Sony ICFC218WHITE, C218, ICFC218BLACK User Manual

2-319-815-22(1)

FM/AM Clock Radio

ICF-C218

Operating Instructions

Dream Machine is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

© 2006 Sony Corporation Printed in China

This unit includes a preinstalled Sony Lithium battery (CR2032) as back-up power source for the clock, which is preset
to EST/EDT (Eastern Standard Time/Daylight Time) at the factory. And this battery is considered part of the product.

For customers who purchased this product in the
USA
Please register this product on line at
http://www.sony.com/productregistration.
Proper registration will enable us to send you
periodic mailings about new products, services,
and other important announcements. Registering
your product will also allow us to contact you in
the unlikely event that the product needs
adjustment or modification. Thank you.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do
not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.

This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

∗ The graphical symbols are at the bottom of the

unit.

INFORMATION

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:

— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
— Increase the separation between the equipment

and receiver.

— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.

— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

WARNING

Battery may explode if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.

For the state of california, USA only

Perchlorate Material –special handling may apply, See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains
perchlorate

Features

• Single alarm FM/AM Clock radio.

•Various types of alarms — radio and buzzer.

•Automatic time set — When you plug the clock in
for the first time, the current time will be shown in
the display.

•Automatic Daylight Saving Time/Summer time
adjustment.

•Date button to display month, day and year.

•Battery backup to keep the clock during a power
interruption with a CR2032 battery installed.

• Extendable snooze — snooze time can be extended
from 10 to 60 minutes in maximum every time you
use.

Troubleshooting

Should any problem occur with the unit, make the
following simple checks to determine whether or not
servicing is required.
If the problem persists, consult your nearest Sony
dealer.

The clock flashes “AM 12:00” due to a power
interruption.

•The battery is low. Replace the battery. Remove the
old battery and install a new one.

The radio or buzzer alarm does not sound at
the preset alarm time.

• Has the desired radio or buzzer alarm been
activated? (i.e., Does the ALARM indicator light
up?)

The radio alarm is activated but no sound
comes on at the preset alarm time.

• Has VOLUME been adjusted?

Precautions

• Operate the unit on the power sources specified in
“Specifications” .

•To disconnect the power cord (mains lead), pull it
out by the plug, not the cord.

• Do not leave the unit in a location near a heat
source, such as a radiator or airduct, or in a place
subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust,
mechanical vibration, or shock.

• Allow adequate air circulation to prevent internal
heat build-up. Do not place the unit on a surface (a
rug, blanket, etc.) or near materials (a curtain) that
might block the ventilation holes.

• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the unit,
unplug the unit and have it checked by a qualified
personnel before operating it any further.

•To clean the casing, use a soft cloth dampened with
a mild detergent solution.

If you have any questions or problems
concerning your unit, please consult your
nearest Sony dealer.

Specifications

Time display

12-hour System

Frequency range

Band Frequency

FM 87.5 – 108 MHz

AM 530 – 1 710 kHz

Speaker

Approx. 6.6 cm (2

Power output

150 mW (at 10% harmonic distortion)

Power requirements

120 V AC, 60 Hz
For power backup: 3 V DC, one CR2032 battery

Dimensions

Approx. 155 × 64.5 × 150 mm (w/h/d)

1

/8 × 2 5/8 × 6 inches) incl. projecting parts and

(6
controls

Mass

Approx. 495.2 g (1 lb 1.5 oz) incl. CR2032
battery

Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.

5

/8 inches) dia., 8 Ω

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance,
and keep this manual for future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance and in the operating
instructions, and adhere to them.

INSTALLATION

Water and Moisture

Do not use powerline operated appliances near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.

Heat

Do not place the appliance near or over a radiator or heat register, or where it is exposed to direct
sunlight.

Ventilation

The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable
operation of the appliance, and to protect it from overheating, these slots and openings must never be
blocked or covered.

-Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth or other materials.

-Never block the slots and openings by placing the appliance on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar
surface.

-Never place the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper
ventilation is provided.

Accessories

Do not place the appliance on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The appliance may fall,
causing serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious damage to the appliance. Use only a cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by Sony.

-An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.

Wall or Ceiling Mounting

If your appliance can be mounted to a wall or ceiling, mount it only as recommended by Sony.

USE

Power Source

This appliance should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label.
If you are not sure of the type of electrical power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local
power company. For those appliances designed to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer
to the operating instructions.

Grounding or Polarization

This appliance is equipped with a polarized AC power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider than
the other), or with a three-wire grounding type plug (a plug having a third pin for grounding). Follow
the instructions below:

-For the appliance with a polarized AC power cord plug:

This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug by forcing it in.

