1. Introduction
The Tecsun PL-398MP is a versatile multi-band stereo portable radio equipped with an MP3 playback function via an SD card slot. It allows users to listen to FM stereo, shortwave (SW), medium wave (MW), and longwave (LW) broadcasts. Additionally, it can play MP3 music and features a line-in input, enabling its use as an active small speaker. This device incorporates a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip for enhanced reception quality.
2. Package Contents
Please check the box for the following items:
- 1 x Tecsun PL-398 Radio
- 1 x Stereo Earphone
- 1 x Audio Cable
- 1 x Carrying Pouch
- 1 x User Manual (English, Japanese)
3. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the various parts and controls of your Tecsun PL-398MP radio.
Front Panel Controls:
- Power on/off button
- Band selector & ATS button
- View memory (VM) & SCAN button
- View frequency (VF) & SCAN button
- Easy Tuning Mode (ETM) button
- AM / BW button
- FM stereo button
- Display mode / key lock button
- Time set button
- Alarm set button (Alarm by radio, Alarm by buzzer)
- Delete / Confirm [←] button
- Memory button
- Light / Snooze button
Side and Top Panel Features:
- FM & SW external antenna jack
- Line in jack
- Earphone jack
- USB 5V DC-jack
- Multifunctional tuning knob
- Volume knob
4. Setup
4.1 Power Supply
The PL-398MP can be powered in two ways:
- Batteries: Insert 3 R6 (AA size) batteries into the battery compartment located on the rear of the radio. Ensure correct polarity. Ni-MH rechargeable batteries can also be used.
- External Power: Connect a USB power adapter (DC 5V, ≥250mA, not included) to the USB 5V DC-jack (17) on the side of the radio. This port also supports smart charging for Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.
Caution: Do not use new and old batteries together.
4.2 Inserting an SD Card
To use the MP3 player function, insert a TF (MicroSD) card into the SD card slot located in the battery compartment on the rear of the radio. Ensure the card is inserted correctly until it clicks into place.
5. Operation
5.1 Power On/Off
Press the Power on/off button (1) to turn the radio on or off.
5.2 Band Selection
Press the Band selector & ATS button (2) to cycle through available bands: FM, SW, MW, LW.
5.3 Tuning Methods
The PL-398MP offers several methods for tuning into radio stations:
- Easy Tuning Mode (ETM): Press the ETM button (5) to automatically scan and store all available stations in the current band.
- Automatic Tuning Storage (ATS): Press and hold the Band selector & ATS button (2) to automatically search for and store stations.
- Manual Frequency Tuning (VF): Use the Multifunctional tuning knob (18) to manually adjust the frequency. Press the View frequency (VF) & SCAN button (4) to enter VF mode.
- Manual Stored Station Tuning (VM): Press the View memory (VM) & SCAN button (3) to browse through manually stored stations. Use the tuning knob to select.
- Direct Frequency Input: Use the numeric keypad (1-9, 0) to directly enter a frequency.
- Direct Stored Station Address Input: Use the numeric keypad to directly enter the address of a saved station.
5.4 MP3 Playback
To switch to MP3 playback, ensure an SD card with MP3 files is inserted. Use the dedicated MP3/Radio switch (located on the rear, near the SD card slot) to select MP3 mode. Basic controls are available:
- PREV: Skip to the previous track.
- NEXT: Skip to the next track.
- PAUSE / PLAY: Pause or resume playback.
The radio will remember the last played position after power cycling.
5.5 Display and Backlight
The LCD screen displays information such as station frequency, signal strength/signal-to-noise ratio, temperature, current time, and battery level. The keypad also features a backlight for use in low-light conditions.
5.6 Volume Control
Adjust the listening volume using the Volume knob (19).
