Setup Guide
Getting your radio up and running takes like five minutes. Here's how to pair Bluetooth, tune radio stations, and play music from SD cards or USB drives.
First Time Setup
Unbox Your Radio
Remove the radio from packaging. You should have: the radio unit, USB-C charging cable, user manual, and warranty card. If you ordered the Wastelander Bundle, you'll also have a 32GB SD card pre-loaded with vintage tracks.
Charge the Battery
Before first use, charge the radio fully (about 4 hours). Connect the USB-C cable to the charging port on the back of the radio and plug into a USB power adapter (5V/2A recommended). The LED indicator will glow red while charging and turn green when full.
Power On
Once charged, press and hold the power button (on the top or side of the unit) for 2-3 seconds until the LEDs light up. You'll hear a startup sound. The radio is now on!
Bluetooth Pairing
Connect your smartphone, tablet, or computer to stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth V4.1.
Enable Pairing Mode
With the radio powered on, press the Mode button until you reach Bluetooth mode (usually indicated by a flashing blue LED). If it's your first time, the radio may enter pairing mode automatically.
Search on Your Device
On your phone/tablet/computer, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on. Look for "Nuka-Cola Radio" or "NCR-BT" in the list of available devices.
Connect
Tap on "Nuka-Cola Radio" in the device list. The radio will emit a confirmation beep and the LED will turn solid blue. You're now connected! Start playing music from your favorite app.
Reconnecting
The radio will remember your device. Next time you turn it on, it will automatically reconnect if Bluetooth is enabled on your device. To pair a new device, long-press the Bluetooth button (or Mode button in BT mode) to re-enter pairing mode.
Tip: The Bluetooth range is approximately 10 meters (33 feet). For best audio quality, keep your device within this range and avoid walls or large obstacles.
AM/FM/SW FM Radio Tuning
Listen to your favorite local radio stations with the built-in AM/FM/SW FM tuner.
Select Radio Mode
Press the Mode button repeatedly to cycle through modes until you reach FM or AM mode. An indicator light or display will show the current mode.
Extend the Antenna
For best FM reception, fully extend the telescopic antenna. AM uses an internal antenna, but rotating the radio can improve signal strength.
Tune to a Station
Use the tuning dial or seek buttons (◄ / ►) to scan for stations. The radio will auto-seek or you can manually dial to a specific frequency:
- • FM: 87.5 - 108 MHz
- • AM: 522 - 1620 kHz
Adjust Volume
Use the volume knob (rotary dial) to increase or decrease volume. Lower volume extends battery life.
SD Card & USB Playback
Play your own music collection from a microSD card (up to 128GB) or USB flash drive.
Insert SD Card or USB Drive
Locate the SD card slot and USB port (usually on the side or back). Gently insert your microSD card (push until it clicks) or plug in a USB flash drive. The radio will automatically detect the media.
Select Media Mode
Press the Mode button until you reach SD or USB mode. The radio will start playing the first track automatically.
Navigate Tracks
Use the skip buttons (◄◄ / ►►) to jump between tracks. Press Play/Pause to pause or resume playback.
Supported Formats
The radio supports MP3, WAV, and FLAC files. For best compatibility, use MP3 files at 128-320 kbps bitrate. Organize music in folders for easier navigation.
Wastelander Bundle Owners: Your included SD card comes pre-loaded with 100+ vintage-style tracks. Simply insert it and enjoy!
Battery & Charging Tips
- •Battery Capacity: 1200mAh rechargeable battery
- •Charging Time: Approximately 4 hours for a full charge
- •Low Battery Warning: LED will flash red when battery is below 10%
- •Use While Charging: Yes, you can use the radio while it's plugged in
- •Storage: If not using for extended periods, charge to 50-70% and power off
Troubleshooting
Radio Won't Power On
• Ensure battery is charged (plug in and check if charging LED lights up)
• Hold power button for 3-5 seconds
• Try resetting: hold power button for 10 seconds, release, then power on again
Bluetooth Won't Pair
• Make sure radio is in pairing mode (flashing blue LED)
• Forget/unpair from your device's Bluetooth settings and try again
• Move closer to the radio (within 3 feet for initial pairing)
• Turn Bluetooth off/on on your device
Poor AM/FM/SW FM Reception
• Fully extend the telescopic antenna
• Move the radio near a window or away from electronic interference
• Try rotating the radio to find the best signal angle
• AM reception may be weaker in urban areas with lots of interference
SD Card Not Detected
• Ensure card is inserted correctly (push until it clicks)
• Try formatting the card as FAT32 on a computer
• Use a card 128GB or smaller (larger may not be compatible)
• Clean the card contacts gently with a soft cloth
Low or Distorted Sound
• Check volume level on both radio and connected device (if using Bluetooth)
• Ensure battery isn't critically low
• Move away from sources of interference (microwaves, Wi-Fi routers)
• For Bluetooth, try re-pairing your device
Still having issues? Contact our support team at support@nukacolaradio.com or visit our FAQ page.
Need More Help?
Check out these resources for additional information and support.