Sony ICF-SW33 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document describes the Sony ICF-SW33, an MW/SW/FM Stereo PLL Synthesized Receiver.

Function Description:

The ICF-SW33 is a portable radio designed for worldwide band coverage, offering MW (Medium Wave), SW (Short Wave), and FM stereo reception. It utilizes a Quartz controlled PLL (Phase Locked Loop) synthesizer system with a microcomputer for precise tuning. A key feature is its worldtime clock, which allows users to preset up to five local times globally and check the current time in various locations. The radio can store a total of 17 stations as presets. It also includes a standby function, enabling users to preset a desired station to be received at a specific time, with two buttons available for different time settings. For convenience, the radio can automatically turn off after approximately 60 minutes via a sleep timer. FM stereo reception is available through stereo earphones. The tuned frequency is digitally displayed, simplifying station searching.

Important Technical Specifications:

Circuit System:
- SW: Dual conversion superheterodyne
- MW/FM: Single conversion superheterodyne
Frequency Range:
- MW:
  - 531-1710 kHz (9 kHz channel step for countries except Italy and Saudi Arabia)
  - 530-1710 kHz (10 kHz channel step for countries except Italy and Saudi Arabia)
  - 531-1602 kHz (9 kHz channel step for Italy and Saudi Arabia)
  - 530-1610 kHz (10 kHz channel step for Italy and Saudi Arabia)
- SW:
  - 75 m: 3700-4200 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning for countries except Italy and Saudi Arabia)
  - 75 m: 3850-4200 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning for Italy and Saudi Arabia)
  - 60 m: 4650-5150 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
  - 49 m: 5800-6300 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
  - 41 m: 6950-7450 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
  - 31 m: 9375-10000 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
  - 25 m: 11525-12150 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
  - 21 m: 13375-14000 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
  - 19 m: 14975-15600 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
  - 16 m: 17475-18100 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
  - 13 m: 21320-21950 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
  - 11 m: 25475-26100 kHz (1 kHz manual tuning, 5 kHz scan tuning)
- FM:
  - 87.50-108.00 MHz (0.05 MHz channel step for Germany, Austria, Scandinavian countries, Italy and Saudi Arabia)
  - 76.00-108.00 MHz (0.05 MHz channel step for countries except the above)
Intermediate Frequency:
- MW: 450 kHz
- SW: 21.44 MHz (1st), 450 kHz (2nd)
- FM: 10.7 MHz
Power Output: 200 mW (at 10% harmonic distortion)
Power Requirements:
- 4.5 V DC
- Three R6 (size AA) batteries
- DC IN 4.5 V jack accepts Sony AC-E45M AC power adaptor (not supplied) or Sony DCC-E145L car battery cord (not supplied) for use with a 12 V car battery.
Battery Life: Approximately 11 hours of listening for 4 hours a day at a normal volume using Sony SUM-3 (NS) batteries.
Dimensions: Approximately 165.7 x 93 x 30.5 mm (w/h/d), not including projecting parts and controls.
Mass: Approximately 401 g (14.15 oz) including batteries.
Antennas:
- SW/FM: Telescopic antenna
- MW: Built-in ferrite bar antenna (approx. Ø6.6 cm / 2½ inches)
Jacks:
- PHONES jack (stereo minijack)
- REC OUT jack (minijack) - Output level 0.775 mV (-60 dB), Output impedance 1 kilohm
- DC IN 4.5 V (external power input) jack
Accessories Supplied: Carrying case (1), SW compact antenna (1), Short wave guide (1) (English version only).
Accessories Not Supplied: AC power adaptor AC-E45M, Car battery cord DCC-E145L, MW/SW wide range antenna AN-1/AN-102, Connecting cord RK-G69 (miniplug to miniplug, no resistor type).

