Sony CRF-5090 World Band Radio Operating Instructions
Introduction
The SONY CRF-5090, "World Zone", presents you with the listening enjoyment of a total of 9 bands. This receiver tunes the most popular 5 international shortwave bands, as well as MW, LW, FM and AIR bands.
So you can receive Marine, Weather, Ship-to-Ship or Ship-to-Shore transmissions, radio beacons, time signals, FAA Weather Navigation, radio hams, SSB/CW signals, and aviation communications, as well as standard AM and FM broadcasts.
A new solid-state chassis including a BFO control, an RF gain control, a squelch control, a tuning meter and the SONY LED tuning indicator ensure fine reception.
Enjoy your "World Zone" to the utmost.
Power Source
With Standard Batteries
Pull the knobs on the rear cover and remove the cover. The lower two narrow compartments are for installing batteries. Insert four batteries (size D) into each compartment with the correct polarity. It is recommended to install the marked battery (0) last, as shown below. When the sound becomes weak or distorted, replace all the batteries with the new ones. The marked one can be taken off first.
Diagram Description: Shows the rear of the radio with two battery compartments, each designed to hold four D-cell batteries. Polarity markings (+) and (-) are indicated for each battery slot.
On House Current
The AC power cord is stored in the upper compartment. Insert the four-hole plug of the AC power cord into the power socket [AC/DC IN] located at the lower right of the rear panel, and connect the other end to an AC house current outlet.
Diagram Description: Illustrates the AC power cord connecting from an AC outlet to the radio's "AC/DC IN" socket.
On Auto/Boat Battery
Use SONY Car Battery Cord DCC-2AW, an optional accessory. The round plug of the car battery cord is to be inserted into the cigarette lighter socket of the car or boat using a 12-Volt battery.
Diagram Description: Shows the SONY Car Battery Cord DCC-2AW connecting from a cigarette lighter socket to the radio's "AC/DC IN" socket.
Location of Parts and Controls
Diagram Description (Front Panel): The front panel features a handle, tuning indicator (SLED), dial scale, band indicating window, Dial LIGHT button, EARPHONE jack, POWER switch, telescopic antenna, markers, tuning meter, TONE control, VOLUME control, AFC switch, band selector, fine tuning knob, tuning knob, RF GAIN control, BFO control, and SQUELCH control. The front cover and time zone chart are also visible, along with the time dial knob and time dial.
Diagram Description (Rear Panel): The rear panel shows antenna terminals, battery compartment, AC cord compartment, recording jack, and external power input jack.
Function of Parts and Controls
Telescopic Antenna
This antenna is for use on SW1-5, FM and AIR band reception. For SW1-5 band reception, pull out the antenna to its full length and stand it vertically. For FM or AIR band reception, first pull out the antenna rod to its full length, then slant it and vary the length, direction and angle for best reception. In AIR band reception, it is recommended to shorten the Telescopic antenna. Since the wave length of AIR band is shorter than FM band, better result may be obtained. In areas where strong FM broadcast stations are located, AIR band reception may not necessarily be improved by using an external FM antenna. In these circumstances, use an antenna designed for AIR band reception only. For MW and LW (beacon) band reception, the built-in ferrite bar antenna is effective. Since this antenna is directional, rotate the set horizontally for optimum reception.
POWER Switch
Flip the switch upward to turn the set ON. If you operate the set from the AC power line, the Dial scale and the Tuning meter lights. To turn off the set, flip the switch down to OFF. Make sure that the switch is set to OFF, when you close the front cover.
BAND SELECTOR
Rotate the knob until the desired band appears in the Band indicating window.
Tuning Knob
This knob is for tuning in the desired station.
Dial Scale
Displays the frequency of the selected station.
Tuning Indicator
The newly-developed SONY Light Emitting Diode brightens at correct tuning.
Band Indicating Window
Displays the selected band.
TUNING METER
When tuning in, the pointer swings to the right. During SSB/CW (single sideband/continuous wave) reception, this meter is not effective.
Dial LIGHT Button
When you operate the set from batteries, press this switch to illuminate the Dial scale for easy reading.
Markers
If you position a Marker at a frequency that you often tune in, you can locate the station more easily the next time. At first, tune in the station precisely with the Tuning knob and the Fine tuning knob (for AM), so that the Tuning indicator brightens and the Tuning meter swings to the right. Then set a Marker at the Tuning indicator hairline. Do the same with the remaining two Markers for other often-used frequencies. These Markers are especially convenient for the AIR band reception where signals are not continuously broadcast. The markers enable you to select the proper frequency even when no signal is being broadcast. Then the selected station will be heard as soon as a transmission does occur.
