I Made a MISTAKE When I Bought My Emergency Radio..

I made a critical mistake when I bought my Emergency Radio. Twice! Let's talk about the key features to look for when buying a quality Emergency Radio, and what to watch out for.
DISCLAIMER - There may be Affiliate links below. This means I could receive a small commission if you use certain links. These help to support the channel and allow me to continue making videos, so if you use them, thank you! No links below will cost you anything additional to use. You can further support the channel by using the following link when shopping on Amazon - amzn.to/3oT3SEk
Here are a couple models with replaceable batteries.. Just don't forget to remove the battery while in storage (to avoid vampirism where battery is slowly depleted) or have an extra battery on hand that is properly stored:
Kaito Voyager - amzn.to/3nkNRqK
Kaito KA500 (AA battery compartment AND rechargeable NiMH) - amzn.to/3faKQ87
Kaito KA700 (replaceable Lithium 18650 Battery) - amzn.to/3JZ0Loi
Midland ER310 (6 AA backup) - amzn.to/31OAxUj
Sangean (replaceable NiMH Battery, although less common size) - amzn.to/3Gl47zD
FosPower (cheaper option but has AAA backup) - amzn.to/3Go7gPe

[@ADKMan]

I have the same exact radio and have used it at my off grid place......1-2 minutes of cranking will get me all evening listening to one of the two stations I can pick up......but yes the battery could be an issue!! I bought it knowing it was cheap but it's now 5 years old and still going!! But in a long term event anything with a battery could be an issue!! Can only be charged so many times...will run out of batteries eventually plus age.....it you have owned for a few years before the event ...it's life during an event is all ready shortened!!

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Great points. They definitely have a place, even in a bag of some sort.

[@ernststravoblofeld]

I bought one exactly like that, specifically to hand crank. It's been working great for years.

[@personalemail2167]

My mom got a hand crank radio/flashlight from Marlboro miles back in like 1999. That thing is still kicking! They just don’t make things the same anymore unfortunately

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Very true!

[@cinsforgiven7]

Marlboro Miles! That’s a blast from the past!!!🤣

[@personalemail2167]

@@cinsforgiven7 right?! I heard they started the program again.

[@sandybarbee8401]

Marlboros ? 1999 ? Is your Mom still kickin' ?

[@personalemail2167]

@@sandybarbee8401 🤣 she sure is! But she got the jab…so that will likely take her out before the affects of smoking will.

[@K-Kil]

A removable battery is a MUST in these. I have had my weather radio for years, and I am finally to the point where the battery won't hold a charge and needs too be replaced. Another plus is that you can add a piece of paper between the battery and terminal so that it does not self discharge. This makes the battery last waaaay longer over the years.

[@valerief1231]

Great idea about putting the paper between the battery and terminal!

[@redstarling5171]

good tip, mine came with an info paper in-between battery i just left it in until i need it

[@toml.8210]

I do that to LED beside lamps when I travel, so they don't accidentally turn on in the bag during a 4-hour drive to the hotel. Lately, I take all the batteries out of everything, then install them when i unpack at the hotel.

[@toml.8210]

@@valerief1231 I take out one cell and tape it to the radio, so it doesn't discharge. If you use quality cells, like Energizer, it won't leak, but the dollar-store batteries WILL leak, so I put those in my LED torch, which I use a lot. Personally, i have dedicated AM, FM, NOAA, and SW receivers, and LED torches, candles, and chem lights in a small box, ready for use.

[@toml.8210]

@@valerief1231 You better use something better than just paper for long-term storage. Paper will absorb any electrolyte, and if some gets out, and it will lead to a bigger mess. Use some dense poly plastic, like you have in milk jugs or plastic packaging. Cut a strip from that.

[@toml.8210]

He gives GOOD advice in this review. Don't believe the sales hype, "review videos" giving only a total approval, or the packaging. 5-way charging only complicates the wiring & electronics inside. The "better" idea regarding what you buy is fine, but you still need to learn how to use it properly, including changing the battery or charging! Practice, practice. He is very correct about selecting a flashlight or radio that actually gives you EASY access to the battery inside, and an efficient way to charge it. Having quality disposable cells, like RayOvac, are better than "5-way charging."

[@toml.8210]

@@PracticalPreparedness As a boy Scout, we got to practice our skills every month, leading up to the February Polar Bear camp weekend, and some mountain backpacking in the Rockies.

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

As a two time F5 survivor, I can tell you this should be number ONE in any emergency weather event kit. You can flee INTO danger without storm location data provided by forecasters live on the radio. Lithium batteries are trash, don't even bother. best case, no battery power once it dies, worst case (that WILL happen) is you have a shiny paperweight when the battery won't hold a charge. Always go for replaceable batteries and pack 20 with the kit, AA and AAA can be bought literally anywhere on the fly. Larger batteries like 18650 and so on while they need to be charged, have a LONG life for something like this, I prefer the standards though because of availability. Also you might get a cheaper price without all the secondary power sources, because lets be real here, if you can burn through 20 batteries on a radio without a chance to refill? You are in bigger trouble than needing a radio.

[@3nertia]

Thank you for making the point about fleeing *into* danger!

