Panasonic RF -4800 User manual

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MODEL NO. RF -4800
FM/AM 10-BAND COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER
Panasonic®
Read these instructions completely before operating this set.

Your new Panasonic radio receiver RF-4800 was manufactured and assembled under
exacting quality control standards.
The incorporation of the latest advances in radio design and the use
of the most
modern components ensure outstanding performance with superb sensitivity and
tone quality.
Just a few minutes
of your time spent reading carefully through these instructions
will assure your obtaining optimum performance that will bring you continued
enjoyment
for many years.
CONTENTS
LOCATION OF
CONTROLS............................................................... 3
POWER SUPPLY ........................................................................... 3
ANTENNAS .......................................................................•...........• 4
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS ......................................................... 5
RECEIVER OPERATION .................................................................. 7
ABOUT SSB AND CW ..................................................................... 8
ELECTROMAGNETIC-WAVE PROPAGATION ....................................... 9
PRECAUTIONS .............................................................................. 9
HELPFUL HINTS ........................................................................... 9
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................. ., ........................ 10
The serial number of this product may be found on the back of the unit.
You should note the serial number of this unit in the space provided and retain this
book as a permanent record of your purchase to aid in identification in the event of
theft.
MODEL NUMBER :_ ..... R .... F_--"48...,O.."O'--_
SERIAL NUMBER: ______ _
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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LOCATION OF CONTROLS
o Power Switch
8 FM AFC/Band Width Switch
8 AM ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch
e AM Mode Switch
o Tuning/Battery Indicator
CD SW1/MW/FMTuning Scale
8 SW1/MW/FMTuning Control
fa) SW2-8 Tuning Control
o Digital Frequency Display
Gl> SW2-8 Calibrater
~ SW2-8 Tuning Scale
~ SW2-8 Band Selector
G) Main Band Selector
~ Earphone/External Speaker Jack
~ Recording Output Jack
~ Auxiliary Input Jack
~ Volume Control
(9 Bass Control
~ Treble Control
~ BFO Pitch Control
~ Light Switch
@) Display Switch
@) Indicator Switch
~ AM RF Gain Control
~ Antenna Trimmer
~ MW Ferrite-Core Antenna
~ FM Antenna Terminals
@) MW/SW1 Antenna Terminals
@) SW2-8 Antenna Terminals
~ Coaxial-Cable Antenna Jack
~ DC Input Jack
~ AC Input Jack
POWER SUPPLY
Battery Operation:
• Open the battery compartment covers by pushing each latch
as
shown in Fig. 1.
• lrisert 8 "0" size (Panasonic UM-1 or equivalent) batteries,
observing the correct polarity, as shown in Fig. 2.
Place the cloth bands under the batteries to facilitate easy
removal.
• Replace the compartment covers.
Note: Make sure the DC Input~ and AC Input~ jacks are dis-
connected.
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To check the battery condition:
Set
the Indicator Switch@) to "BATT" position with the power on.
The
Tuning/Battery Indicator0 then shows the battery condition.
NORMAL
. FULL
BATT Fig. 3
When the indicator reads in the "0" range as
shown above the batteries are good.
\ I
\ /
WEAK \~ 3 I ~d8
\ I I
\ BATJJ:RY
FULL
Fig. 4
When
the indicator reads in the "x" range as
shown above replace all the batteries with new
ones.

AC Power Operation:
• Connect the included AC power cord to the AC Input Jack~
and to your household AC electrical outlet.
On plugging the power cord into the AC Input Jack~, opera-
tion changes from battery or external DC power to AC.
III 111111111111 III
III 111111111111
III
III 111111111111 III
()
I!l
to AC IN Fig. 5
Car/Boat Battery Operation:
• Insert the plug of a car battery adaptor cord into the DC Input
JackG.
• Plug the other end into the cigarette lighter socket in your car
or boat.
• This automatically disconnects the internal batteries and the
receiver operates on external DC power only.
Note: For the
connection of an adaptor cord, follow the instruc-
tions provided with it.
ANTENNAS
FM:
Connect the accessory compact FM antenna to the FM Antenna
Terminals~, then extend and fix the antenna on the wall near
a window by using three push-pins or adhesive tape as in Fig. 6.
If the FM station is still weak, connect a suitable outdoor FM
antenna (impedance: 75 ohms) to replace the compact antenna.
