Skip to content
MiniDisc CentralSearch

Guide

Sharp MD-S50H / MD-S50X

Historical source · MiniDisc.org archive

Task
learn
Direction
Not independently classified; check the source guide
Technical review
Not yet reviewed

Requirements: Check the original guide for model, tools, software and skill requirements before following its steps.

Limitations: Applicability and current software support have not been independently verified. Preserve and follow the original warnings.

Preserved historical reference

Original source · Original dates and notices remain in the article. Historical advice may no longer apply.

Sharp MD-S50H / MD-S50X

Operation Manual

Accessories

  • 1x Headphones
  • 1x Remote Control
  • 1x Rechargeable lithium-ion Battery (AD-S50BTX)
  • 1x AC adaptor (according to the country)
  • 1x Carrying Bag

Precautions

Storing the unit

Avoid using or the unit in the following places.
  • Places exposed to direct sunlight for many hours (especially in cars) or near heaters.
  • Place exposed to water.
  • Place exposed to excessive dust.
  • Place where temperatures are excessively high or low.
  • Use the unit within a temperature range of 5�C-35�C (41�F-95�F)
  • Places (bathrooms) where the humidity is extremely high.
  • Places with strong magnetic fields such as near TVs and Loudspeakers
  • Places exposed to vibration.
  • Anywhere sand can easily enter the unit.
  • If the unit is used near radio tuners or TVs, noise and/or picture interference may result. If you experience these problems, move the unit away from such devices.

Power Source

AC power

  1. Connect the AC adaptor lead to the DC IN 5V socket on the main unit.
  2. Connect the AC adaptor to an AC socket.
Notes:
  • When there is thunder or lightning in your vicinity, unplug the AC adaptor from the AC socket.
  • When the unit is not in use for extended periods, remove the AC adaptor from the AC socket.
  • The AC adaptor may become slightly warm. This is normal.
  • Do not use an AC adaptor other than the one specified.
  • Do not bend, twist or tie the power lead or put heavy objects on the top of it.
  • The main unit may become slightly warm whilst in use. this is normal.

Rechargeable battery power

Be sure to fully charge the rechargeable battery when using it for the first time or after a long period of storage.
  1. Open the battery compartment cover.
  2. Insert the rechargeable battery, and replace the battery compartment cover.
    *Insert the side with the arrow first.
  3. Plug the AC adaptor into an AC socket, and than insert the plug on the AC adaptor lead into the DC IN 5V socket.
  4. Press the start button, and then press the stop button to turn off power.
    • After about 7 seconds the POWER indicator will flash, and the battery will begin to charge.
    • It is not necessary to perform step 4 above if the battery being recharged is low on capacity. Once the AC adaptor is connected, the battery will begin charging within several seconds to 2 minutes.
    • Battery charging will be complete in 2.5 hours. When battery charging begins, the POWER indicator will flash. When charging is complete, it will go out.
Notes:
  • After charging has been completed, the AC adaptor may be left connected.
  • The battery will not be charged while the main unit is operating.
  • If the AC adaptor is removed from the main unit or from the AC socket whilst charging, the POWER indicator will flash for about minute.

Rechargeable battery operating time

After the battery has been fully charged, it can be used continuously for approximately 4 hours. Whilst the unit is being operated, the battery indicator will appear on the remote control. As the battery charge is reduced with use the bars in the battery indicator will go out one by one.
  • When the battery is almost completely exhausted, the battery indicator itself will flash.
  • When the battery completely is exhausted, ``Lo BATT'' will appear in the display. The power will be disconnected automatically. Recharge the battery.

Service life of the rechargeable battery

  • A rechargeable lithium-ion battery is the only kind that can be used. Even if the battery supplied with the unit is not used, you should charge it at least once every three months because of the special quality of this battery.
  • Do not use any battery other than that specified. Use of other batteries may cause malfunction.
  • The rechargeable battery can be charged approximately 300 times
  • When the operating time is reduced to half the normal amount of time even after a full charge is performed, replace the battery with a new one.
  • When charging or when using the rechargeable battery, use it within an ambient temperature range of 5�C to 36�C.

