Radio Shack Car Stereo System DX 396 User Guide

20-226.fm Page 1 Tuesday, December 7, 1999 1:48 PM  
Cat. No. 20-226  
OWNER’S MANUAL  
Please read before using this equipment.  
DX-396  
AM/SW/FM Stereo PLL Portable Receiver  
 
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Three Power Options — let you power  
the receiver with internal batteries (not  
supplied), standard household AC pow-  
er (using an optional AC adapter), or DC  
vehicle battery power (using an optional  
DC adapter).  
Memory Backup — keeps the pro-  
grammed stations in your receiver’s  
memory for about 30 seconds without  
batteries.  
Frequency Step Switch — lets you set  
the correct frequency step for different  
countries.  
12H/24H Clock Switch — lets you se-  
lect a 12- or 24-hour time display.  
Folding Stand — securely positions the  
receiver at an angle.  
Because this product is so versatile,  
please take a few moments to review  
this Owner’s Manual before you operate  
your receiver.  
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CONTENTS  
Preparation .............................................................................................................. 5  
Connecting Power .............................................................................................. 5  
Using Internal Battery Power ....................................................................... 5  
Using AC Power ........................................................................................... 5  
Using Vehicle Battery Power ........................................................................ 6  
Setting the Time ................................................................................................. 7  
Choosing the Time Format ........................................................................... 7  
Setting the Primary Clock ............................................................................ 7  
Setting the Secondary Clock ........................................................................ 8  
Setting the AM/FM Tuning Increment ................................................................. 8  
Using Stereo Headphones ................................................................................. 9  
Listening Safely ............................................................................................ 9  
Traffic Safety ................................................................................................ 9  
Using the Folding Stand ..................................................................................... 9  
Operation ............................................................................................................... 10  
Listening to the Receiver .................................................................................. 10  
Selecting the Band ..................................................................................... 10  
Selecting the International Radio Frequency Band .................................... 10  
Tuning to a Radio Station ........................................................................... 11  
Using the Sensitivity Switch ....................................................................... 12  
Using the Antenna ..................................................................................... 12  
Storing Station Frequencies ............................................................................. 12  
Erasing Stored Frequencies ............................................................................. 13  
Listening Hints .................................................................................................. 13  
International Broadcast Frequencies ................................................................ 13  
Time Standard Frequencies ............................................................................. 14  
Frequency Conversion ..................................................................................... 14  
Special Features ................................................................................................... 15  
Using the Key Lock ........................................................................................... 15  
Using the Alarm ................................................................................................ 15  
Setting the Alarm Time ............................................................................... 15  
Turning the Alarm On/Off ........................................................................... 15  
Using the Sleep Timer ...................................................................................... 16  
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 17  
The FCC Wants You to Know ........................................................................... 18  
Specifications ........................................................................................................ 19  
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PREPARATION  
Follow these steps to install batteries.  
CONNECTING POWER  
1. Slide the battery compartment cover  
in the direction of the arrow and  
remove the cover.  
You can power your receiver from:  
• Internal battery power (two alkaline  
C batteries, not supplied).  
• Standard household AC power (with  
an optional AC adapter).  
OPEN  
SIZE”C” x2 BATTERIES  
• Vehicle battery power (with an  
optional DC adapter).  
2. Place the batteries in the compart-  
ment and on top of the attached rib-  
bon, as indicated by the polarity  
symbols (+ and –) marked outside  
the compartment.  
Using Internal Battery Power  
To use battery power, you need two C  
batteries (not supplied). For the best  
performance and longest life, we recom-  
mend RadioShack alkaline batteries.  
3. Replace the cover.  
When BATTERYflashes on the display  
or the receiver stops operating properly,  
replace the batteries.  
Cautions:  
• Use only fresh batteries of the  
required size and recommended  
type.  
Warning: Dispose of old batteries  
promptly and properly. Do not burn or  
bury them.  
• Do not mix old and new batteries or  
different types of batteries.  
