Sharper Image 205404 User manual

Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio
Item No. 205404
User’s Guide

1. Controls
No
Description
No
Description
1
Flashlight ON/OFF button
7
Clock/Radio Tune Down ( ) button
2
LCD Display
8
Vo l u m e Down (-) button
3
Clock/Radio Tune Up ( ) button
9
Radio Mode Select and Clock Set button
4
Vo l u m e Up (+) button
10
Weather Alert Indicator
5
Solar Panel
11
Speaker
6
Power On/Standby ( )
Figure 1
2

No
Description
No
Description
12
Telescopic Antenna
18
USB Charging Port (under the Rubber Dust Cover)
13
Metal Clasp
19
Headphone Jack (under the Rubber Dust Cover)
14
Battery Compartment
20 Solar /Cranking Charging Indicator
15
Rubber Dust Cover
21
Reset button (under the Rubber Dust Cover)
16
Mini USB DC Input Port (under the
Rubber Dust Cover)
22
Crank Handle
17 Charging Indicator (under the
Rubber Dust Cover)
Figure 2
2. Important Notes and Warnings
1.1. Before Yo u Get Started#
•Remove the plastic battery pull tab that was included during shipping to energize the
rechargeable battery.
•Press the reset button with an open-ended paper clip (Figure 2, Reference 21).
•If the display does not turn on after, press the RESET button, the internal rechargeable battery
may become very low power. Lift the crank handle and rotate the crank clockwise or connect
the unit to computer or USB charger for charging.
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1.2. Warnings#
When used in the directed manner, this unit has been designed and manufactured to ensure your
personal safety. However, improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. Please
read all safety and operating instructions carefully before use, and keep these instructions handy for
future reference. Take special note of all warnings listed in these instructions.
Before using this product, please read the following warning and cautions:
1. Read these instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the
unit is operated.
2. Keep these instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be kept for future
reference.
3. Heed all warnings – All warnings on the device and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
4. Do not use this item near water – The device should not be used near water; for example, near
a bath tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.
5. The device should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other device
(including amplifiers) that produce heat. The battery can explode.
7. Do not place near a fire. The battery can explode.
8. Only use attachments / accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the device has
been damaged in any way, such as liquid has been spilled or the device has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
10. This device shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing water and that no object filled with
liquids such as vases shall be placed on the device.
11. Unplug immediately if liquid has been spilled or any object has fallen into the unit.
12. Unplug on time after the battery is fully charged.
13. Power Sources – The device should be connected to a power supply only the type described in
the operating instructions or as marked on the device. Do not overload wall outlet.
14. Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or
equivalent type.
15. Do not attempt to dismantle, open or repair this product yourself.
16. Only operate within specified temperature range (32 °F to 131 °F).
17. Do not store the AAA batteries for extend periods of time. They may leak or rupture and
damage the unit.
Lithium!Battery!Safety!Instructions#
•Do not burn or bury batteries. Do not puncture or crush. Do not disassemble. Recycle Lithium
batteries. Do not dispose of in the trash.
•If the electrolyte in the cells should get on your skin, thoroughly wash with soap and water. If
in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Immediately seek medical attention.
•Charge batteries on a fireproof surface away from flammable items or liquids.
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Hand!Crank!Warning#
To prevent overheating of the dynamo hand crank and permanent damage, do not crank faster than
approximately two revolutions per second. Do not crank continuously for more than two minutes.
After two minutes, allow two minutes of rest before cranking again.
3. Features
The Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio includes the following features:
•Super bright 3 LED flashlight
•AM/FM with Weather Band Feature
•Weather Alert Feature (public alert certified)
•Emergency smart phone/mp3/mp4/USB charger
•Backlight digital display
•Clock
•Audio output (headphones)
4. Power Sources
The Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio can be powered from the following sources:
•DC power from a USB power source, such as a computer
•AC power by adding a USB to AC adaptor (not included)
•DC car charger by adding a USB to DC car adaptor (not included)
•Solar power
•Hand crank power
•Three AAA batteries (not included)
NOTE: There is a charging LED on the back of the unit (Figure 2, reference 17). The LED is flashing
during charging. When fully charged, the LED will turn on constantly.
