argon audio DAB3+ User manual

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DAB3+
Dear Customer,
Quality has always been our driving force and founding
Argon Audio is a natural extension of this philosophy.
We have 20 years' experience in creating and specifying
high quality products, manufacturing them and selling them
on to end users with Value-for-Money as the primary aim.
And Argon Audio is a brand fully compliant with these values.
Design, features and quality standards are all specified
in Denmark and manufacturing takes place in the Far East,
where quality vendors are highly competitive - and as a result
supply outstanding Value-for-Money products
– to the delight of both ourselves and our customers!
Congratulations with your new Argon DAB3+

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Content
1
Introduction
page
3
1.1
Safety
page
3-5
1.2
Contents of the box
page 5
2
Usage, controls and connections
page 6-7
3
Using Your Argon DAB3+
page
8
3.1
Quick Start
page 8
3.2
DAB mode
page
9-11
3.3
FM mode
page
12-14
3.4
AUX mode
page
14
3.5
Bluetooth mode
page
14
4
Using Basic Functions
page 16
4.1
Storing and recalling your stations
page
16
4.2
Setting/checking the sleep timer
page
16-17
4.3
Setting the alarm
page 17-18
4.4
Using of the Snooze function
page
18
4.5
<System> settings/info
page
18-21
5
Specifications
page
21
6
DAB Frequency Band overview
page
22

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DAB3+
1. Introduction
1.1 Safety
Safety instructions
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this unit to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified may result
in hazardous radiation exposure.
The lighting flash with arrowhead symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert user of
the presence of un-insulated dangerous voltage
within the products enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric
Shock to a person.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instruction in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
Read Instructions
Read all safety and operating instructions before
operating the product.
Retain Instructions
Keep all safety and operating instructions for
future reference.
Heed Warnings
Take note of all warnings on the product and in
the operating instructions.
Follow Instructions
Follow all operating and usage instructions.
Cleaning
Unplug this product from the power source before
cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

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Attachments.
Do not use attachments of accessories not
recommended by us as they may cause hazards.
.
Water and Moisture
Do not use this product near any water source or
water hazard.
Placement
Place the product on a stable surface or
recommended stand, otherwise the product may
fall and cause injury to a person, and damage to
the product.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
mounting the product.
Ventilation
To ensure reliable operation and to prevent
overheating, do not block or cover ventilation
openings and slots with fabrics or impermeable
material Do not place in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
there is proper ventilation or our instructions
have been adhered to.
Heat
Do not place this product anywhere near heat
sources such as radiators, stoves, and other
products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Power Sources
This radio is specifically designed for operation
within the electrical range(s) specified on the
provided power adapter and use outside of this
range shall be at your own risk. Please contact
your local electric utility company if you have any
questions about the electrical voltage at your
intended location of use
Power-cord Protection
Arrange the power-cord to minimize the risk of
damage from traffic or other hazards. Pay
particular attention to the area near the plug head,
the power source outlet and the connection from
the product.
Lightning
Unplug the product from the power source during
lightning storms of if unused for long periods of
time. This will prevent lightning and power-line
surge damage to the product.

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Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or
integral power circuits as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push any object through the product
openings, as this can result in a fire, electric
shock or damage. Do not spill liquids on the
product.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the product yourself.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Damage Requiring Service
Call for servicing when:
a) the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b) objects have fallen through or liquids have
been spilled into the product openings.
c) the product does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions.
d) the product has been dropped or damaged in
any way.
1.2 Contents of the box;
•ARGON DAB3+
• DC12V 1,5A Power adapter
• Quick Start Guide - English.
We recommend that you keep the original box
and packing material for future transportation.
We also recommend that you keep this User
Manual.

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2. Usage, controls and connections
This chapter describes and shows you the location of the various controls and connections on
your Argon DAB3+.

