Sony ICF-2010 AM FM LW AIR Shortwave SSB Classic Radio Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2024
- The Sony ICF-2010 AM FM LW AIR Shortwave SSB Portable Radio is a Legend. An amazing receiver with many great qualities. The radio was introduced into the marketplace in 1984 and was greeted with fanfare, and touted as one of the most sensitive portables you could buy. My example dates 1992. Nearly thirty years old, and still tuning :) A rock solid radio that will make you smile for miles.
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Features I like about this Radio:
Buttons! Lots of Buttons.
Smooth Tuning Controls.
Shortwave is a Breeze to get on Frequency.
AM Sync Detection. Amazing Technology that does wonders for Evening AM Listening.
Clean Speaker Audio.
Four Programmable Timers.
32 Presets, that must have been huge in the 1980's.
Clock Display.
Ten LED Signal Strength Display.
Fine Tuning of 100Hz on MW.
Single Side Band, tunes in CW very quickly.
Custom Scan can be setup.
Tone Control.
Adjustable Antenna Gain Control.
External Antenna Inputs for the AM and FM/AIR bands.
Ability to Scan Presets.
Two Scan Modes.
Sleep Function.
Four Foot Telescopic Antenna.
Overall, if you are watching this video, and reading this text you are a true Sony Fanboy or Fangirl! If your budget permits, give this one a go. You will not be disappointed. Truly Amazing! I want a second one, it is that good.
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About a month ago, I found a 2010 on Ebay listed as "For parts..." for $130, and I put it on my "Watch" list. The description said it kept showing "Error 3." I checked that out on the Internet, and found out that it has to do with the power supply or batteries, and is usually easy to fix. Then about two weeks ago, I received an offer---$100, which I accepted. It arrived yesterday. There were no batteries, and what I saw in the battery compartment warmed my heart! There were traces of white powder, and one of the contacts was corroded. I sanded the contacts and put in batteries--no "Error 3"! So I spent last night SWLing with my hundred-buck 2010.
I've owned one of these (Sony 2010) for about 30 years. And I've never found a better performing radio!
If you can find a good one; BUY IT!
Worth every penny.
I totally agree with you. I have two. 73s and GDX
I used to own one! Truly amazing radio
Bought one new in 1987. Great BBC reception when used overseas in Asia and Africa. I regrettably gave it away when I left North Africa.
Dreamed of owning this radio when it was new, but all I could afford was a the ATS-803A. Now that I can afford radios, the shortwave party is pretty much over and AM/FM is just a carcass left behind after the financial grifters hollowed it out. Not bitter. Nice radio though.
I enjoy tuning HAMs in with the Sony. Fun Times.
We can still listen for the aliens.
By the way there are still plenty of shortwave stations out there @QRPLife
I've heard a few Pirate radio broadcasts on my ICF-2010.
Great demo. The 2010 is simply the best.
Congratulations on the acquisition, Pete. I use mine almost exclusively on SSB - they really shine on the ham bands.
I have this radio but cant figure out how to use it. No manual. How do you find HAM radio on it?
I enjoy the enthusiasm of your video reviews of one of my favorite past times.. RADIO.. I started listening to mainly shortwave as a serious hobby in the late 80's early 90's. I had a Grundig Satellite hooked up to a sloper antenna and was wowed by the numerous foreign stations I received. BBC, Deutsche Welle, Radio France, Radio Romania, VOA, and the list goes on. I subscribed to all of the shortwave station guides World Radio Handbook, Monitoring Times, etc. Several years ago, I go interested again knowing that there were much less stations to listen to and purchased several radios I always wanted such as the sony ICF-2010, Transoceanics, and many other brands. I enjoy the radio hobby in terms of the hardware as much as I did listening to the stations. I'm a knob twister and loved learning about how each button worked and to fine tune my skills at pulling in distant stations.
I had one from 1985 until its untimely demise falling off my garden wall. Much better than the ICF 2001 that I had in 1980. Battery life more than double.
