Does anyone have any recommendations for a battery powered AM/FM radio with either a crank or solar as a backup power source? I'm in the midst of putting together a bug-out bag (and generally improving my survival/disaster preparedness) and I'd like something suitable for both bug-out and bug-in situations. Something light, tough, and cheap would be best, but I'd settle for two out of three.

Have you considered the Eton Grundig hand-crank radios? The FR200 receives FM/AM/SW and the FR300 (aka Red Cross Radio) receives FM/AM/NOAA/TV. Both models include a simple LED light, carrying case and hand crank,and the FR300 comes with cell-phone charging capabilities.

I really like my Grundig FR200.
It has AA battery backup, standard wall outlet charge capabilities and hand crank charging capabilities. And as gryps mentioned it picks up AM, FM and SW.

I was going to get a FR300, but some of the reviews I've read led me to purchase the 200 instead.

I live in a room which is half underground, and the reception generally sucked eggs with other radios I've owned, but the Grundig has no problem with picking up an amazing amount of channels.

It's mono, but it's an emergency radio, so I'm not using it for the sound quality anyway. Any stereo model would probably drain a charge more quickly anyway.

It also has a small LED light, which is not the brightest in the world, but could be helpful in a pinch if you want to conserve the cells in a good torch.

The AC adapter must be purchased separately.

We have an Eaton FR-300. It works, but I would kill for one with digital tuning. Trying to pick one FM station out of a jillion, then hold that station, is sometimes an exercise in frustration. The flashing red light and siren are cool though...

I have one of these Sony hand crank radios, it's light, tough and about $30.



AM/FM, 2AAA batteries, hand crank, LED light, sadly no digital tuning however the quality is quite good.

I've had great results with the Grundig (now Eton?) FR200. I also have an Aiwa, but wouldn't recommend it. The reception isn't as good as the Grundig, and the light bulb died after about a month.

IMHO the Kaito KA-007 is one of the best for the money on the market. It has great reception, a good size and 4 power options: solar, dynamo, battery (3 AAA), and AC. It covers a all the options you need for emergencies as far as channels are concerned and it's priced at less than $50.00 including an optional SW antenna. Check it out at http://windupradio.com/KA007.htm

The Coleman Outrider is another option--solar, crank, and AC to recharge its internal NiMH bettery pack. Good quality, decent AM/FM reception, and about $40.

I have two Eton FR400s



- AM/FM/NOAA/TV1/TV2-VHF channels 2-13
- Water-resistant body
- NOAA Weather – all 7 channels plus “Alert” function
- Hand-Crank Power Generator
- 3 LED light system with emergency flash Emergency Siren
- Built-in cell phone* charger
- Earphone jack – 3.5mm stereo earphone socket
- Crank-charge system charges built-in rechargeable battery
- Charges rechargeable battery via AC Adaptor (included)
- Powered by 3 AA batteries
- Can be powered with all batteries removed by continuous cranking
- Dimensions: 4.5” H x 8.6” W x 2” D (114mm x 220mm x 50mm)
- Weight: 1.5 lbs


*list of compatible cell phones:
http://shop.npr.org/wcsstore/NPR/upload/Dec5_cell_list.pdf

Jess, I haven't seen the FR400 model until I viewed your post. Nice piece of equipment. Can you share where you bought it and what it cost?