Oregon Scientific WR103 Weather and Emergency Alert Monitor with NOAA Reception (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The reception wasn't that good, and you can not turn off some of the lower alarms. Like thunderstorm warning and watches. So I returned it and got the Midland WR-300. I am happy with the WR-300 more features with battery backup.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Oregon Scientific WR103 Weather and Emergency Alert Monitor with NOAA Reception (Silver)

Oregon Scientific's portable WR103 weather monitor keeps you informed and safe by bringing you emergency alerts anywhere in the U.S. When traveling, boating, hiking,, or working outdoors, use the WR103 to receive informative broadcasts from the National Weather Service. Measuring just 2.75 x 5.25 x 1.25 inches, this handy weather radio monitors U.S. Emergency All Hazards and Emergency Alert System weather bulletins, warnings, and forecasts.Equally important, the monitor also receives all National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA) reports, which provide emergency advisories on tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, floods, evacuations, civil danger warnings, and more. The WR103 uses drift-free digital PLL tuning for all 7 NOAA channels.Flexible programming is a breeze with selectable Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) broadcasts available in up to 6 different areas--all user selectable. Other key features include its 100 dB audio alarm with visual alert signal, 3 levels of messages (statement, watch, and warning), a calendar, a shock- and splash-resistant design, and a dual-crescendo alarm with snooze function. The monitor uses a blue, backlit LCD.What's in the Box Emergency monitor, belt clip, a docking cradle, a user's manual, an AC/DC power adapter, and warranty information

Get 40% OFF

Click here for more information about Oregon Scientific WR103 Weather and Emergency Alert Monitor with NOAA Reception (Silver)

Read More...

Lexon Tykho Rubber Radio Blue Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am very disapointed of this purchase. I did not expect great sound quality from a small rubber radio, but it sounds much worst than i thought, especially regarding the price of the device. The volume controls don't work properly, not responding one third of the time. Battery access is poorly designed, requiring removal of 3 tiny screws using two different screwdrivers. I picked this one for its looks, but you will find many better radios for much cheaper.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lexon Tykho Rubber Radio Blue

Click here for more information about Lexon Tykho Rubber Radio Blue

Read More...

Oregon Scientific Public Alert NOAA Weather Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've used this now for a few years and I feel a lot safer knowing this is in the house. The alerts are loud and clear. I programmed it to turn on everytime a new alert was issued for our county and the surrounding counties. I keep it plugged in on our night stand and it has batteries if I need to grab it and head for cover. We can hear it from downstairs if it goes off during the day. No complaints with this unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Oregon Scientific Public Alert NOAA Weather Radio

Click here for more information about Oregon Scientific Public Alert NOAA Weather Radio

Read More...

Dynamo & Solar Radio with Light Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This unit is sub-par. There is one good feature, but there are many shortcomings. You'd be better served to find a model that is a little higher end.
The good features:
The flashlight, while not very bright, has the advantage of using multiple lenses. The standard lens is the clear lens, and the easily changeable lens can be switched out with either a red lens or an amber lens. The colored lenses can be used with its other good feature, which is the "flash" (think of a slow strobe) setting. If you were stranded by a roadside, for example, you could switch the clear lens for the amber lens and set the unit to flash and place it on top of your car. You would be easily visible.
The shortcomings:
The radio is pathetic. While FM reception is fairly clear, AM reception is really bad. It seems to depend on how close the radio station is. Which isn't right. I mean, I live 180 miles from WLS AM radio (890 AM in Chicago, IL) which people can easily get on their car radio for several hundred miles from the station. Why can my little radio in this unit only faintly pick it up? A mystery to me. The other bad thing about the radio is the antenna. It does not offer a 360-degree swivel. Basically, it is "tucked" into the back side of the unit (with no locking mechanism, by the way) and the antenna folds up or down. There is no back-to-front movement allowed. So, you have to fold the antenna up or down and then re-position the radio itself for front-to-back adjustments of the antenna. Very cheesy.
Also, the packaging this unit comes in boasts, "high fidelity loudspeaker." Ahem....that's a pretty tough claim to make for a unit made in China with a little 1.5" speaker. Except for Bose, nobody can get any kind of fidelity from a 1.5" speaker. And, if this were Bose technology you could expect to pay a couple hundred dollars for this unit. The speaker provides, at best, the same fidelity I got from the little pocket transistor radio I listened to in 1965.
I paid $22 for mine from eBay. I would not buy one of these unless you could get it for, say, under $10.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dynamo & Solar Radio with Light

Click here for more information about Dynamo & Solar Radio with Light

Read More...

