DAB Digital Radio - General questions

1. Where can I receive DAB digital radio?

2. What is the meaning of the Channel numbers shown on the display?

3. Can I use my DAB radio worldwide?

4. Which channels are used in the UK?

5. Sometimes I get a “burbling” sound when listening. Why?

6. Why can’t I receive DAB inside some buildings?

7. Why do I get no audio with some services?

8. Why can’t I find BBC 5Live Sports Xtra?

9. Can I use a set bought in Canada in Europe?

10. Are sets available with L-Band coverage?

11. Which batteries should I use?

12. Can I use rechargeable batteries with my set?

13. Can I connect the set to a hi-fi system?

14. Can I use portable loudspeakers with my set?

15. Can I use the radios with a car stereo cassette adaptor?

16. Can I use other headphones with my set?

DR301 Portable DAB

1. Which types of SD cards are recommended?

2. What format is the DAB recording?

3. How do I update the firmware on my set?

4. I can't pull up the antenna on the back of the DR301.

5. Which music formats are supported by the music player?

6. What mains adapter can I use with the DR301?

DAB Digital Radio – DR101, DR201

1. What is the difference between “PRESET” and “MANUAL” tune modes?

2. Where can I get a power adaptor for my radio?

3. I’m finding it difficult to open the battery cover on the DR201.

4. Can the software be updated on my set?

5. Where can I get a copy of the user manual?

DR201 MP3 Issues

1. Do I need to use the driver disk supplied with the DR201 to use it with my PC?

2. Where is the Windows XP driver?

3. I have Windows 98 but no floppy disk drive to insert the driver disk. What can I do?

4. Can I record from the radio onto the DR201 built in memory?

5. Can the DR201 memory be expanded?

6. I have lost my USB cable. Where can I get one?

7. Why do some of the music files I downloaded not play on the DR201.

8. Can I use the DR201 on Mac OS x operating systems?

9. Can I use the DR201 on Linux?

10. I unplugged the USB cable when copying a music file. The DR201 now shows that some of the memory is used but the file was not copied. What do I do?

11. When and how should I format the DR201 memory?

12. What do I need to do before unplugging or turning off the DR201?

13. When I play music, the play sometimes jumps from one track to another. Why?

14. Windows XP shows “USB Device not recognised” when I connect the DR201.

MP3 Players MP10, MP30, MR101

1. Can I use the MP10, MR101 or MP30 on Mac OS x or Linux?
2. Can I use the MP10, MR101 or MP30 with Windows Media player as a portable audio device?
3. When I delete all the music, I still don’t quite get the full memory size available. Why?
4. I unplugged the USB cable when copying a music file. The MP3 player now shows that some of the memory is used but the file was not copied. What do I do?
5. I have lost my installation CD. Where can I get one?
6. I have lost my USB cable. Where can I get one?
7. I tried installing the MP10, MR101 or MP30 and Windows did not recognise the device. What do I do?
8. Can I use the players with a car stereo cassette adaptor?
9. Where can I get a spare copy of the user guide for the MP10, MR101 or MP30?
10. When installing the Groove software, I get the message that the software has not been certified by Microsoft. What do I do?
11. Can I use other headphones with my player?
12. Which memory cards can be used with the MP30?
13. Which memory cards can be used with the MR101?
14. I have inserted a memory card into my MP30, but the display shows "0 MB"
15. When I try to play some tracks on my MR101, the unit turns off

Other Perstel Products

Where can I get help with the VR10 Voice recorder?

DAB Digital Radio – General Questions

1. Where can I receive DAB digital radio?

DAB digital radio now covers most of the UK population. To check what services are available there is a postcode checker at http://www.digitalradionow.com/statf.php#results

Note that local geography and being inside buildings can affect reception in your immediate area as is indicated on the link.

2. What is the meaning of the Channel numbers shown on the display?

The channel numbers range from 5A to 13F. There are many unused channels, in the UK DAB band; at present all services are between 11B and 12D.

DAB radio differs from analogue FM radio as each channel has several services or stations. These services can be changed, added or removed depending on the time of day and events to be broadcast. So for example, the BBC service on channel 12B may have between 12 and 15 services. The channel number is shown on the display during tuning and volume level changing.

