Cambridge Audio Stereo System DAB500 User Manual

DAB500  
Digital Radio Tuner  
Owner’s Manual  
 
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS  
For your own safety please read the following instructions carefully before  
attempting to connect this unit to the mains.  
PLUG FITTING INSTRUCTIONS (UK ONLY)  
The cord supplied with this appliance is factory fitted with a 13A mains plug  
fitted with a 3A fuse inside. If it is necessary to change the fuse, it is  
important that a 3A one is used. If the plug needs to be changed because  
it is not suitable for your socket, or becomes damaged, it should be cut off  
and an appropriate plug fitted following the wiring instructions below. The  
plug must then be disposed of safely, as insertion into a 13A socket is likely  
to cause an electrical hazard. Should it be necessary to fit a 3-pin BS mains  
plug to the power cord the wires should be fitted as shown in this diagram.  
The colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not  
correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your  
plug. Connect them as follows:-  
Check that the rear of your unit indicates the correct supply voltage.  
If your mains supply voltage is different, consult your dealer.  
This unit is designed to operate only on the supply voltage and type that is  
indicated on the rear panel of the unit. Connecting to other power sources  
may damage the unit.  
This equipment must be switched off when not in use and must not be used  
unless correctly earthed. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove  
the unit’s cover (or back). There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer  
servicing to qualified service personnel. If the power cord is fitted with a  
moulded mains plug the unit must not be used if the plastic fuse carrier is  
not in place. Should you lose the fuse carrier the correct part must be  
reordered from your Cambridge Audio dealer.  
The wire which is coloured BLUE must  
be connected to the terminal which is  
marked with the letter ‘N’ or coloured  
BLACK.  
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an  
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence  
of uninsulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s  
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a  
risk of electric shock to persons.  
The wire which is coloured BROWN  
must be connected to the terminal which  
is marked with the letter ‘Lor coloured  
RED  
The wire which is coloured  
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended  
to alert the user to the presence of important operating and  
maintenance instructions in the service literature relevant to  
this appliance.  
GREEN/YELLOW must be connected to  
the terminal which is marked with the  
letter ‘E’ or coloured GREEN.  
NOTE: If your model does not have an earth wire, then disregard this  
instruction.  
This product complies with European Low Voltage  
(73/23/EEC)  
and  
Electromagnetic  
Compatibility  
(89/336/EEC) Directives when used according to this  
instruction manual. For continued compliance only  
Cambridge Audio accessories should be used with this  
product and servicing must be referred to qualified service  
personnel.  
If a 13 Amp (BS 1363) plug is used, a 3 Amp fuse must be fitted, or if any  
other type of plug is used a 3 Amp or 5 Amp fuse must be fitted, either in  
the plug or adaptor, or on the distribution board.  
3
 
DAB500  
CONTROLS  
5
4
1
2
3
7
6
8
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS  
1. POWER SWITCH  
Press this button to turn the power on and press again to turn the  
power off.  
5. AUTO TUNE BUTTON  
Use this button to Initiate a search for available stations after  
adjusting the aerial.  
2. PRESET BUTTONS  
Use these buttons to store and recall favourite stations.  
6. BRIGHTNESS BUTTON  
Use this button to toggle between normal brightness and dimmed  
display.  
3. SHIFT BUTTON  
Use this button to access presets six to ten.  
7. INFO BUTTON  
Use this button to change the display to show either scrolling text,  
program type, time and date, technical information, signal data rate  
or signal error rate.  
4. MENU BUTTON  
Use this button to select the function of the tune/enter dial.  
8. TUNE / ENTER DIAL  
Use this dial to scroll through stations or menu items. Push in to  
make a selection.  
4
 
CONNECTIONS  
6
1
2
3
4
5
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS  
1. NCT (NATURAL CONTOUR TECHNOLOGY)  
4. OPTICAL SPDIF OUTPUT  
Use this switch to select either a flat frequency response or one of two  
subtle tone settings; LO or LO/HI.  
Use this socket to connect to the input of a separate DAC or digital  
recording machine. Use a high quality fibre optic interconnect cable  
designed specifically for audio use.  
2. TUNER INPUT  
Connect the conventional ‘left’ and ‘right’ (L and R) Audio Outputs of  
an existing tuner to the ‘Tuner Input’ using a high quality interconnect.  
5. PHONO SPDIF OUTPUT  
This coaxial output is for input to a separate DAC or digital recording  
machine. Use a high quality 75 ohm BNC interconnect cable for this  
connection (not one designed for normal audio use).  
3. AUDIO OUTPUT  
Use high quality interconnect cables from these sockets to any line  
level input on your amplifier.  
6. AERIAL SOCKET  
Connect the supplied aerial or a separately purchased outdoor aerial  
to this F-type socket making sure it is screwed on securely.  
5
 