FINE TUNING Knob
This knob is useful for tuning in a short wave station easily. At first, set the (1) mark on the Fine tuning knob to [0]. Then tune in the station as best as you can with the Tuning knob. Turn the Fine tuning knob until the best reception is obtained. This knob is also helpful on SSB/CW reception.
AFC Switch
Automatic frequency control is effective for stable FM reception. Generally, keep this switch ON. If the desired FM station is weak or adjacent in frequency (within 1 MHz) to a strong signal station, depress the AFC switch to cut off the automatic frequency control. This lets you tune in the desired station without it being pulled off frequency.
VOLUME Control
Clockwise rotation of this control increases the sound volume.
TONE Control
Turn this control to HIGH to accentuate treble sound. Turn this control to LOW to accentuate bass sound.
RF GAIN Control
Usually, set this control to off ([NORMAL] position). However, if you are located in a region where the signals are very strong, this control may improve the reception except for FM and AIR band reception. When SSB/CW signal reception, this control is effective. Turn this control clockwise with a click and adjust the control until the clearest signal is obtained.
BFO Control
Used for SSB/CW reception. Turn this control clockwise with a click, and adjust the control precisely until the content of transmission is heard clearly. Be sure to set this control to OFF for reception of any other type of broadcast.
SQUELCH Control
In AIR band reception, this control operates to eliminate the noise and static heard between transmissions to an acceptable level. When receiving weak signals, readjust the antenna, or turn the control fully counterclockwise. In this case, be careful not to increase the sound volume because strong noise will occur when a station is not tuned in.
EARPHONE Jack
Plug the supplied earphone into the jack. The built-in speaker will automatically be disconnected.
Recording Jack
Connect the recording jack to the microphone jack of a tape recorder through the proper connecting cord for recording radio programs. The position of the Volume and Tone controls does not affect the recording level. For further details, refer to the instruction manual of your tape recorder.
Front Cover Operation
Opening the Front Cover: Open the front cover of the receiver by placing your fingers in the groove on the cabinet top and pulling toward you.
Inserting the Front Cover: Insert the front cover into the cabinet. This will stop halfway so as to leave the Time zone chart exposed.
Closing the Front Cover: To close the front cover, first draw it out, flip it up, and then press it to the cabinet until you hear a click.
Removing the Front Cover: To remove the front cover, pull the front cover horizontally toward you while pulling the tiny spring.
Reinstalling the Front Cover: To reinstall the cover, insert it into the cabinet while pushing the spring. The cover will be locked in the cabinet.
Outdoor Antenna
FM and AIR Bands
Use a popular outdoor antenna to increase the sensitivity. To do this, unfasten and remove the hook of the Telescopic antenna lead-in wire. Loosen the FM/AIR antenna terminal screws and connect the feeder wire of the outdoor antenna to the terminals behind the washer.
Diagram Description: Shows an outdoor antenna connected to the FM/AIR terminals on the radio. An instruction indicates to "unfasten and remove" the telescopic antenna lead-in wire.
SW 1-5 Bands
When receiving shortwave, connect the antenna wire of SW outdoor antenna to SW antenna terminal for greater sensitivity and lower noise. If noise still persists, attach a groundwire to the Ground terminal (+) and connect the other end of the wire to a suitable electrical ground such as a cold water pipe.
Diagram Description: Shows an antenna wire connected to the SW antenna terminal and a ground wire connected to the Ground terminal and an earth ground. The antenna wire is noted to be "more than 20-feet".
MW and LW Bands
Connect an antenna wire more than 20 feet long to the MW/LW antenna terminal, and extend it outdoors as high as possible. Also, the use of a ground wire may provide better reception.
Diagram Description: Shows an antenna wire connected to the MW/LW antenna terminal and a ground wire connected to the Ground terminal and an earth ground.
Operating Steps
FM Reception
- Pull out the Telescopic antenna to its full length. Adjust the direction and angle.
- Turn on the POWER switch.
- Select the FM band with the Band selector.
- Set the AFC switch to ON.
- Tune in the desired station by turning the Tuning knob.
- Adjust the sound volume and tone quality by turning the Volume and Tone controls.
