There are four options when tuning your selected radio station. With direct tuning, you input the desired frequency digits. Manual tuning allows you to change the frequency step by step. If you are unsure of what station you want, use the scan tuning option to have the radio stop at all hearable receptions. Finally, with preset tuning, you can recall a preset station with a single button press. You can store up to a hundred preset stations using Sony's My-memory tuning feature. To help you remember which station is which, this Sony radio allows you to label each station with up to six alphanumeric letters. There is also a ten-key direct access tuning function, letting you quickly access your top ten favorite stations.
If you plan on traveling with a radio, the ICF-SW7600GR is a good choice. Beyond the ability to tune into various radio bands, the ICF-SW7600GR also features a world clock feature. Simply select a city name and the radio will display that city's current time. With the dual clock function, it is easy to keep track of two time zones. The radio also has a useful turn-on and sleep timer. Choose two individual times and frequencies and the radio will turn on and tune to the selected station automatically. If you plan on listening to the radio as you fall asleep, use the sleep timer and the radio will turn off after approximately sixty minutes.
There are two options to power the radio. Either four AA batteries or purchase an optional AC adaptor.
com. The antenna takes less than one minute to replace.
Sound quality is pretty good - great for news/talk, somewhat less so for music on FM. But even this can easily and inexpensively be corrected by means of a cable available from your local Radio Shack that will connect the radio, via its line output jack, to your stereo system.
This receiver can be powered by four 'AA' batteries - either by standard alkalines or, better and far more economically, by rechargeable 'NiMH' types. The radio is very efficient with batteries; a set lasts a very long time and, of course, rechargeable ones can be recharged over and over again.
The radio has over 100 memories (100 "regular" memories, 2 more memories for the alarm clock function, and one each for the bottom of each shortwave frequency band). These memories do NOT disappear when changing or even removing the batteries. They are totally non-volatile and will remain essentially "forever," until you manually change or delete them. Even the clock remains for several minutes while changing the batteries. If, however, you remove the batteries for a long time, then you will have to reset the clock. This is very easy to do and is the only thing necessary to reset. There are, in fact, two clocks, one of which can be set to your local time, and the other which can be set to any time zone you desire; I have mine set to UTC [GMT]. (When you set the local time, the other time zone is automatically set as well so you only have to set the clock once.)
Sony no longer offers a suitable AC Adapter for this radio. However, Radio Shack does. And the Radio Shack AC Adapter (Cat. # 273-025; the appropriate Adapt-A-Plug [free with purchase of the adapter] is Cat. # 273-1705) is not only better than Sony's original, it is smaller and lighter in weight, and less expensive, costing only $12.99. This adapter and plug can be bought at any local Radio Shack store as well as online if you wish. (It is too bad that Amazon does not sell this adapter!)
All in all, this radio, especially at Amazon's current price, just cannot be beaten in terms of value for money.
It is, in my opinion, the best value in a shortwave receiver currently on the market and, in a world full of often ephemeral electronic "gizmos," one of the few genuine electronic bargains.
Sony ICFSW7600GR World receiver.......2007-12-07
Best world receiver on the market. Had the previous model since 1987, still working perfectly. Just wanted to have another one.
Recommended to everyone.
I love this radio!!.......2007-11-12
I live in Florida and was looking for a small AA powered radio to have on hand during hurricanes. I bought a $50 Grundig but wasn't happy with it. After reading many SW/DX review sites I bought this radio.
So far I've found that all the positive statements about this radio seem to be true. The second night I had it I tuned in Radio Netherlands, Radio Japan, Radio Cairo, Voice of Vietnam, and Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I was blown away. I'm new to shortwave so maybe this is no big deal to most, but for $150 I'm getting alot of entertainment from this little radio. I thought it would sit in a box until the next Hurricane Charlie, but I'm using it every day.
Sound from the little speaker sounds like, well .... sound from a little speaker. I didn't expect anything different. It's fine for talk radio, NPR, etc. I bought a $15 pair of earbuds for stereo listening and I'm very pleased with the sound. The built in world clock is pretty cool.