Caution: If you do not plan to use the  
receiver with batteries for a month, re-  
move the batteries. Batteries can leak  
chemicals that can destroy electronic  
parts.  
Using AC Power  
You can power the receiver using a 3V,  
700-mA AC adapter, such as Ra-  
dioShack Cat. No. 273-1756, and a size  
H Adaptaplug® (neither supplied). Both  
are available at your local RadioShack  
store.  
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Cautions:  
Using Vehicle Battery Power  
You must use a Class 2  
power source that supplies  
You can power the receiver from a vehi-  
cle’s 12V power source (such as ciga-  
rette-lighter socket) using a 3V, 300-mA  
DC adapter and a size H Adaptaplug  
(neither supplied). Both are available at  
your local RadioShack store.  
!
3V DC and delivers at least  
300 mA. Its center tip must be set to  
positive and its plug must fit the re-  
ceiver's DC 3V jack. Using an adapt-  
er that does not meet these  
specifications could damage the re-  
ceiver or the adapter.  
Cautions:  
You must use a power  
source that supplies 3V DC  
• Always connect the AC adapter to  
the receiver before you connect it to  
AC power. When you finish, discon-  
nect the adapter from AC power  
before you disconnect it from the  
receiver.  
!
and delivers at least 300  
mA. Its center tip must be set to  
positive and its plug must fit the re-  
ceiver's DC 3V jack. Using an adapt-  
er that does not meet these  
specifications could damage the re-  
ceiver or the adapter.  
• If you disconnect power from the  
receiver for about 30 seconds, all  
information stored in memory will be  
lost. However, if you disconnect the  
AC adapter plug from the receiver’s  
DC 3V jack and have batteries  
installed, the memory stays intact.  
• Always connect the DC adapter to  
the receiver before you connect it to  
the power source. When you finish,  
disconnect the adapter from the  
power source before you disconnect  
it from the receiver.  
Follow these steps to power the receiver  
from AC power.  
• If you disconnect power from the  
receiver for about 30 seconds, all  
information stored in memory will be  
lost. However, if you disconnect the  
DC adapter plug from the receiver’s  
DC 3V jack and have batteries  
installed, the memory stays intact.  
1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the  
adapter’s cord with the TIP set to  
+POS.  
2. Insert the barrel plug into the  
receiver’s DC 3V jack. This discon-  
nects the internal batteries.  
3. Plug the adapter into a standard AC  
outlet.  
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Follow these steps to power your receiv-  
er from your vehicle’s battery power.  
Setting the Primary Clock  
Follow these steps to set your local time.  
1. Set the adapter’s voltage switch to  
3V.  
1. Press POWER to turn on the  
receiver. FM 87.50 MHz appears  
on the display.  
2. Connect the Adaptaplug to the  
adapter’s cord with TIP set to  
+POS.  
2. Press CLOCK. 12:00 slowly  
flashes.  
3. Insert the adapter's barrel plug into  
the receiver’s DC 3V jack. This dis-  
connects the internal batteries.  
3. Press TIME SET. 12:00 rapidly  
flashes for 60 seconds.  
4. Plug the other end of the adapter  
into your vehicle’s cigarette-lighter  
socket.  
4. Use the number keys to enter the  
correct time while the display  
flashes. For example, to enter 9:30  
AM, press 9, 3, and 0.  
To enter a PM time, press MEMORY/  
STORE AM/PM. pm 9:30 appears  
on the display.  
SETTING THE TIME  
The receiver has a dual time clock so  
you can set the primary clock for your lo-  
cal time and the secondary clock for an-  
other time zone. You can select a 12- or  
24-hour clock display format.  
Note: You can use > or < to set the  
time instead of using the number  
keys. Press > to advance the time or  
< to set the time back.  
5. Press TIME SET again when the time  
shows correctly. The display stops  
flashing, and the clock starts.  
Choosing the Time Format  
1. Slide the battery compartment cover  
in the direction of the arrow and  
remove the cover.  