[@toml.8210]

I like Lithium cells, but you need to maintain them. If you get enough advance notice of a storm, you can charge them one last time, then install when things start getting bad, so you are ready.

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

@@bimblyplay I was blessed. Many others were not. Don't EVER let your guard down. Have a go bag ready and know your escape plan. What I've seen would chill you to your soul. I'm a grown man and I can't even type this without tears. Stay safe.

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

@@bimblyplay And overcast cold weather…I would do well in England, I hate the sun and I’m hot natured🤣

[@Stormyweld05]

@@bimblyplay Not true. We DO have tornadoes in the UK - I've seen one myself in Norfolk back in 2004 - but they tend to be less lethal (F1-F2 and possibly a rare F3). Don't assume it couldn't get worse, though.

[@passager01]

Agree , thanks for your advices . I consider buying an emergency radio with a dry cells compartment ( AAA or better , AA ) , so when the buil-in recharcheable battery dies later , the radio is still usable . I don't expect anything from the crank and the solar cells , they require very long time of charging for very little power .

[@Utah_Mike]

Many battery hand tools also have radios, fans, lights, even power inverters to 120v. Batteries can even be recharged from solar. Ryobi, dewalt, & Milwaukee to name just a few. Then you add any “power tools that you might need (want).

[@StringerNews1]

For years and years, my "survival" radio was just a Sony Walkman. It worked great, and took AA cells that I had in abundance. Today I have a Zurio brand radio that uses a standard 18650 cell. I can charge it with USB, just like yours, or I can swap in a freshly charged 18650 cell. I now have a lot of those too! There's also the option of using standard AA cells, solar and a crank.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Very nice! I know a lot of folks stock up on 18650, wise choice

[@patriciaribaric3409]

I love using solar powered radios in my backyard while doing yard work. I also have several solar panels that recharge my radio when I let it run down. Thanks for the video. I think it's time to get another one as a back up.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

They are handy aren’t they? Kids love using the crank on them, nice way to keep ‘em entertained

[@davem7847]

I have bought 2 Sangean MMR-88 Radios. AM/FM/WEATHER with Alert. They use a small replaceable rechargable battery, easy to change battery. Leave one unit in a bathroom window (alot of sun) to charge or top off. One to use the other in my preps can as backup.

[@Liberteabelle]

Well DANG I just ordered a cheapo. Guess I’ll get the better one and return the old one. Thx for setting me straight, man!

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thanks for watching CJ!

[@durgan5668]

Bought my E+Ready Emergency crank radio (Midland brand), during the civil unrest about 18 months ago. Never used, so I took it out of the box today and it still had 2 bars on the battery. Crank works, radio works, and I've got it stuck in the windowsill right now, powering up by solar. Has a AA battery option, but I just have the lithium in there, to avoid battery corrosion.

[@toml.8210]

My solar power bank actually discharges from the inferior battery inside. It holds a charge if you charge it from mains AC, then discharges even if you leave it on the windowsill in the sun. Don't get a $14 solar power bank.

[@3nertia]

I've been designing (in my head, the only place I can afford to right now lol) a much better dynamo and just better backup battery in general. Something that could charge anything OR be charged *by* anything. Imagine charging your backup battery on a roadside car battery during SHTF xD With the way a dynamo works, gears aren't really necessary *at all* - the handle could just rotate inside a bearing cup and have its magnet inside the stationary coil winding and et voila!

[@mjhill72]

Keep it on a windowsill. It will NEVER be dead. I have an Eton just like that and it's always full power. Leaving in the sun is like keeping on a trickle charge. Like you said, the hand crank sucks, BUT it works fine to check the information you need. Those tiny radios have their place. I don't always want a big radio.

[@JesusSaves86AB]

You can cut the battery off at the wires and glue a 18650 battery holder on. That way you can swap the battery and charge via a device with a better charge controller or BMS (whichever one it is or both, I'm not a professional). I bought a $60CDN one and it seems that was a good price point, 5000mah battery, solar panel is tiny but manages in direct sunlight. And the hand crank dynamo is a must. Good video, I see most folks cheap out on these.

I went for a Tecsun, they can be charged over USB (for example with a solar panel) and have replaceable NiMh cells. They also work on SW.

[@SteveChippyPaine]

I got one of these. I was impressed with the efficiency. 50mW. It will go for a couple of days non stop on a charge. My variant of this doesn't appear to lose its charge but that highlights the main problem here... variations. You never know whether you're going to get a good or bad version when you buy it. I was lucky but it seems althat many others aren't.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Had to upgrade, you’re right!

[@mistastabs5840]

Try this one, I run maintenance on all my gear and electronics twice a year. I've had great luck with this radio "Service Survival Battery Powered Radio - 2000mAh Shortwave Radio - NOAA Weather Radio - Radios Portable AM FM - Wind Radio Emergency with USB Phone Charger - Camping Gear - Hand Crank Radio " 39.99. Has never died when needed.

[@mikesmith1550]

I think this is also a good argument for having a couple of small power banks available that can repower any of your devices during bad times.

[@shellymilligan2953]

I have a small solar generator a couple of solar power banks. They have proven to invaluable in power outages!

