From: harpe@netnews.louisville.edu (Mike Harpe)
Subject: Sony ICF-SW77 First Impressions Review
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1992 19:29:32 GMT
Organization: University of Louisville
Keywords: Sony SW-77 

I have had my SW-77 for about two weeks now.  Here are some initial
impressions.  Before we begin, I want to say that I am a novice SWL'er
so comments about sensitivity, etc., are based purely on my subjective
expectations of what the radio "should" do given it's price and features.

I have been pleased with the performance of the SW-77 overall.  I have
no trouble picking up stronger broadcasters and hams indoors on the
telescoping antenna.  I use the schedules published in Monitoring Times and
can hear everything that I want to hear with no trouble.  The chuffing
between frequencies when using the VFO is only a minor annoyance.  Treat
the telescoping antenna VERY gently as the topmost sections are quite 
fragile.  I know i'm going to bend the hell out of one someday.

I have tried the clip-on wire antenna included with the radio.  Stringing
the wire around a room and clipping it on to the antenna makes very little
difference.  I want to try a proper antenna plugged into the EXT ANT jack.
I haven't really tried for any weak signals so I can't comment on the 
performance.  I can say that synchronous detection makes a big difference 
in noisy conditions.

The programming is kind of strange.  Sony used the approach of grouping 
frequencies into banks that are given the "name" of the broadcaster that they
refer to.  For example, all BBC frequencies are accessed by one "PF key" 
under the display.  You then scroll through that bank and select the BBC
frequency that is strongest.  You can also have the radio select the best
frequency based on either time or signal strength by using AUTO TUNE.
The programming process is clumsy and takes some getting used to.  I have
not yet figured out the timer or the "Quick Page" so stay tuned for more
on this.  Mashing the SCAN button does not just keep tuning up, either.  
SCAN will stop at the next high "band edge" that it hits and only recycles
to the low end of the same band edge.  Annoying if you want to scan the 
ham bands.  To be fair, this radio is not aimed at that market.  This radio
is designed primarily for listening to broadcasters.

The instruction manual is typical Sony, barely readable, obviously translated
and repeated in about four languages.  Be prepared to read it several times
and don't be afraid to experiment.

Overall, I like the radio a lot.  I bought a high-end unit primarily to get
good reception and to satisfy my natural craving for gadgetry.  The only
real gripe that I have is that Sony did not include a nice carry case like
they did with the SW-55.  I asked a Sony rep about this at the Monitoring
Times convention and he said that they get a lot of requests for that.  He
gave me the impression that they may offer one as an accessory.  Otherwise,
you do get headphones, the external antenna, an AC adapter (worldwide), and
two books about shortwave listening.  I bought mine from Grove Enterprises
for $479 shipped UPS 2nd day air.

Mike Harpe, N4PLE
Jeffersonville, Indiana

Disclaimer:    I have no relationship with either Grove
               Enterprises or Sony other than as a satisfied
               customer of both companies.
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave