Preset’ number that you want to store it into. A quick press of the T.SET button will finalize the entry. Press the PRESET button continuously to retrieve the stations that have been stored. Notice that the frequency in the display changes and the ‘Preset’ number shows on the right side of the display. A station cannot be erased from memory. Simply store another station over it.

SETTING THE CLOCK

The S450DLX’s clock works in either the 12 hour or 24 hour mode. To change the clock from one mode to another, turn the radio off, press and hold the UP button for 5 seconds.

To set the clock:

  1. Turn radio off.
  2. Press and hold the T.SET button until the hour starts flashing.
  3. Turn the tuning knob in either direction or press the UP button to set the hour.
  4. Quick press the DOWN button to make the minutes flash and turn the tuning knob to set the minutes
  5. Quick press the T.SET button to finalize the entry.

Do the above steps quickly or the time set mode will exit. If it exits, simply start over.

SETTING THE ALARM CLOCK

There are two alarm clocks, Timer A and Timer B.

  1. Turn the radio off.
  2. Press and hold the TIMER A or TIMER B button until the hour flashes.
  3. Turn the tuning knob in either direction or press the UP button to set the hour.
  4. Quick press the DOWN button to make the minutes flash and turn the tuning knob to set the minutes.
  5. Quick press whichever button you are using, TIMER A or TIMER B, to finalize entry.

ACTIVATING AND DEACTIVATING THE ALARM CLOCK
Press and release the TIMER A or TIMER B button. ‘Timer A’ or ‘Timer B’ flashes in the display. While it flashes, press ALARM over and over. A bell “ ” speaker or nothing appears in the display next to ‘Timer A’ or ‘Timer B’. Select the bell icon to activate the alarm and set the alarm to go off with a beeping sound. Select the speaker icon if you wish to wake up to the last radio station tuned to. If nothing is selected the alarm will be deactivated. Set the volume to a level you want to hear.

USING THE SNOOZE FEATURE
(top right of radio)
To delay the alarm, the snooze feature can be activated by pressing the SNOOZE button when the alarm turns on. Once pressed, the alarm will activate again in 5 minutes. This can be repeated up to 4 times.

USING THE LINE IN/OUT SOCKETS
These sockets are on the right side of the S450DLX, an 1/8 inch stereo type (3.5 mm). An external audio device (such as an MP3 player) can be played by connecting an AUX line from the device into the Line-In socket. The Line-Out socket can be used to feed audio from the S450DLX to amplified external speakers.

USING THE EARPHONE JACK
The earphone jack can be used with stereo headphones using an 1/8 inch (3.5 millimeter) plug. FM sound is in stereo if the signal is sent in stereo and the ST position is selected with the BANDWIDTH switch.

EXTERNAL ANTENNAS

FM/SW EXT. ANT. – this socket, on the back of the radio is primarily for antennas designed to be fed with 50 or 75 ohm coaxial cable, such as dipoles or comparable antennas. It can also be used for long wire antennas. Use F plugs for feeding this socket.
ANT. SENS SWITCH: EXT or INT
(right side of radio)
Use this switch to enable the use of FM or SW internal or external antennas.
MW EXT. ANT. – This is a 500 ohm impedance socket, for use with long wire antennas.

USING THE GRUNDIG AN200 ANTENNA FOR IMPROVED AM(MW) PERFORMANCE
(not included)
The AN200 AM broadcast band (MW) loop antenna or any similar model does not need to be plugged in, simply set it next to the radio and tune it to the same frequency that the radio is tuned to. Swivel the radio and the antenna to achieve maximum performance. This antenna can be purchased by contacting Eton or one of our distributors. Call us for details.

USING THE AM IF OUT SOCKET
(back of radio)
Use this F socket to access an amplitude modulated intermediate frequency output for use in receiving DRM signals. It can also be used for other types of radio frequency experimentation. We do not provide support for this feature. To find out more about it, enter ‘DRM digital radio mondial’ or ‘AM intermediate frequency output for DRM’ or ‘AM intermediate frequency output’ on an internet search site or look up these terms in a radio electronics book or in an encyclopedia. to access an amplitude modulated intermediate frequency output for use in receiving DRM signals. It can also be used for other types of radio frequency experimentation. We do not provide support for this feature. To find out more about it, enter ‘DRM digital radio mondial’ or ‘AM intermediate frequency output for DRM’ or ‘AM intermediate frequency output’ on an Internet search site or look up these terms in a radio electronics book or in an encyclopedia.

LIGHT BUTTON
(right top of radio)
Press this button to light the display for a few seconds. When using the AC adapter pressing it for 3 seconds will permanently light the display.

KEY LIGHT SWITCH
(right side of radio)
Flip this switch to ON to make the keys light when they are pressed. Flip it to OFF to turn off this feature.

TO RESET THE S450DLX
If the radio malfunctions or doesn’t work properly, insert a paper clip into the hole on the front lower right side. Make sure the paper clip is inserted until the display reappears.

WARRANTY REGISTRATION

The radio is warranted for one-year. To ensure full warranty coverage or product updates, registration of your product should be completed as soon as possible after purchase or receipt. You may use one of the following options to register your product:

  1. By visiting our website at www.etoncorp.com.
  2. Mail in enclosed warranty card.
  3. Mail your registration card or information to the following address; Include your name, full mailing address, phone number, model purchased, date purchased, retail vendor name and product serial number (typically located in or near the battery compartment):
    Etón Corporation
    1015 Corporation Way
    Palo Alto, CA 94303

LIMITED WARRANTY
Retain the warranty information from your warranty card with your proof of purchase or the Limited Warranty information can also be viewed at www.etoncorp.com.

SERVICE FOR YOUR PRODUCT

To obtain service for your product, we recommend first contacting an Etón service representative at 800-872-2228 US, 800-637-1648 Canada or 650-903-3866 for problem determination and trouble-shooting. If further service is required, the technical staff will instruct how to proceed based on whether the radio is still under warranty or needs non-warranty service.
WARRANTY – If your product is still in warranty and the Etón service representative determines that warranty service is needed, a return authorization will be issued and instructions for shipment to an authorized warranty repair facility. Do not ship your radio back without obtaining the return authorization number.
NON-WARRANTY – If your product is no longer under warranty and requires service our technical staff will refer you to the nearest repair facility that will be able to best handle the repair.
For service outside of North America, please refer to the distributor information included at time of purchase/receipt.
Etón Corporation
Corporate Headquarters
1015 Corporation Way
Palo Alto, California 94303 USA
tel +1 650-903-3866
tel +1 800-872-2228
fax +1 650-903-3867
Etón Canada
1 Yonge Street, Suite 1801
Toronto, Ontario M5E 1W7 Canada
tel +1 416-214-6885
Designed by Etón Corporation and assembled in China. I © Copyright 2010 Etón Corporation. All rights reserved.

References

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