Thoughts on cheapo/import crank/solar radios

[John in WI]

Hello folks, I was going to put this in the radio/communication forum but it seems way to pedestrian to go there.
I've been revamping some BOBs. One thing the BOB never had was any kind of radio. My immediate thought was to get a cheap, small AA cell powered AM/FM radio. But obviously, that mean spare batteries, and more things to lose, go dead, or get lost.

I like the idea of hand crank/solar/battery powered radios but the only experience I have with them was a cheapo I got around Y2K. It worked, technically, but you were cranking virtually constantly.

Amazon has a number of radios in the $20 range that appear to be ok. It isn't clear how long they take to charge in the sun, or how long you'd need to crank to get an hour of radio play. Also, durability is an issue. If the crank is junky and breaks, or the generator itself grenades, it isn't much use.

Can anyone recommend a lower cost AM/FM/Weather radio? Or an alternative idea? I don't have a ton of resources (do any of us?) so I can't spend a bundle on a radio that hopefully will never be pushed into service.

 

[EastenerWesterner]

I was given one of those handcrank units 20 years ago. Wasn’t worth a crap.
Maybe newer ones are better.
I have gone the battery unit way and stock plenty of batteries.

 

[John in WI]

that was my experience too. I got one at a y2k expo. It had some novelty value, but that was about it. Some good makers have them. Sangean, Grundig... but I can't shell out hundreds for it. I'm with you--if the cheapos are crap, then I need to just get a standard am/fm/wb radio.

 

[user 7704]

I have a small, cheap crank/solar weather, am fm portable radio. It has a port to charge cell phone.

Not bad for under $50

 

[Oddcaliber]

Cheap and reliable sometimes don't go together. Getting quality gear doesn't have to be expensive. I'd spend a few extra bucks for at least a decent radio but not over spend on frills you don't need. Keep looking and eventually you will find the right one.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I've been wanting a good am, fm, wb portable radio too. My problem here is there are no stations. Occasionally I can pick up a country station, or what passes for country now days anyway.

 

[Helen Back]

I bought a $35 one and used it last Summer. Solar, crank, batteries, used them all and they worked fine. I go to Goodwill faily often and always look for cheap transister radios. I keep a box of 9V batteries.

 

[Buttoni]

We have both a crank radio and solar am/fm radio. We have tested both, even down in our cement underground storm cellar at out BOL and they both work fine. and reception is pretty decent for being as remoe as our BOL is. I think our two ran around $30 as my husband doesn't spring for pricey gear as a rule . Sorry, don't off-hand know the brands of either one.

 

[user 7000]

Grundig FR-200. AM/FM/SW. A shortwave band is of more use than a weather band post SHTF. I want to know what's going on outside my local bubble. I own two of these and are good performers on BCB as well as SW. You can find them all over E-bay for various prices. These were one of the models dropped in Afghanistan during the conflict to inform the general public of what was happening in their country.

 

[John in WI]

Grundig FR-200. AM/FM/SW. A shortwave band is of more use than a weather band post SHTF. I want to know what's going on outside my local bubble. I own two of these and are good performers on BCB as well as SW. You can find them all over E-bay for various prices. These were one of the models dropped in Afghanistan during the conflict to inform the general public of what was happening in their country.

View attachment 16391

Wow--thanks for that. There are a number on Fleabay for well under $30. The new prices on Amazon is around $150--just outside the current budget. I'm glad I read this, I was about to pull the trigger on some cheaper Chinese imports. I had a Grundig Yatch Boy that I really loved. Lost in the move unfortunately.

 

[Cindyd]

Grundig FR-200. AM/FM/SW. A shortwave band is of more use than a weather band post SHTF. I want to know what's going on outside my local bubble. I own two of these and are good performers on BCB as well as SW. You can find them all over E-bay for various prices. These were one of the models dropped in Afghanistan during the conflict to inform the general public of what was happening in their country.

View attachment 16391

I found one of these on ebay and ordered. It arrived today!

 

[Gray-man]

Hello folks, I was going to put this in the radio/communication forum but it seems way to pedestrian to go there.
I've been revamping some BOBs. One thing the BOB never had was any kind of radio. My immediate thought was to get a cheap, small AA cell powered AM/FM radio. But obviously, that mean spare batteries, and more things to lose, go dead, or get lost.

I like the idea of hand crank/solar/battery powered radios but the only experience I have with them was a cheapo I got around Y2K. It worked, technically, but you were cranking virtually constantly.

Amazon has a number of radios in the $20 range that appear to be ok. It isn't clear how long they take to charge in the sun, or how long you'd need to crank to get an hour of radio play. Also, durability is an issue. If the crank is junky and breaks, or the generator itself grenades, it isn't much use.

Can anyone recommend a lower cost AM/FM/Weather radio? Or an alternative idea? I don't have a ton of resources (do any of us?) so I can't spend a bundle on a radio that hopefully will never be pushed into service.

I picked up C Crane Solar Observers, it has performed very well and they have the reception that C Crane is known for. They have AM/FM/Weather. They use crank, solar, or 3 double A batteries to operate. It can also take a a universal AC adapter. They are small (not tiny), has a dial that lights up for (non covert) night use. They can take head phones and has a phone charging jack. I paid 30.00 for mine, but bought 5 so my kids could have one to use in the event of power/cell phone disruption. I also keep one in a faraday container, just as a back up. I have no regrets on mine.

 

[user 7704]

I have 2 small crank/solar am/fm/weather radios. It has ports to charge phone. They are about $30 each