NOTE: Lithium battery is always on priority in power supply compared with AAA batteries. Only
when lithium battery has insufficient power or there’s no lithium battery at all will AAA battery power
be used.
4.1 DC and AC Power
Prior to using the Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio, we recommend you fully charge the
rechargeable battery through the USB Power Input (Figure 2). This may take up to four hours.
Connect the DC power input cable to the USB mini jack, and the other end to the USB power source.
The red battery charge indicator light will be flashing when charging (Figure 2). Continue to charge
the Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio for several hours or until the charging light turns on
constantly. The Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio is now ready for use.
NOTE: Use 5.0V USB power source (from a computer or appropriate AC or DC adaptor). Over-
voltage may result in damaging the Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio.
4.2 Solar Power
Place the Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio in direct (or indirect) sunlight with the solar panel
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facing upwards. The green battery charging light may illuminate when charging, as shown in
reference 20 in Figure 2.
NOTE: There is not enough solar energy to turn on the red charging light. Thus, no light or a faint
green light (which consumes less energy) may be present during solar charging.
NOTE: If the display heats up outside the operational range, the display will fade. For solar charging,
partial sunlight or shade is sufficient.
Figure 5
4.3 Hand Crank Power
To operate the hand crank, perform the following:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Disconnect the smartphone or PDA first from the USB charging port first
before cranking (the crank charges the internal battery and by design, the smart device must be
disconnected first to prevent the phone from power cycling and reduce the load on the crank).
1. Lift the hand crank from the cradle, as shown in Figure 6.
2. Turn the hand crank either clockwise or counterclockwise at about two cranks per second for
two minutes to activate the internal battery for initial use, or when the unit has not been used
for more than 60 days. The red battery charging light illuminates when charging, as shown in
Figure 1. After two minutes, rest for two minutes to extend the life of the hand crank and
repeat.
Figure 6
4.4. Dry Cell Battery AAA Battery Power.
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1.Open the Battery Door on the back of the radio.
2. Insert 3 x AAA (UM-4) batteries (not included) and close the battery door (Figure 2, reference 14)
•Do not mix old and new batteries.
•Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries.
•Only batteries of the same or equivalent type as recommend are to be used.
•If the unit is not to be used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries. Old or
leaking batteries can cause damage to the unit and may void the warranty.
•Do not dispose of batteries in fire, batteries may explode or leak.
4.5 Power Consumption
The Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio includes a 3.7 DC rechargeable Lithium Ion large battery
capacity (600 mAh) as the primary energy storage, but different operational modes result
in significantly varying power consumption requirements. Here is a general guide on power
consumption, typical user operation and recommended power sources.
Mode
Typical User Operation
Power
Consumption
Recommend Power Source
Flashlight
Emergency or remote use
Low
Solar, Hand Crank, AAA
Batteries
AM/FM/Weather
Band Radio
Emergency or remote use
Low
Solar, Hand Crank, AAA
Batteries
Weather Alert
Continuous monitoring (1)
High
AC, USB (from computer),
Hand Crank, AAA Batteries
Smart phone
charging
Short term emergency use
High
AC, USB (from computer),
Hand Crank, AAA Batteries
•
•
POWER . Turns on and off the radio. Transitions from clock display to radio tune r
display.
MODE. Switches the radio band between AM, FM, weather band, and weather band alert
mode
5. Operation
5.1 Flashlight Operation
Turn the light on and off with the light switch on the top of the unit (Figure 1).
5.2 Radio Operation
The Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio includes a digital LCD display (Figure 7) with backlighting,
with the following push button controls:
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NOTE: For optimum performance, alkaline-type batteries are recommended.