Usage Features:

Controls: The unit features a telescopic antenna, HOME TIME SET button, BATT(battery)/DST(Daylight Saving Time) button, TUNE (tuning) indicator, KEY PROTECT button, ENTER button, speaker, HOME/WORLD button, METER BAND/TIME ZONE button, STANDBY MEMORY S1 and S2 buttons, FREQ(frequency)/CITY MEMORY PRESET buttons, LIGHT button, ON/OFF button, POWER/LOCK switch, VOL (volume) control, SLEEP button, TONE selector, BAND button, SCAN button, TUNE(tuning)/WORLD TIME +,- buttons, STANDBY/STANDBY TIME SET S1 and S2 buttons, and a display window.
MW Channel Step: The MW channel step is factory-set to either 10 kHz or 9 kHz depending on the region. Users can change this setting via the 9/10 MW CH STEP selector in the battery compartment, following specific instructions.
Clock System: The clock system can be switched between 12-hour and 24-hour display using the 12H/24H button in the battery compartment.
Time Setting: The home time and world time can be set and switched between using the HOME/WORLD button. The manual provides a table of time differences and city names for reference. Daylight Saving Time can be activated or deactivated using the BATT/DST button.
Reception Improvement:
- MW: Rotate the unit horizontally for optimum reception.
- SW: Pull out the telescopic antenna to its full length and set it vertically. For metal or concrete buildings, use the supplied wire antenna. The supplied SW compact antenna (AN-71) can also be used by extending its cord through a window or along a window frame. External wide range antennas (AN-1 or AN-102, not supplied) can also be connected.
- FM: Extend the telescopic antenna and adjust its length, direction, and angle for the best reception.
TONE Selector: Set to NEWS for clearer human voices or MUSIC for music listening.
SENS (sensitivity) DX/LOCAL Selector: Normally set to DX. If scan stops too often or the received station is distorted due to being too strong, set it to LOCAL.
Key Protection: The KEY PROTECT button locks all button functions to prevent accidental changes to the receiving station. The tone and volume can still be adjusted.
Display Illumination: The LIGHT button illuminates the display window for about 20 seconds for use in dimly lit areas.
Manual Tuning: Select the band, and for SW, the meter band, then use the TUNE + or - buttons to adjust the frequency. Frequencies change continuously when the button is pressed.
Scan Tuning: Automatically scans stations within a broadcast band. Press the SCAN button to start scanning; press it again to stop on a desired station.
Preset Tuning: Up to five stations per band can be stored in MEMORY PRESET buttons M1 to M5 (15 total). Two additional stations can be stored in STANDBY MEMORY buttons S1 and S2 for standby operation.
Standby Function: Allows setting a specific time for the radio to turn on to a preset station. The radio will automatically turn off after 120 minutes.
Sleep Function: Turns the radio off automatically after approximately 60 minutes, allowing users to fall asleep while listening. Pressing the SLEEP button again prolongs the listening time by another 60 minutes.
Recording: Radio programs can be recorded by connecting a tape recorder to the REC OUT jack. The volume control setting on the radio does not affect the recording output.

Maintenance Features:

Battery Replacement: When batteries are weak, sound becomes weak or distorted, and the battery indication will flash. Replace three R6 (size AA) batteries, ensuring correct polarity. If batteries are removed for more than 3 minutes, preset stations and clock settings may be cleared.
Cleaning: When the casing becomes soiled, clean it with a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution. Avoid abrasive cleansers or chemical solvents.
Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a checklist to help resolve common issues such as power not turning on, no display, dim display, no sound, weak reception, inability to store stations, unresponsive keys, preset station reception issues, standby function not activating, and inability to change city name or time difference.
General Precautions:
- Operate only on 4.5 V DC.
- Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the wall outlet when not in use for a long period.
- Use within a temperature range of 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) to avoid irregular display.
- Avoid leaving the unit near heat sources, in direct sunlight, or in places with excessive dust, moisture, rain, mechanical vibration, or shock.
- If any solid object or liquid falls into the unit, remove batteries and have it checked by qualified personnel.
- Keep metallic objects, credit cards, tapes, and spring-wound watches away from the speaker due to its strong magnet.
- In case of lightning and using an external antenna, immediately disconnect the AC power adaptor and avoid touching the antenna wire.
- For difficult or noisy reception in vehicles or buildings, try listening near a window.
- Never connect a ground wire to a gas pipe.