3-254-600-12(1)

Wireless Stereo Headphone System

Operating Instructions

MDR-RF820RK MDR-RF850RK

2003 Sony Corporation

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.

Welcome!

Thank you for purchasing the Sony MDR-RF820RK/RF850RK 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 High fidelity sound reproduction A compact transmitter with an AC power adaptor (supplied) enables simple charging of the headphone batteries. Just by placing the headphones on the transmitter, headphone batteries can be charged. Comfortable Circum-aural headphones with self adjusting head band Automatic ON/OFF function on headphones to preserve battery power
Hereby, Sony Corp., declares that this equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
For details, please access the following URL : http://www.compliance.sony.de/ This product is intended to be used in the following countries. CEK version: United Kingdom CED version: Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, France, Portugal, Italy, Spain To check for version, please refer to the barcode label located on the top of the box.
Notes on receiving performance
This system utilizes very high frequency signals in the 800 MHz band so the receiving performance may deteriorate due to the surroundings. The following examples illustrate conditions that may reduce the reception range or cause interference. Inside a building with walls containing steel beams. An area with many steel file cabinets, etc. An area with many electrical appliances capable of generating electromagnetic fields. The transmitter is placed on a metal instrument. An area facing a roadway. Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings due to radio transceivers in trucks, etc. Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings owing to wireless communication systems installed along roadways.

Table of contents

Getting started
Unpacking.. 4 Charging the supplied rechargeable batteries.. 4 Setting up the transmitter.. 7

Operating the system

Listening to a programme.. 9 The effective areas of the transmitter. 11 Replacing the ear pads. 11

Additional information

Precautions... 12 Troubleshooting.. 12 Specifications.. 13

N Getting started

Unpacking
Check that you have the following items: The headphones (1)
Charging the supplied rechargeable batteries
The supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries are not charged from the first time you use them. Be sure to charge them before use. To charge the headphones, place them on the transmitter.
1 Press the button of the left housing

The transmitter (1)

to open the battery compartment lid.
The battery compartment lid comes off.

Button

AC power adaptor (1)
Unimatch plug adaptor (1) (stereo mini jack y stereo phone plug)
Insert the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries into the battery compartment matching the 3 terminals on the batteries to the 3 marks in the compartment.
Do not use rechargeable batteries other than the supplied ones.
Connecting cord (1) (phono plugs y stereo mini plug), 1 m

Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries (2)
Close the battery compartment lid.

Right housing

Left housing
When the indicator does not light in green
Connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the transmitter.

to an AC outlet

Transmitter
Check if the right and left headphones are rested on the transmitter correctly. The indicator will not light up if the headphones contact point does not meet the transmitters contact pin. Remove the headphones and replace them on the transmitter again so that the indicator lights in green.
AC power adaptor (supplied)
To recharge the headphone battery after use
Place the headphones on the transmitter after use. Since the built-in timer recognizes when charging is complete, there is no need to remove the headphones from the transmitter after charging.
Notes The transmitter automatically turns off while charging the batteries. This system is designed to charge only the supplied rechargeable batteries type BP-HP550 for safety. Note that other types of rechargeable batteries cannot be charged with this system. If dry batteries are installed, they cannot be charged. Do not attempt to use the supplied BP-HP550 rechargeable batteries for other components. They are for use with this system only. Charge in an environmental temperature of between 0C and 40C (between 32F and 104F).

to DC IN 9V jack

Rest the headphones on the transmitter so that the headphones contact point meets the transmitters contact pin while making sure that the charging indicator lights in green.
Charging is completed in about 16 hours and the charging indicator goes off. When placing the headphones on the transmitter, be sure to hold them level with both hands and that the right and left housings are placed straight down on the transmitter, and then tilt them back as illustrated above.

continue to next page

Charging and usage hours
Approx. Approx. usage time*

Notes on Batteries

Do not charge a dry battery. Do not carry a dry battery together with coins or other metallic objects. It can generate heat if the positive and negative terminals of the battery accidentally come into contact with metallic objects. If you are not going to use the unit for a long time, remove the battery to avoid damage from battery leakage or corrosion.

