This is a component of the Technics 808 stereo audio system, it's only function is to allow for remote control (Infra-red) of the other system components:
* RS-M45 (Single cassette deck)
* ST-K808 (FM/AM Tuner & System audio preamplifier)
* SL-Q33 (Turntable)
I do have the first two components listed above BUT the SL-Q33 has already found a new home.
This component beautifully matches the other components to make a very slim, modern looking Technics system
Although all of these Technics components work well together, each can be run separately on "other" systems, Technics or otherwise.
The SH-R808 (remote controller) does NOT control the SE-A808 power amplifier, there is no need because all control of the power amplifier takes place at the preamplifier (ST-K808)
THERE ARE NO ISSUES WITH THIS COMPONENT but I have spent quite some time investigating this remote control system, it is both interesting and designed a little strangely as well so it is very important to read my notes below ...
Technics Remote Control System
Model: SH-R808
Includes the ORIGINAL Technics IR handheld remote controller (Technics calls this the transmitter)
Multi-voltage AC input capable, 100 - 110 - 220 & 240V AC
Currently set to 240V
Minimal front panel controls: On, Volume Up & Down buttons
Remote operating range: 7 metres
SUPPLIED ITEMS:
Technics SH-R808 component (as described here and pictured)
Technics SH-R808 remote controller (transmitter)
NOTE: No batteries will be supplied due to restrictions by Australia Post on the transport of equipment containing batteries. Uses 2x AA Alkaline batteries (very commonly available)
2x Control signal patch cables for other equipment
NOTE: Like the other Technics system components I am offering, this equipment uses a 2 pin parallel plug. I am not offering an adaptor with this unit because I just plugged this into the rear of the preamplifier unit so that the two units are under the same power control. If for some reason you DO need an adaptor (2 pin to 3 pin but unearthed) then I can most likely find another for you and supply that - just ask.
FUNCTIONS:
Rear panel has 3x 8 pin DIN sockets, one each for the SL-Q33 Turntable, ST-K808 AM-FM Tuner & Preamplifier and the RS-M45 Cassette Deck.
Each of these are connected using one of the control cables to the component under IR control.
The rear panel also has one set of audio inputs and outputs (RCA connectors) and these are only for the audio level control between the ST-K808 and the SE-A808 Power Amplifier.
AUDIO SYSTEM specifications of this remote controller:
Volume Control Range: 0 dB to -60 dB (2 dB steps) - in 32 steps
There is more to this remote control equipment than meets the eye, please read about my observations of this equipment below!
It is like this ...
The SH-R808 Remote controller has two separate sections, one is to provide control signals to the other system components and the other section ONLY controls the system audio.
AUDIO
The audio signal section of this component operates separately to the control system and the input/output for both audio channels is accessible via standard RCA sockets at the rear. ANY external equipment audio level can be controlled by this system.
Now this means that this remote control unit is sitting between the preamplifier output and the power amplifier input, so the audio specifications of this section are EXTREMELY important - it is no good if your source signal is of very high quality and the power amplifier similar but you insert something between them that might degrade the audio signal paths.
You can use this remote control system with ANY audio source (two channel) by having this remote control system sitting between the two pieces of equipment that you wish to remotely control the audio level of.
CONTROL
There is NO audio at the control outputs, only control signals (see my photograph of the control signal output schematics, you can see these are pretty straightforward open collector outputs which are used to control the other system components. Think of those outputs as electronic switches, basic on-off control of various facilities in the external equipment.
This means that this controller is NOT limited to use with the other system components or even Technics equipment, although some external interfacing will be required - it could even be as simple as those outputs driving relays to switch external equipment functions.
These control signals are hard-wired to each piece of external equipment via a 100cm 8 pin DIN male to DIN male lead (2x leads will be supplied)
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:
No obvious modifications/repairs were observed inside, all is very original.
Nice wide front panel window but ONLY the left hand side is used, two LED's light up - transmitter receive & Mute. Seems like such a waste of a display window but there is nothing else behind that window.
The strange "designer logic" that was used in the ST-K808 preamplifier (see my notes about this in the ST-K808 advertisement) is also present here.
Using this remote control unit, the user has 3, yes 3, volume controls to contend with!
The volume control on the preamplifier could be considered the master volume. Whatever the audio level has been set at the preamplifier will be the system maximum level and that level cannot be exceeded by the volume control adjustments on this remote control unit.
This remote control system has 2 separate volume controls, one on the remote and the other is adjusted manually by using two buttons on the front panel. These two options on the remote controller are interactive (up on the remote transmitter can be counter-acted by the manual control on the front panel) I have no idea why the component designer thought there was a need for a physical volume adjustment (the user can already use the preamplifier volume control).
HANDHELD REMOTE CONTROL (TRANSMITTER) FUNCTIONS:
ST-K808 preamplifier
You can select AM/FM on the tuner and select ONLY PRE-PROGRAMMED stations but NOT scan up or down - there is no button for scanning.
SL-Q33 Turntable
Start Stop control and cueing ONLY
RS-M45 Cassette Tape Deck
Full tape transport control but not EJECT
There is NO facility to select the AUX input on the preamplifier - we used this input on the preamplifier for the CD player but to select this input on the preamplifer must be done manually from the front panel.
Take a look at the photograph of the handheld remote and this may explain these limitations more clearly.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Case is clean and unscratched, some light spots/marks to the top surface but these are not terrible by any means.
Front panel labelling is undamaged, all lettering remains intact and not "partially rubbed off"
Rear panel sockets, controls are all clean - uses standard RCA inputs/outputs (nickel plated) & 3x DIN 8 pin female sockets for the control leads.
The AC input voltage switch is on the rear panel and is set for 240V currently
Remote control has some superficial marks, nothing serious and all buttons function correctly.
TESTING:
I have had this Technics remote controller system under intense study, in particular I did some "testing" of the ability to control other equipment but back to the intended purpose of this component.
Very nice handheld remote, very sensitive soft touch buttons.
Range of control is at least 7 metres, I walked a LONG way (at least 10m) from the unit and it still responded fine.
Remote control system responds to the transmitter without any problems and I was able to access and check the facilities (limited as they are - see my observations above) on the transmitter with both the cassette tape equipment and the preamplifier.
We also previously used this remote system with the SL-Q33 turntable but as I have sold that turntable already, I cannot test it now but I have no doubts about this function also working.
Volume control was smooth and worked well both from the handheld remote or the system front panel
SUMMARY:
This unit and the handheld remote control transmitter work very well, albiet within the quirky limitations placed upon it by the designer.
