IRST LOOK

CONSUMER RADIOS AND ELECTRONICS

The Eton S350DL

By Jim Clarke, NR2G, jimclarke@monitoringtimes.com
he Eton S350DL is a Deluxe version of the S350, an AM/FM/SW portable covering AM 5301710 kHz, FM 88-108 MHz, and SW 3-28 MHz. The shortwave range is broken down into three separate bands: 3-8 MHz, 8-17 MHz, and 17-28 MHz. According to Eton, four features distinguish the S350DL from the S350: FM-stereo via supplied headphones, an AM/SW Frequency Lock, operation with AA or D cells, and the ability to set the clock/alarm while the radio is in use. Slow tuning to be about twice as fast as I would like; like most things, you get used to it after a while. I also found that changing the settings of some controls changed the frequency readout, not by much, but enough to notice. only downside I saw with this feature was the flap provided in the battery compartment to hold the AAs in place, which seemed to keep popping open, causing the cells to break contact, shutting off the radio. Although Eton doesnt include the AAs or Ds, it does provide a wall adapter that plugs into the 6 Vdc input connector on the rear panel. If you plan on plugging in your own power source, the S350DL requires less than 500 mA and uses negative-tip polarity.

Audio

Ergonomics
At about 13 W x 7 H x 4 D, the S350DL is a little larger than most portables these days. With the industry trend toward smaller and smaller designs, Eton has chosen a larger and more military look. Available in either red or black, half of the front panel is occupied by the speakergrille, and the other half populated by the display and controls. The display window is about 1 H x 3 W, providing ample space for showing signal strength, battery status, mode, and the 1/4 W x 1/2 H frequency numerals.
With a 4-inch speaker behind the grill, the S350DL has nice sound. Separate Bass and Treble controls allow the listener to tailor the sound to their liking. And, if thats not enough, there is a set of RCA-sockets carrying stereo line-level audio output for those with external amplifiers or audio recorders. As stated earlier, a set of earphones is provided as part of the package. Theyre not top-of-the-line, but they are very comfortable and have very good sound quality, certainly well suited for the radio.

Auto-Backlight

Whenever the listener changes a control that has an associated display indicator, the displays backlight automatically turns on. The backlight remains on for about 5 seconds after the last one of those controls is changed; once again, another feature I like.

Antennas

How Does It Play?

Tuning

Heres where things get even more atypical from todays portables: the S350DL combines analog tuning with a digital frequency readout. Yes, you read that right, you get the advantages of analog tuning no chuffing and less system induced noise while enjoying the convenience of a digital frequency readout. Frequency resolution on SW and AM is in whole kHz, sorry, no tenths. A word of caution, though; dont expect the smooth, predictable, and relatively rock-solid tuning that comes from digital radios. With two concentric tuning knobs, the outer for Fast, and the inner for Slow, fine-tuning the radio requires a little more finesse than most of todays listeners are used to. However, proficiency can be achieved after just a short period of practice. During my practice, I found the Fast tuning knob had a rough feel during parts of its rotation, and the
The S350DL has the usual ferrite bar for AM and whip for FM/SW. The telescoping whip that Eton chose is better than most, in my opinion. Its smallest section wont bend if you look at it cross-eyed, and it just simply feels beefier than the norm. If you would prefer an external antenna, there is a connector on the rear-panel for FM, as well as spring terminals for SW.

Power

As noted by Eton, new for the S350DL is the ability to run the radio on either four AA or four D cells; I really like that feature. The
I took the S350DL to the bedside one evening and tuned around a little before going to sleep. Running on batteries and using the whip antenna, I found the radio to perform quite satisfactorily. While tuning the busy AM broadcast-band, and also on shortwave, the Narrow filter really worked well to reduce adjacent channel interference while leaving the audio very readable. There were plenty of shortwave stations to choose from, with many that were full-scale and full quieting. That was a pleasant surprise, as I dont normally experience that quality of reception with portables operated in my house.