changing hours MDR-RF820RK MDR-RF850RK 1 hour 16 hours*2
80 minutes*minutes*hours*hours*3
* at 1kHz, 1mW+1mW output *2 hours required to fully charge empty batteries *3 Time stated above may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions of use.
Using the headphones with dry batteries (sold separately)
Commercially available (size AAA) dry batteries can also be used to power the headphones. Install the batteries in the same manner as described in steps 1 through 3 of Charging the supplied rechargeable batteries. When dry batteries are installed, the battery charge function is not activated.
Checking the remaining battery power
Pull up the self-adjusting band and check the power indicator located on the upper part of the right housing. The batteries are still serviceable when the indicator lights in red. Charge the rechargeable batteries or install new dry batteries if the power indicator light dims, flashes, or the sound becomes distorted or noisy.
Note The rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries should be replaced with new ones when they last only half the expected time after a proper recharging. The rechargeable batteries type BP-HP550 are not commercially available. You can order the batteries from the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.

Battery life

(Using Sony alkaline battery LR03/AM-4(N)) Battery MDR-RF820RK MDR-RF850RK Approx. hours*hours*hours*2
*1 at 1kHz, 1mW+1mW output *2 Time stated above may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions of use.
Setting up the transmitter 1 Connect the transmitter to audio/

video equipment.

Select one of the hookups below depending on the jack type: A To connect to a headphones jack
B To connect to LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks

CHANNEL

NOISE FILTER

ON OFF

INPUT A

L INPUT B R

to INPUT A jack

DC IN 9V

NOISE FILTER ON OFF
Connecting cord (supplied)

to INPUT B jacks

Left channel (white) Right channel (red)

Left channel (white) to LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks

Right channel (red)

Stereo system, VCR, etc. Unimatch plug adaptor (supplied)
to headphones jack (stereo mini jack)
to headphones jack (stereo phone jack) WALKMAN*, TV, VCR, etc.
* WALKMAN is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation to represent Headphone Stereo products.
C To connect to TV, etc. If noise occurs when the transmitter is connected to your TV or VCR, set the NOISE FILTER switch to ON.

CHANNEL 3

2 Connect the supplied AC power
adaptor to the transmitter.
Transmitter to an AC outlet
to DC IN 9 V jack Notes Use only the supplied AC power adaptor. Do not use any other AC power adaptor.

to stereo mini jack

Polarity of the plug If the connected equipment has the AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter System) function, be sure to turn the function off when using the transmitter. Otherwise, you will have to turn up the volume of the headphones, and that may cause noise.
TV, etc. Notes If you connect the transmitter to LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks of an audio reproducer such as an MD player or CD player, do not set the NOISE FILTER switch to ON. Otherwise, volume will be limited. The NOISE FILTER switch is active only in the case of the connection shown in diagram A on page 7 and C. In diagram B, the switch has no effect. When the transmitter is placed on or near a TV, it may pick up a noise. In such case, place the transmitter away from the TV.

N Operating the system

3 Select the radio frequency with the

CHANNEL selector switch.

Listening to a program

Before listening

To prevent your ears from being damaged, first lower the volume.
1 Turn on the audio/video equipment
connected to the transmitter.
If the transmitter is connected to the headphone jack, set the volume control of the audio source equipment as high as possible but not so high that the audio signal becomes distorted.

4 Put on the headphones.

The power indicator on the upper part of the right housing glows red. Be sure to put the right housing (R) on your right ear and the left housing (L) on your left ear. Wear the headphones vertically on your head so that auto power on function is properly activated.

2 Remove the headphones from the

transmitter.

The transmitters power indicator will light in red.
5 Turn up the volume to a moderate
level with the VOL control.
A MDR-RF850RK Press the TUNE button briefly for automatic tuning of the headphones. If you do not receive a clear audio signal, press it again.

TUNE button

VOL control
Sending RF signals from the transmitter The transmitter starts sending RF signals automatically when it detects an audio signal from the equipment connected. If it does not detect an audio signal for more than about four minutes, the transmitter will stop sending RF signals, and the power indicator will turn off. When the transmitter receives an audio signal again, it starts sending the RF signals, and the power indicator will light in red again. If the audio signal is very weak, the transmitter does not send RF signals. If the transmitter is connected to a headphone jack, make sure the volume of the equipment connected is set to or higher. You may not hear the beginning of the sound from the headphones until the transmitter starts sending the RF signals after detecting an audio signal.
B MDR-RF820RK Tune the headphones in to the frequency of the transmitter with the TUNE control until you can hear the audio signal loud and clear.
The headphones automatically turn off when they are taken off Auto power on/off function
Do not pull up the self-adjusting band when not in use, as this will consume the battery power.