MW/LW Reception
- Turn on the POWER switch.
- Set the RF GAIN control to NORMAL and the BFO control to OFF.
- Select the band with the Band selector.
- Tune in the desired station by turning the Tuning knob.
- Adjust the sound volume and tone quality.
NOTE: The Telescopic antenna has no effect on MW/LW reception. Instead, the built-in directional ferrite bar antenna is used.
SW Reception (shortwave 1-5)
- Pull out the Telescopic antenna to its full length and stand it vertically.
- Turn on the POWER switch.
- Set the RF GAIN control to NORMAL and the BFO control to OFF.
- Select the band (SW 1-5) you want with the BAND SELECTOR.
- Tune in the desired station. At first, set the (1) mark on the FINE TUNING knob to [0]. Then turn the Tuning knob and select the station precisely. Turn the FINE TUNING knob until the best reception is obtained.
- Adjust the volume and tone.
For SSB/CW reception, add the following steps:
- Turn the BFO control clockwise with a click until the clearest signal is received.
- If you are located in the areas where the signal is strong and the signal is still distorted, turn the RF GAIN control on by turning it clockwise with a click.
If you try to receive SSB or CW immediately after you have turned on the power, the reception may be difficult due to the frequency drift led by the temperature characteristic of transistors. You can enjoy the stable SSB or CW reception about 10 minutes after you have turned on the power.
AIR Reception
- Pull out the Telescopic antenna. Recommended to shorten the antenna length less than FM reception. Adjust its direction and angle.
- Turn on the POWER switch.
- Select the AIR band with the BAND SELECTOR.
- Tune in the desired aviation communication transmission with the Tuning knob.
- Turn the SQUELCH control clockwise until background noise is reduced to an acceptable level for listening.
- Adjust the volume and tone.
The Time Zone Chart
The Time zone chart composed of the Time dial and the World map is located on the back of the front cover. This helps you to find out the time of day anywhere of the world or determine the difference in time between GMT and local time.
Use it as follows:
Slide the Time dial right or left to set the number on the Time dial corresponding to the current local time to the time zone in which you are located. The Time dial will now indicate the correct time in each of the other time zones.
The Time dial of the set uses the 24 hour method of designating time. For example 5 p.m. is equal to 17 hours. If the time is past 12 hours, you can convert to conventional p.m. time by subtracting 12 hours from the time.
To determine the correct time anywhere on earth, set the time number on the Time dial to the desired location and find out the time at the other areas.
For example, when it is 10 a.m. in New York, what time is it in London? The Time dial indicates the correct time in London is 15 hours. Convert 15 hours to p.m. time. It will be 3 p.m.
Keep in mind when you cross the International Date Line, the date changes. In case going west from that line, it becomes the following date. On the other hand, going east, it becomes the previous date.
Diagram Description: Shows a circular time dial with hour markings and a world map. Labels point to the time dial knob, time dial, time zone chart, and front cover.
Features of Each Band
AIR (Aircraft communication band)
This band provides reception of aviation communications 108-136 MHz range between aircraft and airport towers such as a pilot's request for specific instructions, report of his position, filing of his flight plan, etc. You may also receive plane-to-plane communications. For details on aircraft frequencies, refer to the Airman's Information Manual published by the FAA or the following chart.
