Eton E1 AM/FM/Shortwave/XM Ready Radio

Important Safeguards

Read all instructions. Retain for future reference. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Clean with a damp cloth. Do not use unauthorized attachments. Avoid water and moisture. Do not place on unstable surfaces. Ensure proper ventilation. Operate only from specified power sources. Do not defeat grounding or polarization features. Protect power cords. Ground outdoor antennas. Unplug during lightning storms or long periods of disuse. Avoid power lines. Do not overload outlets. Never insert objects or spill liquids. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. Use manufacturer-specified replacement parts. Perform safety checks after service. Mount to wall/ceiling only as recommended. Keep away from heat sources.

General Description

The Eton E1 is a microprocessor-controlled, synthesized world band receiver with continuous coverage from 100 kHz to 30 MHz (AM/Shortwave) and 76 MHz to 108 MHz (FM). It also receives XM Satellite Radio (subscription required) with an optional antenna. Features include high sensitivity, selectivity, dynamic range, three electronically switched IF filters, a dot-matrix LCD with 10 Hz resolution for AM/SW, and 20 kHz for FM. It can be powered by an AC adapter, external DC source (7-14 VDC), or four "D" cell batteries. Reception modes include AM, SSB (LSB/USB), and FM stereo. It offers selectable AGC, Passband Tuning (PBT), squelch, bass/treble controls, two real-time clocks (Local/GMT), timers (sleep/wake), and 1700 programmable memory channels (500 with names, 1200 by country). Display can show Local or GMT time when off.

Power Supply

The E1 can be powered by the supplied AC adapter, an external 7-12 VDC source, or four "D" cell batteries (not supplied). Battery installation involves opening a front panel access door and inserting batteries with the positive end to the left. For extended storage, remove batteries to prevent corrosion. Memory channels do not require battery backup, but clocks are maintained for approximately 10 minutes after power loss. Battery condition is indicated on the display when the unit is on or the LIGHT button is pressed (if no AC adapter is connected). A flashing "LOW BATT" indicator requires battery replacement.

Installation

Unpack and inspect for damage. For fixed locations, use the AC adapter and connect the antenna to the 'EXT ANTENNA' jack or use the internal telescopic antenna. For portable operation, install "D" cell batteries. The receiver has a PAL type antenna connector for external antennas (LF, MW, SW, FM). An adapter may be needed for standard 'F' type connectors. The XM antenna connects to a mini serial buss connector on the right side panel. A hinged panel on the back allows tilting the receiver for a convenient viewing angle.

Front Panel Description

Key controls include:

• Squelch: Mutes audio below a set signal level; also sets carrier scan stop threshold.
• Treble/Bass: Adjusts audio frequency response.
• Volume: Controls audio output level.
• Access Door: Hides battery compartment, reset button, display contrast knob, and factory programming connector.
• Direct-Key-Input Keys (0-9, .): For frequency entry, memory selection, etc.
• CLEAR / LOCK: Clears entries or locks/unlocks all front panel controls (hold for 3 seconds).
• Mode Softkeys (MENU, AGC, BW, PBT, AM, SSB, TUNE): Control various receiver functions and modes.
• < SELECT > Keys: Increment/decrement frequency or scroll through memory pages.
• STORE: Saves settings, clocks, and memory entries.
• DELETE: Deletes memory entries.
• TAG: Marks channels for T.SCAN.
• T.SCAN: Initiates or stops selective scanning of tagged channels.
• SEEK: Scans for signals above the squelch threshold.
• TIME: Accesses timer and clock settings.
• PBT (Passband Tuning): Adjusts IF passband for interference reduction (not in FM/XM).
• DX: Enables/disables RF preamplifier for weak signals.
• FAST / TUNING LOCK: Cycles tuning rates or locks the tuning knob.
• Tuning Knob: Primary control for frequency tuning and scrolling through memories.
• Mode Softkeys (XM, FM/AUX, SW BAND, MW/LW, VFO, MEMORY, COUNTRY): Select operating modes and bands.
• POWER: Turns the unit on and off.
• Display: Dot matrix LCD showing frequency, status, and menu information.
• Speaker: Internal speaker.
• Telescopic Antenna: Extendable antenna for most bands.