Oregon Scientific WR196T All Hazard Radio with AM/FM Radio & S.A.M.E Technology Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought three of this particular model of NOAA radios in November 2000. Within a week period in July 2001, all three LCDs went blank, the memory failed, and the radio went haywire. When I contacted the company about this, I received no reply. If there was trouble with a specific batch, it should have been replaced. If this is their normal quality, I would stay away.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Oregon Scientific WR196T All Hazard Radio with AM/FM Radio & S.A.M.E Technology

Oregon Scientific's WR-196T radio receives all seven NOAA Weather Radio channels and can be programmed to display only warnings and alerts that occur in your local area. The radio continuously receives broadcasts and sounds the radio speaker whenever an alert comes through so you can be sure to be on top of the latest weather news. It folds easily for compact placement on any desktop.
The WR-196T uses Specific Area Messaging Encoding (SAME) technology, giving you the option of screening out unwanted broadcasts and receiving alerts only for the geographical areas you program (up to six counties of your choice). It also receives National Weather Service broadcasts and alerts vital to survival in the aftermath of earthquakes, storms, floods, explosions, radiation emergencies, toxic chemical spills, and other life-threatening disasters.
The LCD's backlit display assures the best readability. This radio also doubles as a digital alarm clock with snooze feature and AM/FM radio with 10 presets. The WR-196T runs on three AA batteries (not included) or on an included AC power adapter.

Click here for more information about Oregon Scientific WR196T All Hazard Radio with AM/FM Radio & S.A.M.E Technology

Read More...

Sony Emergency Weather Band Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was impressed with the emergency lighting and radio capabilities by simply cranking the generator handle. There's a small rechargeable battery inside that takes the charge from cranking the handle to give you several minutes of light and radio reception. Installing a pair of alkaline C batteries makes the radio and lighting much easier to use (no cranking necessary) but it's nice to have the generator crank in case the C batteries go dead.
The light at the very top is a single white LED with shiny reflector. It's not super bright but sufficient while you find your real flashlight. The other light provides diffused soft lighting and helps to illuminate the radio dial to aide in tuning.
AM and FM reception are pretty good and easy to tune with the external tuning knob. However, the weather radio section was a bit disappointing to me for a couple reasons.
Unlike many crystal controlled or synthesized weather radios that have 7 discrete frequency selections via a selector switch to choose the weather radio channel, the Sony has a small analog tuning knob inside the battery compartment. You have to carefully tune and center the station in order to get decent reception. If you move out of your local area and need to find another weather radio channel, you have to open the battery compartment and retune. Pretty lame!
Otherwise a decent radio with very nice build quality and feel.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Emergency Weather Band Radio

Click here for more information about Sony Emergency Weather Band Radio

Read More...

Honeywell RN507W NOAA FM Radio with Atomic Clock Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product has been rendered useless because of its design. The NOAA weather reports (which are the only reason you'd buy it in the first place) BLARE out of the radio. You cannot lower the volume to anything approaching a reasonable level. A call to their tech support line confirmed this design flaw. I was advised to hook up my own external speakers to it that can control the volume. That ruins the "portable" feature of the radio. My opinion - avoid this horribly designed weather alert radio.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell RN507W NOAA FM Radio with Atomic Clock


The Honeywell RN507W Atomic Clock with NOAA and FM Radio combines atomic time with valuable weather information. Stay alert to conditions that affect you with The Honeywell RN507W weather/all-hazard radio. This product is a Public Alert Certified device, making it invaluable for alerting you to any weather conditions in your area.

Atomic Clock with NOAA and F.M. Radio Atomic Clock with NOAA S.A.M.E. technology

Get 23% OFF

Click here for more information about Honeywell RN507W NOAA FM Radio with Atomic Clock

Read More...

