Name: Sony ICF-2010 / ICF-2001D
Brand: Sony

1985

Introduced

Frequency	RX: 0.15–30 MHz (LW/MW/SW), FM 76–108 MHz, Air 116–136 MHz (AM)
Bands	LW, MW, SW, FM, AIR (VHF aviation)
Power	RECEIVE ONLY. Portable shortwave receiver. 380 mW audio output (10% THD).
Modes	AM, USB, LSB, CW, FM, Synchronous AM
Weight	1.7 kg (3.7 lb) - ~1.7 kg with batteries. Portable form factor.
Connector	external antenna terminals (AM + FM/AIR separate)
Year	1985

Connectors

antenna am	external antenna terminal (AM/LW/MW/SW)
antenna fm	external antenna terminal (FM/AIR)
earphone	earphone jack (stereo wired)
rec out	recording output jack
dc in	DC 4.5V adapter jack
power req	3× D + 2× AA batteries, or external DC 4.5V adapter.

receive-only portable: LW/MW/SW 150 kHz-30 MHz, FM 76-108 MHz, and VHF air band 116-136 MHz (AM) synchronous detection - rare in a portable - to steady fading and cut distortion dual-conversion superheterodyne (single conversion on FM); PLL-synthesized with microcomputer control AM/FM/SSB (USB/LSB via BFO); smooth free-wheeling tuning knob plus direct keypad entry 32 dedicated pushbutton memory presets programmable on/off timer (up to 4 events per day) and sleep timer telescopic antenna (SW/FM/air) + built-in ferrite bar (LW/MW); separate external AM and FM/air antenna terminals powered by 3 D cells (radio) + 2 AA cells (memory), or a 4.5 V DC adapter; ~150 mA draw US model ICF-2010; international model ICF-2001D (same radio) recording output and earphone jacks; 4-inch speaker produced ~1985-2002; succeeded by the ICF-SW77

Strengths

Widely regarded as one of the best portable shortwave radios ever made. Its synchronous detection - unusual in a portable - is still competitive today, the telescopic-whip sensitivity is excellent for its class, and its AM/mediumwave performance is often rated above that of modern portables. It adds a VHF air band, smooth tuning with 32 dedicated pushbuttons (no menu diving), and timer and sleep functions, while drawing only about 150 mA. It stayed in production for roughly seventeen years.

Weaknesses

It is receive-only and was discontinued in 2002, so aging units often need servicing (capacitors and solder joints). Early 1985 units had a sync-detector background-noise fault that later units fixed. There is no RDS and only a mic-level recording output (no line-out), an external adapter is needed for mains power, and batteries are not included.

Verdict

The ICF-2010 is widely considered one of the greatest portable shortwave radios ever made. Across roughly seventeen years of production it offered synchronous detection, excellent whip sensitivity, and AM performance that many rate above today's multi-band portables, with 32 dedicated pushbuttons and a smooth tuning knob that make it intuitive to operate, plus a VHF air band that adds travel appeal. A clean, working example still performs at a high level and holds its value.

The Sony ICF-2010 (sold in much of the world as the ICF-2001D) is one of the most celebrated portable shortwave receivers ever made, a benchmark radio that stayed in production for roughly seventeen years. It covers longwave, mediumwave, and the full shortwave range from 150 kHz to 30 MHz, plus the FM broadcast band and, famously, the VHF aeronautical (air) band, and it receives single sideband as well as AM and FM.

What set it apart was a combination rare in a portable: true synchronous detection to steady fading signals and reduce distortion, direct keypad frequency entry, 32 memory presets, and a sensitive, selective receiver that rivaled tabletop sets. Air-band coverage made it a favorite of aviation listeners, and its overall performance made it a legend among shortwave DXers. Decades after production ended, clean examples still command high prices and devoted loyalty.

It is a discontinued classic. Compare it with the ICF-SW7600GR and the tabletop Grundig Satellit 800.