As for lack of an AC adaptor, it doesn't really bother me. As I understand, the Sony adaptor created a lot of interference on the short wave bands, plus it's no longer available in the states. Universal Radio offers a non-interfering adaptor for this radio for a reasonable price.
There's a small learning curve at first but after reading the manual and flipping through "Passport to World Band Radio" I was up and running in an hour or two.
Product Description
The original CCRadio has been the prime choice for ardent AM-band radio listeners. Now in its second generation, the CCRadio plus continues to offer listeners unparalleled AM reception with audio fine-tuned to reproduce the human voice. The CCRadio plus also has good FM reception, which you can listen to in stereo through the headphone jack (headphones not included). The built-in NOAA weather radio gives you updates 24 hours a day. The radio also includes a special Weather Alert that sounds an alarm to notify you of weather emergency updates. The radio is simple to use and has built-in clock, alarm, and sleep timer modes. Built-in 6V DC input jack and charging circuit allows you to run this radio via the optional solar panel while charging the optional NiCad batteries Color - Mica Black
Amazon.com Product Description
The ideal tool for listening to news, advice, entertainment, and sports, the second-generation CCRadio Plus portable radio offers unsurpassed AM radio reception, topnotch FM reception, and access to the latest information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather service. The CCRadio has long been the prime choice for enthusiastic AM listeners, as its speaker is specially tuned to the human voice, while its signal meter and fine-tuning knob ensure that reception is always at its best regardless of the distance. The result is AM clarity that far exceeds most radios, which typically sound distant and tinny. The FM reception is also solid, as is the NOAA service, which provides weather updates 24 hours a day. The weather radio also works as an "all hazards" information radio, letting you track significant weather events in your area, while the built-in weather alert sounds an alarm when weather emergencies are nearby.
Adding to the fun is a TV audio band, which receives the soundtrack for VHF channels 2 through 13. The TV band lets you keep abreast of your favorite soap opera, catch the local news, or listen to the audio footage of a televised baseball game--a nice option if the game isn't available on local radio. Additional features include five memory preset buttons with five memories per band (for a total of 20), an auxiliary input for connecting portable audio devices to the speaker, adjustable bass and treble controls, a display light, auto scan, and a stereo headphone jack. The radio even comes with a built-in clock with alarm and sleep timer modes, so you can locate the radio on your night stand or employ its alarm functions while traveling on the road.
The CCRadio Plus, which offers a variety of power options--including traditional alkaline or rechargeable ni-cad D-cell batteries, an optional solar panel, and a built-in 6-volt DC input jack--measures 11 by 6.5 by 4 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
CCRadio Plus, AC power cord, user's manual.
Customer Reviews:
BWEARE of this company and its product!.......2007-11-06
I purchased the CCRadio Plus a few years ago. As others have reported, the display quit working, but within the warranty period. So, I shipped it to them, and they fixed it and shipped it back to me. Then, three years later, the display stopped working AGAIN. In addition, the earphone plug would only work intermittently, with the sound cutting in and out. The volume control also didn't work reliably.
Frustrated, I called the company. Sorry, they said, I'd have to ship the radio BACK to them (which cost me $24.50 for packaging and shipping), AND send them a check for $59.95 for the repairs. Reluctantly, I did ship the radio back on August 27, 2007. I heard nothing. Finally, one of their representatives called on October 4, saying that the speakers were on order and wouldn't be in for another 2 to 3 weeks. By October 15, I had had it. I called and spoke with John, the customer service manager. I told him to send me back my check for the repair and to KEEP their radio. Finally, I did receive my check (although no reimbursement for the shipping charges). It was postmarked October 24. So, I'm out both a radio and $24.50.C Crane CCRadio Plus Multiband Portable AM/FM/Weather/TV Band Radio, Black
Now, that's a fine lesson in how NOT to run a company, manufacture a product, or retain customers. By the way, my old cheap Timex clock/radio works just fine as a replacement for the over-priced, over-hyped, under-performing CCRadio Plus.
scam.......2007-10-08
I too bought into the hype for this radio. It was less than a year when the display went out. You can't see to tune the stations, and if you do happen to get one tuned in, the set buttons don't hold your stations. Product was over priced. Reception isn't that great either. In short I would never buy another C Crane product.
