better survival radio?

[hotfarmboy1]

I've been looking for a good self powered survival radio for a while now. Hand crank or solar powered, and been wanting it to also have a flashlight, am/fm/NOAA weather band, and shortwave/world band as well. So I can try to keep updated on whats happening if an EMP hasn't disabled everything. I found a couple on Dick's sporting goods website that have those features, but thought I'd see which one you think would be best.

Eton FR600 Self-Powered Digital AM/FM/SW/NOAA S.A.M.E. Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger - Dick's Sporting Goods

Eton American Red Cross FR500 Solarlink Self-Powered Emergency Weather Radio - Dick's Sporting Goods

I'm thinking the second one might be a bit better. What do you think? I've got a $50 gift card for Dick's and I'm trying to decide on what to use it on, lol

[jamstutz]

I like the C Crane radios better than Eton.

[Indecision]

I know nothing about it, but from the 3 posted, i think the etons look a bit sturdier, and I noticed the 600 has short wave (the others may have as well I and I could've missed it).

[Woodsman]

Let's see... I have several of the smaller Eton models that are advertised as weather resistant. They are about 5" X 2" x 3". One for each pack in a ziplock bag.

I also have an older, larger Grundig, but forget the model number.

All seem to be pretty good for the money.

For some back-ups (just in case) I'm also looking at a Kaito model KA500.

Might be a bit much, but I'm a firm believer in redundancy.

[hotfarmboy1]

Originally Posted by Indecision

I know nothing about it, but from the 3 posted, i think the etons look a bit sturdier, and I noticed the 600 has short wave (the others may have as well I and I could've missed it).

Yeah the 500 has the short wave as well. Thats why I posted those two. They are the only ones close to my price range that have it. I just hope the store has one in stock.

Originally Posted by Woodsman

Let's see... I have several of the smaller Eton models that are advertised as weather resistant. They are about 5" X 2" x 3". One for each pack in a ziplock bag.

I also have an older, larger Grundig, but forget the model number.

All seem to be pretty good for the money.

For some back-ups (just in case) I'm also looking at a Kaito model KA500.

Might be a bit much, but I'm a firm believer in redundancy.

Yeah I was looking at those smaller Etons as well, I just wanted to have one that also had the shortwave capability. Cause when SHTF I figure there are more likely to be shortwave radios out there still going since more of them would be prepared for emergency. At least then I could keep up to date a bit better on what's going on.

[Woodsman]

Originally Posted by hotfarmboy1

Yeah I was looking at those smaller Etons as well, I just wanted to have one that also had the shortwave capability. Cause when SHTF I figure there are more likely to be shortwave radios out there still going since more of them would be prepared for emergency. At least then I could keep up to date a bit better on what's going on.

That's one of the main reasons why I wanted the larger models for the expanded capability and as a back up for the Grundig model I already have.

I have not used these very much, but when I did they seemed OK for reception and capability.

I think Eton even donates a small amount to the Red Cross when you purchase of the RC versions too.

[hotfarmboy1]

Originally Posted by Woodsman

That's one of the main reasons why I wanted the larger models for the expanded capability and as a back up for the Grundig model I already have.

I have not used these very much, but when I did they seemed OK for reception and capability.

I think Eton even donates a small amount to the Red Cross when you purchase of the RC versions too.

Yeah they do donate to them with a purchace of one of those editions. That's a small reason why that model was one I picked. Sadly Dick's didnt' have them in stock at the store, I'll have to wait and get it online sometime in the near future. Once I do I'll let you guys know how well it works.

[jamstutz]

I can't say I know much about the larger version of Eton radios, but Eton makes some smaller clear-case radios that we sell in our jail commissary. These are basically what I would call disposable radios that only last a few days or weeks.

[2ADMNLOVER]

Originally Posted by hotfarmboy1

I've been looking for a good self powered survival radio for a while now. Hand crank or solar powered, and been wanting it to also have a flashlight, am/fm/NOAA weather band, and shortwave/world band as well. So I can try to keep updated on whats happening if an EMP hasn't disabled everything. I found a couple on Dick's sporting goods website that have those features, but thought I'd see which one you think would be best.

Eton FR600 Self-Powered Digital AM/FM/SW/NOAA S.A.M.E. Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger - Dick's Sporting Goods

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I have this one . I don't know squat about radios so I don't know if it's a good one or not , but it works as long as you do .

I've used the radio once (rainy/cloudy day) for about 4-5 hours and can tell you cranking the thing gets old quick . You get about 15-20 mins of "run time" from 90 seconds of cranking .

IIRC , you have to crank it for 10 minutes to charge a phone enough to make a 1-2 minute call .

Again , I don't know enough about them to be able to compare them but I can tell you that on a day when your power is out and you don't have a genny , this thing comes in real handy to stay informed .

[hotfarmboy1]

Originally Posted by 2ADMNLOVER

I have this one . I don't know squat about radios so I don't know if it's a good one or not , but it works as long as you do .

I've used the radio once (rainy/cloudy day) for about 4-5 hours and can tell you cranking the thing gets old quick . You get about 15-20 mins of "run time" from 90 seconds of cranking .

IIRC , you have to crank it for 10 minutes to charge a phone enough to make a 1-2 minute call .

Again , I don't know enough about them to be able to compare them but I can tell you that on a day when your power is out and you don't have a genny , this thing comes in real handy to stay informed .

I don't expect it to be a miracle radio, I just figure it would be something good to stay informed if power is out so I can save batteries for other things. And on the phone charge, if I really have to I can always step out to my car and plug it in. I've done that before when power was out and I needed my phone for an alarm.