SONY ICDB16
Owner's Manual

3-264-832-11 (1)

BGetting started

BBasic Operations

Step 1: Installing the Batteries

IC Recorder
Operating Instructions
Owner�s Record The model number is located at the rear and the serial number is located inside the battery compartment. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. ICD-B16/B26 Serial No.

1

Slide and lift the battery compartment lid.

The battery indicator on the display window shows the battery condition.

Replacing the batteries

When flashes, replace the batteries with new ones. When flashes, the batteries are exhausted and the unit will stop operation. Battery life*
With continuous use, approx. 18.5 hours recording/9.5 hours playback in the SP mode and 19.5 hours recording/10 hours playback in the LP mode is possible. * Using Sony alkaline batteries LR03 (size AAA) * When playing back through the internal speaker with VOL control at around 4 The battery life may shorten depending on the operation of the unit. � Do not use manganese batteries for this unit.

You can record up to 99 messages in each of the two folders (A and B). Since a newly recorded message is automatically added behind the last recorded message, you can start recording quickly without searching for the end of the last recording. e.g.
Message 1 Message 2 Newly recorded message Blank space

Recording Messages

Playing Back Messages
Noise may be recorded if an object, such as your finger, etc., accidentally rubs or scratches the unit during recording.

Note on recording

When playing back a previously recorded message, start from Step 1. When playing back a message you have just finished recording, start from Step 3.

1

Select the folder.
Current folder

Note
Before making a long recording, be sure to insert new batteries and check the battery indicator.

Maximum recording time
The maximum recording time of all the folders is as follows. You can record messages for the maximum recording time in a single folder.

Press FOLDER to display the folder you wish to play back.

During playback, press NxPLAY/STOP for more than one second. � � will be displayed and the selected message will be played back repeatedly. To resume normal playback, press NxPLAY/STOP again. To stop playback, press STOP.

Playing back a message repeatedly � Repeat Play

1
Select the folder.
Press FOLDER to display the folder in which you wish to record messages. Current folder

Mode:
ICD-B16 ICD-B26

SP*
5 h. 10 h.

LP**
8h. 15 min. 16 h. 25 min.

Playing the beginning of each message � Scanning Play
During stop mode, press NxPLAY/STOP for more than one second. �SCAN� will be displayed in the display window and the first 5

2
ICD-B16/B26
2004 Sony Corporation Printed in China

Insert two LR03 (size AAA) alkaline batteries with correct polarity, and close the lid.

(monaural sound) ** LP: Long play recording mode (monaural sound)

(h.: hours/min.: minutes) * SP: Standard play recording mode

2

Select the message number.
Selected message number Number of messages in a folder Counter display*

Notes
� To record in better sound quality, select the SP mode. For switching the recording mode, see �Changing

Press � . or >+ to display the desired message number. � .: for smaller message number >+: for larger message number

seconds of each message in the selected folder will be played back. When you find the desired message, press NxPLAY/STOP. The message will be played back until the end.

Notes

2

Start recording.
Remaining memory indicator Microphone sensitivity Recording mode Number of messages in a folder 2 Speak to the built-in microphone.
* The display selected with the DISPLAY button appears.

the Recording Mode� on the reverse side. � Before making a long recording, be

Information
IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE, OR LOSSES OR EXPENSES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT OR THE USE OF ANY PRODUCT.

Troubleshooting
Before taking the unit for repair, check the following sections. Should any problem persist after you have made these checks, consult your nearest Sony dealer. If the battery compartment lid is accidentally detached, attach it as illustrated.

� When you replace the batteries, insert the new ones within 3 minutes after you removed the exhausted ones. Otherwise, the display may show the clock setting display or incorrect date and time when you reinsert the batteries. In this case, set the date and time again. The recorded messages and alarm setting, however, will remain. � When replacing the batteries, be sure to replace both batteries with new ones. � Do not charge dry batteries. � When you are not going to use the unit for a long time, remove the batteries to prevent damage from battery leakage and corrosion.

1 Press zREC/STOP.

OPR indicator (lights in red during recording.)

sure to check the battery indicator. � The maximum recording time and the number of messages you can make varies depending on the conditions of use. � When you record messages in the mixture of SP and LP mode, the maximum recording time will be between those for the SP and LP modes. � Due to the limitation of the IC recording system, this unit records in the minimum recording unit of approx. 9 seconds, therefore the following symptoms may occur: � When a message is shorter than the minimum recording unit, it is still counted as approx. 9 seconds so the remaining recording time will decrease by more than the actual length of the message. � When the message is longer than

Playing back all messages in a folder continuously � Continuous Play
You can select the continuous play mode with the CONT in the menu. When you set CONT to ON, you can play back all messages in a folder continuously.

