Sony ICF-790S Radio User Manual

The Sony ICF-790S is a portable AM/FM radio featuring digital tuning, 20 station presets (10 AM, 10 FM), a large LCD display with backlight, sleep timer, alarm function, built-in speaker, headphone jack, and telescopic antenna. Powered by AC adapter (included) or batteries (not included). 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 Advanced Functions 8. Accessibility Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital tuner, LCD display, Preset buttons, Telescopic antenna, Headphone jack, DC IN jack.

FeatureDescription
Digital TuningPrecise AM/FM station selection with auto-scan
Station Presets20 memory presets (10 for AM, 10 for FM)
LCD DisplayShows frequency, time, preset number, and battery indicator
BacklightIlluminates display for low-light conditions
Sleep TimerAutomatically turns off radio after set time
Alarm FunctionWake to radio or buzzer alarm
Telescopic AntennaExtends for improved FM reception
Headphone JackFor private listening (3.5mm stereo)
DC IN JackFor AC adapter connection
Battery CompartmentHolds batteries for portable use

Installation

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

  1. Insert batteries: Open compartment, install batteries observing polarity.
  2. Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into DC IN jack, then into wall outlet.
  3. Extend antenna: Pull telescopic antenna up for FM reception.
  4. Power on: Press POWER button.

WARNING! Use only specified AC adapter. Do not mix old and new batteries.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; follow initial setup steps.

  1. Set time: Press CLOCK SET, use TUNING buttons to set hour/minute.
  2. Auto-scan stations: Press BAND to select AM/FM, then press and hold TUNING up/down to scan.
  3. Save presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold a numbered preset button (1-10).
  4. Adjust volume: Use VOLUME knob or buttons.

CAUTION! Keep away from water and extreme temperatures.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, VOLUME knob, BAND (AM/FM), TUNING buttons, PRESET buttons (1-10), DISPLAY/BACKLIGHT.

Top/Side: SLEEP, ALARM SET, CLOCK SET, SNOOZE, HEADPHONE JACK, DC IN.

Tuning: Manual with TUNING buttons or auto-scan (hold TUNING). Presets: Save by holding preset button; recall by pressing once. Sleep Timer: Press SLEEP repeatedly to set duration (15, 30, 45, 60, 90 min, OFF). Alarm: Set time with ALARM SET, choose radio or buzzer. Display: Press DISPLAY to show time/frequency; hold for backlight.

Connecting Devices

Headphones: Plug into headphone jack. External antenna: Not supported; use telescopic antenna.

  1. Ensure radio is off before connecting headphones.
  2. Insert headphone plug fully into jack.
  3. Adjust volume to comfortable level when using headphones.

Tip: Disconnect headphones when not in use to preserve battery life.

Using Advanced Functions

Supports alarm, sleep timer, and preset scanning.

  1. Alarm: Set alarm time via ALARM SET; choose source (radio/buzzer). Alarm activates at set time; press SNOOZE for extra 9 minutes.
  2. Sleep Timer: Press SLEEP to set countdown; radio turns off automatically.
  3. Preset Scan: Press and hold PRESET SCAN (if available) to cycle through saved stations.
  4. Time Display: Toggle between frequency and time by pressing DISPLAY.
  5. Backlight: Hold DISPLAY button to illuminate for 10 seconds.

WARNING! Do not block speaker or ventilation openings.

Accessibility Features

Large display with backlight for easy reading. Tactile buttons for key functions. Headphone jack for private listening.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug AC adapter and remove batteries before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth; avoid liquids.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Keep away from magnets.

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 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBatteries/adapterCheck battery polarity; replace batteries; ensure adapter plugged in securely.
Poor FM receptionAntenna/locationFully extend telescopic antenna; reposition radio; avoid obstructions.
No soundVolume/muteIncrease volume; check if headphones are plugged in (disables speaker).
Presets lostBattery removalPresets are maintained if batteries changed within 5 minutes; otherwise, reprogram.
Display dim/blankBacklight/batteriesActivate backlight; replace weak batteries.
Alarm not workingSettings/powerVerify alarm time and source setting; ensure radio has power.

Reset: Remove batteries and AC adapter for 1 minute to reset microcomputer.

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

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