Sony ICF-SW33

Manufactured by Sony, Tokyo.

Sony introduced the compact world band receiver ICF-SW33 which focused on world time clock functions in 1993.

• Principle: Double conversion superhet, IF 21.44 MHz / 450 kHz / FM 10.7 MHz
• Operation modes: AM (A3), FM (F3)
• Frequency range: FM, MW, 11 x SW (3.7 - 26.1 MHz)
• Frequency display: Digital display, tuning step 5 kHz
• Frequency memories: 17 (five each for MW / SW / VHF, plus two timer memories)
• Signal strength indicator: Tuning LED
• Signal processing:
• Features: (world time) clock / timer
• Sensitivity: AM (A3) / Selectivity: kHz (-6/-60 dB)

• Batteries: 3 x 1.5 V (UM-3)

• 16.5 x 93 x 30.5 mm, weight 0.4 kg

Technically, the receiver is based on the Sony ICF-SW30, it is a double conversion with PLL frequency synthesis, covering only the extended shortwave broadcast bands, and it comes with extended world time clock functions.

The set with the dimensions 15.5 x 93 x 30.5 cm has a dark grey plastic case with a rear fold out stand and is supplied in a protective bag with a wire antenna.

The main switch button can be pushed into a lock position to secure it against accidental switching on in the luggage.

To select a waveband, the METER BAND button and the UP/DOWN button must be pressed simultaneously. The station must be approached with the UP/DOWN keys, whereby an annoying tuning noise occurs with every 5 kHz step; alternatively, tuning can also be done with the station search function, which, however, only scans upwards. There is no possibility to enter the frequency directly with the numeric keys.

The reception performance meets the expectations of most listeners, but out-of-band frequencies are not covered and there is no BFO for single-sideband reception, so the radio is not suitable for receiving radio amateurs or Morse code emissions.
The set has fifteen frequency memories, but since five each are allocated for VHF and medium wave and five for all shortwave bands, the memory capacity is not sufficient for storing parallel frequencies of a major broadcaster.

Sony has given the ICF-SW33 special world time clock features. The clock display, which cannot be switched off, can be configured to show world and local times, and various city names are displayed alphanumerically.

Double conversion, digital PLL frequency synthesis.

The set is equipped with semiconductors.

• Sony ICF-SW33 on the website of www.radiomuseum.org