Loading a MiniDisc

  1. Move the Disc Open knob in the direction of the arrow.
    *The disc holder will open slightly.
  2. Open the disc holder gently until it stops.
  3. If the disc holder is not fully opened, the MiniDisc may not load properly.
  4. Load the MiniDisc in the direction of the arrow indicated on the MiniDisc with the label side facing up. (Pushing on the centre part of the MiniDisc.)
  5. Close the disc holder
    • Press the centre of the disc holder to secure it.
    • The power will turn on automatically . after the disc information has been read, the unit will stop. If no action is taken after about 30 sec. the power will turn off.

MiniDisc operation

MiniDisc playback

  1. Connect the headphones firmly to the headphones socket on the remote control unit.
  2. Connect the remote control unit firmly to the headphones socket on the main unit
  3. Press the PLAY button
    1. The Power indicator will light up and `HELLO!' will appear in the display.
    2. The PLAY indicator and the track number will be displayed, and playback will begin, starting from the first track.
      *When a MiniDisc which contains character information is played back, the name of the track is being played back will also be displayed.
    3. The name of the track being played back is displayed in scroll fashion (the characters will move towards the left.
      *After the last track has finished playback, the disc will automatically stop.
To stop playback:
  • Press the STOP button.
  • The number of tracks, the name of the disc, and than the total playing time will be displayed
To interrupt playback
  • Press the PLAY button on the remote control during playback
    *To resume playback, press the PLAY button again.
To turn off the power:
  • Press the STOP button whilst in the stop mode
    *After `BYE!' has appeared for approximately 1 sec., the entire display will go blank
Notes:
  • When playback resumes after being halted, or the power has been turned off it will start at the point on the disc where playback has halted. However, if the MiniDisc is removed and reinsert before playback resumes, playback will start from the first track. If the unit is not operated for at least 2 minutes, the power will turn off automatically.
  • Since the main unit and the AC adaptor heat up during use you should avoid allowing the unit to be in direct contact with your skin for any length of time.

Volume

Press the VOLUME/+ button to increase the volume and the VOLUME/- button to decrease the volume
  • The volume level can be adjusted from 0 to 20.
  • Whenever the volume is adjusted, the new setting will be stored even after the power is turned off.

Tone

Each time the BASS button is pressed the tone will switch as follows:
  1. BASS 1 : Bass is emphasised a little
  2. BASS 2 : Bass is emphasised more
  3. BASS 3 : Bass is emphasised still more
  4. BASS 4 : Bass emphasis is cancelled.
Notes:
  • If the volume is too high whilst the bass is turned high, the sound may distorted, depending on the music on the track. If this happens, lower either the bass level or the volume level.
  • If the volume is increased to `15� or higher, the bass level adjusts automatically
  • Any settings which have been changed will be stored even after the power is turned off.

APSS (Auto Program Search System)

APSS automatically locates the beginning of any track.

To move to the beginning of the next track: Press the FAST FORWARD button during playback.

To re-start the track being played: Press the FAST REVERSE button during playback.
* The PLAY indicator will flash, and the track number chosen will be displayed

To skip a number of tracks press the FAST FORWARD or the FAST REVERSE button repeatedly until the desired track is shown.

Cue and review

  1. Load a MD and begin playback.
  2. Press and hold the FAST FORWARD button down for audible fast forward, and press the FAST REVERSE button down for audible fast reverse.
  3. Playback will resume when the FAST FORWARD or FAST REVERSE button is released
Notes:
  • When the end of the last track is reached during fast forward, the unit will enter the playback mode. When the unit is in all track repeat mode, the search will wrap around from the last track to the first, or vice versa.
  • Depending on the contents recorded on a MD some sounds will be skipped whilst cueing and reviewing
  • During repeat play, fast forward from the last track to the first track or fast reverse from the first track to the last track is possible
To search very quickly:

When fast forward or fast reverse is used whilst in the pause mode, the search will be performed more quickly than audible fast forward or fast reverse.