Jwin JX-M17 Portable AM/FM/LW/SW1-9 Radio with Alarm Clock Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This small radio literally fits in the palm of your hand. It was shipped in a padded envelope and including the shipping it was a total of [...]. Sound is decent for the small speaker. AM/FM reception is solid, while shortwave is decent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jwin JX-M17 Portable AM/FM/LW/SW1-9 Radio with Alarm Clock

Get 64% OFF

Click here for more information about Jwin JX-M17 Portable AM/FM/LW/SW1-9 Radio with Alarm Clock

Read More...

Tivoli Audio SBWS Songbook (White/Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I conducted a fairly extensive - and enjoyable- search for a radio to use at work after on-line music streaming was blocked by my employer. Because the reception in my office is just about 'nil, it was important for me to find a radio with not only good FM reception, but also an input jack for me to connect ipod/phone. I also needed the device to fit into a small nook on my desk. Plus I wanted the unit to look, well, like a piece of e-candy. And, of course, produce a nice sound without too much bass due to the, um, acoustics in my office.
I still can't get much FM reception in my office, even with the Songbook; however, I've come to realize that it's unlikely any radio could bring me much in that environment without actually somehow convincing my employer to hook me up with an outdoor antenna. Right. (I do want readers to know, however, the FM reception at home is super.) And, the sound quality both of the radio (at home), and using this device as a speaker using input jack (both in the office and at home) is absolutely wonderful! I love this unit so much that I bring it back and forth between office and home for use at both places.
How did I ever live without the Tivoli Songbook?!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tivoli Audio SBWS Songbook (White/Silver)

Click here for more information about Tivoli Audio SBWS Songbook (White/Silver)

Read More...

Etón FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For the price, I expected the typical thin, creaky plastic chassis common on many similar products, but everything about this is pretty solid. I wouldn't be too afraid to just drop it in a backpack and go. My only complaint is this...the radio has a built-in rechargable NiMH battery, which will die permanently if left discharged too long. People will buy this as an emergency radio, stick it in a drawer, and when they really need it some day, the battery will be bad. To solve this, I ordered a USB-A to USB Mini-B cable and a plug-in AC to USB adapter. Now, I can leave it plugged in and charged or charge it from any USB port.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Etón FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Black)

Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger. The Microlink brings together some of the most popular features of our Voicelink, in a more compact design. This ultra-portable device is ideal to have on hand when you're roughing it. It also makes a great addition to any emergency-preparedness kit. No plugs or wires are required. Instead, turn the hand crank to power the Microlink, or capture the sun's energy and run it on solar power. You'll always know what's going on, thanks to the AM, FM and weather bands. You can also tune in to the FCC and EAS public alert systems. Add the flashlight, the cell phone charger and you've got one versatile little device.

Click here for more information about Etón FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Black)

Read More...

GPX WeatherX FR3807DP Instant Weatherband AM/FM Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit to include in my emergency kit. It packs a lot of good function into one unit.
There are a couple things that would have made it better.
One is a digital tuner for the radio. It's an old-style thumbwheel, so you'll need to twiddle a bit to tune into the signal.
The weather radio is missing one very important feature: emergency alert.
I'm not disappointed because it provides so much, but I do wish the radio was better.

Click Here to see more reviews about: GPX WeatherX FR3807DP Instant Weatherband AM/FM Radio

The Weather X FR3807DP Instant Weatherband AM/FM Radio with Dual Lanterns and Recharge Circuitry is the first thing you should reach for in any weather emergency. The compact, at-the-ready Weather X FR3807DP will make sure you have both lights and a radio, to see what you need to and find out up to the minute warnings and information when your power goes out. This potentially life-saving unit should be in every home, garage, and car, and is easy to carry with you wherever you go.
The FR3807DP provides you with an instant NOAA weatherband radio for emergencies, with AM/FM stations for entertainment. This unit features a cool, blue backlit display that includes a digital clock. In addition to its radio functionality, the FR3807DP includes dual, fully-articulating, 12-LED lanterns with independent, three-position light intensity settings to meet virtually any illumination requirements depending on the task at hand. And because the lanterns are fully-articulating, you can rotate them in order to light up any direction.
The Weather X has built-in stereo speakers that provide clear, sharp sound, and a line-in jack that allows you to connect peripherals such as a digital audio player. Ultimately flexible, the FR3807DP can operate via the included AC wall power adapter, the included 12-volt DC vehicle power adapter, or even six C-cell alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries (not included). And when you are using rechargeable NiMH batteries, this unit lets you recharge them while they are in place via a recharge circuit that even includes built-in overcharge protection. The Weather X FR3807DP weatherband radio is easily transportable via its retractable carrying handle, measures 5.25 x 9 x 5.25 inches (W x H x D), and is backed by a manufacturer's 90-day warranty.
What's in the Box Weather X FR3807DP radio and lantern, AC wall power adapter, DC vehicle power adapter, user's guide and warranty information.