-For the appliance with a three-wire grounding type AC plug:

This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed. Do not defeat
the safety purpose of the grounding plug.

Overloading

Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or convenience receptacles beyond their capacity, since
this can result in fire or electric shock.

When not in use

Unplug the power cord of the appliance from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
To disconnect the cord, pull it out by grasping the plug. Never pull the plug out by the cord.

Power-Cord Protection

Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits
from the appliance.

Lightning

For added protection for this appliance during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and
unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable
system. This will prevent damage to the appliance due to lightning and powerline surges.

Object and Liquid Entry

Never push objects of any kind into the appliance through openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the appliance.

Cleaning

Unplug the appliance from the wall outlet before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners
or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of the appliance.
Clean the appliance only as recommended by Sony.

Attachments

Do not use attachments not recommended by Sony, as they may cause hazards.

ANTENNAS

Outdoor Antenna Grounding

If an outdoor antenna or cable system is installed, follow the precautions below.
An outdoor antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other

electric light or power circuits, or where it can come in contact with such power lines or circuits.
WHEN INSTALLING AN OUTDOOR ANTENNA SYSTEM, EXTREME CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN
TO KEEP FROM CONTACTING SUCH POWER LINES OR CIRCUITS AS CONTACT WITH THEM
IS ALMOST INVARIABLY FATAL.

Be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and
built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code provides information with respect
to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an
antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection
to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.

Antenna Grounding According to the National
Electrical Code

Antenna Lead-in Wire

Ground
Clamps

Electric Service

NEC-NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE

Equipment

SERVICE

Damage Requiring Service

Unplug the appliance from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:

-When the power cord or plug is damage or frayed.

-If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the appliance.

-If the appliance has been exposed to rain or water.

-The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.

-This indicates a need for service.

-If the appliance does not operate normally when following the operating instructions, adjust only
those controls that are specified in the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will often require extensive work
by a qualified technician to restore the appliance to normal operation.

-If the appliance has been subject to excessive shock by being dropped, or the cabinet has been
damaged.

Servicing

Do not attempt to service the appliance yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Replacement parts

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts
specified by Sony that have the same characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to the appliance, ask the service technician to perform
routine safety checks (as specified by Sony) to determine that the appliance is in safe operating
condition.

Antenna Discharge Unit
(NEC Section 810-20)

Grounding Conductors
(NEC Section 810-20)

Ground Clamps

Power Service Grounding Electrode System
(NEC Art 250 Part H)

CLOCK DSTTIME ZONE

BUZZER

ALARM MODE

SNOOZE

DST

AM

PM

RADIO

OFF

SLEEP

DATE SLEEP OFF//

PULL

ON

RADIO

OFF

ALARM RESET

ALARM

ALARM TIME SET

AC power cord

SL

E

E

S

N

O

P

O

Z

E

/ D

A

T

E

/ S

L

E

E

P

O

F

F

BAND

FM

VOL

AM

TUNING

* There is a tactile dot beside

Battery compartment

VOLUME to show the direction
to turn up the volume.

BAND

AM FM

TUNING

VOL

A

123

PUSH

NOTES ON LITHIUM BATTERY

About the backup
battery

To keep good time, as backup power source, this unit
has one CR2032 battery inside of the unit in addition
to the house current.
The battery keeps the clock in the event of a power
interruption.

Knowing when to replace
the battery

When the battery becomes weak, “E” indicator
appears in the display.
In the event of a power interruption when the battery
is weak, current time and alarm functions will be
initialized.

Replace the battery with a Sony CR2032 lithium
battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of
fire or explosion.

Installing and replacing the
backup battery

1 Keep the AC plug connected to the AC

outlet, remove the screw that secures the
battery compartment at the bottom of the
unit using a screwdriver, and remove the
battery compartment. (See Fig. A-1)

2 Insert a new battery in the battery

compartment with the e side facing up.

To remove the battery from the battery
compartment, push it out from the side marked
PUSH. (See Fig. A-2)

3 Insert the battery compartment back into the

unit and secure it with the screw.
(See Fig. A-3)

4 When you are replacing the battery, press

RADIO ON to turn “E” indicator off in

the display.

Note

If you replace the battery, do not disconnect AC plug
from AC outlet.
Otherwise, current time and alarm will be initialized.

• Dispose of used battery promptly. Keep the lithium
battery out of the reach of children. Should the
battery be swallowed, immediately consult a doctor.

•Wipe the battery with a dry cloth to assure a good
contact.

• Be sure to observe the correct polarity when
installing the battery.

• Do not hold the battery with metallic tweezers,
otherwise a short-circuit may occur.

