SONY MDR-RF985R Wireless Headphones Instruction Manual

SONY MDR-RF985R Wireless Headphones

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 expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like for a long time.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built- in cabinet.
As the main plug of AC power adaptor is used to disconnect the AC power adaptor from the mains, connect it to an easily accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in it, disconnect it from the AC outlet immediately.
Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.

Information
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Services Center
1-800-222-7669 or http://www.sony.com/

Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: MDR-RF985R
(Headphones Unit)
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127
USA
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

How to use

Connect the AC adaptor.

Charge the headphones.

Connect the A/V component, following hookup A or B below. Using the headphone jack of the A/V component

B Using the audio out (L/R) jacks of the A/V component

Wear the headphones.

Before listening

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, first lower the volume.
If you want to receive audio on the headphones while at the same time hearing audio from the television speakers: connect the transmitter to your Cable Box/Satellite Box rather than your television.

Start playback of the A/V component.

Adjust the volume.

After use
Turn off the power of the headphones.

About sending RF signals
The transmitter starts sending RF signals automatically when it detects an audio signal from the connected component. Note that;

• Noise may occur depending on the transmitter position and room conditions. It is recommended to place the transmitter in a location that produces the clearest sound.
• If the transmitter is placed on a metallic table, you may hear noise, or the reception range may decrease. Do not place on a metallic table.

If no signal or low signal is input for about 4 minutes
When no signal is input for about 4 minutes, the transmitter turns off automatically*. The POWER indicator of the transmitter blinks for 60 seconds, then turns off. The transmitter restarts after receiving an audio signal again.
The transmitter may also turn off if low signal is input for about 4 minutes. In this case, raise the volume of the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted, then lower the volume of the headphones.

• If signal noise is output from the connected A/V component, the transmitter may not turn off, even when no audio signal is input.

If you cannot receive a clear audio signal
First change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector switch on the transmitter, then briefly press the AUTO TUNING button on the headphones.

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

1. The transmitter 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 convert 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.

Tips for charging

When the transmitter’s contact pins meet the headphones’ contact points, the CHG indicator lights up red. If they do not meet, the indicator will not light up. Confirm that the headphones make a “click” sound when you put them on the transmitter. When the headphones are correctly placed on the transmitter, the upper surface of the headphones becomes level with the transmitter.
The CHG indicator turns off when charging is complete.

Charging and usage time

1. at 1 kHz, 0.1 mW + 0.1 mW output
2. hours required to fully charge an empty battery
3. Time may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions of use.

To recharge the headphone battery after use

Place the headphones on the transmitter after use. The CHG indicator lights up, then charging starts.
When charging is complete, there is no need to remove the headphones from the transmitter.

Remaining battery

To check the remaining battery charge of the headphones, turn on the headphones, and check the power indicator near the POWER switch. The battery is still serviceable when the indicator lights up green.
Charge the headphones if the power indicator turns off, dims, flashes, or the sound becomes distorted or noisy.

Notes

• Insert the AC adaptor plug firmly.
• Be sure to use the supplied AC adaptor. Using AC adaptors with different plug polarity or other characteristics can cause product failure.
• This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

For the state of California, USA only
Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate Perchlorate material: Lithium battery contains perchlorate

For the customers in the USA and Canada

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.
You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit
http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

Checking the included items

• The battery capacity may decrease if the headphones are turned on and placed on the transmitter with the AC adaptor disconnected.
• The transmitter automatically turns off while charging the headphones.
• If the headphones are used outside the recommended temperature range, the CHG indicator flashes and charging stops. Charge in an environmental temperature of between 5°C and 35°C (between 41 °F and 95 °F).
• If you haven’t used the headphones for a long period of time, the life of the rechargeable battery may become short. This will improve when you repeat the charging and discharging process several times.
• When the battery life reduces to half, this may be the end of battery lifetime. For how to change batteries, consult your place of purchase or a Sony dealer.
• Do not store the headphones in hot places for a long period of time. When storing them for more than a year, charge the battery once a year to prevent over discharge.
• Do not touch the contact pins of the transmitter. If the contact pins become dirty, charging may not be possible.
• Charging may not be completed if the transmitter’s contact pins and headphones’ contact points are dusty. Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.