TUNE control

Follow steps 3 and 5 above until the receiving performance becomes better.
Notes If hiss is heard, move closer to the transmitter. You may hear some noise when you disconnect the AC power adaptor from the transmitter before taking off the headphones.
The effective areas of the transmitter
The optimum distance is up to approximately 100 m without the system picking up some interference. However, the distance may vary according to the surroundings and environment. If the system picks up some noise while using it within the above mentioned distance, reduce the distance between the transmitter unit and the headphones, or select another channel.

Notes When you use the headphones inside the effective areas of the transmitter, the transmitter can be placed in any direction from the listener. Even within the signal reception area, there are some spots (dead spot) where the RF signal can not be received. This characteristics is inherent to RF signals, and does not indicate malfunction. By slightly moving the transmitter, location of the dead spot can be changed.

Replacing the ear pads

The ear pads are replaceable. If the ear pads become dirty or worn out, replace them as illustrated below. The ear pad is not commercially available. You can order replacements from the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.
1 Remove the old ear pad by pulling
it out of the groove on the housing.
2 Place the new ear pad on the driver
unit and insert the edge of the pad into the groove as illustrated.
Make sure that the entire edge of the ear pad is securely inserted into the groove.

N Additional information

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution

Check the connection of the audio/ video equipment or the AC power adaptor. Check that the audio/video equipment is turned on. Turn up the volume on the connected audio/video equipment, if the transmitter is connected to the headphones jack. MDR-RF820RK: Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter, then tune the headphones with the TUNE control. MDR-RF850RK: Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter, then press the TUNE button again. The mute function is activated. Use the headphones near the transmitter. The headphones POWER indicator light is weak or turned off. Charge the supplied rechargeable batteries or if the POWER indicator is still off after charging the supplied rechargeable batteries, take the headphones to a Sony dealer for replacement of the rechargeable battery. If you connect the transmitter to the LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks of an audio reproducer, make sure that the NOISE FILTER switch is set to OFF. Make sure that the NOISE FILTER switch is set to either ON or OFF (If the switch gets stuck between ON and OFF, the sound will be cut off). No sound/ Muffled sound

Precautions

If the transmitter is not to be used for a long period of time, disconnect the AC power adaptor from the AC outlet by holding the plug. Do not pull on the cord. Do not leave the wireless stereo headphone system in a location subject to direct sunlight, heat or moisture. Notes on headphones Preventing hearing damage Avoid using headphones at high volume. Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud and extended play. If you experience a ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue use. Caring for others Keep the volume at a moderate level. This will allow you to hear outside sounds and to be considerate to the people around you. If you have any questions or problems concerning the system that are not covered in this manual, please consult the nearest Sony dealer. Be sure to bring the headphones and the transmitter to the Sony dealer when requiring repair work.

Problem

Distortion

Solution

If the transmitter is connected to the headphone jack, volume of the connected audio/video equipment. Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter. The headphones POWER indicator light is weak or turned off. Charge the supplied rechargeable batteries or if the POWER indicator is still off after charging the supplied rechargeable batteries, take the headphones to a Sony dealer for replacement of the rechargeable battery. If you connect the transmitter to LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks of an audio reproducer, make sure that the NOISE FILTER switch is set to OFF.

Specifications

General Carrier frequency 863.5 864.5 MHz Channel Modulation Ch1, Ch2, Ch3 FM stereo MDR-RF820R : 20 20,000 Hz MDR-RF850R : 10 22,000 Hz Transmitter TMR-RF850R Power source Audio input Dimensions DC 9 V: supplied AC power adaptor phono jacks/stereo mini jack Approx. 136 mm (5 1/5 3/8 in.) (w/h/d) Approx. 195 g (7 oz.)

Frequency response

Loud background noise
Move closer to the transmitter. As you move away from the transmitter, more noise is likely to be heard. If the transmitter is connected to the headphones jack, turn up the volume of the connected audio/video equipment. MDR-RF820RK: Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter, then tune the headphones with the TUNE control. MDR-RF850RK: Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter, then press the TUNE button again. The headphones POWER indicator light is weak or turned off. Charge the supplied rechargeable batteries or if the POWER indicator is still off after charging the supplied rechargeable batteries, take the headphones to a Sony dealer for replacement of the rechargeable battery. If you connect the transmitter to the LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks of an audio reproducer, make sure that the NOISE FILTER switch is set to OFF.