Sony ICF-C733 Radio User Manual

The Sony ICF-C733 is a compact AM/FM digital clock radio featuring a large, easy-to-read LCD display with adjustable dimmer, dual alarm functionality with weekday/weekend settings, battery backup for alarm and time memory, a built-in piezoelectric buzzer, a 9-minute snooze function, and a sleep timer. It operates on AC power with a backup battery option. 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 the Alarm Functions 8. Accessibility Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main Unit, AC Power Cord, User Manual. Front Panel: LCD Display, Control Buttons, Speaker Grill. Rear Panel: AC Inlet, Battery Compartment, FM Wire Antenna, AM Loop Antenna.

FeatureDescription
LCD DisplayShows time, alarm settings, radio frequency, and sleep/snooze status
Dimmer ControlAdjusts display brightness (High/Low/Off)
Dual AlarmTwo independent alarms (AL1 & AL2) with buzzer or radio wake-up
Snooze Function9-minute repeatable snooze by pressing the SNOOZE/LIGHT button
Sleep TimerRadio turns off automatically after 15 to 90 minutes
Battery BackupUses one UM-4 (AA) battery to maintain time and alarm settings during power outage
TuningManual tuning buttons for AM/FM bands
PowerOperates on AC 120V, 60Hz; battery backup optional

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a stable, level surface such as a bedside table.

  1. Connect Power: Plug the AC power cord into the rear AC inlet and then into a standard wall outlet.
  2. Install Backup Battery: Open the battery compartment on the rear, insert one UM-4 (AA) battery observing correct polarity (+/-).
  3. Extend Antennas: Fully extend the FM wire antenna. For AM, position the built-in loop antenna for best reception (usually rotating the unit).
  4. Power On: Press the POWER button. The display will illuminate.

WARNING! Use only the provided AC adapter. Do not place near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

First-Time Setup

After connecting power, you must set the current time.

  1. Set Time: Press and hold the TIME SET button. Use the HOUR and MIN buttons to set the correct time. Press TIME SET again to confirm.
  2. Set Display Dimmer: Press the DIMMER button to cycle through High, Low, and Off brightness settings for the LCD.
  3. Tune Radio: Press the BAND button to select AM or FM. Use the TUNING UP/DOWN buttons to find a station.
  4. Set Alarms (Optional): Refer to Section 7 for detailed alarm setup.

CAUTION! Ensure the battery is installed correctly to prevent leakage and damage.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel Controls: POWER, SNOOZE/LIGHT, AL1 SET, AL2 SET, TIME SET, HOUR, MIN, BAND, TUNING UP/DOWN, DIMMER.

Function Overview:

Time Setting: Use TIME SET, HOUR, MIN. Alarm Setting: Use AL1 SET/AL2 SET with HOUR/MIN. Radio Operation: POWER to turn radio on/off, BAND to switch, TUNING to seek stations. Dimmer: DIMMER cycles brightness. Snooze: SNOOZE/LIGHT activates snooze and temporarily lights display.

Connecting Devices

This unit is a standalone clock radio. For private listening, you may connect headphones to a compatible external device, but the ICF-C733 itself has no audio output jack.

  1. Ensure the radio is powered off before attempting any external connections.
  2. Use only accessories recommended by Sony.

Tip: For best FM reception, fully extend and position the wire antenna. For AM, rotate the entire unit.

Using the Alarm Functions

Supports two independent alarms (AL1 & AL2). Each can be set to wake you with the buzzer or the radio.

  1. Set Alarm Time: Press and hold AL1 SET (or AL2 SET). While holding, press HOUR and MIN to set the desired wake-up time. Release AL1 SET.
  2. Select Alarm Mode: Press AL1 SET (or AL2 SET) briefly to toggle the alarm symbol and mode (Buzzer icon, Radio icon, or Off).
  3. Activate/Deactivate: When the alarm symbol is displayed for AL1 or AL2, that alarm is active.
  4. When Alarm Sounds: Press SNOOZE/LIGHT for 9 more minutes of sleep. Press POWER or any other button (except SNOOZE) to stop the alarm.
  5. Weekday/Weekend: Set AL1 for weekdays and AL2 for weekends, or use both daily.

WARNING! Test the alarm after setting. The battery backup ensures alarms function during a power outage.

Accessibility Features

Large, high-contrast LCD display with adjustable dimming. Tactile buttons with distinct shapes. Audible key press feedback. Buzzer alarm provides a non-visual wake-up option.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug from the AC outlet before cleaning. Remove the backup battery. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the cabinet and display. Do not use chemical cleaners or aerosols.

CAUTION! Never allow liquid to enter the unit through vents or openings. Do not submerge.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/electronics/support or contact Sony Customer Service at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No display/powerAC plug not connected / Dead backup batteryEnsure AC plug is firmly seated in outlet and unit. Replace backup battery.
Alarm does not soundAlarm not activated / Volume low / Mode set to radio with no stationCheck alarm symbol is on. For radio alarm, ensure volume is up and a station is tuned.
Poor radio receptionAntennas not extended / Incorrect positioningFully extend FM wire antenna. Rotate unit for better AM reception. Move away from obstructions.
Time resets after unpluggingBackup battery missing or deadInstall or replace the UM-4 (AA) backup battery.
Snooze does not workButton not pressed correctlyPress SNOOZE/LIGHT firmly when alarm is sounding.

Reset: Unplug AC cord and remove backup battery for over 1 minute to reset microprocessor.

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

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