[@rogerknight2267]

I just purchased a Jackery 1000 for that very reason. It has its limitations but when everything else has blown up, it’s better than nothing

[@toml.8210]

That's a good idea, but you can't just leave a power bank in a drawer for 9 years, and expect it to be full. It needs to be topped-off every4-6 months. they should be fully discharged and recharged annually.

[@toml.8210]

@@rogerknight2267 Remember to bring it in the house in the winter; they don't like being frozen. Put it in the vehicle when you leave home or go on a trip.

[@nagaviper1169]

I have a couple of power banks with built-in solar panels.

[@jacquelinerodenbush6691]

Thank you for this. I have two of these, one at work, in my get home bag, and one at home. I'll make sure to upgrade.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I think these may be perfect for bags if you can have access to sun or manual charging. At home, I invested in something tougher myself :)

[@fireraccoon6464]

What did you get?​@@PracticalPreparedness

[@johnstag2030]

In a global catastrophe you need more than AM/FM, your emergency radio needs to also receive shortwave. The fact that the featured radio is not shortwave capable is an even more glaring flaw in an emergency radio than the lack or a replaceable battery port.

[@3nertia]

Yes; thank you! I was gonna post this but I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this! What's REALLY stupid is that AM is basically shortwave anyway so I'm not sure why they couldn't just include *all 3* bands :/

[@spcyakima1077]

I also can't stand the fact that the emergency crank radios that have shortwave don't have SSB. I mean, you can't listen to most HF amateur without SSB.

[@glenmo1]

The reason they don't have shortwave SSB.. they would be prohibitively expensive for many people.... I have a shortwave radio from a top notch company it has SSB it's wall operated or D battery.. operated in its close to $200... Many people are not going to spend that kind of money for some emergency that may never happen.. most emergencies are going to be tornadoes or hurricanes blizzards similar to that which local am / fm would give you the necessary information locally that you need..

[@3nertia]

@@glenmo1 Just because manufacturers get away with charging outrageous prices doesn't mean that's what they actually *should* cost ....

[@Bootyhunter1971]

I agree you NEED a sw radio, but, for an emergency radio for short term power outtages or to put in a get home bag or keep in your vehicle, am/fm/noaa will suffice. Would have to be a MAJOR event to need SW in those applications.

[@mikeneale2459]

Thank you! Yes, I bought one. You are right! I am looking for an emergency radio that I can count on in an emergency.

[@dwderp]

The Midland ER200/ER210 check every one of these boxes. Not only does it have all the features of this radio, but once fully charged it holds the charge in it's replaceable battery for months and months on end. I have fully charged mine and left it sitting for six months and found it still full. It's super reliable and rugged, too. I lucked out and found my er200 for $20 because they were swapping it out for the almost identical, newer er210 model. But after living with it for two years, I would buy it at $50 with no hesitation.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thank you for taking the time to share this!

[@Blackdog57]

Thank you so much for pointing out about the battery, you have saved us all a lot of money, I follow you now.🙏

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Something to be made aware of!

[@owps663]

So true and while I agree, admittedly when I first decided to move from a passive semi prep'r to a serious commited prep'r it quickly became apparent that I couldn't afford so many of the thing's necessary to give my family peace of mind. So in the line of thinking as you stated anything is better than nothing I reached for all the off the rack bargains I could find with just such item's. Then after having a foundation as shoddy as it was I gradually started upgrading in quality two or three item's each year. That was several year's ago and now most of the time in adding to the tool's and supplies necessary for survival cost is no longer such a hindrance. While now I have more financial flexibility and seek out quality as the main stay I still pick up some of the cheap stuff and refere to it as disposable. The reason being I still like the dollar stuff is because it's cheap I can get a lot of it, throw it into a little emergency bag and throw it in the kid's and grand kid's car trunks aswell as friend's that give no thought to what if scenarios. That cheap hand crank radio might only work once then break, but that once it did work could very well save somebody's life some day.

[@jerdog333]

yep, I had a radio that looked just like that one die on me and like you said, I didn't know how to solder a new battery or replace the one it came with. I used it when I first bought it and then it never worked after that. Great advice. Thank you.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@scottc7376]

Like the idea of this video but few things need perspective... I have a 2000mAh emergency radio, very highly rated on Amazon and via non-amazon reviews. After testing = on an iphone 6 with the radio’s battery charged to full it could only charge the iphone battery from 25% to 75% (not charge it twice as you indicated), and the solar charger feature getting direct sun for 6 hours in an almost ideal setting might take a month to recharge the battery (not just this radio - its fairly common issue).

[@squirrelcovers6340]

I have that exact model of radio. It charges all 3 ways and has a charger, it works everytime. I've had it for 6 years.. It was $14.99 on Amazon. Don't know why you're knocking it.

[@HyperJoe]

I'll agree, You should get the best You can afford when available, I just so happen to have that exact same Radio You're showing there, bought it over 2 Years ago, used it a couple Seasons Camping and still works perfectly and still looks new. I also have one My Wife bought Me 5-6 years ago, a bit beat up but I can still get it to work, another good option is buy a Charging Bank like for charging a Phone, it can hook up and give almost unlimited Power with the Solar Features, good Video and Good Advice, My Advice, keep it Simple .. 👍🤠

[@PracticalPreparedness]

The charging bank is a great idea to keep things going!

