RockJam RJ493 / RJ493RC 49 Key MIDI Keyboard User Guide

Important Information

Please obey the following information to avoid harm to yourself or others, or damage to this instrument or other external equipment.

Power Chord:

Do not place the USB power cable near any source of heat such as radiators or other heaters.
To avoid damaging the USB power cable, ensure that heavy objects are not placed on it and that it is not subject to stress or over bending.
Do not insert or unplug the USB power cable with wet hands.

Do not open the body of the electronic keyboard:

Do not open the electronic keyboard or attempt to disassemble any part of it. If the keyboard is not functioning correctly, stop using it and send it to a qualified service agent for repair.

Use of the electronic keyboard:

To avoid damaging the appearance or internal parts of the electronic keyboard, do not place it in a dusty environment, in direct sunlight, or in places with very high or very low temperatures.
Do not place the electronic keyboard on an uneven surface. To avoid damaging internal parts, do not place any vessel holding liquid onto the electronic keyboard as spillage may occur.

Maintenance:

To clean the body of the electronic keyboard, wipe it with a dry, soft cloth only.

Connection:

To prevent damage to the speakers of the electronic keyboard, please adjust the volume of any peripheral device to the lowest setting and gradually adjust the volume accordingly to an appropriate level once the music is playing.

During operation:

Do not use the keyboard at the loudest volume level for a long period.
Do not place heavy objects onto the keyboard or press the keyboard with undue force.
The packaging should be opened by a responsible adult only, and any plastic packaging should be disposed of appropriately.

Specification

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Controls, Indicators and External Connections

Front Panel

A diagram shows the front panel of the keyboard with numbered controls:

1. Speaker
2. Power switch / Charge Indicator
3. Bluetooth indicator
4. Volume wheel
5. Sustain
6. Percussion
7. Record
8. Chord
9. Sync
10. Tempo / Vol +
11. Demo
12. Tone
13. Number keys (0-9)
14. Vibrato
15. Touch
16. Play
17. Intro / End
18. Start / Stop
19. Tempo / Vol -
20. Metronome
21. Rhythm
22. Tones list
23. Rhythms list
24. LED screen
25. Chord area

External Connections

A diagram shows the rear panel connections:

1. DC input
2. Headphone output
3. AUX input
4. MIC input (Electret type)
5. USB MIDI output (to Laptop or PC)

LED Display

The LED display is a 3-Digit display showing selected functions or values.

Preparation Before First Use

Power

Use of USB Type C Cable:

Use the supplied USB Type C cable and a 5V USB - 2A adapter (not included). Connect the cable to the rear keyboard socket and the adapter or power supply. A USB adapter with less than 2A rating is not recommended and may cause malfunction. Unplug the USB adapter when not in use.

Battery Operation:

Open the battery lid on the underside and insert 4 x 1.5V Size 'AA' alkaline batteries, ensuring correct polarity. Do not mix old and new batteries. Remove batteries if the keyboard will not be used for a long time to prevent damage from leakage.

Charging the Keyboard (RJ493RC models only):

Connect the USB power cable to the keyboard's USB C Socket and a USB power adapter or PC USB port. The charge indicator LED on the power button will turn red while charging. Charge for at least 4 hours before first use. A full charge takes approximately 6 hours. The LED turns green when fully charged.

Jacks and Accessories

Using Headphones:

Connect a 3.5mm headphone plug into the [PHONES] jack on the rear. The internal speaker will automatically cut off. Headphones are not included.

Diagram showing a 3.5mm plug connecting to the [PHONES] jack, leading to headphones.

Connecting an Amplifier or Hi-Fi Equipment:

Turn off the keyboard and external equipment. Connect a stereo audio cable (not included) from the external equipment's LINE IN or AUX IN socket to the keyboard's [PHONES] jack.

Diagram showing a connection from an amplifier's AUX IN to the keyboard's [PHONES] jack.

Connecting a phone or audio device to the AUX Input:

Insert one end of a stereo 3.5mm AUX input cable into the [AUX IN] socket on the back of the keyboard and the other end into your phone or audio device. Ensure the keyboard is switched on. Use the phone's volume control for music volume.

Diagram showing a phone connected via AUX cable to the keyboard's [AUX IN] socket.

Keyboard Operation

Bluetooth Operation

Audio:

Once the keyboard is switched on, Bluetooth pairing mode is activated. To play music from a mobile or tablet, open the device's settings, scan for devices, and select "RJ493 AUDIO". The Bluetooth indicator on the keyboard will light up, and a sound prompt will indicate a successful connection.

Diagram illustrating Bluetooth pairing between a smartphone and the keyboard.

MIDI:

IMPORTANT: Bluetooth MIDI cannot be connected from the mobile device's 'Bluetooth Settings'. For Bluetooth MIDI, switch on the keyboard, open a Bluetooth MIDI-compatible app (e.g., 'Garageband'), search for and connect to 'RJ MIDI' within the app's settings. The Bluetooth indicator will light, and a sound prompt will confirm the connection.

