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Sony ICF-CD543RM Clock Radio

Sony ICF-CD543RM Clock Radio
Overall Rating: Product Rating: 3.5
Durability:
Sound:

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So-so Performance and How To Improve

Written: Mar 13 '05

Product Rating: Product Rating: 3.0
Durability:  
Sound:  
Pros: Handy, under-counter design. Acceptable sound quality.

Cons: Poor FM reception unless power cord is lengthened.

The Bottom Line: Acceptable product with longer FM antenna.
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pduggan's Full Review: Sony ICF-CD543RM Clock Radio
Living in a rural area, I wasn't expecting great FM reception but out of the box this Sony product with its power cord FM antenna was unacceptable. Disappointing after spending $ 90.

Not finding any information on the antenna, I opened it up and traced the FM antenna schematic. The antenna input is capacitively coupled to the power transformer and then inductively coupled to the power cord through the transformer (which is an inductor).

After plugging the unit into a six foot extension cord and finding the reception improved, I replaced the six foot power cord with a twelve foot power cord made from a twelve foot extension cord (cut off the receptacle end). I then routed the twelve foot antenna/power cord up into the kitchen cabinet making a large loop and a large coil of the remaining wire on the top shelf. I now have good FM reception.

If you plan on doing this yourself, all it requires is a small Phillips screwdriver to open the case, a small soldering iron and some solder. Pay close attention to the polarity (ground) of the power cord. The wire with the wide plug blade (ground - usually white) should go in the bottom hole in the printed circuit board. Look at the existing power cord for guidance.

If this sound like too much trouble, simply plug the unit into a six foot extension cord and route the now longer power cord around inside the cabinet above the unit.

Otherwise a good product, AM reception and sound quality acceptable. AM performance would be enhanced if the internal ferrite antenna could be rotated.

If you have a choice as to mounting locations, try them out on your AM stations with the unit just sitting on the counter.

Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 90
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pduggan
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