(For installation, follow the instructions provided with the
antenna.)
MW:
The
rear ferrite core antenna will assure excellent MW recep-
tion in most areas. If the stations are distant or if the signals are
very weak, connect a suitable length of the accessory antenna
wire to the MW/SW1 Antenna Terminals~, and extend. (See
Fig. 7.)
=
~
11111111 111111
11111
II
IIIIIIIIIWIIIII
! I
:=J ~
To fix, use p ush-pins
ape or adhesive t
111111111111 III
Fig. 6
111111111111
III
111111111111
III
~
g
n
~~
~ ~
"
I!le!l
How to Connect Antenna Wires to the Terminals
Push
~
Terminal~~ Q W/ ~¥
i Insert wire
Push Fig. 8
Te,minal_r C) r C) ~
Iir. Push ~ert wire
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SW:
External antenna and ground connections are required. Figs.10-
13 give examples of outdoor SW antenna installation. For SW1
reception, connect the antenna and ground wires to the MW/SW1
Antenna Terminals~; for SW2-8 reception, connect them to the
SW2-8 Antenna Terminals~. The Coaxial Cable Antenna Jack€!)
for SW2-8 reception may be used to connect an SW antenna with
a coaxial cable. With this kind of antenna, solder the accessory
metal plug to the end of the cable as in Fig. 9. Erecting the
antenna as high and as far away from noise-generating equip-
ment and high tension cables as possible improves the recep-
tion.
To avoid danger from lightning, it is strongly advisable to at-
tach a
safety device between the outdoor antenna and the
receiver. Fix a knife switch (completed connections as indicat-
ed in Fig. 14) as near to the receiver entrance of the antenna
lead as possible. During electrical stroms, short-circuit the
antenna to ground by reversing the switch to the ground side.
jcore
.-Braided
Wire
Coaxial
Cable
-----Antenna Wire
Antenna Terminals
Plug
Cap
Fig. 7
Solder core
Solder
braided wire
Fig. 9

I~
10-15m
Horizontal Antenna Fig. 10
.\--- 10-15m--~·-II-,o----10-15m---l
Doublet Antenna
Fig. 13
RECEIVER
Slant Antenna
Fig. 12
Knife Switch
To antenna terminal
-'
To antenna
To ground terminal
~D
?- Resis
tor UW, 10kH)
To ground
During electrical storms, make sure to reverse the
switch to the ground side to connect the antenna
directly to the ground. Fig. 14
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
o Power Switch
Turn the power on and off.
8 FM AFC/Band Width Switch
Has a combined function as an AFC (Automatic Frequency
Control) switch on FM, and a band-width switch on AM (MW
and SW).
Normally leave it in the ON/WIDE (up) position .
• On FM, if you find it difficult to tune in a particular station
because of a strong adjacent station, then switch it to OFF/
NARROW (down).
• On MW and SW, if your received station is interfered
by another adjacem station, then move the switch to OFF/
NARROW (down).
• AM ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch
Set this switch to ON to cut out impulsive noise such as
lightning, or other sparks. Normally it should be positioned
at OFF.
e AM Mode Switch
For CW (Continuous Waves) or SSB (Single Sideband) recep-
tion, turn to the CW/SS!:I position. When listening to any other
broadcast, the switch should be set in AM. This switch has no
effect on FM.
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«3 Tuning/Battery Indicator
Acts as tuning and battery-checking meters.
Setting the Indicator Switch~ to SIGNAL makes the indicator
show the relative strength of signals tuned in (the stronger the
signal, the greater the deflection to the right) and assist in
obtaining the best reception. Setting the switch to BATT makes
the indicator show the battery condition.
o SWlIMW/FM Tuning Scale
SW1 : 1.6-3 MHz
MW: 525-1605 kHz
FM: 88-108 MHz
8 SW1/MW/FM Tuning Control
Use for the SW1, MW, and FM reception .
o SW2-8 Tuning Control
Use for the SW2-8 reception.
This control features two-speed tuning. To obtain precise·
tuning (particularly on SW), pull out the control to reduce the
tuning speed. To restore the normal speed, push the control
in.

o Digital Frequency Display
Indicates the tuned frequency for the SW2-S bands only, show-
ing the main digit(s) and three decimal points in MHz.
Note: No display appears when the Main Band SelectorG) is
set in any position other than "SW2-S" and/or when the Dis-
play Switch@) is turned off.
dl> SW2-8 Calibrater
Use only for SW2-S reception.
