Sangean DDR-8 Portable Bluetooth DAB/FM Radio User Manual

Important Safety Instructions

• Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heating appliances, stoves, or other heat-producing equipment.
• Use only manufacturer-specified accessories and attachments.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this device to rain or moisture.
• Do not expose the device to dripping or splashing water. Do not place liquid-filled objects on the device.
• Batteries must not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunlight, fire, or similar.
• Unauthorized modifications or alterations may void the warranty and the user's right to operate the equipment.
• WARNING: Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type.
• Do not expose the radio to water, steam, or sand.
• Do not leave the radio in a location where excessive heat can cause damage.
• Replacing the battery with an incorrect type may disable protection features (e.g., for some lithium batteries).
• Incinerating or crushing batteries may result in an explosion.
• Leaving a battery in extremely high temperatures may cause an explosion or leakage of flammable liquid or gas.
• A battery exposed to extremely low air pressure may cause an explosion or leakage of flammable liquid or gas.
• To prevent hearing damage, avoid listening at high volumes for extended periods.
• [DC power symbol] This symbol indicates direct current.

Warning: Do not attempt to remove or replace the built-in lithium battery. Unauthorized replacements may void the warranty.

Important Notes

• It is recommended to use a SANGEAN AC adapter that matches the specifications indicated on the sales package.
• Using a non-SANGEAN adapter may affect the radio's performance, including radio reception.
• If using an adapter with specifications that do not match the package:
  • (a) You may use a higher-power PD adapter, but radio functionality, such as radio reception, may be affected.
  • (b) A lower-power adapter should not be used to avoid unexpected risks.

Controls and Buttons

The Sangean DDR-8 features several controls for operation:

• 1. Mode Button: Used to cycle through different radio modes (DAB, FM, Bluetooth).
• 2. Power Button: Turns the radio on or off.
• 3. Volume/Menu/Select/Info/Play/Pause Dial: A multi-functional control. Rotate to adjust volume, navigate menus, or select options. Press to confirm selections, play, pause, or get information.
• 4. Rotating OLED Display: Shows information such as time, station details, and menu options. The display can be rotated for optimal viewing angles. In DAB/FM mode, when the radio is horizontal, only Power, Mode, and Volume controls are active. In Bluetooth mode, Next Track/Fast Forward and Previous Track/Rewind buttons are also available. The clock is not displayed when the radio is off and running on battery power to save energy.
• 5. Tuning Up / Next Track / Fast Forward Button: Used for tuning stations, skipping to the next track, or fast-forwarding within a track.
• 6. Tuning Down / Previous Track / Rewind Button: Used for tuning stations, skipping to the previous track, or rewinding within a track.
• 7. Speaker: Produces audio output.
• 8. Telescopic Antenna: Extends to improve reception for DAB and FM radio.
• 9. Headphone Jack: A 3.5mm jack for connecting headphones.
• 10. USB-C Charging Port: For charging the internal battery.
• 11. Passive Radiator: Enhances bass response.

Getting Started - Charging the Radio

Note: Charge the battery fully before first use.

The radio is powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery that can be recharged by connecting a USB power source to the radio's charging port. Use a 5V / 2.4A USB power adapter to ensure proper charging and prevent battery issues. Signs of low battery include reduced power, distorted audio, "choppy" sound, or a low battery icon on the display.

1. Connect the USB-C end of the included charging cable to the USB-C port on the back of the radio.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to a USB power source, such as a computer, USB charger, or power bank.

A charging animation will appear on the display, indicating the battery is charging. The animation stops when the battery is fully charged.

Navigation and Radio Menu

The radio menu is accessible when the device is on.

1. Turn on the radio by pressing the Power button.
2. Press and hold the Menu button for 2-3 seconds to access the menu for the current mode.
3. Use the Tuning Up/Down buttons to scroll through available options or adjust values.
4. Confirm your selection by pressing the Menu button.
5. Exit the menu by pressing and holding the Menu button for 2-3 seconds again, or by selecting [Back].

Note: If no input is detected for approximately 10 seconds, the radio menu will close automatically.

Default and recommended settings are marked with an asterisk.

The following list provides an overview of default settings available in the menu across all radio modes. Some modes may have additional settings specific to that mode, detailed later in this manual.

