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

[@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.

[@ernststravoblofeld]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@toml.8210]

I built one of those pedal-power chargers that college students talk about! It won't power the 110V TV, but it has a dynamo with a USB port, so I can charge the smaller devices, or a 6V power bank, so I can have lighting in any room- which I also built. It gives you a little exercise in the winter 😁

[@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]

@@BimblyXD 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]

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

[@Stormyweld05]

@@BimblyXD 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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@fvrrljr]

i have a similar one and it comes in very handy. i actually found it while hiking, was buried under debris cleaned it up and worked. yes it does charge my phone half way when i charged it on the wall and used crank while plugged to phone. just crank slow no need for speed crank. mine has AA battery option.

[@chunkyfecalbreakfast]

I just changed the lithium battery in my GPS. If these things are cheap enough, it’s often worth buying a replacement battery which often can be larger and installing it yourself. It’s a case of splicing two coloured wires.

[@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).

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@JohnClarke808]

I have the same one going on 8 year's. I have a cheap anker battery for it. I've even spilled pop on it and it still works. It's actually not bad for the price. I have one in my truck. If you crank it about 30 times you get about 10 minutes of play time

[@JohnClarke808]

@@PracticalPreparedness no it's the original. I figured it wouldn't last very long but it still works. I use to use it when I was out bushcrafting. If it was in the sun it would extend the play time maybe a half hour then I would give it a few cranks. As for charging a phone NO the most I would get was a 5% change and that was cranking for probably a 1/2 also. I've purchased a different one maybe a year ago. If someone had a family and purchased one for each bag would be ideal then they would have a backup. But over all it's really not bad for the price.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@petergibson2318]

Buy an ordinary radio which takes removable AA batteries and a pack of several spare AA batteries with 10 year shelf-life. All the usual companies produce 10 YEAR shelf-life AA batteries. Don’t leave the batteries in the radio if you are storing it for emergencies.

[@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.

[@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

[@johnstevenperez4186]

I have several radios similar to yours that I also bought from Amazon but mine came with a full size 18650 2000mAh battery. Swapped that one out with a better and larger 3200mAh capacity. These are mainly for Go bags or Car Kits. But for the home I have a more expensive Eton and Kaito Voyager. Thanks for your video and insights.

[@scratchpad7954]

It is so refreshing to see a comment by someone who actually knows how to get mA and mAh straight! Also, you have no idea how much I wish that solar panel were a 2 kW panel. However, I realize that a 2 kW panel would cover enough area to provide shade for a large tent since the wattage of an average rooftop-grade panel for one's house averages somewhere between 250-400.

[@SteveChippyPaine]

Exactly my plan. Some of the cheap $10 usb chargers based around 18650s actually have decent batteries in them. The problem is that you never know if you're going to get one inside the one you buy.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@ChrisBrown-fs6kl]

This is the reason to have multiple usb power bricks. I designed my electronic preps around usb power. I have about a dozen usb power bricks that run or recharge lights, fans, radios and other 5 volt gadgets like handheld gps devices. And the next step in the chain are a couple of 12 batteries that I recharge the power bricks with or whatever. The 12v batteries are usually being trickle charged by house current, but should the power go out, and i depleat one of the 12 volt batteries, I can start using the second one while I recharge the depleted one with either my gas generator, automobile, or 200 watt solar panels. I have been out of power for a week after a major hurricane. I was able to juggle my devices and charging with plenty of breathing room. I am now confident that I can go a month or more without power. The solar panels are on the roof ov my van, so if I have to bug out, the solar solution comes with my.

[@arjovenzia]