Defective displays, Sub standard AM reception, False claims.......2007-09-08
I bought this unit when it was advertised endlessly on the Art Bell show. C Crane claimed exceptional AM reception (even though their website pushed an external AM antennae for this???), claimed the speaker bought out true lifelike sound of the human voice and took many many years to develop this dependable unique radio. All claims are false. First, I live in an open area just west of Minneapolis. AM Reception for local AM stations was static or so picky that you would have to move the radio constantly. I ran it on batteries and drove to different locations within 5 miles of my house. Same problems. I bought the external AM antennae, it cleared up a bit but not as advertised. They claimed the speaker bought out lifelike human voice... it does not. It's a standard speaker you could find at Radio Shack, no special bass/treble boost for clearer AM sound. Finally, let's talk reliability. I bought one unit for myself and one for my mother a week later. After ONE YEAR, both units LCD displays became unrecognizable. Certain bars of the lcd were unreadable and others were stuck. It became impossible to locate a station by number. I am furious and extremly disappointed with all the hype C Crane company placed on this product. I do not trust them or any of their products.
cC Crane Radio Plus.......2007-08-10
WOW!!!! What A Great Radio,Has Everything You Need,Weather Alert,Am,Fm,Tv Stations,COOL Radio..............A Must For Am Talk Show Stations....Coast To Coast Radio Dial In The Station,Clear It Up Work's Great!!!!Love It!!!!
A radio for all seasons.......2007-07-23
When all other news, weather and emergency communications do not work, because of power failures; you can get information as is if the TV, radios and phones were working. You can buy smaller radios cheaper, but you can not get better more dependable, convient radio. It plays well.
Product Description
Uniden is creating a World Without Wires. Which means that Uniden is building products that give its customers more freedom to enjoy life, solve problems and always stay connected with others. From cordless phones to two-way radios to radar detectors, the company makes electronic wonders an everyday occurrence. As one of the world's largest manufacturers of cordless phones and consumer communications devices, chances are there's a Uniden product that's already making things more convenient in and around your home.PRODUCT FEATURES:Multi-band VHF/FRS/AM and FM/AIR band receiver;JIS7 submersible - meets rigid JIS7 submersible standards;3-hour rapid charging cradle;Superior receiver performance - superior receiver performance means you hear what you're supposed to hear and nothing else;Rubber wrapped die-cast aluminum construction;Speaker/mic jack;SMA flexible rubber antenna;Category: handheld;S.A.M.E. weather alert - specific area message encoding - during a NOAA weather or emergency alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area;Rubber grips/seal;Dual/triple watch;Bright dot-matrix display;One touch 16/9/triple watch;Compact size.
Product Description
The Freeplay Summit Self Sufficient AM/FM and ShortWave Radio is the first and most popular radio that works anywhere. Anywhere? And anytime. Because power is generated by you. You merely wind a crank at the radio's rear. The produced energy is stored in the radio's built-in battery. Small, easy-to-use control buttons Great when camping or in emergency situations when power is unavailable Size - 6.8 W x 3.5 H x 3.1 D Weight - 1.3 lbs
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful radio.......2007-05-25
This radio sounds great, will play for 20 hours once charged, and has a hand crank and solar collector. Digital tuning and presets, alarm function, compact and solid. I have two--one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom.
Freeplay summit self sufficient Multiband radio.......2007-01-11
This was sent as a Christmas gift to a missionary in Haiti. He is so pleased with it, because electricity is spotty at best and for the first time, he can listen to the radio when he wants. He says it gets many stations.
Reliable and Sturdy.......2006-05-24
Bought this radio two years ago, and it's still going strong. We leave it on the A/C charge 24/7 all the time. Much improved over the old Freeplay with the one-way wind up strip that broke if overwound. This one can't overwind, has a green light indicator for A/C, solar and manual charge. The green light lets you know you're winding the crank at the proper speed. Great battery charge life. Compact size is handy for power outages. Lots of buttons can be confusing, but the digital tuner with memory, scan and reliable alarm/sleep settings get the job done. Very pleased with this purchase.
