Tesco DCR1401B/G Crescendo DAB Alarm Clock Radio
User Guide
Important Safety Information
CAUTION! RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
⚡ Do not open.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
? Do not remove cover (or back).
ℹ️ This symbol indicates that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.
⚡ This symbol indicates that dangerous voltage constituting a risk of electric shock is present within this unit.
General Safety Precautions:
- Read and keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a slightly damp cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings.
- Install in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install or operate near heat sources (radiators, stoves, etc.).
- Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
- Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
Battery Safety:
Batteries shall not be subject to excessive heat such as sunshine or fire.
Product Warnings:
⚠️ To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. Do not expose to dripping or splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids (e.g., vases) on the product. Do not place naked flame sources (e.g., candles) on the product.
Modifications:
Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate this device.
Caution: Usage of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous exposure.
IMPORTANT - Radio Frequency Interference:
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used correctly, it may cause harmful interference to radio communication. If interference occurs, try the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase separation between equipment and receiver. Connect equipment to a different circuit than the receiver. Consult a dealer or experienced radio/TV technician.
ELECTRICAL INFORMATION:
Use only the supplied AC Adapter (Model no. USK305-0510, DC 5V/1A). The mains operating voltage is marked on the adapter. The AC adapter is the means of disconnecting the appliance from the mains supply and should be readily operable.
Introduction to DAB Radio
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) offers more stations than FM with reduced hiss and fade, and is less susceptible to interference. DAB transmissions carry high levels of data, unlike limited RDS information on FM.
DAB broadcasts on various frequencies. Europe primarily uses Band III (174-240 MHz), while France also uses the L-Band (1452-1492 MHz). This radio tunes to Band III, supporting countries like Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. It cannot receive French or German stations broadcasting on the L-Band.
DAB offers a wider frequency range and greater dynamics than FM. FM reception is available for areas with no usable DAB service.
Preliminaries
Unpacking
Carefully unpack the unit. If damaged, return to your nearest Tesco store with your receipt for replacement. Retain the User Handbook and packaging for potential third-party transfer or recycling.
Package Contents:
- The DCR1401 digital clock radio
- AC adapter
- Operating Manual
Contact Tesco if any items are missing or damaged.
Location:
Place the unit on a dry, stable surface away from heat and damp, where it is unlikely to fall or be knocked over.
Controls and Connectors
Top View
The top of the unit features the following controls:
- 1. Standby button
- 2. Mode button
- 3. Alarm 1 button
- 4. Snooze/Dimmer button
- 5. Select button
- 6. Scan up button
- 7. Volume up button
- 8. Volume down button
- 9. Scan down button
- 10. Preset button
- 11. Alarm 2 button
- 12. Sleep button
- 13. Menu/Info button
- 14. Display screen
Back View
The back of the unit features:
- 1. Telescopic aerial
- 2. DC In jack (for AC adapter connection)
Getting Started
Connecting Power:
Ensure the AC adapter's voltage matches your area. Plug the adapter cord into the DC 5V IN jack on the radio and then plug the adapter into an AC outlet. Switch on the mains power.
Standby Control:
Press the STANDBY button to turn the radio on (it will tune to the last station used). Press STANDBY again to turn it off. The clock will remain active if mains power is connected.
Adjusting the Volume:
Use the VOL+ button to increase volume and VOL- button to decrease it. The display shows the volume level from MUTE (minimum) to 32 (maximum).
First Time Use:
Extend the telescopic aerial before switching on. Upon first use, the radio automatically scans for all available DAB stations, storing them alphanumerically. The scan may take a few minutes. The display will show scan progress, the number of stations found, and then play the first station in the sequence. The clock will also be set automatically from the DAB signal.
Note: If no stations are found, move the radio to a location with a stronger signal and switch it on again; it will repeat the scan.
Scanning:
You can rescan for stations at any time to update the station list, especially after moving to a new area or if new stations become available. Refer to the 'Advanced Operation' section for details on scanning.
Setting the Clock:
The clock is automatically set via the DAB signal. If no DAB signal is available, the clock can be set manually through the 'Advanced Operations' menu (refer to page 8).
Selecting a DAB Station
Stations are stored in an alphanumeric list. Use the SCAN+ or SCAN- buttons to browse up or down the list. The station name will be displayed.
Example Display: DAB 22:37 BBC R4
When you find the station name you want to listen to, press the SELECT button. The radio will tune to the station you selected.
FM Reception
The radio can also receive FM stations. Press the MODE button to switch to FM band; the tuned frequency will be displayed.
Example Display: FM 22:42 88.70MHZ
Auto-tuning FM Stations:
Press and hold SCAN+ to search up the band, or SCAN- to search down. Tuning stops automatically at the next station.
Manual Tuning FM Stations:
Press SCAN+ or SCAN- to tune up or down the band in 50kHz steps.
Station Presets
You can store up to 10 favorite DAB or FM stations as presets for quick recall.
To Store a Preset:
Tune to the desired station. Press and hold the PRESET button. A preset number will flash. Use SCAN+ or SCAN- to select a preset number. Press SELECT to store the station. If a preset number is already in use, the new station will overwrite the old one.
Example Display: DAB 22:42 EMPTY P1
To Recall a Preset:
Press the PRESET button. Use SCAN+ or SCAN- to select the desired preset number. Press SELECT to tune to the station.
Display Modes
DAB Display Modes:
Press the MENU/INFO button to cycle through display options for DAB stations:
- STATION NAME: Displays the DAB station name.