• [Sleep Timer]: Select this option to set the radio's sleep timer for automatic shut-off.
• [Brightness]: Select this setting to adjust the backlight of the display. When the radio is powered by AC and in standby mode, set the desired brightness using the Tuning Up/Down buttons.
• [Alarm]: Select this option to set an alarm for the radio.
• [System]: Select this option to enter the system settings menu and configure the radio's settings. The System menu includes the following options:
  • [Time Update]: Select this option to choose whether the date and time are updated automatically from a source, or to set the date and time manually.
  • [Time Mode]: Select this option to choose between a 12-hour or 24-hour time display.
  • [Clock Set]: Select this option if you wish to manually set the date and time.
  • [Language]: Select this option to set the language in which the radio menus are displayed.
  • [Factory Reset]: Select this option to restore the radio to its factory default settings. After confirmation, all user settings and preset stations will be deleted.
  • [SW Version]: Select this option to view the radio's software version.
• [Back]: Select this option to exit the current menu.

Sleep Timer

The Sleep Timer allows the radio to turn off automatically after a preset time.

To set the sleep timer:

1. With the radio on, press and hold the Menu button for 2-3 seconds to access the menu.
2. Select [Sleep Timer] using the Tuning Up/Down buttons and confirm by pressing the Menu button.
3. Choose the desired sleep timer duration (15-120 minutes) using the Tuning Up/Down buttons and confirm. A sleep timer icon will appear on the display.
4. To check the remaining sleep time, repeat steps 1-2.
5. To cancel the sleep timer, repeat steps 1-2 and select [Sleep Off] in step 3. Confirm by pressing the Menu button. Alternatively, you can cancel the sleep timer and turn off the radio by pressing the Power button.

Alarm Settings

When the device is powered by AC and in standby mode, a large clock and battery icon (if charging) are displayed, along with the alarm status. You can access the alarm menu directly by pressing and holding the Menu button for 2-3 seconds. Alternatively, navigate to the alarm menu as follows:

1. With the radio on, press and hold the Menu button for 2-3 seconds to access the main menu.
2. Select [Alarm] using the Tuning Up/Down buttons and confirm by pressing the Menu button.

The alarm menu includes the following options:

Scroll through options or adjust values using the Tuning Up/Down buttons and confirm your selection by pressing the Menu button.

• [On]: Select this option to set the alarm recurrence. Available settings are "Off", "Daily", "Once", "Weekdays", and "Weekends".
• [Time]: Set the alarm time.
• [Mode]: Select the alarm sound source: DAB, FM, or Buzzer.
• [Preset]: If the alarm mode is set to "DAB" or "FM", this option allows you to select a preset station or the last listened station as the alarm source.
• [Volume]: Select this option to set the alarm volume.
• [Back]: Select this option to exit the current menu.

When the alarm is set successfully, an alarm icon will appear on the display.

Alarm Snooze/Stop

If the radio is turned off and not connected to AC power, the active alarm setting will trigger the radio to turn on and sound the alarm.

When the alarm activates, it begins softly and gradually increases in volume (Humane Wake System) and remains active for 60 minutes. The alarm symbol will flash on the display.

You can cancel the alarm by pressing the Power button.

You can activate a 5-minute snooze by pressing any button except the Power button. The remaining snooze time will be displayed on the radio.

While the alarm is in snooze mode, pressing the Power button will cancel the alarm.

The volume for DAB/FM radio alarms can be adjusted using the volume dial.

Listening to DAB Radio

Tuning DAB Stations

Tune to DAB radio stations as follows:

1. Turn on the radio by pressing the Power button.
2. Press the Mode button repeatedly to select DAB radio mode.
3. If DAB radio mode is used for the first time, the radio will automatically perform a full scan to find all available DAB stations. During the scan, a station counter will increase as new stations are detected, and these stations will be added to the list stored in the radio's memory.
4. Once the scan is complete, the radio will automatically tune to the first DAB station in the list and play it.
5. Browse the station list using the Tuning Up/Down buttons and tune to the selected station by pressing the Menu button.
6. Adjust the volume by rotating the volume dial.