Final Thoughts

A friend of mine uses a term Id like to borrow to describe the S350DL: a gutless wonder. But I mean that in a complimentary way! How else do you describe a single-conversion, analog tuned, digital-readout, portable radio that actually hears well and sounds good, too? The Eton S350DL a great radio for a beginner in the shortwave radio hobby or as an AM/FM/SW backup, and it can be found from various sources at an average price of $150. For more information on the S350DL, visit Etons website at www.etoncorp.com.
April 2006 MONITORING TIMES

S350DL

OWNERS MANUAL

AM/FM/Shortwave Radio

S350DL OWNERS MANUAL
DO YOU NEED HELP? Contact Us.
Etn Corporation 1015 Corporation Way Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. 1-800-872-2228 (U.S.); 1-800-637-1648 (Canada); 650-903-3866 (worldwide); M-F, 8:30-4:30, Pacific Standard TIme; www.etoncorp.com.

WARNING

Do not submerge or expose for extended period to water. 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.... 4 MAJOR FEATURES OF THE MODEL S30DL.. 5 CONTROL LOCATIONS... 6 CONNECTING TO POWER... 8 PRELIMINARY CONTROL SETTINGS... 10 TURNING THE RADIO ON AND OFF... 11 SIGNAL STRENGTH INDICATORS... 11 TUNING IN FM STATIONS... 12 TUNING IN AM STATIONS... 12 TUNING IN SHORTWAVE STATIONS... 13 SETTING THE CLOCK... 13 USING THE SLEEP TIMER... 15 ALARM CLOCK.... 15 USING THE LINE BACKLIGHT... 16 USING THE RESET... 17 USING THE LINE OUT SOCKETS... 17 USING THE EARPHONE JACK.. 18 USING THE SUPPLEMENTARY ANTENNAS.. 18 INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE.. 20 FINDING DESIRED STATIONS.. 20 WHAT ARE BANDS?.... 21 SHORTWAVE BANDS... 22 DAY BANDS/NIGHT BADNS... 23 DAYTIME LISTENING... 24 EVENING LISTENING... 25 WARRANTY REGISTRATION... 26 LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL CUSTORMER. 26 SERVICE INFORMATION... 27

1 INTRODUCTION

This owners manual is conveniently divided into two sections, BASIC OPERATION and INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE. Both sections are important. If you are new to shortwave listening, the INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE section will give you all the information that you need to be successful enjoying broadcasts from around the world.
2 MAJOR FEATURES OF THE MODEL S350DL
AM 530-1710 KHz FM 88-108 MHz SHORTWAVE continuous coverage from 3 to 28 MHz. This includes 13 international broadcast bands. 11, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22, 25, 31, 41, 49, 60, 75 and 90 meters. Highly sensitive and selective analog tuner circuitry Digital frequency readout Liquid Crystal Display, (LCD), for frequency and clock Digital clock with selectable 12/24 hour format Wake-up timer (use as radio-play alarm clock) Power failure backup feature Sleep timer Main tuning knob and independent fine tuning control knob Variable RF Gain Control Rotary volume control Variable, independent bass and treble controls Low-pass filter for shortwave and AM reception Left/Right line level outputs (stereo in FM) Stereo/Mono switch Stereo earphone socket Carrying handle/convertible shoulder strap Built-in telescopic antenna for FM and shortwave Built-in ferrite bar antenna for AM Jacks for supplementary AM, FM and Shortwave antennas Powered by 4 D or 4AA batteries (not included), AC adaptor (included) or DC car or boat adaptor (not included)
IMPORTANT NOTE: While using the owners manual, refer to the diagram titled CONTROL LOCATIONS to locate controls, switches, sockets, and parts that are referred to in the text.