Display Description

The LCD display shows:

• Signal Meter: Indicates incoming signal strength (S units/dB for AM/SW, relative for FM).
• Squelch Level Indicator: Shows squelch setting relative to signal strength.
• Antenna Indicator: Shows 'INT ANT' or 'EXT ANT'.
• DX Indicator: Appears when the RF preamplifier is enabled.
• SEEK Indicator: Appears when SEEK mode is active.
• VFO STORED: Appears when the TUNE softkey is pressed.
• Frequency Display: Main frequency readout (MHz or kHz).
• Band Indicators: SW -- M, LW, MW, FM, XM.
• STEREO/MONO: For FM reception.
• MHz / kHz: Unit of frequency display.
• Softkey Labels: MENU, AGC, BW, PBT, AM, SSB, TUNE, COUNTRY, MEMORY, VFO, SW BAND, FM/AUX, XM, MW/LW.
• TUN LOCK: Indicates tuning knob is locked.
• TIMER 1 2: Indicates timers are enabled.
• Time Display: Shows Local or GMT time.
• LOW BATT: Flashing indicator for low battery.
• POWER LOSS: Indicates external power loss, operating on batteries.
• LOCK: Indicates front panel controls are locked.
• ERROR: Appears with a beep for invalid operations.

Getting Started

Setup: Install batteries or connect AC adapter. Extend telescopic antenna or connect external antenna. Plug in XM antenna if applicable. Press POWER. Select desired band (FM, SW, MW/LW, XM) using softkeys. Tune using the TUNING knob or Direct Frequency Entry.

Direct Frequency Entry: Use numeric keys (0-9, .) to enter frequencies. Press '.' twice to confirm entry. For FM, enter MHz; for SW, can be kHz or MHz (set via menu); for MW/LW, enter kHz.

Shortwave Meter Band Entry: Press SW BAND softkey twice, then enter a 2 or 3-digit meter band number (e.g., '41' for 41 meters) or use the TUNING knob/< SELECT > keys to tune to the start of a band.

Frequency Resolution: Varies by band and mode (e.g., 10 Hz for SW/AM, 20 kHz for FM). Can be adjusted with FAST/TUNING LOCK key.

Front Panel Lock: Hold CLEAR/LOCK for 3 seconds to lock/unlock controls.

AM Synchronous Operation: Press AM softkey again when in AM mode to engage SYNC for reduced distortion and fading. Use SSB softkeys (USB/LSB/DSB) for fine-tuning if needed.

SSB Operation: Select LSB or USB. Tune slowly. Use PBT for interference reduction.

FM Operation: Easiest mode. Stereo reception via headphones or line out. Select STEREO/MONO via AUDIO SETTINGS menu.

AGC Operation: Select SLOW, FAST, or AUTO for gain control (not active in FM).

Memory Functions

The E1 has 1700 memory channels: 500 MEMORY (with names) and 1200 COUNTRY (grouped by country). Parameters stored include frequency, mode, bandwidth, AGC, PBT, and sync detector state.

Storing: Tune to a frequency, press STORE, then MEMORY or COUNTRY softkey. Select a channel number, press STORE again, and optionally enter a name (for MEMORY channels) within 10 seconds.

Recalling: Press MEMORY or COUNTRY softkey, then use TUNING knob or < SELECT > keys to scroll. Direct entry by channel number is also possible. Pressing TUNE transfers the memory channel to VFO for fine-tuning.

Deleting: Select channel, press and hold DELETE for 3 seconds.

T.SCAN: Mark channels with the TAG key. Press T.SCAN to scan only tagged channels. Scan stop can be set to TIME (5 seconds per channel) or CARRIER (stops on signal above squelch).

Country Functions

1200 channels grouped by 111 countries. Channels 501-1700. Names cannot be assigned to individual channels, but country names can be edited/added.

Storing/Recalling/Deleting: Similar to MEMORY functions, but uses the COUNTRY softkey.

Changing/Adding Country Names: Enter COUNTRY mode, press COUNTRY softkey for 3 seconds to enter edit mode, use TUNING knob/< SELECT > to name, press STORE.

