Hand/Solar powered radio recomendations.

[Fulcrum525]

I've been doing quite a bit of work outside and i'm way to far from the nearest power source to simply run an extension cord. Does anyone have any recommendations on hand/solar powered radios?

So far i've come across these two but I want to get an idea about other potential options.

Newegg.com - LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY 810-106 La crosse technology 810-106 noaa solar weather radio
Kaito KA350 Solar Crank AM FM Shortwave Weather Radio Green - Newegg.com

[elchivito]

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

I've been doing quite a bit of work outside and i'm way to far from the nearest power source to simply run an extension cord. Does anyone have any recommendations on hand/solar powered radios?

So far i've come across these two but I want to get an idea about other potential options.

Newegg.com - LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY 810-106 La crosse technology 810-106 noaa solar weather radio
Kaito KA350 Solar Crank AM FM Shortwave Weather Radio Green - Newegg.com

You've been watching too many Prepper reality shows. Put down the Bugout bag and back away.....

[Diesel911]

Back in 1986 one of My relatives bought be a Freeplay Plus Solar and hand cranked Radio (you wind something like a clock Spring inside.)
I have never seen them but somewhere inside there is Batteries.
The switch has SW1, SW2 (short wave?), AM and FM on it.
It has a 3 led light on it.

It sits near a Window that the sun shows through and maybe 4 times a Year I crank it to wind the Spring for charging.

I only listen to it maybe 4 times a Year and My Wife a little more.

The sound quality is not great but I am amazed that it still works at all. In theory the Batteries should have been shot long ago.

I don't know how it would far with continuous use and if the Batteries were depleted from too long of use and I while I have the Instructions I have not read them since 1986 and I don't remember any of the Details.

Back then it was likely completely a US made item and I think it was something like $80 back then; less if you bought more than one at the same time.

You can use a 6 Volt power supply on it. It could be since 1986 they moved up to 12 Volts; but I don't know that.

Hand Held might not be a good description of it but this is the only one I have had experience with.
Perhaps with new technology they new ones are better.

I am not sure about other Colors but I remember that they also sold a Clear Plastic one.

[Botnst]

I bought a hand-cranked one here: C. Crane Company - Toll Free (800) 522-8863. I have bought several items from C. Crane and have found them to be top-notch. The one I bought was made by Midway and has the usual AM/FM spectrum, NWS and also includes FRS/GMRS broadcast & receive, which allows comm with FM walkie-talkies that are pretty darned good for comm out in the countryside where there is no cellphone coverage.

[elchivito]

That's a great link. I am seriously thinking of ordering a pair of their wooden headphones. To go with my wooden head.
Senta-40 Wooden Headphones w/ Carry Case & Detachable Fabric Cord - C. Crane Company (800) 522-8863

[kerry]

I've got one similar to the one in your first link. (in fact two--my SIL bought me one last Xmas not knowing I already had one). I keep it in my camper. Great for weather--used it this past weekend on the Niobrara River to make a decision whether to paddle or not. It's got a USB port (I think) which I assume means the hand crank can be used to charge the battery on a phone or Ipod or computer or something.

[Fulcrum525]

Originally Posted by elchivito

You've been watching too many Prepper reality shows. Put down the Bugout bag and back away.....

Actually i've never seen any of those shows.

This unit would be for while i'm working outside in the yard yet way to far away for an extension cord to be of any use

Originally Posted by Botnst

I bought a hand-cranked one here: C. Crane Company - Toll Free (800) 522-8863. I have bought several items from C. Crane and have found them to be top-notch. The one I bought was made by Midway and has the usual AM/FM spectrum, NWS and also includes FRS/GMRS broadcast & receive, which allows comm with FM walkie-talkies that are pretty darned good for comm out in the countryside where there is no cellphone coverage.

Thank you for the link Bot, this unit looks to be pretty good!

http://www.ccrane.com/radios/wind-up-emergency-radios/cc-solar-observer-wind-up-emergency-radio.aspx#.UaQXQUp0l8E

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

I've been doing quite a bit of work outside and i'm way to far from the nearest power source to simply run an extension cord. Does anyone have any recommendations on hand/solar powered radios?

So far i've come across these two but I want to get an idea about other potential options.

Newegg.com - LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY 810-106 La crosse technology 810-106 noaa solar weather radio
Kaito KA350 Solar Crank AM FM Shortwave Weather Radio Green - Newegg.com

Based upon the Weather Station I had made by them that didn't make it out of warranty (the remote "weatherproof" transmitter was a POS and they refused to replace it), I wouldn't touch any of the chinese made ****e they market.

I have an ETON radio I got as a gift for supporting a local NPR station and it did very well in use after Sandy. Also charged my Cell phones (Moto Razr and Blackberry) via a USB port.

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

I've been doing quite a bit of work outside and i'm way to far from the nearest power source to simply run an extension cord. Does anyone have any recommendations on hand/solar powered radios?

So far i've come across these two but I want to get an idea about other potential options.

Newegg.com - LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY 810-106 La crosse technology 810-106 noaa solar weather radio
Kaito KA350 Solar Crank AM FM Shortwave Weather Radio Green - Newegg.com

I have a FReeway that I bought 20 years ago that still works well.
So does the 59.00 Grundig that was used in AFG.

[KarTek]

I have this one: Amazon.com: Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio: Electronics

It works very well and it needs a crank about every hour or so... Great for the coming ""pocky-clipse".

[barry12345]

Set up with some rechargeable batteries and a charger. Cheaper and adequate if you know where to shop. Radios do not draw that much current.

[SwampYankee]

I got one of these as a gift several years ago (in orange so I can usually find it ). It performed well during the last couple extended powerless periods we endured in CT. The phone charger and light came in handy, too.