I loved the four different timers which I used as a snooze alarm waking up to the BBC World service back in the day. The display was never that bright at night, but that is what flash lights are for. I also found the Am side is incredible, FM so,so and Air band poor compared to my Realistic Pro 2032. I always used a external cable attached to my stereo system at home. That much improved the sound, as the speaker was mid-level for music listening.
I wished they would have had both MW and FM stereo out as Sony used their AM stereo chip to achieve synchronous detection.
Unfortunately, Sony couldn’t replicate this receiver due to parts no longer being made including their AM Stereo chip.
Before the FCC reorganization of the MW band in 1988? I could routinely receive WBBM and WLS in my home at Tucson 599 in most cases. Not anymore, sad.
Thanks Todd, used to have this radio back in the years and got me in to Dxing. Awesome.
I bought one when they released this model ! I love mine , it’s been perfect !
I used to have a SONY ICF-2010 when I lived in Cincinnati, OH. It was a great radio. I gave it to a friend before leaving USA. I heard around 23:16 of your video some ad in Hindi about palm reading.
Hej Todderbert thanks for the video absolutely this is an old jewel take care and have a nice evening.
Great radio, and a great explanation of its features.
I made a simple dust cover for mine out of a sheet of clear vinyl and some corner molding because all those little buttons are dust magnets and a pain to keep clean.
I hear you, took some time to clean those up.
@todderbert
Excellent review of the "Portable Legend" of shortwave radios! Pretty important part of operating these radios is that you use at least a Class 2 wall wart for AC usage. Those original Sony adapters had the correct filtering to prevent interference from an AC line, linear transformers are the only ones you should use when using AC adapters using a switching power ac adapter will render SW almost unlistenable. I did NOT realize that this unit tuned down in .1 khz increments (eg 3815.6 kHz) on the SW bands that is a SURPRISE!
Wow, what an awesome gift‼️
That’s a blessing.
You once said you were jealous of my collection - Yeah-right.
Now I’m jealous of yours.🤣.
Seriously though, that is a very special gift. I know you will have fun with that one.
📻🙂❗️
great demonstration! im also in chicago and looking to get one of these. awesome to see its performance in my own area.
I own one of these , i used it to follow international flight on shortwave over the atlantic and when they were close switch to air mode to listen at their landing. Later on i used a radio shack pro 2006 scanner for the landing.
I’ve had two of my 2010’s upgraded by Craig Siegenthaler of Kiwa Electronics in MN…..in response to the question about where to get a Sony 2010 recapped. Mr. Siegenthaler is well known for his work on the 2010 and other shortwave radios. Not sure if he is still in business but, as always, Google is your friend.
Amazing reciever, best of all i tested, i will keep it forever!
I bought mine about 30 years ago. A year or two ago I noticed the dial lights didn't appear very bright. So I took it all apart and replaced them with new LEDs. It helped.
Hi Don. 👋 Is there any way to add a couple of LEDs to the left side of the display?
Could you share how you upgraded the light, please?
Thank you.
I have Sony ICF-7600D , The radio was introduced in 1982, I still have it in best condition, with Radio stations guide. I bought the radio in 1983 when I was in Kuwait.
Nice review i always wait the Ironman song about the radio. Gretings from Quilpue, Chile.
I have a SONY ICF-2001D.
I have many receivers, but this is my favorite.
I love my Tecsun S-8800. I used to own 2 Sony ICF-2010 shortwave radios the other one was stolen. My brother smashed my second one, time for a new radio. Almost bought the Tecsun PL-880 but it had no field strength meter. I use my Tecsun S-8800 as an emergency radio along with 2 Radio Shack Extreme Range AM/FM/Weather Radio Catalog Number 12-150, and a Tecsun AN-200 AM radio antenna. I built a custom-made AM radio antenna with 1000 feet of magnet wire and a 6-inch OD by 3-foot PVC plastic pipe in a neat non-overlapping coil as loop antenna. My biggest concern about the Tecsun S-8800 that it did have synchronous detection like the Sony ICF-2010 but the Tecsun S-8800 has a (DSP) Digital Signal Processor that is superior to synchronous detection. My old Sony ICF-2010 radio with synchronous detection made radio stations sound much clearer and reduced interference. Although not in stereo AM radio broadcasts with strong radio stations the audio quality was as good FM radio. That was a surprise.
