Hand crank radio?

[zzzippper]

We watched "The Blackout" last night. Many people were using hand crank radios. Where can I get them?

[jerrymrc]

How many ya want? http://www.amazon.com/Kaito-Voyager-...ref=pd_sim_e_4

I have one of the old FR 200 but I like the new Kaito's

The best deal would be to have one of these that allows one to charge USB items and a regular all-band that runs on rechargeable's. Member Splogan was very happy I made them take an FR 200 crank radio to Japan after the power went out.

[jerrymrc]

I think everyone should have at least one of these to be able to know what is going on in the world. http://www.amazon.com/Kaito-KA1102-S...532220&sr=1-21

Even though there are not all the stations there used to be there are enough SW stations out there that one would be able to have a clue what was going on. Us old guys grew up with SW as a way to learn about the world outside of our backyard.

[Great-Kazoo]

I think everyone should have at least one of these to be able to know what is going on in the world. http://www.amazon.com/Kaito-KA1102-S...532220&sr=1-21

Even though there are not all the stations there used to be there are enough SW stations out there that one would be able to have a clue what was going on. Us old guys grew up with SW as a way to learn about the world outside of our backyard.

Radio Luxembourg

[zzzippper]

I like the Amazon reviews of the 1102 but I don't see alternate power sources like crank or solar while the Voyager has both. Am I missing something?

[sellersm]

I think he's recommending both. Or just get a supply of rechargeable batteries and a solar charger... That's what I'm thinking of doing.

[zzzippper]

That was the drift I was getting too. I'd rather not spend >$100 on radios if only one would do. If you find a listing for rechargable batteries and a solar charger would you add the link here? Thanks.

This one looks pretty good but we're getting up around $130 without the batteries. http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Powered-...attery+charger

I think he's recommending both. Or just get a supply of rechargeable batteries and a solar charger... That's what I'm thinking of doing.

[jerrymrc]

That was the drift I was getting too. I'd rather not spend >$100 on radios if only one would do. If you find a listing for rechargable batteries and a solar charger would you add the link here? Thanks.

This one looks pretty good but we're getting up around $130 without the batteries. http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Powered-...attery+charger

Kinda recommending both only because with the way people lean the ability to charge ones phone has become the #1 thing for many although if the power is out for more than 24 hours most of the cell service will be down as well but many seem to thing there power comes from somewhere else.

My take and the way I look at it is all around. You should already have rechargeable's and adapters for the things that are important. If not you should get to that place ASAP. Back to that in a moment. The 1102 is a great radio for the money. In some ways it outshines my DX-440. It is no ICF-2010 but then it is a whole bunch cheaper. It is good on batteries and just adding the $10 reel-out will help with the SW/AM.

If you have neither radio or batteries then start with the 1102 and then get this package. http://www.amazon.com/La-Crosse-Tech...ef=pd_sbs_hg_3

It includes a smart charger/case/batteries and adapters. I like the amazon brand of enloop batteries http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-N...able+batteries

My only knock on them is since they are not green all over and scream "rechargeable" I have had visiting family throw them away. That solar charger will work but I think if I were to buy one I would look at this because of the feature set. http://www.amazon.com/SolarAid%C2%AE...attery+charger

Just some thoughts.

[sellersm]

I have this solar battery charger. Works well & pretty fast, but only does 2 at a time. Be aware, there are some on Amazon that are knock-offs, so I bought mine directly from C. Crane. http://www.ccrane.com/more-categorie...y-charger.aspx

I do like that solar charger that Jerry showed above!

[sellersm]

Also, I do like the eneloop rechargeable batteries! And you can get adapters for your D cell, if needed, that will use AA batteries instead.