Notes:  
• If you set the time using the time  
tone from a time standard fre-  
quency, press TIME SET when the  
time tone sounds to synchronize the  
seconds. (See “Time Standard Fre-  
quencies” on Page 14.)  
2. Remove any batteries from the com-  
partment.  
3. Set CLOCK to 12H for a 12-hour for-  
mat or to 24H for a 24-hour format.  
4. Replace the batteries.  
5. Replace the cover.  
6. Press POWER to turn on the  
receiver and activate the format  
change.  
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• When the receiver is off, the display  
always shows local time. When the  
receiver is turned on, the time disap-  
returns to the primary clock time or  
the radio frequency display (when  
the receiver is on).  
pears and  
a
radio frequency  
To return to the primary clock or  
radio frequency display before 10  
seconds have passed, press DUAL  
TIME again.  
appears. To see the time when the  
receiver is on, press CLOCK. Press  
CLOCK again to return to the radio  
frequency display.  
SETTING THE AM/FM  
TUNING INCREMENT  
Setting the Secondary Clock  
Follow these steps to set the secondary  
clock.  
You can set the AM/FM tuning incre-  
ment to the correct frequency used in  
other countries as you travel.  
1. Press POWER, then press DUAL  
TIME. WORLDTIMEappears.  
2. Press TIME SET. The hour digit and  
1. Slide the battery compartment cover  
in the direction of the arrow and  
remove the cover.  
WORLDTIMEflash for 10 seconds.  
3. While the display flashes, use the  
number keys to enter the hour for  
the secondary clock. Or, press > to  
advance the hour or < to set it back.  
2. Remove any batteries from the com-  
partment.  
3. To easily receive broadcasts when  
you travel to other countries, set A/B  
to A.  
Notes:  
• The minutes change automatically,  
according to the primary clock set-  
ting.  
• If the clock is in 12-hour format and  
you press > or < to set the hour, PM  
automatically appears on the dis-  
play. If you use the number keys to  
enter the hour, press AM/PM to note  
the time is PM.  
To easily receive broadcasts at  
home, set A/B to B.  
For example, 10 kHz is used in  
North and South America, while 9  
kHz is dominant in Europe.  
4. Press TIME SET again to set the  
secondary clock.  
4. Replace the batteries.  
5. Replace the cover.  
To see the secondary clock time,  
press DUAL TIME. The display  
shows the time and WORLD TIME  
for 10 seconds, then automatically  
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If you use headphones with your receiv-  
er while riding a bicycle, be very careful.  
Do not listen to a continuous broadcast.  
Even though some headphones let you  
hear some outside sounds when listen-  
ing at normal volume levels, they still  
can present a traffic hazard.  
USING STEREO  
HEADPHONES  
For private listening, connect optional  
stereo headphones into the receiver's /  
8-inch jack. Your local RadioShack store  
offers a wide selection of stereo head-  
phones.  
1
USING THE FOLDING  
STAND  
Note: The built-in speaker disconnects  
when you plug in headphones.  
You can use the stand on the back of  
the receiver to prop it up so you can  
easily see the clock display. Simply lift  
the stand away from the receiver and  
set the receiver on a flat surface.  
Listening Safely  
To protect your hearing, follow these  
guidelines when you use headphones.  
• Set the volume to the lowest setting  
before you begin listening. After you  
begin listening, adjust the volume to  
a comfortable level.  
• Do not listen at extremely high vol-  
ume levels. Extended high-volume  
listening can lead to permanent  
hearing loss.  
The back of the stand shows a world  
map with time zone changes. You can  
use the map to help you set the Second-  
ary Clock to determine broadcast times  
in other parts of the world.  
• Once you set the volume, do not  
increase it. Over time, your ears  
adapt to the volume level, so a vol-  
ume level that does not cause dis-  
comfort might still damage your  
hearing.  
Traffic Safety  
Do not use headphones with your re-  
ceiver when operating a motor vehicle or  
riding a bicycle in or near traffic. Doing  
so can create a traffic hazard and could  
be illegal in some areas.  
