SONY TRANSISTOR RADIO TFM-8030L

SONY TRANSISTOR RADIO TFM-8030L

Nice example of a rarely found Sony 10 transistor portable radio made in late 60s. It’s in good condition and fully working after a clean & service. The radio is powered by a PP9 9v battery (not included but widely available) and has a socket so it can also be run from a 9v adapter.

There’s a built in aerial for MW & LW together with a telescopic aerial for FM. The black case is an unusual soft padded plastic designed to absorb knocks. It has a push button light for the dial along with an aerial socket for in car use. An internal speaker is fitted so it can be used anywhere plus the usual headphone jack on the side panel.  The metal speaker panel does have some scratches and the Sony label is missing as shown in the photo. But as this usually faces downwards when resting on the handle it is hidden from view.

VHF 87 ~ 108 MHz

MW 187 ~ 566 m

LW 1053 ~ 200 m

The radio is quite heavy with a chromed solid metal facia unlike the later plastic models and measures 24.5 cm wide, 210 cm deep and 8.5cm high.

Restoration of this radio required some effort. There was considerable battery leakage which left a brown stain around the battery compartment and sliding cover. The metal chassis and battery housing was corroded. A wirebrush and hammerite covered the rust and extensive cleaning of the plastic housing and lid helped presentation. The sliding lid was loose – the foam had rotted and replaced with black felt to cushion the PP9. Battery terminals and wiring was replaced with a plastic version with sharpe edges – must fund a better source for replacement connectors.

The aerial was bent along with the metal handle and required straightening. Front panel and dial was relatively undamaged and the light as I recall still worked.