Cat. No. 15-1981
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
181-CHANNEL REMOTE CONTROL
CABLE CONVERTER
with Volume Control
CONTENTS
Preparation ........................................................................................................... 4
Setting CH4/CH3 ............................................................................................ 4
Choosing the Cable System Type ................................................................... 4
Connecting the Converter to AC Power .......................................................... 5
Turning the Converter On/Off .......................................................................... 5
Using the Switched AC Outlet ......................................................................... 6
Connecting the Converter .................................................................................. 7
Connecting to a TV ......................................................................................... 7
Connecting to Cable ........................................................................................ 7
Single-Wire Cable System ........................................................................ 8
Two-Wire Cable System ........................................................................... 9
Connecting to a VCR .................................................................................... 10
Recording and Viewing a Non-Premium Cable Channel ........................ 10
Recording and Viewing a Premium Cable Channel ................................ 11
Operation ............................................................................................................ 12
Operating the Converter’s Receiver .............................................................. 12
Using the Remote Control ............................................................................. 13
Remote Control TVs ............................................................................... 14
Adjusting the Volume .................................................................................... 14
Muting the Sound .......................................................................................... 14
Storing a Channel in Memory ....................................................................... 14
Setting the Sleep Timer ................................................................................ 15
Using Parental Lock (PL) .............................................................................. 15
Locking a Channel .................................................................................. 15
Watching a Locked Channel ................................................................... 15
Unlocking a Channel .............................................................................. 16
Changing the Security Code ......................................................................... 16
Resetting the Security Code ......................................................................... 16
Variations in Channel Numbering ................................................................. 17
Care and Maintenance ...................................................................................... 19
The FCC Wants You to Know ........................................................................ 20
Specifications .................................................................................................... 21
3
PREPARATION
Your converter’s remote control re-
quires two AAA batteries (not sup-
plied) for power. For the best
performance and longest life, we rec-
ommend RadioShack alkaline batter-
ies.
Warning: Dispose of old batteries
promptly and properly. Do not burn or
bury them.
Caution: If you do not plan to use the
remote control for a month or more,
remove the batteries. Batteries can
leak chemicals that can destroy elec-
tronic parts.
Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the
required size and recommended
type.
SETTING CH4/CH3
• Do not mix old and new batteries,
different types of batteries (stan-
dard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or
rechargeable batteries of different
capacities.
Set your TV’s tuner to Channel 3 or 4
(whichever is not used for broadcasts
in your area). Then set CH4/CH3 on
the back of the converter to match the
channel you selected on your TV’s
tuner.
Follow these steps to install batteries.
1. Slide the battery compartment
cover in the direction of the arrow
to remove it.
CHOOSING THE CABLE
SYSTEM TYPE
2. Place the batteries in the com-
partment as indicated by the
polarity symbols (+ and –) marked
inside.
There are three types of cable TV
channel frequency systems: stan-
dard, IRC, and HRC. Most cable sys-
tems use a standard system. Your
converter is preset to use a standard
channel frequency system.
3. Replace the cover.
When the remote control stops operat-
ing properly, replace the batteries.
4
Caution: To avoid damaging your
converter, make sure your converter is
not connected to an AC outlet before
setting IRC/HRC/STD.
CONNECTING THE
CONVERTER TO AC
POWER
Plug the converter’s power cord into a
standard AC outlet.
Note: If you are not sure what type of
channel frequency system your cable
system uses, contact your local cable
company.
If the cable system in your area is not
standard, use a paper clip or other
pointed object to set IRC/HRC/STD on
the bottom of the converter for the
type of cable system you have.
TURNING THE
CONVERTER ON/OFF
Note: HRC and IRC are methods
used by some cable companies for
converting satellite and local broad-
cast channels to cable channels.
Channels 5 and 6 on IRC systems and
all channels on HRC systems are
slightly different frequencies from
those used on standard systems.
To turn the converter on or off, press
POWER on the front of the converter or
on the remote control.
5
USING THE SWITCHED
AC OUTLET
The converter’s built-in switched AC
outlet lets you connect a TV or anoth-
er electronic device that uses 120V,
60Hz power (up to 600 watts) directly
to the converter.
