Hand Crank Radio Suggestions?

[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.

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[cosermann]

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]

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

 

[United]

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]

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

 

[kludge]

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]

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

 

[steveh_131]

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]

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]

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?

 

[haldir]

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?

There are some magazines at the big bookstores (Barnes, Borders) such as Popular Communications and others that have lists of broadcasts and times so you can look for what interests you. On shortwave there are some US broadcasters but not lots. You can often find them by just scanning through the different bands for the most powerful signals. I don't have a hand crank but have spent time listening to shortwave. It can be fun. You find some opinions on there that you don't hear from main stream media outlets.

 

[teknickle]

Thanks for the feedback from everyone.
I am not the OP, but I have been looking at handcrank radios for awhile now.
I went to the Etón website and saw all their models.
Most interesting was the FR500.
It does AM/FM/NOAA/Short wave.
Also sports a handcrank, solar power
Siren, beacon light.
It has DC out to power cellphone or MP3 player.
I just found and purchased one on eBay for $29.99 (with free shipping).
Awesome deal.
Excellent B.O.B. accessory.

 

[fg12351]

If it can't play backstreet boys cassettes then I would rather die!