Note: Before selecting DAB radio mode and tuning stations, ensure the telescopic antenna is fully extended. If no signal is found, the radio may need to be moved to a location offering better reception, and a new station scan initiated.

DAB Radio Menu

In DAB radio mode, the radio menu offers the following mode-specific settings:

• [Scan]: Select this option to perform a full station scan and save all DAB radio stations found in the station list.
• [Prune]: Select this option and then [Yes] to remove all unavailable stations from the station list.
• [DAB Advanced]: Selecting this option allows you to choose from the following settings:
  • [Manual Tune]: Select this option to manually tune to a specific DAB channel/frequency.
  • [Station Order]: Select this option and then choose [Alphanumeric] to sort the station list alphabetically, or [Ensemble] to sort by DAB multiplex, or [Valid] to display only stations with a signal.
  • [DRC]: Dynamic Range Control (DRC) can help make quieter sounds audible in noisy environments by reducing the dynamic range of the audio signal. After selecting this option, choose your desired DRC setting:
    • Off (default): DRC is turned off, and the transmission's DRC is not considered.
    • Low: The DRC level is set to half of the transmitting station's broadcast level.
    • High: The DRC level is set to the transmitting station's broadcast level.

    Note: Not all DAB broadcasts support the DRC function. If a broadcast does not support DRC, the radio's DRC setting will have no effect.

Displaying DAB Information

When listening to a DAB radio station, press the Info button repeatedly to cycle through the following information on the radio's display:

• Scrolling Text
• Program Type
• Multiplex Name
• Date
• Frequency
• Bitrate & Audio Type
• Codec Info
• Signal Strength

Listening to FM Radio

Tuning FM Stations

Tune to FM radio stations as follows:

1. Turn on the radio by pressing the Power button.
2. Press the Mode button repeatedly to select FM radio mode.
3. Press and hold the Tuning Up/Down buttons for 2-3 seconds to activate auto-seek for stations, scanning upwards (low to high frequency) or downwards (high to low frequency). Auto-seek will stop automatically when a sufficiently strong station is detected.
4. When the end of the frequency band is reached, the radio will continue tuning from the opposite end of the band. If the signal is strong enough and RDS data is available, the station name will be displayed.
5. To fine-tune the frequency in 0.05 MHz steps, briefly press the Tuning Up/Down buttons.

Note: Before selecting FM radio mode and tuning stations, ensure the telescopic antenna is fully extended.

FM Radio Menu

In FM radio mode, the radio menu offers the following mode-specific settings:

• [Scan Setting]: Select this option to configure the radio's auto-tuning behavior. Choose [Local] to have auto-tuning search only for local, strong signals, or [Distant] to search for weaker, distant signals as well.
• [FM Audio]: Allows selection between [Auto] or [Mono]. [Auto] enables stereo playback through headphones if the signal is strong enough. If a station has a weaker signal and fluctuates between stereo and mono, selecting [Mono] will force the signal to play in mono.

Displaying FM Information

When listening to an FM radio station that also transmits RDS data, press the Info button repeatedly to cycle through the following information on the radio's display:

• Text Message
• Program Type
• Date
• Frequency
• Audio Type

If RDS data is not available, the radio cannot display the station name, text message, or program type.

Presetting Stations (DAB & FM)

There are 20 memory slots available: 10 for DAB and 10 for FM. Preset radio stations are retained in memory even when the radio is turned off.

1. Tune to your desired station as described previously.
2. Access the menu by pressing and holding the Menu button for 2-3 seconds.
3. Select [Save Preset] using the Tuning Up/Down buttons and then press the Menu button.
4. Use the Tuning Up/Down buttons to select an unused or existing preset slot you wish to change.
5. Save the preset by pressing the Menu button. The display will show "Preset X saved". The preset number will appear on the display.

Recalling Presets (DAB & FM)

1. Turn on the radio by pressing the Power button.
2. Select your desired radio mode (DAB or FM) by pressing the Mode button repeatedly.
3. Access the menu by pressing and holding the Menu button for 2-3 seconds.
4. Select [Recall Preset] using the Tuning Up/Down buttons and then press the Menu button.
5. Scroll to your desired preset using the Tuning Up/Down buttons.
6. Confirm your selection by pressing the Menu button.

