Sony ICF-790L Radio User Manual

The Sony ICF-790L is a portable AM/FM radio featuring a large, easy-to-read LCD display, digital tuning with 30 station presets (20 FM, 10 AM), built-in speaker, headphone jack for private listening, telescopic antenna for FM reception, ferrite bar antenna for AM, battery or AC adapter operation, sleep timer, and alarm clock functions. 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. Listening to Radio 8. Accessibility Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: LCD Display, Speaker, Headphone Jack, Telescopic Antenna, Control Buttons, Battery Compartment, DC IN Jack.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows time, frequency, band, preset number, and alarm status
Speaker	Built-in for room-filling sound
Headphone Jack	For private audio listening (3.5mm)
Telescopic Antenna	Extends for improved FM reception
Ferrite Bar Antenna	Internal for AM reception
DC IN Jack	For AC adapter connection
Battery Compartment	Holds batteries for portable use
POWER/SLEEP	Turns radio on/off; sets sleep timer
BAND	Switches between AM and FM bands
TUNING +/-	Manual tuning up/down

Installation

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

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, install batteries observing correct polarity.
Extend antenna: Pull telescopic antenna up fully for best FM reception.
Connect AC adapter: Plug into DC IN jack and wall outlet (optional).
Connect headphones: Plug into headphone jack for private listening.

WARNING! Use only recommended battery type. Do not mix old and new batteries.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; set initial preferences.

Set time: Press and hold CLOCK SET, then use TUNING +/- to adjust.
Select band: Press BAND to choose AM or FM.
Tune stations: Use TUNING +/- to find desired station.
Save presets: Tune to station, press and hold a number button (1-10) until display confirms.
Set alarm: Press ALARM SET, select alarm time and source (radio or buzzer).

CAUTION! Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Specifications

Bands: FM 87.5-108 MHz, AM 530-1710 kHz.
Tuning: Digital PLL synthesizer.
Presets: 30 total (20 FM, 10 AM).
Power Supply: 3V DC (2 x AA batteries) or AC adapter (optional).
Output: Built-in speaker; headphone jack.
Display: LCD with backlight.
Clock Functions: 12/24 hour format, alarm (radio/buzzer), sleep timer.
Dimensions: Compact portable design.
Operating Temp: 0°C to 40°C.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/SLEEP, BAND, TUNING +/-, PRESET, CLOCK SET, ALARM SET, SNOOZE/LIGHT.

Side/Back: Volume wheel, Headphone jack, DC IN jack, Battery compartment.

Tuning: Manual with TUNING +/-; Auto scan by pressing and holding TUNING. Presets: Store by holding number button; recall by pressing number. Clock: Set time/alarm via CLOCK SET/ALARM SET. Sleep: Press POWER/SLEEP repeatedly to set sleep timer (off, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 min). Display: Press SNOOZE/LIGHT to illuminate.

Connecting Devices

Headphones: 3.5mm plug to headphone jack. AC Adapter: Optional power source.

Ensure radio is off before connecting.
Plug headphones fully into jack.
Use only Sony-approved AC adapter (DC 3V, center positive).

Tip: For best FM reception, fully extend antenna and orient vertically.

Listening to Radio

Supports AM and FM bands with preset memory.

Power on: Press POWER/SLEEP.
Select band: Press BAND for AM or FM.
Tune: Use TUNING +/- for manual tuning. For auto scan, press and hold TUNING +/- until it starts scanning; release when station found.
Use presets: Press PRESET, then number button (1-10) for saved station.
Adjust volume: Turn volume wheel.
Sleep timer: Press POWER/SLEEP repeatedly to set duration; radio turns off automatically.
Alarm: Set via ALARM SET; wakes to radio or buzzer.

WARNING! Do not expose to excessive volume via headphones to prevent hearing damage.

Accessibility Features

Large LCD Display: Easy-to-read digits. Tactile Buttons: Distinct shapes/sizes. Headphone Jack: For private listening. Backlight: Press SNOOZE/LIGHT to illuminate display in dark.

Care & Cleaning

Remove batteries before extended storage. Clean with soft, dry cloth; do not use solvents.

CAUTION! Avoid water and liquid cleaners. Keep antennas free of obstruction.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with 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 FM reception	Antenna position	Extend antenna fully; reposition radio.
Poor AM reception	Interference/location	Move away from electronics; rotate radio.
Display dim/blank	Battery low/backlight	Replace batteries; press SNOOZE/LIGHT.
Presets lost	Batteries removed	Presets are maintained if batteries replaced within 5 minutes.
No sound from headphones	Connection/volume	Ensure plug fully inserted; increase volume.

Reset: Remove batteries for 5 minutes to reset microcomputer.

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