My second biggest concern is battery life. My Sony ICF-2010 shortwave radio had lousy battery life on 3 size D batteries was about 18 hours. Always had extra sets of size D alkaline batteries as backup for power outages after extreme storms. 30 hours on the Tecsun 18650 batteries S-8800 shortwave radio with a 6-hour charge time from completely dead. Only one drawback at 780 kilohertz there is a loud ping you must use narrow band to receive the radio station at 780 kilohertz.
When I ordered my Tecsun S-8800 shortwave radio from eBay October 2019 it was opposed to air ship without 18650 lithium-ion batteries, so I bought extra sets of Chinese made 18650 lithium-ion batteries that are not particularly good, and only performed to 12% of rated capacity, my surprise it was shipped by air with 2 Tecsun 18650 lithium-ion batteries violating (FAA) Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The 2 Tecsun 18650 lithium-ion batteries were shipped by accident. But later, these Tecsun batteries died so ordered 4 Sony/Murata VTC6 18650 3000mAh 15A lithium-ion flat top batteries, yes 18650 flat tops will work with this radio. Play time at full charge 33 hours 53 minutes and a 8.5-hour charged time from completely dead to full charge. Stay away from Chinese made 18650 batteries they only preform to 12% of rated capacity.
Ever since I was a little boy, I love shortwave radio with its 2 18650 lithium-ion batteries even with the Internet I still have strong nostalgic feelings about shortwave radio. Tecsun S-8800 shortwave radio is a great radio for shortwave radio listening (SWL).
Revised review.
The Tecsun S-8800 shortwave radio only runs on the 2 18650 lithium-ion batteries not the USB AC or DC power adapter or power bank. The radio will not turn on just on a USB power excluding the 2 18650 lithium-ion batteries. USB power is for charging only. You must have 2 18650 lithium-ion batteries installed to run the radio. The lithium-ion batteries that came with the Tecsun S-8800 shortwave radio lasted less than a year but that is okay because I had extra sets of Sony/Murata 18650 lithium-ion flat top batteries and chargers. Be careful many USB power adaptors and USB power banks create a lot of interference and hum on the AM radio band. For long distant radio listening unplug the USB power adaptors. I saved all my AC USB power adaptors most are very noisy one has a bad hum and only one has extraordinarily little noise, so I use this USB power adaptor. The 18650 lithium-ion battery chargers create a lot of interference and noise so unplug 18650 lithium-ion battery chargers while listening to long distance radio stations. It will not matter if you get USB charger with 1amp to 5amps the Tecsun radio will only use 1amp for charging the batteries. Compact florescent light bulbs, computers laptops, desktops, and tablets, big screen LED televisions and monitors, and lots of little digital electronic gizmos create a lot of noise on the AM radio band. Whenever there is a major power outage, I automatically turn on my Tecsun S-8800 shortwave radio and listen to AM radio stations for DX long distant radio listening of course this is the time when there is the least amount of electrical interference.
One very snowy night I tried out long range radio stations with a homemade AM radio antenna and a Tecsun AN-200 AM radio antenna, sensitivity, and selectivity I was amazed at the Tecsun S-8800 shortwave radio it was able to pick out weak stations next to 50,000-watt clear channel stations. The four selectable bandwidth filter helps a lot when using the narrowest bandwidth when strong and weak stations are next to each other. On other radios there is a big difference in volume levels when strong and weak stations are next to each other but the Tecsun S-8800 shortwave radio has an automatic (IF) Intermediate Frequency level control, volume levels between strong and weak radio stations are at the same level, it will make the DX/Local switch kind the useless.
Whoahhh yes a classic indeed. Wow
Classic Sony
In regards to the AC Adapter.... the original AC Adapter that came with my ICF-2010 purchased in the early 2000's is a Sony AC-D3HG, which is a DC 4.5V 700mA Class 2 Power Supply. This differs from the adapter shown in the video.