DAB500  
SETTING UP  
This section provides information on connecting your DAB500 to other hi-fi  
equipment and connecting an aerial. All components must be switched off  
when connecting the DAB500.  
CONNECTING TO DIGITAL DEVICES  
The DAB500 is equipped to provide a high quality digital audio output for  
connection to digital loudspeakers, amplifiers and other digital devices  
such as a MiniDisc or CD Recorder featuring the appropriate SPDIF digital  
input connector.  
CONNECTING TO AN AMPLIFIER  
The signal from your DAB500 must be passed to an amplifier, which then  
feeds loudspeakers to create sound.  
Connect the SPDIF sockets on the DAB500 to the "Digital-in" socket on your  
digital device using a high quality digital cable.  
Connect a high quality interconnect cable to the DAB500's "Output" sockets  
on the rear panel of the DAB500 - white/black to the "L" output and the red  
to the "R" output.  
Connect either the optical or phono connection NOT both.  
CONNECTING YOUR AERIAL  
Connect the other end of the cable to your amplifier's "Tuner" inputs, again  
making sure the white/black plug goes to the "L" input and the red to the  
"R" input.  
You need to connect either the supplied indoor aerial or other aerial to  
receive radio broadcasts.  
Locate the aerial socket on the rear panel of the DAB500. Insert the aerial  
into the socket.  
CONNECTING AN ADDITIONAL TUNER OR AUXILIARY SOURCE  
If using the indoor aerial, attach the main run horizontally to a wall and  
extend the arms vertically, forming a sideways figure T (see diagram below).  
Please see the section later in the manual, "Improving Your Reception", if  
you find reception is poor or no stations are found.  
You can connect your old FM/AM tuner, or another auxiliary source, to your  
amplifier through the DAB500 to reduce connections to your amplifier.  
Locate the "Input" sockets on the rear panel of the DAB500 and the  
"Output" sockets on the auxiliary device.  
Using a high quality interconnect cable, connect the "L" sockets to the  
white/black plugs and the "R" sockets to the red plugs.  
Model: DAB300 Digital Tuner  
Power Rating: 220-240V AC 50Hz  
Max Power Consumption: 10W  
I N P U T  
T U N E R  
O U T P U T  
U A D I O  
O P T I C A L  
P H O N O  
I N P U T  
A E R I A L  
POWER AC  
Fix to a wall in a  
vertical direction  
TUNER  
INPUT  
AUDIO  
OUTPUT  
OPTICAL  
SPDIF OUTPUT  
PHONO  
AERIAL  
INPUT  
The auxiliary device signal will now be passed through the analogue outputs  
to your amplifier when your DAB500 is switched off.  
ONCE YOU HAVE MADE THE CONNECTIONS PLUG THE POWER CORD INTO  
AN APPROPRIATE POWER SOCKET.  
6
 
USING YOUR DAB500  
TURNING THE TUNER ON AND OFF  
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SERVICES  
Make sure all the relevant connections, as described earlier have been  
made. As a precaution, make sure the amplifier volume is turned down low.  
Some selected stations have a primary and secondary broadcast, for  
example BBC Radio 4 broadcasts cricket commentary on analogue Long  
Wave, whilst simultaneously maintaining its normal programming on FM. If  
a secondary service is available, the display will show a dotted arrow  
pointing to the right sitting next to station name.  
Press the "Power" button on the front panel.  
TUNING  
To select the secondary service, turn the tune/enter dial to the right. When  
the secondary service is displayed press the tune/enter dial.  
When first switched on, the DAB500 will automatically scan for all available  
stations (unless your aerial is not connected properly or DAB reception is  
weak or unavailable in your area). The display says 'now tuning…' when this  
takes place. There are two types of auto tune:  
CHANGING THE DISPLAY MODE  
The DAB500 has various display modes which lets you view the additional  
text data that accompanies digital broadcasts. To access the various data  
channels press the "Info" button as indicated below:  
Rapid - this scans frequencies in the UK channel allocation. This should  
take approximately 45 seconds.  
Full - scans the full range of digital frequencies in Band III. This may take  
several minutes.  
Default mode - Presents scrolling text service offered by the particular station.  
Press once - Gives the Program Type, which describes the genre of station.  
To undertake a rapid scan, press the "Auto Tune" button for roughly two  
seconds. For a full scan press the "Auto Tune" button for longer than two  
seconds. If you have pressed “Auto Tune” by mistake press a third time to  
cancel the operation.  
Press again - Displays the name of the multiplex on which current service is  
found. See the section 'An overview of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)'  
later in this manual for further information.  
If no stations are found after the auto tuning process, "no stations found"  
will be shown on the display. If this occurs check the connections and  
positioning of the aerial or with your local radio stations for coverage  
information (see later in this manual for more details).  
Press again - Shows the time and date.  
Press again - Displays technical information, such as the channel label and  
centre frequency.  
Press again - Displays the audio signal data rate (in kilobytes per second)  
and mode (stereo or mono).  
SELECTING A SERVICE  
Press again - Shows the signal error rate, where zero is perfect. The number  
increases as the signal deteriorates.  
One of the key advantages of digital tuners is the simplicity of tuning.  
Rotate the large tune/enter dial on the front panel to scroll through the  
available stations. To select a broadcast simply press the tune/enter dial.  
Press again - Returns to scrolling text service.  
7
 
