Hand Crank Radio Suggestions?

rambone · 07-30-2009

I'm researching different models of Hand-Crank Radios. I would like to hear your reviews and experiences with different brands. How much listening time do you get on a full charge? How long do you have to crank them? Do they wear out over time? What brands are best? Thanks in advance.

cosermann · 07-30-2009

I've had one of the Baygen Freeplay radios for 11 years. It's been reliable, but I don't think my model is made anymore. Based on that experience, I'd look at the Freeplay products if I had to buy today.

fg12351 · 07-30-2009

I'm interested in people's feedback too. I've been looking at the Eton models but have read good and bad reviews.

United · 07-30-2009

I have a Grundig FR-200 and it works fine and dandy...guess it's made by Eton. To be honest, I haven't used it a whole lot really. 3 hours was the max I've had it on at one time continuously when we were without power.

It's got AM, FM, SW1 and SW2 bands. If it's a clear night out I swear I get some Russian language thing on shortwave!

here is a link to the product page for it:

Product Card

husker · 07-30-2009

I have a Freeplay Ranger that I'm perfectly happy with. I've never tried any others though.

kludge · 07-30-2009

I recently got a Eton FR150. I can charge it off USB or solar and I can charge a cell phone with it. I took it to scout camp last week and it worked very well. I did not test how long the batteries last... I have another flashlight that I prefer, but there's nothing wrong with the flashlight either.

joistman · 07-30-2009

Found a nice one at Sam's club for around 20 bucks.

steveh_131 · 07-31-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by rambone

I'm researching different models of Hand-Crank Radios. I would like to hear your reviews and experiences with different brands. How much listening time do you get on a full charge? How long do you have to crank them? Do they wear out over time? What brands are best? Thanks in advance.

A hand-crank radio won't play your Backstreet Boys casettes, Rambone. Maybe you should get a walk-man with some rechargeable batteries.

rambone · 07-31-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveh_131

A hand-crank radio won't play your Backstreet Boys casettes, Rambone. Maybe you should get a walk-man with some rechargeable batteries.

Maybe I should hand crank your face.

rambone · 07-31-2009

So how does this short-wave feature work? You can find stations around the world? How can you find stations that are local to you, without a bunch of others coming in from all over the place?

07-30-2009	#1 (permalink)
rambone Freedom Czar Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: U.S.S.A. Posts: 2,606	Hand Crank Radio Suggestions? I'm researching different models of Hand-Crank Radios. I would like to hear your reviews and experiences with different brands. How much listening time do you get on a full charge? How long do you have to crank them? Do they wear out over time? What brands are best? Thanks in advance. __________________ Upcoming Events in Northwest Indiana - Stand Up For Freedom! Nov. 5 - Protest Against Government Health Care - Hammond, IN http://ingunowners.com/forums/politi..._5_2009_a.html Si vis pacem, para bellum.

07-30-2009	#4 (permalink)
United Plinker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Westfield, IN Posts: 179	I have a Grundig FR-200 and it works fine and dandy...guess it's made by Eton. To be honest, I haven't used it a whole lot really. 3 hours was the max I've had it on at one time continuously when we were without power. It's got AM, FM, SW1 and SW2 bands. If it's a clear night out I swear I get some Russian language thing on shortwave! here is a link to the product page for it: Product Card __________________ I, _____, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and *DOMESTIC*

07-30-2009	#6 (permalink)
kludge Expert Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,306	I recently got a Eton FR150. I can charge it off USB or solar and I can charge a cell phone with it. I took it to scout camp last week and it worked very well. I did not test how long the batteries last... I have another flashlight that I prefer, but there's nothing wrong with the flashlight either. __________________ AMERICA - Clinging to our GUNS and RELIGION since 1776. NRA Certified Instructor - Rifle, Pistol www.danvilleconservationclub.org www.jpfrog.org

07-31-2009	#10 (permalink)
rambone Freedom Czar Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: U.S.S.A. Posts: 2,606	So how does this short-wave feature work? You can find stations around the world? How can you find stations that are local to you, without a bunch of others coming in from all over the place? __________________ Upcoming Events in Northwest Indiana - Stand Up For Freedom! Nov. 5 - Protest Against Government Health Care - Hammond, IN http://ingunowners.com/forums/politi..._5_2009_a.html Si vis pacem, para bellum.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-30-2009	#2 (permalink)
cosermann Expert Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,234	I've had one of the Baygen Freeplay radios for 11 years. It's been reliable, but I don't think my model is made anymore. Based on that experience, I'd look at the Freeplay products if I had to buy today.

07-30-2009	#3 (permalink)
fg12351 Addicted to Ammo Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Fishers Posts: 281	I'm interested in people's feedback too. I've been looking at the Eton models but have read good and bad reviews.

07-30-2009	#5 (permalink)
husker Plinker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hamilton County Posts: 123	I have a Freeplay Ranger that I'm perfectly happy with. I've never tried any others though.

07-30-2009	#7 (permalink)
joistman Plinker Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Elkhart Posts: 51	Found a nice one at Sam's club for around 20 bucks.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Radio Communications	Lars	Survival and Disaster Preparedness	9	10-05-2009 11:20
Ham Radio What Cable?	Sailor	Survival and Disaster Preparedness	5	07-07-2009 10:32
Discussion: left hand draw from IWB right hand holster >injury scenario<	mettle	Tactics and Training	41	06-05-2009 11:39
New Radio Show	Annie	Break Room	7	02-28-2009 17:25
Murs Radio	ar15junkie	Survival and Disaster Preparedness	48	09-15-2008 22:20