Press POWER on the converter or re-
mote control to turn on the converter
and the outlet. Press POWER again to
turn them off.
Notes:
• If a TV you plugged into the
switched AC outlet has an instant-
on feature, it might go into a
standby mode when you turn on
the converter. If this happens, you
might have to turn on your TV
using its power switch or remote
control.
• If you plugged a digital TV into the
switched AC outlet, it might auto-
matically reset to a channel other
than 3 or 4 when you turn off the
converter. If this happens, you
might want to plug it into a stan-
dard AC outlet and turn it on and
off manually.
6
CONNECTING THE CONVERTER
CONNECTING TO A TV
CONNECTING TO CABLE
Use the supplied 75-ohm coaxial ca-
ble with F-type connectors to connect
the 75-ohm terminal on your TV to the
RF OUT terminal on the back of the
converter. If your TV has only 300-
ohm terminals, use a 75-to-300 ohm
transformer (not supplied), available
from your local RadioShack store.
How you connect your converter de-
pends on the complexity of your video
system. Refer to the connection ex-
amples on the next few pages to find
the one that is most similar to your
system.
Notes:
• Your system might use a combina-
tion of two or more of the following
examples. If you have questions,
take a diagram of your system to
your local RadioShack store for
assistance.
• Check local regulations before
connecting any device to your
cable system.
Connect the cable company’s coaxial
cable to the RF IN terminal on the back
of the converter.
7
Single-Wire Cable System
Connect to TV R/F Inputs
Switched
AC Outlet
Cable Converter
TV Set
CH4/CH3
From Cable Company
To Standard
AC Outlet
Matching Transformer
(75-300 Ohm)
AC Plug from TV Set
Connect to TV Audio/Video Inputs
TV Set
Cable Converter
Switched
AC Outlet
From Cable
Company
TV Set
To Standard
AC Outlet
8
Two-Wire Cable System
Some cable systems offer more than 181 channels and include two incoming wires.
To use your converter with such a system, install an A/B switch (not supplied),
available from your local RadioShack store, to connect the cable company’s wires
to the converter.
A/B Switch
Two Wires From
Cable Company
Switched
AC Outlet
Cable Converter
To Standard
AC Outlet
From
Cable
Company
CH4/CH3
TV Set
AC Plug From TV Set
Matching Transformer
(75-300 Ohm)
Use the A/B switch to select the group of channels you want to watch.
9
CONNECTING TO A VCR
Recording and Viewing a Non-Premium Cable Channel
This connection lets you record a non-premium cable channel while you view it.
Cable Converter
Switched
AC Outlet
CH4/CH3
To Standard
AC Outlet (both)
From Cable Company
VCR
TV Set
To Standard
AC Outlet
Matching Transformer
(75-300 Ohm)
10
Recording and Viewing a Premium Cable Channel
This connection lets you:
• record a premium or non-premium cable channel while you view it
• record a premium cable channel while you view a non-premium cable channel
• record a non-premium cable channel while you view another non-premium
cable channel
Use an A/B switch (not supplied) to connect your TV set to the VCR and the cable
converter. Use a two-way splitter (not supplied) to connect the cable company’s
wire to the converter and the cable company’s CATV box. Your local RadioShack
store has the accessories you need to make this connection.
Two-Way Splitter
From Cable
Company
Switched
AC Outlet
CATV Box
Cable Converter
To Switched
AC Outlet
To Standard
AC Outlet
VCR
TV Set
To Standard
AC Outlet
Matching Transformer
(75-300 Ohm)
With the A/B switch set to the converter position, you have remote control of all ca-
ble channels, except premium cable channels.
When you want to view premium channels, set the A/B switch to the position for
CATV. Then follow the instructions in the VCR’s owner’s manual to set the channel
switches on the VCR and CATV box.
11
OPERATION
Sample Display Indications
OPERATING THE
CONVERTER’S
RECEIVER
Standby/Favorite Channel
Press POWER on the converter or re-
mote control to turn the converter and
the switched AC outlet on and off.
When you turn off the converter, a dot
appears on the lower right corner of
the display to indicate that the con-
verter is in standby mode.
