Sony

Sony ICF-2001D (ICF-2010)

The ICF-2001D was my dream radio when it was released to much fanfair in 1985. However, it cost over $1000 Australian dollars at time when I was earning before tax $300. So for me a months salary (I was working part time and going to Uni.) As with all high end Sony radios, they are very hard to come by in Australia as they were mainly special order and were very expensive when new.

When someone asked the society whether anyone would be interested in one I jumped. It was in Portland, Victoria, my old stomping ground when I first started teaching. It's over 300km away, but I arranged to visit friends and spent 4 days down there.

This was a risky venture. They are difficult to repair, especially if the batteries have leaked. It came with all the manuals and accessories, but not the original box. The 95 year old gentleman suggested it had been in storage for over 25 years.

When I picked it up, I went straight to the supermarket and bought batteries. The clock and LCD screen worked, but it was displaying Error 3. I knew the battery connectors are dodgy on these early radios. I was slightly dispondent back at my friends place, but on AC it came to life and worked perfectly.  So when I got back to Ballarat I opened it up and soldered wires between the battery terminals and the board, and did some minor maintenance. Beautiful.

Much has been written extolling these radios. The ICF-2010 is the U.S. market model that only differs in name. There are plently of "mods" to improve on perfection. By far the best radio for reception I've ever owned.