DAB500  
BRIGHTNESS  
THE "MENU" BUTTON  
Press the brightness button to dim the display. Press again to restore the  
default setting.  
Press the "Menu" button once to enter menu mode. Use the tune/enter dial  
to scan through the various menu options and push to select the  
assortment of services.  
SIGNAL STRENGTH  
STATION ORDER - This offers three different configurations for the station  
order:  
Pressing the tune/enter dial while a station is playing will show the quality  
of the signal being received.  
Favourite station - When selected the ten most popular stations,  
defined by average listening time, are displayed first.  
PRESETS - STORING AND USING  
Alphanumeric - Displays the list of available stations alphabetically and  
numerically.  
To store a preset a station select the desired broadcast with the tune/enter  
dial. To select simply press the tune/enter dial. Once the station is selected,  
hold down the required preset button for two seconds. "Preset (number)  
saved" will be shown on the display and the station will now be stored under  
this preset. To select presets six to ten press the shift button and within two  
seconds press the required preset button.  
Active station - Lists active stations. The validity of a service is checked  
during scanning, manual tuning, tuning to a different ensemble. There is  
also an option in the station order menu called 'prune station'. This will  
remove any stations that have been stored in the tuner memory, but no  
longer broadcast. Select this by pressing the tune/enter dial.  
CNT (NATURAL CONTOUR TECHNOLOHY) SWITCH  
MANUAL TUNE - Turn the tune/enter dial to move up and down frequencies,  
then press to select.  
Due to gratuitous use of audio signal processing by many broadcasters a  
DAB radio may sound rather thin and undynamic compared to other  
sources such as a CD player. Two subtle EQ settings are available to  
alleviate this problem. The LO setting adds warmth to the sound and the  
LO/HI setting adds both warmth and sparkle.  
DRC VALUE - DYNAMIC RANGE COMPRESSION - There are three settings.  
Scroll through and press the tune/enter dial to select. A figure "1" delivers  
maximum dynamic compression, while zero means there is no compression  
across the dynamic range.  
SW VERSION - Displays software version.  
8
 
IMPROVING YOUR RECEPTION  
If you experience no reception at all or the sound breaks up when listening  
to some stations then there are a few things you can try to improve  
reception.  
TRY AN EXISTING FM OR TV OUTDOOR AERIAL  
If you get poor reception with the supplied wire aerial then you may find that  
an existing FM radio or TV aerial will work with your DAB tuner. Although  
these aerials are not built to work at DAB radio frequencies they may still  
work well enough. You will need an adaptor to change the FM/TV aerial plug  
into an F-Type plug.  
FIND THE BEST POSITION FOR YOUR AERIAL  
While listening to a radio station, press (without turning) the Tune/Enter dial  
once and the display will change to show a bargraph. You can either move  
the supplied wire aerial or rotate an outdoor aerial so that the bargraph  
gives the highest reading. There are 16 segments, the fifth is marked and  
indicates the minimum level required for clear reception. Anything below  
this will sound broken and garbled. As you can see from the sample display  
below, BBC Radio 4 has 14 segments showing so reception will be clear.  
IF YOU STILL HAVE POOR RECEPTION  
If neither the wire aerial or any existing aerial work then please contact your  
local aerial installer or visit the web sites below.  
www.blake-aerials.co.uk  
BBC Ra di o 4  
After you have optimised the aerial position for the station you are listening  
to, check the signal strength of other stations to make sure you have  
sufficient level for them. If not, try moving the aerial to a position that works  
for all the stations you can receive.  
9
 