Sleep Timer
Parental Lock
• 125 — CATV Channel 125.
• U16 — TV Channel 16.
• U52. — TV Channel 52 is a
favorite channel.
Press CHANNEL
verter to select individual channels, or
hold down CHANNEL or to scan
channels in the direction of the arrow.
The selected channel appears on the
display.
or
on the con-
• 11.5 — CATV Channel 115 is
receiving a program and the sleep
timer has been set up.
• 1.2.5. — CATV Channel 125 is
locked and it is also a favorite
channel. The sleep timer has
been set up.
Press VOLUME
VOL
on the remote control to in-
crease the volume, or press VOLUME
on the converter or
• ⊆⊆ — Press MEM or FAV to start a
memory operation.
on the converter or VOL
on the
remote control to decrease it.
• ∪•∪ — Press PL to activate
parental lock.
Press CATV/TV to select either the
CATV or TV mode. In TV mode, U
(TV) appears before the channel num-
ber on the display.
• ∪.1 — the 1st digit of a parental
control code.
• ∪.2 — the 2nd digit of a parental
control code.
• ∪.3 — the 3rd digit of a parental
control code.
• ⊂⊂ — Press FINE TUNE
to con-
firm your entry, or store a pro-
grammed function in memory.
• ⊃⊃ — Press FINE TUNE
to con-
firm your entry, or erase a pro-
grammed function from memory.
12
RESET (Fine Tuning Center) — press
to return to the default setting.
USING THE REMOTE
CONTROL
POWER — press to turn the converter
and the switched AC outlet on and off.
The remote control lets you operate
your converter from across the room.
For the most dependable operation,
point the remote control toward the
converter’s display.
CATV/TV — press to select CATV or
TV mode.
VOL
ume or
/
— press
to decrease it.
to increase vol-
Here is a description of each of the re-
mote control’s keys:
FAV — use with FINE TUNE
to store
MUTE — press to temporarily turn off
sound. To restore sound, press MUTE
again.
a favorite channel or with FINE TUNE
to delete it.
LAST (Last Channel Recall) — press
to recall the channel you selected be-
fore the current channel.
SLEEP — lets you set your converter
to automatically turn off after the pre-
set time.
CH
/
— press to select individual
FINE TUNE
/
— press to receive
channels or scan channels in the di-
rection of the arrow. The converter’s
display shows the channel number.
the best possible reception or confirm
the entry of MEM, FAV, and PL.
PL (Parental Lock) — use with FINE
TUNE
to lock channels.
MEM — use with FINE TUNE
to
store a channel you previously fine-
tuned.
MR (Memory Recall) — press to tune
to your favorite channel stored in
memory.
Number Buttons (0–9) — press to di-
rectly select channels. Precede sin-
gle-digit channels with a 0 (02, 03, 04,
and so on).
13
store the sound, press MUTE again or
repeatedly press VOLUME or on
on the
Remote Control TVs
If your TV has a remote control and
your converter’s remote control inter-
feres with the TV’s operation, either
turn off the TV’s remote control fea-
ture (if the TV has a remote control on/
off switch) or cover the TV’s remote
control receiver window (with a piece
of black tape, for example).
the converter or VOL
or
remote control.
MUTE
ADJUSTING THE
VOLUME
STORING A CHANNEL
IN MEMORY
Repeatedly press VOLUME
on the converter or VOL
or
or
on
Follow these steps to store a favorite
channel in memory.
the remote control to adjust the vol-
ume.
1. Repeatedly press CHANNEL
or
or
on the converter or CH
on the remote control to select
the channel.
2. Press FAV.
3. Press FINE TUNE
.
A dot
appears on the lower right corner
of the display.
To select the channel currently stored
in memory, press MR.
To remove a stored channel from
memory, repeatedly press CHANNEL
or
on the remote control to select it,
press FAV, then press FINE TUNE
on the converter or CH
or
MUTING THE SOUND
.
The channel is deleted from memory
and the dot disappears from the dis-
play.
Press MUTE on the remote control to
temporarily turn off the sound. To re-
14
Locking a Channel
SETTING THE SLEEP
TIMER
1. Repeatedly press CH
or
on
the remote control to select the
channel you want to lock.