  • In this mode, no sound is heard. Therefore, you should refer to the time display.
  • When you lift your finger, the unit will reenter to pause mode.

Repeat play

During playback or whilst in the stop mode, press the PLAY MODE button repeatedly to select the playback mode.
  • RANDOM : Random play
  • Repeat symbol : Repeat play of all of the tracks
  • No display : Normal playback
    *If the playback mode is selected whilst stopped, press the PLAY button to resume playback.
    *`repeat symbol' will be displayed
To cancel repeat play: Press the PLAY MODE button to turn off.

Random play

Same as # Repeat play.

Additional:

  • After the track being played to has finished playing back, all of the tracks will be played back once, in random order, and then the unit will automatically stop the disc.
Notes:
  • During random play, cue and review of the previous or next tracks are not possible
  • If the FAST REVERSE button is pressed, the previous track will not be played back

Hold function

To avoid pressing buttons accidentally, use the hold function.
  1. Place the HOLD switch in the safety position.
  2. When the unit is in safety mode, pressing the buttons will have no affect. To operate the unit, place the HOLD switch in off position.
    *To resume operation, return the HOLD to its original position.

Button operation confirmation

Every time a button is pressed, a `beep' will be heard in the headphones. To eliminate the `beep' sound proceed as follows: Hold down the BASS button until `beep' is displayed (at least 2 seconds)
  • A `beep, beep' will be heard, after which the confirming `beeps� will be eliminated.
To restore the button operation confirmation feature: Hold down the BASS button until `BEEP 0' is displayed (at least 2 seconds).
  • A `beep' will sound, and button operations will be confirmed with a `beep'
Note:
  • The confirmation sound setting is kept stored in memory, even after the power has been turned off.

Checking Minidisc names and track names

To check disk names

Whilst in the stop mode, press the DISPLAY button

Notes:

  • When the DISPLAY button is pressed quickly and repeatedly, the total number of tracks and the total playing time will be shown alternately.
  • When the DISPLAY button is pressed whilst the total number of tracks is being displayed, the total playing time will be shown.

To check the name of the track being played back

Press the DISPLAY button during playback.
  • Each time this button is pressed, the display will change as shown.
To check individual track names one by one: Press the FAST FORWARD or the FAST REVERSE button in the stop mode. Each time the button is pressed the previous or next track will be displayed

To listen to a disc using an external amplifier

By using a RCA lead with a 3.5 mm (1/8") diameter plug, you can listen to a disc using a amplifier and speakers of another stereo system.
  • The volume or tone adjustment on the MD-S50 is output to the external equipment connected.
Notes:
  • Before connecting any other equipment turn off the power to all units.
  • Connect the plugs securely. Improper connection may cause noise or malfunction.
  • Before listening to a disc, reduce the volume on external equipment. Too high sound output can damage speakers.

Shock Resistant Memory

During playback, up to 10 sec. of information is stored in the semiconductor memory. Therefore, even when the pickup cannot read information for a second or two due to an external shock, the sound continues without interruption because the information stored in memory is output.
  • When the unit is used with the AC adaptor, approximately 10 seconds of sound information will be always stored. When used with any kind of battery, between 5 and 10 sec. of sound information will be stored.
To ensure that approximately 10 sec of information is always stored during battery operation hold the PLAY MODE button (for at least 2 sec.) whilst in the stop mode to make `PS off' appear.
  • Please note that the continuous playing time from batteries will be reduced by about 20% in this mode.
To return to the original storage condition , hold down the PLAY MODE button (for at least 2 sec.) to make `auto PS' appear.

Troubleshooting

Moisture condensation

In the following cases, condensation may form inside the unit.
  • Shortly after room heating has been turned on.
  • When the unit is placed in a room where there is excessive steam or moisture.
  • When the unit is moved suddenly from a cool place to a warm place.
When the unit condensation inside the disc signals cannot be read, and product may not function properly.
  • If this happens, remove the disc and leave the disc holder open. The condensation should evaporate in approximately 1 hour or less. The unit will then function properly.