Hey, Wish me luck. After watching this and your reply to my comment, I just bought this. I found it on Ebay for $135.00 The pictures look good. The seller has not tested it, but offers returns. I believe it was well taken care of. I just need to get a plug and I have seen those too. Thanks again , and Best Wishes
I had this radio...back in the 80s...wow wish I had it now ..now Sony left the radio market...i bet it would still be good....but the digital s...went out...this is made with the Japan FM Band 76 -90mhz...than the rest was the FM Band for the rest of the world...and the Air Band VHF...108-138mhz...this radio is still the best from japan
What a machine!
I’m
Impressed how sensitive it is on AM broadcast band
Hey todderbert? If this big baby that a weather band and TV band, this radio would be Dy-No-Mite!
This looks like a fine radio, I used to have a Uniden CR-2021 receiver which was quite good but not as many features as this unit. I used to sound great on FM because of the big speaker. I saw the radio that you linked to on fleabay and one was still in original box, the one I used to have had a pic of some golfer on the box jack spicklaus ??. I still have a Yaesu FT-one Tranceiver around the place big and heavy it is too.
Nice!
I feel I need to add some context to all the gushing about this receiver. Whilst it is arguably the best portable receiver you can have, that also is its limit. A portable receiver. Self contained, no dependencies on any external power or antennas. Its great, I've had one since new in 1984, still use it today.
Here comes the but...
When placed up against a good fixed or base station receiver or the receiver in a ham transceiver you quickly finds its limitations, like I did. Connected to a full 40m loop antenna it overloaded like crazy and became an unusable squawking noise box of bleed over, breakthrough and image birdies. It doesn't have strong signal handling capabilities, it doesnt have good selectivity, not in the grand scheme of radio receivers. It could not pick out the DX on a crowded 7MHz contest weekend with local stations 5kHz away, a good receiver WILL be able to do this.There are many classic valve/tube receivers that out perform it, particularly for SSB and CW, and many more modern fixed station receivers.
So I think its important to make this distinction, if you are looking to set up a fixed receiver installation with a full size external antenna, the ICF 2001D is NOT what you want. If you want a bedside radio that can wake you up in the morning during the daily grind and then go camping one weekend and listen to the world from some hilltop? then yes, indeed yes!
Hence my portable radio channel, and trying to keep the prices to a reasonable roar :)
Nice radio, i love using my dx-160, I know its analog but it’s sweet. The Kenwood 5000 can give this radio a run for its money, as well as the icom 8500.
Had to sing along the deck o cards song! I got my friend's ICF-2010 pending to be fixed and I didn't knew it had synchronous detection!
(He is the one with the master plan)
Can you please do an in depth tutorial on this radio. I own one but don't think I am using it to its fullest capability. Maybe even make a multi part series on this radio.
It's also really sensitive on LW here in Europe. I regularly listen to Ireland, UK, France , Algeria and Romania.
Yep had one. Can't bring back all the old SW stations no matter how good the RX is, tho...
Just thought I'd tellyou that I have a Sony ICF-SW7600GR. It's a AM/FM/SW with synchronous detection. The synch detector works great on AM when you have a strong local 10 kHz away by cutting out the interference from strong station making the weaker distant station better to recieve.
I don't want to watch this radio because I'll want to run and buy one of these beauties! :)
Just curious how sensitive comapre to the latest Sony ICF-SW 7600G/GR or tecsun pl-680?
I've got one of those works great didn't know they were worth anything
Just scored a mint condition one for $25! Can’t wait to use it more. Thank you for the info!
I have 2 of these radios for sale. Both excellent condition. Very light use. I also have an uninstalled Kiwa mod available, along with the Sony active antenna. LMK if you're interested!
Wow Sony Radio...
I love sony radio`s..
I also like your explanation about Tecsun radios & recently became fan for Tecsun Radio`s...
Keep Rocking..