[@princessl0llie421]

I have that exact one...no issues

[@garyw6900]

That’s a Eton FR150 with a different name on it. I have owned one for years with no problem at all. However I did try to replace it with an Eton FRX2 and right out of the box, the battery would not hold a charge. I ordered a replacement battery and that lasted about 3 days and would also not hold a charge afterwards. It makes me not trust an Eton radio at all anymore.

[@johnfish1194]

I have like 5 NOAA radios ,as well as many ham radios. They all have back up batteries, and i have power bricks, many of them. And i always keep them charged. I also keep a box of rechargable batteries that i check each month. AA, aaa, C. And chargers for all of the different types.

[@abbeyl6115]

Have had one many years ago living off grid on a mountain via financially homeless. Winter weather often rendered solar charging as not always the greatest option as I was in an rv with lots of trees on my south window on the days I could get sun. And the radio had to be moved the other part of a sun day if I was lucky enough to get one..to help out with the charge. The winter days shorter. At someone's request, when I got housed, I reluctantly but ended up happy giving it to that person. Am going to order two maybe three of these radios. While two are charging in maybe extreme low light conditions, I can listen to a fully charged radio with more solar power charge time on it. When I did purchase the AA (one or two)batteries, I could not tell if my solar was being used first or the battery. No indicator lights. The handcrank reviews alerted me to a breakage possibility. As careful as I was, a whole lot of energy put forth to garner only a few week minutes of radio power...as for me solar deck lights. They charge faster in the Off position. But again, never sure if it is the battery or solar power the unit is relying on. I noe live in an apartment and charging anything solar is limited. Am limited mostly charges through tinted afternoon yet stronger sunny afternoon windows. And the biggest experiment my former homeless campers decided to take out the AAs out of my solar deck lights to run their gadgets then to see if putting back in the solar deck lights would recharge. It does not. Valuable lessons of curiosity learn. Being stuck homeless a few years(financial and not an addict) had many mixed blessings and valuable lessons learned at any given moment. Am geared up physically again for me and my pet with first an at home designated kitchen pantry...going again off grid not much problems anticipated. If needed, have a granny ER cart(might switch out to a rolling duffle bag and window shopping right now to check durability of wheels). And just a few more supplies and if needed, am ready to go. Advised both of my daughters with several kids each, they live in different states with constant fire danger zones, to have the prepacked backpacks and supplies like dispers on wheels. Carries extra loads than by hand and can end up saving valuable precious time even if it ends up the $25 carts might not fit in their vans and then ditched, at least they saved time in extra loading up trips back and forth to their vans.

[@creinicke1000]

I've been searching for a radio.. I keep switching things out because I really was not sure on them.. this clip helped me.

[@bruhreallybruh]

I got a 4000mAH hand crack solar powered USB charger flashlight radio. It says it takes 2 minutes to hand crank for 15 - 20 minutes for the flashlight and radio to work. But it takes over an hour to get the cell phone to 10%. The flashlight is pretty bright. Never can have enough flashlights. After the power went out for a week after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It's nice to have a GPS ready and listen to podcasts on my cell phone.

[@scottstewart6260]

only thing i dont like about those running snails is the plastic gets sticky/tacky over time. i just swapped mine for the midland with a much larger antenna, and replaceable lithium battery. Also dont solely rely on NOAA weather radio for notices. Here in KY, the Dec 10, 2021 tornado took out the weather radio system from NOAA. So make sure you can reach multiple FM stations that will give weather updates when the local weather radios go out. Also the Midland GXT GMRS radios have a really good noaa radio receiver.

[@toml.8210]

Those radios and stuff with the "protective" rubber coating on it does get a tacky or dirty feel. I'd rather strip that stuff off, if I knew how.

[@3nertia]

@@toml.8210 Most of them are molded anyway. I would suggest looking for something silicone as it doesn't tend to do that

[@breakdownbill1]

I have both the Midland emergency radio and the Midland GMRS. Thanx for letting me know Midland has the replaceable battery and the GMRS has NOAA receiver

[@donh4750]

Good thing I know what I'm doing.... And talk about going cheap... I got one very similar to that for free by clicking on an offer that included the radio and then cancelling the subscription before they charged me a month later.

[@glenmo1]

I have that same radio and when I charge it up after approximately 3 weeks of sitting idle. It doesn't take long to charge up to Max again which means it loses very little power.. you can probably leave this thing for close to a year without going completely dead

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

This is why i like the Tecsun GR-88P. Its battery can be replaced just by removing a little plug. No soldering necessary. It can also be powered by 3x AA batteries. Sadly it has no solar charge option. But you can hook up a little USB Solar panel for charging phones, as it comes with an USB-AC adapter cable. So it can be even powered by a Powerbank too or the USB port of a computer. I just wish they would still produce the normal GR88 model again, instead of the GR88P with DSP radiochip with that choppy band scanning.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thanks for sharing your hands-on experience on this!

[@marktapp5408]

I've used one of these units for two years on a daily basis with great satisfaction. Using solar charge mostly but also USB and hand crank. If you think anything you buy will never fail forget it. If your life hangs in the balance maybe you need to remember "two is one and one is none". I'd tell your viewers that I think you are way too hard on this product.

