Encore buddy, Instructions, User guide / instruction manual – Freeplay Energy Encore-Buddy User Manual

Page 2

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3 LED

Flashlight

Crank

Handle

Solar Panel

Carry Handle

Power Switch

Alert

Indicator

Tunning

Radio Band

AM/FM/WB (USA Only)

AM/FM/SW (Non USA)

Mobile Phone Connectors

and USB Charging Cable

Charge Indicator

Speaker

Audio Output

Charge Output

USB Power Input

ENCORE BUDDY

Solar powered digital radio

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2. Instructions

Battery Protection and Reset

Buddy has a battery non-discharge tab. Before use, remove
this by pulling the tab. This connects the battery to the
Buddy circuits and the radio is ready for operation. If Buddy
does not work after pulling the tab, or stops working during
normal operations (and there is charge in the battery), there
is a reset hole behind the battery. This resets Buddy to
factory specifications. Insert a paperclip, toothpick or
similar and gently press the contact behind the hole.

Radio Usage

The Buddy has a backlit LCD display and the
following buttons:

POWER. This turns the radio on and off. The clock is
displayed when the radio is off

MODE. This toggles between FM, AM, and WB alert
(USA), SW (non USA)

TUNING+. Increases radio frequency

TUNING-. Decreases radio frequency

VOLUME+ Increases audio volume

VOLUME-. Decreases audio volume

Tuning

Choose the correct band with the MODE button.

Use the TUNING buttons to select the correct
frequency/station.

If the TUNING (+ or -) button is held down for one
second and released, Buddy will scan to the next
station, up or down.

Waetherband (USA Only)

WB receives the seven weather channels at
162.400MHZ, 162.425MHZ, 162.450MHZ,
162.475MHZ, 162.500MHZ, 162.525MHZ and
162.550MHZ. Tune to the station with the best
reception. You will hear the automated voice of the
National Weather Service.

The WB ALERT mode places the radio audio on
standby until an alert event triggers the Buddy audio.
Once triggered, and if necessary, tune to the best
WB channel for the alert message. To set the Buddy
to ALERT, press and hold the MODE button until the
WB symbol flashes continuously. In the event of an
alert, the alert light will flash and the audio will
unmute. Pressing any key will stop the alert light
flashing, and to continue in alert mode press and
hold the MODE button for two seconds. Note the
National Weather Service conducts tests periodically
and more information can be found on
www.nws.noaa.gov.

Clock

The clock defaults to 12:00

Enter time setting mode by pressing and hold the
MODE button for two seconds. Pressing the MODE
button switches between 12/24hr, hours, minutes,
and TUNING + and – adjusts the time. Holding down
the TUNING button rapidly adjusts time.

Press the MODE button to exit time setting.

Charging a Mobile Phone or Other
Small Device

Buddy is able to recharge a mobile phone or other small
electronic device, either from Buddy’s own battery or by
winding. (Note: Today’s mobile phones have bigger
batteries than Buddy and a full Buddy battery will not fully
recharge a completely-discharged smartphone.)

Press the POWER button to switch the radio off.

Insert the mobile phone recharging cable into the
Buddy charge output port.

Choose the correct connector tip for your phone and
connect to the other end of the cable.

If an adaptor tip for your phone is not included,
connect the female USB connector to the end of the
cable and use the USB cable supplied with
you phone for the final connection to your phone.

If Buddy’s battery is charged, the charging process
will begin.

When Buddy’s battery is fully discharged, phone
charging can still be achieved by cranking. In this
case best results are achieved by periods of two
minutes or less of cranking at about 130rpm, with
similar periods of rest.

Buddy will not harm you phone. You may see a
non-compatibility message on your phone screen,
but often buddy will still be charging the phone. A
fully charged mobile phone has a battery voltage
higher than the Buddy output, and in this case Buddy
will not charge the phone. The Buddy phone
charging feature is intended for use in emergencies
or when the phone battery is partially or full depleted.

Charging Buddy

Fully recharge Buddy from a USB source. If no USB source
is available, orientate the radio so that the solar panel on
top of the radio is exposed to sunlight for several hours.
Alternatively, wind the crank periodically for a total of
several minutes. (NOTE: Buddy should be stored for any
lengthy period with the rechargeable battery fully charged.
Storing buddy with a fully discharged battery can damage
the battery).

Buddy can be connected to a USB source permanently
without suffering any damage. The charging light will show
red during charging and show green when fully recharged.
The solar panel will not trigger the charging light and may
not completely charge the last few percent of the battery.

Crank the handle at approximately 130 rpm (60 turns in 30
seconds) in any direction. The charging light will show red
during cranking. Winding energy is converted into electricity
and stored in the battery.

Radio interference may be present when recharging Buddy.
If so, disconnect USB power when listening to Buddy.

See our entire product range:

www.freeplayenergy.com

Freeplay Energy Ltd, 10th Floor, 6 Mitre Passage, Greenwich, London, SE10 0ER

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