Sony ICF-790 Radio User Manual

The Sony ICF-790 is a portable AM/FM radio featuring digital tuning, preset stations, a large LCD display with backlight, clock with alarm functions, sleep timer, battery/low power indicator, and built-in speaker with headphone jack. Powered by AC adapter or batteries. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Using Preset Stations 8. Clock and Alarm Functions 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: AM/FM tuner, LCD display with backlight, built-in speaker, headphone jack, telescopic antenna, AC adapter input, battery compartment.

Feature	Description
AM/FM Tuner	Digital tuning for AM and FM bands
LCD Display	Shows frequency, time, preset number, battery status
Backlight	Illuminates display in low light conditions
Preset Stations	Store up to 10 stations (5 AM, 5 FM)
Clock & Alarm	Digital clock with alarm and sleep timer function
Headphone Jack	For private listening (3.5mm stereo)
Telescopic Antenna	Extends for improved FM reception
Power Source	AC adapter (included) or 4 x AA batteries
Battery Indicator	Shows low battery status on display
Sleep Timer	Automatically turns off radio after set time

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, flat surface.

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 4 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into DC IN jack and into wall outlet (optional).
Extend antenna: Pull up telescopic antenna for FM reception.
Turn on radio: Press POWER button.

WARNING! Use only recommended batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries. Ensure proper polarity.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; set initial preferences.

Set time: Press CLOCK button, use TUNING buttons to set hour/minute, press CLOCK again to confirm.
Tune stations: Press BAND to select AM/FM, use TUNING buttons to find station.
Set presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold a number button (1-5) for 2 seconds.
Adjust volume: Use VOLUME control knob.
Set alarm: Press ALARM button, set time and alarm source (buzzer or radio).

CAUTION! Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Specifications

Tuning Range: FM 87.5-108 MHz, AM 530-1710 kHz.
Power Supply: 4 x AA batteries or AC adapter (DC 6V, 500mA).
Battery Life: Approx. 50 hours (alkaline batteries, backlight off).
Speaker: 2.5 inch dynamic speaker.
Headphone Output: 3.5mm stereo jack.
Dimensions: Approx. 180 x 110 x 45 mm (W x H x D).
Weight: Approx. 450g (without batteries).
Operating Temp: 0°C to 40°C.
Included Accessories: AC adapter, user manual.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER button, VOLUME knob, TUNING buttons, BAND button, CLOCK button, ALARM button, SLEEP button, PRESET buttons (1-5).

Display Indicators: AM/FM band, frequency, time, preset number, alarm on/off, battery status, backlight.

Tuning: Manual tuning with TUNING buttons; auto-scan by pressing and holding TUNING. Volume: Rotary knob control. Clock: 12/24 hour format selectable. Alarm: Daily alarm with radio or buzzer option. Sleep Timer: 15-90 minutes in 15-minute increments. Backlight: Press LIGHT button to illuminate display for 5 seconds.

Connecting Devices

Headphones: Plug into headphone jack for private listening. External antenna: For improved AM reception, connect wire antenna to AM terminal.

Ensure radio is off before connecting devices.
Insert headphone plug fully into jack.
For external antenna, connect wire to AM terminal at back.
Adjust volume to comfortable level when using headphones.

Tip: Disconnect headphones when not in use to conserve battery.

Using Preset Stations

Store and recall up to 5 AM and 5 FM stations.

Select band: Press BAND to choose AM or FM.
Tune station: Use TUNING buttons to find desired station.
Store preset: Press and hold a number button (1-5) for 2 seconds until beep sounds.
Recall preset: Press corresponding number button briefly.
Clear preset: Press and hold CLEAR button while selecting preset number.
Scan presets: Press and hold TUNING up/down to scan through stored presets.

WARNING! Presets are retained in memory when batteries are removed if done quickly (within 30 seconds).

Clock and Alarm Functions

Digital clock with alarm and sleep timer.

Set clock: Press CLOCK, adjust time with TUNING, press CLOCK to confirm.
Set alarm: Press ALARM, set time, select source (radio or buzzer), press ALARM to activate.
Snooze: Press SNOOZE/LIGHT when alarm sounds for 5-minute delay.
Sleep timer: Press SLEEP repeatedly to set duration (15-90 min), radio turns off automatically.
12/24 hour format: Press and hold CLOCK for 3 seconds to toggle.

Note: Alarm requires batteries or AC power; will not function if radio is completely powered off.

Care & Cleaning

Remove batteries before extended storage. Clean with dry, soft cloth. Do not use chemicals or abrasives.

CAUTION! Avoid water and liquid cleaners. Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/electronics/support or contact Sony Customer Service at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries/power	Replace batteries; check AC adapter connection.
Poor reception	Antenna/position	Extend FM antenna fully; reposition radio; connect external AM antenna.
Display dim or blank	Backlight/batteries	Press LIGHT button; replace weak batteries.
No sound from speaker	Volume/mute	Adjust volume knob; check if headphones are plugged in.
Alarm not working	Settings/power	Verify alarm is set and activated; ensure power source is connected.
Presets lost	Battery removal	Replace batteries within 30 seconds to retain memory.

Reset: Remove batteries and AC adapter for 1 minute, then reinsert.

Service: 1-800-222-7669; www.sony.com/electronics/support