Click here for more information about GPX WeatherX FR3807DP Instant Weatherband AM/FM Radio

Read More...

Etón FR1000 Voicelink Self-Powered Hand-Crank AM/FM/NOAA Weather Two-Way GMRS Clock Radio with Flashlight, Siren, and Cell Phone Charger (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I haven't tried all the features on this radio, but so far it's very good. Extremely solid with very clear sound and reception (mono - the radio only has one speaker). Very good battery life. About water resistance... I don't know about that. As a product designer there's a serious design flaw I can spot right away, and it's about water. Once you pick up the radio by it's handle, the battery compartment gets facing up. Frankly, the compartment will not keep water outside, even less if water is dripping from your hand in case of a shower to a facing up cheap battery compartment's cap. Inside the compartment there are a couple of holes that give direct access to the interior of the radio. Well... You do the math. The problem could have been prevented by using a simple water tight cap attached with screws. Lame. Anyway I'm still loving the device. I'll handle the water problem myself. It has a very readable green display and crank operation is very smooth. Solid antenna. Flashlight is bright indeed. I hope this helps.
*** UPDATE ***
I returned the FR1000 and purchased a FR500. The FR500 has all the attributes of the FR1000, but is solar (it works), has way better water protection and shortwave! Yeah I'm missing the two way radio thing, but is not such a big deal. The range is short anyway (~10 miles)I can always get a good receiver with the money saved in the FR500. Uff... now I'm in love indeed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Etón FR1000 Voicelink Self-Powered Hand-Crank AM/FM/NOAA Weather Two-Way GMRS Clock Radio with Flashlight, Siren, and Cell Phone Charger (Black)

Self Powered Hand-Crank AM/FM/NOAA Weather/2-Way GMRS Clock Radio with Flashlight, Siren and Cell Phone Charger. Stay connected with the Voicelink FR-1000. This emergency crank radio combines two-way radio with GMRS technology, built-in flashlight, cell-phone charger and access to weather channels to prepare you for any emergency situation. Get prepared and get connected with the Voicelink FR-1000 today.

Click here for more information about Etón FR1000 Voicelink Self-Powered Hand-Crank AM/FM/NOAA Weather Two-Way GMRS Clock Radio with Flashlight, Siren, and Cell Phone Charger (Black)

Read More...

Eton COMBOBASECAMP-KIT American Red Cross FR1000 and Uniden GMR1035 Two-way Emergency Handcrank Radio Base Camp Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Works great, a bit confusing re: battery charging and batteries that are inserted and switch positioning which is not covered in the instructions. Overall I think everyone should have an emergency wind up radio for survival and the construction of this is really well done.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eton COMBOBASECAMP-KIT American Red Cross FR1000 and Uniden GMR1035 Two-way Emergency Handcrank Radio Base Camp Kit

Get 57% OFF

Click here for more information about Eton COMBOBASECAMP-KIT American Red Cross FR1000 and Uniden GMR1035 Two-way Emergency Handcrank Radio Base Camp Kit

Read More...

Etón SCORPION NSP100OR Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Digital Weather Radio (Orange) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I wanted a small portable radio for backpacking and had researched Eton's other products in the past. None of those radios had all the features I wanted. When I saw the scorpion I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a radio that would not be too heavy to carry in my overnight pack but included features such as line-in, backup cell phone usb charger, and weather alert channels.
After receving my Scorpion the other day I have used it extensivly and am very pleased with the device. It is very well built and is perfect for some music around the fire after a long day of hiking.
As far as each features are concerned. Flashlight - Decent LED flashlight. Good for finding your way around in the dark. Not my primary flashlight but its on par with every other crank flashout out there. Radio - Digital tuner is great. Picks up stations very well (I live in the middle of nowhere). Sound quality - The sound quality is what I expected. It is about the same quality as most standard clock radios. It's nothing special but I wanted a rugged radio that didnt have the hassle of making sure you have charged batteries. If sound quality and size is a top priority look for portable iPod docks such as JBL's On-Stage. It does play loud. Note: when using the line-in function the volume control on the unit does not function. Volume is controlled by external device (ipod, phone, etc).
Overall its a great portable small radio for any type of outdoor adventure. I have since used it for picnics and bbq's where larger radios are more of a hassle then what they are worth.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Etón SCORPION NSP100OR Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Digital Weather Radio (Orange)

Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Digital Weather Radio, Compact and Power Packed for Extreme Outdoor Condition

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Etón SCORPION NSP100OR Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Digital Weather Radio (Orange)

Read More...

200 Channel Base Station Scanner Receiver - GRE PSR-200U Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This Scanner Receiver is a very inexpensive and efficient device for scanning a broad range of radio frequencies bringing current news events and entertainment to your fingertips. Preset bands cover marine & aircraft communications along with local police and fire activity. Another band covers amateur radio. Programming of other services is optional. Anyone with the slightest interest in such matters will thoroughly appreciate this radio.

Click Here to see more reviews about: 200 Channel Base Station Scanner Receiver - GRE PSR-200U

Get 14% OFF

Click here for more information about 200 Channel Base Station Scanner Receiver - GRE PSR-200U

Read More...

American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Red) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First thing that should be mentioned is that this full-featured emergency radio is amazingly small. Reading its approximate dimensions of 5" wide x 2-3/8" high x 1-13/16" deep can be misleading, so imagine it placed on its side on top of a dollar bill: it's actually smaller than US paper currency, and that's just one of the things that make this small radio so appealing!

You can charge the FR150 in less than two minutes using its hand crank. You can also place it in sunlight (even on an overcast day, as I found out) and its built-in solar panel handily powers the radio and recharges its battery pack.
The radio's tuner pulls in both AM and FM stations, and with surprisingly clear reception. It receives all seven NOAA bands using a separate slide selector, so you can monitor changing weather conditions, along with tuning in to the FCC and EAS public alert systems.
It has a flashlight with three LEDs on the its side, providing surprisingly bright illumination, and for comparison it's about on the same level as my Garrity Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light. This is also brighter than some of the predecessors from Eton.

If you're looking for audio attributes on the level of Bose, JBL or Polk Audio speakers, this radio isn't for you... but the sound quality of this small radio is quite remarkable. Listened to a favorite "smooth jazz" station for awhile, switched to classical then to '80s rock, and was quite pleased all around.
A number of places list this radio as having the option of an optional AC adapter, but couldn't find anything definitive on this, so made email contact with Eton's Customer Support. Received a reply within hours, where they stated that at this time, they do not have AC adapters available for the FR150 Microlink or the FR500 Solarlink, but are expecting these items to be available in about 60 days. The support rep suggested:
1. Charge by using the USB port on the computer (this requires a cable that converts USB to mini-USB, available at your local electronics retailer). I did this with the same USB cable used for my digital camera.
2. Solar power: leave the FR150 Microlink in direct sunlight for about 6 hours.
3. Use the Dynamo Hand Crank of the side of your radio (crank time: 2 minutes = radio play time: 20-30 minutes).
Should also note that there is a registration card with the instructions inside the box, and you can mail the card in for a free cell phone adapter tip. I found it faster to do the same thing online with Eton.
This is one of those products that is reasonable enough to want to have more than one for household and family emergencies. And speaking of emergencies, there's a simple but straightforward American Red Cross disaster preparedness tips booklet that's well worth the read.
Must admit to liking Eton's emergency radio products. Part of this is due to happy prior ownership of a Eton FR400 Hand Crank Radio and Power Generator, which has proven itself. Should also say that this little radio, which is smaller and more practical than I originally thought, has quickly become a favorite. It's about 60% of the size of its predecessor, and small enough to fit in a jacket pocket for those outdoor excursions. It's also available in white if you prefer:
American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (White)

This one's a 5-star choice, without a doubt.
UPDATE: Already received the free cell phone adapter tip from Eton, just days after registering the ARC FR150 Microlink. Plugged the tip into the cord that came with the phone, then plugged the phone in and started cranking... and the phone indicated that it's being charged as I crank!

