emergency radio

[LabRat2k3]

While looking over my supplies I realized that I was missing one of the most basic pieces, a good emergency radio. Not sure how I overlooked that, but at any rate which would you recommend? I would like one that can be crank powered so I'm not totally dependent on batteries, light weight, with a weather band. I don't care if it has a light or not. What are you guys using?

[scootrd]

This is the one I have , I bought it for Backpacking more than anything.
Haven't tried the cell phone feature yet. A cell phone cord is included and a postcard that you
can mail in to receive the appropriate adapter for your particular cell phone model at no extra
cost. It comes in Red or white. 

It states "Two minutes of cranking will give you 20+ minutes of radio power".
I found its more like 12 -20. I actually caught a sale and picked it up for 27.00 , so Kinda hard to complain.

http://safetycentral.com/etamredcrmif.html


AM (520-1710 KHz)
FM (87-108MHz)
FCC and EAS public alert bands
NOAA weather – all 7 channels
Weight: 7.5 oz. Dimensions: 4.96"W x 2.36"H x 1.81"D
1 Year MFG Limited Warranty

Built-in 3 white LED flashlight.

Can be powered from three different sources:

From the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery that takes charge from the dynamo crank.
Solar Power Panel
From the USB port (USB cord not included).

Built-in cell-phone charger. Earphone jack – 3.5 mm socket.
Complete instruction manual included.

[243dave]

I've had one of the little Etons like scootrd does for a couple years now and its not a bad little radio for backpacking and keeping in the house for a emergency radio.  The quality is excellent for what you pay, even the flashlight is alright.  The only negative about it is the cellphone recharger.  Its set up where you have to crank for a long time for just a minute or two of cell phone charge.  For me the cell phone charging don't matter because I bought it for the radio.  For $25 or $30(if they are on sale) its a good bargin.    Dave     

[ButlerFord45]

I have two of the Etons, one for a few years now and it gets used at least monthly just to make sure everything is still working.  I get 30+ minutes of radio at about 1/3 volume (Louder requires more power) for 2 minutes of cranking.  The light is better than stumbling around in the dark.

[Cornbelt]

 I'm curious how these things work. Do you spin the dynamo with the crank, or are there clock springs you wind with the crank that spin the dynamo?

[243dave]

The Etons have the regular hand crank with dynamo, no clock springs, but they also have a solar panel.  I just set mine in the window to allow it to charge.