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Usage, controls and connections
Function
1. Preset buttons
Press to recall a stored radio station.
2.Autotune button
Press to perform quick scan or full scan in DAB mode. Press to perform an
automatic scan in FM mode.
3.Tuning knob
Turn to select options, scan or switch stations and select ensembles. Press
to confirm selection or activate a function
4.Sleep button
Press to activate and set your sleep delay timer. This function turns off your
radio after a preset period of time.
5.Display button Press this button to change the display information on your OLED display
6.Source button
Press to switch between DAB and FM and Aux in mode.
7.Alarm button
Press to activate and set your alarm.
8.Volume knob
Turn to adjust the volume of your radio.
9. Power button
Press to switch between Stand By and Playing Mode.
10. Antenna You can adjust the antenna direction for better Reception.
11. Head phone connection Connect stereo headphones with a 3.5mm (1/8") stereo plug to this jack
12. Line out
Use this jack to provide the sound to other audio accessories.
13.Aux In connection Connect an external device such us a Mobile phone or iPod to this jack with
a 3.5 mm stereo-to stereo cable.
14. Power connection
Connect the power adapter to this connector.
15.OLED Display
Backlit display.
16.Snooze button Press to temporarily turn off your alarm. Press to mute a radio broadcast or
the audio from a connected external audio device.
16.Bluetooth Press to active Bluetooth input.

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3. Using Your Argon DAB3+ radio
3.1 Quick start
3.1.1 Start up
1. Extend the Antenna
2. Plug the Power supply into an electric outlet and into the back of the Radio.
3. Press “power” (9) on
4. The Radio will start searching for DAB stations automatically. This may take a few minutes and
the progress will be shown in the display.
5. Once finished searching, the Radio will start playing the first found station.
3.1.2 Basic Operating
1. Stations can be chosen by turning the “Tuning/Select” knob.
2. Once the prefer station is found press the “Tuning/Select” knob and the chosen station will start
playing.
3. To store a station on one of the 1-5 preset buttons, press and hold the wished preset button for 3
sec., while playing the station that you want to store.
4. When stored, the display will show “Preset X saved”
5. To change between the Modes DAB, FM, AUX and Bluetooth (if your Radio has this function),
press the “Source” button repeatedly until you reach the preferred Mode.
6. To tune stations in FM Mode press and hold the “Autotune” button for 3 sec. and the Radio will
scan to the next available station. You can store FM stations like mentioned in point 3.

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3.2 DAB mode
1. If you are not in DAB mode, press the Source (6) button continuously, until it shows “DAB”. It will
start playing on the last played station.
The radio displays the correct time in DAB and FM mode, after a full scan has been preformed) in
DAB mode for the first time (normally done automatically at first time installation. Your radio
retrieves the time information from a DAB station.
2. While in DAB mode, press the Source (6) button, and the radio switches to FM mode.
3. While in FM mode, press the Source (6) button, and the radio switches to AUX IN mode.
4. You can switch the DAB/FM/AUX IN by pressing Source (6) button at any time.
3.2.1 Scanning stations in DAB mode
There are two ways to scan for stations:
•Automatic full scan (autotune (2))
•Manual scan
To do an automatic full scan:
1. Press and hold the Display (5) button for three seconds and <Full scan> will show in the display.
2. Press the Tuning/select (3) button/knob and automatic full scan will start.
This may take a few minutes, during which you will see the displays in the sequence below.
When there scan is finished the first found station, starts to play immediately.
3. To preview another station, turn the Tuning (3) knob until the name of another station appears.
4. Press the Tuning knob to select and listen to the new station.
To do a manual scan
1. Press and hold the Display (5) button for three seconds until the text in the display changes.
2. Turn the Tuning/select (3) button/knob until the display shows <Manual Tune>.

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3. Press the Tuning/select (3) button/knob to activate manual tune.
4. To choose another frequency turn the Tuning/select (3) button/knob
5. and confirm by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
3.2.2 Viewing additional Information (Display Information)
Display information containing useful ones such as; time, date, station name, signal strength, program type,
frequency, signal error, kbps quality, including radio services, song titles, and special announcements sent by
your DAB provider.
1. While playing a station in DAB mode, press the Display (5) button shortly. Additional information
appears at the bottom row of the display.
2. Each time you press Display (5) button, new Display information will appear.
There are nine different types of Display information available for DAB mode:.
•Station information with text messages such as song title, artiste name etc, are displayed.
•Station category
•Programs being played.
•Stations broadcast frequency.
•Signal error
•Signal strength
•Time obtained automatically from a DAB transmission in your country or region.
•Date obtained automatically from a DAB transmission in your country or region.
•Kbps quality
3.2.3 Additional Menu functions in DAB mode
1. Pressing and holding the Display (5) button for 3 seconds, will bring you into the DAB Menu.
2. In the Menu you will find these options, by turning/using the Tuning/select (3) button/knob:

