Sony CD Receiver - how to change tuner from US -> SA frequencies

[tnarg.retrac]

Hi

So I got myself a Sony CD receiver for my car but it is configured for the US channel spacing i.e. AM is 10kHz (not 9kHz as in SA), and FM is in 200kHz increments (not 50kHz) as in SA.

Does anyone know if this is configurable? Manual makes no mention. I am hoping for a service menu / press these 3 buttons as I find it hard to believe that in the age of digital tuners this would require a soldering iron to fix :-)

Thanks

[Fudzy]

No RDS? What is the model number?

[tnarg.retrac]

It does have RDS, however the underlying tuner is programmed to look at specific channels with a 200kHz spacing, not the 50kHz spacing we have here. The result is that certain stations are "missing" as the tuner cannot tune to them. Most of the other head units I have seen allow one to set whether you want USA or European channel spacing.

The model is MEX-BT3900U.

[rodga]

where did u buy it from?
grey import?

[tnarg.retrac]

Yes it is.

[werner]

http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/4199772711.pdf

page 30, set REGIONAL OFF

give it a try...

[tnarg.retrac]

Thanks for the suggestion but that doesn't solve the issue. :-(

[rodga]

I think you might be stuck with it

[V_Tech]

Many moons ago, back in 2000, when Kenwood released the first mp3 head unit Z919 , i had the same problem. I emailed them directly, and they were very helpful. Have you tried mailing them? I paid 780.00 USD for it + R1500 import duty.
This was their response:

Thank you for writing to us at Kenwood USA Corporation. We hope you enjoy
our web site and are able to find everything you need.

In regards to your inquiry, to switch to European Tuning you will need to
follow the steps listed below:

1. Turn the unit off. (Display must be completely blank.)
2. Press and hold presets #1 and #5 and the source button until the unit
comes on.

[V_Tech]

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SubyDnK...ures_and_specs

Tuner
FM Sensitivity 10 dBf
European Tuning No
Seek/Scan Seek
Radio Data System Yes

[tnarg.retrac]

Thanks everyone.
I contacted Sony and they confirmed that there is no option to change the frequency spacing. Crutchfields was right!
Thanks again.