5.7 Alarm Function
The radio includes an alarm function. Press the Alarm set button (10) to configure. The alarm can be set to activate either the radio or a buzzer.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | PL-398MP |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 187 x 90 x 30mm |
| Weight | 365g (Battery not included) |
| Body Material | Plastic |
| Style | Portable |
| Type | AM / FM |
| Function | Built-In Speaker, Manual/Automatic shutdown |
| Screen | Yes (LCD Display) |
| Speaker Specifications | Diameter 57mm, 8Ω, 250mW paper tray speaker × 2 |
| Headphone Specifications | Φ3.5mm/32Ω stereo headphones |
| Output Power (10% distortion) | ≥180mW×2 |
| Frequency Range (Standard) | FM: 87-108MHz; SW: 2300-21950KHz; MW: 522-1620KHz; LW: 153-513KHz |
| Frequency Range (Russia) | FM: 64-108MHz |
| Frequency Range (Japan) | FM: 76-108MHz |
| Tuning Method | Manual/Automatic tuning |
| Noise Limit Sensitivity (FM) | (S/N=30dB) better than 3uV |
| Noise Limit Sensitivity (SW) | (S/N=26dB) better than 20uV |
| Noise Limit Sensitivity (MW) | (S/N=26dB) better than 1mV/m |
| Noise Limit Sensitivity (LW) | (S/N=26dB) better than 10mV/m |
| Selectivity (FM) | >60dB (±150KHz) |
| Selectivity (SW) | >60dB (BW=3KHz, ±5KHz) |
| Selectivity (MW) | >60dB (BW=3KHz, ±9KHz) |
| Selectivity (LW) | >60dB (BW=3KHz, ±9KHz) |
| Memory Storage | 550 total (FM: 100, SW: 250, MW: 100, LW: 100) |
| Power Supply | 3 x R6 (AA) batteries or USB DC 5V ≥250mA |
| Certification | CE |
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the radio's exterior. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Battery Care: Remove batteries if the radio will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
- Storage: Store the radio in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Water Exposure: Avoid exposing the radio to water or high humidity.
8. Troubleshooting
- Radio does not power on:
- Check if batteries are inserted correctly with the right polarity.
- Replace old batteries with new ones.
- Ensure the USB power adapter is properly connected and providing sufficient power (DC 5V, ≥250mA).
- No sound or poor reception:
- Extend the telescopic antenna fully for FM and SW bands.
- Adjust the radio's position for better signal reception.
- Ensure the volume is turned up.
- For MW/LW, try rotating the radio for optimal signal.
- Connect an external antenna to the FM & SW external antenna jack (14) for improved reception.
- MP3 player not working:
- Ensure an SD card is properly inserted into the slot.
- Verify that the SD card contains MP3 audio files.
- Check if the MP3/Radio switch is set to MP3 mode.
- Try formatting the SD card (backup data first) or using a different SD card if issues persist.
- No track information on display during MP3 playback:
- The MP3 player function is basic and does not display track names or numbers on the LCD screen.
9. User Tips
- SD Card Capacity: The radio is confirmed to work reliably with SD cards up to 32GB.
- Battery Life: With quality AA batteries (e.g., Duracell Ultra or GP2700), the radio can operate continuously for approximately 56-60 hours at moderate volume levels.
- MP3 Playback Order: For random playback, users have found success by mixing all desired tracks and renaming them in a batch, then placing them in the root directory of the SD card. The player will resume from the last played position even after being turned off.
- Long-Distance FM Reception: Some users report good FM reception even at distances of 60-80 km from a city, especially from higher elevations or with reflected signals.
10. Warranty and Support
10.1 Warranty Information
The manufacturer offers the following warranty terms for quality-related issues:
- Within 1 month of receipt: Replacement or full refund.
- Within 1-3 months of receipt: Option to return for repair. Freight costs are split between the seller and buyer. Maintenance is free.
- Within 1 year of receipt: Buyer bears freight costs. Maintenance is free.
- After 1 year: Buyer bears freight costs and appropriate maintenance fees.
Please note that damage caused by external force is not covered under warranty for refund or replacement.
10.2 Customer Support
For any questions or issues, please contact customer service. Online customer service is available to answer questions within 24 hours.