Follow these steps to set the convert-
er to automatically turn off after a cer-
tain length of time (90, 60, or 30
minutes).
2. Press PL. ∪∪ appears.
3. Hold down FINE TUNE
the selected channel.
appears to confirm the entry.
to lock
1. Press SLEEP. 9.0 appears and
⊂.⊂
the sleep timer indicator lights.
2. Repeatedly press SLEEP until the
4. Release FINE TUNE
appears to indicate the channel is
locked.
. ∪.∪
desired length of time appears.
When the preset time is reached, 00
appears and the converter automati-
cally turns off.
Watching a Locked Channel
1. Repeatedly press CH
or
on
Notes:
the remote control to select the
locked channel you want to watch.
• To see the remaining time on the
timer, press SLEEP once.
2. Press PL then use the number
keys on the remote control to
enter the security code (preset to
2999). ∪.1, ∪.2, and ∪.3
appear for about two seconds,
then the converter unlocks all
channels.
• To turn off the timer, repeatedly
press SLEEP until 00 appears.
The sleep timer indicator disap-
pears and the converter stays on
until you turn it off.
To re-lock all channels, turn the con-
verter off then turn it back on again.
USING PARENTAL LOCK
(PL)
To prevent children from viewing adult
programs (for example), you can lock
channels you select then set the con-
verter so it does not tune them.
Note: Your converter’s security code
is preset to 2999, but you can change
it (see “Changing the Security Code”
on Page 16).
15
Unlocking a Channel
CHANGING THE
SECURITY CODE
1. Repeatedly press CH
or
on
the remote control to select the
desired locked channel.
1. Repeatedly press CH
or
on
the remote control to select a
locked channel.
2. Press PL then use the number
keys on the remote control to
enter the current 4-digit security
code (preset to 2999).
3. Press PL then use the number
keys on the remote control to
enter a new 4-digit security code.
4. Press FINE TUNE
.
2. Press PL, then use the number
keys on the remote control to
enter the security code. The con-
verter unlocks the channel.
RESETTING THE
SECURITY CODE
3. Press PL. ∪∪ appears. Then hold
down FINE TUNE
to unlock the
1. Follow Steps 1 and 2 under
“Unlocking a Channel.”
selected channel. ⊃⊃ appears to
confirm the entry. The converter
deletes the lock.
2. Press PL, then use the number
keys on the remote control to
enter 71269 (your converter’s
default master code) within 3 sec-
onds. The converter resets the
security code to 2999.
16
VARIATIONS IN
CHANNEL NUMBERING
Indicator
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Cable Channel
12
13
Some cable companies use a channel
numbering system that is different
from the one used by your converter.
For example, the channel your cable
company calls 21 might appear as 18
on the converter’s display.
A
B
C
D
E
Use the supplied channel number la-
bels to mark the cable company’s
channel numbers that differ from the
channels on the converter’s display.
Then peel off the backing on each la-
bel and paste the large label on the
converter and the small label on your
remote control.
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
This table compares channels that
your converter shows to channel num-
bers that might be assigned by your
local cable company.
M
N
O
P
Indicator
Cable Channel
Q
1
2
1
2
R
S
3
3
T
U
4
4
5
5
V
6
6
W
7
7
AA or W+1
BB or W+2
CC or W+3
DD or W+4
8
8
9
9
10
11
10
11
17
Indicator
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
Cable Channel
EE or W+5
Indicator
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
Cable Channel
ZZ or W+34
AAA or W+35
BBB or W+36
CCC or W+37
DDD or W+38
EEE or W+39
FFF or W+40
GGG or W+41
HHH or W+42
III or W+43
Indicator
99
Cable Channel
A-1
FF or W+6
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
YYY or W+59
ZZZ or W+60
W+61
GG or W+7
HH or W+8
II or W+9
W+62
JJ or W+10
KK or W+11
LL or W+12
MM or W+13
NN or W+14
OO or W+15
PP or W+16
QQ or W+17
A6 or W+18
A7 or W+19
A8 or W+20
A5 or W+21
A4 or W+22
A3 or W+23
A2 or W+24
A1 or W+25
RR or W+26
SS or W+27
TT or W+28
UU or W+29
VV or W+30
WW or W+31
XX or W+32
YY or W+33
W+63
W+64
W+65
W+66
W+67
JJJ or W+44
KKK or W+45
LLL or W+46
MMM or W+47
NNN or W+48
OOO or W+49
PPP or W+50
QQQ or W+51
RRR or W+52
SSS or W+53
TTT or W+54
UUU or W+55
VVV or W+56
WWW or W+57
XXX or W+58
A-5
W+68
W+69
W+70
W+71
W+72
W+73
w+74
w+75
w+76
w+77
w+78
w+79
w+80
w+81
w+82
w+83
A-4
w+84
A-3
A-2
18
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your RadioShack 181-Channel Remote Control Cable Converter is an example
of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you
care for your converter so you can enjoy it for years.