Click Here to see more reviews about: American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Red)

Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger. The Microlink brings together some of the most popular features of our Voicelink, in a more compact design. This ultra-portable device is ideal to have on hand when you're roughing it. It also makes a great addition to any emergency-preparedness kit. No plugs or wires are required. Instead, turn the hand crank to power the Microlink, or capture the sun's energy and run it on solar power. You'll always know what's going on, thanks to the AM, FM and weather bands. You can also tune in to the FCC and EAS public alert systems. Add the flashlight, the cell phone charger and you've got one versatile little device.

Get 36% OFF

Click here for more information about American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Red)

Read More...

Sangean MMR-77 Emergency AM / FM Portable Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Sangean MMR77
What is most impressive about this radio is its relative freedom from power issues. This radio is very conservative in its power consumption whether one is using an external 3-Volt power source, a set of "AA" cells, or the supplied 2 x "AAA" cell internal-rechargeable pack.
Reading the pre-sales description of this radio one may mistakenly assume that it plays for only thirty minutes from the internal rechargeable batteries. In fact what is being claimed is that one-minute of cranking the dynamo results in 30-minutes of playback. Cranking for two minutes will result in one hour of playback. The longer you crank the longer it plays. When fully charged the internal rechargeable pack will operate the radio at a reasonable volume level all day and on into the night.
The radio has a built-in replaceable "AAA" plug-in battery pack similar to those found in wireless phones. These batteries are recharged by the dynamo. This pack is accessible and replaceable, after 300-500 recharge cycles, by removing six-screws at the back of the case.
Further two "AA" batteries are easily replaceable through an access-port at the rear of the cabinet. The radio can also be powered by an external source, solar-cell, wall-wart, or what have you, through a socket located under a splash-proof cover on the left-side of the radio.
The dynamo handle is sturdy. The left-side of the case is partially cylindrical in shape. The left-edge of the speaker grill is actually a rubber grip. The radio is well balanced and easy to hold while cranking the dynamo. The dynamo can be cranked in either direction facilitating use by either Right or Left handed people. Lefties will not be able to see the green-LED which illuminates to indicate that one has reached adequate dynamo cranking speed. A minor inconvenience.
The bottom of the case has four rubber-pads which when combined with the radio's weight cause it to grip well on flat surfaces. No tipping. The overall build quality, fit and finish, of this radio is very-good.
A splash-proof earphone port is located next to the external power-port. Both earphone channels are driven, monaurally. The radio's internal speaker is only two-inches in diameter. This is not a boom-box, but the sound that emanates from the speaker is very accurate within its effective range. Classical and Jass music sound fine. If you are a heavy rock-listener you may yearn for more oomph in your everyday listening.
The primary purpose of this radio is to provide information when the lights go out, but it makes a useful everyday radio as well, with the previously mentioned exception for rockers.
There is a small incandescent bulb that illuminates the slide-rule tuning-dial and provides enough-light externally for small-tasks such as reading your watch or a business-card. The lamp is illuminated through a small push-button on the front of the cabinet. There is another small push-button on the top of the cabinet. This button activates a chirping sound through the speaker. The sound is similar to that of a smoke detector, but not as loud. This does not seem like a very useful feature but perhaps some of you will think of a use for it?
Another switch on the top of the radio selects between the AM and FM bands. A switch on the back of the radio selects between the internal dynamo powered batteries, or the replaceable "AA" battery and external power options.
Most importantly, in addition to all of the above, is that this radio has very good sensitivity and selectivity characteristics. Analog-dial radio tuning may be a new experience for any of you that were raised on digital-dial radios. The Vernier slide-rule dial of this radio is relatively small so one has to tune slowly and deliberately to isolate stations. However, once a station is tuned-in, one is rewarded with solid drift-free reception. The audio is free of noise or distortion, has surprising fidelity, and good dynamic range, within the limited range of the small speaker.
I recommend that every household have one of these radios, and another in the trunk of the car. When disaster inevitably strikes the prudent use of this radio as a source of current information could allay further personal-suffering, or loss of life.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sangean MMR-77 Emergency AM / FM Portable Radio

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Sangean MMR-77 Emergency AM / FM Portable Radio

Read More...