Tips for volume setting

• If you connect the transmitter to the headphone jack of the A/V component, set the volume of the A/V component as high as possible but not so high that the audio signal becomes distorted.
• When watching videos, be careful not to raise the volume too high in quiet scenes. You may hurt your ears when a loud scene is played.

Tips for better reception

Receiving performance

This system utilizes very high frequency signals in the 900 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.

Effective area of the transmitter
The optimum distance is up to approximately 45 m (150 ft) 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 and the headphones, or select another channel.
• 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 characteristic 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 earpads

The earpads are replaceable. If the earpads become dirty or worn out, replace them as illustrated below. The earpads are 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 earpad by pulling it out of the groove on the housing.

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

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems using this system, use the following checklist. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
No sound/Low sound

• Turn on the headphones.
• Check the connection of the A/V component or the AC adaptor.
• Check that the A/V component is turned on.
• If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted. Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter, then press the AUTO
• TUNING button on the right housing of the headphones.
• Use the headphones near the transmitter, or change the position of the transmitter.
• Charge the headphones. If the power indicator is still off after charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
• Raise the headphone volume.

Distorted or intermittent sound (sometimes with noise)

• Charge the headphones. If the power indicator is still off after charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
• Use the headphones near the transmitter, or change the position of the transmitter.
• Do not place the transmitter on a metallic table.
• If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, lower the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted. Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector switch on the transmitter, then set to the same radio frequency with the AUTO TUNING button on the right housing of the headphones.

Loud background noise

• If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted. Charge the headphones. If the power indicator is still off after
• charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer. Do not place the transmitter on a metallic table. Use the headphones near the transmitter.

The sound cuts off

• The transmitter turns off if no signal or low signal is input for 4 minutes. If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted.

Battery cannot be charged/CHG indicator flashes, or does not light up

• Put the headphones on the transmitter correctly so that the CHG indicator lights up.
• The transmitter’s contact pins and headphones’ contact points are dusty. Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.
• You cannot charge while the CHG indicator flashes. Charge in an environmental temperature of between 5°C and 35°C (between 41 °F and 95 °F).
• Check that the AC adaptor is connected to the transmitter.

Precautions

• If the transmitter is not to be used for a long period of time, disconnect the AC adaptor from the AC outlet by holding the plug. Do not pull on the cord.
• Do not leave this system in a location subject to direct sunlight, heat or moisture.
• This system is guaranteed for use in the temperature range of 5 °C to 35 °C (41 °F to 95 °F).
• You may hear some noise when you disconnect the AC adaptor from the transmitter before taking off the headphones.
• Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, moisture, sand, dust or mechanical shock.

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, lower 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.

Features

Thank you for purchasing the Sony MDR-RF985RK Wireless Stereo Headphone System. Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference. Some features are:

• Wireless system that allows you to listen to a program free from the restriction of a cord
• Easy connection to TV and Hi-Fi Audio system component Fast recharging function with secure charging mechanism Noise reduction system to reproduce a clear sound with minimum transmission noise
• reception
• 3 transmission channels available
• Up to 45 meters (150 feet) reception range* Long playback time (approx. 25 hours) High fidelity sound reproduction
• Volume control function on the headphones

Specifications

RF stereo transmitter (TMR-RF985R)

Carrier frequency 915.5 MHz, 916.0 MHz, 916.5 MHz Channel Ch1, Ch2, Ch3

Transmission distance
Approx. 45 m (150 ft) of longest
Audio inputs Pin jacks (left/right)
Stereo mini jack

Power requirements
DC 12 V (from the supplied AC adaptor)
Dimensions Approx. 120 mm × 264 mm × 120 mm
(4 3/4 × 10 1/2 × 4 3/4 in) (w/h/d)
Mass Approx. 470 g (1 lb 0.58 oz)

Rated power consumption 3.0 W
Operating temperature 5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)

Wireless stereo headphones (MDR-RF985R)
Frequency response 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz
Power source Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Mass Approx. 320 g (11.29 oz)
Operating temperature
5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)

Included items
RF stereo transmitter TMR-RF985R
Wireless stereo headphones MDR-RF985R
AC adaptor (12 V) (1)
Connecting cable (stereo mini plug  pin plug × 2), 1 m (39 3/8 in) (1)
Card warranty (1)
Operating Instructions (this manual) (1)
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

References

• dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
• Call2Recycle | Leading the Charge For Battery Recycling
• Sony Group Portal - Home

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