3 CONTROL LOCATIONS

1 Power & Sleep Button 2 Alarm Set Button 3 Time Set Button 4 Hour Set Button 5 Minute Set Button 6 Alarm On/Off Button 7 Backlight/Snooze Button 8 Battery Power Indicator 9 Signal/Strength Indicator 10 Digital Frequency Readout 11 LCD Display 12 Turning Knob (fast) 13 Turning Knob (slow) 14 Reset Button 15 MW/SW RF Gain Knob 16 Treble Knob 17 Volume Knob 18 Bass Knob 19 MW/SW1/SW2/SW3 Band Select 20 Bandwidth/FM Band Select 21 Telescopic Antenna for FM/SW 22 Carrying Handle 23 Shoulder Strap 24 DC Jack 25 Battery Compartment 26 MW/SW Antenna Jack 27 FM Antenna Jack 28 SW LPF On/Off 29 Stereo/Mono switch 30 L & R Line Out 31 Stereo Earphone Jack
3 CONTROL LOCATIONS continued

4 CONNECTING TO POWER

USING BATTERIES Open the battery compartment and insert 4 size D batteries (also called UM-1) according to the polarity diagram imprinted on the battery compartment floor. Please note the following regarding battery operation: The S350DL has a battery power indicator in the LCD. Fresh batteries will show a full power level of three bars. If the indicator shows only one bar or the sound becomes week and distorted, replace the batteries. The radio will turn off automatically if the batteries become too weak. Check the batteries periodically for leakage. As a precaution, remove the batteries to prevent possible leakage if it is to be stored for long periods without use. Turn off the radio while replacing the batteries. USING AC POWER The S350DL is supplied with an AC adaptor that converts AC voltage to the DC voltage used by the radio. Only use the adaptor that is supplied with the S350DL or one that meets the generic specifications required by this product: output of 6 volts, DC, negative polarity; plug-tip outer diameter of 5.5 millimeter, inner diameter of 2.1 millimeter; capable of 300 milliamperes or greater. Contact Etn for the name and location of a retailer that sells the proper adaptor. NEVER USE AN ADAPTOR THAT DOES NOT MEET THESE SPECIFICATIONS, AS IT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. POWERING FROM A CAR OR BOAT 12 VOLT DC BATTERY SOURCE This requires a DC converter that converts the 12 volt DC source to the 6 volts required by the radio. The output of such an adaptor is 6 volts, DC, negative polarity. The plug-tip must have an outer diameter of 5.5 millimeter and an inner diameter of 2.1 millimeter. The plug-tip is plugged into the radios DC jack. It must be capable of handling at least 200 milliamperes of current. Contact Etn for the name and location of a retailer that sells the proper converter.

5 SETTING THE PRELIMINARY CONTROL SETTINGS
Use these controls as initial guidelines. As you get to know the radio, you will develop your own favorite settings. Turn the BASS-TONE-TREBLE controls into the 5 position.
Turn the SW LPF switch to the OFF position (right Turn the VOLUME control down to no greater than side of the radio). 3 so that the radio does not play loudly when first turned on. Turn the STEREO MONO switch to the MONO position. Turn the AM/SW RF GAIN control to the 10 position.
6 TURNING THE RADIO ON AND OFF
There are two ways to turn the radio on, with the 90-minute timer feature or without the 90-minute timer. To turn it off at any time, press the POWER & SLEEP button for about one second. Note: When SLEEP Times is off, the clock always shows in the display. 1. WITH TIMER: A quick, short press of the POWER & SLEEP button turns the radio on. 90 shows in the display for about three seconds, then the radios normal frequency display shows. Turning it on this way causes it play for 90 minutes, after which its timer turns it off automatically (to minimize excess battery drain). To change this automatic turn-off time from 90 minutes to a shorter time, see the section titled USING THE SLEEP TIMER. 2. WITHOUT TIMER: A long press of approximately 3 seconds of the POWER & SLEEP button turns the radio on without engaging the automatic 90-minute timer feature, causing the radio to play indefinitely when using the AC adaptor, and turning off only when the batteries drain or the radio is turned off.
7 SIGNAL STRENGTH INDICATOR
When you are listening to stations, the signal strength meter, in the upper right area of the display, will show the strength level of reception.

