WM-FX55
(1992)
This unusual radio/cassette model used similar mechanicals to the WM-EX70. It offered a good range of features, such as auto reverse, full logic operation with remote control, Dolby B NR, “mega bass” and an AM/FM stereo radio with a digital display and the ability to store pre-tuned programmes. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
Instead of providing a “hold” switch to lock the keys, a sliding cover over the tape transport/radio control keys prevented accidental operation. Five small silver buttons were hidden behind this cover, and unusually, most had a dual function, differing if the radio or tape was selected. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
Over the years, it had become normal Sony practice for compact Walkman models to house the radio circuitry in the cassette door. The WM-FX55 was different in this respect as all the circuitry was housed together, leaving the cassette door as just that. To package the complex assemblies like this, two layers of printed circuit boards were required. This made the overall depth of the assembly larger, so there was little point in using the flat type rechargeable battery, so two standard “AA” cells were used instead. These were loaded, as the rechargeable types usually were, through a small hinged door in one corner of the case. Servicing the WM-FX55 mechanism would have been difficult and tedious had the designers not fitted easily demountable multi-way connectors between the various electronic subassemblies, an unusual thing to do in a piece of miniature equipment. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
A full-function remote control unit that operated both the radio and the cassette player was included in-line with the headphone lead. This required that the headphones should have a non-standard plug, but to allow more conventional types of headphone to be used a special adaptor was included with each machine that could accommodate a standard 3.5mm plug. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.