DAB500  
AN OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL AUDIO  
BROADCASTING (DAB)  
SPECIFICATIONS  
Sample Rate  
48kHz  
This section gives a brief overview of digital radio, or DAB as it is also  
known, along with some useful addresses if you require further information.  
Frequency Range  
Sensitivity  
VHF (174MHz to 240MHz) Band 3  
-96dBm  
The Cambridge Audio DAB500 lets you receive and listen to the abundance  
of digital radio broadcasts available. DAB uses digital signals rather than  
traditional analogue transmissions, providing clear, high quality reception.  
Signal to Noise  
105dB typical  
Frequency Response  
Distortion  
20-20kHz+0.1,-0.3dB (NCT at FLAT)  
<0.005%, 1kHz, 2vrms o/p  
>60dB, 20Hz- 20kHz  
220-240V AC~50Hz  
10W  
Digital radio is broadcast as groups of data called multiplexes. Each  
multiplex contains a number of stations, transmitted at a set frequency,  
which the DAB500 decodes. The DAB500 can receive multiplexes  
broadcast on Band III DAB frequencies. The number of multiplexes and  
radio stations you receive will vary depending on your location. With DAB,  
radio stations have labels for identification. Instead of needing to know a  
particular frequency to listen to your favourite broadcast you can simply  
select the station name.  
Stereo Separation  
Input Voltage  
Maximum Power Consumption  
Standby Power Consumption  
Dimensions(mm)  
Weight  
7W  
DAB also enables broadcasters to transmit additional data with the audio,  
which takes in other audio channels, text and in the future, perhaps  
computer data and images. Additional data, such as text containing  
programme or multiplex information, is shown on the DAB500’s display.  
80(h)x430(w)x285(d)  
3.5kg  
USEFUL ADDRESSES  
Digital Radio Development Bureau  
The Radio Centre  
BBC Digital Radio  
Room 5661  
77 Shaftesbury Avenue  
London W1D 5DU  
Broadcasting House  
Portland Place  
London W1A 1AA  
Telephone: 020 7306 2630  
10  
 
LIMITED WARRANTY  
NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR  
BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY IN THIS PRODUCT.  
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS WARRANTY IS  
EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS AND IMPLIED  
WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE  
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PRACTICAL  
PURPOSE.  
Cambridge Audio warrants this product to be free from defects in materials  
and workmanship (subject to the terms set forth below). Cambridge Audio  
will repair or replace (at Cambridge Audio's option) this product or any  
defective parts in this product. Warranty periods may vary from country to  
country. If in doubt consult your dealer and ensure that you retain proof of  
purchase.  
To obtain warranty service, please contact the Cambridge Audio authorised  
dealer from which you purchased this product. If your dealer is not equipped  
to perform the repair of your Cambridge Audio product, it can be returned  
by your dealer to Cambridge Audio or an authorised Cambridge Audio  
service agent. You will need to ship this product in either its original  
packaging or packaging affording an equal degree of protection.  
Some countries and US states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of  
incidental or consequential damages or implied warranties so the above  
exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal  
rights, and you may have other statutory rights, which vary from state to  
state or country to country.  
Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice, which is  
evidence that this product is within the warranty period, must be presented  
to obtain warranty service.  
This Warranty is invalid if (a) the factory-applied serial number has been  
altered or removed from this product or (b) this product was not purchased  
from a Cambridge Audio authorised dealer. You may call Cambridge Audio  
or your local country Cambridge Audio distributor to confirm that you have  
an unaltered serial number and/or you purchased from a Cambridge Audio  
authorised dealer.  
This Warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of  
God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification  
of, or to any part of, the product. This Warranty does not cover damage due  
to improper operation, maintenance or installation, or attempted repair by  
anyone other than Cambridge Audio or a Cambridge Audio dealer, or  
authorised service agent which is authorised to do Cambridge Audio  
warranty work. Any unauthorised repairs will void this Warranty. This  
Warranty does not cover products sold AS IS or WITH ALL FAULTS.  
REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY ARE  
THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. CAMBRIDGE AUDIO SHALL  
11  
 
For the latest information on Cambridge Audio products visit us at www.cambridge-audio.co.uk  
Made from recyclable material  
Part No. AP13739/1  
 

Blaupunkt Car Stereo System CC 28 User Manual
Bosch Appliances Intercom System 0 User Manual
Bosch Appliances Security Camera VJR SERIES User Manual
Bosch Power Tools Air Compressor CGT8 65W User Manual
Bryan Boilers Boiler B 26S D User Manual
Cabletron Systems Switch FDDI User Manual
Cannon Fishing Equipment 1907000 User Manual
Casio Cash Register 2619 User Manual
Chamberlain Intercom System NTD2 User Manual
Cisco Systems Home Security System VC 289 User Manual