Tag Archives: Sony ICF-SW7600GR

Sony ICF-SW7600GR: New and open box units on sale via Blinq

SWLing Post readers know that I’m a big fan of the, now discontinued, Sony ICF-SW7600GR shortwave portable. I try to post ‘7600GR deals when I find them and they’re beginning to become more scarce as retailer inventory depletes.

This weekend, I found another deal via Blinq/Amazon.

They have a number of new ICF-SW7600GRs for $138.39 and about 3 (at time of posting) listed as “Open Box” for $108.39.

Click here to view on Amazon.

Click here to view on Blinq.com.

I’ve bought a number of items via Blinq (directly and through Amazon) in the past and found that the retailer is not only reliable but has a very generous return policy if you’re not satisfied. You can buy from them directly or through Amazon with confidence.

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Mark spots shortwave radios in the series “Helix”

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who writes:

I spotted a Sony ICF-SW7600GR in episode 5 of the Netflix bio-thriller ‘Helix‘:

On a roll, I spotted another shortwave radio [in a different scene].

You’ve got sharp eyes, Mark! Thank you for sharing.

Can anyone identify the solid-state receiver in the second screen shot?

I know I’ve seen this model before, but I can’t recall the make or manufacturer.

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Now’s the time to grab longwave DX!

If you’ve been wanting to log France Inter as longwave DX, you’re running out of time. France Inter is shutting down their 162 kHz longwave service on December 31, 2016.

I’m grateful to SWLing Post contributor, Ron, who has persistently reminded me that these are some of the last days to catch France Inter as LW DX here in North America.  Indeed, he shared a bit of interesting and encouraging news a couple weeks ago:

On the Radiodiscussions DX forum, Jim Farmer over in San Antonio got and recorded France Inter on 162 khz using a PK loop and Sony 7600GR.

The PK Loop he’s referring to is this one and, of course, the Sony ICF-SW7600GR is one of my staple portables.

While I’d love to try to grab France Inter with my Sony, my schedule makes it very difficult to arrange. Fortunately, I have SDRs which allow me to record spectrum throughout the night, then review the recordings in the morning.

Throughout the month of December, I’ve been recording a small chunk of longwave spectrum–with my WinRadio Excalibur–during the night and reviewing it in the morning in hopes that I could grab an opening from France Inter.

I was rewarded on December 19, 2016 around 0300 UTC. Though there was atmospheric noise that night in the form of static crashes, I snagged France Inter on 162 kHz.

My spectrum display from the Excalibur.

The 162 kHz carrier was barely above the noise floor (see above), so it was certainly weak signal DX. Here’s an audio sample:

Click here to download the mp3 file.

When that short LW opening happened, I was also able to snag Medi 1 from Morocco on 171 kHz. Again, not fantastic copy, but I’m happy:

Click here to download the mp3.

Mind you, both France Inter and Medi 1 only transmit at 2,000 watts–that’s flea power compared to our shortwave broadcasters. It’s amazing those signals can even hop the Atlantic.

Correction…an SWLing Post reader, qwerty.am, comments:

Actually, the power of France Inter and Medi1 is 2000 kW and 1600 kW respectively. So the power of most SW broadcasters should be called a “flea power” in comparison to what is used on longwave. The smallest output on LW band in Europe is 50 kW, it’s used by Denmark and Czech Rep. The 162 kHz transmitter is closing on Dec 26th, according to the latest news.

Wow!

Again, if you’d like to grab  longwave stations before they disappear, now is the time! Our LW broadcasters are disappearing rapidly. Fortunately, winter (here in the northern hemisphere) is the best time to chase LW DX.

Thanks, again, Ron for your encouragement! I’ll keep listening and recording!

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Holiday Deals: Open Box Sony ICF-SW7600GR for $113 via Amazon/Blinq

Sony-ICF-SW7600GR

Traveling with my Sony ICF-SW7600GR in Taos, New Mexico

Regular SWLing Post readers know that I’m a big fan of the, now discontinued, Sony ICF-SW7600GR shortwave portable. Recently, I even wrote a post about finding some of the remaining units online.

This morning, I noticed that Amazon.com has some “Used – Like New” ‘7600GRs available via the seller Blinq for $113.39 shipped. At first, I didn’t notice the deal because it’s buried in the page: simply go to the Amazon product page, scroll down and click on “Used & new from $113.39 & FREE shipping” on the right side of the page. There, you’ll see the current offerings, if still available:

icf-7600gr-amazon

Since this offering is available via Blinq, I then searched the Blinq.com website and found the same deal:

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I’ve bought a number of items via Blinq (directly and through Amazon) in the past and found that the retailer is not only reliable but has a very generous return policy if you’re not satisfied. You can buy from them with confidence.

