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I was looking for a radio primarily for a "disaster kit" that could be self powered and offered weather alerts as well. This unit had all the things I wanted as well as having the flashlight, readling light, cell phone charger and shortwave, just provides better options and offerings than I originally wanted for the kit. I have tested all the features and found they work as expected or better.
I've dropped it, kicked it, even left it out in the camper in sub-zero temperatures for a week and it still works like new.My girl likes to have a radio or tv on while she's falling asleep and the same ten minutes of cranking put out 40 minutes of shortwave or FM radio for her to fall asleep by, in the middle of the Wisconsin north woods far from any other person.Three times since I bought this product the power has gone out in my area, and twice it was because of weather-related emergencies. I bought this item just over a year and a half ago, and it's served my needs very well. This radio brings the NOAA weather alerts right to us during blackouts and keeps us up to speed.More than a few times I've stretched out the shortwave clip-on antenna and have been able to listen to radio france or argentina simply by clipping it on and throwing it over a tree branch.Most of the bad reviews of this product are due to user error; you need to crank the dynamo for more than two minutes to charge the battery, you need to read the packaging or advertised product description to know what's in the box, you need to crank it in small, tight and steady turns - just like any other dynamo-charged product - and not be overzealous and rip the crank handle off. Frequent camping trips, occasional blackouts and the possibility of it being the only means of receiving important information in an emergency situation, this radio has proven time and again that it's the right choice for what I want it for.I've taken this sucker camping 12 times and never been disappointed. I've left my car phone charger home by accident twice and the KA500's dynamo charged it (motorola razor) with ten minutes of cranking. It's very durable as long as you don't act like your trying to power a full-sized refrigerator. Don't let a few ignoramuses spoil you on this really good deal on a very good emergency radio.
The same 3 minutes of hand cranking on the Eton Microlink FR 150 yielded 32 minutes of play time. I bought both the Kaito KA 500 as well as the Eton Microlink FR 150. After hand cranking the Kaito KA 500 for 3 minutes, I got only 4 minutes of play time. Plus, the Kaito KA 500 is large, whereas the Microlink FR 150 is as small as a dollar bill. If you are looking for an emergency radio, buy the Eton Microlink FR 150.
It is also very hard to tune to a station. I bought this radio, and was pleased with it's delivery. but the reception is the worse I have experienced with any radio I have owned. It must be held in my hand, with antenna fully extended, to even pick up a few local stations. Very dissatisfied for what is advertised as an "Emergency Radio"
Yes, the crank feels "cheaply" made; therefore, I advise, handle with care. However, after having been in a few blackouts and hearing of other's distress situations, I'm glad I have it. I bought this radio because I hope I never have to use it. Personally, I like this item but you have to decide the value of your $ with the features you need. I read the other 20 reviews and have to say that in an emergency situation, you have to get to basics and the USB port is not what I consider a basic need. The crank and solar panels work very well. I would strongly suggest the solar/crank radios with light whether it's this product or another. Cheers.
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