- DLS SCROLLING TEXT: Shows real-time messages (song titles, news).
- PROGRAMME TYPE: Describes the broadcast style (e.g., News, Music).
- MULTIPLEX NAME (GROUP NAME): Name of the DAB Multiplex.
- DATE & DAY: Displays current date and day from broadcast info.
- MULTIPLEX FREQUENCY/NUMBER: Shows the multiplex frequency and channel.
- AUDIO BIT RATE: Indicates the signal compression level, affecting fidelity.
- SIGNAL STRENGTH: A bargraph showing signal quality. Adjust aerial for better reception in low signal areas.
FM Display Modes:
In FM mode, press the MENU button to cycle through RDS display options:
- STATION NAME/FREQ.: Displays station name or frequency.
- RDS RADIO TEXT: Shows scrolling text information from RDS.
- PROGRAMME TYPE: Describes the broadcast style.
- DATE & DAY: Displays current date and day from broadcast info.
- SIGNAL STRENGTH: A bargraph showing signal quality.
Alarm Functions
The radio features a dual alarm (Alarm 1 and Alarm 2). Each alarm can be set with a wake-up time, and you can choose to be woken by a buzzer, a DAB station preset, or an FM station preset. You can also set the preferred wake-up volume. Ensure at least 10 minutes difference between alarms.
Alarm indicators (Alarm 1 or Alarm 2) appear on the display when an alarm is set.
Setting Alarms:
Press ALARM 1 or ALARM 2, then SELECT. Use SCAN+ / SCAN- to set preferences for each alarm (On/Off, Hour, Minutes, Repeat, Mode, Volume). Press SELECT to move to the next setting.
Activating Alarms:
Once set to 'On', the alarm activates automatically when the radio is in Standby.
When the Alarm Sounds:
Press ALARM 1 or ALARM 2 to switch off the alarm. Press SNOOZE to activate snooze mode (10-minute delay); Snooze/Sleep indicators will flash. After the snooze period, the alarm will sound again.
Example Display: 08:20 ?
Sleep Mode
The Sleep function allows the radio to switch off automatically after a set period (10-90 minutes).
To Activate Sleep Mode:
Press the SLEEP button. The display shows 'SLEEPOFF'. Use SCAN+ repeatedly to select the desired sleep time. Press SELECT to confirm. The Snooze/Sleep indicator will be displayed.
Example Display: 22:42 ? DAB
To Check Remaining Sleep Time:
Press the SLEEP button while Sleep mode is active.
To Cancel Sleep Mode:
Press the SLEEP button, then use SCAN+ or SCAN- repeatedly until 'SLEEPOFF' appears. Press SELECT to confirm.
Advanced Operation
Access the Advanced Operation menu by pressing and holding the MENU/INFO button. The 'AUTOSCAN' option will flash.
Use SCAN+ or SCAN- to highlight an option, then press SELECT to choose:
AUTOSCAN:
Rescans the DAB band to refresh the station list, useful after moving or for new stations. The display shows scan progress and stations found.
MANUAL TUNE:
For experienced users, tune DAB stations manually. Select 'MANUAL', then use SCAN+ or SCAN- to change channels. Press SELECT to tune to the selected channel. A signal strength bargraph may appear. Press SELECT again to exit manual tuning and tune to the first station in the multiplex.
MANUAL CLOCK SETUP:
Use this if no DAB signal is available. Select 'CLK SET' from the menu. Use SCAN+ or SCAN- to set the time and date. Press SELECT to save. Manual settings are cleared if a DAB signal becomes available.
12/24 HOUR CLOCK:
Select '12/24' to switch between 12-hour (with AM/PM) and 24-hour clock display formats.
FACTORY RESET:
Resets the radio to factory defaults, erasing all stored presets. Select 'FACTORY', press SELECT to confirm. The radio will then scan for DAB stations. This is useful if you move to a different region.
SW VERSION:
Select 'VERSION' to display the software version, useful for service inquiries.
Troubleshooting
No Power:
Check AC adapter connection and mains power.
Poor Reception:
Check signal strength (page 6). Adjust aerial position or move the radio to a better location.
Alarm Not Sounding:
Ensure alarms are set correctly and alarm volume is sufficient.
DAB Reception Problems After Moving:
Update the station list by scanning. If problems persist, perform a factory reset.
Care and Maintenance
After Using Your Radio:
Set to Standby. Unplug from mains if leaving unattended for long periods.
Care and Cleaning:
Ensure the unit is unplugged from mains power before cleaning. Wipe the cabinet with a lint-free duster. Do not use liquids or solvents.
Specifications
- Supply Voltage: 5V, 1A
- AC Adapter Supply Voltage: 100-240V~, 50/60Hz, 0.3A
- DAB Tuning Range: 174-240 MHz
- FM Tuning Range: 87.5-108 MHz
- Net Weight: 0.30 kg
- Construction: Class II, double insulated. Not to be connected to earth.
Warranty
Your Tesco appliance is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase. Contact the Tesco electrical help line with your purchase receipt if a fault develops. This warranty does not affect your consumer rights.
Disposal Information:
UK: Waste electrical products/batteries should not be disposed of with household waste. See www.recycle-more.co.uk or in-store for disposal facilities.
ROI: For products produced after 13th August 2005, waste electrical products/batteries should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or retailer.
Tesco Helplines
Landlines: 0800 323 4060 (Freephone from a BT landline).
Mobiles: 0330 123 4060 (Calls cost no more than calls to geographic numbers and are included in inclusive minutes and discount schemes).