Each time a ‘7600GR deal pops up, I’m very tempted to bite the bullet. I have two working units already though–“Coals to Newcastle” as they say!

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Finding a Sony ICF-SW7600GR online

Sony-ICF-SW7600GR

Though I have a lot of shortwave portables, the Sony ICF-SW7600GR is still one of my favorites. Why? Despite its ergonomic shortcomings, it’s a solid performer with a robust sync detector and stable AGC. Check out how it compared with other benchmark portables in our Mega Review.

I understand that Sony no longer manufactures the ‘7600GR–perhaps this is why the price of new units has increased in recent months. Still, I occasionally stumble upon reasonable deals online. Once new stock is depleted, though, I forecast prices will increase accordingly.

Here’s where I’ve found reasonable deals on new units:

eBay

sony-icf-sw7600gr-on-ebay

Though eBay claims the trending price is close to $180, there are a few sellers who have new units with a BuyItNow price of $140-145, shipping included.

Click here to search eBay.

I would even feel pretty confident purchasing a used ‘7600GR from an eBay seller with good ratings. Be careful, though: some used units might have problems with the telescopic whip antenna or corrosion in the battery compartment (for example). Make sure you read the item description carefully prior to bidding/purchasing.

Blinq.com

sony-icf-sw7600gr-on-blinq

Though less frequently than in the past, Bling.com occasionally acquires new, used and open box ‘7600GRs.

Indeed, at time of posting, they actually have one in stock (!!!)--the first I’ve seen in a few months.

I buy from Blinq with confidence because their return policy is so flexible. Blinq pays return shipping and takes the product back with no questions asked, should you find a problem or if it’s not as described.

Helpful hint: If you’ve never visited Blinq.com, or if you open their website in a private/incognito window, Blinq will typically pop up a window offering 10% off for new shoppers as long as you subscribe to their newsletter. You then receive a coupon code via email you can use with the first order.

Click here to search Blinq.com for the Sony ICF-SW7600GR.

Amazon.com

sony-icf-sw7600gr-on-amazon

At time of posting, Amazon does have a few sellers offering new and used ‘7600GRs.

Click here to search Amazon.

Keep in mind, though, that these are being sold by third parties, not directly by Amazon. Sometimes additional shipping charges apply and sometimes the return policy may not be as forgiving as Amazon’s own. Still: there are a number of new units available.

Universal Radio

universal-radio

While Universal Radio no longer stocks new Sony ICF-SW7600GRs, they do occasionally receive used ones on trade. This is how I purchased my ‘7600GR many years ago: from Universal’s used stock. You can buy from them with confidence because Universal even gives a warranty on most of their used items.

Click here to check Universal Radio’s used radio index.

Know of any other reliable online sources for the ICF-SW7600GR?  Please comment!

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Blinq Deal: Open Box Sony ICF-SW7600GR $104.89 shipped

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Blinq.com has another “open box” deal on the Sony ICF-SW7600GR.

As I mentioned last time one of these surfaced on Blinq, this is a great deal for an excellent radio (that’s getting more and more difficult to find).

Actually, if you’re clever (!) you can get a 10% discount code…

If you’ve never visited Blinq.com, or if you open their website in a private/incognito window, Blinq will typically pop up a window offering 10% off for new shoppers as long as you subscribe to their newsletter. You then receive a coupon code via email you can use with the first order.

Click here to view the open box Sony ICF-SW7600GR on Blinq.com.

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Blinq sale: Used Sony ICF-SW7600GR $89.39 shipped

Fullscreen capture 1222016 22338 PMBlinq.com has another “used” Sony ICF-SW7600GR in inventory.

As I mentioned once before when one of these surfaced on Blinq, this is a great deal for an excellent radio. This is a used unit, but if you receive it and are not pleased, you can return it to Blinq free of charge.

Actually, if you’re clever (!) you can save an additional 10% on this ‘7600GR…

If you’ve never visited Blinq.com, or if you open their website in a private/incognito window, Blinq will typically pop up a window offering 10% off for new shoppers as long as you subscribe to their newsletter. You then receive a coupon code via email you can use with the first order.

Click here to view the used Sony ICF-SW7600GR on Blinq.com.

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