8 TUNING IN FM STATIONS

Fully extend the telescopic antenna and turn on the radio. Switch the BAND WIDTH FM AFC selector to the FM AFC ON position. FM appears in the display, as well as FM frequency numbers in the range of about 87-108 megahertz, abbreviated MHz. Use the outer fast tuning knob to find stations, fine tuning with the inner slow knob when needed. When Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) is ON, strong signals will automatically be captured and given precedence over weaker ones. With AFC turned OFF, the weak stations inbetween stronger ones will be tuned in easier. AFC ON is generally the preferred position. Placing the STEREO MONO switch in the STEREO position enables FM reception in stereo. Note: The stereo is heard from earphones or headphones and it is also heard from the stereo line-level outputs when feeding their output to amplified speakers or a stereo system. Placing the STEREO MONO switch in the MONO position will improve the quality of a poorly received station, but it will not be heard in stereophonic sound from the line level outputs. When listening through the built-in speaker, stereophonic sound is not heard. Only monaural sound is heard from the built-in speaker. If a station is not being received clearly, swiveling the telescopic antenna may result in improved reception.

9 TUNING IN AM STATIONS

TUNING IN AM STATIONS (MW) Turn on the radio and set the AM/SW BAND switch to the AM position and the bandwidth switch to wide or narrow. MW appears in the display. Use the outer fast tuning knob to find stations, fine tuning with the inner slow knob when needed. If there is interference from adjacent stations, place the BAND WIDTH control in the NARROW position. If there is no interference, leave it in the WIDE position. If there is excess background noise, turn on the SW LPF switch, which may minimize the noise. If a station is so strong that audio distortion occurs, reduce the gain level with the AM/SW RF GAIN control knob by turning it counter-clockwise. The telescopic antenna does not have to be extended for AM reception. The radio has an internal, directional, ferrite-bar antenna for AM reception. To optimize AM reception, swivel the radio until maximum signal strength is achieved. THE FREQUENCY LOCK FEATURE The S350DL uses a unique circuit for AM and SW tuning to optimize frequency stability and minimize signal drifting. While turning either tuning knob, Khz flashes in the display. It stops flashing about 3 seconds after a station is tuned-in, engaging frequency-lock.
10 TUNING IN SHORTWAVE STATIONS
IF YOU ARE ALREADY FAMILIAR WITH SHORTWAVE: Fully extend the telescopic antenna and turn on the radio. Set the AM/SW BAND switch to the SW1, SW2 or SW3 position and the BANDWIDTH switch to wide or narrow. SHORTWAVE 1, 2 or 3 appears in the display. Use the outer fast tuning knob to quickly go to a desired frequency that you already know or to the band that you want to tune around in, then fine tune stations with the inner slow knob when needed. If a station is so strong that audio distortion occurs, reduce the gain level with the AM/SW RF GAIN control knob by turning it counter-clockwise. IF YOU ARE NEW TO SHORTWAVE OR NEED A REFRESHER (also see the section titled INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE, later in this manual) Fully extend the telescopic antenna and turn on the radio. Get close to a window and fully extend the telescopic antenna. Follow the instructions below, depending on day or night listening. If it is daytime, turn the AM/SW BAND switch to the SW2 position. Use the fast tuning knob and tune to 15100 KHz. This is the beginning of the shortwave 19 meter band, one of the three best daytime bands, extending from 15100-15600 KHz. Using the slow tuning knob, tune through this band, carefully listening for stations. Also try the 13 meter band (2145021850 KHz) and 16 meter band (17480-17900 KHz), both in SW3. If it is night, turn the AM/SW BAND switch to the SW1 position. Use the fast tuning knob and tune to 5800 KHz. This is the beginning of the shortwave 49 meter band, one of the four best night bands, extending from 5800-6200 KHz. Using the slow tuning knob, tune through this band, carefully listening for stations. Also try the 25 meter band in SW2 (1160012200 KHz), 31 meters in SW2 (9400-9900 KHz) and 41 meters in SW1 (7150-7600 KHz). NOTE: If there is interference from adjacent stations,

10 TUNING IN SHORTWAVE STATIONS continued
place the BAND WIDTH control in the NARROW position. If there is no interference, leave it in the WIDE position. If there is excess background noise, turn on the SW LPF switch, which may minimize the noise. If a station is so strong that audio distortion occurs, reduce the gain level with the AM/SW RF GAIN control knob by turning it counter-clockwise. The Frequency Lock feature, described on page 13, also works with shortwave.