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<Full scan>
see point 3.1.1 page 9
<Manual tune>
see point 3.1.1 page 9
<DRC> Dynamic range compression
This function reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest audio being broadcast. Effectively, this
makes quiet sounds comparatively louder and loud sounds comparatively quieter.
Note: DRC only works if it is enabled by the broadcaster for a specific station.
There are three settings High, Low and Off.
1. Chose your preference by turning the Tuning/select (3) button/knob, confirm your choice by
pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
<Prune>
This removes all invalid stations, indicated in the station list with a ‘?’ in front of the station name.
1. Choose “Yes” or “No” using the Tuning/select (3) button/knob
2. Confirm your choice by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
<System>
See point 4.5 page 19
No matter if you are in DAB, FM or AUX mode the “System” settings/information will be the same.
To enter the System settings:
1. Press and holding the Display (5) button for 3 seconds.
2. Turn Tuning/select (3) button/knob until you see <System> in the display.
3. Confirm your choice by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob.

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DAB3+
3.3 FM Mode
3.3.1 Selecting FM mode
If you are not in FM mode:
1. Press the Source (6) button continuously, until it shows “FM”. It will start playing on the last played
station.
.
3.3.2 Scanning stations in FM mode
To do an autoscan.
Make sure you are in FM mode.
1. Press the Autotune (2) button to scan for FM stations in ascending frequency.
2. To scan in descending frequency, press and hold the Autotune button for 3 seconds.
Automatic scanning for an FM station begins.
Once a station is successfully scanned it will start playing.
To do a manual scan
1. Turn the Tuning knob clockwise or anticlockwise until you hear an FM stations broadcast, or see
the frequency you want.
3.3.3 Viewing additional Information (Display Information)
Display information containing useful ones such as; time, date, station name, signal strength, program type,
frequency, signal error, kbps quality, including radio services, song titles, and special announcements sent by
your DAB provider.
1. While playing a station in FM mode, press the Display (5) button shortly. Additional information
appears at the bottom row of the display.
2. Each time you press Display (5) button, new Display information will appear.

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DAB3+
There are seven different types of Display information available for FM mode:.
•Station information with text messages such as song title, artiste name etc, are displayed.
•Station category
•Programs being played.
•Stations broadcast frequency.
•Signal strength
•Time obtained automatically from a FM transmission in your country or region.
•Date obtained automatically from a FM transmission in your country or region.
3.3.4 Additional Menu functions in FM mode
1. Pressing and holding the Display (5) button for 3 seconds, will bring you into the FM Menu.
In the Menu you will find these options by turning/using the Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
<Scan setting> see point 3.3.2 on page 12
<Audio setting>
This function is used for selecting audio mode (Auto or Mono)
Follow the steps below to set your radios audio output to Auto or Mono.
1. Use the Tuning/select (3) button/knob and turn until the display shows <Audio setting>
2. Press the Tuning/select (3) button/knob, A new menu appears
3. Using the Tuning/select (3) button/knob you can now choose between:
<Stereo allowed> or <Forced mono>
4. Make your choice and confirm/save your choice by pressing Tuning/select (3) button/knob
In Auto mode, the radio plays the programs default output: stereo or mono.

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DAB3+
In Mono mode, the radio plays mono output only. Some stations sound better in this mode if the signal is not
strong enough to receive noiseless stereo signal.
<System> See point 4.5 page 17
3.4 AUX Mode
Using the AUX IN jack
1. Use a 3.5mm stereo-to-stereo cable (mini-jack) to connect an external device, like your Mobile
phone, Laptop or iPod to the AUX IN jack, on the back of your radio.
2. Press the Source (6) button until the display shows “Aux”. Once connected to the 3,5 mm plug on
the back your radio will start playback of the music on the connected external device.
3. To adjust the radio volume level, you may need to adjust the volume on your external audio
device. In other words you can adjust the sound level both on the Radio and on the External
device.
3.5 Bluetooth mode
3.5.1 Enabling Bluetooth
Bluetooth can be activated in two ways:
1. Either by pressing the "SOURCE" button until radio shows FM→ BT
2. Or, by pressing directly on the "Bluetooth" button on the front of the radio (button 17 page 6).
3.5.2 Connecting Bluetooth
1. Turn on Bluetooth on your Media playback device (mobile phone, tablet, PC etc.).
2. "Make Device Discoverable" on your Media playback device (mobile phone, tablet, PC etc.).