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OPERATION  
Press BAND until the desired band (FM,  
MW, or SW) appears on the display.  
LISTENING TO THE  
RECEIVER  
If you select FM, FM, MHz, and  
STEREO(when you tune to a stereo  
broadcast) appear on the display.  
Warning: To prevent possible ear injury  
and hearing loss, set VOLUME to mini-  
mum before you turn on the receiver. Af-  
ter you turn on the receiver, set VOLUME  
to a comfortable listening level.  
Note: Your receiver has only one  
speaker. To listen to a stereo broad-  
cast, use stereo headphones (not  
supplied). (See “Using Stereo Head-  
phones” on Page 9.)  
Follow these steps to listen to the re-  
ceiver.  
1. Press POWER to turn on the  
If you select MW, MW and kHz  
receiver.  
appear on the display.  
2. Press BAND until the desired band  
(FM, MW, or SW) appears on the  
display. (See “Selecting the Band.” )  
If you select SW, SW BROADCAST  
BAND, m, SW, and kHz appear on  
the display. See “Selecting the Inter-  
national Radio Frequency Band.” to  
select each international radio fre-  
quency band.  
3. Press < or > or the number keys (0 –  
9) to tune to the desired station.  
(See “Tuning to a Radio Station” on  
Page 11.)  
Note: SW BROADCAST BAND and  
monly appear on the display if you  
select an SW frequency that falls  
between the ranges printed on the  
SHORTWAVE BANDS chart printed  
below the display.  
4. Adjust your receiver’s antenna for  
the best reception. (See “Using the  
Antenna” on Page 12.)  
5. Adjust VOLUME and TONE as  
desired.  
6. Press POWER to turn off the  
Selecting the International  
Radio Frequency Band  
receiver.  
If you select the shortwave band, you  
can further choose one of the 12 inter-  
national radio frequency bands using  
SW SELECT.  
Selecting the Band  
You can select the Frequency Modula-  
tion (FM), Medium wave (MW), or the  
12-band Shortwave (SW) band for oper-  
ation.  
Follow these steps to directly select one  
of the 12 SW radio broadcast bands.  
Note: The medium wave band is also  
known as the Amplitude Modulation  
(AM) band due to its modulation system.  
1. Press BAND to select shortwave  
band.  
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2. Press SW SELECT. m(meter) flashes  
Notes:  
for 10 seconds.  
• Your  
receiver  
automatically  
3. While m flashes, press the desired  
rounds the entered frequency to  
the nearest valid frequency. For  
example, if you try to enter a fre-  
quency of 1453 in AM, your  
receiver accepts it as 1450. (See  
“Setting the AM/FM Tuning Incre-  
ment” on Page 8.)  
band key (120m - 13m).  
The receiver tunes to the lowest fre-  
quency in the selected band.  
Tuning to a Radio Station  
• If you make a mistake in entering  
a frequency, EEEEflashes on the  
display. Enter the frequency  
again.  
You can tune to a station using the man-  
ual, search, direct access, preset, or  
scan tuning methods.  
• Preset  
• Up-Down Manual  
To tune directly to a station that is  
entered into memory, simply press  
the desired preset number (09).  
To manually tune to a frequency,  
repeatedly press < or > until the dis-  
play shows the desired frequency.  
Note: You must first store the  
desired stations into memory. (See  
“Storing Station Frequencies” on  
Page 12.)  
• Search  
To let the receiver find a station,  
press and hold < or > for more than  
2 seconds. The tuner rapidly scans  
all frequencies. When you release  
the button, the receiver automati-  
cally tunes to the next strong sta-  
tion.  
• Scan  
To scan the preset memory loca-  
tions, press SCAN. The receiver  
stops at each station for about 5  
seconds. To end scanning, press  
SCAN again, or press a preset sta-  
tion memory button.  
Note: As the receiver rapidly scans  
for a station, you will be able to hear  
the sounds broadcast from the  
passing frequencies.  
