Sony ICF-38 User Manual

Thank you for choosing the Sony 2 band radio! This 

unit will give you many hours of reliable service and 

listening pleasure. 

Before operating your unit, please read these 

instructions thoroughly and retain them for future 

reference.

 Good sound and high sensitivity

 Tuning indicator for easy tuning

 Tone control switch

 2 Way Power AC/DC Operation

You can use this unit with four size AA(R6) batteries 

or the house current. The AC power cord is in the 

battery compartment.

Batteries (See Fig. )

  Open the lid of the battery compartment.

  Insert four size AA(R6) batteries (not 

supplied) with correct polarity.

  Close the lid.

Battery life (Approx. hours)

(JEITA*)

Using  

Sony alkaline 

size AA(LR6) 

batteries

Using  

Sony  

size AA(R6) 

batteries

FM

74

28

AM

82

30

*  Measured by JEITA (Japan Electronics and 

Information Technology Industries Association) 

standards. The actual battery life may vary 

depending on the circumstance of the unit.

When the sound  becomes weak or distorted, replace 

all the batteries with new ones.

 Insert the batteries with correct polarity.

 Do not charge the dry batteries.

 Do not use different types of batteries at the same 

time.

 When you replace the batteries, replace all with new 

ones.

 When the unit is not being used for a long period of 

time, remove the batteries to avoid damage from 

battery leakage and corrosion.

 If a battery leakage occurs, wipe the battery 

compartment with a soft cloth before inserting new 

ones.

House Current (See Fig. )

  Open the lid of the battery compartment 

and set the AC power cord into the groove 

properly.

  Close the lid.

  Plug into a wall outlet.

is accidentally detached (See Fig. )

  Put in one side of the lid as illustrated.

  Push the other side to attach.

  Slide POWER to ON to turn on the radio.

  Select FM or AM, and tune in to a station 

using TUNE. 

TUNE (tuning) indicator lights up when a 

station is tuned in.

  Adjust the volume using VOL.

  Adjust the tone to your preference using 

TONE.  

To obtain clear treble, set to “HIGH”. 

To reinforce bass, set to “LOW”. 

 To turn off the radio, set POWER to OFF.

 To listen with an earphone (not supplied) connect 

the earphone to the  (earphone) jack. The speaker 

is deactivated when an earphone is connected.

(See Fig. )

FM: Extend the telescopic antenna  and adjust the 

length and angle for the best reception.

Adjust the direction of the  

antenna, holding the bottom  

of it. The antenna can be  

damaged when you move the  

antenna with excessive force.

AM: Rotate the unit horizontally for optimum 

reception. A ferrite bar antenna is built into the unit.

 Operate the unit only on 6 V DC or 120 V AC, 

60 Hz. For battery operation, use four size AA (R6) 

batteries. For AC operation, use the equipped AC 

power cord.

 To disconnect the power cord, pull it out by the plug, 

not the cord.

 The unit is not disconnected from the AC power 

source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall  

outlet, even if the unit itself  has  been turned off.

 The nameplate indicating operating voltage, etc. is 

located on the rear exterior.

 Do not leave the unit in a location near heat sources, 

or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive 

dust, or mechanical shock.

 Should any solid object or liquid fall into the unit, 

disconnect the AC power cord or remove the 

batteries, and have the unit checked by qualified 

personnel before operating it any further. 

 In vehicles or in buildings, radio reception may be 

difficult or noisy. Try listening near a window.

 Since a strong magnet is used for the speaker, keep 

personal credit cards using magnetic coding or 

spring- wound watches away from the unit. 

 When the casing becomes soiled, clean it with a soft 

cloth dampened with mild detergent solution. Never 

use abrasive cleansers or chemical solvents, as they 

may mar the casing.

FM: 87.5–108 MHz

AM: 530–1 710 kHz

Approx. 9.2 cm (3 

5

/

8

 in.) dia., 4 Ω

400 mW (at 10 % harmonic distortion)

 (earphone) jack (ø 3.5 mm minijack) 

120 V AC, 60 Hz with the equipped AC power 

cord 

6 V DC with four size AA(R6) batteries

Approx. 234 × 133 × 68.5 mm (w/h/d)

  (9 

7

/

32

 × 5 

1

/

4 

× 2 

23

/

32

 in.) incl. projecting parts 

with the carrying handle pushed in.

Approx. 848 g (29.9 oz.)

Design and specifications are subject to change 

without notice.

Telescopic 
antenna

TUNE 
indicator



Size AA (R6) × 4



AC power cord





FM

AM