Frequency Chart of Aviation Communication (voice)
| Frequency Range (MHz) | Description |
|---|---|
| 118.0-121.4 | air traffic control communications for civil aircraft |
| 121.5 | emergency frequency. This is the universal VHF frequency for emergency and distress communication and its use should be limited to such calls, generally available at all FAA and military stations, through either the tower or the FSS (Flight Service Station). |
| 121.7-121.9 | airport ground control frequency, for communication between tower and taxiing aircraft or vehicles |
| 121.95 | flight test |
| 122.0 | FSS's weather, selected locations, private aircraft and air carriers. |
| 122.1 | standard FSS guarding frequency for civil aircraft. |
| 122.2, 122.3 | FSS simplex frequency for civil aircraft at selected locations. |
| 122.4, 122.5, 122.7 | standard FAA (Federal Aviation Agency) tower guarding frequency for civil aircraft |
| 122.6 | FSS's private aircraft |
| 122.8, 123.0, 122.95 | aeronautical advisory stations (UNICOM) for a communication with civil aircraft at airports having no tower or FSS |
| 122.9 | aeronautical multicom stations for communication pertaining to agriculture, ranching, forest fire fighting, parachute jumping, etc |
| 123.0 | aeronautical advisory stations (UNICOM) at airports with ATC tower or FSS. |
| 123.05 | UNICOM for heliports |
| 123.1, 123.55 | flying school and flight test stations |
| 123.6 | FSS airport advisory service |
| 123.6-128.8 | air traffic control frequencies except 126.2, assigned primarily as military tower frequency |
| 128.85-132.0 | aeronautical en route operations (airing) |
| 132.05-135.95 | air traffic control communications except 133.2MHz available for communications with USAF radar facility to obtain weather advisory service |
LW (Long Wave)
This set covers 150-400 kHz, Non-Directional Beacon and Range Beacon signals. These stations identify themselves at 30-second intervals with call letters in Morse Code. Their signals are used for airway direction finding. Range Beacon, called Radiorange 4 Course Beacon, transmits A and N Morse Codes for determination of 4 airway courses. These beacon bands also broadcast weather information at 15 and 45 minutes after the hour from FAA Weather Navigation Stations. When necessary, they broadcast flash warnings of approaching dangerous weather. Some stations now offer continuous weather service. These beacon bands include in their transmissions weather information to yachtsmen, boat owners, fishermen, etc.
SW-1
This band covers 1.6-3.5 MHz (187-86 m), where you can receive amateur radio transmissions, marine information, and broadcasts in tropical areas.
SW-2
Covers 3.5-9.0 MHz (86-33 m). Marine information and amateur radio transmissions as well as domestic SW broadcasts can be received.
SW-3, SW-4, SW-5
These SW bands provide world-wide coverage. You can intercept amateur radio transmissions on the 14 MHz band and also 21 MHz band, and international broadcasts at 9 MHz, 11 MHz, 15 MHz, 17 MHz and 21 MHz. For further details, refer to the supplied "Short Wave Guide".
Direction Finding
This set can be used as a radio direction finder to pinpoint your location with respect to beacon or broadcast transmitters. This makes the set a very useful navigation tool for small boat operators, pilots, etc. A simple method for radio direction finding is as follows.
- Turn the RF GAIN control clockwise and set the radio into manual gain control mode.
- Tune in a MW or Beacon (LW) station whose location is known until the Tuning meter needle of this set swings furthest to the right. Then rotate the set horizontally until the meter returns to or near zero.
- Hold the set at this angle (bearing) and take a reading of the bearing.
- Draw a line through the location of the transmitter. Your location is somewhere along the line.
- Repeat step 1-4 using another station whose location is also marked. This will give you a pair of lines. Your location will be at the intersection of these lines.
Diagram Description: Illustrates direction finding. It shows a map with two known transmitter locations labeled "A station" and "B station". A point labeled "Your location" is shown at the intersection of two lines, each representing a bearing taken from a station.
Specifications
- Semiconductors: 13 transistors for reception, 7 transistors for auxiliary circuits, 1 SONY Light Emitting Diode.
- Frequency range:
- FM: 87.5 - 108 MHz (3.42-2.78 m)
- MW: 530 - 1605 kHz (566-187 m)
- LW: 150 - 400 kHz (2000-750 m)
- SW1: 1.6 - 3.5 MHz (187-86 m)
- SW2: 3.5 - 9.0 MHz (86-33 m)
- SW3: 9.0 - 14.0 MHz (33-21 m)
- SW4: 14.0 - 21.0 MHz (21-14 m)
- SW5: 21.0 - 26.0 MHz (14-11 m)
- AIR: 108 - 136 MHz (2.78-2.21 m)
- Antennas: FM/SW/AIR Telescopic antenna, MW/LW built-in ferrite bar antenna, External antenna terminals for FM/AIR, MW/LW, SW.
- Speaker: 4"x6".
- Power output: 1.8 W (undistorted), 2.7 W (max.).
- Current drain: 40 mA (at zero signal), 260 mA (at 1.8 W output).
- Power requirement: DC 12 V (8 size D batteries), AC 120 V, 60 Hz.
- Dimensions: 13 3/8 x 9 5/8 x 6 5/16 inches (w/h/d).
- Weight: 14 lb 8 oz.
- Supplied accessories: earphone, AC cord, Short wave guide.
- Optional accessory: Car battery cord DCC-2AW.
- Hz: cycles per second.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