* The display selected with the DISPLAY button appears (see the reverse side).

Searching forward/ backward during playback (Cue/Review)

The unit does not operate.

For the customers in the U.S.A.
INFORMATION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: � Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. � Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. � Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. � Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

� The batteries have been inserted with incorrect polarity. � The batteries are weak. � The buttons are locked with the HOLD switch. (If you press any button, �HOLD� will flash three times.)

3

Start playback.
EAR jack OPR indicator (lights in green during playback.)

Current message number

Counter display*

No sound comes from the speaker.
� Ear receiver or headphones are plugged in. � The volume is turned down completely.

Clock setting display appears when you insert batteries for the first time, or when you insert batteries after the unit has been without batteries for a certain period of time. Please refer to Steps 2 to 3 in �Step 2: Setting the Clock� to set the date and time.

1 Press NxPLAY/STOP.

You do not need to keep pressing zREC/STOP while recording.

To search forward, keep >+ pressed during playback and release the button at the point you wish to resume playback. To search backward, keep � . pressed during playback and release the button at the point you wish to resume playback.

3
Step 2: Setting the Clock
Clock setting display appears when you insert batteries for the first time, or when you insert battery after the unit has been without battery for a certain period of time. In this case, proceed from step 2.

Stop recording.
The unit stops at the Press zREC/STOP again. beginning of the current recording.

�FULL� is displayed and you cannot start recording.
� The memory is full. Erase some of the messages. � 99 messages has been recorded in the selected folder. Select another folder or erase some of the messages.

NxPLAY/STOP

Noise is heard.
� An object, such as your finger, etc., accidentally rubbed or scratched the unit during recording so that noise was recorded. � The unit was placed near an AC power source, a fluorescent lamp or a mobile phone during recording or playback. � Plug of the connected microphone was dirty when recording. Clean the plug. � Ear receiver/headphones plug is dirty. Clean the plug.

1

Display the clock setting display.
2 Press � . once to display �SET DATE�.

MIC SENS

XPAUSE STOP You can stop recording by pressing STOP instead of zREC/STOP.

the minimum recording unit, the remaining recording time will decrease by more than the actual length of the message if it cannot be divided by the minimum recording unit without a remainder. �The sum of the number on the counter (elapsed recording time) and the remaining recording time may be less than the unit�s maximum recording time.

If you keep >+ or � .pressed for more than 10 seconds, the unit starts to search at higher speed. For the first 10 seconds of cue/

Counter display (or the selected display mode) 2 Turn VOL to adjust the volume. STOP

review, fast playback sound can be heard. When searching at a higher speed, playback sound will not be heard. During cue/review, the counter will be displayed, regardless of the display mode setting. 1 Tip

1 Press MENU to enter the menu mode.

Remaining memory indication

If you do not change the folder after you stop recording, the next time you record you will record in the same folder.

During recording, the remaining memory indicator decreases one by one.
The memory is nearly full.

After playing back one message, the unit stops at the beginning of the next message. When the continuous play function is set to �ON� (see the reverse side), the unit stops after playing all messages in a folder. When the last message on a folder has been played back, the unit stops at the beginning of the last message.

Recording level is low.
� Press MIC SENS to display �HIGH�. 3 Press NxPLAY/STOP. The year digits will flash.
* The �ALARM� display may appear instead of the �MODE� display.

For private listening
Connect an ear receiver or headphones (not supplied) to the EAR jack. The builtin speaker will be automatically disconnected. If you plug in headphones, you will get output from the left channel only. If noise is heard, wipe the headphones plug.

To
pause recording*

Do this
Press XPAUSE. During recording pause, the OPR indicator flashes in red and �PAUSE� flashes in the display window.
Flashing

When fast playback is done to the end of the last message, �END� flashes 3 times. (You cannot hear the playback sound.) If you keep � . pressed while �END� is flashing, the messages are played back rapidly, and normal playback will start at the point you release the button. When �END� stops flashing and the OPR indicator goes off, the unit will stop at the beginning of the last message. If the last message is long and you wish to start playback at a later part of the message, keep >+ pressed to play back the message to the end and then press � . while �END� is flashing to go back to the desired point . (For messages other than the last one, go to the beginning of the next message and play backward to the desired point.)

Recording level is unstable (when recording music, etc.).
� This unit is designed to automatically adjust the recording level when recording meetings, etc., and is not suitable for music recording.

When the remaining time of recording reaches 5 minutes, the last one of the indication flashes. When the remaining time of recording reaches 1 minute, the selected display mode and �REMAIN� will flash one after the other in the display window. When the memory is full, recording automatically stops and �FULL� will flash in the display window with an alarm sound. To continue recording, first erase some of the messages. Notes
� If you press zREC/STOP when the memory is full, �FULL� will flash with an alarm sound. Erase some of the messages before you start recording again. � If you press zREC/STOP after you have recorded 99 messages, �FULL� will flash with an alarm sound.