When the set is tuned to a channel the >> and << keys will select services on the current channel.

To tune to services on a different channel, you need to press the centre key to highlight the centre display line and then use the >> or << keys to change the channel.

It may take a few seconds for the set to receive the signal on a new channel.

3. Can I use my DAB radio worldwide?

DAB radios receive local and national radio services from transmitters similar to FM services. They do not enable you to listen to your home services in other countries. For example, you cannot receive BBC services in the rest of Europe using DAB.

The sets supplied in the UK have full Band III coverage to cover all services in the UK and most of Europe. In some parts of Europe and Canada a different band is used (L-Band).

4. Which channels are used in the UK?

There are local and national services on DAB. At present there are 2 national services on channel 11D (DigitalOne) and 12B (BBC). The stations received on these channels may vary. There are also local services in many areas.

For further information on the services available in your area and the channel details, check the broadcasters links on the left, or use the postcode checker at http://www.digitalradionow.com/statf.php#results

More technical information is available at:

http://www.wohnort.demon.co.uk/DAB/ukloc.html

5. Sometimes I get a “burbling” sound when listening. Why?

When the DAB signal is weak, the sound may be muted for a short time. If the signal is very weak, this sounds like a “burbling” sound. If the signal locally is normally strong, moving the set or the antenna will normally improve the signal.

In weaker signal areas you may need to move closer to a window, or away from sources of interference such as electrical equipment, computers or televisions.

6. Why can’t I receive DAB inside some buildings?

As with all radio signals, DAB signals have difficulty getting into buildings constructed with metal or steel reinforced concrete. In general, if FM is weak inside a building, DAB could also have problems. In offices there may be sources of interference such as electrical equipment and computers.

7. Why do I get no audio with some services?

Data services are transmitted on some channels. There is no audio associated with these services and the “DATA” indicator will show in the display.

8. Why can’t I find BBC 5Live Sports Xtra?

This service is transmitted when there are sports events being broadcast. At other times you will not find it when checking the BBC services. (It normally comes after BBC Radio 5 Live). Please check with the BBC website to find details of programme times.

9. Can I use a set bought in Canada in Europe?

No. The frequency Band used in Canada is L-Band, but with different channel frequencies from L-Band in Europe. So the sets from Canada will not work even in European countries which use L-Band (France and Germany).

10. Are sets available with L-Band coverage?

Sets sold in Germany and France have L-Band or L-Band and Band III coverage. These are not sold in the UK at present. For more information contact sales@perstel.co.uk

11. Which batteries should I use?

When using disposable batteries, only alkaline types should be used. Other types, such as zinc carbon, will give poor battery life. Rechargeable batteries can be used also – see below.

12. Can I use rechargeable batteries with my set?

Yes. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) are preferred. The capacities of these cells vary, so the highest capacity types should be used to approach the capacity of alkaline disposable cells. The cells cannot be charged with the mains adaptor when in the unit, .

13. Can I connect the set to a hi-fi system?

Yes. The headphone output socket can be connected to a hi-fi system using a suitable lead. The output is analogue stereo. The volume level on the set should be set to near maximum (level 15 – 20).

Most hi-fi systems have RCA (phono) connectors, so the lead required is a twin phono to 3.5mm stereo jack lead. Maplin Electronics have a suitable part (Stock code DG27). You should check with your equipment to make sure that this is suitable.

14. Can I use portable loudspeakers with my set?

Yes. Most of these speakers come with a connection lead which will plug directly into the headphone socket. The volume level on the set should be set to near maximum (level 15 – 20).

It has been reported that Creative Travelsound speakers have a problem working with DAB receivers.

15. Can I use the radios with a car stereo cassette adaptor?

Yes. Most of these adaptors come with a connection lead which will plug directly into the headphone socket. The volume level on the set should be set to near maximum (level 15 – 20).

16. Can I use other headphones with my set?

Yes. Earphones and headphones designed for personal stereo equipment will normally be suitable. In general large closed headphones designed for hi-fi systems are less sensitive, so portable audio equipment may not be able to produce enough sound output to drive them.