11 SETTING THE CLOCK

The S350DLs clock is a selectable 12-hour AM/PM mode or 24-hour mode time system. To toggle between 12 and 24 hour modes, turn off the S350DL. Then, press the Hour button for about 3 seconds until 12 or 24 flashes in the display. Then release the Hour button. When AM or PM appears in the display, it is set in the 12-hour AM/PM mode. If they are not in the display, it is in the 24-hour mode. The radio can be turned on/off to set the clock. With the radio turned on/off, hold down the TIME button for two seconds, then release it. The time display will flash. While it is flashing press the HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set the correct time. After setting the correct time, immediately press the TIME button to finalize the entry. If the TIME button is not pressed, the display will automatically finalize the entry after about five seconds. While setting the time, the HOUR and MINUTE buttons can be held down to advance the time faster. Note: When the radio is turned off, the display panel shows the time. When it is turned on, it shows a radio frequency. While on, pressing the TIME button causes the display to change from frequency to time for about three seconds, after which it shows frequency again. POWER FAILURE BACKUP FEATURE If batteries are in the S350DL and it is powered via its AC adaptor, it will automatically switch to battery use if there is an AC power failure.

12 USING THE SLEEP TIMER

The S350DL includes a sleep timer, which lets you set the radio to turn off after an amount of time of your choice. On the S350DL, the sleep timer is automatically activated for 90 minutes whenever the radio is turned on. After pressing the POWER&SLEEP button to turn on the radio, notice that 90 appears in the display as well as the SLEEP symbol. This means that the radios sleep timer is engaged, allowing the radio to automatically turn off after 90 minutes. To change the amount of minutes that the radio plays before automatically shutting off, press the POWER&SLEEP button to switch on the radio. After 90 appears, immediately do quick, short, repeated presses on the POWER & SLEEP button until the desired time is reached. Note that the sleep timer changes from 90 to 75 to 60 to 45 to30 to15 to10 to 01 minutes and finally to off, with each successive press.

13 ALARM CLOCK

SETTING, ACTIVATING AND DEACTIVATING (ALARM CLOCK) The S350DL includes a programmable turn-on timer, which allows it to turn on at preset times, like an alarm clock. With the radio powered on or off, hold down the ALARM button for about three seconds or until the time digits start flashing, then release it. While they are still flashing press the HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set the turn-on time, then immediately press the AL ARM button. If the ALARM button is not pressed, the turn-on time will automatically be set at the time you selected after 5 seconds. To activate/deactivate the turn-on timer feature, with the radio turned on or off, press the AL ON/OFF button, causing the symbol of a speaker to appear in the lower right corner of the display. When the speaker symbol is in the display, the turn-on timer feature is activated. When it is not in the display, it is deactivated. When the alarm radio is on, press power & sleep button to turn it off. USING THE SNOOZE FEATURE When the timer activates and turns the radio on, the timer activation symbol appears flashing the display. While it is flashing, press/release SNOOZE/ LIGHT button. The radio will turn off and then turn on again in 10 minutes. This process can be repeated 3 times. To see the turn-on time at any time, with the radio on or off, press the ALARM button. The turn-on time will then appear in the display for about four seconds. IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THE TURN-ON TIMER FEATURE The radio can be turned on/off for the turn-on timer feature to function. The radio will automatically turn off after playing for 30 minutes. USING THE SNOOZE FEATURE When the timer activates and turns the radio on, the timer activation symbol appears flashing in the display. While it is flashing, press/release the SNOOZE/ LIGHT button. The radio will turn off and then turn on again in 10 minutes. This process can be repeated 3 times.