[@amfearliathmor9747]

My 16 year old Freeplay Summit Radio still working OK. I've also got the Freeplay FreeCharge 12V hand crank, which still works. But this is all old technology. Just get a decent radio. Even SDR radio receivers are around $100-150 now. A 26800 mAhr USB-C PD Power Bank with Power usage Displays ($40) and Solar Panel with USB-C PD are available to provide much more reliable power. If all else fails just have Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries L91 1.5V Bulk Pack of 10 on hand for your AA powered radio. Fresh ones will have an expiry date around 2040.

[@Velvet-Sunshine.]

Yes I agree totally. I bought a Kaito KA600, which has all the features you explained, plus you can put store bought batteries in it which have a shelf life of 10 years. I'm returning this radio KA600 because I also want to use it as an alarm clock or perhaps the listen to it, but it sounds so awful that I can't wait to turn it off. But it does work. A better choice and the one that I'm buying is the Kaito KA700, no store-bought battery but it does have an easily removable lithium ion, so you can have backup batteries or keep it charged on the one that it has, though I would prefer standard store bought batteries. Haven't received it yet, but the reviews are pretty good and it has many other features that I can you use. Just a comment about transistor radios in general. What happened, I've looked into many of them and to tell you the truth they don't sound very good. If my second choice of the Kaito KA700 sounds even 20% better, I'll keep it, but I may not be completely satisfied. It'll probably rarely be used, but at $80, it's highway robbery. Thanks for listening.

[@cyberyogicowindler2448]

My crank radio (same model, different version) stopped working after 1 year non-use because the slide switch oxidizes (made no reception anymore, only noise). After failed resoldering (didn't help) I poured Isopropanol into the switch and played Decathlon on it (slide it quickly 20 times) and now the radio works again! My version has only AM/FM (no NOAA), round power-out jack and the battery pack is made of (if I remember correctly) 3x tiny NiMH cells in green shrinksleeve that has a plugged cable but is still no standard part at all. Regard that the plastic may decompose by sunlight, thus do not keep it on the window sill for recharging by solar. (Mine waits in the dark of an EMP shielding cookie can for the soon approaching nuclear war.)

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thanks for the tips Cyberyogi

[@itsasickworld7744]

I have the exact same radio and it works just fine. .

[@jmartmac]

The "emergency" in the emergency radios means that during an emergency you can't rely on it and it could create or continue to be an emergency.

Correct. I went for a Tecsun that has removable batteries and a MiniUSB port to charge/operate it over USB. Also, emergency broadcasts aren‘t always on MW and MW has a low range at daytime. Shortwave can be better, I have a really strong reception at daytime from DWD, Radio Romania, Radio Turkey and Radio China. These small solar panels are more of a joke, they‘ll power the radio for like 15 minutes with 10 hours of charging.

[@lucasmills1246]

KA900 is king, the lower end kaito are good too. I bought a used ka900 with credit card rewards for $60 basically free. Love it to death

[@Kimberley_Black_White_TV]

I bought that exact same piece of garbage. All I can get from it is a few seconds on the flashlight after I hand crank it. I guess it's better than nothing in an emergency.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I feel the same, better than nothing

[@joebachmeier6747]

Ok bro. I charge mine every spring and summer by plugging in. If you really wanted to change the battery you could snip and strip the wires and connect a new power source externally. Lol. You turn charge it several minutes before you attempt to listen instead of turning while trying to listen. But. Good video

[@katec9893]

I've just had a powercut, I remembered i bought that exact radio a few years ago so I found it. It doesn't switch on except when I plug it into a powerbank. It doesn't retain charge. Its a great idea but I agree its poorly manufactured due to the batteries. I will be looking for a better radio.

[@blue1hair]

Kaito and some others have emergency radios that have a rechargeable battery that can be replaced if necessary and they also are able to be powered by regular use once batteries. I noticed that Kaito does have radios that are only powered by a rechargeable batter but you can replace it. I bought a replacement rechargeable battery and charged it and keep it handy.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Good call. Nice to have a charge ready to go

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

Have battery backups for these too and store in a sunny window. Soldering isn't a big deal....lol

[@BedsitBob]

I've got an USB/Solar/Crank igadgitz one, that holds its charge really well.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Never heard, thank you!

[@87Ahoff87]

I just bought this one on Amazon. It's had a TON of good reviews. Over 16k 4.5 stars. I'll be returning it after watching your vid. 😂

[@monkeymanstones1]

You can charge your cellphone from the power inside of the device, but it will charge your cellphone nearly none at all, so you'll have to hand crank to charge your cellphone and if you have a 4,000mAh battery in the phone it will take you around 120 hours to fully charge a phone which isn't turned on. It can do it, but it will take (you cranking for) many, many, many days to do.

[@christopherleubner6633]

One thing you could do is reuse a vaporizer pen battery to replace the lithium battery and stuff it in where the bad one was. The best ones have a USB charger built in, have a solar battery maintainer, a crank and a place to put in 3 AAs or AAAs for emergency. The output of the crank is enough to power it, but you should add a caoacitor to smooth the voltage. The best ones have a 3 phase generator rather than a toy motor inside. So far i got 3 of these. One of wich has short wave and TV bands as well as simple AM FM weather.

