American Red Cross FR150 Solar-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight

American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Red) List Price: $40.00 Sale Price: $32.99 Average Rating:

Description

Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger. The Microlink brings together some of the most popular features of our Voicelink, in a more compact design. This ultra-portable device is ideal to have on hand when you're roughing it. It also makes a great addition to any emergency-preparedness kit. No plugs or wires are required. Instead, turn the hand crank to power the Microlink, or capture the sun's energy and run it on solar power. You'll always know what's going on, thanks to the AM, FM and weather bands. You can also tune in to the FCC and EAS public alert systems. Add the flashlight, the cell phone charger and you've got one versatile little device.

Features

• AM (520-1710 KHz), FM (87-108MHz), NOAA weather on all 7 channels. Built-in hand crank power generator recharges the internal rechargeable
• From solar power, the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery that takes charge from the dynamo crank and from an AC adapter (not included).
• Built-in cell phone charger, Earphone jack 3.5 mm socket, Cell phone charger output jack.
• Power source: solar power; built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack
• Weight: 7.5 oz. and 200 g. Accessories: owner's manual, warranty card, preparedness guide, card for cell phone tip.

Reviews

The unit doesn't come with the necessary parts to charge a cell phone (although the instructions tell you to use a certain piece). When I called the company they admitted they don't include the necessary piece, but promised to send it to me ASAP. AFTER A MONTH AND NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS, WHAT A SURPRISE, NO PIECE ARRIVED! Don't waste your money if you want to use this to charge a cell phone.

As a disaster relief volunteer, I recommend this to be your first purchase. Think about most disasters! Power is the first thing you'll lose. Then you'll be scramblng for flashlights and batteries. The FR160R is the first thing you should grab. It's small and fits easily in a bedside drawer. First, it's a decent flashlight. Second, it has a handcrank to recharge it . . . that will be of utmost importance over the next few days. That also means it can charge other stuff . . . like a cell phone . . . the second most important piece of equipment you should have. Lastly, it's a radio. The reception isn't great and that's because reception takes power and power must be conserved. Comments: Buy a camera case to put it in. Make sure it has a belt loop. You will want to have this unit with you at all times during an emergency. Next, check your cell phone to make sure you have the wiring to charge it from the FR160R's USB port. It would have been nice to have a cigarette lighter port, since we all have car adapters for our phones, but the unit would have to be bigger for that to happen. The FR160R has a solar panel which requires you to leave it unattended in the sun all day. Never put this unit down for a minute. This unit will be the most popular device in your crowd and will disappear in nanoseconds. It also has an earphone port, but earphones are not included, and I question that earphones would improve the sound quality. Overall, a good unit! JZ in Marietta GA

I bought the radio for emergencies, but I do listen to it in the house and I get a good reception. I like the size and love the color, good flash light. Overall a good emergency radio.

love this little emergency wonder! Fits easily into my GO pack and even travels well on hiking trips where a low weight pack is a must. OK... I found one of my phone chargers from an older blackberry fits this and charges it perfectly where electricity is available. The solar is great when you have no power but have some solar gain. The crank is purely in an emergency... you have to crank a long time for the useage gain.

Bought this as a Christmas gift--have not had feedback on how it works. Shipping was prompt.