Sony ICF5500M - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

dsergeant · 21st Jul 2023, 4:12 pm

The tuning on this Sony 4 band radio is as you probably know done in a little module with a film dial. It came in totally out of adjustment as the timing had slipped.

According to the manual there is supposed to be a mark on the dial film to align with a similar one on the dial film chassis but I cannot see that, but setting it to around the 530m point seems about right.

But the main problem is that the gears on the dial chassis are slipping, and are clearly not engaging fully. The two snaps below sort of show it. Is it just a case of loosening the lower screw and moving the gear up a little, or is it actual worn teeth, though they look OK.

I have also got to sort out a replacement telescopic antenna but better sort out the tuning first.

Dave

newlite4 · 21st Jul 2023, 4:22 pm

I would be inclined to loosen that screw, take up the slack in the gears and re-tighten, perhaps leave a little play to allow for any distortion in the gears. It looks like it was put there to take up any manufacturing tolerances, it would'nt do any harm to try this. Regards the antenna, these sets have a pop-up antenna which is probably a special fit. Trying to find an exact replacement may be difficult, I would just try to graft a similar type onto the stub of the original.
Neil

Nickthedentist · 21st Jul 2023, 10:00 pm

Yes, the “depthing” looks too shallow.

marceljack · 22nd Jul 2023, 9:24 am

Hi,
The antenna is not visible on the photographs but most Sony ICFs of the 90s had exactly the same antenna, which stub is completely outside of the cabinet and easily replaceable.

dsergeant · 1st Aug 2023, 5:41 pm

Just to update. I released the screw on the dial assembly and tweaked the gear a little. It now tunes very nicely. As for the antenna, that was all there and telescoped but the top cap was broken off so if you collapsed it the sections all went down inside. I bent the top section at 90 degrees right at its end so it would prevent that happened. A bodge and not very pretty, may fit a new antenna as suggested if I find one of the right size.

Dave

21st Jul 2023, 4:12 pm	#1
dsergeant Octode Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire,UK. Posts: 1,172	Sony ICF5500M The tuning on this Sony 4 band radio is as you probably know done in a little module with a film dial. It came in totally out of adjustment as the timing had slipped. According to the manual there is supposed to be a mark on the dial film to align with a similar one on the dial film chassis but I cannot see that, but setting it to around the 530m point seems about right. But the main problem is that the gears on the dial chassis are slipping, and are clearly not engaging fully. The two snaps below sort of show it. Is it just a case of loosening the lower screw and moving the gear up a little, or is it actual worn teeth, though they look OK. I have also got to sort out a replacement telescopic antenna but better sort out the tuning first. Dave Attached Thumbnails

21st Jul 2023, 4:22 pm	#2
newlite4 Octode Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bath, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,805	Re: Sony ICF5500M I would be inclined to loosen that screw, take up the slack in the gears and re-tighten, perhaps leave a little play to allow for any distortion in the gears. It looks like it was put there to take up any manufacturing tolerances, it would'nt do any harm to try this. Regards the antenna, these sets have a pop-up antenna which is probably a special fit. Trying to find an exact replacement may be difficult, I would just try to graft a similar type onto the stub of the original. Neil __________________ preserving the recent past, for the distant future.

21st Jul 2023, 10:00 pm	#3
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,846	Re: Sony ICF5500M Yes, the “depthing” looks too shallow.

22nd Jul 2023, 9:24 am	#4
marceljack Pentode Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Paris, France. Posts: 243	Re: Sony ICF5500M Hi, The antenna is not visible on the photographs but most Sony ICFs of the 90s had exactly the same antenna, which stub is completely outside of the cabinet and easily replaceable.

1st Aug 2023, 5:41 pm	#5
dsergeant Octode Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire,UK. Posts: 1,172	Re: Sony ICF5500M Just to update. I released the screw on the dial assembly and tweaked the gear a little. It now tunes very nicely. As for the antenna, that was all there and telescoped but the top cap was broken off so if you collapsed it the sections all went down inside. I bent the top section at 90 degrees right at its end so it would prevent that happened. A bodge and not very pretty, may fit a new antenna as suggested if I find one of the right size. Dave