14 USING THE BACKLIGHT

The S350DL has a backlight to light the display in low light situations. It can be activated with the following two methods. 1. To temporarily light the display, perform a quick, short press on the BACKLIGHT button. The backlight automatically turns off after eight seconds. 2. To permanently light the display, press and hold BACKLIGHT button for more than one second. The backlight will be turned on until the BACKLIGHT button is pressed again. 3. When the radio turn on/off, press the following keys can turn on the back light for 8 seconds (ALARM SET button, TIME SET button, HOUR or MINUTE SET button, AL ON/OFF button and BACKLIGHT button) 4. Moreover, when the radio turns on, rotate the tuning knob (fast & slow) can also turn on the backlight for 8 seconds. CAUTION: Leaving the backlight permanently on will drain the batteries more rapidly.

15 USING THE RESET

S350DL incorporates with a computer microchip (the component that controls how the radio operates). If the radio has been subjected to abnormal environmental conditions, the computer microchip may malfunction and the following symptoms may appear. The display shows nothing and the radio cannot be turned on by pressing POWER & SLEEP button. The display shows random characters or does not work properly although the radio can receive stations normally. In these cases, you might need to reset the radio. To reset the S350DL, unplug the external adaptor (if one is being used) and remove the batteries from the battery compartment. Insert a pointed object, such as straightened paper clip, into the RESET hole on the right, front side of the radio and gently press and release the button inside the hole. Then plug in the AC adaptor or reinstall the batteries.

16 USING THE LINE OUT SOCKETS
The line out sockets (RCA sockets), labeled L, R, provide industry standard left and right stereo line level outputs that can be used to feed audio to a tape recorder, stereo system, or any device with audio line level inputs. The output is stereo when the radio is tuned to an FM station broadcasting in stereo.
17 USING THE EARPHONE JACK
The earphone jack can be used with stereo headphones using a 1/8 inch (3.5 millimeter) plug. Sound is in stereo.
18 USING SUPPLEMENTARY ANTENNAS
SHORTWAVE ANTENNAS This radio can be used with basic, long wire antennas and other high impedance shortwave antennas (optimally 500 ohm). The length of a long-wire antenna should be anywhere from about 30-100 feet (10-30 meters). Best performance is from copper wire. The antenna should be above ground, preferably running in a straight line. Non-conductive insulators should be used on both ends of the wire to prevent signal loss. The wire is plugged into the red colored spring socket, AM,SW ANT., on the back of the radio. Connecting a ground wire to the black spring socket, GND, often helps reception, but is not mandatory. The ground wire should be connected to a cold water pipe or a ground rod. If no water pipe or ground rod is available, connect a wire about the same length as the antenna wire and lay it on the ground. NEVER CONNECT THE GROUND WIRE TO A GAS PIPE. AM ANTENNAS Any high impedance (optimally 500 ohm) AM antenna can be used, including long-wires and tuned loops. A ground wire, as discussed under SHORTWAVE ANTENNAS, is even more helpful during AM reception and often improves reception considerably, even when no supplementary AM antenna is used. FM ANTENNAS Connect FM antennas to the FM ANT. CABLE FM socket on the back of the radio. These antennas should have an impedance of 75 ohms. Most antennas fed with coaxial cable are 75 ohm antennas. If your coaxial cable has a F plug, like that used on North American TVs and VCRs, use a F to PAL converter plug to fit the European style PAL socket on the radio. (Radio Shack part number 278-265
19 INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE
Shortwave enables you to hear stations from around the world. Now that you have a shortwave radio, no doubt youll want to hear worldwide stations right away. If youre new to shortwave, please take some time to learn the basics outlined below. To successfully listen to shortwave stations you must know how to find them. They are found in the shortwave bands. If youre an experienced shortwave listener, youll already know what bands are and how to use them, but if youre new, youll need to learn about bands first. After that, you will have excellent success. Please read on.
20 FINDING DESIRED STATIONS
HOW TO IDENTIFY WHAT YOURE LISTENING TO AND HOW TO FIND STATIONS THAT YOU WANT TO HEAR We recommend the use of a comprehensive shortwave directory, especially if you want to hear specific countries or to identify the station youre listening to. Such a directory will alphabetically list the countries broadcasting on shortwave, showing their language, target area, broadcast time, and frequency that is used. The best shortwave directory is PASSPORT TO WORLD BAND RADIO, available in major bookstores. Published by International Broadcasting Services, Ltd., Box 300, Penns Park, Pennsylvania 18943 or available at www.passband. com. This publication has separate chapters for English and non-English broadcasts, titled World-Wide Broadcasts In English and Voices From Home.

