[net.ham-radio] Sony ICF-2002 modification info

wmartin@brl-tgr.ARPA (Will Martin ) (01/04/85)

Here is the text of the item in RIB regarding the modification of Sony
2002s to correct the "pulling" problem. This is from the November 84
issue, page 39:

From Ken Maxwell, Albany, NY, via telephone call Dec 6 (RIB cover dates are
usually behind the actual content date):

Regarding the "pulling" problem on some ICF-2002s -- not only does modifying
it void the warranty, but this can be fixed free if the unit is within the 
one-year warranty. I've learned that a 26-part modification is available
which may cover other problems too. Calling their 800 number may get the
run-around; I went through my local rep Steve Sneider, 617-329-8479. Note:
new 2002s already have the mod installed; not applicable to 7600D version.
Call first, but I sent to Sony Consumer Service Corp., Attn: Mr. Min Ito,
386 Route 17 South, Mahwah, NJ 07430. This is the preferred procedure
since modifications must be type-accepted by the FCC. This presumably hasn't
been widely publicized in order to prevent a flood of warranty claims.

***End of item***

What is interesting about this info is what it doesn't say. I'm wondering
whether the non-applicability of this mod to 7600D models means that:

1) They don't need it -- the circuit changes have already been incorporated
when they were made. (Perhaps a batch of 2002's were made first, lacking this
correction, then the assembly line was upgraded, and 7600D's and more
2002's were made, all incorporating the fix? That seems unlikely, as I thought
7600D's were released overseas before 2002's were sold in the US.)

2) Sony of America simply will refuse to work on 7600D's -- I know this is
true for warranty work, since there is no US warranty on those, but what 
about simple paid-for non-warranty shop work?

3) There really is enough difference internally between the 2002 and 7600D,
contrary to published info and long-accepted rumor, that the mod is really
inapplicable to 7600D circuitry.

I have no idea of the answer to this; if anyone knows or learns the truth
about this, please post it!

Regards,

Will Martin

ARPA/MILNET: wmartin@almsa-1.ARPA     USENET: seismo!brl-bmd!wmartin