3. Follow the polarity diagrams shown in the battery compartment.
NOTE: Make certain the batteries are installed correctly. The wrong polarity may damage the
unit.
WARNING:

•TUN : Adjusts the radio frequency up
•TUN : Adjusts the radio frequency down
•VOL+: Adjusts the radio volume up
•VOL-: Adjusts the radio volume down
NOTE: The backlight will automatically turn off if no buttons are pressed for 20 seconds.
Figure 7
5.3 Time
When first powered up, the time will default to 12:00 AM.
1. Set 12Hr/24Hr Mode. Press and hold the MODE button for two seconds to enter the time
setting mode. 12 Hr will begin flashing. Press the TUN+ button to switch between 12 hour
and 24 hour time mode. Press the MODE button to proceed to the next step.
2. Set Hour. Press the TUN or TUN to adjust the hour up or down. Hold the TUN
button to change rapidly. Press the MODE button to proceed to the next step.
3. Set Minute. Press the TUN or TUN to adjust the minute up or down. Hold the TUN
button to change rapidly. Press the MODE button to exit the time setting mode.
5.4 Radio Band Mode
NOTE: Radio reception is dramatically reduced when charging from USB. Disconnect USB power
when listening to the radio.
Press the POWER button to turn the radio on and transition from the time mode.
The radio will default to AM band (or the last radio band since power up). Press the MODE button to
change to the AM band. Press the MODE button to change to the Weather Band (WB). While
displaying the Weather Band, press the MODE button again to change to Weather Band Alert
mode (the ALT symbol will appear).
Figure 8
NOTE: Radio interference will be present while charging the Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio.
For best reception, there is a telescoping antenna. Extend the antenna and change the position if the
reception is weak.
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5.4.1 AM/FM Radio Tuning
When the radio is turned on, press the TUN button to increase the frequency and press the TUN
button to decrease the frequency.
To auto scan, press and hold the TUN ( or ) key for at least one second and the radio will
automatically tune to next radio station with sufficient reception.
5.4.2 WeatherBand Tuning
There are seven distinct weather channels. The frequencies are 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450
MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz.
For a complete list of weather radio broadcasting stations, please visit the National Weather Service
website:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm
Our recommendation is to tune to the station with the best reception using the TUN butbutton.
You will hear the “Voice of the National Weather Service”, an automated voice that provides
forecast information, weather statements, watches and warnings.
5.4.3 Weather Alert Mode
When you enter the Weather Alert Mode, your radio will be silenced and enter weather alert standby
mode. The radio will remain in standby mode until there is a weather statement, watch or warning.
To active the Weather Alert Mode, press the MODE button until the ALT symbol appears on the
display. The ALT symbol will remain until there is a weather statement, watch or warning. In the
event of an alert, the alert light will flash and the radio will sound (with the voice of the National
Weather Service). To disable the alert light, press MODE button. To disable the alert light but
continue in alert mode, press the MODE button again.
To verify you have reception in your area, the National Weather Service (NWS) normally run tests
each Wednesday between 10 a.m. and noon local time. Tests may occur at other days and times when
there is a threat of severe weather in the listening area or for other reasons.
NOTE: If battery power is low, the unit will exit the weather alert mode and enter the time
display mode.
5.5 Cell Phone and mp3/mp4 Operation
Because smartphone batteries vary in their current ratings, we cannot specify charging rates or usage
time. 10 to 15 minutes of cranking may result in 1 or more minute of talk-time, but your results may
vary.
NOTE: Charging a smartphone through the Phone Charger Jack is intended for emergency purpose
only. It is not intended for recharging fully a discharged smartphone battery. Smartphone battery
capacity significantly exceeds the battery capacity of the Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio.
Therefore, a fully charged Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio will only partially charge a smart
phone or PDA. After the battery stops charging the device, begin cranking if a DC power source is not
available to continue recharging the smartphone.