21 WHAT ARE BANDS?

TO FULLY ENJOY SHORTWAVE LISTENING, THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONCEPT TO LEARN RIGHT AWAY. If you have ever listened to AM or FM radio, then you already know what a band is. The AM band is a frequency range stretching form 530 to 1600 kilohertz, the FM band is 88-108 megahertz. A band is simply a frequency range where stations are located. When you look for stations in these bands, you simply tune around with the tuning knob until you find a station you like. Shortwave is similar and the shortwave bands have names like 25 meters, 31 meters, 49 meters, etc. These are abbreviated 25m, 31m and 49m. Just like in AM and FM radio, one simply gets into the shortwave band and tunes around, looking for stations. For example, the 19 meter shortwave band encompasses the frequency range of 15100 to 15600 kilohertz. On the next page is a list of the shortwave bands used for international shortwave broadcasts and their corresponding frequency ranges. Since some radios show frequency in megahertz and some in kilohertz, both are shown here. The S350DL shows short

22 SHORTWAVE BANDS

BAND MEGAHERTZ (MHz) (as on some models) 2,300-2,500 MHz 3,20-3,40 MHz 3,90-4,00 MHz 4,750-5,060 MHz 5,950-6,20 MHz 7,10-7,60 MHz 9,20-9,90 MHz 11,600-12,200 MHz 13,570-13,870 MHz 15,10-15,80 MHz 17,480-17,90 MHz 21,450-21,850 MHz 25,60-26,10 MHz 26,965-27,41 MHz KILOHERTZ (KHz) (as on some models S350DL) 2300- 2500 KHz 3200-3400 KHz 3900-4000 KHz 4750-5060 KHz 5950-6200 KHz 7100-7600 KHz 9500-9900 KHz 11600-12100 KHz 13570-13870 KHz 15100-15800 KHz 17480-17900 KHz 21450-21850 KHz 25600-26100 KHz 26965-27410 KHz S350DL switch setting SW1 SW1 SW1 SW1 SW1 SW1 SW2 SW2 SW2 SW2 SW3 SW3 SW3 SW3
120 meters 90 meters 75 meters 60 meters 49 meters 41 meters 31 meters 25 meters 22 meters 19 meters 16 meters 13 meters 11 meters 10 meters
also called citizens band or CB
23 DAY BANDS / NIGHT BANDS
DAY BANDS / NIGHT BANDS THE DIFFERENCE IS VERY IMPORTANT Because shortwave signals depend on such factors as the sun, the ionosphere and interaction with the earth itself, signals cannot be heard on all bands throughout the day. Some bands are best during the daylight hours, and some are best at night. Here are some good rules of thumb. In general, the bands with frequencies below 13000 KHz are better at night and the bands with frequencies above 13000 KHz are best during the day. This guideline is not cast in concrete but is a useful general rule of thumb. Around sunrise and sunset, both the day and night bands might be good, sometimes exceptionally good. In the summer time, the day bands often are good into the early night. While most shortwave stations are found within the frequency limits of these defined bands, some are found outside of them. It pays to take the time to tune in-between bands too. These guidelines can be used worldwide and are not dependent on location. Listed on the next page are the characteristics of the major shortwave bands. Follow these guidelines for best listening results.