Rock On! :)
Hi. I am having an unexpectedly low volume on this radio. What's possibly wrong and what can I do? Thanks for reply in advance.
Hi. I noticed that on many of your videos, you're having a clip on the built in antenna. What is this kind of antenna extension called? Do you have any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
Usually a Reel Wire Antenna setup. The Kaito T-1 is my favorite to use, at Amazon amzn.to/3l4pkbU . Usually run the wire to a window, and up high away from RFI sources. If you can get it outside then perfect. This wire is thin enough to pass through my sliding patio door.
@@todderbert Thanks a bunch for the response, very helpful!
Hello sir I'm a big fan of your various radio reviews. Always my go to channel when I'm wanting to find out more about radios that I come across while I'm out at thrift store and yard sales. I found this same radio from this video in a big of electronics that was going to the dump. I pulled it out and put the batteries in and all I get is an error 3 message and I replaced the batteries a few times. Any ideas on what I should do? I did have the mail power switched on as well.
Thank you for the great content.
Error 3 is common. Mine was a loose cable inside. It is delicate.
I've had one of these since 1990, and although I've not used it in over a decade, I do seem to recall two important modifications I made to this radio: The first is the Wide-Narrow filter can be upgraded to a much better circuit, and it was simple to solder in place. I believe it tightens up the narrow frequency tone range, a real improvement. The second mod was I installed a back-to-back reverse polarity diode pair in parallel circuit with the antenna to ground in the plastic box on the long, grey wire external-plug-in antenna that comes with the radio. With ext antenna, the radio has a very high gain! This mod simply shorts out any static or large antenna signal above 0.7v from getting into the radio. I probably did other mods, but those are two that I remember. - j q t -
Most people have this radio with the RF input blown out from static/overload. They don't even realize it is deaf.
So how many kilohertz does the radio tune per revolution of the rotary knob (when set to 1 kHz steps)? If there's anything modern radios do less well than the old ones, then it's smooth tuning using the rotary knob. Most modern radios only have 20 steps per revolution on the encoder, this one seems to have more. I've never owned this model, but there's still much to like about this model.
CAUTION!!!
I checked into the details concerning the AC adapter in the link I posted, and I'm pretty sure it employs a switching P.S. When I get it, I'll test it, and if it generates RFI, I'll develop a filter to suppress it, and I'll post details on making one.
Are there any repair services available for this radio?
i've got a Sony ICF- SW100, but that flat cable that connects the speaker/display to the lower body has a loose contact and i don't know if i can get a replacement after all these years
I replaced genuine Sony kit ( redesigned ) front part + flat cable in 2014. Cost ~ $40 Try Sony spare parts.
Gran radio,grande sony
Hi there its raymond great portable radio great ssb great am great air band this is a radio that has table top preformance l had one and l wish l still had one no chinese radio of the present can work as good this in tiptop condition this radio is best portable ever made the only radio is better is the great south africa radio barlow wadley xcr 30 which is very expensive in the second hand market 500 $ up have you heard of the barlow wadley ?
which is the best that's model or Sw77?
Hi.Can you tell me where I can buy this radio please? Thanks.
💜💜💜
I have sony icf 2001d, but why without Air mode button
I read somewhere John Lennon used to have this radio! Excellent review.
Hi. He had the earlier 2001, which looked similar.
On the fence about buying this radio or the Tecsun PL-880, I would mostly be doing Shortwave/SSB listening.
The Sony is Sensitive, but is aging. I would pick up the Tecsun, unless you have skills repairing radios.
@@todderbert I was worried a bit about the age of the radio, perhaps I'll get both down the line, but will start with the PL-880. Thanks for your insight, your videos are informative.
I've owned one since 1992. The only problem I' ve had is with the adapter.
Can you send me a copy of your logbook so I can look which states you got on AM.
I first had the ICF-2001 but the keyboard quit. I immediately bought the ICF-2010. Great radio's.
Unfortunately neither of them power up with the wall chargers.
I'd like to get the 2010 working again so I'll keep check it or have to send it somewhere.