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To charge the smartphone or PDA:
1. Turn off the radio and flashlight to conserve power.
2. Lift the rubber tab on the back of the Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio to expose the
connectors, as shown in Figure 2.
3. Plug the smartphone charging cable (Figure 2, reference 1) into the Emergency Solar Hand
Crank Radio charge USB output (Figure 2). Connect the appropriate smartphone tip into
the other end of the smartphone charging cable. Plug other end of the smartphone tip into the
smartphone’s charging connector.
4. If the phone does not begin charging, disconnect the phone and begin cranking. When charging
a smartphone via the smartphone charger, it is important to turn the crank at least two
revolutions per second. After two minutes of cranking at two revolutions per minute, wait two
minutes to begin cranking again. This will extend the crank life.
NOTE: You may receive a charging compatibility error on your smartphone, but your device may
still charge and it will not harm your device.
CAUTION: Before charging, please refer to the user manual of the device you wish to charge to
make sure the charging current required does not exceed 1Amp (1,000 mA) of charging current.
Overloading the charge circuit may damage the Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio and void the
warranty.
5.6 Low Battery Indication
When the battery voltage is less than 3.0V, the low battery indication will flash:
The radio will not operate in a low battery condition.
5.7 Audio Output / Head Phones
The Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio includes an audio output jack. This allows you to listen with
headphones or connect to an auxiliary input source, such as an amplifier.
CAUTION: Guard your ears against hearing damage. When listening with headphones, start at the
lowest volume and gradually increase until you can hear it comfortably and clearly.
Read this Important Information before Using Your Earbuds:
•Avoid extended play at very high volume as it may impair your hearing.
•If you experience ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or shut off the unit.
•Keep the volume at a reasonable level even if your headset is an open-air type designed to
allow you to hear outside sounds. Please note that excessively high volume may still block
outside sounds.
If the unit experiences a power surge or electric shock, it is possible that the internal micro-controller
may lock up and the unit will not respond to any commands from the panel controls. In this event, use
a straightened paper clip, toothpick or similar objects to press the RESET button located on the
back of the unit (see Figure 9). The reset operation clears the system memory to factory default, and
all of your previous settings will be erased.
CAUTION: Do not use a sharp or pointed object to press the reset button. It may damage the reset
switch inside the unit.
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5.8 Resetting the Unit

Figure 9
6. Care and Maintenance
6.1 Battery Maintenance
To maintain the battery:
•Periodically charge the battery to extend battery life.
•Switch off power after radio use to extend battery life.
•Remove the battery or reinsert the plastic battery pull tab for extended storage.
•Remove the AAA batteries for extended storage to prevent battery leakage.
The battery is a rechargeable 3.7V / 600 mAh lithium ion battery. To replace the battery, open the
battery compartment cover (Figure 2) by squeezing the tab.
NOTE: Only replace with rechargeable 3.7V lithium ion battery. Replacing the battery with a non-
rechargeable battery may damage the unit.
6.2 General Care and Maintenance#
•Do not tamper the internal components of the unit.
•Clean your unit with a damp (never wet) cloth. Solvent or detergent should never be used.
•Avoid leaving your unit in direct sunlight or in hot, humid or dusty places.
•Keep your unit away from heating appliances and sources of electrical noise such as
fluorescent lamps or motors.
CAUTION: Never allow any water to enter the unit while cleaning.
7. Specifications
Battery Power:
3.7V / 600 mAh lithium ion rechargeable
battery (replaceable) or 3 x AAA (UM-4) batteries
Radio Bands:
AM: 522 KHz to 1629 KHz
FM: 87.5 MHz to 108 MHz
WeatherBand: 162.400 to 162.550 MHz
Flashlight:
3-LED Flashlight
Size and Dimensions:
11
Dimensions: 7.75" x3.75" x2.0"
Weight:about 1lb.
TemperatureRange:
Workingtemperature range: 32 to 131 °F(0 to 55 °C)
Storage temperature range: 14 to 140 °F(-10 to 60 °C)

Problem Solution
The unit will not power up.