Special Function:

To play the app or MIDI software's sound through the keyboard speakers:

Connect the mobile device to the keyboard's AUX In port using the 3.5mm AUX input cable.
Mute the keyboard's built-in tones (refer to 'Tone Volume Adjustment').
Open your preferred MIDI app that supports Bluetooth MIDI (e.g., 'Garageband').
Connect to "RJ MIDI" via the app's settings.

The keyboard will now play the tone selected in the MIDI app. Refer to Appendix VIII for a list of recommended MIDI apps.

Power and Volume

Power Control:

Press the [POWER] button to turn the keyboard on or off. The LED screen will light up when powered on.

Diagram showing the [POWER] button and [VOLUME] dial.

Auto Power Off:

The keyboard has an 'Auto Power Off' function that switches it off after approximately 5 minutes of inactivity to save power. Press the [POWER] button to turn it back on.

Adjustment of the Master Volume:

Turn the [VOLUME] dial to change the master volume.

Diagram showing the [POWER] button and [VOLUME] dial being adjusted.

Tone

Tone Selection:

The default Tone is '000' Grand Piano. To change the Tone, press the [TONE] button. The display will show 'ton' followed by the selected tone number. Use the number keys (0-9) or the [+ / -] buttons to select the desired tone. Refer to Appendix III for a full list of tones.

Diagram highlighting the [TONE] button and number keys/buttons for selection.

Tone Volume Adjustment:

There are 5 volume levels (000-004). Press and hold [TONE], then use [VOL +/-] to adjust. The display shows the selected level. Press and hold [TONE] and press both [VOL +] and [VOL -] simultaneously to reset to the default level (004). This is useful for muting the built-in tone (Level 000) to play external audio.

Diagram highlighting the [TONE] button and [VOL +/-] buttons for adjustment.

Sustain:

Press the [SUSTAIN] button to enter Sustain mode. The display shows 'On'. This prolongs the sound of each note. Pressing [SUSTAIN] again turns it off, and the display shows 'Off'.

Diagram highlighting the [SUSTAIN] button.

Vibrato:

The Vibrato function adds a wavering quality to notes. Press the [VIBRATO] button to enter Vibrato mode; the display shows 'On'. Pressing [VIBRATO] again turns it off, and the display shows 'Off'.

Diagram highlighting the [VIBRATO] button.

Panel Percussion Instruments:

Press the [PERCUSSION] button. All keyboard keys can now play percussion sounds. Press [PERCUSSION] again to exit. Refer to Appendix I for a table of the 49 percussion sounds.

Diagram showing the [PERCUSSION] button and the percussion keyboard area.

Rhythm

Selecting the Rhythm:

Choose from 128 built-in rhythms. Refer to Appendix II for the rhythm table. Press the [RHYTHM] button to enter selection mode; the display shows 'Rhy' and the current number. Use the numerical keypad or [+ / -] buttons to select the rhythm.

Diagram highlighting the [RHYTHM] button and selection controls.

Rhythm Start / Stop:

With a rhythm selected, press the [Start/Stop] button to start or stop playback.

Diagram highlighting the [Start/Stop] button.

Rhythm Volume Adjustment:

There are 7 volume levels (001-007). Press and hold [RHYTHM], then use [VOL +/-] to adjust. The display shows the selected level. Press and hold [RHYTHM] and press both [VOL +] and [VOL -] simultaneously to reset to the default level (006).

Diagram highlighting the [RHYTHM] button and [VOL +/-] buttons for adjustment.

Sync:

Press the [SYNC] button to activate synchronized accompaniment; the display shows 'Syn'. The rhythm plays when any of the first 19 keys are pressed. Press [START/STOP] to stop and exit sync mode.

Diagram highlighting the [SYNC] button.

Intro / End:

To schedule an introductory rhythm section, press [INTRO/END]; the display shows 'Pre'. Press [START/STOP] to play the intro. After the intro, accompaniment shifts to the main rhythm. Press [INTRO/END] again to initiate an ending section; the display shows 'End'. The auto-accompaniment stops automatically when the ending finishes.

Diagram highlighting the [INTRO/END] button.

Tempo Adjustment:

Use the [TEMPO + / -] buttons to adjust the tempo of rhythms, metronome, or demo songs. Press and hold for quick adjustment. The range is 30-250 bpm. Pressing both [TEMPO] buttons simultaneously resets the tempo to 120 bpm. The tempo resets to 120 bpm on power-on.

Diagram highlighting the [TEMPO +/-] buttons.

Enhanced Features

Touch Sensitive Keys:

Touch sensitivity is on by default. Press the [TOUCH] button to switch it off (display shows 'Off'). Press [TOUCH] again to turn it back on (display shows 'On').

Diagram highlighting the [TOUCH] button.

Demo Songs:

Press the [DEMO] button to play a demo song. The LED display shows the song number. Use the digits or [+] and [-] buttons to choose from 50 demo songs (000-049). The keyboard plays the next song after the current one finishes. Press [DEMO] again to exit demo mode. Refer to Appendix IV for the list of demo songs.

Diagram highlighting the [DEMO] button.