Both radios are battery eaters from what I remember.
Great radio's!
Thanks
I love my ICF-2010/2001. It's been all around the world with me. But... You loose the presets when replacing batteries. There's no airband mode. Repairs are difficult. The filters need mods to give good performance.
Very nice,how can I buy it??
Hi anyone have Sony 2010icf external antenna I can buy or where I can find one
My question is to you that, is there any Radio Better than this Sony 2010 .? in signal Reception?
Panasonic RF-2200 for MW, FM. Shortwave is so good on this Sony. I can't think of a better receiver atm in my collection.
Hey, Do you know if there are any Panasonic radios like this one.? For some reason I never had good luck with Sony. I have a Sony ICF-7600D and I do not think it is as good as my Sangean ATS-405. The Sony has SSD though but doe's not do much. I have several Tecsun radios but Panasonic was always my brand for every electronic device. Thanks for all your videos, your a big help. Best Wishes
You can check into the Command Series that Panasonic Made, but they really don't hold a candle to this radio. If you don't mind All Analog, the RF-2200 is one heck of a Radio.
My radio was yb500
I have one
En el Peru venden?
Does the tecsun H-501x come close to the 2010
Not sure yet, still need to purchase a 501...the 2010 is such a great radio to use.
Can you pick up airband?
Yes, mostly during the day. Activity is low at night, when this video was filmed.
Where would a person go to get one recapped? Is that recommended as a function of age?
If it is not working properly you may need to find someone who specializes on the 2010.
Price pls.
Look on eBay! Good working sample….$350 or so with original power supply. Mint with everything? Lots more!
It looks like the days of great radios is a thing of the past.
What is offered today is not up to the standards of Sony or the other great's like Panasonic.
Sanyo being another.
What is offered today is cheap radio's at premium prices that do not perform nearly as well as the others mentioned here.
Yes what is the closest thing to this that Sony currently manufactures?
They stopped manufacturing Shortwave radios, but the newest one was the ICF-SW7600GR. My Review: th-cam.com/video/bpkRxqxpPbI/w-d-xo.html
A good radio receiver...but difficult to operate...many buttons.
It's Indian rs coast and purchase side
too expansive for me, thank you.
I like the radio, I don’t love it. It was maybe “the king” in 1993. Today? Not so much.
@
Arthur's Hallicrafters Kitchen & Audio Lab
This unit still rivals or surpasses any thing made today that would compete with it. The mid 2000s
Eton E1 might have been better, but the quality control was horrendous! I would still consider this Sony to be the best of the best of "modern day" portable SW radios.
@@watershed44 You are likely limited to portables. I own desktops as well, which blow it out of the water. So, maybe I’m spoiled. And no, none of those have sync detection.
You are wrong, this reciever is still today the best you can get in this size, its still the
king
@@christiansanden8005 If you were right, I’d agree with you.
@@ArthurJS123 What are you talking about??
Just 4 G-P , WHY, Have so many Company's DISCONTINUED SO MANY GREAT RADIOS--- Sony must have real bad management, and not just sony- THERE IS A REAL BOOMINGMARKET For Good Multi-Band, Multi-mode Receivers- I've talked to many young people- Teens, through 20's + Interested in these Radios They like " Retro" )- To me they're "young " I'm 70 yrs Old- I remember the ALLIED KITS- That's where we learned " Hands-On Soldering. And Electronics- I beleive there is an interest in this stuff, AND to Various company's, They could Definately Sell " Good Quality" Kits- Receivers- Txr's, Tuners, Etc., -- I know some young folks in my area. Who , kind of put CellulR" o. The side, and use UHF-VHF , HT, as a kind of " Privacom"--- Right Now, TecSun is about the best option out there-( Apparently, EATON Has a LOT of Mfg- Quality Problems-For That reason, I wouldn't Buy EATON Right Now )- Anyway, I did get a " 49 er Kit I'm saving for the Dark Days of January- Febuary, For a Project -- Hopefully, Manufacturers will become aware of a market they are missing out on --- We'll see how it shakes out ???