Make sure batteries are installed with the proper polarity.
Replace the batteries if low battery voltage. Press reset
button, if the display does not turn on after Press the
RESET button. The internal rechargeable battery may
become very low power. Lift the crank handle and rotate
the crank clockwise or connect the unit to computer or
USB charger for charging.
The unit will not power up
Alower voltage output may result in error messages on
the phone but should still charge the phone.
My iPod /iPhone does not display the
charge signal.
The output voltage of the Emergency Solar Hand Crank
Radio is lower than the operating voltage of the iPod /
iPhone, and will not charge these devices until the battery
is fully discharged.
The device is only intended for emergency charges and
not for topping off already charged devices.
The Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio
will no longer hold acharge.
Replace the 3V lithium ion rechargeable battery
(CR123A). Typically, this battery will hold 2000 charge
cycles.
The Weather Band reception is poor. •Weatherband reception can be poor inside a
metal building, structure or where electronic
noise is present. Try moving outside to improve
reception.
•Check local reception by driving to adifferent
location and testing the weather band reception.
•Radio reception is dramatically reduced when
charging from USB. Disconnect USB power
when listening to the radio.
My smartphone connector is not
supported. Where can Ipurchase
the proper tip for my smartphone?
Contact Ambient Weatherwith your smartphone model
and connector type. The connectors included cover about
95% of the smartphone market.
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8. Troubleshooting Guide
Phone generates an error message when
plugged into the Emergency Solar Hand
Crank Radio.

Problem
Solution
The Emergency Solar Hand Crank
Radio will not fully charge my
smartphone.
Charging a smartphone through the Phone Charger Jack
is intended for emergency purpose only. It is not intended
for recharging fully a discharged battery. Smartphone
battery capacity significantly exceeds the battery capacity
of the Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio.
Therefore, a fully charged Emergency Solar Hand Crank
Radio will only partially charge a smartphone or
mp3/mp4 device. After the battery stops charging the
device, disconnect the device and begin cranking if a DC
power source is not available.
I never receive weather alerts.
Verif y you receive the test alert from the National
Weather Service on Wednesday as described in the
weather alert section of this manual.
Verif y you have tuned the weather band to your local area
and you have reception before activating the Weather
Alert feature.
Make sure you have good weather radio reception. If your
radio reception is poor, you will not receive any alerts.
How can I receive warnings only and not
watches or statements?
Selective filtering of statements, watches and warnings is
not possible. You will always receive all three levels.
The Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio
is locked up and will not respond to
commands. How do I reset it?
Remove the battery. Press the reset button with a
paperclip. If the display does not turn on after press the
RESET button, the internal rechargeable battery may
become very low power. Lift the crank handle and rotate
the crank clockwise or connect the unit to computer or
USB charger for charging.
The yellow solar charging light does not
illuminate during solar charging.
There is not enough solar energy to drive the yellow
charging light. For solar charging, you will see a faint
yellow light. The brighter the sunlight, the brighter the
green charging light.
The display fades when placed in direct
sunlight.
If the display heats up outside the operational range, the
display will fade. For solar charging, partial sunlight or
shade is sufficient.
The Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio
exits the alert mode and displays time.
The weather alert mode consumes a significant amount of
power because it is constantly scanning for the emergency
1050 Hz tone from the National Weather Service. We
recommend connecting power input to a USB computer
port or the optional USB to AC converter for continuous
alert operation (reference Section 11). Otherwise, you
must rely on hand crank power in this mode.
The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
13

• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try correcting the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
- Reorient the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into and outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.
Warranty / Customer Service
Sharper Image branded items purchased from SharperImage.com include a 1-year limited
replacement warranty. For Customer Service, please call 1 [phone].
The SHARPER IMAGE® name and logo are registered trademarks.
©Sharper Image. All Rights Reserved.
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