If trouble occurs

If the unit should emit strange sounds, smells or smoke, or if an object is dropped into the unit, remove the AC adaptor from the AC socket and contact an authorised Sharp centre.

Note:
When this product is subjected to strong external interference (mechanical shock, excessive static electricity, abnormal supply voltage due to lightning, etc.) or if it is operated incorrectly it may malfunction. If such trouble occurs proceed as follows:

  1. Unplug the AC adaptor from the Ac socket.
  2. Remove the rechargeable battery.
  3. Leave the unit completely unpowered for approximately 30 sec.
  4. Insert the rechargeable battery.
  5. Reconnect the AC adaptor to the AC socket and try operation again.
Many potential `problems' can be resolved by the owner without calling a service technician. If something seems to be wrong with the product, check the following points before calling your authorised Sharp dealer or service centre.

ProblemCause
The unit does not turn on.
  • The AC adaptor is disconnected.
  • The rechargeable battery is exhausted.
  • The unit is in safety mode.
  • The disc holder is not closed
The rechargeable battery does not charge
  • It takes a maximum of 2 minutes whilst the unit checks the condition of the rechargeable battery and actually starts recharging.
  • After charging a rechargeable battery which has not been used very often, insert it into the unit, playing a disc (for several seconds), and then turn off the power to the main unit.
The unit will not function even when operation buttons are pressed.
  • The unit is in the safety mode.
  • The remote control unit plug or headphone plug is not inserted firmly.
  • The rechargeable battery is exhausted.
  • The disc holder isn't closed securely.
No sounds can be heard from the headphones
  • The volume is set to low.
  • The remote unit or headphones are not plugged.
Playback is interrupted
  • The rechargeable battery is exhausted.
  • The unit is receiving excessive vibration.

When an error message is displayed, proceed as follows:

Display Meaning Remedy
No DISC No disc is loaded. Load a disc.
E-DISC The disc is damaged or the music information is not written properly on the disc
Blank Nothing is recorded. Replace the disc with a recorded one.
[00] Music is not being recorded. Replace the disc with a recorded one.
?DISC The data contains an error. Replace the disc.
E-TOC The disc is badly damaged. Replace the disc.
E-UTOC The disc is badly damaged. Replace the disc.
OPEN The disc holder has been opened during playback. Close the disc holder.
E-TEMP The temperature is too high. Turn off the power and wait for a while.
Lo BATT The rechargeable battery has run down. Charge the rechargeable battery.
HOLD The HOLD switch is in safely position. Return the HOLD switch to its original position.
POWER? Incorrect power source is being used. Use a specified power source.
E-SYS The unit has judged itself to be out of order. For repairs, contact the distributor from whom the unit was purchased.

Specifications

General

Power source:
  • DC 3.6V (rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • DC 5V (AC adaptor)
  • AC 110 to 240V, 50/60Hz
Power consumption: 0,15A (AC adaptor) 4W
Output power: 20mW (10mW+10mW) (0.2% T.H.D.)
Rechargeable battery performance:
(Fully charged)
Approx. 4 hours (continuous play)
Output level
Type Specified output Max. output level Load Impedance
Headphones - 10mW+10mW 16 ohms
Line 425mV(-12db) - 50 k ohms
Dimensions: Width: 74mm (2-15/16")
Height: 106mm (4-3/16")
Depth: 17.9mm (23/32")
Weight: 150g (0.33lbs) with rechargeable battery
Output socket: Headphones

MiniDisc Player

Type: Portable MiniDisc Player
Signal readout: Non-contact, semi-conductor laser pick-up
Audio channels: 2
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz +3dB
Rotation speed: Approximately 400 to 900rpm
Error correction: ACIRC
Coding: ATRAC
D/A converter: 1-bit
Sampling frequency: 44,1kHz
Modulation system: EFM
Wow and flutter: Unmeasurable

Headphones

Type: Inner-ear dynamic
Impedance: 16ohms

Return to the MiniDisc Community Page.