Freeplay Summit - my pro's and con's.......2006-01-02
Background:
I have owned this radio a few months,
and have used it a moderate amount.
Pros:
* Small size
* Seems sturdy
* Good sound
* Excellent power capability- solar and windup.
Minor peeves:
* No carry case provided, for a portable, travel radio
* In my opnion a cluttered user interface, with 19 buttons! Forget about finding the sleep, light, or snooze button in the dark!
* Does not always remember last sound level- Comes on louder than last volume level used.
* Very minor peeve- Volume setting, being digital, is not fine-grained enough for me.
* No A/C adapter supplied.
Major things that could be improved:
* LCD display very difficult to see- impossible except in direct light.
* It's a radio. It's a clock. So why no clock radio feature?! MUST WAKE TO BEEP INSTEAD OF MUSIC?!
Overall:
I like this radio. I truly appreciate it's alternative power features. I think some of it's other features could be improved.
About to buy my 2nd Freeplay Summit Radio.......2005-12-03
The first works great, but my daughter keeps stealing it to use on camping trips; it somehow wound up going to college with her. Seems to run for about 30 hours on a full charge from the AC adapter. Sound is excellent mono for a radio of this size. You can enjoy it every day, and then *really* appreciate it if the power fails. I try to keep the battery conditioned by running it until it seems almost drained--the volume won't increase to the same loudness as with a normal charge--then plug it in for a full charge for 24 hours or so.
Amazon.com Product Description
Stay in touch with the outside world using this multi-band receiver. You'll pick up LW/MW/SW AM and FM reception using the digital tuner. Tuning is accomplished using manual, preset or scan options. To save your favorite frequencies, use the 162 present frequencies. There are three options to power the radio: four C batteries, a car battery or a home power source. The batteries will last between twelve (AM) and twenty hours (FM). The radio comes with a clock supporting a universal time coordinator. A multi-band manual and users guide comes along with radio to help you come up to speed using multi-bands.
What's in the Box
Radio, AC power adaptor, AC plug adaptor, stereo headphones, ear pad and a 1 year warranty.
Customer Reviews:
Sony SW-77 - A lost Gem.......2007-08-29
I've owned 14 SW Radios in my life of various brands and capabilities. The SW-77 is a quantum leap above all of the rest. None of the user complexities so publicized at its introduction will make any difference to the serious SWL. The SW-77 is the finest radio I've ever owned. It is an heirloom technology.
One of the great ones.......2004-07-15
Shame to see this greatest of the great shortwave portable receivers discontinued from the Sony line like the venerable and magnificent ICF 2010. Most long time dedicated shortwave listeners will undoubtedly own one or both of these two great radios from the Sony of days gone by...Let's hope that Sony is avidly working on an even better successor, but somehow I doubt they can top this one...Since they are still available here and there, grab one while you can - if you are a short wave enthusiast, this radio is worth every penny!
Sony SW77 - A great shortwave radio.......2004-04-14
This has been called the best of the current Sony Shortwave radios. Infact it may be the best of any manufacturer's portable shortwave. I have several radios, both desktop and portable. When compared to my other radios, this one has excellent sensitivty and selectability.I use it with a loop antenna as a bedside radio to find the distant AM stations at night. When I lock in the station with the synchronous feature it greatly improves the stability of the station and makes listening a lot easier. On SSB I am able to listen to Military and Ham broadcasts with no difficulty. It even has stereo on FM with a headset. I like the radio and I highly recommend it. Jim
King of all radios !!!!.......2003-12-17
Hello folks its Vince the radioman . I have been a collector and buff for many years and love to do compares. This is the undisputed KING OF ALL RADIOS! It is miles above all the others in functionality , tuner sensativity and overall performance . However , it has a price to match . I know that this is an expensive radio so I take that into account when I rate all the others . But , if you can afford this price GO FOR IT ! It has a 162 memory capacity , it has .1 kh increments ( thats point one) only found on professional equipment. It has a great sound and wonderful functionality ( great information window , timer , factory presets , editing capability ...etc.)And a spectacular side band set up . I love it! It is my main radio and I have approx. 50+ radios . If you can afford it , its the best and most complete radio out there . KING OF ALL RADIOS!!!