Listening to Music via Bluetooth

To stream Bluetooth music to your radio, you must pair your Bluetooth device with the DDR-8 radio. Pairing establishes a "connection" so that the two devices recognize each other.

First-time Bluetooth Pairing

1. Turn on the radio by pressing the Power button.
2. Press the Mode button repeatedly to select Bluetooth mode. The display will flash "Pairing" to indicate that Bluetooth pairing is available.
3. Activate Bluetooth on your Bluetooth device (refer to your Bluetooth device's user manual if unsure how to activate Bluetooth).
4. On your Bluetooth device's Bluetooth list, select the device named "DDR-8".

Note: For some Bluetooth devices with Bluetooth version 2.1 or older, you may be prompted to enter a password. In this case, enter the password "0000".

1. Once the devices are paired, a confirmation tone will sound from the radio, and the name of the connected Bluetooth device will appear on the radio's display. You can now play music from your Bluetooth device and stream it through the radio's speaker.

Notes on Pairing

• If two Bluetooth devices attempt to pair simultaneously, both must search for the radio. It will appear as available on both devices. However, if one device pairs with this unit first, the other Bluetooth device may not find it in its list.
• If you move your Bluetooth device out of range, the connection between the device and the radio will be temporarily lost. The radio will automatically reconnect if the Bluetooth device is brought back within range. Note that during disconnection, no other Bluetooth device can pair or link with your radio.
• If "DDR-8" appears in your Bluetooth device's list, but your Bluetooth device cannot connect to it, remove the entry from the list and re-establish the pairing between the Bluetooth device and the radio by following the instructions above.
• The effective operating range between the radio and a paired Bluetooth device is approximately 10 meters (30 feet). Obstacles between the system and the device may reduce the operating range.
• Bluetooth connection performance may vary depending on the connected Bluetooth device. Check your device's Bluetooth capabilities before connecting it to the radio. Not all features may be supported depending on the Bluetooth device used.
• On some mobile phones, activating functions such as calls, text messages, emails, or other non-audio streaming activities may mute Bluetooth streaming or even temporarily disconnect the device. This is a feature of the Bluetooth device and does not indicate a problem with the DDR-8 radio.

Bluetooth Audio Playback

Once your radio is connected to a Bluetooth device, you can start playing music using the controls on the connected device.

1. The volume for Bluetooth playback can be adjusted using the volume control on the Bluetooth device as well as the radio's volume dial.
2. Playback can be controlled either by the Bluetooth device or the radio's controls. When using the radio's controls:
   • Press the Play/Pause button to start or pause playback.
   • Press the Next Track or Previous Track buttons to skip to the next or previous track.
   • Press and hold the Fast Forward or Rewind buttons to seek within a track. Release the button when you reach the desired position.

The functions of the Next Track/Fast Forward and Previous Track/Rewind buttons may vary depending on the orientation of the radio's display in Bluetooth mode. Refer to the diagrams for more details.

Note: Not all music applications or devices may respond to all of these controls.

The displayed information, such as title, artist, and album, may change regularly.

Bluetooth Menu

You can access the Bluetooth menu by pressing and holding the Menu button for 2-3 seconds while in Bluetooth mode.

The Bluetooth menu offers the following options:

• [Disconnect]: Select this option to connect to a different device. Your radio will become discoverable by other devices. You can also disconnect the Bluetooth device by pressing the Mode button to select another mode, or by disabling Bluetooth on your device.
• [Clear Pairing]: Select this option if you wish to erase all Bluetooth pairing records.

Note: If there is no Bluetooth signal for 15 minutes, the radio will automatically turn off. You can turn the radio back on by pressing the Power button.

Technical Specifications

※ The product's barcode label is defined as follows:

[Barcode Image Placeholder - Description: A barcode with the identifier 'aH181200001'. Above it, text indicates 'aH 18 12 00001' with lines pointing to: Serial Number, Production Month, Production Year, Product Code.]

Sangean reserves the right to change technical specifications without prior notice.

[Recycling symbol] RECYCLING: This product bears the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) sorting symbol. This means the product must be handled according to European Directive 2012/19/EU in order to be recycled or dismantled to minimize its environmental impact.