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3. Switch to Bluetooth mode on Argon Audio DAB3 + either by using the "SOURCE" button or the
direct BT button on the front of Argon Audio DAB3 +.
4. Argon Audio DAB3 + will first show the display "Bluetooth Initial" , then "Bluetooth Connecting" if
your media playback device (mobile phone, tablet , PC etc ) is not already connected, the display
will show "Bluetooth No connection".
5. Now set your Media playback device (mobile phone, tablet, PC etc. to scan for Bluetooth devices.
6. After a few seconds, your media playback device (mobile phone, tablet, PC etc.) will show that it
has found "Argon DAB3 +" with the text ", Pair with this device. Click "Pair with this device"
7. Argon Audio DAB3 + will now show in the display "name on your device DAB3 + Connected"
8. Your Media playback device (mobile phone, tablet, PC etc.) will show "Argon DAB3 + Paired but
not connected".
9. Press on the text "Argon DAB3+ Paired but not connected" and the devices will connect with each
other.
10. Your Media playback device (mobile phone, tablet, PC etc.) will now show "Argon DAB3+
Connected to Media audio" and you are ready to play music.
3.5.3 Playback and control.
1. Select your Media Player on your Media playback device (mobile phone, tablet, PC etc.) and start
playing.
2. All controls on your Media player will work. Volume control, change tracks, etc.
3. You can also change the track directly on Argon Audio DAB3+ by turning the "Tuning knob" either
right or left. Likewise, you can adjust the volume directly on Argon Audio DAB3+.
4. Pressing the BT icon on your Argon Audio DAB3+ will display "Device List" and the players you
have "paired" with your Argon Audio DAB3+. When using the "Tuning" knob you can scroll
through all the media players you may have connected to your Argon Audio DAB3+. Press the

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DAB3+
"Tuning" knob to select another media playback device (requires that the play back device is
turned on and Bluetooth is activated on the Media Player).
4. Using Basic Functions
4.1Storing and recalling your stations
Your radio can store up to 6 DAB and 6 FM radio stations as presets.
1. To store a station you are listening to, press and hold any one of button 1~6 number you want to
store the station in.
2. Hold until Preset x stored (Where x is anyone of the 1~6 number selected) appears in the Display.
A new preset overrides an existing one when you store a new station over it.
3. To recall a station you press any one of the 1~6 number buttons, you will hear the corresponding
station that you stored with the corresponding number buttons.
4.2Setting and checking the sleep timer
This option turns the radio off automatically after a specified period.
1. Press Sleep (4) button and it will show “Sleep off”.
2. Keep pressing the Sleep (4) button and for each press it will increase the sleep intervals of 15
minutes, up to a maximum of 90 minutes.
3. Confirm your wished choice by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
Your sleep function is now activated and an “S” will appear in the top right corner of the display.
4. To deactivate the sleep function follow the steps above, but confirm “Sleep off” instead of a Sleep
time.
4.2.1 Checking the sleep timer setting
1. Press the Sleep (4). The amount of time left is displayed on the bottom of the display.

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2. To deactivate the sleep function follow the steps as in point 4.2, but confirm “Sleep off” instead of
a Sleep time. Notice: When you press the Power (9) button, the sleep delay mode is deactivated.
4.3 Setting the alarm
The Radio has two Alarm presets
1. When your radio is in ON mode (playing), press the Alarm (7) button. The display will show
“Alarm 1 setup”. If you press one more time it will show “Alarm 2 setup”.
Press the Tuning/select (3) button/knob on either “Alarm 1 setup” or “Alarm 2 setup” depending
on which Alarm you want to activate and the Alarm Wizard will start up.
2. Hours will start blinking in the display. Adjust time (hours) by turning the Tuning/select (3)
button/knob until you reach the hour you want the alarm to start. Confirm by pressing the
Tuning/select (3) button/knob
3. Next “minutes will start blinking. Adjust time (minutes) by turning the Tuning/select (3)
button/knob until you reach the minutes you want the alarm to start. Confirm by pressing the
Tuning/select (3) button/knob
4. Next Source will start blinking showing “Buzzer”. Turn the Tuning/select (3) button/knob and
scroll between Alarm start on “Buzzer”, “DAB” or “FM” and confirm your choice by pressing the
Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
5. Next choose “Last listened” on DAB and FM by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
Next by turning the Tuning/select (3) button/knob you can choose if the alarm has to be
activated: Once, Daily, Weekdays or Weekend. Confirm you choice by pressing the
Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
6. Next Date will start blinking, choose the date by turning the Tuning/select (3) button/knob and
after you choose day, month and year remember to press the Tuning/select (3) button/knob to
confirm each step.
7. Next the volume scale will show in the display. Choose your wished Alarm sound level by turning
the Tuning/select (3) button/knob until you reach the volume level you want