Product Description
The original CCRadio has been the prime choice for ardent AM-band radio listeners. Now in its second generation, the CCRadio plus continues to offer listeners unparalleled AM reception with audio fine-tuned to reproduce the human voice. The CCRadio plus also has good FM reception, which you can listen to in stereo through the headphone jack (headphones not included). The built-in NOAA weather radio gives you updates 24 hours a day. The radio also includes a special Weather Alert that sounds an alarm to notify you of weather emergency updates. The radio is simple to use and has built-in clock, alarm, and sleep timer modes. Built-in 6V DC input jack and charging circuit allows you to run this radio via the optional solar panel while charging the optional NiCad batteries Color - Platinum Silver
Amazon.com Product Description
The ideal tool for listening to news, advice, entertainment, and sports, the second-generation CCRadio Plus portable radio offers unsurpassed AM radio reception, topnotch FM reception, and access to the latest information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather service. The CCRadio has long been the prime choice for enthusiastic AM listeners, as its speaker is specially tuned to the human voice, while its signal meter and fine-tuning knob ensure that reception is always at its best regardless of the distance. The result is AM clarity that far exceeds most radios, which typically sound distant and tinny. The FM reception is also solid, as is the NOAA service, which provides weather updates 24 hours a day. The weather radio also works as an "all hazards" information radio, letting you track significant weather events in your area, while the built-in weather alert sounds an alarm when weather emergencies are nearby.
Adding to the fun is a TV audio band, which receives the soundtrack for VHF channels 2 through 13. The TV band lets you keep abreast of your favorite soap opera, catch the local news, or listen to the audio footage of a televised baseball game--a nice option if the game isn't available on local radio. Additional features include five memory preset buttons with five memories per band (for a total of 20), an auxiliary input for connecting portable audio devices to the speaker, adjustable bass and treble controls, a display light, auto scan, and a stereo headphone jack. The radio even comes with a built-in clock with alarm and sleep timer modes, so you can locate the radio on your night stand or employ its alarm functions while traveling on the road.
The CCRadio Plus, which offers a variety of power options--including traditional alkaline or rechargeable ni-cad D-cell batteries, an optional solar panel, and a built-in 6-volt DC input jack--measures 11 by 6.5 by 4 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
CCRadio Plus, AC power cord, user's manual.
Customer Reviews:
Don't waste your money.......2007-12-06
I've had my C Crane for about 8 years and while it continues to work including the display unlike what I've read, it's simply not worth the price. It's very difficult to turn on and off, I have to push the button again and again, and that problem started several years ago. I don't use it much anymore frankly. It's a clock for the most part.
It's nice to have the fine-grained tuning feature, but have found it almost completely unnecessary. Therefore, I cannot fathom why this radio is worth the price charged.
I have a $9 clock radio that is a few years older and still works so I am not impressed by the C Crane. Quality is poor for the price and although advertised for talk radio sound quality which is what I listen to primarily, it is not special according to my ears - perhaps others may differ.
Bottom line, for this price I would love to see a radio like this that played internet broadcasts, worked off my wireless internet and picked up (download and play) podcasts and was more portable so I could take on the road. Now, that would be worth $150!!
doesn't hold up well.......2007-10-12
this radio is the most frustrating electronic product I have ever owned. As with other reviewers, direct access buttons stop working, or, often worse, they find a different station if you push straight down on the button or push down more on one side or the other. Sometimes I get three stations from one button! The LCD fades in and out (currently out) and you have no way of knowing where you are or what band you are on unless you unleash the bizarre buttons. You then can manually dial until you find another station and hopefully you will recognize the voice or wait until they give their call letters. I can't remove the alarm setting because I can't see the LCD so it goes off every 24 hours unless I remove the batteries and render the radio useless. The tech support people are nice, but a little vague about how much all these repairs cost. At a price of $150, this was not a inexpensive radio, and I expected better.
I have seen reviews by people who had their radios repaired, only to have the same problems occur later....Enough said?