If the digital frequency display does not agree with the fre-
quency of a known station, correct the error by turning the
calibrater with your finger tip until the best reception is ob-
tained. (See page 7.)
G) SW2-8 Tuning Scale
SW2: 3-7 MHz
SW3: 7-11 MHz
SW4: 11-15 MHz
SW5: 15-19 MHz
SW6: 19-23 MHz
SW7: 23-27 MHz
SWS: 27-31 MHz
~ SW2-8 Band Selector
Choose the desired band, SW2-SWS. This selector has no
effect
unless the Main Band SelectorG) is set at "SW2-S".
(i) Main Band Selector
Set to the desired band.
~ Earphone/External Speaker Jack
Connects the included earphone or optional extra external
speaker (impedance: 4-S ohms). When the plug is inserted,
the built-in speaker is automatically disconnected.
Note: For connecting a headphone, use the supplied head-
phone adapter.
G) Recording Output Jack
Connects a tape deck for recording from the receiver.
Plug the cable to the tape deck into this jack. Radio programs
can be recorded while listening at the desired volume level
as the sound level at this jack is fixed. The recording level
should be. adjusted by using the control(s) on the tape deck.
~ Auxiliary Input Jack
Connecting another audio source (such as a tape deck, record
player, etc.) to this jack makes the receiver work as an audio
amplifier. Plug the cable from the output of your audio source
into this jack. The sound from the receiver shuts off auto-
matically.
Note: For record player operation, this jack allows only the
type with a ceramic or crystal cartridge to be operated.
iI Volume Control
C9 Bass Control
Regulates the low tone.
~ Treble Control
Regulates the high tone.
WBFO Pitch Control
Used to obtain clear SSB and CW sounds.
Properly tune to SSB or CW signals, then.carefully rotate this
control until the signals are most suitable. (See page S.)
~ Light Switch
When tuning in the dark, push to ON. The Tuning/Battery
Indicator0 and a tuning scale being used will be illuminated.
Turn off when the illumination.is unnecessary.
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~ Display Switch
This turns the Digital Frequency Display€) on and off.
For
saving the battery power, this switch should be turned off
except for tuning.
@jlndicator Switch
Setting this switch to "SIGNAL" makes the Tuning/Battery
Indicator0 show the tuning condition or relative strength of
received signals. Switching to "BATT" indicates the battery
condition on the indicator0.
~ AM RF Gain Control
Adjusts the receiver sensitivity for MW, or SW (including
SSB and CW) reception. Normally keep it in the full-clockwise
(OX) position. If the station is sufficiently strong to casue
overloading or distortion in the receiver, slowly rotate this
control counterclockwise until clear sound is obtained. This
control has no effect on FM.
~ Antenna Trimmer
Eliminates the difference between the external antenna and
the rE;!ceiver impedances so that incoming signals can without
loss come through the antenna to the receiver.
Carefully rotate it for best reception. This trimmer is used
for SW2-S reception only.
~ MW Ferrite-Core Antenna
Effective on MW only.
For best reception, push the antenna holder down to the
horizontal position (Fig. 15), and then position it in the direc-
tion which provides the best results (Fig. 16).
Note: Do not swing this antenna unless its holder is horizon-
tal, nor swing further over a quarter rotation.
iI FM Antenna Terminals
Connecting an external FM antenna to these terminals as-
sures excellent FM reception.
e MW/SW1 Antenna Terminals
An external antenna connected to these terminals will
improve the quality of the MW and SW1 reception.
For SW1 reception, be sure to connect an appropriate external
antenna (and ground system) to these terminals. On MW recep-
tion, the equipped ferrite core antenna will be enough. If the
MW signals are very weak and the. ferrite core antenna does
not provide good enough reception, connect an external MW
antenna (and a ground system) to these terminals.

~ SW2-8 Antenna Terminals
For SW2-S reception, connect an external SW antenna (and a
ground system) to these terminals. Unless this connection is
performed, there will be no reception.
G) Coaxial-Cable Antenna Jack
Provided only for SW2-S reception.
Connect the coaxial cable from an external SW antenna to
the accessory plug, then insert the plug into this jack.
~ DC Input Jack
Connects to any external 12-volt, DC source.
When the connection is made, the internal batteries a,re auto-
matically disconnected.