Other operations To
stop at the beginning of the current message stop at the current position (Playback Pause function)* go back to the beginning of the current message skip to the next message go back to previous messages/skip to succeeding messages

On power � Operate the unit only on 3 V DC. Use two LR03 (size AAA) alkaline batteries. On safety � Do not operate the unit while driving, cycling or operating any motorized vehicle. On handling � Do not leave the unit in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical shock. � Should any solid object or liquid fall into the unit, remove the batteries and have the unit checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further. On noise � Noise may be heard when the unit is placed near an AC power source, a fluorescent lamp or a mobile phone during recording or playback. � Noise may be recorded when an object, such as your finger, etc., rubs or scratches the unit during recording. On maintenance � To clean the exterior, use a soft cloth slightly moistened in water. Do not use alcohol, benzine or thinner. Keep personal credit cards using magnetic coding or springwound watches, etc., away from the unit to prevent possible damage from the magnet used in the speaker. If you have any questions or problems concerning your unit, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Precautions

�--Y--M--D� or �--:--� is displayed.
� You have not set the clock.

Do this
Press STOP. Press NxPLAY/STOP. To resume playback from that point, press NxPLAY/STOP again. Press � . once.

2

�--Y--M--D� or �--:--� is displayed on the recorded date or recorded time display.
� The date and time of recording will not be displayed if you recorded the message when the clock was not set.

Set the date.
2 Press NxPLAY/STOP. The month digits will flash. the digits of the year.

release pause and resume recording

Press XPAUSE or zREC/STOP. Recording resumes from that point. (To stop recording after pausing recording, press STOP.) Press zREC/STOP or STOP to stop recording, then press NxPLAY/STOP. Press NxPLAY/STOP during recording. You can select the microphone sensitivity to display the following by pressing MIC SENS. HIGH: To record at meeting or in a quiet and/or spacious place. LOW: To record for dictation or in a noisy place.

1 Press � . or >+ to select

listen to the current recording review the current recording instantly select the microphone sensitivity

You cannot divide a message.
� You cannot divide a message in a folder which has 99 messages. � If you divide messages frequently, the unit may become unable to divide a message. � You cannot divide a message in the first or the last 1 second of a message.

Press >+ once. Press � . or >+ repeatedly. (During stop mode, keep the button pressed to skip the messages continuously.)

3 Set the month and day in sequence, then press NxPLAY/STOP. The hour digits will flash. 1 Tip
To set the date to Year 2004, display �04Y�.

You cannot combine a message.
� If you combine messages frequently, the unit may become unable to combine messages.

* About one hour after you pause recording, recording pause is automatically released and the unit goes into the stop mode.

* You can also pause playback by pressing XPAUSE instead of NxPLAY/STOP. The OPR indicator will flash in green. After about one hour, the unit goes into the stop mode at the current position.

You cannot record messages up to the maximum recording time.
� If you record messages in a mixture of SP and LP modes, the recordable time varies from the maximum SP mode recording time to the maximum LP mode recording time. � No more recording can be made when 99 messages each have been recorded in both A and B folders. � Due to the limitation of the IC recording system, this unit records in the minimum recording unit of approx. 9 seconds. If the length of each message cannot be divided by the minimum recording unit, the remaining recording time may decrease by more than the total length of the messages.

3
Set the time.
1 Press � . or >+ to select the digits of the hour. 3 Set the minute.

Starting recording

Select another folder or erase some of the messages.

automatically in response to the sound � Advanced VOR function (ICD-B26 only)
When VOR (voice operated recording) is set to ON in the menu, recording starts when the recorder detects sound. (�VOR� is displayed in the display window.) Recording stops when no sound is heard. (�VOR PAUSE� flashes in the display window.) Note
VOR function is affected by the sound around you. Set the MIC SENS to HIGH or LOW. If recording is not satisfactory after you have changed the microphone sensitivity, or for important recording, set VOR to OFF.

The unit does not operate correctly.
� Take out the battery and insert it again. 2 Press NxPLAY/STOP. The minute digits will flash.

Backup recommendations
To avoid potential risk of data loss caused by accidental operation or malfunction of the IC recorder, we recommend that you save a backup copy of your recorded messages on a tape recorder, etc. Please note that recorded messages may be erased during service or repair work.

4 Press NxPLAY/STOP at the time signal. The display will return to �SET DATE�.

5 Press MENU to exit from the menu mode.

1 Tip
This unit does not have a power on/off switch. The display is shown at all times.