• Do not expose the battery to excessive heat such as
direct sunlight, fire or the like.

Battery Warning

When the unit will be left unplugged for a long time,
remove the battery to avoid undue battery discharge
and damage to the unit from battery leakage.

Setting the clock
for the first time

This unit is preset to the current date and time at the
factory, and is powered by the back up battery. All
you need to do the first time is just plug it in and
select your time zone.

1 Plug in the unit.

“month and date” (about 1 second) t “year”
(about 1 second) t “the current EST/EDT
(Eastern Standard/Daylight Time)” appears in the
display.

2 Press TIME ZONE.

Area number “2” appears in the display.
If you live in the Eastern Time zone, you do not
need to adjust the area setting.

Area number

1

2
(default)

3

4

5

6

7

Time zone

Atlantic Standard/Daylight Time

Eastern Standard/Daylight Time

Central Standard/Daylight Time

Mountain Standard/Daylight Time

Pacific Standard/Daylight Time

Yukon Standard/Daylight Time

Hawaiian Standard/Daylight Time

3 Press TIME ZONE repeatedly until the

desired number appears.

The display returns to the clock about 4 seconds
after the operation is complete.

Note

During the shipment and your first use, a clock error
may occur. In this case, refer to “Setting the clock and
date” to set the correct time.

When daylight saving time
(summer time) begins

The following models employ the Automatic Daylight
Saving Time/Summer Time adjustment. The DST
indicator in the display appears in the display at the
beginning of the daylight saving time (summer time),
and disappears at the end of it.

•Daylight saving time begins at: 2:00 AM on the
second Sunday of March.

• Standard time begins at: 2:00 AM on the first
Sunday of November.

To cancel the Automatic DST/
Summer Time adjustment and
to set DST display manually

The Automatic DST/Summer Time adjustment can be
cancelled.

Press and hold DST for more than 3 seconds
while the clock is displayed.

A beep sounds, and “Aut t OFF” appears in the
display to show that the Automatic DST/Summer
Time adjustment is cancelled. The display returns to
the clock.

Notes

•The change timing of Automatic DST/Summer
Time adjustment employed by the unit (see above)
is subjected to variation by circumstances and the
law in each country/region. In such a case, cancel
the Automatic DST/Summer Time adjustment and
set DST display manually as necessary. The
customer who lives in the country/region that has
not introduced the daylight saving time (summer
time) must cancel Automatic DST/Summer Time
adjustment before using the set.

•To activate the Automatic DST/Summer Time
adjustment again, press and hold DST for more than
3 seconds. A beep sounds, and “Aut t On” appears
in the display to show that the Automatic DST/
Summer Time adjustment is activated. The display
returns to the clock.

•To change the display to the daylight saving time
(summer time) manually, see “To change the display
to the daylight saving time (summer time)
indication.”

Setting the clock
and date

To change the setting manually, follow the procedure
from step 1.

1 Press CLOCK for more than 2 seconds.

You will hear a beep and the year will start to
flash in the display.

2 Press + or – until the correct year appears

in the display.

3 Press CLOCK.
4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to set the month, day

and time.

After setting the time, two short beeps sound and
the clock starts from 0 seconds.

•

Pressing and holding
or day rapidly.
When setting the current time, time changes rapidly
by 1 minute-increments up to 10 minutes, and then
by 10 minute-increments.

• While setting the clock, you must perform each step
within 65 seconds, or the clock setting mode will be
cancelled.

To display the year and date

Press SNOOZE/DATE/SLEEP OFF once
for the date, and within about 3 seconds press it
again for the year.

The display shows the date or year for about 3
seconds and then changes back to the current time.
If you connect the AC plug to AC outlet while this
unit is powered from the backup power source, the
current date and time appears in the following order.
(It is same as when the unit is powered on after the
power failure.)
“month and date” (about 1 second) t “year” (about 1
second) t “current time”

To change the display to the
daylight saving time (summer
time) indication

Change the daylight saving time (summer time)
adjustment setting according to the following
procedures if you have cancelled the Automatic DST/
Summer Time adjustment.

Press DST.

DST indicator appears in the display and the time
indication changes to the daylight saving time
(summer time).
To deactivate the daylight saving time (summer time)
adjustment, press DST again.

+ or –

changes the year, month

Playing the radio

1 Press RADIO ON to turn on the radio.
2 Adjust volume using VOLUME.
3 Select BAND.
4 Tune in to a station using TUNING.

To turn off the radio

Press RADIO OFF/ALARM RESET.

Improving the
reception

FM:

The AC power cord functions as an FM antenna.
Extend the AC power cord fully to increase
reception sensitivity.

