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volume level differently for an auxiliary device than the level normally used for radio
listening. Keep the rubber plug inserted when this input is not in use.
5. BATTERY COMPARTMENT: Stores the Nickel-Metal-Hydride battery pack. Do not
load any other type of batteries in the compartment. See “Replacing the battery pack.”
Note: We suggest keeping the rubber covers in place over the rear jacks to protect them
when not in use.
About the battery pack:
The PAL uses a sealed pack of 6 high capacity Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells. Unlike
Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries, NiMH batteries have no memory effect, provide a longer
operating time, and do not use toxic metals. The front panel green LED serves both as a
power indicator and battery power and charge status indicator thanks to the PAL’s innovative
Power Management System.
Fast Charge Mode:
With the PAL turned Off but plugged in, from full discharge, the batteries will be completely
charged within approximately 3.5 hours. During this period, the green LED will blink with
a long off/short on cycle. The LED will turn off when the batteries are fully charged. Once
the PAL has been fully charged using the Fast Charge Mode, do not unplug it and then
immediately plug it back in again, as this will restart the Fast Charge Mode even though
the batteries are fully charged. Doing this repeatedly will damage the batteries. See also
“Before You Begin”.
Trickle Charge Mode:
With the PAL On and plugged in, the batteries will be completely charged in approximately
24 hours. During this period, the LED will remain On continuously.
Low Battery:
With the PAL turned On but not plugged in, as the batteries become discharged, the Power
Management System will cause the green power indicator LED to blink with a short off/
long on cycle, indicating the batteries are in need of being recharged. The blinking will grow
faster as the batteries get closer to discharge until the PAL shuts itself off to protect the
batteries. The remaining playback time from the moment the blinking begins until the PAL
shuts off is estimated between 20 minutes and several hours. It is difficult to be more precise
due to many factors including how long and how loud the radio is played, and the remaining
charge left in the batteries. For instance, the PAL will likely play longer off of the batteries at
a low volume than at higher volume levels. As you use your PAL, you will develop a better
idea of how much playback time you have before recharging is necessary.
If the PAL is turned on to FM or AM and the power indicator is off, then the batteries require
recharging. However, it is normal for the radio to play for a brief period if turned on after the
LED has gone out.
If the PAL is to be used away from an AC or other power source for an extended period of
time, it is wise to “top-off” the charge before use, especially if the LED is blinking.
To do this, follow the procedure described under “Fast Charge Mode”.
Note that the power indicator LED will blink with a different cycle during Fast Charge Mode
while the batteries are charging. Because the PAL’s NiMH batteries have no memory, it
is not necessary to wait until the batteries are exhausted before recharging, although
recharging from complete discharge will also do no harm.