Chord Mode:

Press the [CHORD] button; the display shows 'Cho'. Chords can be played with a single finger using the 19 keys on the left side of the keyboard. Refer to Appendix V for the Chord table. Press [CHORD] again to exit chord mode.

Diagram highlighting the [CHORD] button.

Metronome

Press the [METRONOME] button to start the tick-tock beat. There are four beats (b01 to b04). Use the [TEMPO] buttons to adjust the beat speed. Press [METRONOME] repeatedly to cycle through beat patterns. The LED display shows the selected beat. The Metronome effect is added to the music. To exit, press [START/STOP] or [METRONOME] until 'Off' is displayed.

Diagram highlighting the [METRONOME] button and [TEMPO +/-] buttons.

Metronome Volume Adjustment:

There are 7 volume levels (001-007). Press and hold [METRONOME], then use [VOL +/-] to adjust. The display shows the selected level. Press and hold [METRONOME] and press both [VOL +] and [VOL -] simultaneously to reset to the default level (005).

Diagram highlighting the [METRONOME] button and [VOL +/-] buttons for adjustment.

Recording Function:

Press the [REC] button to enter recording mode (display shows 'REC'). Press any key to start recording. Maximum capacity is 1,000 notes.

Diagram highlighting the [REC] button.

Press the [PLAY] button to play back recorded notes (display shows 'REP'). Press [REC] again to exit recording mode.

Diagram highlighting the [PLAY] button.

Appendices

Appendix I. Percussion Instruments

A table lists 49 percussion instruments, numbered 1-49, including Bass Drum, Snare, Hi-Hat, Cymbals, Toms, and various ethnic percussion sounds.

Appendix II. Rhythm Table

A table lists 128 rhythms, numbered 0-127, categorized by genre such as Pop, Rock, Jazz, Dance, Ballads, and World Music.

Appendix III. Tone Table

A table lists 140 tones, numbered 000-139, including Pianos, Organs, Guitars, Basses, Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, Synthesizers, and various sound effects.

Appendix IV. Demo Song Table

A table lists 50 demo songs, numbered 00-49, featuring classical pieces like Turkish March, Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Mozart Symphony, and popular tunes.

Appendix V. Chord Table

A visual guide showing keyboard layouts for various chords (Major, minor, 7th, and minor 7th) for each note from C to B.

Appendix VI. Troubleshooting

A table addresses common problems and their solutions:

Faint noise on power on/off: Normal.
No sound when keys are pressed: Check master volume, headphone connection, and ensure tones are not muted.
Distorted or interrupted sound: Use correct power cable/adapter (5V DC @ 2A, USB Type C).
Keyboard behaves strangely/cuts out: Normal variation in voice sampling ranges.
Slight difference in timbre: Normal, best sustain length is pre-set for different tones.
Master/rhythm volume unbalanced: Adjust volumes separately; master volume affects rhythm volume.
Auto accompaniment does not start in 'Sync' mode: Ensure a note is played from the first 19 keys on the left.
Keyboard switches off by itself: This is the 'Auto Power Off' function. Press 'Power' to switch back on.
Bluetooth MIDI connection issues: Connection must be made via the supporting app (e.g., 'Garageband'), not mobile Bluetooth settings.

Appendix VII. Technical Specification

Display: 3 Digit LED Display
Tone: 140 tones
Rhythm: 128 stereo rhythms
Demo: 50 different demo songs
Effect and Control: Touch Sensitive Keys, Sustain, Vibrato
MIDI: Wired and Wireless MIDI
Recording and Playback: 1,000 Note record memory
Percussion: 49 different instruments
Accompaniment Control: Start/Stop, Sync, Tempo, Intro/Ending
Enhanced Features: Metronome, Chord Mode, Sync, Intro/End, Auto Power Off
External Jacks: Power input, Headphone output, Microphone (Electret) input, USB output, AUX Input
Weight: 1.85 kg
Power Requirement: 5V DC @ 2A, USB Type C
Battery operation: 4 x 1.5V 'AA' Alkaline
Output Power: 2W x 2
Accessories included: USB Type C Power Cable, Sheet Music Stand, 3.5mm AUX input cable, User guide

Appendix VIII. MIDI APPs

A table lists recommended MIDI applications for Apple and Android devices that support Bluetooth MIDI, including AudioKit Synth One, KORG Gadget 2 le, Garageband, KORG Module, FM Synthesizer, and Cubasis LE 3 Trial.

FCC Compliance Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION: Modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. If interference occurs, try reorienting the antenna, increasing separation, or connecting to a different circuit.

Product Disposal Instructions (EU and UK)

The product is classed as Electrical or Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and should not be disposed of with household waste. Recycle using local authority processes to minimize environmental impact. Contact your local authority or retailer for disposal information.

EU and UK Regulatory Compliance

PDT Ltd. declares that the radio equipment complies with Directive 2014/53/EU (Radio Equipment) and bears CE and UKCA marks. The full declaration of conformity is available at: https://pdtuk.com/declaration-of-conformity-library/

European Distributor and Authorised Representative: AVESTA, 33 Avenue du Maréchal - de - Lattre - de - Tassigny, 94120 Fontenay-sous-Bois, France.

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