I think the key take-away here is standardisation. the more devices you can have on the same platform the better. USB is a pretty good one, you can do an awful lot with USB power. I have personally gone with 18650's in EVERYTHING. the battery holders are cheap as, and the batteries can be salvaged from all over the place, old laptops and power tools are the best. often one cell will be cactus and the rest mediocre, but more than enough for a few lights or radios. Im pretty proficient electronically, and can bodge just about anything portable to run on 18650's. judicious application of tape may be involved, but she'll go. even my cordless soldering iron runs on 18650's. the protection PCB's are under a dollar when you buy a bunch, same with the holders. worth having spares on hand. ive only smoked 2 of the controllers, and ive not been kind to them, pretty happy. the model I use can be easily modded to output ~3.5v (2xAA), 5v (3xAA, USB) 6v (4xAA) or 12v. its just a resistor change, so, just about any voltage, but it does not like high currents at the higher voltages. my concern is that whilst AA alkaline are ubiquitous, there is a finite supply of them. sure, there are NiMH, and how long do you really need? but worst case, there are A LOT of 18650's out there to be salvaged, and with a small solar panel you can charge quite a few in a day. its a bit of a chore, but no wire and a brace of full 18650's makes placing your solar panel well pretty useful n easy. power for ever. I size my lights so usually a single cell will last most of the night, but there is always box of fresh ones, and if you do want a bigger light, thats easy to do to, just takes more batts. if your willing to sacrifice some ergonomics, some fun things can be done once your comfortable with messing with lithium cells. run a Nintendo DS for 3 weeks without a charge? no problem. a week out of a tablet? no worries. often I find modern 'slim' designed objects are made to small to be practical. my tablet is a prime example. out of the box, its beautiful. but its so damn slippery, ya cant hold onto it. cant rest it anywhere, cos its so damn slippery. so you put it in a leather case. suddenly its as big as my tablet from 10 years ago. still kinda unstable tho. slap a few 18650's on it, sure, dont fit in your bag so great, but it'll run for days, and sit up very stable. and you can just plonk in new cells when it runs low.

[@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.

[@csluau5913]

Luckily mine has all three... Chargeable battery, space for AA back up batteries, and a handcrank as well as solar panel for charging.. I had to pay a bit more for it but it is worth it. I am now making a faraday cage to put it in for safekeeping.

[@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!

[@Flashahol]

I make a huge effort in avoiding anything with non replaceable batteries. If I can't avoid it, I make sure I know what type of battery it is so I can treat it properly and make it last the most I can.

[@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!

[@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

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Buy once, cry once. I have bought a selection of cheap emergency radios and now I find myself about to spend top dollar on the Eton American Red Cross radio. Here are some of the problems I have had: Drains flat quickly in storage Solar panel does not work worth a damn Hand crank/solar panel wont work if the unit is on less than 50% charge. No removable batteries. Cheap rubberized coating that sweats goo after a year. A combination of the above. I used to keep an emergency radio on a window ledge so it would get a continual top up charge from the solar panel once, and sure enough when I went to test it after six months it was flat. The hand crank wouldnt work, so they only way to get it running was to charge it from USB. Now I can run ANY radio off of a power source so this kinda defeats the purpose. Not only this, I have come to question solar powered emergency radios as the threat of a nuclear exchange or EMP attack has grown. Personally I dont think you should be storing your radios in an EMP-proof container by default, and be mindful that if you get them out during a crisis they might get immediately fried by an EMP. (something that is rarely discussed) But absolutely mate, ideally you should have removable rechargeable batteries and the option for inserting batteries too. Im going to try out an Eton because the hand crank is so powerful. An emergency radio should not be DRAIN on your power resources, so if the radio comes with a robust hand crank it can actually be used as a hand crank power source for charging other devices. All this being said, if you are on a budget and dont have much money, any emergency radio, hell, even a cheapy from the dollar store, if wrapped up in foil and kept in a draw, is better than 99% of people will have. But if you can spare the cash, buy a good one, with a solid hand crank and replaceable batteries! Great video.

[@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).

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

I had that exact same item.. And if I remember correctly.. It only work by battery... and I could crank for days it would not play (radio)

[@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.

[@lukepippin4781]

I have to crank mine every 3-5 minutes. Same radio. I’m getting into electronics, and I just might upgrade this little radio as a learning project.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Perfect little device to practice on!

[@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.>>>>>>

[@ravenfeather7087]

For me, the little radio is for, as one might expect, emergency use. It needs to be ready for use even if I don't have a spare battery. So it needs power. Now. No time for solar charging. And when I need to know the weather. So, it needs a crank. And intact circuitry and not failed yet parts. So essentially the only thing I need to know is what radio has the best most durable crank. And that radio is ..................... ?

[@jpawhees]

These solar crank radio flashlight usb battery banks also need a non detachable but yet pull outable arc lighter in it. Gives a reliable source of firestarter. Preferably double ark type on a pull outable rod.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

There you go!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@glenmo1]

Price point is an important consideration with most people not only they don't want to spend a lot of money for something they rarely would use... They may want to buy multiple radios for multiple locations perhaps keep one even inside their vehicle or perhaps in every vehicle they own multiple vehicles.. so they really don't want to spend a lot of money on a top quality radio when something like this will serve them fine...