XM Option Display Description & Introduction

XM Satellite Radio offers over 100 digital channels (subscription required). Requires optional XM digital antenna. Signals are digital, transmitted via satellites and ground repeaters. The E1 can display Category, Channel Name, Artist Name, and Title. Modes include XM-ALL, CATEGORY, and FAVORITES. Favorite lists (A/B) allow storing up to 10 channels each. SCAN function cycles through channels. LAST softkey recalls the previous channel. Subscription requires calling 1-800-852-9696 or visiting www.xmradio.com and providing the Radio ID (found on channel 0).

E1 Menus

Access menus via the MENU softkey. Main Menu options include:

• RADIO SETTINGS: Enhanced SSB, Scan Stop Mode (TIME/CARRIER), FM Frequency Range (76-90 MHz / 87-108 MHz), MW Tuning Steps (9/10 kHz), SW Band Entry (kHz/MHz), Power Loss behavior (BATTERY/AUTO OFF).
• AUDIO SETTINGS: Audio Output (MONO/STEREO for FM), Entry Beep (ON/OFF), Power Loss Beep (ON/OFF), Squelch Muting (OFF/ON).
• SET CLOCKS: Manually set Local and GMT clocks.
• CLOCK MODES: Auto Clock Set (WWV/XM), Auto DST Compensation, Local Time Offset (hours), Snooze Time, Timer Overrides Lock.
• TIMERS: Set ON/OFF times and memory channels for two event timers. Can function as wake or sleep timers.
• XM: Antenna Aiming, Auto Enter (ON/OFF, delay), Clear Favorites, Clear Tagged XM Channels, Diagnostic Mode.

Use numbered keys to select menu items. Press '9' to exit.

Seek Function

Scans for signals above the Squelch threshold in VFO, MEMORY, or COUNTRY modes. In XM mode, SEEK advances to the next channel in the current grouping.

T.SCAN Function

Scans channels marked with a 'T' tag. Stops on signals above Squelch (except XM, which stops for 5 seconds per channel). Scan stop method (TIME/CARRIER) is set in RADIO SETTINGS.

Clock and Timer Functions

Dual 24-hour clocks (Local/GMT) can be set manually or automatically (via WWV/WWVH or XM signals if enabled). Timers can be programmed for specific ON/OFF times and recall memory/XM channels. They can function as wake or sleep timers. Timer settings are stored in non-volatile memory. The active clock (Local/GMT) is displayed and used for timer operations.

Special Use Features and Functions

Lock All Entry: Hold CLEAR/LOCK for 3 seconds to disable front panel keys and tuning knob. Hold again to unlock.

Broadcast Band Tuning Step Size: MW tuning steps can be set to 9 kHz (for Europe) or 10 kHz (for North America) via RADIO SETTINGS.

Delete All Memory/Country Channels: Specific procedures involving holding POWER and other keys are described to clear memory. XM Favorites are cleared separately.

Display Lighting: Controlled by the LIGHT key. Can be set to Off, Dim, Medium, Bright. Timeout feature can be disabled for continuous illumination (at the cost of battery life).

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions are provided, including no display (check power, adapter, batteries, light setting), no XM reception (check antenna connection/position, subscription), low sensitivity (check antenna selection, squelch), no sound (check mode, external speaker, squelch), no front panel operation (unlock controls), and timer issues (set clocks, program timers, enable timers).

Appendix: Understanding Shortwave Bands

Explains shortwave listening basics, including rules of thumb (night listening better, winter better), best bands for day/night, and the importance of sunset/sunrise. Defines bands as frequency ranges (e.g., 13m, 16m, 49m). Provides a chart of meter bands with corresponding MHz/kHz ranges. Discusses day vs. night bands and optimal listening times. Offers advice on using external antennas and finding directories. Explains SSB (Single Sideband) for two-way communication and lists frequencies for amateur radio, aeronautical, and maritime use, including weather fax and safety frequencies.

Eton E1 Quick Reference Guide

Provides concise instructions for basic operations: setting up power, tuning FM/MW/SW/XM, direct frequency entry, SEEK function, shortwave band selection, memory storage/recall, T.SCAN, favorite XM storage/deletion, and side panel controls.

Glossary of Terms

Defines technical terms used in the manual, such as AC Input, AM, AGC, CW, DC Input, DX, Dynamic Range, Frequency, FM, LSB, RF, RTTY, Softkeys, Squelch, Synchronous Detector, Synthesized, USB, UTC, VFO, VHF.