Note: If no frequency is stored in a  
memory channel or no signal is  
received at a memory channel, the  
receiver stops at the memory chan-  
nel for 1 second and then moves to  
the next memory channel.  
• Direct Access  
To tune directly to a station’s fre-  
quency, press ENTER. ENTRY  
flashes for about 10 seconds. While  
it is flashing, press the number but-  
tons to select the desired station’s  
frequency. Then press ENTER  
again.  
11  
 
20-226.fm Page 12 Tuesday, December 7, 1999 1:48 PM  
store a station’s frequency using a mem-  
ory button, you can press this button to  
select the stored station.  
Using the Sensitivity Switch  
If you are listening to a strong FM, AM,  
or SW station, and the sound is distort-  
ed, set the sensitivity switch to LOCAL.  
This decreases the receiver’s sensitivity  
which reduces distortion from strong sig-  
nals and prevents reception of weak and  
noisy signals which are more common.  
Caution: If you disconnect power from  
the receiver for about 30 seconds, all in-  
formation stored in memory will be lost.  
However, if you disconnect the AC or  
DC adapter plug from the receiver’s DC  
3V jack and have batteries installed, the  
memory stays intact.  
If you are listening to a weak station, set  
the sensitivity switch to DX (distant).  
This increases the receiver’s sensitivity  
and improves the station’s reception.  
Follow these steps to store a frequency  
in memory.  
1. Press POWER to turn on the  
receiver.  
Using the Antenna  
2. Press BAND until the desired band  
(FM, MW, or SW) appears on the  
display.  
Use the following guidelines to adjust  
your receiver’s antenna.  
3. Press < or > or the number keys (0 –  
Band Antenna Adjustments  
9) to tune to the desired station.  
Fully extend and rotate the  
FM telescoping antenna.  
4. Adjust your receiver’s antenna for  
the best reception.  
Rotate the receiver.  
Note: Use manual, search, or direct  
access tuning to tune to the station’s  
frequency you want to store.  
AM (AM uses an internal antenna.)  
Fully extend the  
SW telescoping antenna.  
5. Press  
MEMORY/STORE/AM/PM.  
Note: For better AM and SW reception,  
you can connect an external antenna to  
the telescoping antenna.  
MEMORYflashes.  
6. While MEMORY flashes, press a  
number button to select the memory  
location.  
STORING STATION  
FREQUENCIES  
Note: If you do not press a number  
within about 10 seconds, MEMORY  
stops flashing and you must repeat  
Step 5.  
For easy selection, you can store up to  
30 of your favorite stations’ frequencies  
in memory (10 frequencies in each  
band; FM, MW, and SW). Once you  
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ERASING STORED  
FREQUENCIES  
INTERNATIONAL  
BROADCAST  
FREQUENCIES  
Your shortwave receiver permanently  
keeps programmed stations stored in  
memory. However, you can erase all or  
single stored frequencies from the mem-  
ory buttons.  
International commercial broadcasts are  
found in the following bands. Program-  
ming (often in English) usually contains  
news, commentaries, music, and special  
features reflecting the culture of the  
broadcasting country. You might find it  
easiest to hear these broadcasts be-  
tween 6:00 PM and midnight (your time).  
To clear all the memory buttons, you  
must reset the receiver.  
Note: Resetting the receiver clears the  
current clock settings.  
Note: European stations often list a fre-  
quency by giving its wavelength. For ex-  
ample, the 19-meter band refers to the  
range of frequencies whose waves are  
about 19 meters long.  
Using a straightened paper clip, press  
RESET (located on the bottom of the re-  
ceiver) once. 12:00flashes on the dis-  
play. Then reset the primary and  
secondary clocks.  
Band  
(In meters)  
Frequency Range  
(In MHz)  
To clear a single memory button, press  
MEMORY/STORE/AM/PM. Pressthemem-  
ory location button, dELEappears. Then  
press ENTER to clear the memory loca-  
tion.  