Yes, Distant Reception - No to Audio Quality.......2007-09-06
I am a lover of AM radio. I have 2 GE Superradios, 2 Boston Acoustics Receptor radios and a Henry Kloss Model 1. Also several vintage tube radios. I NEVER listen to the CCrane. The frequency response is lousy.
They talk about being specially tuned for talk radio. I will translate that for you - "This radio sounds terrible on music stations." We have a local station that plays oldies music and the audio is terrific on all the other radios mentioned-plus the supperradio and the vintage radios pick up distant AM stations about the same as the CCrane.
I would recommend looking at one of the other choices mentioned above - I think you will be happier in the long run.
We want to take care of you. Not!.......2007-03-21
I purchased a CCRadio several years ago. Shortly after the warranty expired, the LCD display began acting up. Sometimes it would work but over time it eventually stopped working entirely. It wasn't long after the display problems occurred that the power button and radio station presets began to require multiple presses in order to register. Eventually the power button got so bad that I could no longer turn the radio off using the switch. In checking the internet I discovered that numerous other customers had experienced similar problems. I also found a note on the CCrane web site acknowledging the LCD problem and asking customers to contact their customer support with the reassuring words "we want to take care of you." I called the number listed and although they acknowledged that both issues were known design flaws, they expected me to pay $50 for the repair. When you pay top dollar for a radio that turns out to have manufacturing defects, you expect the manufacturer to do more than acknowledge a design flaw. You expect a repair at their expense.
Not worth it.......2007-02-07
I've had my CC radio for several years. After about the first year the display started to go out, and now it's completely gone. Because I lost my presets, its now almost completely non-functional since I'm forced to guess what radio station it's on. It had a one year warranty that is expired, so I guess I'm out of luck. I only give it two stars, because the reception is really good. It wasn't worth 15 dollars, let alone the 150 that I paid for it.
Product Description
AM/FM/LW/SW 1-9 LCD Display Real Time Clock Display Alarm Clock Function Built-in DC 3V Jack (Power Cord Not Included) Required 2 AAA Batteries (Not Included) 3.5mm Headphone Jack Frequency Range LW: 145-288 KHz FM: 87.50 - 108 MHz AM: 530 - 1710 KHz SW1 - SW9: 4.65 - 22.28 MHz
Product Description
Electro Radio multi-band handheld unit. Model 2150, AM, FM, TV1, TV2, weather band. Receives AM/FM, broadcasts and TV channels 2-13, 24 hour weather information, full range speaker, collapsible antenna, head phone jack, dc power input jack and use 4 AA batteries (not included)
Product Description
AM/FM/LW/SW1, LCD Display, Clock, Alarm, DC 3V Jack (power cord not included), Requires 2AAA Batteries. AM/FM/LW/SW1, LCD Display, Clock, Alarm, DC 3V Jack (power cord not included), Requires 2AAA Batteries.
Product Description
Listen to the world! Sony ICF-SW07 shortwave world band receiver radio will keep you connected to FM, AM, shortwave and longwave stations with a PLL digital tuner. It's very compact and can be used on your table, desk, or taken with you on the road. It comes with an AC adapter but can operate on 2 optional AA batteries for use as a portable. Beyond the ability to tune into various radio bands, the ICF-SW07 also features a world clock feature. Simply select a city name and the radio will display that city's current time. The radio also has a useful turn-on and (up to 60-second) sleep timer. Choose two individual times and frequencies and the radio will turn on and tune to the selected station automatically. Overall, the ICF-SW07 is a great way to listen and experience the music, culture, news, and ideas as seen directly by our neighbors of the world. User programmability for up to 80 stations Editable station labels WorldTime Clock Dual Standby Timer / Sleep Timer Dual conversion shortwave circuit supports 1 kHz readout for precise tuning via the up/down buttons, scanning or 80 user-defined alphanumeric memories Shortwave Station Call Tuning (VOA/BBC/DW/Other) automatically chooses frequencies used in your time zone from the removable ROM data module (ROM access at bottom of unit. ROM upgrades available directly from Sony as they become available) Line-out jack (for connecting an optional tape recorder) Uses AC/DC power and includes AC adapter Portable operation requires 2 AA batteries (not included) Supplied Wave Handbook Unit Dimensions - 5.4x1.3x3.6 inches and weighs only 9 ounces (137x33x91mm; 257 g) when closed Color - Silver and Gray
Amazon.com Product Description
The Sony ICF-SW07 world band receiver radio will keep you connected to FM, AM, shortwave and longwave stations with a PLL digital tuner. With single-side band reception, the radio will transmit with a minimal amount of interference. To further enhance listening pleasure, the synchronous detection will reduce fading and regular beats. You can listen to the ICF-SW07 via the in-body speaker or with the included headphones.