[@danielbast352]

You buy a portable cb radio. They are useless nowadays ... most truckers no longer use them, but they plug into a 12v outlet on your car have rechargeable batteries, can be used like a walkie tally, and best of all.... they have emergency weather broadcasts. And other emergency channels for road. You can buy them from 40 dollars to a few 100. They work very well. Not to mention the magnetic antenna you put on your vehicle can pop right off and be used any where.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Interesting. We dont really have a need or have the same issues regarding weather in the UK. We are also a very small country compared to others in the world. Things I have are candles, camping stoves, heaters run on paraffin, but no emergency dedicated radios. Power outages. I am 66 years of age and have only experienced power cuts 3 times in my lifetime so far. Maybe I am a preper but didn't realise. Good common sense video thanks for sharing. Cheers from old George

[@domkelly7284]

Get yourself an second gen freeplay wind up clockwork radio

[@jfilm7466]

I've also got UV-5Rs with AA battery adapters.

[@mynameisnobody5462]

Get a Tucson multi band for 20 bucks and rechargeable batteries then get an antenna extender , you can pick up way more stuff than that POS . I picked up a Romanian channel from the US . Plus the radio has all the emergency channels.

[@allan500m]

I agree a replaceable battery is preferable. But since you already have the radio, it's not that difficult to glue a battery holder to the outside of the radio, cut the 2 internal battery wires, and then solder 2 wires to the external battery holder. But if you can fit a battery holder inside the radio (maybe for a slightly smaller size battery, with same voltage), then that will obviously be better.

[@allihenderson7955]

Just love this

[@DavidGS66]

I had the crank powered Red Cross radio/LED & quality was good.

[@francoismorin8721]

Thanks for pointing out.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

No worries!

[@carlosa1038]

Great video. I just bought one from amazon $38 rechargeable lithium bat., hand crank, solar power, usb power and AA battery. Yes we all know all batteries die at some point but I also bought rechargeable batteries and a usb powered battery charger which I can power from my solar usb power bank.

[@timtimtimmay4654]

Same thing happened to mine, and it wasn't very cheap. Many of them have the same pos battery. Now that you mention it, I'll probably solder a new battery into it.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I'll keep mine for a bag and I got a Kaito instead

[@veronicat6031]

I had a Midland hand crank emergency weather radio with the features of the one shown and I can't say it enough....DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY! I charged it full by plugging into outlet and it did not last even 24 hours. Hand crank? Good luck...the handle broke after a very short period of cranking. Charge a phone? Lol! Nope. And solar power? Maybe if your walking on the sun...otherwise,forget about it. I strongly suggest if you have the money for the cheap one,save a few more bucks and get one that has "regular" battery backup. It's not worth it especially if your life could be depending on it. I am a new subscriber and always seeking knowledge. I find your channel helpful but I felt I had to pass on my experience with the weather radio. Thanks for sharing!

[@hermit.masteroflight5970]

😂😂😂 Try use a solar panel in Berlin any time from September to May 😂 Buying something with a non replaceble batrery is not a good idea. Thank you for sharing this. That thing is being offered everywhere and I did not realize that about the battery.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I'm assuming you get no sun up there at that time! Yes, Ultimately I'm more comfortable with being able to swap power sources. Thanks for watching and your comment

[@hermit.masteroflight5970]

@@PracticalPreparedness Ho. Thank you for taking the toe to read and answer the comments, and for your very valuable and sincere information. Best regards, Erik

[@elsa9026]

Important question, can a usb power bank, the ones they advertise for phones, like anker powerbank, be used to charge the ka 700 ones you linked? can they charge a lithium battery?

[@Flockingtheherd]

Go with a Kaito brand one of these. Much better and same price. Plus can use AA batteries and internal rechargeable battery that are replaceable. The crank also outputs one minute of cranking for 15 minutes of radio or 6 minutes of light

[@PracticalPreparedness]

You are so right! Great radio

[@Flockingtheherd]

@@PracticalPreparedness the kaito v2 will be the best backup pocketable option for only 20-25$

[@walkerone9833]

Plastic cranks will break with use. They just will. Cranking looks like but is not fun. You will get bored and tired very quickly. Power from cranking does not last long. Definitely batteries should be replaceable. If you purchase, get the best rated radio you can. Or, buy two.....2 is 1 and 1 is none!

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Amen, thanks for the recommendation W

[@Leveraction-xr4uz]

I saw an article on these piece of junk radios. It said to fully charge the battery with the hand crank it takes roughly 15 hours of cranking. Maybe you can attach it to a Hamster wheel somehow to keep it charged. I will stick with Quality that I can see and touch at my local Hardware Store or Lowes/Home Depot!!! I DO MISS RADIO SHACK!

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

Yes I have the exact same radio.. and once the battery runs down you have to crank that baby four days... unfortunately a half-an-hour was all I could give it : (

[@xyanide1986]

Grabbed one recently that has a removable lithium battery and AA battery option.