DR301 Portable DAB Receiver

1. Which types of SD card are recommended?

When recording the DAB signal, the data is written continuously to the SD memory card. The write speed of SD cards can vary a lot between manufacturers and even different batches from the same manufacturer. This can give some problems when recording high bitrate DAB signals (160kbits/sec and above) with cards with a slow write speed. Because of this, we recommend cards with descriptions like "High Speed", "X60", "X66".

At present the following cards have been tested:

Kingston Elite Pro High Speed

Corsair X60

A-data X60

Crucial High Speed

Note: Problems have been reported with "Integral" brand SD cards. We do not recommend using this brand with the DR301.

2. What format is the DAB recording?

The DAB recording is in .mp2 format. This is MPEG layer II, and it can be played back on most PCs with Window media player.

3. How do I update the firmware on my set?

Please see the downloads page here

4. I can't pull up the antenna on the back of the DR301

The antenna on the back of the DR301 is for L-Band, which is used in some European countries. The set sold in the UK is Band III only, and the moulding on the back has no function in this model.

5. Which music formats are supported by the music player?

The music player supports mp3, wma and mp2 formats. Note that some wma files with DRM (Digital Rights Management) content protection may not play on the DR301.

6. What mains adapter can I use with the DR301?

The specification of the mains adapter is 5V regulated at 350mA. The connector is 2.35mm outside diameter and 0.7mm pin. The centre pin is positive.

We can supply a power adaptor directly to you for £7.50 including postage.
Please send a cheque payable to Perstel Limited, to:
Perstel Limited
Lansdowne Building
2 Lansdowne Road
Croydon CR9 2ER
United Kingdom

DR101, DR201 Issues

1. What is the difference between “PRESET” and “MANUAL” tune modes?

The “PRESET” tune mode only allows the selection of the channels which are used in the UK. These are 11B, 11C, 11D, 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D. If other channels outside this range are required, (for example in Europe) you should select “MANUAL” tune mode.

2. Where can I get a power adaptor for my radio?

The power adaptor should be regulated with 3.0V ouput regulated at 500mA. The connector is 0.7mm pin and 2.35mm overall diameter with tip negative. Several suppliers including Maplin Electronics should be able to supply one. If you want to purchase one from our distributor please contact us.

3. I’m finding it difficult to open the battery cover on the DR201

Press on the moulded arrow on the battery compartment, then slide the cover off.

4. Can the software be updated on my set?

Yes. Some early DR101 models with versions 2.30 or lower can be upgraded free of charge to the latest version. This enables the memory of the last service listened to. Users with later versions can get software upgraded, but an administration charge will be made. For more information contact support@perstel.co.uk

To determine your software version: when tuned to and receiving a channel, press the centre key on the front twice to highlight the bottom line of the display.
Press << to show the software version.

5. Where can I get a copy of the user manual?

You can download it here. Click on the link to download it.:

DR101 user manual

DR201 user manual

DR201 MP3 Issues

1. Do I need to use the driver disk supplied with the DR201 to use it with my PC?

The driver disk is only required for Windows 98 and should not be used for later versions of Windows. Windows Millennium Edition or XP have built-in support for the DR201 which is a “USB Mass Storage Device”.

2. Where is the Windows XP driver?

Windows XP has built-in support for the DR201 which is a “USB Mass Storage Device”. No driver needs to be loaded.

3. I have Windows 98 but no floppy disk drive to insert the driver disk. What can I do?

You can download the floppy disk contents from this link. The contents need to be unzipped to a temporary folder. When Windows 98 detects the DR201, set the path to search for a driver to the temporary folder.

4. Can I record from the radio onto the DR201 built in memory?

No. This feature is not available on this model.

5. Can the DR201 memory be expanded?

No, the memory on the DR201 is fixed and cannot be expanded.

6. I have lost my USB cable. Where can I get one?

Cables are available from us for £5.00 including postage. Please send a cheque payable to Perstel Limited, to:

Perstel Limited
Lansdowne Building
2 Lansdowne Road
Croydon CR9 2ER
United Kingdom

7. Why do some of the music files I downloaded not play on the DR201?

The DR201 will only play files in mp3 format. Audio CDs will need to be converted to MP3 format using appropriate software. Wma files (Windows Media Audio) are not supported. Normally encoding to 128Kbit/sec will give a good balance between sound quality and file size.