Note: For the use of any external DC source, be sure to un-
plug the AC power cord from the receiver. (See page 4.)
~ AC Input Jack
To operate on AC, connect the accessory AC power cord
between this jack and your household AC electrical outlet.
When
the plug is inserted in this jack, both the internal bat-
teries and external DC source are automatically disconnected.
RECEIVER OPERATION
Your new Panasonic radio receiver RF-4S00 should be ope-
rated as any standard radio. However, to obtain the best perfor-
mance and take advantage of some of the high performance
features of the set, we suggest you read the following operating
hints.
MW/SW1 Reception:
Control Position
Main Band SelectorQl .................. MW, or SW1
AM Mode Switche ........................ AM
Band Width Switchfj ..................... WIDE (up)
AM RF Gain Control~ .................. DX
Indicator SWitch@) ........................ SIGNAL
Tuning Controlf) '" ....... " ............... Desired Station
Volume Control CD .................,...... Desired Level
To
reduce interferences:
• Set the Band Width Switchfj to NARROW (down), and retune.
• Turn the AM RF Gain Control~ counterclockwise until the
interfering station disappears.
• Reposition the back-equipped ferrite-core antenna so that the
interference is minimal.
FM Reception
Control Position
Main Band SelectorQl '" ............... FM
Indicator Switch@) ........................ SIGNAL
FM AFC Switchfj ........................... ON (up)
Tuning Controlf) ........................... Desired Station
Volume Control CD ........................ Desired Level
Note: If the desired station is closely adjacent to a stronger
station, the AFC mall tune the receiver to the strong station. At
such times, tune in the desired station with the FM AFC Switchfj
in the OFF (down) position.
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SW2-8 Reception:
Control Position
Main Band SelectorQl .................. SW2-S
SW2-S
Band Selectorf!) .................. Desired Position
SW2-S Calibrater(@ ........................ Center
AM Mode Switche ........................ AM
AM RF Gain Control~ .................. DX
Band Width
Switchfj ..................... WIDE (up)
Display Switch~ ........................... ON (only during tuning)
SW2-S Tuning Control(l) .................. Desired Station
Antenna Trimmer~ .., ..................... Proper Position
Volume Control CD .. ,..................... Desired Level
To
correct any frequency-display error:
1. Tune to any already-known frequency on SW2-S, and make
sure the correct frequency is displayed.
2. Watch the Tuning Indicator0 while slowly turning the SW2-S
Calibrater(@
with the Indicator Switch@) at SIGNAL.
When the meter pointer deflects to the extreme right, the
best-tuned
frequency strictly accords with the display.
Note: * At the "WWV" positions on the SW2-S Tuning Scalea.,
the 5.000, 10.000, and 15.000 MHz standard-frequency
signals would be received, and those signals may
helpfully be used for the error correction.
*If the Tuning Indicator0 is difficult to read because of too
strong signals, turn the AM RF Gain Control~ counter-
clockwise to decrease the receiver sensitivity.
* Changing to another band may require readjusting of the
SW2-S Calibrater(@.
To reduce interference.s:
• Set the Band Width Switchfj to NARROW (down), and retune.
• Rotate the AM RF Gain Control~ counterclockwise until the
interfering station disappears.
To decrease background noise:
• Adjust the Antenna Trimmer~.
• Turn the Treble ControlGi) counterclockwise.
• Make sure the antenna and ground are properly connected.
• Try the AM ANL Switch8.

NOTE:
* SW (including SSB and CW) reception is greatly affected by a
connected antenna. Therefore,
to obtain the best possible
reception, proper antennas are required.
*Some 3D-minute passage after power application will provide
essentially stable receiver-operation.
* Turning the Display Switch~ on and off may slightly drift the
displayed frequency.
SSB and CW Reception:
Set up the receiver in the same manner as SW2-8 reception, and
then
follow the procedure below.
• Set
the AM Mode SwitchE» to CW/SSB.
• Tune to
the desired signal.
• Rotate the BFO Pitch Control~ until the received signal
becomes clear.
Note: *If received signals are too strong to clearly be heard,
rotate the AM RF Gain Control~ counterclockwise until
distinct, pleasant sound is obtained.
*In receiving two-way communication signals, a possible
difference between the two frequencies may demand
another BFO Pitch Control~ adjustment.