AM:

Rotate the unit horizontally for optimum reception.
A ferrite bar AM antenna is built-in to the unit.

Do not operate the unit over a steel desk or metal
surface, as this may lead to interference of reception.

Setting the alarm

The alarm function can be select from two alarm
sounds, RADIO or BUZZER.

Notes

• Before setting the alarm, make sure to set the clock
(see “Setting the clock and date”).

•The factory setting alarm time is “PM 12:00”.

•To set the radio alarm, first tune in to a station and
adjust the volume (see “Playing the radio”).

To set the alarm time

1 Set ALARM MODE to the desired alarm

sound (RADIO or BUZZER).

The alarm time appears for a few seconds, and
then the

ALARM

display. (It does not appear when the switch is set
to OFF.)

2 Slide ALARM TIME SET + or – to set

the desired time.

Each

slide

the indication by 1 minute. If you keep sliding
ALARM TIME SET + or –, the alarm time goes
forward (or backward) by 1 minute up to 10 minutes,
and then by 10 minutes increments. While setting the
alarm time, the ALARM indicator flashes in the
display.

When the alarm time setting operation is
complete, the display returns to the clock after a
few seconds and the
from flashing to fully lit.

• While ALARM MODE is set to RADIO or

BUZZER, the alarm time setting can be changed by
ALARM TIME SET.

One slide of ALARM TIME SET displays the
alarm time for about 4 seconds. By adjusting
ALARM TIME SET while the alarm time appears
in the display, the alarm time will be changed.

•The

ALARM
– The alarm time appears in the display.
– The alarm sounds.
– Snooze function is turned on.

• The alarm time setting cannot be changed if

ALARM MODE is set to OFF. If ALARM TIME
SET is adjusted, “OFF” appears in the display for

about 0.5 seconds.

• CLOCK, DST, and TIME ZONE are unavailable

while the alarm sounds or snooze function is turned
on.

•The alarm function works as usual at the beginning
and end day of the daylight saving time (summer
time). While the Automatic DST/Summer Time
adjustment is set, as a result, if the alarm is set at a
time skipped when the daylight saving time
(summer time) begins, the alarm is skipped, or if the
alarm is set at a time overlapped when the daylight
saving time (summer time) ends, the alarm sounds
twice.

indicator lights up in the

of ALARM TIME SET + or – changes

ALARM

ALARM

indicator changes

indicator flashes in the display while:

To doze for a few more minutes

Press SNOOZE/DATE/SLEEP OFF.

The sound turns off but will automatically come on
again after about 10 minutes. Each time you press
SNOOZE/DATE/SLEEP OFF, the snooze time
changes as follows:

The maximum length of the snooze time is
60 minutes.
The display shows the snooze time for about
4 seconds and returns to show the current time. When
you press SNOOZE/DATE/SLEEP OFF after the
current time appears, the snooze time starts from 10
minutes again.

To stop the Alarm

Press RADIO OFF/ALARM RESET to
turn off the alarm.

The alarm will come on again at the same time the
next day.
If RADIO OFF/ALARM RESET is not pressed, the
alarm sounds continuously for about 60 minutes, and
then it will be stop automatically.

To deactivate the Alarm

Turn ALARM MODE to OFF.

ALARM

indicator disappears from the display.

Note on alarm in the event of a power
interruption

If the alarm set time comes in the event of a power
interruption or a power interruption occurs while the
alarm is sounding, the display will turn off and the
alarm will not sound, and the alarm status will be as
follows. If power returns within 60 minutes from the
alarm set time, the alarm will sound. If the power
interruption occurred while the Snooze function was
operating, the snooze function will continue. If the
snooze time had passed when the power interruption
occurred, the alarm will sound after power returns.

In this status, if the E indicator does not light up,
RADIO OFF/ALARM RESET, SNOOZE buttons
and ALARM MODE functions are available.

SNOOZE time will be fixed only 10 minutes if the
SNOOZE button has been pressed.

Setting the sleep
timer

You can fall asleep to the radio using the built-in
sleep timer that turns off the radio automatically after
a preset duration.

Press SLEEP.
The radio turns on. You can set the sleep timer to
durations of 90, 60, 30, or 15 minutes. Each press
changes the display as follows:

Two short beeps sound when the display returns to
“90”.
The radio will play for the duration you set, then shut
off.

To turn off the radio before the
preset time

Press RADIO OFF/ALARM RESET or
SNOOZE/DATE/SLEEP OFF.

To use both sleep timer and
alarm

You can fall asleep to the radio and also be awakened
by the radio or buzzer alarm at the preset time.

1 Set the alarm. (See “Setting the alarm”.)
2 Set the sleep timer. (See “Setting the sleep

timer”.)