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8. Finally a screen appears that shows “Alarm 1 ON” where the “ON” is blinking. Press the
Tuning/select (3) button/knob to confirm the whole alarm setup. When the Radio is turned off an
Bell (alarm sign) is shown in the top right corner of the display. And you are ready.
4.3.1 To deactivate the alarm
1. Press Snooze (16) button to temporary stop the alarm.
2. To totally stop the alarm in Radio standby mode press the Alarm (7) button continuously until both
Alarm 1 and Alarm 2 shows OFF.
4.4 Use of the Snooze function
1. When the radio is playing, you can press the Snooze (16) button to mute the radio.
2. To turn off the mute function, press the Snooze (16) button again.
Notice that the Snooze function only mutes the build in speaker of the Radio. If you have
connected your Radio to an external amplifier, the Snooze function will not work.
3. In alarm mode the Snooze function will, when pressing the button, mute the alarm for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes the alarm will sound again.
4.5 <System> settings and information
The radio has a system menu with various functions and information. The system menu can be accessed
from all playback modes.
1. To enter the system settings press and hold the Display (5) button for three seconds.
2. Turn the Tuning/select (3) button/knob until it shows <System> in the display.
3. Activate the System menu by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
4. Once in the system menu you can scroll through all the options by turning the Tuning/select (3)
button/knob.

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There are eight different system menu functions:
Equaliser, Time, Backlight, Inactive Standby, Language, Factory Reset, SW Upgrade, SW version
4.5.1 Equaliser
1. Access Equalizer settings by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob when <Equaliser> is
shown in the display.
The equaliser menu has a <My EQ> function where you can set your own equalizer settings.
The menu also has six preset equalizer settings, Normal, Classic, Jazz, Pop, Rock, and Speech.
Default settings for the equalizer is <Normal>
2. To save a setting press Tuning/select (3) button/knob when you have found the setting you
prefer.
4.5.2 Time
1. Access Time settings by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob when <Time> is shown in
the display.
2. In the Time menu you can choose either to <Set Time/Date> manually or to <Auto update>
3. Choose which one you want and confirm by pressing Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
It’s recommended to have the setting on <Auto update>. This way the time and date will be
updated automatically from either FM or DAB broadcasts.
4.5.3 Backlight
1. Access Backlight settings by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob when <Backlight> is
shown in the display.
2. Back light has 5 levels (1-5) turn the Tuning/select (3) button/knob until you reach your desired
setting.
3. Press the Tuning/select (3) button/knob to confirm your choice.

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4.5.4 Inactive standby
1. Access Inactive standby settings by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob when <Inactive
standby> is shown in the display.
The Radio is default out-of-the-box set to turn off automatically after 120 minutes without any
manual operation of the Radio.
2. To deactivate Inactive standby or to change the Timeout period turn the Tuning/select (3)
button/knob until you reach your desired setting.
3. Press the Tuning/select (3) button/knob to confirm your choice.
4.5.5 Language
1. Access Language settings by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob when <Language> is
shown in the display.
2. Scroll through the language options by turning the Tuning/select (3) button/knob.
3. Press the Tuning/select (3) button/knob to confirm your choice.
4.5.6 Factory reset
1. Access Factory reset settings by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob when <Factory
reset> is shown in the display. You may want to erase your settings on your radio, including your
presets and alarm and sleep delay settings.
2. Press the Tuning/select (3) button/knob to confirm. The Radio is now reset.
4.5.7 Software upgrade (SW upgrade)
1. Access Software upgrade settings by pressing the Tuning/select (3) button/knob when <SW
upgrade> is shown in the display.
Notice: SW upgrades can only be done be a technician.