Crank Radios
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Revision as of 18:11, 23 October 2011
Currently there are a number of wind-up crank radios available from numerous vendors. These radios are usually marketed as "emergency" radios rather than alternative powered radios. These radios are popular in hurricane/tornado prone areas because they can be stored away for long periods without the user having to worry about keeping fresh batteries in it. Most of these radios include NOAA weather reception which tends to be more reliable/informative during weather related disasters.
I have spent a good amount of time dealing with these radios and (big surprise here) found out most of them are junk. Here is a quick rundown:
Kaito (all models): Bad bad bad. Cheap manufacture and falls apart.
Midland: Midland makes a variety of models (AM/FM, AM/FM/NOAA, and FRS/GMRS). The quality can best be described as average to below average.
C Crane: They make the "Observer" and "Solar Observer" radios. These are average quality.
Eton (most models): Not very durable but may last if you are careful with it.
Eton FR150 / FR160 / Ambient Weather WR-088 / Freeplay Companion / SolaDyne: These are all basically the same radio. The solar panel has poor performance and the cranks are known to break under heavy use. Otherwise its not bad for a $30 radio. This particular model is very popular and many people are perfectly happy with it. I would recommend this radio if you are on a tight budget, just remember to be careful with the crank !
Sangean MMR-77: Good radio but is only AM/FM (no NOAA weather radio). Can run off 2 internal AAA NiMH or 2 replaceable AA. Its built-in light is incandescent and draws a lot of current (why didn't they use a LED?). The crank will charge the internal batteries but not the replaceable ones. I was able to modify mine by replacing the incandescent light with a 5mm LED and rewired the battery circuit such that the crank will charge the replaceable batteries. After these mods I'm quite happy with the product.
Freeplay Eyemax WB 2009: By far the best of them all. Super beefy crank/generator and the solar cell actually performs. More rugged/durable construction compared to the others. Costs a little more ($45) but well worth it.
