WM-BF22 Inside

Although the WM-BF22 Walkman appears to be an average basic player from the outside, all the improvements, and advancements are to the electronics and manufacturing. They are using better manufacturing methods to reduce the carbon footprint, and consequently there is minimal use of metal. There is a clever use of plastic locking tabs to eliminate metal screws, and mechanical components such as the pushbutton mechanism that traditionally would have been metal is now plastic.

Although it is too late for the Space Shuttle, which will likely be decommissioned in the future, the new series of spacecraft will use similar techniques of fabrication and construction in order to reduce weight.

The fabrication and artwork of the printed circuit board (PCB) is a huge leap forward, and in this one, they are using a printing method with resistive ink for the resistors. I just love the PCB track design and artwork of this unit, this is the kind of thing I would have done back when I was younger. Note that on the PCB there are markings BF22 and BF28, indicating that the same PCB was used for the Sony WM-BF28.

Pushbutton Mechanism

The push-button assembly is plastic, so be careful when pressing the buttons, as this player is over 20 years old. It is also a good idea to store this player in a cool dry place. If you have stored your player in the attic where it is baking hot in the summer then the plastic will most likely become brittle over time.

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