Keep the converter dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids
might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.
Use and store the converter only in normal temperature environ-
ments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devic-
es, damage batteries, and distort or melt plastic parts.
Keep the converter away from dust and dirt, which can cause prema-
ture wear of parts.
Handle the converter gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage
circuit boards and cases and can cause the converter to work improp-
erly.
Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.
Batteries can leak chemicals that damage your converter’s electronic
parts.
Wipe the converter with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking
new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong deter-
gents to clean the converter.
Modifying or tampering with the converter’s internal components can cause a
malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and void your FCC authorization to
operate it. If your converter is not performing as it should, take it to your local Ra-
dioShack store for assistance.
19
THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW
Your converter might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating
properly. To determine whether your converter is causing the interference, turn off
your converter. If the interference goes away, your converter is causing it. Try to
eliminate the interference by:
• moving your converter away from the receiver
• connecting your converter to an outlet that is on a different electrical circuit from
the receiver
• contacting your local RadioShack store for help
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop using your
converter.
20
SPECIFICATIONS
REMOTE CONTROL
Range .................................................................................. 8m (26 feet)/30° Angle
Power Source ............................................................. Two 1.5 Volt (AAA) Batteries
Dimensions (HWD) ..................................................................... 5/8 × 2 × 67/8 Inches
(16 × 50 × 175 mm)
Weight (with Batteries) ..................................................................................... 3 oz
(81 grams)
CONVERTER
RF
Input Bandwidth ................................................................................... 54–806 MHz
Output Channel .............................................................................................. 3 or 4
Input/Output Impedance ............................................................................ 75 ohms
Noise Figure .......................................................................................... 15 dB Max.
Max. Cross Modulation ............................... –57 dB (70 Ch. In, each at +12 dB µV)
Fine-Tuning Range ........................................................ ±4 MHz in 62.5 kHz Steps
Frequency Stability ................................................................................... ±250 kHz
Output Level ................................................................................ 66 dB µV (typical)
66 dB µV±3 (range)
Video Carrier Center Frequency Accuracy ...................................... ±100 kHz Max.
Sound Carrier Center Frequency Accuracy ........................... 4.5 MHz ±0.007 MHz
P/S Ratio .................................................................................................. 16 ± 3 dB
Local Oscillator Leakage ................................................... –10 dBmV Max. at input
Video and Audio
Video Output .................................................................................................. 1 Vp-p
Video Output Impedance ........................................................................... 75 ohms
Audio Output .................................................................................................. 1 Vp-p
Audio Output Impedance .......................................................................... 600 ohms
Power Consumption .............................................. 16 Watts at 120 Volts AC 60 Hz
Dimensions (HWD) ...................................................................... 2 × 95/8 × 6 Inches
(50 × 246 × 152 mm)
Weight ............................................................................................................ 2.8 lb
(1.27 kg)
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to
change and improvement without notice.
21
NOTES
22
23
Limited Ninety-Day Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workman-
ship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-
owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED
HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES
CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABIL-
ITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RE-
SPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE
OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WAR-
RANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVE-
NIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN AD-
VISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of in-
cidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack
sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, un-
less otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and
labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase
price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the prop-
erty of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of
warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the
expiration of the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse,
accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or
maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs
other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as
fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs
of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
3/97
RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
03A99
Printed in China
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