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I think it’s perfect for a bag. I can’t stomach spending over 60 for something I’d rarely use as you stated

[@bobbafett3050]

All of those hand crank devices have broken on me in the same way yours did. The battery reaches the end of its life and then you are cranking constantly to keep it going. No fun trying to change a fuse when you need both hands for the emergency light that throws a womping 5 lumens. Lesson learned. Radio and headlamp with replaceable batteries.

[@patmills2089]

I just spent last week poring over the reviews of the different companies emergency radio/ battery/ charger for car, camping, emergency bag. Plus, I would like to give them as gifts. Thanks! I did narrow down to a few companies that different reviewers and professional reviewers recommended. I'll look forward to you next video!

[@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

[@ronparker8582]

I top mine off with a wall charge and check it every three months. So far so good but it is not my only radio.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I do the same, check and top off every 3 months. Thanks for watching

[@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.

[@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

[@choosen2preach320]

I found a handcrank radio from am Amazon and I dont think my radio has a removable battery but it does have a way to put batteries and solar.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

removable batteries are a must for sure

[@James-ke5sx]

I have an Eton with the carabiner hook. It doesn't have removable batteries which is a downside but that would make the whole unit bigger. I can recharge it using my power bank. Best thing is to just leave it sitting in the window all year long. I have an old one that I used to keep in my toolbox it must be at least 15 to 20 years old. It doesn't have solar power but it has a built-in battery I can put it in double-a batteries so between the two of them something should work. Glad you reminded me I'm going to check my radio today

[@MikhelBL]

That battery is connected to a connector that can be easily removed, there are replacement batteries with the same connector but you can just make one with a connector and two wires soldered to a battery like the one included in that radio.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@BedsitBob]

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

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Never heard, thank you!

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

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

[@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.

[@bigfreddie4854]

Great video Justin, I couldn't agree with you more . A backup radio is a must. I'm not sure but , the red cross use to give you that same radio for filling out one of there an app on there web site. In my case I made the once in a lifetime investment and upgraded to an Electracraft mode 1 . Crazy expensive portable ham radio made in the USA . If you can get over the sticker shock you will never need another radio. OK till the next one Stay safe and be well

[@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

[@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$

[@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.

[@mdrvid]

Which one should I get as someone who live in a city? Would love to see your review!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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%?

[@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.

[@Zaque-TV]

When i went through the tornado outbreak in alabama in 2011. No power for 2 weeks. My little hand crank radio was my best buddy.

[@bigdaddychud]

I bought 2 of those exact radios, dead after a couple of years of limited use. The battery would not hold a charge , went to a standard old am/fm radio that uses standard batteries.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Nice! Yea I threw mine in a bag as a backup

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@keithberry5870]

Good points...yes having removable rechargeable batteries is critical.. because I seen some batteries leak and corrode and damage the radio or other electronics...always keep batteries out of device for long term storage until needed

[@jeffw1246]

I got one recently and it only holds a charge about 3 days. That might be the battery can charge fast but it discharges fast.

[@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. 😂

[@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

[@titanpreparedness]

I reviewed the running snail brand and they seem to be good. Option of replacement batteries. Good choice. Hand crank usually arent great on any radio thou

[@titanpreparedness]

@@PracticalPreparedness i didnt see a option for replacing the LI ON battery in the manu. The running snail raido that i have does have the option to use additional batteries if the li on goes dead. Not sure of any radio that would be able to remove the rechargeable battery, sure its a safety feature.

[@itsasickworld7744]

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

[@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

[@WinterLoveSpirit]

I've got a 5 way powered one. My issue is when I first got it , I could get the weather broadcast station. Now I can't get it on the 5 way or my 3 way.

[@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

[@Glocktard]

Bingo! You are so right. I bought one of those crank emergency POS’s many years ago and it’s trash. A Boafeng radio is better only thing is it doesn’t has AM radio but if you buy more than one boafeng then you have the walkie-talkie use.

[@xyanide1986]

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

[@Mark-sl2fj]

I have this flashlight, it was in a box for a year and now the battery is completely dead - it cannot be charged. HOWEVER, I just took it apart and the battery plugs into the board - completely replaceable.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Heard quite a few saying the same. I should check on mine again