[@toml.8210]

You need to to the crank on the dynamo REALLY FAST! Three times-per-second, to get a charge into the battery. The plastic gears do break- that's why all the "pump-charge" hand flashlights I know of were put in the trash- all the gears broke! And the Lithium coin cells are no good if they are dead: you can't charge a dead CR2032 cell. Get a good-quality flashlight that uses a lithium, NiMH, or disposable battery, and also get a quality emergency radio with the same power sources. Plus, get a quality Lithium power bank with a good 12V, 50W solar panel. Use the power bank for the phone, and keep it charged between uses, then it will be ready if you need it in an emewrgency.

[@toml.8210]

@@PracticalPreparedness I've been through the same thing as you mentioned. There's a box of junk radios & flashlights in the basement, plus I learned a LOT from backpacking in the Scouts.

[@americanbadass88]

the crank radio/lights are more novelty than anything i remember years ago i picked up a few at radio shack for like 2 bucks a piece and used em durring Hurricane issabel when my power was out 2 weeks and my batteries started running out. i just got some candles out got sick of constantly cranking the damn things every 5 mins

[@toml.8210]

@@americanbadass88 The advertising or instruction book says if you crank 20 minutes, you can listen for (about) 5 minutes. That's fine in an emergency, when you are waiting for an hour to get another chance to monitor the radio reports, but don't think you can crank the handle for a minute, then take a nap while listening to music. Sorry, but that's the truth.

[@vickykoen]

Good points. Thanks for sharing. I have that type. lol I prefer removabĺe batteries on everything, phones, laptops too etc but more and more they are not available.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Right on

[@bradlafferty]

Critical thinking; I like it. Thanks for sharing this. Enjoy your channel.

[@Steve-bw4oh]

I had one of those. I just purchased a newer model. I hate it. It doesn't take batteries. Yup, it's always dead. What good is an emergency radio that you have to keep plugged in all the time

[@fbxx9845]

ALL BATTERIES EXPIRE. From Panasonic: Do batteries expire? All batteries have an expiration date mentioned on the packaging and on the cell itself. The battery may still work after that date, but with minor performance.>>>>>>

[@turbofiat]

I stumbled upon your video while doing a search on wind up radios in general. I bought one of those radios but it's a bit different than the one you have. The one I got is called a Grey Ghost. The body looks similar in style and color but the buttons and knobs are different. Mine has the same 18650 lithium ion battery but it has a connector on it. My daughter had a Bluetooth speaker and one of the kids threw and wrecked it and I noticed it used the same battery as this radio and the same connector. So I have a second battery I can swap out. I have listened to this radio for several hours while sleeping and it will play I know for about 14 hours straight before it's down to one LED (25% charge I'm assuming) out of four indicator lights. That is with the volume less than halfway, not cranked up. Yes I like to sleep listening to music so I thought I'd test it out to see how long it would actually play on a full charge. Mine has four small blue LED lights below the display that repeat as it's charging. And I assume each LED indicates 25%. isn't What's odd is that lithium battery should hold a charge at least a year if not longer. I've pulled lithium batteries out of vapes and after a year they are still above 3.7 nominal voltage. I'm going to get mine out and see if it still has a charge to it.

[@kenjhee]

My little red e-radio finally died just yesteday, but that gave me the excuse to replace it with an upgraded unit that I like much better. The red one is indeed pretty cheap. Hard to use dials. Finally bricked, and like you I discovered the battery is not (easily) replaceable, and just not worth the effort. Spend a bit more, folks.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thats the message, almost always worth investing in better stuff

[@greghinerman5935]

I have an old school Walkman... AM, FM, tv channels 2-13.... audio only... uses 1 AA battery... lasts several days when using it... I use it all the time when hiking... being careful , using it sparingly , I could get a month, maybe couple months on a battery... downside - no speaker... need earbuds, or a small speaker to plug in

[@bruh-bn3ni]

lol what a coincidence, that is literally the same radio i had my eye on because it was cheap. i just came over a podcast on how important emergency radios were so i just wanted to buy a cheap one and forget about it. is it better than nothing? its just $15

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I think it's better than nothing, but I'd save for a kaito or something better personally

[@1ReneDumont]

Something you said, charge your batteries up to about 60%. Do not over or under charge. I like to take care of my batteries too. Do you have more info about this? Maybe you made a video about that, I’ll check.

[@DaLeSy.]

You said you are not suppose to overcharge rechargeable batteries, but maybe to around 60%. But I never saw a battery charger that tells you how charged up they are, they usually just change from red to green - meaning done. So how do you know when they are at 60%?

[@aliciamelton7400]

Get one on e bay. The one you can wind up.. to charge it up.

[@jacobaccurso]

Hi, Justin. I have this very same radio in green. I watched a couple reviews on the Kaito Voyager KA900 and decided I would take a chance on it. I am very disappointed. Reception is terrible on all bands and I’m returning the unit. I even deployed the external long wire antenna included with the radio. I expected FM to improve exponentially but that did not happen. I hate to return something, but this is not worth $100. Even the weather band is sketchy and I live very close to the NOAA antenna. It appears you posted this video one year ago to the day. Can you recommend a moderately priced alternative? I’ve looked at all the radios in your links.