> There is a program called MusicMatch which enables you to convert audio files, and is available in a basic free version or fully featured products.

> You can find this at:

> http://www.musicmatch.com/download/free/?OS=pc&MODE=input&DID=&OEM=MMD

> The Basic version is the free download.

> If you are using Windows XP, there are also third-party plug-ins for Window Media player which are available for purchase. These enable you to convert files using Windows Media Player.

> The link for this is:

> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/windowsxp/buypacks.aspx

8. Can I use the DR201 on Mac OS x operating systems?

At present Macintosh Computers using Mac OS X are not supported by the DR201.

9. Can I use the DR201 on Linux?

The DR201 has been used successfully on Linux. The unit does operate on 2.4.x kernels but has a problem with 2.6.x kernels. Details of how to set it up can be found here. Note: knowledge of Linux is required and we can’t give additional technical support on this.

10. I unplugged the USB cable when copying a music file. The DR201 now shows that some of the memory is used but the file was not copied. What do I do?

You can either run a disk check or reformat the DR201.

To run a disk check:

Open “My Computer”

Right click the “Removable Disc” icon and select “Properties”

Select the “Tools” tab

Select “Check Now”

Check the options for “Automatically fix file system errors” and start the disk check.

If problems are found and you are given some options for what to do with the lost file fragments, select “delete lost file fragments and recover disk space”

To reformat the DR201 memory.

Open “My Computer”

Right click the “Removable Disc” icon and select “Format”.

NOTE: Be very careful to select the icon corresponding to the DR201. If you format the wrong disc you could lose your data and/or operating system. This action clears the DR201 memory, so move any files you need to your hard drive first.

For the file system “FAT” or “FAT16” must be selected. Problems will occur if “FAT32” is used.

Select “Start”, and confirm the format.

11. When and how should I format the DR201 memory?

You should format the DR201:

· if the amount of free space is being reported incorrectly.

· It was unplugged during a file download

· Play is jumping from one track to another.

To reformat the DR201 memory.

Open “My Computer”

Right click the “Removable Disc” icon and select “Format”.

NOTE: Be very careful to select the icon corresponding to the DR201. It will normally be called “removable disc” but the drive letter may vary depending on the configuration of your computer. If you format the wrong disc you could lose your data and/or operating system. This action clears the DR201 memory, so move any files you need to your hard drive first.

For the file system “FAT” or “FAT16” must be selected. Problems will occur if “FAT32” is used.

Select “Start”, and confirm the format.

12. What do I need to do before unplugging or turning off the DR201?

With Windows XP, the DR201 can be unplugged once any file transfer has finished. There is no need to carry out the “safely remove hardware procedure” described in the User manual.

With Windows Millennium addition, the “safely remove hardware procedure” described in the User manual should be done.

With Windows 98, there is no “removable device” icon in the hardware. You should wait until after any file transfer is finished, and then just unplug the DR201.

13. When I play music, the play sometimes jumps from one track to another. Why?

The DR201 may have been formatted in the FAT32 file system. Follow the instructions given above in Item 23 to reformat the DR201 memory.

14. Windows XP shows “USB Device not recognised” when I connect the DR201.

Sometimes this does happen the first time the DR201 is connected. It may be necessary to uninstall the device and repeat the connection. To do this, follow the following procedure:

Turn on the DR201 in Music Play mode and connect it to the PC.

Click “Start” and then “Control Panel”

Select “System” and then the “Device Manager” tab. This opens the device manager window.

Click the + sign next to the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” to expand the item (if there are any faulty items marked with yellow or red, it will already be expanded).

Right click the “USB Mass Storage Device” and select uninstall. Click to confirm the uninstallation.

Unplug the DR201

You may get a message that you need to restart your computer. Click “NO”.

Turn the DR201 off and on again.

Connect the DR201 to the PC. The DR201 should be connected and installed.