There are four options when tuning your selected radio station. With direct tuning, you input the desired frequency digits. Manual tuning allows you to change the frequency step by step. If you are unsure of what station you want, use the scan tuning option to have the radio stop at all hearable receptions. Finally, with preset tuning, you can recall a preset station with a single button press. You can store up to a hundred preset stations using Sony's My-memory tuning feature. To help you remember which station is which, this Sony radio allows you to label each station with up to six alphanumeric letters.
If you plan on traveling with a radio, the ICF-SW07 is a good choice. Beyond the ability to tune into various radio bands, the ICF-SW07 also features a world clock feature. Simply select a city name and the radio will display that city's current time. The radio also has a useful turn-on and sleep timer. Choose two individual times and frequencies and the radio will turn on and tune to the selected station automatically. If you plan on listening to the radio as you fall asleep, use the sleep timer and the radio will turn off after approximately sixty minutes.
There are two options to power the radio. Either use the included AC adaptor or install two AA batteries. The radio also comes with headphones, earpads and a carrying case.
What's in the Box
Sony ICF-SW07 World Band Radio, stereo headphones, ear pads, AC adaptor, carrying case, wave handbook and a ninety day warranty.
Customer Reviews:
Love it........2007-11-17
This is 1-nice portable SW radio its small but packs a lot of power for its size i love mine.
this radio has served me well.......2007-11-03
I have had this radio for about 7-8 years(x-mas present,thx honey!) its been on backpacking trips, motorcycle trips and listened to almost every night when not globe trotting.I have had ZERO problem with this radio or antenna system.
it picks up everything you wanna hear, pulls out faint stations,petitely sips battery power and fits in your pocket.for what its worth i'm a licensed ham radio operator.I have owned many shortwave portables
most I would NOT buy agian. this one and my Sangean ats818 I would buy agian in a heartbeat.
only cons;it needs a constant "screen light on" function and a power switch on the outside(not under clamshell)lighted buttons would be a nice improvement also.
this is my goto Armageddon radio, buy one if you can find one!!
Aerial warning!.......2006-10-26
Watch out!
treated this radio with kid gloves,used it very carefully and not often at all.
Felt very dissapointed the day i extended the aerial and felt it turning round and round and round;broken.hardly had it a year.
For the price I will not replace with a Sony and instead go with the cheaper Kaito or Grundig/Eton.
Sony doesn`t deserve another major handover of hard earned $$$`s.get it right Sony.
A very useful and handy radio that fitted great in a pocket and was what I was looking for.
but for that amount of money better quality please.
The SW Listners Handbook review stated that this was precisley a problem so I took extra care being aware of the potential.
Sony goodbye...
Sony ICF-SW07 -- HF pocket radio summary.......2005-10-28
I received my ICF-SW07 from Amazon.com just in time to assist with hurricane Katrina recovery in Louisiana in September 2005. I took it with me, and it performed very well. My ICF-SW07 came with an external amplified antenna along with the manual, earphones and a carry bag.
I often assist with disaster relief with my company, and I needed a small radio to get news & listen to local amateur radio stations. With storm damage, power is always out and we don't get any information except what's on the radio. I also record local news and digitize for playback at headquarters for later analysis.
To listen to amateur radio in the high frequency (HF, or 150-30,000 KHz) spectrum the radio requires single sideband (SSB) capability, a feature most shortwave radios lack. Better radios insert a carrier in the RF signal, re-creating the double sideband format before stripping the audio information. Cheaper radios insert a tone into the audio signal, usually resulting in poorer audio quality (like the earlier DX-394's).