*120  
*90  
75  
2.300-2.495  
3.200-3.400  
3.900-4.000  
4.750-5.060  
5.950-6.200  
7.100-7.300  
9.500-9.900  
11.650-12.050  
13.600-13.800  
15.100-15.600  
17.550-17.900  
21.450-21.850  
*60  
49  
LISTENING HINTS  
**41  
31  
Listening to shortwave radio can be very  
exciting. Newscasts from a country  
where important events are taking place  
give you a sense of immediacy that local  
newscasts seldom deliver.  
25  
22  
19  
16  
13  
Although shortwave listening requires  
no special knowledge, you might enjoy it  
more if you read some of the numerous  
books available on this subject. There  
are also several periodicals that give lis-  
tening hints and seasonal program  
schedules.  
*These bands are reserved for stations  
in tropical areas.  
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20-226.fm Page 14 Tuesday, December 7, 1999 1:48 PM  
**The 41-meter band is shared by ham  
operators in the United States and inter-  
national stations.  
FREQUENCY  
CONVERSION  
The location of a station can be ex-  
pressed in frequency (KHz or MHz) or in  
wavelength (meters). The following in-  
formation can help you make the neces-  
sary conversions.  
TIME STANDARD  
FREQUENCIES  
The following frequencies announce the  
exact time of day at specified intervals  
for the United States.  
To convert from MHz to kHz, multiply by  
1,000.  
For example:  
2.500 MHz  
5.000 MHz  
9.62 MHz x1,000=9,620 kHz  
WWV  
Fort Collins,  
Colorado:  
10.000 MHz  
15.000 MHz  
20.000 MHz  
To convert from kHz to MHz, divide by  
1,000.  
For example:  
10.000 MHz  
15,500 kHz/1,000 = 15.5 MHz  
WWVH  
Kauai, Hawaii:  
15.000 MHz  
20.000 MHz  
To convert from MHz to meters, divide  
300 by the number of MHz.  
Note: Other countries also have signal  
stations transmitting this type of informa-  
tion over WWV or WWVH. You can find  
more information about time standard fre-  
For example:  
300/12 MHz = 25 meters  
inms.chu.html  
or  
in  
Japan  
at  
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20-226.fm Page 15 Tuesday, December 7, 1999 1:48 PM  
SPECIAL FEATURES  
the radio frequency display if you  
have the power on.  
USING THE KEY LOCK  
The lock feature prevents you from acci-  
dentally turning the receiver on or off,  
changing the band or frequency, or  
changing other front-panel controls. You  
can still adjust VOLUME, TONE, and the  
sensitivity switch.  
When you set an alarm time, the buzzer  
or radio (standby) is preset for the alarm  
sound. To choose the other alarm  
sound, see “Turning the Alarm On/Off.”  
Note: To view the set alarm time, press  
SET/OFF. This turns off the alarm. Press  
SET/OFF again to turn the alarm back  
on.  
To lock the controls, set LOCK to  
IN.  
LOCKappears on the display.  
To unlock the controls, set LOCK to  
.
LOCKdisappears from the  
Turning the Alarm On/Off  
display.  
1. Set the receiver to the desired sta-  
tion and volume.  
Note: If you press a “locked” button,  
briefly flashes on the display.  
2. Press SET/OFF to display either  
BUZZERor STANDBY  
, then:  
To have the buzzer sound at the  
alarm time, press ALARM/STANDBY  
until BUZZERappears.  
USING THE ALARM  
Setting the Alarm Time  
To have the radio turn on at the  
alarm time, press ALARM/STANDBY  
You can set an alarm so the buzzer  
sounds or the receiver plays at a speci-  
fied time.  
until STANDBY  
appears.  
3. If the buzzer alarm is turned on, at  
the preset alarm time, the buzzer  
sounds for about an hour, and the  
radio also plays. If the radio alarm is  
turned on, at the preset alarm time,  
the radio plays for 1 hour.  
Follow these steps to set the alarm time.  
1. Hold down SET/OFF, BUZZERor  
STANDBY  
appear. Press TIME  
SET, the display flashes. Release  
SET/OFF and TIME SET.  
Note: If you want to use the buzzer  
for the alarm, set VOLUME to its min-  
imum position.  
2. While the display flashes, use the  
number keys to enter an alarm time.  
If the time is p.m. press STORE AM/  
PM once.  
4. To turn off the alarm, press POWER.  
3. Press TIME SET again. The alarm  
The alarm sounds again the next day at  
the specified alarm time.  
time is set. The display returns to  
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20-226.fm Page 16 Tuesday, December 7, 1999 1:48 PM  
To turn off the alarm so it will not sound  
again the next day, press SET/OFF.  
BUZZER or STANDBY  
disappears  
when the alarm is turned off.  
USING THE SLEEP TIMER  
The sleep timer sets the radio to turn off  
after 90, 60, 30 or 15 minutes so you  
can fall asleep as you listen to the radio.  
To set the sleep timer, press SLEEP.  
The radio turns on, SLEEP flashes and  
90 appears briefly. After 90 minutes, the  
radio turns off automatically.  
If you want to set a shorter sleep time,  
press SLEEP repeatedly to select 60, 30,  
or 15 minutes.  
Note: Each time you press SLEEP, the  
remaining sleep time appears briefly.  
To turn off the radio before it automati-  
cally turns off, press POWER.  
16  
 
20-226.fm Page 17 Tuesday, December 7, 1999 1:48 PM  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
Your receiver should give you years of trouble-free service if you follow the care in-  
structions given in this manual. If you do have problems, the chart below might help  
you solve them.  
Problem  
Probable Cause  
Solution  
• Batteries are weak or dead.  
• Replace the batteries.  
• AC or DC adapter is  
plugged into the receiver  
but not into the power  
• Connect the adapter to the  
AC or DC power source.  
• Adjust DC adapter to  
proper voltage position.  
No display or incorrect  
display.  
source.  
(Plugging  
an  
adapter into the receiver  
automatically disconnects  
the receiver’s batteries.  
• DC adapter’s voltage is set  
to the wrong position.  
• Batteries are weak or dead.  
• Replace the batteries.  
VOLUME is set too low.  
• Adjust  
desired.  
VOLUME  
as  
• Headphones are plugged  
into the receiver. (This dis-  
connects the speaker.)  
• Disconnect  
phones.  
the  
head-  
No sound.  
• AC or DC adapter is  
plugged into the receiver  
but not into the power  
• Connect the adapter to the  
AC or DC power source.  
source.  
(Plugging  
an  
adapter into the receiver  
automatically disconnects  
the receiver’s batteries.)  
• Batteries are weak.  
• Replace the batteries.  
• Set it to DX.  
• The sensitivity switch is set  
to LOCAL.  
Weak sound, intermit-  
tent sound, or poor sen-  
sitivity.  
• Adjust the antenna.  
• Antenna needs adjusting.  
• Metal is blocking the signal.  
• Move the receiver near a  
window when operating it  
inside a vehicle or metal  
frame building.  
Set  
position.  
LOCK to the other  
Key is locked.  
appears on the display.  
LOCK  
Controls do not function.  
Display does not show  
Press CLOCK to change the  
display.  
the band and frequency The clock display is selected.  
for the receiver.  
17  
 
20-226.fm Page 18 Tuesday, December 7, 1999 1:48 PM  
Problem  
Clock flashes.  
Probable Cause  
Solution  
Set the time.  
The receiver had a power inter-  
ruption.  
The sensitivity switch is set to  
LOCAL. If the signal is weak,  
the receiver does not stop in  
LOCAL.  
Tuning does not stop.  
Set it to DX.  
• Receiver is set to memory  
scan.  
• Press SCAN or press the  
number key.  
Scan tuning does not  
stop.  
• No incoming signal or  
• Set it to DX.  
scans in LOCAL.  
THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW  
Your RadioShack DX-396 AM/SW/FM-Stereo PLL Portable Receiver might cause  
television or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To determine  
whether your receiver is causing the interference, turn it off. If the interference goes  
away, your receiver is causing the interference.  
To try to eliminate the interference:  
• Reorient the DX-396 receiver’s antenna.  
• Move your DX-396 receiver away from the television or radio receiver.  
• Connect your DX-396 receiver to an outlet that is on a different electrical circuit  
from the television or radio receiver.  
• Contact your local RadioShack store for assistance.  
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop using your re-  
ceiver.  
18  
 
20-226.fm Page 19 Tuesday, December 7, 1999 1:48 PM  
SPECIFICATIONS  
Frequency Range (with frequency step  
Jacks:  
switch set to AM 10 kHz FM 200 kHz):  
External Power............................DC3V,  
Center Positive  
FM.................................87.5-108.0 MHz  
AM ...................................530-1710 kHz  
SW...............................2300-21850 kHz  
1
Stereo Headphones .................. /8 inch  
Speaker......................3 Inches (77 mm)  
Permanent Magnet, Dynamic Type  
( . . . set to AM 9 kHz FM 100 kHz):  
FM.................................87.5-108.0 MHz  
AM ...................................531-1710 kHz  
SW...............................2300-21850 kHz  
Power Output:  
Speaker................350 mW at 10% THD  
Headphones..... 35 mW x 2 at 10% THD  
32 ohm  
SW Sub-Bands:  
Battery Life at 10 mW.............. 60Hours  
(Alkaline Battery)  
120 meter.....................2,300-2,495 kHz  
90 meter.......................3,200-3,400 kHz  
75 meter.......................3,900-4,000 kHz  
60 meter.......................4,750-5,060 kHz  
49 meter.......................5,950-6,200 kHz  
41 meter.......................7,100-7,300 kHz  
31 meter.......................9,500-9,900 kHz  
25 meter................... 11,650-12,050 kHz  
22 meter...................13,600-13,800 kHz  
19 meter...................15,100-15,600 kHz  
16 meter...................17,550-17,900 kHz  
13 meter...................21,450-21,850 kHz  
Power Source:  
Internal Batteries...........Two C Batteries  
(3 Volts)  
AC Power................................ 120Volts  
with Optional AC Adapter  
Vehicle Battery .......................... 12Volts  
with Optional DC Adapter  
Sleep Timer....... 90, 60, 30, 15 minutes;  
Auto-off  
Dimensions (HWD):  
7 5/16 x 4 3/4 x 1 1/2 Inches  
(186.5 x 120 x 38.5 mm)  
Antennas:  
FM....................................... Telescoping  
AM ...................................Built-In Ferrite  
Weight...............................18 oz (503 g)  
(without batteries)  
SW.....................(2,3 MHz - 7,095 MHz)  
Built-In Ferrite  
Specifications are typical; individual  
units might vary. Specifications are sub-  
ject to change and improvement without  
notice.  
SW...............(7,100 MHz - 21,850 MHz)  
Telescoping  
19  
 
20-226.fm Page 20 Tuesday, December 7, 1999 1:48 PM  
Limited Ninety-Day Warranty  
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workman-  
ship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-  
owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED  
HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES,  
INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,  
ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES  
CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABIL-  
ITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RE-  
SPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE  
OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WAR-  
RANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVE-  
NIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT,  
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN AD-  
VISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of in-  
cidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.  
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack  
sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, un-  
less otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and  
labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase  
price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the prop-  
erty of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of  
warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the  
original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the  
expiration of the warranty period.  
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse,  
accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or  
maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs  
other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as  
fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs  
of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from  
state to state.  
RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102  
We Service What We Sell  
04/99  
RadioShack  
A Division of Tandy Corporation  
Fort Worth, Texas 76102  
12A99  
Printed in Hong Kong  
 

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