Other problems which could cause this are:

· Virus infection in the PC has corrupted some of the system files.

· Other USB devices have been installed which have overwritten the standard Windows driver.

· Hardware or software problems with the USB host controller chipset or driver. It is worth checking with Windows Update to see if later versions are available to download. Updating the Motherboard Bios to the latest version may also help.

MP3 Players MP10, MP30, MR101

1. Can I use the MP10, MR101 or MP30 on Mac OS x or Linux?

No.The Groove application software is only for Windows.

2. Can I use the MP10, MR101 or MP30 with Windows Media player as a portable audio device?

No. You need to use the Groove application software to transfer music to the mp3 players.

3. When I delete all the music, I still don’t quite get the full memory size available. Why?

This is normal. A small amount of the memory space is taken up with the file allocation tables and the system files required for the operation of the player.

4. I unplugged the USB cable when copying a music file. The MP3 player now shows that some of the memory is used but the file was not copied. What do I do?

In the Groove application software, try the “Format” command from the “File” menu. This will delete any music on the player and recover the free space.

5. I have lost my installation CD. Where can I get one?

You can download the Groove application software which includes the driver here

6. I have lost my USB cable. Where can I get one?

Cables are available from us for £5.00 including postage. Please send a cheque payable to Perstel Limited, to:

Perstel Limited
Lansdowne Building
2 Lansdowne Road
Croydon CR9 2ER
United Kingdom

7. I tried installing the MP10, MR101 or MP30 and Windows did not recognise the device. What do I do?

Sometimes this does happen the first time the player is connected, if the driver was not installed in the correct order.

Disconnect the player from the PC.

Open “Control Panel” and select the “Add / Remove Programs” icons.

Uninstall the Groove software.

Reinstall the Groove software.

Plug in the MP3 player. The device should be automatically detected and installed. It may be necessary to click OK to continue the installation.

Start the Groove software.

The Player should be detected and show the tracks loaded.

Other problems which could cause this are:

· Virus infection in the PC has corrupted some of the system files.

· Other USB devices have been installed which have overwritten the standard Windows drivers.

· Hardware or software problems with the USB host controller chipset or driver. It is worth checking with Windows Update to see if later versions are available to download. Updating the Motherboard Bios to the latest version may also help.

8. Can I use the players with a car stereo cassette adaptor?

Yes. Most of these adaptors come with a connection lead which will plug directly into the headphone socket. The volume level on the set should be set to near maximum (level 15 – 20).

9. Where can I get a spare copy of the user guide for the MP10, MR101 or MP30?

Contact us at support@perstel.co.uk

10. When installing the Groove software on Windows XP, I get the message that the software has not been certified by Microsoft. What do I do?

You can choose the “install anyway” option. Although the driver has not been certified by Microsoft, it has been fully tested and will work correctly. Windows XP will set a system restore point so the installation of the driver can be rolled back if required.

11. Can I use other headphones with my player?

Yes. Earphones and headphones designed for personal stereo equipment will normally be suitable. In general large closed headphones designed for hi-fi systems are less sensitive, so portable audio equipment may not be able to produce enough sound output to drive them.

12. Which memory cards can be used with the MP30?

The MP30 supports MultiMedia Cards (MMC) up to 128MB. Note that Secure Digital Cards (SD) cannot be used on the MP30.

13. Which memory cards can be used with the MR101?

The MR101 supports SmartMedia cards up to 128MB.

14. I have inserted a memory card into my MP30, but the display shows "0 MB"

You may need to format the memory card.

Connect the MP30 to your PC and start the "Groove" software.

You should see two panes - the left side is the embedded memory and the right side is the Memory card. Click in the right pane and then select "Format" from the "File" menu.

When finished it should show the correct memory capacity.

15. When I try to play some tracks on my MR101, the unit turns off.

The MP3 track may be corrupted. Turn the Hold switch on, and restart the unit. Connect the MR101 to your PC and delete the faulty track.

Other Perstel Products

1. Where can I get help with the VR10 Voice recorder?

We do not supply the VR10 Voice recorder in Europe and cannot give service support for this product. If you need a copy of the installation software you can download it here