ABOUT SSB AND CW
Single-Sideband (55 B):
In general, SSB corresponds to a modulated wave in the AM
Double-Sideband (DSB) signal. It is used for professional
purposes, amateur wireless, and it can be regarded as a special
type of AM wave.
Features:
1. In case of transmitting: All informations are transmitted with
a
little energy and band width.
2. In case of receiving: Since there is no carrier, it is neces-
sary to use a special detection method.
AM (DSB)
waves can be illustrated in a spectrum as in Fig. 17.
Electromagnetic wave (carrier) with two sidebands is transmitted
as a single group in an AM form. High frequency waves are
contained in the Upper-Sideband (USB) while the lower frequency
waves are in the Lower-Sideband (LSB). Voice and other informa-
tion are contained in the side bands but are not included in the
carrier; thus the carrier is not always necessary, and other
methods for transmitting the informations are considered.
One of these methods is SSB. Either the USB signal or the LSB
signal is transmitted and it depends upon individual customs.
Usually for amateur communication, LSB is used under 10 MHz.
SSB waves are generated by passing the AM wave through a
band-pass filter, then selecting either USB or LSB and sending
the signal through the transmitting antenna. In receiving SSB
(USB
or LSB) waves on an ordinary AM receiver, it would not be
possible to hear a transmitted voice unless a special alteration
was made at the detection stage; either to construct the carrier
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and detect the AM after adding the SSB or to use the switching
method (product detection) on the frequency of the carrier for the
SSB. The latter method has less distortion, and it is used in this
receiver.
t
Strength of the
frequency
component
Carrier
Lower-Sideband
(LSB)
Upper-Sideband
(USB)
-----I~~ Frequency
Fig. 17
Continuous Waves (CW):
In practice, it is used to transmit Morse code signals by inter-
mitting the carrier, but it is difficult to hear the sound even after
AM detection. Using the detection circuit of the SSB, the inter-
mitted sound can be heard by product-detecting the carrier and
by
varying the frequency slightly.

ELECTROMAGNETIC-WAVE PROPAGATION
Electromagnetic waves of a SW broadcast are separated into sur-
face waves which are propagated along the surface of the earth
and space waves which are propagated upwards. Low frequency
waves (LW and MW) are surface waves, while high frequency
waves (SW) are bounced off the ionosphere which is located
100-300km above the earth surface. This layer is charged and
acts
like a mirror toward electromagnetic waves. That is why
high frequency waves can be received over great distances.
On the other hand, the electromagnetic waves of higher fre-
quencies (VHF) protrude through the ionosphere and can only
be used for short distances.
The ionosphere is thought to have been made by the ultra-violet
rays of the sun, and consequently, the conditions of the ionos-
phere change from time to time due to the position of the sun.
Seasonal variations also occur. Since it is multilayered, the path
of
propagation of electric waves is extremely complex; In parti-
cular, solar spots whose number changes every 11 years changes
affects the shape of the propagation. In receiving SW broadcast,
PRECAUTIONS
For your safety and to prevent damage to the set:
• Do not connect the set to any AC outlet other than the type
supplying 120 volts.
• Avoid cuts, scratches, or poor connections in the AC power
cord which may result in possible fire or electric shock
hazard. Also, excessive bending, pulling, or slicing of the
cord should be avoided.
• Do not unplug the AC power cord by pulling on the cord. To
do so may cause permature failure or shock hazard.
• Do not operate the set on AC power in a bathroom as a poten-
tial shock hazard may result.
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one must keep all of the foregoing in mind. The best known SW
stations take all of the factors into consideration and change the
frequency from season to season or broadcast with two or more
different frequencies at the same time, so that the most suitable
reception can be achieved.
Broad-
casting
station
HELPFUL HINTS
Fig. 18
• If the set is not used for a long time or is used only from an
AC
power source, remove all the batteries to prevent poten-
tial damage due to possible battery leakage.
• When the sound volume begins to lower, it is advisable to
replace all the batteries. with new ones before they are
completely discharged.
• Do not subject the set to a temperature of over 60°C (140°F),
because characteristics of the internal parts may be adverse-
ly affected by heat. Especially, never leave the set in a car
exposed to direct sunlight for a long time with all the doors
and windows closed. The cabinet may become' deformed,
and deterioration of the performance may result.
• Do not use benzine, thinner, or the like, or any abrasive
powder to clean the cabinet. Wipe it with soft cloth moistened
with a mild soap and water solution.