24 DAYTIME LISTENING

Shortwave listening is generally at its poorest during the daylight hours of about two hours after sunrise until about two hours before sunset. The major reason for this is that the broadcasters are not transmitting to North America at this time, assuming that we are all either at work or at school and are not able to listen during the day. If you want to try daytime listening, use the guidelines below. Typically, daytime shortwave tends to be better in Eastern North America than in Western North America.

DAY BANDS

13meters 16meters 19meters 22meters

CHARACTERISTICS

Results vary. Worth trying. Sometimes extremely good around sunrise and sunset. Similar to 19m. The best overall daytime band. May also be good at night in the summer months. Sometimes extremely good around sunrise and sunset. Sometimes good at night in the summer. Similar to 19m.
25 EVENING/NIGHT LISTENING
This is the best time to listen, because the broadcasters are deliberately transmitting to North America. These bands may be extremely good around sunset and sunrise too. NIGHT BANDS 25 meters 31 meters 41 meters 49 meters CHARACTERISTICS Similar to 31m. Good all night, everywhere. Often extremely good at sunrise and sunset. Good results often start about an hour before sunset. Similar to 49m. Good all night in Eastern North America; varies in Western North America. The best overall night band.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Getting close to a window may substantially improve your reception. The construction materials of some buildings simply do not let signals in very well. Signals penetrate wood frame buildings easiest, while concrete and brick buildings usually block signals. If you are in a building with one or more stories above you, signals can also be impaired in strength. In such a situation, situate the radio as close to a window as possible while listening. Holding the radio while close to a window may also improve reception.

26 WARRANTY REGISTRATION

To ensure full warranty coverage or product updates, registration of your Etn product should be complete as soon as possible after purchase or receipt. To register your radio, please select one of the following methods: 1. Register by visiting our website at http://www.etoncorp.com 2. Call our toll-free registration number anywhere in the United States or Canada at (888) 889-4391 or world-wide by dialing (204) 336-6547. French and English speaking operators available. 3. Mail your registration information to the following address: Etn Corporation 1015 Corporation Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 Product Registration 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).

27 LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIIGINAL CUSTOMER
This Etn product, as supplied and distributed by Etn is warranted by Etn against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for the following limited warranty period: One (1) year parts and labor This limited warranty begins on the original date of purchase, and is valid only on products purchased through an authorized Etn retailer and does not include transportation, installation, removal or reinstallation. Warranty repairs must be performed by Etn or Etns authorized service center. To receive warranty service, the original dated bill of sale must be presented upon request as proof of purchase to Etn or Etns authorized service center. Transportation to Etn or Etns authorized service center is the responsibility of the purchaser. Etn will repair or replace this product, at our option and at no charge with new or reconditioned parts, if found to be defective during the limited warranty period specified above. The product must be returned no later than 15 days beyond the expiration of the warranty period with transportation charges prepaid to Etn or Etns designated service center for warranty coverage. Prior to returning any product for warranty service, the purchaser must contact Etn for problem determination and service procedure. All replaced parts and products become the property of Etn. Replacement parts and products assume the remaining original warranty, or ninety (90) days, whichever is longer. This limited warranty covers manufacturing defects in material and workmanship encountered in normal, noncommercial use of this product and shall not apply to the following, including, but not limited to: damage which occurs due to applications and uses for which the product was not intended; failures or problems which are caused by products or equipment not supplied by Etn; accidents, misuse, abuse, neglect, misapplication, fire, water, lightning, or other acts of nature; incorrect line voltage, fluctuations or surges; damage caused by improper or faulty installation (including batteries, which may create an acid leak with irreversible circuit damage); damage caused by acid leakage; product alteration or modification; or use of unauthorized parts, supplies, accessories, or equipment which damage this product or result in service problems.
28 SERVICE FOR YOUR PRODUCT
To obtain service for your Etn product we recommend first contacting a Etn service representative at 800-872-2228 US, 800-6371648 Canada or (650) 903-3866 for problem determination and trouble-shooting. Many of the common questions can be resolved quickly over the phone. There are two service types should your Etn product need repair. 1. Warranty If your product is still in warranty and the Etn 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. 2. 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.