[@Gadgeteer22]

I am also looking for a decent budget portable emergency radio to put in a vehicle kit. What I have found are a couple of Kaito Radios, the KA388 for ~$25 and KA368 for ~$45. If you're willing to spend 100 bucks again, I recommend the CCRadio Solar. The CCRadio Solar is of excellent quality and there is a good review on it from Toddebert here on KZbin. It has an internal rechargeable battery 18650 Lithium ion battery (3400 mAh). Optional 3 AA compartment. USB-micro input for recharging the internal battery. USB-A output for charging devices such as your cell phone. The Kaito's I have mentioned here, I have yet to personally try. However, from what I can see they each have internal batteries, the KA368 has a lithium ion 4,000mAh battery, optional compartment for 3 AAAs, a weather alert function, USB-C input, and USB-A output. I hope this helps.

[@TheJimJonesKC5DOVChannel]

Check and change batteries twice a year when the time changes.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Nice! I always had to set a reminder. This is much easier

[@jamesduke1330]

I bought myself and father one . At kholes years ago . Anyways it was just a spur of the moment thing . But shit I found it today and broke it out just to see .. and it worked fine I think I charged it a few months ago . And it played for a couple hours tonight.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I wonder if you have an upgraded battery in yours, maybe even a lithium style. No way mine would make it to that and play for hours

[@enriquediaz7547]

Doesn’t it charge via micro USB? (Not that there aren’t better). More & more a battery bank is what one would ensure is charged so you can, in turn, charge/power your radio.

[@bluelue2041]

I have the same one you have and I've had it for 5 years and I have not had no issues with it mine is blue

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Seems like it’s split down the middle, should’ve ran a poll. Thanks for adding

[@GetUrPhil]

Amazon has a prime day? I've never heard of that.

[@1seer7]

2m works on repeaters for range. What is the range? Does it also run on any satellites

[@PracticalPreparedness]

This def does not run on satellites, not sure the range bought so long ago

[@rangerup1804]

I was watching this video and it reminded me to charge up the battery in mine. Found the charging port was broken inside. Only way to charge it is by using the solar panel or wind it up.

[@benanglin1458]

Got one of these 2 years ago. The exterior became gummy and sticky. Stored in a cool dark place. What crap!

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Yuck!

[@stevecookson3201]

I have an Eton Scorpion II and it works fine almost exact feature as your radio, but looks like a bit better quality. My radio ariel is a tad wonky due to use but have had it at least 3 years.. 1 hurricane and 2 blizzards and its done it's job.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I've heard much better things about Eton than the model in the vid. Thanks!

[@deanoktoday9155]

You've planted the seed. I got one with AM Fm and shortwave that runs on AA batteries for which have rechargables and usb charger.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Which model did you end up going with? I have my review slotted this month as a follow-up

[@deanoktoday9155]

@@PracticalPreparedness The cheapest Tescun R 9012 about $20. It takes 2 AA batteries. Got plenty of them including rechargeable

[@nikdelta399]

A normal power bank [or a good one] plus an old mobile phone and you have a radio that lasts for weeks

[@johncasey5594]

I love preppers who go against the grain and question accepted prepper community doctrine. I equate this to the flashlight debate. Some preppers, especially bug out proponents, will spend $100 on a super small, super light weight, super bright flashlight, but if you lose it or it breaks, you are screwed. I prefer to buy cheaper flashlights, but many of them. I have like 10 of those $5 flashlights you can get from Canadian Tire with the 6v lamp battery. I love them, bright, long lasting, easy to change the battery, parts are interchangeable if you have two broken ones, if you lose a few, no big deal, you have enough for each person in your group to have one, etc. Also no huge up front investment, amassed my collection by picking up one or two each trip to Canadian Tire. Now I pick up extra 6V batteries at each visit.

[@brucej6124]

I would add another radio you might consider using would be the Midland model ER310. I have been very impressed with its build, quality and features.

[@toml.8210]

Mine is a Kaito KA600. It uses different kinds of power cells.

[@6p1p]

I think lithium ion battery need to constantly charge with low current maybe place this radio near windows to let the sun charge up.. I bought similar one from china Taobao about RMB88 , the radio have 4 option to charge the radio MicroUSB, Solar cell , AAA battery x 3 and hand cranking.. The lithium ion battery is 18650 is removable. I prefer removable 18650 so i can bring many backup 18650 battery, the radio come with 1000mAH, i can easily replace to 3400mAH battery. the radio come with FM/AM/SW1/2, torch light and SOS alarm feature. I'm thinking to use the AAA battery compartment to put a short USB to microUSB cable and maybe make a Small FM transmitter which can power by USB . so i can use it to communicate with someone.. I think will be fun to add FM transmitter can use like telephone.

[@elizabethc7699]

During a 10 hrs of power outage, my android soon ran out of battery. And I was in total silence and darkness. No phone, no radio. That's why I also brought a corded phone, along this identical hand crank radio from Amazon. I received them today. The radio and flashlights works EXCEPT it wouldn't charge my android (the main reason I buy this). Can you suggest one or two products ? Or the keyword I need. I'm not exactly tech language savy. Also you suggest us to find a model that can replace with regular AA batteries. But are 2 AA batteries enough to charge multiple devices ?? (family members' phones. ) What if I use rechargable AA batteries ? But without wires, I still cannot charge the batteries right ? So in this case what can I do ?

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I would get a Kaito radio and a small power station/solar generator to power the devices personally. Little radios won’t keep devices charged well. The solar panel on the radios are not that great