The ICF-SW07's strong points are good reception, small size (obviously), decent audio and very wide tuning range (150-29999 KHz + FM broadcast). It's still on its first set of AA batteries, so it isn't a power hog.
The amplified antenna is very effective, and works very well in hotel rooms. It has a clip for temporary attachment to curtains and a suction cup for direct window attachment. The antenna connects to a controller, and the controller connects to the ICF-SW07 through a short, non-detachable -short- pigtail lead. While it *does* work, it's a little unwieldy for someone sitting in a car trying to balance both the radio and the controller on one leg. I would like to see Sony make some provision that allows the controller to snap onto the bottom of the radio, even if the pigtail lead design stays.
There are a few points I'd like Sony to improve:
-First, the single sideband (SSB) fine tuning point isn't "remembered" in the memory, it recalls the approximate area. This means it requires fine tuning every time you recall an SSB station from memory. I have an 80's era Ten Tec radio that doesn't have this issue, so it isn't rocket science. I suspect this is caused by Sony's technique-they may be converting the SSB to normal audio in the audio output stage rather than at the RF level, distancing the SSB conversion from the memory.
-Second, the Sony ICF-SW07 doesn't have any signal strength meter, so there isn't any way to distinguish between a weak signal and an overloaded front end.
-Third, the record out jack appears to have a higher than normal output signal, because it overloads the front end of my tape recorder. I haven't had time to investigate the cause of this yet. An attenuator or pad will likely be the best solution.
-Fourth, there is no tuning knob or wheel. Tuning is done with a rocker switch control, and fine tuning is done with a smaller rocker switch. It -does- work, but I'd like to see a rotary tuning control even if it's another thumbwheel.
-Fifth, the display is crude by Sony standards. It's a simple LCD alpha-numeric display, the top half of which is a world time zone map. I would like to see the world map replaced with a selectable meter function, like a band scope/signal strength /carrier center meter.
-Sixth, the scan stop points aren't programmable. The ICF-SW07 will scan the entire band (factory preset), period. Also, in SSB mode it will scan the entire HF spectrum (150-29999 KHz) nonstop! This is the only HF receiver with scanning capability that lacks this obvious control. Again, I have many HF radios that have programmable scan stops.
I've given this radio 5 stars, although I'd grade it more like 4 1/2. Sony should have included programmable scan stops and integrated the SSB setting with the memory, both items well within their grasp.
Summary: I'm very satisfied with my ICF-SW07, it does the basic function I wanted (small, broadband received with SSB). It makes a nice, portable HF listening post. Despite the points (above), I wasn't able to find anything better at any cost. The cost prevented me from buying one sooner, but I finally got one. Given how slow Sony upgrades, I doubt anything better is coming anytime soon. So, for now it's the top-of-the-line pocket HF radio.
Miniature Wonder -improvement over the SW100.......2004-07-20
Hello folks , its Vince the radio man with another review for you . I've been a radio buff for many years , I have a large collection and I love to do side by side compares . The Sony SW07 is the replacement model for the discontinued SW100 . In my review of the SW100 I knocked it abit because of the price and the overall sound quality from both the internal speaker and the headphones ( ...and no, I dont need a new pair of phones) .... the SW07 is an improvement in this area , however , still high priced . Both radios are wonders of the modern world ...so small yet so powerful and functional . The SW07 is a little larger than the SW100 ( thank goodness for those of us who have large hands and fingers ) and I find it to be a bit better in the dynamic range department . Tuner selectivity and sensativity about the same . The 07 and the 100 are sold as kits . The come with an active antenna . I find the antenna with the SW07 is far better than the 100 . Also , the SW07 is built much more durable than the SW100 . The layout and button functionality is easier to use and better thought out . Also , a much nicer, clearer visual display with a luminescent blue background .As far as other miniatures on the market ( Sangean ATS 606, which is much cheaper , is about the best after the SW07 and SW100 but not in the same class ) ...there are really no other competitors . If you're looking to spend a decent buck on a quality shortwave set and small is what you need , look no further . If you like a full size set and have a few more bucks to spend buy the SW77 ( which is the King of all radios!!!! ) ...if not the SW07 is surely the Prince.
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